Opening Scene Narration
Within the first frame of the sequence, we show show the display of the main setting where the sequence is going to be set which is a dark, isolated forest. This will help give the audience a brief introduction of where the sequence is being set however this will only last a few seconds. There is no iconography being displayed as we want to give the audience a focus of the setting so that they can start to engage within the film more. Furthermore, because of this focus on the shot there will be no costume and hair&make-up because there are no characters in the scene yet. Also, because of the characters not being in the shot yet there cannot be any facial expressions and body language being in the frame yet. However, the lighting and colour of the frame will be low-key and mysteriously dark. In addition the positioning of the characters would be unseen as there are no characters within the scene. The only thing that can be displayed within the frame is the setting of the sequence, and we would have this within the center of the frame so that all the focus is on the setting. With regards to editing, it would be a slow editing being used over the panning of the forest to build up the suspense within the atmosphere. We included a non diegetic nature sound on top of a non diegetic haunted sound effect to start building the suspense.
After this frame is displayed, we show a high angle of the characters walking into the forests that the audience can have a clear introduction to the characters based on their appearance. The characters would be walking into the forest as a group and having a conversation amungst themselves. The audience at first will not be able to have the ability to hear what the characters say as the frame would still have the continuation of the music from the previous frame being played. After a few seconds, the music will fade away so that the audience can hear the character speak which will then determine the type of relationship that is being built. However, the non diegetic music will still be lightly played but won't be loud enough for the focus to be on it as we want the audience to hear what the characters are saying so that they have the ability to build a relationship with the audience. The iconography within the frame would be Bella (dog) who will be walking with the characters and the audience will have a clear display of this. With regards to their appearance such as costume, hair and make-up it would be kept casual and all characters would be based on the same level of appearance so that no characters stand out and steal the focus from each other. The lighting&colour of the frame would be slightly brighter than the previous scene as the mood of this frame would need a more positive atmosphere so the bright colours would make it more positive and help the audience build a better relationship with the characters as there would be no sign of negativity within the frame however it will still be kept at low-key. All the characters will have a similar facial expression and body language so that they are all seen the same from the audience's perspective, they would all have a modern body language as the scenario is the characters taking a forest walk with one of the characters group. They would have happy, positive facial expressions so that when the sudden shock of the dog disappearing there would be a clear contrast in the facial expressions and this would then help build up the tension and create better relationships between the audience and the characters. The continuation of the previous sound effects will occur over this frame however the use of on screen diegetic sound will be included aswell which would come from the characters conversation. We would use invisible editing at this point as we don't want the audience to suspect anything yet and we intend to build up the atmosphere and tension instead of giving the concept away right at the start so that when all the built up tension is built up it will be more of a shock when it's all revealed.
Next the audience would see is when the characters start a conversation between themselves so that the audience can start to build a basic relationship with each of the characters so the only sounds that the audience can hear is the on screen sound coming from the characters voices. This would give the audience a brief introduction of the characters and would be a starting point to start building the relationships. The setting of this scene would be inside the forest where all the characters are walking together so that there is a clear display of the closeness between the group. The camera shots would be close up's of when each character is speaking so that this enables the audience to be more focused and engaged on what each characters is saying which then gives the ability for the relationship to be better. The characters don't change any clothing, hair or make-up throughout the sequence so there appearance would be the same as before. There would be no iconography being displayed as the dog won't be able to be seen within the frame. The facial expressions and body language of the characters would be kept at a normal level as at this part they are only having a general conversation with each other and no unusual behaviour has occurred. The positioning of the character would be so that only the character that is talking and the character next to the one that is talking will be in the center of the frame while none of the other characters are seen. We would use a shot reverse shot editing technique to display a clear conversation. We have chosen to include the shot reverse shot editing technique at this point as the conversation that is being taken place is containing different people in the frame each time so this technique would be more convenient as it would give the audience a better understanding and help them to engage more within the sequence. Again, we would have a on screen diegetic sound from where the characters are talking to each other and we would include a faded nature sound behind this to keep the realism.
