Production Company Practical - X-Ray Productions

As a group, we had decided to create a film opening in the slasher horror genre. For this reason, it was imperative that the production company have a relevant title and sequence to the chosen genre. As evident in the screenshots provided, I went with the concept of using a hand sliding down a glass material, i.e. window. I chose this as the idea is commonly used in many horror films, to represent the weak state of the victim. The name decided was X-Ray Productions, which is also explored below.

Carrying out the Task:

I recorded the clip of my home shower steaming up when turned on. To do this, I used my mobile phone and then transferred the clip to the MAC computer for editing. I then imported the file into final cut pro and, using the blade tool, cut and deleted the parts of the clip that were not necessary.

Under the effects tab on the right hand side, I also added a filter; the one I chose was X-Ray. Due to the harsh lighting of the bathroom I filmed in, the clip itself lacked the necessary fear factor and the saturation was too high for the genre. Adding the chosen filter made the scene look eerie and more unsettling. I also added the 'REC' effect, which made it look like home footage, as though the clip found has actually occurred. This is a common effect used in horror films as it increases the tension for the audience and makes them more involved.

I then altered the speed in which each clip was played so that in the preview, the clip played in slow motion. This was to increase the tension and make the sequence scarier and unsettling for the audience, corresponding with the genre.

Next, I added the title. I chose the font labelled 'Faux 3D' as the effect looked almost pixelated, much like a screen would appear on an X-Ray. The fact that the font was also Sans-Serif coincided well with the modern effects used on the clip itself. 

I then added sound to the sequence to make it more eerie and increase the unease for the audience when watching it. The sound used uses stringed instruments in a high pitched riff, resembling that of scratching a chalkboard. This created tension and unease when listening to it. The clip plays as the hand makes contact with the glass plane, which in effect startles the viewer, increasing the tense atmosphere. To insert the clip, I dragged the file onto Final Cut Pro and again using the blade tool, cut the sound to the appropriate point and length. 

Finally, I uploaded the finished file to YouTube, using the upload plane on the right hand side of the program. Below is the final video of my production sequence.

X-Ray Productions

Evaluation:

• The overall sequence was very successful as, in my opinion, the desired effect in creating an uneasy aura for the audience was achieved. 
• The final sequence corresponds well to the chosen genre of slasher horror.
• Final Cut Pro was easy to use once I had spent a bit of time investigating the different aspects.
• On the other hand, if I was to complete the task again, I would use a better quality camera other than a mobile phone. However, once the filters were added, the slight blur of the footage proved to be an advantage in terms of effect.