Research and Planning: Chase Sequence

In class we was given a task to create a a video that is a chase sequence called 'The Chase', we was given a limited amount of time to create this and also limited Mise en scene. My groups chase footage got deleted twice which is why I am editing and analysing a bit later on than the other groups. This task has allowed us to get used to using the camera to film and also given us experience in the software for editing on the Macs. 

Sound
It was decided to stick with the diegetic sounds of the scene as it created a realistic effect. We wanted the chase to be quite a scary chase and decided to use the film genre of horror. In horror they usually use minimal sounds as the natural sound is much more effective. This is why we kept the background noise of the wind in the chase as it makes it creepier.  

Cinematography
It was decided to use a range of shots but not use too many different shots in such a short time period as it would look jumpy and not flow properly. The cinematography could be improved vastly as a lot of the shots were taken on bad angles and the camera was often turned around from vertical to horizontal shots so the scene doesn't make as much sense however in some respects it worked in our favour as the choppiness and weirdness suits the genre and could be used to represent the villains state of mind. We used a mixture of close up shots and long shots as it helps to show the facial expressions and in turn their reaction e.g. fear and the long shot distances the characters from each other to show that a chase is taking place. Both low angle and high angle shots were used e.g a low angle shot of the scared girl running down the stairs but we also used a high angle shot of the girl running down the stairs the use of both shots creates the impression even more that you are being watched from everywhere. The high angle shot of the villain shows her power as she is chasing the other girl and she appears just after showing she is right behind her. 

Editing
The main transitions that I used were straight cuts as it helps to keep up the speed of the film and fits with the genre as horror trailers usually are fast pace to cover a lot of footage in a short amount of time which interests the audience whilst scaring them. I think one of the most effective straight cuts was between the cabinet rattling and the reaction of the girl. I decided to fade the scenes in which the villain were shown by changing the brightness and exposure, this showed a clear difference between the two people in the film. I used  jump cuts on the villain walking up the stairs as it quickens up the pace and gets rid of parts that aren't needed to be shown as it still presents the change over time. When the girl is stood at the top of the stairs I rotated the footage back and forth between her being vertical and her being horizontal which made the scene more creepy. I zoomed in and out of the girl who was hid in the corner the zoom out shown a long shot of her cowering in a corner and the zoom in shown a close up of the girls reaction. 

Mise En Scene
We were limited in terms of Mise en scene as we had to film the chase in college however this didn't look very horror like so we decided to find areas of college that looked like a derelict building. We found a 'CCTV in operation' sign and used a close up of the sign to start the video, thus creating the impression that wherever you are you are being watched. We found a rusting gate that looked old and creepy that led down to a basement looking area and a cabinet that we rattled from the inside to create the impression of either someone being locked in or someone escaping. There were two sets of stairs that we used, on set was inside in and enclosed corridor which made it is to flick the lights on and off and create a scary effect as it as if the villain is doing it by herself. The second set of stairs were on the outside of the building the green bars contrast against the brick wall it is attached to, I think the old rustic look is quite effective.