Research: What sub-genre will my film be?

Having had a look at the different sci-fi films which branch out into a wide variety of different sub-genres, I have come to the decision that I will be making a short film which will come under the theme, post-apocalyptic/apocalyptic future. For several logical reasons I chose this. For one, I do not have the technology to create CGI characters or to implement highly realistic special effects into my work. Secondly, I do not have the budget to develop my film into something that creates new landscapes which take the audience to different worlds in space and time. Thirdly, I do not have the budget to afford costumes that are built to withstand force and to look professional and exciting.Therefore, with going for an apocalyptic future I do not have to use special effects or CGI characters to make it look realistic and therefore I can retain it's value as being a film, part of the sci-fi genre.

Research: Short Film Analysis: (Sci-Fi) Hybrids

At the wake of an alien invasion, an ex-special forces soldier is the main character in this short, intent on revenge for her daughter's death. Manned by other forces, she leads attacks at the centre of alien territory, featuring lots of action and violence.

Film Analysis: Hybrids (Short Film)

Research: Short Film Analysis: (Sci-Fi) Freeborn

Set in the future, where the human race has spread to Mars, prosperity and peace flourishes. This is short lived as we see the tension and civil unrest rise as a result of Earth taxing imported goods and services on Martian colonies. This leads to an interplanetary revolution.  This film focuses on a DC government agent who is left torn between her allegiance to Earth and helping her friend, a Martian freeborn, before an impending Mars invasion.

*N.B. it's quite significant to note that in this film we find it set in America, a place where many sci-fi, large-budget movies are set. As one of the biggest countries in the world, it's no wonder revolutions begin and end there.

Film Analysis: Freeborn (Short Film)

Research: Short Film Analysis: (Sci-Fi) Beyond

In this extremely well-thought-out film we follow the protagonist, Arya, as she describes how she is the last survivor with a genetic code, which grants her the ability to teleport to different universes. Her family are all dead, having been lost in action while exploring new planets, something Arya has been tasked to. In this short a conventional storyline whereby the main character will usually 'go on a journey' learning about themselves is something that happens in this short (or at least it can be implied). The ending is confounding and puzzling since we don't exactly know what happens to the main character.

Film Analysis: Beyond (Short Film)

Research: Short Film Analysis: (Sci-Fi) R'ha

This short is quite a lot different to my intentions for a short film primarily because this is an animation. Secondly, it's based on aliens which is a subject matter/ theme which I will not be recreating. In this science-fantasy film we are introduced to two characters: an alien and a machine/ robot. The alien has been captured by the robot who interrogates him in the hope of getting vital information (a very cliché plot line). As we might expect, particularly in the form of a short film, the protagonist (alien) escapes from the robot and is finally able to save the secret he hides with an unrelenting determination.  Or does he? Right before the credits roll in, the robot triggers the tracking device attached to the alien's ship which leaves us questioning what will happen next. This is very conventional of Sci-Fi films that typically leave the story on a cliffhanger- to grab the audiences' attention and entice them to want to watch the full feature length film (which is said to be in the works).

Film Analysis: R'ha (Short Film)

Research: Sound

There are many types of sound, used in film to establish narrative and impact the audience by stirring their thoughts and emotions in different directions. I have mentioned before that you have diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Some other simple sound techniques include dialogue, voice-over, score, and sound bridge. However there are also many more complex ways of describing how sound is edited in a film.

Non-simultaneous Sound: Sound which takes place earlier in the story, prior to the current images. In the film 'Rent' we see the main character, Roger, running around New York although instead of hearing the bustle of the streets all we hear is the earlier answering machine messages based on previous events.

Direct Sound: Sound recorded at the time of filming. In the scene from 'Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' no post-synchronous sound or non-diegetic music is used so the main sound in this scene is the dialogue which is therefore emphasised by the absence of other sounds. 

Synchronous Sound: Sound that matches the action and movement being viewed. As an example, in 'The Pianist' the main character is playing the piano which as an audience, we can hear simultaneously, at the same time he plays.

