Research Blog Post #6 (Script Writing)

Script Writing Research:

Before I even started writing, I knew I had to do my homework. I've spent hours researching the thriller genre and studying classics like Psycho and Silence of the Lambs to find out what makes it so compelling. I analyzed everything that makes a good trailer compelling, including pacing, dialogue, and character development.

I also explored examples of mystical symbols and urban legends and were inspired by the disturbing stories that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. This research added depth and credibility to the story, allowing it to feel realistic even when the tension was high.

Script Development:

After doing the research, we started writing the opening script for the film. We started by sketching out important plot points and character arcs and planned a development that would keep viewers guessing until the end.

From there, we dig into dialogue and scene descriptions, refining every word to make sure the plot moves with the story. We quickly focused on the pace and tension in the opening scenes to keep the audience engaged from the start.

During the writing process, we constantly revisited our research and used it to add depth and credibility to the script. We wanted every detail, from the staging to the symbolism of mystical symbols, to be rich and immersive, drawing the audience deeper into the story at every moment.

Research Blog Post #5 (Story Outline)

    Opening the Shadows: An Exciting Journey into the Unknown

I'm going to share some of the brainstorming and storyboards for film openings I've been working on. 

Story overview:

Imagine this. It's a normal day in a quiet suburban neighborhood, just like any other day. But then something strange happens. When people wake up, they discover a mysterious symbol painted on the door. How scary is that? These icons aren't just random symbols. They represent the beginning of a chilling game orchestrated by an unseen antagonist.

Our main character is Alex, a young and curious journalist. When Alex notices a symbol on his front door, he can't just sit back and ignore it. He starts digging deeper and try to uncover the secret behind these eerie patterns. But he knows little. His investigation leads to deeply disturbing discoveries about the neighborhoods dark past.

As Alex pieces together the clues, he finds themselves drawn deeper and deeper into a web of danger. Tensions rise, the mystery deepens, and Alex is completely unaware of the impending threat lurking around the corner.

Brainstorming:

I have been brainstorming like crazy on this project. I have thought of different ways to increase the suspense and keep the audience guessing. Maybe there is a secret tunnel under the city or a mysterious person in the shadows. The possibilities are endless.

I also think about how to convey the atmosphere and tension of the opening scene. Maybe there's creepy music playing in the background, or the lights are dark and spooky. When it comes to building a suspension, every little detail counts. Even what the characters are going to wear or use throughout the film opening. 

Research Blog Post #4 (Film Opening Approach) Week 3

 Brainstorming the Film Opening Approach 

Thriller films usually begin with a hook to engage the viewer, which I am trying to incorporate into my opening. I will also try to set the tone with the story and environment of the film with lighting techniques and camera shots. The beginning of the opening is going to have normal contrast and brightness, as well as colors to depict a peaceful and quiet neighborhood. As that is what I'm going for, to show the viewer this perfect and peaceful neighborhood to further support the plot twists of the thriller genre. As the opening continues the tone is going to change into a darker and more colorless picture as the story goes, but how this project will only be 2 minutes long I'll have to figure out how to fit it all. 

I have another film opening approach which is inspired by many thriller films, which would be showing a big clue or spoiler in the beginning of the opening scene without the audience figuring it out until they watch the entire film. Some thriller films that have this opening incorporated are -

Inspired Thriller Film Openings

The Thing (1982)

While The Thing is a horror movie first and foremost, it's a thriller too, as the whole movie has audiences trying to deduce which character the parasite is using. However, the opening sequence, which sees a group of Norwegians chasing after a dog, completely spoils an early but huge plot twist that the parasite is inside the cute sled dog.

However, it's only spoiled for people who speak Norwegian. In their native language, one of the Norwegians yells, "Get the hell away! It's not a dog, it's some sort of thing! It's imitating a dog, it isn't real!" That undoubtedly completely ruined the film for any bilingual viewers watching it in 1982.

