SEMIOTICS

What is semiotics? What did I learn in the Roland Barthes Media Theory Semiotics Analysis video?
It is the study of the meaning of signs and the way in which we understand our surroundings. It is all about understanding signs and deciphering their meaning and why a certain producer decided to use them within their work.

Definitions:
Signs: something from which we can infer meaning.
Signifier: symbols, colours, camera angles.
Denotation: literal meaning of signs
Connotation: signified/associated meaning of signs 
(these are the two types of meaning which come from signs)
All signs create and construct certain representations for audiences and determine the influence it has upon them. Roland Barthes believes that a sign can become a myth when it is used consistently. He uses the example of bulldogs; they are a trusted sign which symbolises Britain and importantly Winston Churchill. Naturalism is the process of the establishment of myths which changes the general thoughts of a society through the use of repetitive signs.
There are 4 categories of signs we look for in film. These we have already looked at. All 4 categories together create meaning in a film:
1.   Mise en Scene: everything within the scene (set, costume, hair, makeup)
2.      Sound: music, sound effects, voice, tone and even a lack of sound all convey meaning.
3.     Camerawork: framing, composition, angles, movement
4.     editing: use of sequencing, cutting (moving from one shot to another)
Our ideology, culture and background have a massive impact upon how we receive text and understanding meaning. Signs can have many different meanings therefore to different people (polysemic) so viewers will understand information in contrasting ways.  

What are some examples?
Signs in still images:
The apple logo. The technology company’s logo may be denoted by its literal meaning in the sense of the word of just a bite taken out of a big apple. Although many people would actually associate this as imagery of the multinational company which satisfies our needs every day through the use of electronics. This is therefore connotation - what the logo means to its viewers.

 
Signs in moving image:
Although the most common way to receive and understand meaning from texts is language, audiences can use other signs in order to understand the narrative. I watched a video which presented this point through the film ‘Terror for Tokyo’ which is spoken in Japanese language and therefore forces audiences to pick up meaning through different signs. As mentioned previously, editing, mise-en-scene, sound and camerawork all work together to signal signs in order to explain the plot. Editing is key as it creates meaning through motivated edits which carry the plot along by cutting from one shot to another. Extended shots are used to create suspense and anticipation for the audience. This is accompanied by narrow corridors and dirty walls (mise-en-scene) and different angles such as fish-eye shots and wide-shots are used to highlight how petite and vulnerable the young girl is in this claustrophobic environment which therefore strengthens the tension and panic within the scene. Although an English speaker may not understand the meaning of the words spoken, an audience can understand meaning through tone held in voices; in this case it is danger and complete fear. 

DISTRIBUTION COLLAGE

 

PLANNING: CHARACTER, SOCIAL GROUPS AND STEROTYPES

 

Pinterest board.
I made a Pinterest board to develop a character profile for my protagonist. These pins present the stereotype of our protagonist in our film opening. These connote her secondary school age, her current situation (school) and the style which she wears. This therefore allows my group to understand our audience profile; most likely young individuals just like our protagonist. 

AUDIENCE THEORY

 

Audience theory from LauraSouter1

PLANNING: TARGET AUDIENCE

 
1. Who is my primary target audience? 

My primary target audience ages 15-35 because these are ages I believe that will enjoy thrilling and horrific scenes and perhaps older generations would enjoy this less. This is not a family film as it includes distressing scenes and themes and therefore is not appropriate for younger individuals. 

2. What kind of films and television are they likely to prefer?

Most likely they will prefer to watch thriller, horror or drama production. These genres are relevant to our film because it fits into these genres. They will enjoy films such as 'Scream' and 'It' which is a psychological horror, and TV programmes which are similar to the Netflix Original 'You' which involves the theme of stalking and following, such as what we are portraying in our film. 

 3. What platforms do they choose to watch films and where are they likely to see information about films

Most likely my target audience will use Netflix to watch content or perhaps Amazon Prime. I believe this age group is more likely to use monthly subscription with streaming service instead of watching films/tv live, such as older people probably would. They will find their information most likely from Instagram adverts or physical adverts found on places such as busses and at train stations. 

4. what brands do they prefer?

