Influences- exploring media representations of horses

I created this video as I explored common media representations of horses. These will influence our creation of characters and a storyline.

Looking at common representations to influence storyline decisions

As a group we have decided we will be creating an opening title sequence of an animal genre- specifically horses.  I will now look at common media representations of horses to influence my storyline and characters.

Genre specific moodboard- animals-horses

Genre specific moodboard- animals-dogs

Genre influences- possible shots and recreating them-horses

 

I found this picture of horses cantering as a herd.

This is a photo I took to recreate it.

 

I liked the shot of two horses jumping at the same time. 

This is my version.

I really like the idea of having a shot in my opening title sequence where the horse looks into the camera. This is a picture I found of that.

This was quite difficult and this photo was taken on a camera-phone.

A clip of a horse being cantered/galloped in fields is a good shot to have in an opening title sequence about horses.

This is a photo I took to recreate this.

Influences

In the opening title sequence of The Avengers I like the way the audience are introduced to the genre through a variety of close up/extreme close ups of costume/character. I could do this in my title sequence, so if it was about horses I could have a close up of a saddle or bridle for example.

The use of establishing shots in The Shining helps to set the scene. Because I am creating a scene about dogs or horses some filming is likely to be outdoors, so I will be using establishing shots.

I like how creative the titles are in Napoleon Dynamite. I will certainly look at more creative ways of presenting my titles in my opening sequence.

 

 The use of close ups on the characters shoes in the opening titles of Forrest Gump (1994) tell the audience they are significant to the storyline. I like the idea of using close ups to portray different characters/ props significance to the storyline in my opening title sequence.

 

 The use of sound effects in The Mighty Celt is effective as they portray the dogs emotion, with the canine actor unable to do such on command. With myself filming either dogs and horses (or both) recording their noises will be key to the production of my film.

 I like how in the opening titles of Black Beauty we have a shot not only showing a horse but a main character and the landscape. This is the type of shot I'd like to include in my opening title sequence.

Influences- opening title sequence analysis (dog film)

What I liked about this opening title sequence...

Sound

- There was use of sound effects of whining dogs when they were supposed to be acting distressed. If I decide to use dogs in my film; recording dogs barking and whining will be something I must consider. This is because animal actors may not be able to do this on command.

Editing

-Good use of shot-reverse-shot and match on action. These basic editing techniques should be evident in my opening title sequence too.

Cinematography

- There were several different establishing shots which helped to set the scene. In almost every opening title sequence I have analysed these shots have appeared. They should be something I include in my  2-minute-clip

- The use of close ups on the dog and main character tell us that they will be significant in the film. I should consider this in my production.

Mise en scene

- The dogs are wearing muzzles. This could suggest they're dangerous or defenseless. When using props in my film I should look at their connotations and what they may suggest before including them. 

The Placing of Titles

- This film had several production companies involved. With my group only being 2 people, our titles themselves will be a lot shorter as we have less people to credit. We should consider producing a company logo and crediting actors.