Typography
Audience and Page Views
We looked at a variety of typographies, looking for a simple, gothic font. There was not one in particular that stood out to us, so we did research on a number of different fonts, and these were the ones that appealed to us the most. We are going to draw inspiration from them all.
Making and Inspiration of the Cross
Making the cross
We decided that because the branding is a key part in our trailer that the brand itself had to look professional. We used a method known as sand casting to make the brand.We firstly designed the cross on the computer. We were divided between two cross designs one more simple than the other. We decided to go with the slightly more complicated design as it looked more unique and memorable for our trailer, something viewers would recognise more and link with our film. Once the design had been chosen we cut it out on MDF with a laser cutter. The laser cutter was used to get a precise finish to the cross. We then began the process of sand casting. This meant we could mould the sand around the cross, then remove the MDF cross, which left a cross shaped imprint in the sand. We then poured metal (pewter) into the mould, and allowed it to cool. We then simply filed down the edges of the cross so it was smooth and had a clean finish to it.
We decided that because the branding is a key part in our trailer that the brand itself had to look professional. We used a method known as sand casting to make the brand.We firstly designed the cross on the computer. We were divided between two cross designs one more simple than the other. We decided to go with the slightly more complicated design as it looked more unique and memorable for our trailer, something viewers would recognise more and link with our film. Once the design had been chosen we cut it out on MDF with a laser cutter. The laser cutter was used to get a precise finish to the cross. We then began the process of sand casting. This meant we could mould the sand around the cross, then remove the MDF cross, which left a cross shaped imprint in the sand. We then poured metal (pewter) into the mould, and allowed it to cool. We then simply filed down the edges of the cross so it was smooth and had a clean finish to it.
Inspiration
Our inspiration came from the cross of ST peter, which is an inverted Latin cross. In recent times the cross has been used as an anti-Christ symbol. The cross has been associated with satanic and anti-religious attitudes. Satanists are those who believe in Satan, and as our character is a killer, we felt this would add an interesting feature to our main character being a Satanist. He will leave his mark on his victims by branding them with the upside down cross.
Mask Making and Inspiration
In the first stages of making our mask, we soaked the hessian in a mixture of tea and coffee. This was done to give an earthy, old and dirty look to the texture of the material. We dried the mask with a hairdryer, in order to speed up the process.
Next the hessian sack was placed on someones head, in order to mark and cut out eye and mouth holes. Once this process was done, a charcoal black oil pastel crayon was used to roughly outline the eyes and mouth. This provided definition and darkness to the mask; therefore creating a sense of disguise and hidden identity. The iconic emblem of a reversed cross was drawn onto the upper centre of the the material. This gave the mask its own uniqueness and identity.
After that, cotton was used for stitching around the mouth. We used white cotton and then painted over it in coffee. Once again this gave a look of uncleanliness and a vintage feel.
Definition was added by using a glue gun. This was used to ensure the stitching was in place. It also highlighted the element that this mask was handmade, not manufactured and was unique to our killer.
This is a final image of the hessian mask. All the elements have been finished - the cross motif, rimmed eye and mouth holes with black, stitching around the mouth and cheek and the stained coffee, vintage feel. As you can see, the mask does have an old, uncared for appearance. This connotes to the connotations of it representing an old and religious style of mask.
Inspiration
There were 2 main sources which were an inspiration for the design of our mask. One was the mask worn by the singer Tyler the Creator. The reversed cross emblem was an iconic and memorable motif in which fitted with our story line and concept. We liked that it was unique and different from an original cross design. The simplicity of the mask was also something which we were keen to re-create.
The second source of inspiration was the mask worn by 'The Scarecrow' in the film Batman Begins. We liked the material of hessian used, as it gave the feel of an old and vintage mask. The stitching showed that the garment was hand made and unique to the wearer. The roughness of the design looked simple and the effect was easy to achieve.
We decided to combine both masks to create a unique and memorable design. Something iconic and symbolic to our film, which fitted with the codes and conventions of a medieval, religious slasher.
Storyboard
Mask Image
To capture an eerie foreboding image of our killer's mask, we decided to use the Dark Room to create superficial lighting, using a red lightbulb.
The top-down overhead light source provided a strong illumination of the iconic symbol on the forehead of the mask and created dark shadows over the rest of the face.
Red was used to symbolise evil and connote to the colour codes and conventions of a Horror film.
We were particularly pleased with the clarity of the picture and the effect a single bright light source had against the black backdrop of the Dark Room.
Progress in Pictures
Follow our Flickr page to see the creative side of filming our trailer.
Lighting Issues
We had multiple problems with the lighting when trying to film our opening scene. We had difficulty with getting the natural light from the candles to highlight the character's face. We experimented with using light from lamps, but this was too bright, and didn't have the effect we were looking for.
