Horror Soundtrack Research

As we are planning on filming a horror movie, the soundtrack and sound effects will be extremely important. These two components are often considered to be the most vital in a horror film. For example, film makers use sound effects like heartbeats and heavy breathing to build tension. The use of silence can also be effective to build tension, suspense and anxiety.

Viktim Script Idea

We would like our script to be a psycological horror which not only surprises the audience, but also has an atmosphere of building suspense. We want our audience to feel scared and tense throughout, but to also enjoy the film. We want them to think about the film characters and care about what might happen to them.

Viktim Script

Opening.
Jasmine grabs Amelia's hand and they slowly make their way out the door. Down the road the conversation is dry and Jasmine tries to make conversation.

Jasmine - So how’s your family?
(No response.)
- I'd hate to think what you’re going through; I mean you were so close to your brother and for him to just...

(A tear falls from girl’s eye. Her friend notices and stops, grabs her and holds her tight.)

Jasmine - I'm so sorry, I really am but if you talk about it, it will help... I think (notices her friend shaking)
Babe what’s up??
She turns around to see girl looking up the road. Amelia sees a figure standing there watching them, scared she says "I think we should go this way" and decide to take a short cut. As they do they hear sounds of fast footsteps behind them which are getting quicker and quicker. They both run as the man speeds up and begin to run.
Amelia- Oh my god he's following us!
Jasmine- Who... (She looks behind her to see the masked man) oh my god....

FADE TO BLACK - "VIKTIM" TITLE SCENE.
Scene 2.
The scene fades in and Amelia is sleeping. What happened before had been a reoccurring dream. She wakes up and picks up her phone. She sends a message to jasmine saying "I had the same dream again and somehow I think it’s related to my brother’s accident. Want to meet up later?"

With that she changes her clothes and leaves and as she does a figures is seen watching her.
Heartbeat should be played as soon as the figure is noticeable to the audience to raise questions and to change the atmosphere.

Viktim Storyboard

These pictures below (drawn by Josh Hitch) depict my groups storyboard for our film 'Viktim'. The film we are making ends with a chase scene where a couple of girls disappear.

Group Film Project - Viktim: Initial Idea

I am currently working on a horror film called 'Viktim'. I'm partnered with Josh Hitch and Jaymie Ebrada to make the film. We aim for the film to be classified with a 15 certificate, so the film will be targeted at a teenage audience.

Plot:
It's been a month since the death of a girl's brother. We see the girl and a couple of her friends at the graveside mourning her loss. However, the girl's are not alone, there is someone watching them. We later see the same girls' attending a party at a friend's house. The change of scene is created by the camera zooming in on the girls eye, this movement is then reversed and the scene has changed. The girls' leave the party, they become aware that a mysterious figure is following them. This figure slowly catches up with them and they disappear.

Who is this mysterious figure??

Will the girls' survive?... watch the film to find out!!

Horror Movie Questionnaire & Results

We devised the questionnaire below to help us determine what type of horror film we should run with. It also helped us to decide what age group and gender our film should be aimed at.



Film Production: Target Audience

Please take your time to answer our questionnaire on film genres. Circle the answers below or write a small description where necessary. Thank you.

1) Are you: Male….. Female…..

2) How old are you?

12-14

15-17

18+

3)      What type of horror film are you most likely to watch?

Slasher horror…..

Thriller/Action-Adventure horror …..

Psychological horror/Suspense…..

Paranormal horror…..

Torture horror…..

Science Fiction …..

4) Would you watch your chosen movie type in the cinema?

Yes…..

No.....

If yes,
why?.....................................................................

If no,
why?.....................................................................

5) Does the movie trailer influence you to watch a film in the cinema/theatre/

Yes….. No…..

6) What is your favourite aspect of a horror film?

.......................................................................................