Post-synchronisation Dubbing: Sound which has been added after a scene has been filmed (added during post-production). In one of the scenes from 'Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope', there is hardly any sound within it, and in retrospect most of the movie, which we can say is synchronous. In fact a lot of the sound is very clearly edited in post-production because of the nature of the sounds e.g. droids, futuristic gun sounds, explosions and sirens- all of which are dubbed post-synchronously. Together with non-diegetic sounds, suspense is built in this sequence.

Off-screen Sound: Sound which is implied to be audible within a scene but which remains off -screen while the action takes place. In 'The Boondock Saints' the detectives dialogue acts as background noise to introduce the FBI agent to the case whilst non-diegetic (off-screen) sound is used when the detective speaks to undermine the claims he makes.

Sound Perspective: The distance of a sound source, variant in pitch and volume. If you look at some clips from 'Moulin Rouge!'they shows a lack of sound perspective. What we see is that the further the camera moves away from the character, the way we hear the character singing doesn't change (which would be the case in a realistic situation). However, in 'Touch of Evil' sound perspective is used a lot more realistically where we find the closer the camera is to the characters, the more audible the sound of cars and footsteps becomes.

Sonic Flashback: The technique of using sound from earlier in the film during a later scene. At the end of the film 'The Sixth Sense' the main character, Malcolm, begins to realise he is dead. During this, he hears an earlier conversation he had with a young boy (in his head). A sonic flashback can be used to show a characters' thought process, either emotional or psychological.

Research: Non-Diegetic Case Study (Once Upon a Time in the West)

The clip I analysed in class was the final duel towards the end of the film. Just before we have the sound of incidental, dramatic music, there is a more uplifting tune. Through switching from the 'cheerful' track to the foreboding sound of the incidental music we immediately infer that something important will happen in the plot. Just as we have a shallow focus long shot when the protagonist steps into shot, the music intensifies. The sound of the harmonica is salient because as it raises volume, it signifies the scene is getting more and more tense, both for the characters and the audience. The way the harmonica is also played along with several instruments, to create a very stereotypically 'Western' sound. The score therefore gives the audience the reading that this is a western movie, which means we can immediately assume that the two men will be in a fight to the death-with guns (considering they are typical iconography of a western film). The harmonica is also important because we find out at the end that the protagonist's brother was hung and that the guy who tried to support him, had a harmonica pressed into his mouth. 

As a majority of extra long shots and close up shots are used along with eye-line-match/ shot-reverse-shot, the music becomes slightly glorious and it swells with pride. This does eventually become slightly sad. This suggests that something to do with this scene must relate to the death/ loss of another protagonist/ good man. 

Although it's not related to non-diegetic sound, halfway through the stand-off the music dissipates and we are left to listen to the diegetic sound of the wind. The camera cuts to a close up shot of the protagonist, which zooms into an extreme close up. The music cuts back in within the flashback. The non-diegetic music here is a lot more mysterious, tense, and ultimately haunting. This music is then used to prepare us for what we're about to see and that's the protagonist's brother being killed. As it becomes clear the brother will die the music dramatically changes to something very sad, which makes the scene even more intense. Just when the man falls to the floor, there is the sound of bells, symbolising death, as a church does at a funeral. Crucially this has been used to impact the audience.

Therefore from looking at this film, I can see that non-diegetic sounds are important not just for making an audience feel how you want them to feel but because it can help form a reading of the narrative and thus non-diegetic sound introduces characters and lead the narrative. This goes the same for diegetic sound which, as said in my previous posts, can build characterisation (such as through the exchange of dialogue) and can impact people (e.g. the sound of the footsteps and the wind when there is no music in this clip makes the scene more dramatic and tense, causing audiences to feel on-edge when watching the film).