I think that the target audience will prefer younger clothing brands such as Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Zara. Secondly, they will prefer apple to other brands such as Microsoft and I believe will be very involved with their social media. I envision that the audience will use apps such as Uber for transport and public transport. Although our interpretation is hightened by the horror genre, the film also explores current issues such as death and mourning which can be relatable for audiences. 

5. What makes my film stand out from the competition and why should they watch it?

Original idea:

My film stands out because it is very modern, including the fairly new app of Uber which creates a horrific take on what could go wrong when traveling with strangers. 

New idea:

 My films stands out because it has an emotive angle of a poor teenage girl mourning the death of her beloved sister. This is accompanied by the horrific style of a ghost who is lurking in the darkness, haunting the protagonist. My audience should watch my film to be scared and thrilled by the drama and the action taking place. 

PLANNING: AUDIENCE PROFILE

 

FILM TREATMENT AND PLANNING THE SCRIPT

CYNIC

Film name: CYNIC

For our film we considered different storylines that could be used. At first we explored using the concept of a 'stalker.' We then decided to explore more of the aspect of the paranormal and spirits. We adapted our idea, to still fit our theme of horror. 

Our film will be based around a young girl, Mary, and her experiences with paranormal activity.

 

Her sister died a few years previously, her death was unclear but just before she died the two girls had an argument. Emilia did not seem herself; this frightened Mary. A few days later, Emilia’s body was found in the local woods. 

 

Mary attempts to contact her sister, Emilia, who died, through the use of a Ouija board. However, she uses the board on her own and it breaks. She thinks she was unable to contact her sister and is now aware of the fact that she has contacted a spirit. 

 

Mary hears voices constantly; they do not leave her alone. Eventually she realises that the spirit is her sister, except the sister is evil; corruptive and wants to take her sister’s soul in order to live again. The spirit visits Mary by her bedside, where she awaits her fate. 

The history of the Ouija board 

The ouija board was first advertised in 1891. It was originally a toy created in Pittsburg and the adverts appeared in local newspapers. It was advertised as a 'Ouija, the wonderful talking board.' It was described as being able to answer questions about the 'past, present and future with marvellous accuracy.' It even had a novelty shop for the magical toy and it supposedly promised 'never-failing amusement and recreation for all the classes.' The board is similar to what is sold in stores today. The board is flat and letters of the alphabet are arranged in two semi-circle shapes. Above the letters; 9 and 0, the words 'NO' and 'YES' are displayed. 'GOODBYE' is written at the bottom of the board and the board also contains a planchette. A planchette is a tear-drop shaped device which can be used to manoeuvre around the board. To play the game two people are meant to sit at opposite ends of the board. They would then propose a question to the board and with their hands on the planchette they would look dumbfound as it appears to move across the board, letter by letter, as if by magic. It is supposedly dangerous to play a Ouija board on your own. 

CONSTRUCTION: PLANNING THE SCRIPT

•  home footage - dialogue over the top/ eerie music
• LOCATION 1: fade out 
• flash-forward to graveyard; girl standing at grave 
• flash backs - two girls arguing - sisters 
• voice over - "My sister Emilia died a year ago today. No one knows how or why, all I know is that something weird happened. Something that can't be described, paranormal perhaps. Yet it is all so inexplicable. I would do anything to see her again." 
• LOCATION 2: conversation with friend - I know a way you can contact your sister .... but don't do it alone ... she hands Mary a Ouija board ... she doesn't believe it but she takes it anyways 
• LOCATION 3: Mary goes to the woods running, listening to music but then finds the Ouija board on a bench/ground and decides to do it despite refusing beforehand.
• there is silence. her face looks disappointed/confused. audience may expect something to happen here but it doesn't.
• LOCATION 4: at home - the door opens which wakes her up and the cat is standing in the doorway. "oh its just the cat" (relief). 
• when she turns around the Ouija board is lying on her bed. (music gets louder and louder)
• split screen - friend: "Mary its so late why are you calling". Mary: "This isn't funny why did you put this in my bed". Phone hangs up.
• she tries to turn the light on but it doesn't turn on. she hides under her bed (sounds of doors slamming, cat screaming)
• when she comes out of covers Emilia is standing over her bed.

THE END.