The introduction to the film Toy Story (1995) contains nearly everything needed. The music in the background introduces the film as a 'Buddy' movie. "You've got a friend in me," happily sings throughout. The music is upbeat and jolly; a tone that brings a heartwarming feel to the film. This tone is kept throughout the story, which is ideal for a film aimed at younger children.
Aside from the non-diegetic music, performed by Randy Newman, the only two characters who speak are the boy and his mum. The conversation is perky and upbeat- the mother calling happily off-set to the boy to come through and them him cheering happily after he goes through. As the music also suggested, this cheerful tone is kept throughout the film.
The very beginning of the film has Andy, the child, playing with Woody, his toy. The mood is happy. The lighting in the room is also very bright and, when coupled with the music, this implies that the scene will be an extremely happy one.
Planning
Children's films consist of many elements. There are many of these elements; ranging from a happy ending to a jolly sing-song. Obviously, a film aimed solely at children under the age of about 7 won't be particularly plot heavy for fear of confusing a small child - if its target audience doesn't even understand what's going on, the film will not appeal to anyone.
The opening of a film, it could be argued, is the most important part. Many people can decide whether they want to watch a whole movie or not within the first five minutes of watching. As with children's films in general, an opening has many elements to it that are usually all included. These are:
The opening of a film, it could be argued, is the most important part. Many people can decide whether they want to watch a whole movie or not within the first five minutes of watching. As with children's films in general, an opening has many elements to it that are usually all included. These are:
- introduce the plot without revealing an ending
- introduce the main characters
- establish the genre
- introduce production companies/main crew
- introduce the names of headline or lead actors
- reveal the name of the film
- set the tone of the film
- often includes music which helps to set the tone
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Preliminary Task - Shot List
Establishing shot
Close up
Match - on - action
Extreme closeup
POV shot
POV again shot
Reaction shot
Long shot
Over the Shoulder
Filming conversation
Extreme close up
Long shot
Close up
Match - on - action
Extreme closeup
POV shot
POV again shot
Reaction shot
Long shot
Over the Shoulder
Filming conversation
Extreme close up
Long shot