How It Was Filmed - 'ANBU'

Rough Edit For 'ANBU'

This is the rough copy of the 'ANBU' idea. It is intentionally slow paced, in order to create suspense and tension. Also, fact that the character is tied up can create a sense of no escape, as the camera is moving slow this can create an essence of no time. There are allot of close up shots, showing parts of the body that have been tied up, this is done to show that the character is in a tough predicament. 

What Went Well: - The use of shots we used close up shots appropriately to imply and suggest the situation the character could have been in. - Use of props We used stereotypical props that would be used in an interrogation scene - Camera Movement Although the movement of the camera was not smooth, it was used appropriately 

What We Can Improve On: - The lighting was poor In some shots it was hard to see the character - The location allot of things in the background could have ruined the whole atmosphere of the film, for example in one of the shots a white board came up in the background Summary: The next time we film I should look at the improvements I need to make and focus on them more to achieve a better outcome.

Storyboard For 'ANBU'

This is a mid shot which is used to give the viewer a good view of how the character is tied up. On this shot we will incorporate a pan from right to left.

This is a long shot which shows the antagonist as the dominator in this scene, and it shows the protagonist tied up, which shows he is restrained and cannot do much to help himself, which can make audience gather up questions such as 'why is he tied up?', 'how is he going to get out?', 'what is the antagonist planning to do to him?' etc.

This is a mid-shot of the protagonist standing behind the antagonist, after this he will begin to walk around the protagonist while he is talking.

After that shot, the antagonist will get lower so he is face to face with the protagonist; this will be a close up shot.

This is another close-up shot of the same frame however at a different angle; this shows the antagonist talking directly into the ear of the protagonist. This is done to suggest to the audience who the alpha male, of this situation, is. 

It then suddenly pans out

Then cut transitions to an extreme close-up of the the protagonists eyes as he activates his eye prowess. While this happens a sound effect will occur which will indicate that the power has been activated.

This is a mid-shot, showing that the protagonist has vanished from the chair that he was tied up in.

This is a close-up shot which shows the protagonist appearing behind the antagonist. After this the title will show as screams come from the antagonist.

Research: Background Music Options For 'ANBU'

Akatsuki Theme 

Within the Naruto shippuden series, there is a theme song specifically set for a group known as 'akatsuki'. Comments about the theme song is that it sounds 'empowering' & dominating. This theme song is very fast paced (fast tempo), which is common for thriller movies as it builds up momentum and tension. The track also incorporates a male choir, most likely all in the bass range. An organ is also incorporated which was commonly used in the old time black and white movies. This track would be more suitable for a scene where the character is running, due to its predominant fast tempo.

Script For 'ANBU'

ANBU

WRITTEN BY

CASPER J. VIRIRI

BASED ON ASPECTS OF NARUTO SHIPPUDDEN

Slowly zooming into a grey metallic door

In a dark interrogation room

Location unknown

CUT TRANSISTIONS - *PUNCH*

UKNOWN INTERROGATER

You really like pain don’t you?

Izuna, with his head to the side remains silent

UKNOWN INTERROGATER

Loyalty will not get you anywhere, it will only leave you in a bloody and bruised… and sometimes in a coffin… lifeless

IZUNA

Is that so?

UKNOWN INTERROGATER

Oh, so you can talk? You could have made everything much easier if you had spoken up in the first place. Do you really think our ANBU regime will take down the one nation government, we know all about your agent, will know all about your hideouts, we know everything! About your plans.

Izuna remains silent

UKNOWN INTERROGATER

So I’m going to ask you one last time, what is your name?

IZUNA

I am…

As Izuna opens his eyes, he activates his mangekyou sharingan (visual prowess), which puts the unknown interrogator in a genjustu (a false reality). The unknown interrogator stands paralyzed and in fear. His eyes, wide open and body up straight.

IZUNA

I am pain

Izuna dissipates into dust, however his voice is still heard speaking in an echo. As this happens the unknown interrogator begins to move erratic, in a panicked state.

I have decided to only put up a small portion of my script as i do not want any plagiarism occurring. The full script will be a little short, however, this is due to the flashback and the speed of the dialogue.

Pitch For 'ANBU'

Props & Costume

Character Profile

Madara

Madara is a legendary shinobi who led the Uchiha clan prior to their victory against the Senju clan. Madara is an evil man with disregards to peoples feeling and lives. Madara is also emotionless (although at points he will display a range of sociopathic traits such as torturing an individual as he is laughing about it) This can link the story back to the movie being a psychological thriller. Madara has distinctive red eyes, which are his visual prowess. He has broad shoulders and big arms

Izuna

Before the era of ninja villages, Izuna was one of five brother, however three of his brothers died at the hands of the Senju. Because of this Madara has blamed him for the death of their siblings and ever since then has resented Izuna. Izuna was considered the most gifted member of the Uchiha. While growing up Izuna competed with Madara. As time passed Izuna and Madara's hate for one another grew stronger and stronger. Eventually Izuna and Madara split the clan into two sections. Izuna made truce with the rival clan Senju and later adopted the clans name, whereas Madara decided to stick with the Uchiha origins. While at war Madara had thought he killed Izuna, when Izuna was really unconscious; this led to the Senju clan going underground as they no longer had a leader to lead them to victory. Izuna Also has distinctive red eyes which are also his visual prowess. Izuna also has a distinctive deep voice. 

