Location Spotting













On Thursday 1st Feb at period 3 and 4 we are going to find a venue for where our main shoot will take place... a restaurant. We will make our way to old Southall and search for restaurants that fit the feel of a typical gangster restaurant. We already have one restaurant in mind, Monsoon. We have chosen to see this restaurant as it is near our homes and the people from GHS, who will be in the film. This will be an advantage to us and them as they can reach there on time and also it is near their homes as well. We are going to meet the manager and inquire about what days are vacant and ask what the price rates are (including other restaurants in Southall). This is so that if we choose this restaurant or any other we can sell the tickets fully knowing what the price is.

By Jas

Snatch

Snatch released in 2000 is a British film by writer/director Guy Ritchie. The target audience is 18-30 year old males, of a working/middle class background. This is due to the colloquial language used; many events such as robbing the bookies are commonly known measures by this age and social class group. Additionally many of the characters are from within this section. This would indefinitely be shown on Channel 4 as they predominately show British Gangster/Crime films after 9pm.

The camera work shown in this clip is very unorthodox however it suits the style of this film as many of the characters; their names and what they do are also unorthodox. Typical conventions come from the use of cockney names, slang and also clothing. For example, long coats and shotguns would be associated with London, rather than France or America. The location of London is also very conventional as many other British films are featured here.

Where each character has their own short scene we could attempt to feature a similar sequence to describe what they do, and how the fit into the ‘Rose Mob’. Also, we would use a freeze frame on the characters face similar to Snatch’s’ however, we wouldn’t use colour, rather black-and-white would seem more appropriate.

- Deep

Pulp Fiction Research

Pulp Fiction was produced and directed by Quentin Tarentino in 1994, where Roger Avery co-wrote the screenplay alongside him. The target audience would be 18-30 year old males, this can be identified as drugs, guns and violence are heavily used within this film.

This text would be shown on Channel 4 as this genre (Crime/Gangster) is mostly shown because of its mature factors, where BBC One would rather show a Harry Potter film. This is due to the fact that BBC One also caters for many young children, where Channel 4 rather wants to appeal to late teens and adults.

The reason I chose these scenes are because of the fact that they show people eating whilst having a conversation where we would have the same principle. The camera work used allows the audience to view both characters in speech, whilst allowing the audience to also view their surroundings that often come into the conversation. I think that we could employ the same principle if we wish to do so quite effectively. Typical genre conventions can be seen where sophisticated wording is used which creates at times, enigmas for the audience. The question is the answered in a conclusion like ending of their ‘speech’.

I would like to employ the idea of shooting important characters from their side, viewing their actions. By viewing what they do we can create the characters basic personality and habits. We can then go to the characters flash back, and further develop those ideas given of by that particular character.

For example, we could shoot one of us from our side smoking a cigar, which is similar to John Travolta’s scene. During their flash back, they could open a draw full of cigars and perhaps drugs. Those drugs could then be rolled up into a cigar, where this would show the audience that he’s the drug lord of London with the use of a narrator or additional characters involved.

- Deep

Jas's Film Recomendation..."The Business"



I recomend this film "The Business"(2005) directed by Nick Love, it is about the rise and fall of a south London ganster aka "cardboard cut-out ****".

Ways To Shoot A Tracking Shot




These are ways me (Jas) and Deep thought of how to create a tracking shot and keep the camera steady...any other suggestions would help (excluding the rose-mob group).

Jas's Carlito's Way Research



Carlito's Way is a 1993 gangster film based on the novels Carlito's Way and After Hours by Judge Edwin Torres. The film adaptation was scripted by David Koepp and directed by Brian De Palma. It stars Al Pacino.

The target audience once again would be males aged 18- 30 as this is a gangster genre film, which contains violence and strong langusge. The film would most likely be broadcasted on Film $ and other channles such as sky movies or TCM, which is another films broadcasting channel. The reason i thibk this is because films such as the usual suspects has been broadcasted on these channels. It would be likely that the time for the film to be shown would be after 9 pm.

The special features that this scene uses is no dialogue for around 30 seconds as it is full on action. Additionally the director uses cleaver cinematography as he uses refelection in this scene, refelection is used on the guys glasses. This is a grat technique that can be used in our production. The clip has fast pace cuts and the sound is parallel also non diegetic and diegetic sound is used, this is to create the atmosphere full with suspense. The typical cnventions used are the leather coat worn by Al Pacino, also the setting is conventional as it is a bar. This is where most deals take place also a place of relaxation.