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club is a cult classic and one of the most beloved movies of all time, and that is mostly because of the plot twist that nobody sees coming. The 1999 movie has one of the most memorable final shots in cinema, which is followed by the Narrator learning that Tyler doesn't exist and the only way to get rid of him is by shooting himself. 

However, in the very opening sequence, the Narrator explains Tyler's plot to blow up five buildings, adding "I know this because Tyler knows this." The character doesn't detail why that's the case, and it totally gives away that they're the same person, but viewers won't put that together until rewatching it. That isn't the only time that the twist was hinted at either, as throughout the film Tyler appears in single frames, usually when the Narrator is discussing his insomnia.

Shutter Island

Shutter Island follows two detectives, Teddy and Chuck, who visit Ashe Cliffe Hospital to investigate a missing person case, only it's revealed at the end that the missing patient is Teddy, and that Chuck is Teddy's doctor. The two are simply playing a role-playing game. 

But while the movie might already be pretty predictable, the opening scene heavily hints at the twist too. Before the two "detectives" enter the hospital, they're asked to hand over their guns, and Chuck struggles to remove his holster more than any detective would. This is because he isn't a detective at all, but a doctor.

Research Blog Post #3 (Plot Aspects and Analyzing How Credits Are Integrated)

Exploring the plot of "Marked Shadows"

The film takes us into a suspenseful story set in a quiet suburban area, which is suddenly disrupted by a mysterious symbol appearing at the door, including the main character, Alex, an aspiring journalist.

The Heart of the Story

The film starts off when these puzzling symbols start showing up, leading Alex down a path filled with twists and secrets. The investigation reveals dark historical secrets of the town, making every clue a step deeper into a thrilling mystery.

What's It about?

"Marked Shadows" intertwines mystery with themes of truth and identity. Strange symbols are not just random signs. They are tied to the city's hidden past and tell a story that is as much about the community's history as it is about the present.

A Plot Full of Twists

I have created the plot to keep you on the edge of your seat, ensuring every twist is unexpected and captivating. The film is designed to be a mind-bending journey, challenging you to guess what might happen next while uncovering the deeper story layer by layer.

Integrating Credits

Adding opening credits in thriller films is often a creative act that adds atmosphere to the story. Instead of just introducing names, the filmmakers weave them into the fabric of the opening scenes, enhancing the narrative. Here's how to do it:

-Stylish graphics: Credits are often accompanied by attractive visuals that reflect the theme of the film, with fonts and styles that match the mood, whether stylish or modern.

-Narrative Fusion: Some trailers seamlessly add the credits into the opening sequence, using them to complement the unfolding story and sometimes even interact with the setting and characters in clever ways.

-Accompanying music: The soundtrack that accompanies the credits is very important, setting the tone and pace and enhancing the emotional impact of the opening image.

Basically, opening a thriller isn't just about opening the story; it's about creating an immersive experience that hooks the audience and sets the mood for the story ahead. The integration of credits is an important part of this artistic expression, contributing to the overall mood and impact of the film's opening.

Research Blog Post #2 (Film Openings in Chosen Genre)

The opening scene of a thriller film is what builds the story and film together, most thriller films begin deep into the story without spoiling the conclusion to hook the audience. For this reason, I chose to do a thriller film as it would be the best genre for this type of project. After researching thriller film openings, I have a good vision for what the opening scene is going to look like. 

Analyzing Thriller Openings

In the thriller genre, the opening section often sets a mood of unease or anticipation, dropping clues that hook the audience right from the start. It's common to see an opening scene that introduces a mystery or conflict, often through a visually striking shot that hints at the larger story without giving too much away.

Key Elements Include: 

• -Atmospheric Tension: Lighting, shadow, and sound to create a mood that keeps viewers on edge.
• -Mystery Introduction: Presenting a puzzle or dilemma that invites the audience to unravel the story.
• -Character Introduction: Quickly establishing characters in a way that's intriguing yet leaves room for development.