Avenues We Could Approach

There are many ways i could carry out my opening. I am going to list what avenues i could approach and which one would be the best

1) Because my movie is about hate and grief, I could create a monologue for the main character Izuna. As he is narrating there could be action fighting, travelling etc. This is much similar to the opening for the game 'Naruto Ninja Storm 3'. This could be a good opening as it can give the viewer a good idea of what the movie is about but not give away the whole story and movie.

2) I could go to a poorly developed area, and make a credited opening. However, this can become boring and may not give the viewer an idea of what the movie is about.

3) I could make an opening where the protagonist, Izuna, is following a subordinate of Madara to kill him. this can be a good opening if camera angles are used correctly to exclude specific things to create mystery, thus making it a thriller opening.

4) I could make an opening where izuna has captured a subordinate of madara and is interogating him. this can be a good as it can include flashbacks to make the opening more interesting.

I am going to use the fourth avenue as the flashbacks can give the viewer a good idea of what the movie is about but not giving away the movie. It includes alot of dialogues. This avenue is very similar to the teaser to Mortal Kombat as shown below.

Storyline & Target Audience

The story is set in today's time in order for people to relate to the story more. A 'new world order' has been bestowed upon the world. The underground society do not agree with the new rules set by the government (similar to that of total recall). So the underground have devised a squad known as 'ANBU'

The protagonist of the story is 'Izuna Uchiha'; the antagonist is 'Madara Uchiha'. Now this is an important part of the story as they are both related. Madara Uchiha is the most feared man in the world, due to his physical power and visual prowess. he is also the leader of the 'One Nation Government'.

To Madara's knowledge, Izuna is dead, as he supposedly killed him in the 4th shinobi war. However Izuna is not a dead man and keeps he life status withheld. Although Madara and Izuna are brothers, from birth they have always disagreed and both have completely opposite ideologies. While Madara wants a world he rules full of pain and grief, Izuna wants a world of piece and harmony. Izuna uses his skills and powers to assassinate Madara's bosses and general, in order to reach Madara himself.

Target Audience

The first series of Naruto was definitely targeted at 7-12 year-olds as the show was aired on channels such as nickelodeon and jetix. This is also due to the storyline and language used (dialect). In the second series of Naruto (shipudden) that was aimed at teenagers aged 15-18 years of age this is due to the use of graphic violence and the language used. Also the storyline had progressed further and was something you would have to follow frequently, in order to fully understand the story.

I believe my movie should be aimed at teenagers aged from 16 up, as my storyline is derived from real life issues and also incorporated ideas of death, hate and torture. The sort of person who would watch my movie is someone who has a very imaginative mind and is somewhat superstitious as my movie incorporates the ideas of super natural powers.

It is also for someone who is a frequent book reader as the language used in my opening will be sophisticated. it may attract the odd manga fan due to the Naruto storyline. Originality; this may attract a majority of males due to the action and blood. The movie is also for people who are socially and politically aware as real-life issues are addressed within my movie.

Summary - Now that I have created my story, i can now look into the props and costumes, in detail. I should also look at how I can adapt the costumes to fit the correct times. 

Inspirations & Ideas (First Approach)

I'm interested in manga, especially Naruto. Naruto is a manga about the world of ninjas. The main theme of Naruto is hate, as 'the shinobi world' is driven by hate to protect the ones that are loved. Essentially, Naruto, the main character, strives to become 'hokage' (a president, emperor or prime-minister if you will), to solve the issue of 'hate'.

although I like the whole concept of revenge and hate, i particularly like the idea of 'ANBU'. ANBU are an organisation, similar to CIA. ANBU members are ordered to where masks at all times to hide their identity as they are given instructions to either gain intel from rival villages or to assassinate chosen enemies. I think this is a strong thriller factor, as it excludes the most important part of a character; their face.

I also like the ruthlessness of the ANBU characters and the missions they must carry out. Another thing, much similar to 'ANBU' that I like is 'hitman'. This is again due to the exclusion of emotions of the character, which leaves mystery for the viewer.

Summary - I am going to name my movie 'ANBU' and create a whole segment for the ANBU scene, continuing on from Naruto. Next I am going to have to come up with a story for the opening. 

Moodboard

Timeline Analysation - X-Men & Insidious

0.03

Low angle shot looking towards muddy floor. Followed by footsteps into the picture. This carries on for a while

0.11

The picture blacks out as it is passing a close object. As it is passing the camera, its tilting in a slow pace. This can build up suspense. by '0.19', the shot is on a soldier and the subtitles are 'Poland 1944', stating the time and place.

0.23

It then 'cut transitions', (an instant change from one shot to the next). It cuts to a shot of a crowd of concentration camp detainees. Around '0.25' the shot cuts again to magnetos father. Around '0.27', it pans to magneto himself to the left. 