Research: Diegetic & Non-Diegetic Sound Crossover

Research: Non-Diegetic sound

Research: Diegetic Sound

Research: Short Film Analysis: (Sci-Fi) Unwind

Having decided to make a Sci-Fi film I've researched further into the types of movies that come under this genre in order to help me with my understanding and planning, both of which are essential to making by own movie. Named 'Unwind', this short film is based on a book series. Where abortion is banned, adults instead have the authority to have their child sent to be 'unwound' (granted they are between 13-17 years old) whereby their bodies are cut up and the parts are given to people in need of them. It sounds horrific and believe me, it is. Here, the person who made the film has taken an extract from the book and turned it into a short film-slightly altered.

Short Film Analysis: Unwind

Research: Why are short films important? (Peer Feedback)

Research: Why are short films important? (Teacher Feedback)

Research: Why are short films important? (Presentation)

Research: Why are short films important?

Research: Sci-Fi Genres

Sci-Fi films, as said in my previous post, can encompass a range of storylines, and this is due to the fact that under the genre comes a variety of subgenres. When you hear the word Sci-Fi, immediately we have a preconceived expectation of the genre; our minds instantly conjure up the image of space-age technology and a future galactic force scouring space, fighting dark forces of extraterrestrial life. This, although the case, isn't exactly what all Sci-Fi films are about. There are also many sub-genres which you'll find comes under the genre:

• Apocalyptic/ post-apocalyptic future
• Cyberpunk
• First contact (aliens)- this usually happens on another planet or on Earth and conventionally happens as a result of an alien invasion e.g. War of the Worlds
• Military
• Humorous science fiction e.g. Paul
• Science fantasy
• Slipstream- films that come under this genre deal with mainstream themes and ideas but which can be speculated as to how likely it is for the story to actually be a reality e.g. The Handmaid's Tale
• Sociological science fiction
• Time Travel e.g. The Time Machine

Research: Initial Ideas Presentation Teacher Feedback

"This was an excellent presentation containing detailed and precise information which clearly
explained. Your analysis of the genre, your detailed explanation of the synopsis and codesand conventions: including nine subsections made it profound and engaging for all the group.Your film choices and the detailed significance of research to the intended movie were clearlylinked.Your film, ‘Unwind’ although disturbing, could prove the foundation for your own powerful, Sci- Fi short movie.Consider the use of the subtitles in the blog, possibly allowing it to follow ‘Production’ instead of technology.

Grade: Excellent"

Research: Initial Ideas (Codes and Conventions)

Here you'll find a Prezi I created and presented to my media class, explaining the genre I've chosen to base my short film on: Sci-Fi. Since my aspiration is to be a screenwriter it's important for me to gain this initial experience creating and documenting my own progress solely working by myself to create a short movie, fabricated by myself.

Now, you might have a fairly reasonable pre-conception of what Science-Fiction is. Chances are the moment you read that, an image of a robot or shiny, aeronautical vessel popped into your head, possibly followed by the presence of a few men with strange guns, death rays and weapons that boggle the minds of any fanatic.  But you'd be wrong; not entirely, but not as right as you would have thought. In truth, Sci-Fi films, just like dystopian novels, base their stories in the future.



History of Genre

Science Fiction films have branched out to encompass many themes whilst still upholding the genre of a future dystopia. If you go back even to a time when film was first created you'll find that through the years the general theme found is based on supernatural, or magical elements, thus these films side with a form of religion. Whereas there are also films that look at the scientific and technological side of things. Moreover many of the classic films incorporate robots; however unrealistic they may have seemed 20 years ago, they are still an important element of Science Fiction we use in the films we watch today e.g. Iron Man, Transformers, Star Wars.

