To enhance our knowledge of film openings, and to understand the work that goes into making them, we decided to try and re-make an existing, high budget film opening. We were given the option of many different film openings from a variety of genres. In the end we chose to re-create the opening to the horror movie, 'The Shining'.
Below is the opening sequence to 'The Shining':
We were given one lesson to film it, and we could only use the school grounds, so we knew it was a bit ambitious and it would probably not look very realistic due to the fact we have no mountains and lakes in school, but we wanted to challenge ourselves, and we thought this would help us bond as a team.
We started by watching 'The Shining' opening a few times for inspiration, as we watched it, we made a shot list on Microsoft Excel, of all the shots that are used in the opening. we then discussed how we could re-make these shots and what is in the scenery of each of these shots, on the school grounds and with resources we could get hold of. Our shot list consisted of, the shot type, where the shot we be taken and what would be included within the shot. When it came to film our piece, this shot list was a great help to the group and prevented us from getting confused during and between each shot, it guided us and made the filming process run smoothly.
We then decided on what props we could use to re-create the forest scenes, lakes, mountains and the car in the original opening. We used broccoli for trees, a puddle for the lake, pictures of mountains, a toy car and gaffa tape for the road, we had to be quite inventive! Once we knew what we would be using, we went on to create the storyboard for our opening, we used our shot list, and the real opening to determine what should be in the framing of each shot. We worked together, and between us came up with how to incorporate our props in each shot we had on our list. Once we had a finished storyboard, it became very clear how our filming would plan out, and with this and the shot list we were more than prepared to start filming.
Overall doing this task allowed us to work together and learn more about film openings. We learnt that it is a long process to create an impressive film opening, and that planning is vital because without it, it is easy to lose track of what is happening and what is coming next. It also enhanced our knowledge of the cameras and how to get good shots. This exercise will help us when we come to create our own film opening, as we now know the amount of work and time that needs to be put into it, and we have learnt new skills by using the camera.
Below is our re-make:
-Amy Bowman
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