Questionnaire Results

The results of our questionnaire show that our target audience:

• is 15+ and our film should appeal to both a male and female audience
• prefer to watch psychological horror/suspense films
• prefer to watch movies in the cinema
• say the movie trailer does influence them to go see a film
• favourite aspect is lots of suspense and a good ending

The Dark Knight Rises: Viral Marketing Campaign

The viral marketing campaign for the film ‘Batman: The Dark Knight’ was very successful. It generated interest and expectation for the film through an online game which had clues hidden within it. Players were able to view the first ever released trailer for the film and became involved with the experience and interested in seeing the film. Through ‘word-of-mouth’, fans from around the world were attracted to the campaign as it included exclusive pictures and trailers. The new Batman film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is due for release on 20 July 2012 and a viral marketing campaign has already been launched which is hoped to be even more successful than the last.

The first step of the campaign was to set up a website by the name of ‘thefirerises’ -  the word means nothing yet, but is probably a reference to something within the film. The website which was created had a black background accompanied with chanting. The team behind the website had thought that it would have taken the Batman fans ages to work out the riddle but in fact it only took a matter of minutes - someone had worked out that you need to run the chanting through a visualizer which then reveals the hash tag #thefirerises. This hash tag then leads to the Twitter account @thefirerises featuring the first image from the film. The image is of the villainous character Bane, played by the actor Tom Hardy. He is pictured against a black background, with his back to the camera, whilst looking straight at the lens. He appears to be naked from the waist up and is wearing some kind of mask (see below).

As the campaign continued more footage from the film was released in the form of teaser trailers, as were images of the official teaser poster and an image of Catwoman (played by Anne Hathaway) riding the Batbike (see above).

The links below show some video footage which I class as a must see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AP4Z6QB8Yc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-Sktgm0aD8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0lBjVUKoSg

The director also quite likes leaked videos of the film, as it helps build up hype among the fans of Batman. For example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKhB2ooH7nA

The Wave

Director: Dennis Gansel

Year: 2008

Starring: Jürgen Vogel, Frederick Lau and Max Riemelt

Synopsis: The film is about an unusual experiment a high school teacher conducts, to demonstrate to his students what it feels like to be under a dictatorship. However, throughout the film we become aware of how the experiment is spinning out of control, as the students form a social unit which has a life of its own.

Review:

I like The Wave, as it is different to most mainstream films shown at multiplexes. The storyline is also clever, with an underlining message - how easily dictatorships can form, without people really understanding that they are being manipulated.

The acting in the film is good, and the characters are plausible as real people. The fact that there is a member of the group who is easily pressured into stupid activities, adds depth to the storyline. The way that there is a conflict in views about the experiment generates a sense that not everyone can be easily swayed into believing in what the teacher is trying to get across.

Verdict:

I think this film is thought provoking. It is also features good camerawork and superb acting, and for these reasons I would recommend this movie to anyone. I have one criticism about it though, and that is, that the subtitles could remain on the screen a little longer, as I feel the time for each translation to pass could be lengthened so people who are slow readers could manage.

****

An Example of Movie Promotion - The Dark Knight (2008)

The promotion of the film ‘The Dark Knight’ was quite ingenious. The marketing campaign for the film was very different to other films and as a result helped it to become one of the most successful films ever made.

Posters…..

were cleverly designed to create suspense about the film, each one giving slightly more information on the film as the launch date approached. The initial posters were known as ‘teasers’ and contained very little information - the title, the Batman logo and a strapline. The strapline that was used a lot in the first couple of teasers came from The Joker, “Why So Serious?” The Joker appeared to be a serious threat to Batman.

The final poster contained all the essential film information - its title, the strapline, members of the cast, Batman logo, release date, website, director and producers.  Famous actors in the cast draw the audience in to see the film. The strapline is never bigger than the title, however the size of the text is quite large and the words “Welcome to a World without Rules” imply it will be an exciting film. The sponsors and websites are shown to gain publicity and for those interested to find further information about the film. The Warner Bros. name also appears, this will help to boost interest as it is one of the most well known Hollywood production companies.