The 1927 film, Metropolis, was the first Sci-Fi feature length film. Before even that, the silent era of film existed, bringing forth films such as an adaptation of Mary Shelley's acclaimed book, Frankenstein (1910), which paved the way for Sci-Fi as an ever more shocking and dauntingly exciting genre for the Edwardian audience. Soon 1950s films such as The War of the Worlds and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) were released (later re-made), followed by Planet of the Apes (1968), Star Wars (1977), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Alien, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Terminator, The Matrix and many more famous names which to this day, are surrounded by ceaseless hype for how they've helped to re-invent societies, providing audiences with an escape from reality. It is also the case that most of the Sci-Fi films we see today are based on major book series and critically acclaimed dystopian novels e.g. Fahrenheit 451, The Handmaid's Tale, The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent etc.

Finance

As you can read in the Prezi, I've mentioned how this is a challenging genre to even begin considering basing my short film on. Crucially Sci-Fi movies are all about using strange, new and advanced technology which just isn't going to be possible with the budget I have. A lot of the elements of these films have been created using CGI and many scenes use explosions to stimulate the audiences' attention. Immediately it is understandable why low budget companies choose to focus on making films using a social realism genre rather than Sci-Fi films because you need LOTS of capital to fund them. If the case were different and I had to make a trailer for a feature length film then I wouldn't have been able to construct a film implementing this genre. Fortunately, making a short lasting only 5 minutes gives me enough leeway to just about avoid using high-calibre technology but at the same time giving me the opportunity to use the resources I have, to make a film that can easily be considered dystopian.

N.B. My thoughts for my own film so far follow a similar plot to the 2007 film, I Am Legend- but without needing the creation of CGI 'creatures'.

Research: Short Film Analysis: The Anti-Social Network

Plot/ Narrative

In this comedic short film we are introduced to a man, addicted to using the social media site, Facebook. Throughout the entirety of the film graphics have been used to convey this obsession e.g. likes, relationship status, decline an event etc. This gives the impression that this character sees the 'real' world as a mass media media site. As the story develops the guy meets a woman he seems to like although we can't exactly tell if he genuinely likes her as his obsession masks this. He gets a wake up call when the woman tells him that he's being an idiot because he cares more about popularity than real people. By the end of the film Facebook has been removed, leaving the character to begin interacting in a 'normal way' and he gets back with the girl. Right at the end though he asks if she has Twitter which leaves us screaming at this frustrating character to just shut up and 'get a life'.

Characters

In a film the first character we're likely to be introduced to is the main character/ protagonist. Conforming to such conventions, the first character we see in this film is the main male character, Lucas. To the right is a medium shot of him lying in bed. Below this is a shallow focus medium shot of the guy's hand hovering beside his phone. Here, we can establish that from the casual clothing and very basic bedding the character is moderately wealthy, neither rich nor poor. By using the shot of the phone it suggests the character has some dependence on looking at his phone, most probably due to his addiction to social media. Back to the medium shot above, we can just about see that the man is in a double bed, however alone,informing us that he's single. The comical theme of this film is introduced even at the start as we can see that in the background is a small kitten. Stereotypically, old, single women are associated with having cats so it is humorous that a man mid-thirties should live a single life in the same way.

Another significant character, essential to the plot is Layla. Here the close up shot shows that she's wearing a maroon/dark pink top typically worn for social occasions. It looks as if she is wearing hoop earrings and clearly lots of make-up. This tells us she cares about what she looks like, thus we get the reading she is a very feminine woman. From the way she is dressed in the bar tells us she has come to the venue to socialise and essentially 'have a good time'.

In the medium close up shot on the left is Lucas' boss. We can tell he is the boss from the way a low angle shot has been used to emphasise his status. Moreover the character is dressed in a jacket, shirt and tie (suit) which connotes power and professionalism. This strengthens the reading that his role is a position of authority.




Camera Shot/ Angles/ Movement

At the very beginning of the film is a graphic of a moving Facebook status box which fades in from black. This provides the focus/ plot of the film, just as a preamble does for a novel. In the box it reads 'Addiction', followed by a definition. Immediately we are given the reading that this film is about obsession with the social media site, Facebook.

