Psychological Research!

GRIEF

The death of a loved one can have a huge impact on someone's life both physically, socially, and emotionally. It is a painful and frightening experience to endure. Physically, people tend to get headaches, nausea, and they always feel tired. Sleep and eating cycles are often interrupted too do to anxiety. Emotionally, people feel a complex range of emotions. Whether it's anger, fear, sadness, or resentment, all of them have negative effects on a person's mindset. The psychological effects are also detrimental. The majority of people fall into a deep depression and get anxiety. These people are at a higher risk of chronic fatigue, anxiety attacks, and thoughts of suicide. One of the worst parts about losing a loved one is that the social aspect will change. Many people will tend to avoid you because they don't know what to say or how to make you feel better.
In my film opening, the main character (Emily Johnson) will be in her sister's room mourning about her death. She craves revenge for her beloved sister, and was going through her things to search for any clues. Emily is feeling a lot of pain and she will do anything to get justice for her sister. This research will help me further understand and portray what she is experiencing.

Here are two videos I watched that are very informative about the grieving process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEcaUhxAH2g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsYL4PC0hyk

SERIAL KILLERS

Serial killers tend to carry several common characteristics. These include sensation seeking, a lack of remorse or guilt, impulsive actions, the need for attention, the need for control, and predatory behavior. Almost every serial killer has a mental illness as well. 

The most common mental illness among serial killers is Antisocial Personality Disorder. Antisocial Personality Disorder is a disregard for other people. People diagnosed with this disorder have no sympathy and are more prone to commit a crime, especially murder. This is because they do not feel bad for killing other people. 

Another common mental illness among serial killers is Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia causes people to act inappropriately and withdraw from reality. They undergo several hallucinations and have disorganized thinking. Many murders occur due to these hallucinations and delusions.

The serial killer in my film has both of these illnesses. His insanity is portrayed in the beginning of my film opening with a montage of his room and plans to murder school girls. 

According to my research, there was the largest amount of serial killers in the 1990's, when my film opening takes place. 

Not only that, but serial killers tend to be young. More specifically, between the ages of 20 and 30.

Sources:

Alexandria. “Bereavement and Grief.” Mental Health America, www.mhanational.org/bereavement-and-grief.

Caregiver| National Caregivers Library | Eldercare and Caregiving information. Psychological Responses To Loss, www.caregiverslibrary.org/caregivers-resources/grp-end-of-life-issues/hsgrp-grief-and-loss/psychological-responses-to-loss-article.aspx.

Cook, Beth I. “The Degree of Master of Arts in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy.” Serial Killers: Evolution, Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychological Interventions, Sept. 2011, pp. 2–22. The Faculty of Adler Graduate School.

Frese, Susan. “Schizophrenia and Personality Disorder.” Crime Museum, 9 Sept. 2009, www.crimemuseum.org/2009/09/09/what-is-the-difference-between-schizophrenia-and-multiple-personality-disorder/.

Finalizing The Main Characters!

In my film opening, there will be three main characters: the murderer, the target, and the investigator. The film will focus on the investigator and her determination to find out who is killing all of her classmates.

The first step in creating the main characters is choosing a compatible name. I researched the most popular girls names in the 1990's to find a name for two of my main characters. To further establish my main characters and their personalities, I have created a mood board for each of them to convey their interests, fears, dislikes, etc.





EMILY JOHNSON
The name of the protagonist in my film will be Emily Johnson. She begins her investigation when her younger sister, Sarah Johnson, gets murdered. She is a very rebellious teenager who is not afraid to break the boundaries. She represents a lot of the classic 90's aesthetics and is very determined. She is a strong main character and does not back down despite all of the setbacks she experiences. She represents a grungy high school girl who likes to deviate from the norm.



SAMMY JOHNSON
Sammy Johnson is Emily Johnson's younger sister. She gets murdered before the film begins; however, she plays an important role in Emily's life and within the plot of the film. Her death is what drives Emily to seek revenge and find the murderer. She was a bright light in everyone's life as an accomplished athlete beloved by her family.



"BOOKWORM"
The antagonist in my film opening has been nicknamed "The Bookworm" because he targets school girls by putting notes in their books. This is the clue that progresses the plot throughout the film, and eventually leads to his downfall. Not much is revealed about this character within the film opening, because the main focus is on Emily and Sammy. He is very intelligent and has everything planned out years in advance, until he gets caught.



Sources:

Murray, Steven Casey. “Horror Movie Character Development” BellaOnline, www.bellaonline.com/articles/art63614.asp.

“Social Security.” Top Names of the 1990s, www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1990s.html.

Gathering Props and Research!

Before I produce my film opening, I will be creating several props. The first shots of my film opening take place in the murderer's room. Therefore, I want to make a collage of his plans, victims, targets, and news headlines. This will give the audience more insight on this character and his goals. It also alludes to the conflict that takes place later in the film. For example, the horrifying television series, Pretty Little Liars, uses a collage. When the girls discover "A" they find her lair filled with photos, plans, videos, and headlines about them:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFpdppbtEbo I want to make a collage very similar to this one because it was very effective. First, I have gathered black and white pictures of his victims and the people he plans to kill in the future. At one point, the camera will focus intently on the picture of his next victim, which is one of the main characters. Here are some photos of random people:

           

I have also created some newspaper headlines that will go in the collage:

   

Here are some extra snippets that provide more information about the murderer's plans:

            

To make the collage seem more realistic, I will draw notes, checks, and mark the photos. I will include little handwritten notes and post it notes as well. 