Symbol Ideas
Location for Establishing Shot
Initially, for the opening scenes of our trailer, we thought that a dark, low key lit garage was ideal. A garage would provide a 'homely' feel to our scene, where the character speaksdirectly to a video camera, stating a monolgue for audiences to listen and watch. The use of candles in the garage were used to provide a religious and eerie element. The idea of subtle lighting, casting shadows on the mask appealed to us. We did not want to use generic light from a lightbulb as this provided a white light, which contrasted too much with the conventions of our film trailer (dark, dismal, religious, low key lit scenes).
We decided to place our character up against the wall of the garage and side on to a mounted shelf. The shelf provided a base to stand the tea light candles on, and the background was covered in relevent news articles, displaying death, anger and religion.
When we started filming the scene, we realised that lighting was a major issue. The tea lights provided a warm glow to parts of the mask, however the light source was too dim to reach the whole of the face. Torches were then tested to provide extra light, however the brightness and colour of the light was too bright and white. By using candles we had to be cautious of the hessian mask not being too close to the flame, otherwise it would ignite.
We chose around 4 different areas of the garage to shoot from, changing the level at which the character was standing, and where the candle light sources were placed.
When we had finished filming and uploaded the footage onto the Mac, it was clear that the candles did not provide enough light in any of the shots, and the garage location was too dark.
Branding Inspiration
For the idea of using a brand as a torture weapon we took inspiration from a number of outlets, such as looking at biblical references (Timothy 4:2 "Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.") and from internet sources - particularly using http://www.medievalwarfare.info/torture.htm as a reference website.
Brand marks have also been used as a punishment for convicted criminals, combining physical punishment, as burns are very painful, with public humiliation, especially if marked on a normally visible part of the body, providing an indelible criminal record.
We therefore decided to use the branding procedure as a form of torture in our trailer, as we wanted to indicate ownership of the victim and ownership of the mask.
Youtube Channel
From gaining information about the torture process, we proceeded to look into possible ways of conducting this scene ourselves. Youtube proved a vital and helpful source of information. We were fortunate to come across a video, displaying an easy way to recreate the torture scene ourselves using simple methods of removing a false nail from a finger and using red paint and lipstick to recreate blood:
From using the Youtube video as a demonstrable template of the torture scene, we proceeded to recreate our own denailing footage to add to our trailer.
We started by painting PVA glue to the victims original finger nail and dabbing cotton wool onto the surface to create texture to the supposed nail bed.
Next we added a mixture of red lipstick and darked coloured ink and acrylic paint to the nail, adding darker colours around the cuticle, to emphasise the blood around the nail. We used ink to give the nail a 'wet look' rather than matt finish, to further emulate a look of fresh blood.
After the nail was original nail was completed, we set up the appropriate mise en scene of the hand being tied down to a wooden device with the victims hands being also covered with fake blood (red ink) and mud, therefore showing that the victim had been struggling prior to the torture scene taking place.
Finally we placed the fake nail on top of the red surface ( the nail had been cut roughly to size) and started filming, using a pair of old plyers to remove the fake nail from the real nail, emulating the torture scene whilst causing no pain to the victim.
Once we had filmed our scene, we proceeded to upload it onto the Mac and incorporated it into our trailer, editing the brightness and contrast of the moving image and thus darkening the subject so that it connoted further to the codes and conventions of a Horror film with dim lit lighting.
Our scene was complete and answered the criteria suggested by our audiences: A torture scene with a high element of gore, fully complying to the codes and conventions of the Horror genre.
Hostage Scene - Actress Casting
For the final scene of our trailer we decided to re-create a hostage scene, using a female as the victim. From our audience feedback it was clear that the Final Girl theory could be incorporated into the trailer. We began to gather ideas into who would be a suitable actress, fitting the conventions of young, naive and helpless girl,
Two possible actresses aged 12/13 were considered. The first had blonde hair and was an average height and the second was a petite brunette. We decided to film both females and then choose who to cast after the filming had been done. Both portrayed the given role extremely well, however we decided to choose the blonde girl as the sounds of her whimpering and crying were louder than the other actress, and her hair colour picked up the light slightly more than the brunette.
From evaluating our footage, we decided to change the location of our opening scene and the light sources that we used.
Collectively, a home basement was decided upon to re-film our establishing shot. The natural lighting in the basement provided enough dimlit light to illumintate the characters face, whilst still keeping with the conventions of a low key lit location.
The mise en scene was altered significantly, as well as the camera angle from being diagonal to the character to face on. The basement location still kept with the home-like feel and the footage like a home video.
After uploading our footage onto the Mac, we were happy with our own perceptions of the footage and this was reiterated by positive peer-review feedback.
Possible Locations for Computer Shot
Initial Poster Ideas
Poster 1
Poster 2
Intro to our Trailer
Web Page Ideas
Web Page 1
Web Page 2
Results of Name Survey
New Name and Logo
Although we initially liked the name "VI.VI.VI", we felt it was too brazen and overdone.
We have decided to use the name "ANON", an abbreviation of Anonymous. The name also relates to the motif of our film, with connotations of internet usage. For example when things are posted anonymously in forums and online, they will be referred to as 'anon'. The new name also relates to the 'hacktivist' group Anonymous and issues surrounding freedom of speech and censorship online.