Jas's Reservoir Dogs Research




Reservoir Dogs is the 1992 debut feature film of director Quentin Tarantino. It incorporates many of the themes and aesthetics that have become Tarantino's hallmarks — violent crime, pop culture references, memorable dialogue, and nonlinear stories.

The film is tarheted at 18-30 year olds as the film especilly this ear scene caontains sidistic violence and black humor; Mr Blonde makes a joke out of cutting the cops ear off. The film can be seen on any mainstream channel, however i feel that the channel 4 family are more likely to broadcast the film, (film four) or even itv2. the time would most probably be afetr 9pm as this is when over 18 programmes are broadcasted.

The distinctive camerwork this clip has are the quick cuts from Mr Blonde to cop and also the tracking shot used when Mr Blonde goes out of the wharehouse to get petrol. The sound used is parallel as the song is about someone who is scared and cautious. The setting is a wharehouse which connotes an "unhomey" feeling also a secret hide out, (once again) the "gangster den". these are the tyoical conventions the setting also the attire is stereotypical as they are all wearing suits as a way to be noticble amongst each other. the key elements that we could use from this practicle production are the tracking shot, also if we are using flashbacks i hope that i can get a scene similar to this, (blowtorch scene). I can therefore learn from the actor.

Goodfellas Research

1] About the text

The text is a clip from the film Goodfellas, produced in 1990. It was directed by Martin Scorsese.

The target audience would be 18-30 year old males of a working/middle class background. This can be identified as many males of that age range watch Gangster films. Additionally, actors ‘Robert Di Nero’ and ‘Joe Pesci’ are traditionally featured in many gangster films, which would mean they are easily identifiable, by their target audience. Also, both actors feature in many ‘Martin Scorsese’ films, which would appeal to their audience.

Goodfella’s would be shown on many TV channels, although perhaps Channel 4 would be most likely. It would have to be shown after the 9pm watershed as many channels have viewing policies and obligations to abide by.


2] Different features it has

The most distinctive camerawork within ‘Goodfellas’ would be the 3 minute continuous tracking shot where the camera follows Ray Liotta and Karen Hill (?) into the back of a restaurant to their table whilst Ray Liotta tips many staff members. The reason behind this shot being so successful is where there are no edits, the shot is continuous and clean. Diegetic sound is used where music and other sounds come from within the kitchen and restaurant itself.

Many of the male characters have sleek combed hair, which is a typical convention of the Gangster film genre, which can also be seen in other Gangster/Crime films such as Casino and Reservoir Dogs. Additionally, almost every male character wears a suit if not always a shirt, which is another convention, used. Ray Liotta hands ‘tips’ to the staff members, which is also known to be used.

We intend to use a tracking shot, which is a mix of two tracking shots used in Goodfellas. The first is the most famous, where we would follow ‘The Rose Mob’ into the restaurant and move around characters whilst they sit down and begin to socialize. Continuing from this same shot, we would then go to the 5 key members and begin to speak about them, this shot is similar to the shot used in Goodfellas where the camera moves around a nightclub, accompanied by Ray Liotta’s voiceover that identifies the members of the gang.

- Deep

Lock Stock Research (Kabir + Aman)

Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, 1998, Guy Ritchie is a British production which makes it very closely related to our planned production. this particular scene shows Vinnie Jones terrorising another character while he is in a tanning booth, immediately it comes to ones mind that this is a black comedy, which takes seemingly life threatening issues and twists them to make it sinister and somewhat paaletable to the audience. i belive this is a more than successful aspect of the movie and i feel that it would be wise to consider some humour reminiscant to the one in this clip for our production. moreover, i feel that the combined use of point of view shots with high angles are critical. the man in the booth is shown looking up at Vinnie and therefore vinnie looks emensely more powerful to the audience, this is another aspect that can be put in to our production because as in any gangster films, power is always central to any occurances. the cut to white is also a very good shot as the it is quite shocking and catches the audience of guard therefore forcing the attention of the audience. this is very good for a movie of this sort because any production strives for one common thing which is engrossing the audience to the fullest.

- Kabir

1. About the text...
The text is a clip from Guy Ritchie's British Gangster film 'Lock Stock n Two Smoking Barrels', produced in 1998. It is aimed at 18 - 30 year olds primarly because of it's combination of adult themes and explicit violence. With the possible exception of BBC, this film can be expected to be seen on any channel playing mainstream films.

2. Different features it has...
The most distinct shot used in this clip is the point-of-view shot which switches from the perspective of the abused and abuser. The long leather jacket worn, accompanied by the cockney accent is a typical convention of the gritty natured British Gangster films. As we are planning to have a torture influenced scene as one of our flashbacks, we will undoubtedly be using the POV shot as it enables the audience to successfuly identitfy with both characters involved.

