Scarlett Colson's Media Blog

On Sunday 16th January, the cast for our opening two minutes all met up in town and we filmed the shots in town. We had difficulties with filming. the difficulties were that because we were in town, people kept walking into the shot and there was background noise from cars going past which meant we could not hear the dialogue as clear. However, town was not very busy and this made it easier than if it was very busy. We filmed shots from different angles so that once we get to the editing stage, we have lots of footage to choose from. This will make it easier for us as we will not have to go and film again. We plan to do more shots at a later date of when Ellie and her friends get ready for the party.

When editing our film, we have to look at the opening titles, this is what will make our opening look like an opening instead of a trailer. I have looked at the different openings for three different films from the website www.artofthetitle.com and bullet pointed the information in the opening in order of appearance.

Panic Room

A printscreen of the opening of 'Panic Room'

Production Company
Distribution Company
Actors/Actresses
Title of Film
Casting by
Costume Designer
Music by
Film Editors
Production Designer
Director of Photography
Producers
Written by
Director

Se7en

A printscreen of the opening of 'Se7en'

Production Company
Actors/Actresses
Film Title
Actors/Actresses
Music by
Costume Designer
Editor
Production Designer
Director of Photography
Co-Producers
Co-Executive Producers
Executive Producers
Written by
Producers
Director

Zombieland

A printscreen of the opening of 'Zombieland'.

Production Company
Distribution Company
Actors/Actresses
Film Title
Casting by
Costume Designer
Editors
Production Designer
Director of Photography
Executive Producers
Producer
Written by
Director

From watching these openings, I have learnt that the names of the producers and directors are always shown in the opening credits because they want to be known for the films that they work with. The title of the film can appear at any time in the opening. Also, the most famous or main actors and actresses come up before the less important actors and actresses, their name also tends to appear on its own, and as the less important actors and actresses come in, they are shown in groups. The most important people involved in the film are in the opening credits instead of the end credits because people who watch the films, then start to leave the cinema or turn off the film instead of sitting and going through all of the credits because they can go on for while. They would then not see the most important peoples names.

Classification

I have also looked at film classification. To see how the certificates for films are determined, I have looked at the British Board of Film Classification website. Taken from the BBFC website, these are the six types of classifications, these include:

'U'
- It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

'PG'

- Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

'12A/12'

- Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

'15'
- No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

'18'
- No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.

No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

'R18'
- The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order. The following content is not acceptable:

any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959

material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults

the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent

the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity

penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.