In a number of other shots the film uses these same 'graphics' to resemble the icons used on Facebook.  This helps to reinforce the fact that the story is based around an addiction to Facebook. If we look closely at the branded items we see the 'like' icon is above the jar of Vegemite. Not only does this inform us of Lucas' food preference but it tells us that this film is set in Australia.

In the medium long shot of 4 stock characters, another 'graphic' has been used to mimic 'tagging' on Facebook. By using the arrangement of graphics seen in this film it's easy to get the reading that the main character, Lucas, sees the real world as if it's a virtual world, similar to Facebook. This impression is validated further when an employee asks Lucas if he will go to an event to which Lucas immediately responds with 'Decline'- a piece of lexis from the semantic field of Facebook. The point-of-view-shot shakes also,suggesting that we, as an audience, are seeing through Lucas' eyes.

I chose to also feature the slightly low angle medium long shot of Lucas and Layla to demonstrate that this film uses a variety of camera shots, angles and movement, not just using a variety of special effects to create an effective and believable film.

Editing

The effect of the worm's eye shot here is slightly disorientating, used therefore to match Lucas' ever more drunken state. I've chosen to feature this shot in the editing element of this analysis because of the graphic running at the side of the quick cuts. Along the side, like a timeline, is a list of comments made by Lucas throughout the night, implying that while drunk, he's even more addicted to sharing his thoughts and feelings on social media and thus his behaviour is worse. It also establishes the fact Lucas is unable to stop using Facebook.

Another shot that has been edited is this close up shot which you can see is in soft focus, used to make the shot look like a mirage when in fact it informs us that Lucas is having a dream. The camera pans to the left showing that beside Lucas is Layla. Having had the reading that this is a dream, dramatic irony is created because we can use the fact it's a dream to show that in fact he is alone, not with Layla. The image then blurs to something similar to graphic match where Layla is replaced with Lucas' phone. This is humorous but also sad as it implies that the only love in Lucas' life is Facebook. So whilst in the majority of the film we think of him with distaste we also feel sorry for him, particularly during scene.

Another salient example of editing techniques includes this long shot in which the footage has been sped up. What we see is the busy street, flocked with people and vehicles moving fast, and yet Lucas remains virtually motionless, looking at his phone. The implication of this is that he spends hours on the social networking site and thus this reinforces his addiction/obsession.

During the office scene a flashback is used for dramatic effect since it cuts to show that Lucas wasn't really busy working when he told his boss he was. This creates comedy for the audience, because some members of the audience can relate to this situation.

Sound

The most iconic sounds in this film are the diegetic sound effects associated with computers and Facebook. For example, clicking and notifications. Uplifting music is the general score of the film, which is used to reflect the optimism and euphoria Lucas seems to be feeling. When it comes to office scene a sound bridge is used to carry over the music which then fades out so all we hear is the dialogue and diegetic sounds of telephones ringing (typical of office environments). Entertaining music plays in the background of a flashback also, signifying the character's blatant idiocy for procrastinating in the way he has.

Other sounds we hear include diegetic music for the club, the diegetic sound of people in the restaurant and ambient sounds such as birds and the sound of the water towards the end of the film. All sounds have been used with the purpose of sustaining the realism of the film.

Lighting

Unlike dark, horror or Sci-Fi films, the lighting for this film is typically high key lighting. No filter is obviously used because a foreboding and ominous mood doesn't need to be created. The use of high key lighting nevertheless sets up a positive mood/ atmosphere for the film.

Typography

The typography for the title is definitely one of the best examples of short film titles to have been made, explicitly linking in with the story. The typography font and colour scheme have been created to look like the Facebook logo. Like many of the graphics and use of edits and shots where we see Lucas with his phone, the title validates our reading that the film is based on an addiction to Facebook. In the background of the title is his arms, beside which is his phone. We can also see a kitten which is stereotypically unusual as typically a single man would have a dog as a pet (if any). Once the title cuts in, low-volume non-diegetic music plays in the background, setting us up for the opening of the film.