0.45

Between '0.27' and '0.45', there are a couple more cut transitions. at '0.45' a cut transition is cut to a man carrying a dead body in a trolley. this is followed by a cut transition to a close up to magnetos face at '0.48'. followed by a cut transition to a close up, which is panning right, of a detainee digging a grave, at '0.49'.

0.57

After another close up shot of magnetos face, it cut transitions to the crowd from a high angle shot. This could be done to show the large amount of people. staying at high angled shots, it cuts to multiple shots, from '1.04 - 1.49'.

1.49

At '1.49' a close up shot of magneto running while the camera is tracking as magneto is running towards his mother (after gates) a soldier holds him back, however, due to his magnetic powers the soldier struggles to hold him back.

2.11

A cut transition to magneto and the solders feet is done. it is a low angle shot. this is a shot displaying the power of magneto as the soldiers are being pulled forward along with magneto

2.16

A cut transition to a close up of magnetos face is done; this is done to show the grief and anger in his face from being separated from his mother. This is quickly followed by a cut transition to the gate bending then another one to the feet again is done. This done repeatedly.

2.29

A tracking shot of a soldier walking up to magneto occurs where he hits magneto over the head with a rifle; he proceeds to fall over. at this point the shot is birds-eye-view. As the soldiers get up they have surprised faces as the shot cut transitions to the gate which is heavily damaged. This is done to imply the power he has. The shot tilts and fades out.

Usually, after the fade the movie logo appears. This is the first type of movie opening which does not use any credits. For example the opening to the movie 'insidious', uses credits and typography and intentionally put credits in specific positions. In order to gain the viewers attentions. In addition to the credits the incorporate specific props to imply what the movie is about; for example they may use a skull placed on a table to achieve a 'macabre' (disturbing because concerned with or causing a fear of death) effect.

Analysing Camera Angles, Lighting, Mise-en-scene, Sounds & Editing In Openings

Mortal Kombat

The first camera angle (around 0.04) is a camera angle of a low angle pointing the camera up. As this is happening, a helicopter flies past. It then tilts down to show a wrecked city. This is done to set the mood as a bad one ( in other word your first thoughts about the movie should be 'well this is not looking good!).

A long shot of the detective is done which further zooms in (at a slow pace) into a close up.This is done to add suspense but to also show the seriousness in his face. This is around 0.35.

The next shot which i thought was interesting was the use of a mid-shot of a prisoner. However, what was interesting about this shot was that he was filmed in the shadows, and the shot was also blurred. This could add a sense of mystery. This is around 0.47.

The lighting in the interrogation room is very little. The only lighting is the lighting focused on the detective. This can be done to add a macabre and ominous effect.

Blade Trilogy

In this opening sequence, the use of mise-en-scene is very effective. As a crew of vampires are out looking for an ancient being, they use an ancient scenery of pyramids and sandy/rocky surroundings. This is a clear implication that the being has been in this earth for millenniums. An establishing shot is also done to show how massive and ancient the settlement is. It can also imply that it is monumental.

This is a real image of the pyramid and Sphinx in Egypt 

This is a screenshot taken from the movie

Kill Bill

In the opening for kill bill, a close up of the protagonist is done of her bloody face. This could be done to show the severity of her injuries.

A low angle shot of the enemy is incorporating where it only shows the enemies feet. What was interesting and good about this shot is that before the low angle, diegetic sounds of the foot steps where incorporated, which where gradually getting louder. This can add a sense of fear for the protagonist

Summary: This makes me think about the type of editing I use for my shots and also the type of angles i use, and whether they will they will make any implications.

Research: Lighting

Lighting

Using different types of lighting can be very effective to use in a thriller film; it can help express what type of thriller the film is. It can also set the mood and atmosphere.

Key Light - The key light is usually the brightest light and the most significant in the domination of capturing important parts.

Back light - A back light is placed behind the subject, it helps to neutralize the effect of the key light so it does not seem so dominate.

Filler Light - These are usually used to soften the shadows created by the other lights and defuse them.

Under Lighting - This is when the key source of the light is coming from beneath the subject.

Top Lighting - This is when the main source of light is placed at an above angle over heading.

Back Lighting - This is when the light source is placed behind the subject.

Low-key Lighting - This is when lighting is created by the use of a back light, its mainly used in thriller and horror films to represent a darker effect and atmosphere.

High-key Lighting - This lighting means more filler lights are used in order for the subject to appear more realistic.

Summary: From doing my research about lighting, I can now select the types of lighting I need in order to set the atmosphere to my thriller opening.



Research: Camera Movements

Pans - A movement which scans a scene horizontally. This movement is used when a character is running across the camera

Tilts - A movement which shows a scene vertically, similar to a pan. This is usually used to establish a character.

Tracking Shots - Which are also known as dolly shots or trucking shots. This is when the camera is placed on a moving object and moved along side something.

Summary: From researching the different camera angles, shots and movement, I can choose the ones that can help my thriller opening achieve its theme and context. Next I will look at Lighting.