The image on the final poster is extremely memorable because it resembles the scenes from 9/11. The image is a tall building where Batman has crashed into the side, leaving an inferno in the bat outline – a very powerful image. The fireball in the outline draws the eyes of the audience to the poster. Batman is clearly seen in the foreground of the poster, he’s looking out, he’s got clenched fists, this is a strong image showing how powerful Batman is. The poster is dark and menacing tells that the film is serious or something bad is going to happen. The title of the film is large and clear, and directly behind it is the Batman logo.

The teasers and posters were displayed on the side of buses, at bus stops, underground stations, billboards, cinemas, shopping malls – anywhere where lots of people would see them. They would also be advertised in magazines and newspapers. Later, when the film had received reviews, good review extracts would be included on the posters, for example; Empire says – “guaranteed Oscar winner”.  

Over twenty teasers and posters were designed for the film, here are four of the best:

 

 

The BBFC rating is very important to the success of the film. Initially the BBFC couldn’t decide what certificate to give The Dark Knight, either a 12A or 15; and despite some violent scenes it was finally given a 12A which allowed anyone to see it, even young children.  A lot of people disagreed with this rating. Had it been given a 15, it would really restrict the films audience. In my opinion the film should have been given a 15 because of the violence, particularly one scene where The Joker impales a Bodyguard’s head onto a pencil.

Controversy also surrounded the death of Heath Ledger (The Joker) shortly after the film was made. He died accidently from a drugs overdose in January 2008. Sadly, The Dark Knight was to be his last complete film. In January 2009 Heath Ledger was posthumously awarded the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

Trailers…..

are a very important way of publicising a film. A series of trailer’s were made for The Dark Knight. At first they created a ‘teaser trailer’ giving very little information away, so the audience would have an initial interest in the film. When it got closer to the release date, the ‘full information’ trailer was used.

The trailer tells the audience what type of film it will be. In the case of The Dark Knight, a very suspenseful, action/adventure movie. Some of the best stunts and special effects were included in the trailer. The trailer introduces the audience to all the main characters in the film. It shows off Batman’s vehicles and the Batman suit. It shows that The Joker is a serious threat to Batman.  It makes you want to see the film, to find out if Batman will beat The Joker and survive.

Finally, at the end of the trailer, the audience sees the release date.  The web address is also given, here you can find further information about the film. You see the name of the production companies behind the film, Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Legendary Pictures are behind a number of successful superhero films.

All tie-ins and publicity help to promote a film. Kids like to play the games that come out before a film is released. The actors involved with the film have to promote it by giving interviews on radio and television programmes around the world; this is probably written into their contracts.  A range of merchandising products, toys, mugs, T-shirts, posters, playing cards, board games and video games, was also made for the film.

The impact of the promotional material on the target audience was huge. Both the poster and trailer campaign really made 13-25 yr olds want to go and see the film – and they did! The promotional campaign for The Dark Knight was thought to be extremely successful.

The Dark Knight also used ‘viral’ marketing. This generated interest and expectation about the film through an online game which had clues tied into it. Fans that played the game were able to view the first ever released trailer for the film. Therefore, those that played the game became involved with the experience and interested in seeing the film.

When the film was finally released a massive amount of people went to see it. The Dark Knight is the fifth highest grossing film of all time.  To date, it’s made around $1 billion.

The Untouchables

Director: Brian De Palma

Year: 1987

Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Robert De Niro and Andy Garcia.

Synopsis
This film is set in Chicago during the Prohibition era, when gangwars were becoming particularly violent. The film is based on the stuggle between the cops of Chicago and criminal gangs involved in the bootlegging and racketeering of illegal alcohol. There are five main characters in the film; Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner), Jim Malone (Sean Connery), Agent Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), Agent George Stone (Andy Garcia), and Al Capone (Robert De Niro). The film is directed by Brian De Palma.