Furthermore, I will put together a stack of books and create a "library card" for one of my shots. I have several books at home so that part will be easy. I used an online template to create a library card:

This week I am planning on going to the dollar store to purchase black gloves, large knife, a radio, and fake blood. According to my research, knives and fake blood are very common props in horror movies. They express gore and violence within the film. They associate with death which can be very creepy and scary to a lot of viewers. I am also going to use a radio to enhance the classic and old school esthetic of the film. Along with my record player, the 90's time period is portrayed. 

Here are some photos of the ones I have viewed online:

  

Sources:

Golding, Kaylee. “Codes And Conventions Of A Horror Film.” Prezi.com, Prezi, Nov. 2014, prezi.com/8m6mpn9vmcoq/codes-and-conventions-of-a-horror-film/.

“25 Iconic Horror Movie Props.” Rotten Tomatoes Movie and TV News 25 Iconic Horror Movie Props Comments, editorial.rottentomatoes.com/gallery/photos-25-iconic-horror-movie-props/.

archives - October 21, 2011. “Classic Horror vs. Modern Horror.” Pipe Dream, 21 Oct. 2011, www.bupipedream.com/ac/4102/classic-horror-vs-modern-horror/.

Sound and Music Planning!

After creating my storyboard, I have began to brainstorm what sounds will be necessary to produce my film opening. Horror films use sound effects to create suspense in the atmosphere. I am aiming to create an eerie atmosphere by using a lot of old school music. The music in the majority of my film opening will come from a record player. Not only that, but the two main characters will be listening to a radio, not an iPhone or a computer. I want the atmosphere to become very old-fashioned, so modern technology cannot save the characters in times of danger.

For example, in the movie Annabelle (2014) there is a scene that uses a record player to create a creepy and eerie atmosphere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMRaSJi2rLQ

The sound effects I am planning on using will create suspense and enhance specific aspects of the film. For example, I will use the pencil tapping sound effect to further convey the idea that (Character 2) is anxious. The clock ticking will also show the audience that time is of the essence in this scenario. To create suspense, the footsteps and knives sound effects will be used.

For example, the movie Paranormal Activity (2007) uses footsteps to make the scene very suspenseful and scary. It creates mystery and a horrifying effect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1s9cXYpxNo

Here are all the sound effects and music I brainstormed:


Furthermore, I have also written a script for the radio station news report and conversation between the two main characters. This is a rough draft and its purpose is to arrange my ideas together.

Radio Station:
*Character 1 turns on the radio*
Reporter 1: "You know, it's really getting out of control and the police should start to take action. This masked murderer has already killed three high school girls."
Reporter 2: "I totally agree. I heard people are starting to call this murderer the (undecided), because he always targets his victims by leaving threatening notes in their library books."
*Character 1 turns down the radio volume*
Character 1: "Do you hear that? That's crazy!"
Character 2: "Oh my god! I'm late for practice!"

Speaking of the radio, I will be using a prop to portray the radio:


Sources:

Haider, Arwa. “Culture - What Makes a Great Horror Movie Soundtrack?” BBC, BBC, 31 Oct. 2016, www.bbc.com/culture/story/20161031-what-makes-a-great-horror-movie-soundtrack.

“25 Iconic Horror Movie Props.” Rotten Tomatoes Movie and TV News 25 Iconic Horror Movie Props Comments, editorial.rottentomatoes.com/gallery/photos-25-iconic-horror-movie-props/.

New Shot List and Storyboard!

After conducting more research and watching more film opening samples in class, I have decided to make some changes to my storyboard. Before creating a new storyboard, I made a shot list to convey my ides more specifically. I originally forgot to include room for the title and I did not consider where the credits would go. In my new shot list, the credits will appear in the beginning with a series of shots of the murderer's house. This will convey more about the character and his background. These shots will consist of iconic objects and actions relevant to the conflict in the film.
Next, I have decided to introduce the audience to the main conflict by having the characters listen to a local news station on the radio. This news station will report the recent murders and all the respective clues. More specifically, the radio will explain how the murderer targets his teenage victims by leaving notes in their books. The film opening will end with Character 2's book falling on the floor. This will reveal to Character 1 that her best friend is being targeted by this unknown murderer.