Typical of social media conventions, a hashtag  is used to signify the end of the film. Alongside this cut in, is a non-diegetic sound effect which is abrupt and striking, used for dramatic effect. Following on from this are the remaining credits which cut in and out along with upbeat, cheerful non-diegetic music. This provides the final implication that the relationship between Layla and Lucas will remain happy or at least no trouble will come to the characters.

Research: Short Film Analysis: Proximity

Plot/ Narrative

Suddenly found captured, the protagonist of this story escapes from 2 antagonists, aware of the fact he must stay as close as possible with another man otherwise the 'sensor' on his leg will blare red and his leg will be blown off. In this film the protagonist fights to stay alive: violence is a very prominent element of the film. Finally at the end of the film we are left asking more questions than answered when we see the protagonist has now become one of the antagonists. This provides the plot twist which helps to sustain the audience's attention. Yet at the last moment the character turns out to be good again. It's very confusing and leaves the audience wondering what the plot can really be. Despite the confounding nature of this film's plot it's a very well-thought out and constructed piece of film that is conceivably realistic and therefore effective.

Characters

Some of the most prominent characters in this short consist of 1 stock character, the protagonist and 2 antagonists. In the shots on the right are the two antagonists. Both wear the same clothes: khaki trousers and a black top. This helps them to blend in with the scenery which gives us the reading that the two characters intend to stay hidden from someone/something. In both shots we can see a hunting rifle, an icon of violence and power. Paired with the knowledge that these 2 men captured several other men we can assume that the antagonists plan on hunting the stock characters and protagonist.

As for the protagonist, we can see from the deep focus middle shot that he is wearing a white top with lighter khaki-coloured trousers. The top has mud stained into it, suggesting that in the character's capture there was a struggle. Surprisingly enough, the man's hair is neat and the make-up is made to resemble unblemished skin. While this could imply the kidnap happened only recently, all of the stock characters have a beard suggesting that actually they may have been abducted for at least more than a few weeks. What's really intriguing about this short is how the director/producer has used the colour of the characters' tops to give the audience the correct reading for who are the protagonists and who are the antagonists e.g. white has connotations of innocence, purity and goodness, whilst black connotes sin, darkness and evil.

Although there are several stock characters we could comment on, one of the most significant characters is the man with the sensor that's connected to the protagonist's sensor. In this shallow focus close up shot we can already see that the stock character is wearing the same top as the protagonist, informing us that this character is a 'good' one. After a struggle from the protagonist it's clear why we might see the faint traces of mud on his face. We can also see blood running down the side of his head (giving us the reading that to be captured he had to be knocked out- implying he is a strong character and was was ready to fight when he was captured).

Camera Shot/ Angles/ Movement

The use of camera movement is exceptionally good, particularly most effective in the fight scenes. Fundamentally this film uses each movement, angle and shot to convey importance. For example, at the start you can find a close up shot of the mens' tied hands, immediately telling us that these men have been captured. Another close up shot shows the 'sensor' during the fight scene, used as a way of creating tension and suspense, when  we see the two men moving further from it; thus the quick cuts between fighting and the close up of the 'sensor' helps to engage the audience's attention instantly. 

Shot-reverse-shot

Shot-reverse-shot

Another powerful example of camera shot, angle and movement is the use of shot-reverse-shot in these 2, deep focus, middle close up shots of the protagonist and stock character. The top shot is an over-the-shoulder-shot however we can see that in the second shot the angle is lower which is used to show that at this moment in time the stock character is indomitable compared to the protagonist who tries to subdue the character's wary nature. Gradually as the two characters exchange dialogue close up shots are used to show the conversation between the characters. Eye-line match is also interjected into the scene as the protagonist points towards the 'sensor' on the stock character's leg. This creates continuity, thus developing a realistic narrative that will allow the audience to connect with the film and feel as if they are part of the chilling plot.