Once this is shown, we then move on to show the characters playing with Bella (dog) by playing catch with her using sticks. The setting here is further within the forest and the audience will be able to identify this as they can now see how isolated the area is. The iconography being used here would be Bella and the stick that is being thrown for her. Again as said previously, the appearance of the characters does not change throughout with regards to costume, hair and make-u so they are displayed the same as before. Their facial expressions and body language would be playful and happy as they are now bonding with the dog. The lighting and colour would be low-key however still have a small amount of brightness as we want there to be a clear contrast when it changes. The positioning of the characters would be that they are are closely together each taking turns to throw the stick for Bella and that they are all positioned closer to the edge of the frame so that the audience can see where Bella is running to aswell. The sounds being used would be the non diegetic nature in the background, overlapped with Bella barking occasionally and the characters mumbling in the background. We would use the panning technique to show when Bella is chasing after the stick and when she is returning with it. We would use a slow editing for every time that she disappears and returns. This will occur 3 times.We have decided to use this editing technique because it would help build up the suspense, tension and the mysterious atmosphere as the audience suspect something bad each time it slows down as they think something bad is going to happen to the dog so would help the audience engage more as they want to know whats going to happen.
After this has happened, after the third round that the stick is thrown Bella doesn't return and ends up disappearing. When this moment is recognised by the other characters a non diegetic dark mysterious music suddenly occurs to show a sign of mysterious behaviour. Also we would use a slow editing at this point to build up the tension, The setting at this point would be the same as before. There is no iconography being used at this point as the dog has now disappeared. The characters are all displayed the same as before. This time they body language and their facial expressions show a sudden change to a worried/panic look as they don't know what has happened to Bella. The lighting and colour of this would now be all low-key to emphasise the danger that is occurring within the forest. The positioning of the characters would be that they are all spread over the frame and then we would show a separate frame of the isolation of where the dog is suppose to be returning. We show close ups of the characters facial expressions to show their confusion and panic. We would use the reaction shot editing technique so that the audience have the ability to see the intricate details within the characters facial expression, which would then determine what type of relationship is too be built with that particular character which would then help to the audience engaging more.
Once this occurs, we will show the characters discussing and arranging to split up into pairs and look for Bella in different areas of the forest. We will show separate long shot's of each set of pairs looking for Bella. The setting will stay the same however the area's within the background will change for each pair as they are all looking in different areas. We will play a non diegetic sound of a tense, eery music behind the voice's of the characters shouting for Bella. We will use a fast editing for each of the pairs to build up the tension and intensity. Appearance will not change on any of the characters. There will be no iconography being used at this point of the sequence. The facial expressions and body language will be worried and nervous as the characters don't know what to expect and they are all starting to get scared. The positioning of the characters would be each set of pairs would be in the center of the frame to show the focus on each individual. We will use the combination of panning and long shot to show each set of pairs looking for Bella. At this point, we would use the linking shot editing technique as we show the 2 different sets of search parties taken place as the characters are all in the same scenario and are all thinking the same so that would help us to show the similarities between the sets so we are able to link the two sets.
The sequence never display where Bettie&Kane go after the group split up as we do not show them two searching for Bella. Once we reach the last set of pairs we use a point of view camera to show one of the characters perspective of seeing Bettie crouched down next to Kane who is laying on the ground not moving. The setting is slightly more isolated than the previous ones so this would build a higher level of tension. We will use an off screen sound of the character questioning what Bettie doing and what is going on with the addition of heavy, fast breathing to show the panic. Although this would be the main focused sound, we will also play a parallel scary, tense music which gets louder as the characters get closer to Bettie to build up the tension. We also include the non diegetic sound of the characters walking and crunching on top of the leaves which also contributes to the high level of tension. There is no iconography being used at this point. There is no facial expressions being displayed either as Bettie as her back faced towards the characters who's perspective we are observing. The lighting and colour of this is much more dark and intense than any other scene as this is building up to the point where Bettie reveal's her identity. Bettie's back is faced towards the camera to show that she is hiding herself away from everyone. Her body blocks most of Kane but the audience will be able to see that he is laying on the ground and not moving suggesting that he is dead. Both characters are positioned in the center of the frame so that the attention and focus is immediately on Bettie and Kane. As the characters are getting closer to them the non diegetic music increases and the editing we use is slow so that the intensity rises immediately. At this point we use slow editing to build up the suspense and the tension which would contribute in the audience becoming more engaged as they suspect that Bettie is doing something abnormal and start to create assumptions.