New and Improved SHOT LIST:

1. (Film Production Company) Presents:
2. A film by Grace Sullivan
3. Several CLOSE UP SHOTS of posters
4. HIGH ANGLE shot of stacked books and a library card
5. Shot of highlighters and ripped paper
6. Shot of washing forks and knives (POV SHOT)
7. Shot of (Murderer) putting on gloves (POV SHOT)
8. CLOSE UP shot of eyes through the black ski mask
9. MATCH CUT to a shot of (Character 2)'s eyes
10. CLOSE UP SHOT of (Character 1) turning up the radio
11. TWO SHOT of (Character 1) and (Character 2) working
12. MEDIUM SHOT of (Character 1) writing
13. MEDIUM SHOT of (Character 2) fidgeting
14. CLOSE UP SHOT of (Character 2)'s pencil
15. CLOSE UP SHOT of the radio
16. POV SHOT of (Character 2)'s book and pages
17. MEDIUM SHOT of (Character 1) working
18. MEDIUM SHOT of (the clock
19. MEDIUM SHOT of (Character 2) realizing she's late for practice
20. HIGH ANGLE shot of (Character 2) packing her stuff up in a hurry
21. CLOSE UP SHOT of the ripped paper falling on the floor
22. SIDE ANGLE shot of (Character 1) picking the paper off the floor)
23. CLOSE UP SHOT of the paper and its highlighted code
24. CLOSE UP SHOT of (Character 1)'s frightened face
25. Cut to a LONG SHOT of the sunset and the title flashing across the screen

NEW STORYBOARD:

    



Based on my research, the horror genre has a very predictable plot and unexperienced victims. The purpose of a predictable plot is to create suspense for the audience. In this case, the audience is waiting for problems and scares to occur. On the other hand, inexperienced victims are used commonly in horror films to put them into harmful situations. This creates conflict and puts them into bad situations. These characters are crucial to progress the plot. I incorporated both of these concepts in my film opening. I introduced a very predictable conflict behind a mysterious murderer. Both of the main characters are young and have never experienced something like this before. This will force them into trouble for the plot of the film.

Sources:

amberloo20 Follow. “Codes and Conventions in the Horror Genre.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 24 Sept. 2015, www.slideshare.net/amberloo20/codes-and-conventions-in-the-horror-genre.

Golding, Kaylee. “Codes And Conventions Of A Horror Film.” Prezi.com, Prezi, Nov. 2014, prezi.com/8m6mpn9vmcoq/codes-and-conventions-of-a-horror-film/.

Costume Design Research!

As I mentioned before, I want to implement trendy clothing into the costume designs. I have researched popular influencers, fashion trends, and movie characters to create effective costumes.

The first thing I researched heavily upon was influencers. In other words, I researched social media stars, fashion icons, and teenage role models. The most popular social media influencers nowadays are Emma Chamberlain, Olivia Rouyre, and Maddie Ziegler. They all have millions of followers on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and have a big impact on fashion. Their platform allows them to embrace their styles and begin trends among teenagers.

          

Most influencers like Emma and Maddie are have a very classic and old school style. They are always wearing mom jeans and layering t-shirts over each other. Not only that, but Doc Martens and Brandy Melville belts have become increasingly popular. All of these pieces together create the edgy and grungy look that I am going for in my main character. This will further intrigue the young horror audience and make them more relatable.

            

 

Furthermore, I also researched well known movie characters to establish another costume design. In my film opening, I want the villain to seem mysterious and frightening with a ski mask. I researched similar characters within TV shows and movies who had a similar background as the character I am trying to portray. In the popular TV series, Riverdale, season 2 revolves around the "Black Hood" who is a masked murderer. The only thing that people know about him is that he wears a ski mask and has green eyes. I want to resemble this idea within my own film opening. The villain (Undecided name) will wear all black and a ski mask. His eyes will be visible and the only clues he will leave behind lies in the library.

      

Sources:

Heller, Susanna. “16 Trends You'll Only Remember If You Grew up in the '90s.” Insider, Insider, 16 Aug. 2017, www.insider.com/best-90s-fashion-trends-2017-8.

“The Role of Social Media Influencers in the Lives of Children and Adolescents.” Frontiers, www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/9295/the-role-of-social-media-influencers-in-the-lives-of-children-and-adolescents.

Wilberg. “How Social Media and Its Influencers Are Driving Fashion.” Digital Marketing Magazine, 10 May 2018, digitalmarketingmagazine.co.uk/social-media-marketing/how-social-media-and-its-influencers-are-driving-fashion/4871.

Storyboard!

To further plan my film opening, I decided to create a storyboard. A storyboard is a great tool that helps producers picture scenes in sequential order. While making the storyboard, I organized all my ideas took many aspects of production into consideration. Everything on my storyboard is subject to change; however, the basic components of my film opening have been established.

   

The film opening will begin with the title and cut into a suspenseful shot of boots walking across the screen. This creates mystery and establishes one of the main locations. The audience is then introduced the the library with an establishing shot. This is where the two main characters are shown. This is a very brief scene, and the next few shots consist of the sun setting, all the books on the table, and the car driving. The next scene is very important to the plot. The radio station is playing in the car, and the two girls are listening the the recent news report. The man on the radio is describing how a murderer is on the loose. He leaves behind clues within books by highlighting certain words. One of the girls becomes very frightened because she thinks she is being targeted. The next shots show the car on its way home, and the girl rushing to her room in a hurry. A close up shot of her eyes reveals her fear, and immediately cuts to a close up of the murderer's eyes in the same context. My film opening will allude to conflict, establish the locations, and introduce the main characters.