research

We did some research into the prices of play-doh. We chose to get a variety of bright colours which is what   children like to see.

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ideas

WE came to an agreement that we wanted to use IStop motion because we think children will find it more interesting. We decided to use plasticine because none of use can draw good pictures to keep the children interested and we thought using real people as actors would take too long.

These are some videos we researched:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpWM0FNPZSs

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

Previous students work analysis

We watched several clips of previous students children's film openings and we noticed a few things that were wrong with them. Firstly we thought they were generally quite boring and some seemed so unrealistic that the target audience would get very bored. The clips lacked lots of colour which is one of the main attractions for children at a first glimpse of a film opening. Also in some of the music it seemed too mature and boring for the target audience. From this we have gathered that our clip must be colourful, loud and energetic and have a better narrative from the beginning to ensure that the viewers are satisfied and can sustain a good level of interest.

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Why do PG?

We have decided to do a PG as we thought there is more ideas and themes we can follow and less restrictions. This will make it easier for us to come up with an interesting storyline and we are more likely to know what the target audience prefer as we are closer to that age group. We decided not to do a U rated film as it would limit lots of our ideas and we would have to be very careful not to push the boundaries of a PG.

A Bugs Life U

There is a simple storyline throughout the film which is the reason the film is rated a U. There is mild discrimination between 2 species of insect and a hint of bullying. This could be questioned as U films should not contain any discrimination. There are not any sexual references or drugs and the content is very easy for children to follow alone without any guidance.

High School Musical PG

High school musical is a PG film. Discrimination is used in the film to suggest that boys should not act or sing but only play sport. This is resolved in the end when everyone realises its not fair to discriminate against different kinds of people. There are more adult themes shown throughout the film. For example the ongoing love situation between 3 characters, Troy, Sharpay and Gabriella. There is no references to drugs or violence but some sexual references are hinted.

U Criteria

U stands for Universal and is suitable for any viewer over the age of 5. It must have a positive moral framework and offer reassuring counterbalances to any threat. It is suitable for children to view alone and cant contain any bad language, drugs, discrimination and sex/sexual references.

PG Criteria

PG stands for parental guidance. It is suitable for 8 years old and over. It is the parents responsibility to decide if the children can handle to content of the film. Discrimination may be used but only for educational purpose. Drugs can be discussed but not seen. There can be horror but it must be short and not intense. It can contain mild bad language. The themes can be more grown up than a U and education is key.

opening sequence conventions

Credits-The credits in children's film openings help give a feel and should be bright and colourful to keep them interested.

Sound-The sound is usually and should be happy, vibrant and up beat music. This creates a nice atmosphere for the film opening.

Setting-The setting should be established through an establishing shot to set the scene and give the audience as feel of where the film is going to be mainly based around.

Characters-The characters must be introduced early on so the viewers can gain a feel for them and get to to know their personalities.

Colours-The colours should be bright and attractive to keep the audience entertained and make them feel like they are going to be seeing a happy children's film.

Themes-The themes should be established straight away so we get to know the genre and purpose of the film and whats going to happen.

Monsters vs aliens sci fi notes

The film is a children's science-fiction. We know this through many things. First of all, the title states the main theme of the film which is the battle between the monsters and the aliens. Comedy is added to reduce the scare factor as the target audience is children. The appearance of the characters helps this as they are all brightly coloured, their shape is abnormal and they have human characteristics. The animation decreases the scare factor as well as the children are well aware that this is not realistic. As its sci fi the use of strange and weird creatures excited the children viewers as when you are younger you are more interested in these things.

monsters inc. fantasy genre notes

Straight from the beginning there was happy and up beat jazz music which helps to keep the viewers interested The credits were arranged in a fun way with a strange font. As they were very colourful and bright it attracted the target audience and also helped keep them entertained. There was an introduction of characters which gets the viewers immediately engaged in the film. The use of suspense from the supposed to be scary monsters is discarded with humour so the children don't get to scared and gives us a mix of fantasy and comedy. The theme and narrative are told to use at the beginning and lays out the storyline and lets us know what to expect from the monsters trying to catch the scream.

Jingle All The Way - Action

"Jingle All The Way" (1996) - Genre : Children's Action/Comedy.

Cinematography.
There are a massive range of shots used to represent lots of different situations. For example, there are reaction shots and close-ups to see the characters feelings and emotions towards one another.

Editing.
The credits are in a "superhero" theme. Tranisitions are used to introduce the credits which is an interesting way for the credits to appear. The bright colours are aimed directly at the target audience which is children. This keeps them attached and focused on the film.

Mise-en-scene.
The character which is played by Arnold Schwarzenegger is dressed in very dark and dull clothing. This is to make him seem boring and almost like a "villain" to the audience.

Sound.
There is lots of diagetic sound in the opening to the film. For example, there is clapping, phone calls and music which is being played in the shop. This music also helps us to gain an atmosphere and keep the viewer focused. As the audience is children, the music is quite cheerful and merry which will keep them excited and make them want to watch on.

Animation.
In the opening of the film, an animatronic is used to represent the Turboman character. Apart from that, no other animation techniques are used.

Jumanji - Adventure

Editing In Jumanji


The editing in Jumanji mainly consisted of plain cuts to help give the opening scenes some rhythm and to keep it flowing rather than waiting for fades etc. The use of linear editing helps us to keep track of time and space. The sound of the beating of the drum helps us to understand where and when the board game is near. A jump shot is used when the character Alan Parrish is being beaten up by the other boys.

Favourite Children's Film - Conventions

The film we chose as our favourite children's film is Toy Story (1995).  The film meets the conventions of a children's film opening as it sets the scene of Andy's bedroom, the home of the toys. We also see the introduction of the characters, most recognisably Woody. The genre is established straight away as a children's animated film. The colours are all bright which help to keep the younger viewers interested. There is quite happy music in the opening first 2 minutes of the movie