Film Idea Research

IT FOLLOWS, DIR DAVID ROBERT MITCHELL (2014)

Despite having the narrative of a horror film, 'It Follows' includes a range of shots, movements and lighting that are not conventional to most horror films. The overall feel to the film is almost retro, with the neon red lighting in some scenes and simple tracking movements accompanied by little or no sound. This provides inspiration for our film opening, especially as the tracking shots were positioned so what was in the frame was symmetrical, linking to our idea of the camera tracking through the house to the basement. 

I feel we could follow what this film has done by subverting the common conventions of horror with the stereotypical low key lighting and close ups. Instead 'It Follows' includes a range of lighting, of which some scenes are with neon red or pink lighting, which is very rarely seen in films of this genre. Despite the narrative and genre being different to what our film opening idea is, the cinematography, lighting and sound are useful for us to take inspiration from.

In terms of lighting, another film with a similar style is 'drive' (2011). The common use of the neon lighting would also be useful for our film opening.
Similarly to the opening of 'It Follows', we wanted little or no dialogue, and the sound of radio static and the stations being tuned as the camera tracks through the house.

CONVENTIONS OF A FILM OPENING

 as well as establishing the protagonist, genre, and narrative. This can be done through spoken dialogue, narration, mise en scene etc.

• The primary purpose of a film opening is to capture the audience's attention to encourage them to continue watching.
• It can last up to 5 minutes
• Enigmas tend to be created, also to draw the audience in and to leave them with the curiosity of what actually happens in the film.
• They establish the film's genre, narrative and protagonists. This can be done by using actors which are commonly featured in a certain genre (for example, Jennifer Aniston is associated with rom coms, so when seen in a film opening, it would be assumed that the film is a romantic comedy if the other conventions fit with that genre.), or themes that appear, which can also hint to the narrative of the film. Sound is very important to film openings and the music 
• Starts showing key credits in a certain order such as:

- Studio name
- Production company
- Producer's name
- Star actors/actresses 
- Film Title
- Other featured actors/actresses
- Music composer
- Production crew
- Story by
- Writers
- Director