Review

I really enjoyed this film as it features extremely exciting scenes and fight sequences. It feaures a great score by the famous conductor, Ennio Morricone. There is one particularly good action scene where Ness has to look out for Capone's bookkeeper, and capture him alive so he can give evidence that will convict Capone of his criminal offences. Ness succeeds, whilst taking part in a gun battle and saving a baby who's pram is falling down a flight of stairs. This is Brian De Palma's homage to director Sergei Eisenstein's Battleship Potempkin (1925) in which a similar scene occurs.

Capone is depicted as a brutal man with a very short fuse. We learn this when one of his alcohol storage facilities is raided by the police, and Capone murders one of his criminal partners in a rage.

Vertict

I think this a superb film, it's brilliantly acted and edited with a excellent film score. The acting from all the characters in the film is believable. Robert De Niro's Al Capone is terrific, and makes the film very convincing. I like it so much, that I would recommend this movie to anyone interested in action/crime films.

****

Movie Soundtracks

A good soundtrack is one which suits the genre of the movie and enhances the action taking place on the screen. A horror film may have discordant music, or perhaps organ music. An action film may have a rock music score. A thriller may have fast pumping techno music soundtrack. In Hanna the pumping techno soundtrack by The Chemical Brothers adds tension to the action sequences. Most films have between 40 and 120 minutes of music. However, some films have very little or no music; others may feature a score that plays almost continuously throughout.

The role of the soundtrack is to add another dimension to the action taking place on the screen. It also acts to signify the mood of a particular scene. An example of this would be in Spielberg’s film Jaws, the scene of a woman swimming in the sea is accompanied by a menacing soundtrack. You just know that something awful is about to happen.

Often the best known part of a movie soundtrack is its theme tune. The James Bond films often use singers, popular at the time of release. Not all films use especially composed music, some use chart music of a particular year to set the period that the film is set, The Boat That Rocked, and Made in Dagenham are two recent British films that were set in the 1960s and used music popular at the time as their soundtracks. Giorgio Moroder’s instrumental soundtrack to Scarface fits with the period when the film is set.

Films often have different themes for important characters. An example of this technique is John Williams' score for the Star Wars saga, and the numerous themes associated with characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia. The Lord of the Rings trilogy uses a similar technique, with recurring themes for many main characters and places.


Best Selling Movie Soundtracks (albums sold)

1. The Bodyguard (16 million)
2. Purple Rain (13 million)
3. Saturday Night Fever (11 million)
4. Dirty Dancing (11 million)
5. The Lion King (10 million)
6. Grease (8 million)
7. Footloose (8 million)
8. Titanic (8 million)
9. Top Gun (7 million)
10. Waiting to Exhale (7 million)

Film Classifications in the UK

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), originally British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification of films within the United Kingdom. It has a statutory requirement to classify videos, DVDs and some video games under the Video Recordings Act 2010.

The BBFC currently issues the following certificates. The category logos were introduced in December 2002.

Preliminary Task - Josh, Josh, Jaymie and Mark

This clip features our preliminary task. We were tasked with making a short clip without a brief. This clip is very important to include on our blogs, if it isn't included, we would miss out on 15 marks from our final grade.

The clip depicts a 6th former in trouble, he's been accused of something he didn't do. I play the character in trouble, and Josh plays the character who is accusing me. Josh is the cameraman and Jaymie directs. 

Different Types of Camera Shots

Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)
This type of shot is used to show a huge area, eg. a field. The type of shot is otherwise known as EWS or XLS.

The shot is used so that the audience can’t see the character in the shot, but the surroundings he/she is in.

Very Wide Shot (VWS)

The very wide shot is much closer to the subject than an extreme wide shot, but still much further away than a wide shot. The subject is visible here but only just (in this case it's a boy leaning against the fence). The emphasis is very much on placing him in his environment.

This often works as an establishing shot, in which the audience is shown the whole setting so they can orient themselves.

The VWS also allows plenty of room for action to take place, or for multiple subjects to appear on screen.