Next the audience would see is when the characters start a conversation between themselves so that the audience can start to build a basic relationship with each of the characters so the only sounds that the audience can hear is the on screen sound coming from the characters voices. This would give the audience a brief introduction of the characters and would be a starting point to start building the relationships. The setting of this scene would be inside the forest where all the characters are walking together so that there is a clear display of the closeness between the group. The camera shots would be close up's of when each character is speaking so that this enables the audience to be more focused and engaged on what each characters is saying which then gives the ability for the relationship to be better. The characters don't change any clothing, hair or make-up throughout the sequence so there appearance would be the same as before. There would be no iconography being displayed as the dog won't be able to be seen within the frame. The facial expressions and body language of the characters would be kept at a normal level as at this part they are only having a general conversation with each other and no unusual behaviour has occurred. The positioning of the character would be so that only the character that is talking and the character next to the one that is talking will be in the center of the frame while none of the other characters are seen. We would use a shot reverse shot editing technique to display a clear conversation. We have chosen to include the shot reverse shot editing technique at this point as the conversation that is being taken place is containing different people in the frame each time so this technique would be more convenient as it would give the audience a better understanding and help them to engage more within the sequence. Again, we would have a on screen diegetic sound from where the characters are talking to each other and we would include a faded nature sound behind this to keep the realism.
Once this is shown, we then move on to show the characters playing with Bella (dog) by playing catch with her using sticks. The setting here is further within the forest and the audience will be able to identify this as they can now see how isolated the area is. The iconography being used here would be Bella and the stick that is being thrown for her. Again as said previously, the appearance of the characters does not change throughout with regards to costume, hair and make-u so they are displayed the same as before. Their facial expressions and body language would be playful and happy as they are now bonding with the dog. The lighting and colour would be low-key however still have a small amount of brightness as we want there to be a clear contrast when it changes. The positioning of the characters would be that they are are closely together each taking turns to throw the stick for Bella and that they are all positioned closer to the edge of the frame so that the audience can see where Bella is running to aswell. The sounds being used would be the non diegetic nature in the background, overlapped with Bella barking occasionally and the characters mumbling in the background. We would use the panning technique to show when Bella is chasing after the stick and when she is returning with it. We would use a slow editing for every time that she disappears and returns. This will occur 3 times.We have decided to use this editing technique because it would help build up the suspense, tension and the mysterious atmosphere as the audience suspect something bad each time it slows down as they think something bad is going to happen to the dog so would help the audience engage more as they want to know whats going to happen.
After this has happened, after the third round that the stick is thrown Bella doesn't return and ends up disappearing. When this moment is recognised by the other characters a non diegetic dark mysterious music suddenly occurs to show a sign of mysterious behaviour. Also we would use a slow editing at this point to build up the tension, The setting at this point would be the same as before. There is no iconography being used at this point as the dog has now disappeared. The characters are all displayed the same as before. This time they body language and their facial expressions show a sudden change to a worried/panic look as they don't know what has happened to Bella. The lighting and colour of this would now be all low-key to emphasise the danger that is occurring within the forest. The positioning of the characters would be that they are all spread over the frame and then we would show a separate frame of the isolation of where the dog is suppose to be returning. We show close ups of the characters facial expressions to show their confusion and panic. We would use the reaction shot editing technique so that the audience have the ability to see the intricate details within the characters facial expression, which would then determine what type of relationship is too be built with that particular character which would then help to the audience engaging more.
Once this occurs, we will show the characters discussing and arranging to split up into pairs and look for Bella in different areas of the forest. We will show separate long shot's of each set of pairs looking for Bella. The setting will stay the same however the area's within the background will change for each pair as they are all looking in different areas. We will play a non diegetic sound of a tense, eery music behind the voice's of the characters shouting for Bella. We will use a fast editing for each of the pairs to build up the tension and intensity. Appearance will not change on any of the characters. There will be no iconography being used at this point of the sequence. The facial expressions and body language will be worried and nervous as the characters don't know what to expect and they are all starting to get scared. The positioning of the characters would be each set of pairs would be in the center of the frame to show the focus on each individual. We will use the combination of panning and long shot to show each set of pairs looking for Bella. At this point, we would use the linking shot editing technique as we show the 2 different sets of search parties taken place as the characters are all in the same scenario and are all thinking the same so that would help us to show the similarities between the sets so we are able to link the two sets.