- Aman

Goodfellas Analysis (Kabir)

Goodfellas,1990,directed by Martin Scorsese is undoubtedly one of the epics in the genre of gangster movies. this particular movie was targeted at 21-30 year old adult males. i have said this as the certificate and content very much suggest adult issues as well as manly behaviour. in this particular scene, Ray Liotta is shown being wary of police patrolling and searching for him in the form of a helicopter. i was intrigued by this scene very much becuase of the use of point of view, shot/reverse shots. i am definately interested in incorporating these aspects into our text. i feel that this was used cleverly to show the hurried behaviour and edgy feel to the character, as well as this it suits the fact that the character is under the influence of drugs. as well as this the use of diegetic sound is very well placed in order for the scene to seem more real and yet still let the music be a successful accompaniment for the scene.

Kabir

Goodfellas Research (Jas)

Jas's research

1. About the text...

What is the text? When was it produced? Who produced/directed it?
this is a clip from Goodfellas which was directed by Martin Scorsese and distributed in the 1990's.

Who is the target audience? How do you know?

the target audience for the Goodfellas would be mostly males from a middleclass and working class backgorund. the reason for this is, the gangster genre was and still is a lhuge hit with the audience. the middle class audiences would watch the film because of the director Martin Scorsese, however the working class would watch the film because of famous actors they idolise.

Where would you usually expect to see this text? What channel? Time? etc.

i would expect to see this film on tv, on film 4 as channel distributes classic films such as scareface or the usual suspects and Goodfellas. iwould expect that this film would start on at 9 pm or 11pm on a thursday as this is when the sopranos are shown on e4, this is a recognised day for channel 4 families gangster night.

2. Different features it has...

What is distinctive about its camerawork, editing, sound, mise-en-scene, etc.?

the most distinctive thing about the film is the 3 miniute tracking shot which is amazing, as the cost for this shot would've been sky high. this id the clip i have chosen from Goodfellas, it uses no editing like fades or cuts " sometimes the least amount of editing could make the film and scene unique". the sound is parallel to this scene as they are in a restaurant. this restaurtant is like the entertainment area for the gangsters, "the gangster den".

What typical conventions of its genre does it use?

the typical conventions the this film uses for its genre are that the characters are wearing clean sharp italian suits, with an american accent. this indicates where the americans are from, giving the audience the idea that the characters areliving the "amrican dream". the other typical convention i when the gangster ray liotta is goving big tips to doorman and the restaurant workers, this shows that he is a "big shot. additionally the "greasey" oiled hair suggest that they are typical gangsters.

What elements could you appropriate (borrow) for your production?

the elements that we could appropriate from th efilm and the scene is the tracking shot as this is hardly used in films and neither have we used this type of shopt. however this shot may be difficult to shot but we are prepared and willing to put the time and effort into the shoot.

Kabir's Project Outline

With this project we strived to take the seemingly cliche genre of gangster movie and add an original and authentic twist. It occurred to us that a full narrative may not work well with the time span we are working with and therefore opted to just create a more elaborate opening scene. We feel that we can make our production very professional looking and set this production apart from previous ones. The narrative is simply one that depicts the demise of a london based mob due to the members within it. The opening seen will be showing the most powerful member being killed and the rest of the movie will follow the story behind the killing. we hope to introduce fresh new camera techniques and use a clever use of sound to create a dynamic piece of work.

Kabir

Practical Production Research (Aman)

1. About the text...

What is the text? When was it produced? Who produced/directed it?
The text is a clip from the film 'The Usual Suspects'. It was directed by Bryan Singer and released in 1995.

Who is the target audience? How do you know?
The target audience is middle/working class middle-aged men. This is because: all the main characters in the film are males; it is set in an 'every-day' location; 'every-day' clothing is worn; the film has a very complex storyline which teenagers in particular would not find appealing.

Where would you usually expect to see this text? What channel? Time? etc.
When released, in a cinema. Now on DVDs and any channel really which plays movies. Shown after 9 due to it's 18 certified rating.

2. Different features it has...

What is distinctive about its camerawork, editing, sound, mise-en-scene, etc.?
(Mise-en-scene) What is supposed to be a serious scene is made out to be comical as a result of the characters' approach to the scenario. Each character is dressed moderately average. High key lighting is used. (Sound) Diegetic sound used in the form of dialogue, non-diegetic sound used in the form of the voice-over. A long shot is used when showing all the individuals. A close up is used when showing one individual. Straight cuts are used.