We also designed the font for our new name. We think it is simple yet effective and enigmatic.
Website
We have decided to use the name "ANON", an abbreviation of Anonymous. The name also relates to the motif of our film, with connotations of internet usage. For example when things are posted anonymously in forums and online, they will be referred to as 'anon'. The new name also relates to the 'hacktivist' group Anonymous and issues surrounding freedom of speech and censorship online.
We also designed the font for our new name. We think it is simple yet effective and enigmatic.
Website
New Website
Ident Chosen
Branding Inspiration
For the idea of using a brand as a torture weapon we took inspiration from a number of outlets, such as looking at biblical references (Timothy 4:2 "Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.") and from internet sources - particularly using http://www.medievalwarfare.info/torture.htm as a reference website.
It was said that "human branding or stigmatising is the process in which a mark, usually a symbol or ornamental pattern, is burned into the skin of a living person, with the intention that the resulting scar makes it permanent. This is achieved using a very hot or very cold branding iron.
In criminal law, branding with a hot iron was a mode of punishment by which marking the subject as if goods or animals, sometimes concurrently with a reduction of status.
Brand marks have also been used as a punishment for convicted criminals, combining physical punishment, as burns are very painful, with public humiliation, especially if marked on a normally visible part of the body, providing an indelible criminal record.
The practice of branding as a punishment was widespread in Christendom. It was also used on slaves and animals to indicate ownership."
Youtube Channel
Finger Nail Ripping (Denailing)
From our audience feedback it was clear that an extra scene needed to be added into our trailer where a higher element of gore and torture was shown.
We decided from looking into medieval and modern torture that finger nail ripping would be a quick and appropriate torture scene for our trailer.
Gathering information from the internet on such website sources such as http://www.medievalwarfare.info/torture.htm showed us that finger nail ripping was a form of Medieval torture.
We decided from looking into medieval and modern torture that finger nail ripping would be a quick and appropriate torture scene for our trailer.
Gathering information from the internet on such website sources such as http://www.medievalwarfare.info/torture.htm showed us that finger nail ripping was a form of Medieval torture.
"Denailing - the forcible extraction of the fingernails or toenails, or both, was a favourite method of medieval torture, the quicks under the nails being particularly sensitive. In its simplest form, the torture is conducted by constraining the prisoner on a tabletop and using a metal forceps or pliers (often heated red-hot) to grasp each nail in turn and tear it from the finger or toe."
From gaining information about the torture process, we proceeded to look into possible ways of conducting this scene ourselves. Youtube proved a vital and helpful source of information. We were fortunate to come across a video, displaying an easy way to recreate the torture scene ourselves using simple methods of removing a false nail from a finger and using red paint and lipstick to recreate blood:
We started by painting PVA glue to the victims original finger nail and dabbing cotton wool onto the surface to create texture to the supposed nail bed. Next we added a mixture of red lipstick and darked coloured ink and acrylic paint to the nail, adding darker colours around the cuticle, to emphasise the blood around the nail. We used ink to give the nail a 'wet look' rather than matt finish, to further emulate a look of fresh blood.After the nail was original nail was completed, we set up the appropriate mise en scene of the hand being tied down to a wooden device with the victims hands being also covered with fake blood (red ink) and mud, therefore showing that the victim had been struggling prior to the torture scene taking place.
Finally we placed the fake nail on top of the red surface ( the nail had been cut roughly to size) and started filming, using a pair of old plyers to remove the fake nail from the real nail, emulating the torture scene whilst causing no pain to the victim.
Once we had filmed our scene, we proceeded to upload it onto the Mac and incorporated it into our trailer, editing the brightness and contrast of the moving image and thus darkening the subject so that it connoted further to the codes and conventions of a Horror film with dim lit lighting.
Our scene was complete and answered the criteria suggested by our audiences: A torture scene with a high element of gore, fully complying to the codes and conventions of the Horror genre.Hostage Scene - Actress Casting
For the final scene of our trailer we decided to re-create a hostage scene, using a female as the victim. From our audience feedback it was clear that the Final Girl theory could be incorporated into the trailer. We began to gather ideas into who would be a suitable actress, fitting the conventions of young, naive and helpless girl,
Two possible actresses aged 12/13 were considered. The first had blonde hair and was an average height and the second was a petite brunette. We decided to film both females and then choose who to cast after the filming had been done. Both portrayed the given role extremely well, however we decided to choose the blonde girl as the sounds of her whimpering and crying were louder than the other actress, and her hair colour picked up the light slightly more than the brunette. Audience and Page Views
Post Production Editing
To fit the codes and conventions of the Horror genre, we needed to make our film trailer have dim lit lighting throughout. We also decided we wanted an industrial and home video feel, and to do this a high amount of post production editing needed to be added.
On some particular clips such as the denailing scene, we added a variety of post production elements
- Video effect added - hard light
- Speed of footage - increased to 200%
- Audio overlayed