Lighting is always one of the most important components in an opening scene, it sets the mood and atmosphere for the film. For example, a romance would generally open with bright and colorful colors to create the mood for that specific genre. On the other hand, a thriller like this film would begin with dark and moody colors to depict the thriller genre.

                   

 Low-key lighting is often used for more serious, dramatic, or narrative videos. With its moody, dark tones, low-key lighting is effective for drawing attention to serious subject matter, or the darker, emotional side to the story.

An opening for a thriller film usually presents a puzzle or mystery that invites the audience to figure out the story, thus being a good way to hook the audience.

A Dive into Thriller Film Openings and Credit Integration

Thrillers are known for their exciting opening. Opening scenes are important, setting the tone and immediately engaging the audience with a sense of intrigue, suspense or danger. These moments often begin with something shocking, whether it's a mystical event, or a tense situation that moves the story forward.

Research Blog Post #1 (Genre Research) Week 2

 Research Blog Post:

After researching thriller films and how to make a good structurally built film I have decided to make more of a psychological thriller. 

What makes a thriller psychological is that the biggest questions revolve around the minds and behavior. Psychological thrillers often incorporate elements of mystery and include themes of crime, morality, mental illness, substance abuse, multiple realities or a dissolving sense of reality, and unreliable narrators. One of the many ways I can set a tone in this film is through set design, lighting, color use, and costume. Also, the use of long shots with a handheld camera can deliver tension to the viewer as if the main character is being watched at all times.

This film will only include one character, thus having to make this film complex plot condensed into a short format. The main idea should revolve or focus on the main character's inner world or personal journey.

Character: Name (Alex) | Age (21 Years Old) | Occupation (Journalist) 

Films similar to this style of genre include:

"Shutter Island" (2010) - The psychological thriller aspects and exploration of confusing and disturbing scenarios echo the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of "Marked Shadows" and the protagonist's search for the truth.

"Mystic River" (2003) - The story of a past crime that resurfaces in a close-knit community, this film's exploration of dark secrets and their impact on society echoes the thematic elements of "Marked Shadows."

"Prisoners" (2013) - A dark and twisted plot centered around intense emotional impulses, character desperation and a kidnapping in the suburbs, it has similarities in tone and setting to "Marked Shadows."

Psychological Thrillers tend to cross and mix with many other genres, typically horrors. Plots in a thriller are suspenseful, scary and you typically don’t have all the answers until the very end. My plan is to start the opening with an intense scene to hook the audience to the story and make it immersive, which would be best for the film. Overall, the reason I chose this genre is because it would be easy to accomplish it and hook the viewer to the story.

Cambridge Portfolio Project Opening Post

 

        Cambridge Portfolio Project

Opening Blog Post:

Welcome to the Intriguing World of "Marked Shadows" 

My name is Henry Baiz, I am excited to work on a film with my latest project, a thriller titled "Marked Shadows". As we go into pre-production, I want to share the creative process behind it.

Genre Selection: Thriller 

Choosing the Genre: Thrillers have always fascinated me with their ability to engage the audience, deliver tension, excitement and a strong emotional experience.

Developing the Full Film Plot: "Marked Shadows" is more than just a movie. It is a mystery wrapped in everyday life, a story set in a seemingly peaceful countryside that is transformed by mysterious and disturbing events. The story begins when the main character, Alex, discovers a mysterious symbol on the door of his house. This symbol is written on many houses in the neighborhood. Alex, a curious journalist, decides to discover the meaning of these symbols, plunging them into a mystery and imminent danger. The plot builds tension, leading the audience through a series of intense moments that are contrary of a peaceful suburban life.

Researching Genre and Story Ideas: My journey began with research of the thriller genre, analyzing films to understand how they build suspense, character arcs, and narrative tension. Marked Shadows' storyline draws inspiration from the best of the genre and builds on the psychological part, unexpected twists and abnormal events that define the most memorable thrillers.

I have good ideas of how I'm going to film this opening and make it look immersive to the viewer, I am determined to make this project exceptional and will put in the work.