What typical conventions of its genre does it use?
In this particular clip, the setting - A police station.

What elements could you appropriate (borrow) for your production?
The long shot which shows the group as a whole. The close-ups when concentrating on one individual. The voice-over which will aid narrating the scene.

Jas's Outline of the project

Jas's outline of the project

The films opening scene (plot) is about the demise of the once most notorious Mob boss (me) “Big Man Rose” to exist in London. We have decided to leave the ending of the opening scene to the film “The Rose Mob” a cliffhanger is it will create authenticity and an enigma, making the audience curious and left with wanting more.

Aman has completed with the script everyone had an input to the script whether some things should be changed or left alone. The final script is made and everyone is satisfied with the script and their character roles in the film.

We decided to research on British film so that we can use keep and use that authenticity of British moving picture has. Having studied “Bullet Boy” (2004) and researching movies such as “Snatch” (2000), “Lock Stock…” (1998) which contain a gangster genre. additionally we admire the shots used in "A Touch Of Evil" and "Goodfellas"; we intend to use a tracking shot like in these to films.

I've got a camera but we need to conevert the clips format to make it comaptible wih adobe "a long process", after that we will be able to shoot whenever we want to. In the following week we will try to look for a venue at a restsaurant and get some props from camden.

The Rose Mob.. What Is It?

The Rose Mob is set in fictional present day London. It is the most notorious British mob in existance which is responsible for many of the underground dealings, from drug smuggling to political bribery going on in London. Whether you're a politician, a police officer, a gangster or just generally an innocent citizen on the street, everyone fears the mob. They know anyone who chooses to rebel will get whacked.

At the top of the heirarchy which exists in the Mob is 'Big Man Rose'. Creator of the mob, he is arguably the most powerful man in London. Then there is 'The Baptist', Rose's right hand man. He carries the responsiblilty of collecting debts for the boss and participates in only the very special cases concerning outsiders. Below these two men come a group of individuals all equally as powerful as each other. There's 'Big P', otherwise known as 'The Priest'. He controls all drug smuggling, weapons importation and the black market ring in London. There's also 'Whiskey', commonly referred to as the 'assassin' of the mob who carries out hits for the boss. 'The Chef' is as his name says, a chef. Outside of the kitchen, he controls the prostitution ring in London. Below them lies the rest of the mob, individuals who give the mob it's name and reputation.

Whilst it has enjoyed a successful decade of undisputed power, the mob is beginning to experience corruption, deceit and betrayal within it's own ranks.

-

The last bit is what forms the basis of the storyline. We'll reveal the actual plot if necessary at a later stage. Research needs to be posted up first.

Aman

Aman's Words of Wisdom

Outline of Production:

We're producing the opening scene to a British gangster film. The scene will serve to introduce both the origin of the storyline and the relevant characters to the audience. It will be set in a restaurant with a limited number of shots being used (we hope). This is because the scene will be filmed on the basis of a tracking shot, a technique we studied and admired most notably in the films 'Goodfellas' and 'A Touch of Evil'. The scene will be narrated using a voice over. Whether we will use diegetic or non-diegetic sound in the form of music will be decided when filming.

Current status:

I've completed the script and I'm pretty satisfied with it. =) A lot of the ideas for the script originated from films such as 'Goodfellas' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrells'. While people may argue we're not being original, the storyline hasn't been copied and more importantly, if we're gonna' produce a film under the 'gangster' genre, we have to stick to conventions.

We're using Jas's HD Camera, so we're free to start filming whenever really. We're hoping to have filmed at least one of the flashbacks which will take place in the opening scene by the end of the week. Unfortunately, we're still looking for a restaurant to film in; every one seems to be asking for money! If worse comes to worst, we might have to find some sort of an alternative location to film the scene.

Peace,
Aman

Outline of our production

Our production is a short film based on British Gangsters. The proposed title for our production is 'The Rose Mob'. We have decided to do the beginning of a film. We will focus on 'The Rose Mob' itself and each key member where we will show their personality and how they fit into the mob.

At the moment, we have a script although some alternations need to be made as we've decided to add a few more scenes as we feel that it may be too short.

We've been watching a lot of films and have gathered various ideas. For example, ‘Reservoir Dogs’, 'Goodfellas' and ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ have all given us inspiration, although I don't want to mention what we're going to include. We've also looked at 10 different scripts for ideas and inspiration.

Next week, we'll receive the camera, and all other equipment. Once we've added and changed a few things within the script we’ll have to begin to storyboard the entire film. Once we have planned each scene, we will begin to shoot over the next weekend.


-Deep