Wide-Shot (WS)

In the wide shot, the subject takes up the full frame. In this case, the boy's feet are almost at the bottom of frame and his head is almost at the top. Obviously the subject doesn't take up the whole width and height of the frame, since this is as close as we can get without losing any part of him. The small amount of room above and below the subject can be thought of as safety room — you don't want to be cutting the top of the head off. It would also look uncomfortable if his feet and head were exactly at the top and bottom of frame.

Mid-Shot (MS)

The mid shot shows some part of the subject in more detail, whilst still showing enough for the audience to feel as if they were looking at the whole subject. In fact, this is an approximation of how you would see a person "in the flesh" if you were having a casual conversation. You wouldn't be paying any attention to their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary.

The MS is appropriate when the subject is speaking without too much emotion or intense concentration. It also works well when the intent is to deliver information, which is why it is frequently used by television news presenters. You will often see a story begin with a MS of the reporter (providing information), followed by closer shots of interview subjects (providing reactions and emotion).

As well as being a comfortable, emotionally neutral shot, the mid shot allows room for hand gestures and a bit of movement.

Medium Close-Up

The medium close-up is half way between a mid-shot and a close up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.

Close-Up (CU)

In the close-up shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face (unless specified otherwise).

Close-ups are obviously useful for showing detail and can also be used as a cut-in.

A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. Whereas a mid-shot or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering facts and general information, a close-up exaggerates facial expressions which convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.

A variation is the chocker shot which is typically framed on the subject's face from above the eyebrows to below the mouth.

Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

The ECU (also known as XCU) gets right in and shows extreme detail.

You would normally need a specific reason to get this close. It is too close to show general reactions or emotion except in very dramatic scenes.

Cut-In Shot (CI)

This specifically refers to showing some part of the subject in detail.

This shot can be used purely as an edit point, or to emphasise emotion etc. For example, hand movements can show enthusiasm, agitation, nervousness, etc.

Cutaway Shot (CA)

A cutaway is a shot that's usually of something other than the current action. It could be a different subject (eg. this cat when the main subject is its owner), a close up of a different part of the subject (eg. the subject's hands), or just about anything else.

The cutaway is used as a "buffer" between shots (to help the editing process), or to add interest/information.

The Two Shot

There are a few variations on this one, but the basic idea is to have a comfortable shot of two people. Often used in interviews, or when two presenters are hosting a show.

A "One-Shot" could be a mid-shot of either of these subjects. A "Three-Shot", unsurprisingly, contains three people.

Two-shots are good for establishing a relationship between subjects. If you see two sports presenters standing side by side facing the camera, you get the idea that these people are going to be the show's co-hosts. As they have equal prominence in the frame, the implication is that they will provide equal input. Of course this doesn't always apply, for example, there are many instances in which it's obvious one of the people is a presenter and the other is a guest. In any case, the two-shot is a natural way to introduce two people.

A two-shot could also involve movement or action. It is a good way to follow the interaction between two people without getting distracted by their surroundings.

Over-the-Shoulder Shot (OSS)

This shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. The person facing the subject should usually occupy about 1/3 of the frame.

This shot helps to establish the position of each person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.

It's common to cut between these shots during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers.

Noddy Shot

Common in interviews, this is a shot of the person listening and reacting to the subject. In fact, when shooting interviews with one camera, the usual routine is to shoot the subject (using OSS and one-shots) for the entire interview, then shoot some noddies of the interviewer once the interview is finished. The noddies are edited into the interview later.

Point of View Shot (POV)

This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective. It is usually edited in such a way that it is obvious whose POV it is.

Weather Shot

In this type of shot the subject is the weather. The sky takes up at least 2/3 of the frame. This type of shot is common in television programs where the weather is of particular interest, e.g. sports shows.

Although the usual purpose of this shot is to show the weather, it is also useful as an establishing shot, for setting the general mood or for overlaying graphics.

A weather shot doesn't have to show the sky. Other shots often used to illustrate weather include:

·         Puddles, drain spouts, or any other form of rainwater.

·         Trees or anything else blowing in the wind.

·         People sunbathing.
·         Snowmen, snowball fights, snow sledding, etc.