The sequence never display where Bettie&Kane go after the group split up as we do not show them two searching for Bella. Once we reach the last set of pairs we use a point of view camera to show one of the characters perspective of seeing Bettie crouched down next to Kane who is laying on the ground not moving. The setting is slightly more isolated than the previous ones so this would build a higher level of tension. We will use an off screen sound of the character questioning what Bettie doing and what is going on with the addition of heavy, fast breathing to show the panic. Although this would be the main focused sound, we will also play a parallel scary, tense music which gets louder as the characters get closer to Bettie to build up the tension. We also include the non diegetic sound of the characters walking and crunching on top of the leaves which also contributes to the high level of tension. There is no iconography being used at this point. There is no facial expressions being displayed either as Bettie as her back faced towards the characters who's perspective we are observing. The lighting and colour of this is much more dark and intense than any other scene as this is building up to the point where Bettie reveal's her identity. Bettie's back is faced towards the camera to show that she is hiding herself away from everyone. Her body blocks most of Kane but the audience will be able to see that he is laying on the ground and not moving suggesting that he is dead. Both characters are positioned in the center of the frame so that the attention and focus is immediately on Bettie and Kane. As the characters are getting closer to them the non diegetic music increases and the editing we use is slow so that the intensity rises immediately. At this point we use slow editing to build up the suspense and the tension which would contribute in the audience becoming more engaged as they suspect that Bettie is doing something abnormal and start to create assumptions.
Once the characters get close enough, one of them reaches out their hand to tap Bettie on the shoulder to question her, but before they get the chance to touch her, Bettie sharply turns around with a demonized expression and blood all around her mouth suggesting she has either bitten or eating part of Kane (Cannibal identity). When she turns around a parallel loud screeching noise is played which immediately alerts the audience giving them a sudden shock and surprise. This will be shown as a extreme close up to make her seem more threatening and frightening. Her costume and hair will be kept the same however the make up will change as she will now have blood around her mouth. We will use a fast editing at this point so that it immediately captures the audience and engages them more. Due to the fact that a extreme close up is being shown here we will not have the ability to see any setting or iconography within the frame. The lighting and colour will still continue to be low key as the dark colours represent death. Her face will fill the frame so that she would now be the main focus. We would use a fast editing so that it is more sudden and will be a bigger shock to the audience which would then determine the relationship that is to be built with Bettie as they will now be aware of her identity and will fear her.
Once her identity is revealed, the two characters that discovered this would have a close up of their face to show the pure terror that they are feeling and so that the audience can have a clear focus on their expressions of them screaming so that this would help the relationship that is being built with them as the audience will start to feel sympathy for them. Their body language would display them feeling scared and nervous as this is a sudden shock to them aswell as the audience. The setting would be the dark forest within the background and there would be no iconography at this point. These characters would have the same costume, hair and make up as they did before, they would just have different facial expressions. The lighting and colour would still be low key but won't be as dark as when Bettie's face was shown. Both these characters would fill the frame of the characters so that the audience can have a clear focus. We will do a small zoom on this moment so emphasise the panic. Again, we will include the use of fast editing to build up the tension within the sequence so that this can represent the victim's heart beat as it is fast because they are terrified of Bettie.
Lastly, once these characters run away from Bettie to notify the remaining characters, Bettie goes after them but she walks slowly while the remaining characters are running for their lives and at this point is where the chase scene begins. We will be using the editing technique of montage to show the chase scene as it will help build up the tension. We will use parallel and non diegetic intense music in the background to emphasise the danger that is occurring. While the remaining characters still have the appearance, Bettie's continues to have Kane's blood around her mouth. The setting would start to change as the characters start to run back towards the entrance of the forest. There will be no iconography being used. Bettie will have an intimidating facial expressions with an over powering body language as she goes after the remaining characters while the rest are terrified of her which can be seen through their expressions and they are running away from her in a cowardly form. The lighting and colour would vary as it would flash fast throughout black and white to display a mystery of whether the characters are going to escape; white symbolizing the positivity that they will escape and the black symbolizing they are going to die. The positioning of the characters would be Bettie is isolated on her own while the others are grouped together. At the end once the characters lose sight of Bettie, they stop running and stand together confused and looking around seeing where she is not acknowledging that she is behind a nearby tree. The last shot would be an over the shoulder camera technique over Bettie's shoulder to show a small perspective that she is seeing of the remaining characters not sighting her. After a few seconds we will then insert the fade to black editing technique to end the sequence as it will create an enigma as we don't know what's going to happen, whether the character will survive or not or whether Bettie will be defeated.