Extra long shot pans down

In the fighting scenes we the camera moves about the most excessively, mimicking the falls and rises of the characters bodies as they struggle to kill one another. You'll notice that lots of close up and middle shots have been used when panning and tracking the characters' movements (captured quickly enough to emphasise the violence of the fight). Not only does the camera follow the movements but it also shakes to give the impression that we are in a fight ourselves, meaning we can understand the characters' difficulty in winning the fight.

A final shot to note about is this long shot of the landscape which moves ever so slightly so the light seems to fade from our view. I think it's important to note this shot because it happens just after the main fight scene. Juxtaposed with the previous violence, this tranquil image creates the impression that peace and relief can now be achieved, after all the antagonists are dead. Right? It's with the use of shots like this towards the end of the film that confound us when we reach the final scene in which the man is now in the position of an antagonist.

Editing

The editing of this film is clean and precise and with the interchange of quick cuts the short has been able achieve the impact it deserves. Along with this we also find jump cuts such as when the protagonist goes from picking up the main stock character to suddenly running through the forest. By using so many quick cuts the film seems to be happening very fast, leaving us trying to keep up with what's happening, just as the protagonist must be feeling. This is particularly interesting since it shows me how using quick cuts will build pace for my film and hopefully get the audience to connect with my characters.

Sound

Throughout the film we hear a variety of sounds, from the use of non-diegetic, incidental music to diegetic sound effects. The score adopts an extensive range of tense, dramatic, tracks which build suspense for the audience. We find this in many scenes such as when the man is running through the forest (which is erratic and intense). You'll also find ominous and foreboding music such as when the film begins which instantly gives the reading that this film has negative ideas connected with it. A convention of fight scenes, conformed to by this short, is the use of violent music in the background, paired with the diegetic sound of punches

One of the most effectual uses of sound is when the protagonist is running through the forest (in which rapid, harsh non-diegetic music plays) which is cut to a shot of one of the antagonists at which point the music is quiet, yet low and disquieting. When the shot cuts back to the protagonist the music changes slightly, of a considerably lower volume. However much of this sound is masked by the diegetic sound of heavy breathing and footsteps. Following this, the ambient sound of an eagle flying over near-by is audible. This holds the suspense and raises unease for the audience.

The diegetic sound of the 'sensor' is noteworthy, as the plot essentially revolves around the device. It's also used to hint at what may happen next in the film e.g. when the protagonist runs after the character his 'sensor' is connected to it suddenly becomes red but reaches amber/yellow quickly, implying the character is not far away. All of a sudden the light turns green and immediately the protagonist is in a fight to the death with the stock character.

Some notes I made on the film's sound include:

• High pitched diegetic music when the stock character is about to die
• The music stops as soon as the man is knocked out dead
• When we see one of the antagonists come running, looking for the protagonist the music intensifies
• Just as we have jump cuts, the music cuts between intense incidental music and the alarming diegetic sound effect of the man hacking at the other character's leg.
• When the 'sensor' comes off the music changes to a more positive, tune, mimicking the protagonist's wonder and mild elation.

In essence, the real effect the use of sound has on our reading is to build suspense and thus grab the audiences' attention.

Lighting

To create an ominous mood/atmosphere this film has made use of a dark filter which gives the audience the reading that this is a dark film which in one way or another, involves death.

Typography

Finally, subverting the convention of films, this short has placed the title at the end with the rest of the credits. In the screenshot on the left we can see that white writing has been used on a black background. With the exception of the letter 'i' all of the letters are upper-case letters. Personally i think it connotes violence and the 'i' is a representation of the protagonist because he is the one person who is fighting back; he is seemingly the only person to have found a way to begin to conquer what's happening in the plot. Behind the text is what looks like snow or ash. The meaning and reason behind using this is just as mystifying to me as any audience member, i'm assured.

As the text seems to zoom out, music very similar to that which can be found on the scores of adventure films is used. It's got a futuristic twist to it also, dramatic and striking but with a touch of uncertainty (if music can be described in such a way).