Source: Media College

British Film Mind Map

British Films: British Lion - A Production Company

British Lion is a production company, and was founded by S.W. Smith in November 1927. By the end of World War II, the company had released over fifty five films including In Which We Serve for which writer/producer Noel Coward received an Academy Award. In 1946 Sir Alexander Korda bought a controlling interest in the company. Among early British Lion classics were The Third Man, Hobson's Choice, Odette and David Lean's The Sound Barrier.

1958 saw a significant change at British Lion. The new working management was film producers, the Boulting Brothers, Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder. Many notable films such as A Taste of Honey, The Entertainer, The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery, I'm All Right Jack, The L-Shaped Room and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning were released under their management.

The company was sold to Barclay Securities. Peter Snell was appointed Head of Production and then Managing Director. Don't Look Now and The Wicker Man followed. In 2010, British Lion produced The Wicker Tree.

British Lion will celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2012.

British Films: The Wicker Tree

The Wicker Tree is a 2011 film by British director Robin Hardy. The film contains several similar elements to the 1973 film The Wicker Man which was also directed by Hardy, but is neither a sequel nor a remake of that film.  It is due for wide release in 2011, having premiered in July at the Fantasia Festival in Canada.
Beth is a successful pop singer and a devout evangelical Christian from Texas, USA. She and her fiancé Steve both wear purity rings, and belong to a group known as the "Cowboys for Christ", who travel to "heathen areas" of the world to preach Christianity. They travel to Glasgow, Scotland, hoping to save some souls once there. However, they are shocked when they receive a very negative reception, Beth even being set upon by a large dog.

After performing a concert at a local cathedral, the duo is approached by Sir Lachlan Morrison and his wife Delia, the laird of the small village of Tressock in the Scottish lowlands. They invite Beth and Steve to come back with them to preach, but intend them for a more central part in Tressock's May Day celebration.

Meanwhile, detective Orlando is sent to Tressock, posing as the local police officer, in order to secretly investigate reports of a pagan cult. Orlando discovers that the people of the village worship the ancient Celt goddess Sulis.

Beth and Steve decide to begin their preaching at the May Day celebrations in the village. In an attempt to impress the locals, they agree to become the local Queen of the May and the Laddie for the festival not realising the consequences of their decision and not knowing what awaits them.

The Budget of The Wicker Tree is £7.75m. The film features a predominantly British cast, and is made by a British Director, the script is printed in English, Irish, Welsh or Scottish. The film is set in Scotland, UK. The release date for the film in Britain is 2011.

180 Degree Rule

In filmmaking, the 180° rule is a basic guideline that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.

The 180 degree rule enables the audience to visually connect with unseen movement happening around and behind the immediate subject and is important in the narration of battle scenes. The visual disjointedness of the battle scene on Geonosis in the Star Wars film Attack of the Clones is an example.
Avoiding crossing the line is a problem that those learning filmcraft will need to struggle with. In the above example with the car chase, a possible solution is to begin the second cut with the car driving into frame from the "wrong" side. Although this may be wrong in the geographic sense on set, it looks more natural to the viewer. Another possibility is to insert a "buffer shot" of the subject head-on (or from behind) to help the viewer understand the camera movement.

Source: Wikipedia

Transformers 3 Film Synopsis

"The Autobots Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide and Sideswipe led by Optimus Prime, are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons, who are determined to avenge their defeat in 2009's Transformers Revenge of the Fallen. In this new movie, the Autobots and Decepticons become involved in a perilous space race between the U.S. and Russia, and once again human Sam Witwicky has to come to the aid of his robot friends. There's new characters too, including a new villain in the form of Shockwave, a longtime Transformers character who rules Cybertron while the Autobots and Decepticons battle it out on Earth."

Source: Blastr

Transformers 2 Film Synopsis

This plot follows on from the first transformer movie, because both movies have a plot that the main characters and the Autobots have to undergo a quest which entails finding an ancient artifact which is key for the Cybertron robots. Each step of the way for the good guys, they are being fought by the Decepticons. However, this film is set later on in the lives of the main characters, Sam Witwicky started off in high school in the first film, but in the second film he is starting his first days in college. There are other differences too, their are more new Autobots and Decepticons in the ultimate fight.

Transformers 1 Film Synopsis

The film Transformers, is based on the life of a ordinary student at high school, but the film studies his emotions and his reactions when transforming robots land on planet Earth. These robots come from the planet Cybertron and the invaders are split into two robotic groups; the Autobots (the good robots), and the Decepticons (the bad robots). These two robot types fight it out on their planet, but their precious cube goes missing. They find out that it has landed on Earth and launch a full scale invasion to retrieve it. The Autobots are willing to work with humans, but the Decepticons find humans as enemies, and that they should be eliminated. The Transforming robots have the special ability to transform into either military vehicles (decepticons), or motor vehicles (autobots).

Source Code Film Synopsis

The film Souce Code is about stopping a dreadful terrorist attack. Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is horribly injured, possibly from an IED in a war-zone, and on life support in a futuristic tank. He is unknowingly taking part in a military experiment where his body takes the form of Shaun Fentress and goes back in time to prevent a terrorist attack from taking place. Fentress has to time travel back and attempt to find the bomber, before an even greater explosion occurs that would dwarf the previous bomb blast. Source Code is the military software within the tank that enables him to travel back in time and alter the future. Stevens is wired up to Source Code via his brain. Each time he travels back in time and he relives the train experience, his body progressively deteriorates. As he is close to death himself, this is the only way for Stevens to live longer than his injuries would permit. Whilst on his mission, he befriends a female character, Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan),and Fentress (or is it Stevens) is determined to save her from dying on the train.

4min Clip of Die Hard with a Vengeance

In this scene we see John McClane (Bruce Willis) trying to get to the local train station. For him to reach the train station on time he has to beat the stationary traffic which poses a big obstacle. To overcome this inconvenience, McClane drives on pavements, and through Central Park (not designed for cars). This reckless rampage continues for around three and a half minutes. The rampage finally stops when McClane reaches his destination (the train station), he gets out and runs down a flight of stairs so he can catch his train. I really like this clip as it's action packed and full of breathtaking stunts. It is also quite comical in places.

Sound Effect Clichés

·         Animals are never silent - dogs whine/bark/yip, cat’s meow or purr, cows moo, even in some cases where most animals wouldn't be making a sound.
·         Dogs always know who the bad guy is, and bark at them.
·         In a horror film when there is a full moon there is either an owl hooting or a wolf howling in the distance.
·         Car tyres and footsteps crunch on gravel.
·         In a chase situation car tyres squeal when car turns, pulls away or stops.
·         Every button you press on a computer makes some kind of beep or click.
·         Storms start instantaneously with a crack of thunder and lightning.
·         Thunder is always in sync with lightning.
·         In horror films, doors always creek when hero/heroine is searching big, empty house.
·         An approaching airplane or helicopter will make no noise until it is directly over the characters, at which point it will suddenly become extremely loud.
·         Even when depicted as foreigners (including aliens from outer space) all actors speak and understand a common language (usually English) unless the film's plot depends on a language barrier.
·         Kids always whisper even if their two inches away from a villain - he won't hear. If they step on a branch however, the villains will immediately know it’s not some animal, and catch them.
·         When villains fall to their deaths, you can hear their screams gradually fade out, even if they only fall ten feet or so.
·         Anytime a person speaks into a microphone, their first words will cause microphone feedback.
·         When listening to music on the radio in the car, the song on the radio never changes during a single scene. The scene rarely outlasts the song...if it does, one of the characters will turn the radio off before the end of the song.
·         There are never any commercials playing on radios or TVs.
·         People never answer the door until the doorbell or knocking has sounded at least twice.
·         Explosions in space make noise.
·         All machine guns sound alike.
·         When people are on the phone, there’s rarely any background noise.