Soundtracks

Soundtracks, including digetic and non-digetic audio, are extremely important within any film. Combined with the shots on the screen, a soundtrack can help to build tension and contribute towards the tone and connotations within the film. In particular, for our thriller 'Crowe', we want a soundtrack that will compliment and contribute further to the dark and gritty tone of the opening.

In terms of all audio needed within the thriller, there were many aspects. These include:

• A dark and gritty, (dominant) soundtrack
• A 'dreamy' and soft soundtrack for the 'Iga' flashback
• A lustrous and uncomfortable audio throughout the 'Miss River' flashback
• Several digetics including street audio, a gun shot, laughing and a mobile phone ring tone.

With influence from soundtracks on the site of YouTube, we have collected all possible soundtracks for our thriller from the site Free sound. (www.freesound.org)

Suggested and potential soundtracks:
Dark and gritty (dominant) soundtrack:

With this particular soundtrack, which will accompany almost all of the thriller (except for the 'flashback' scenes), we want to achieve an unsettling tone, particularly suiting the disjointed, fragmented establishing shots and the fearful aspect of being followed, which is present within the narrative.

Modulaat Sector:
http://freesound.org/people/the_odds/sounds/176579/

The first possible soundtrack is called 'Modulaat Sector'. Immediately from the first listen, I instantly picked up on the continuous, low bass hum throughout the audio.This links nicely to the theme of crime within our opening, as the low, constant base could connote the low and underlying, but constant fear of crime within society, therefore tapping into the audiences fears. The repeated beat and tones can also help to achieve a sense of build up and climatic aspect towards the 'murder' scene. There is something quite uncomfortable about the pitch and repetitiveness (pulsing) of this piece, almost reflecting the monotonous 'stalking' of 'Crowe' and 'Iga'. Finally, there is the appeal that this soundtrack can be played quite faintly in the background, complimenting the digetic 'street' audio, as well as adding to the unsettling tone because the audio can only 'just' be heard.


Modulaat Sector (Hollow Restructure):
http://freesound.org/people/the_odds/sounds/177259/

The second sound, named 'Modulaat Sector (Hollow Restructure)'seems to have a stronger sense of a beat within it, an advantage to building up pace and tension within the narrative and therefore upon the audience. Again, like the previous soundtrack, the low 'hum', supported by the repeated echoes after each beat, is particularly eery; a sound that lingers and imprints itself upon the audience. However, I feel that this soundtrack is slightly too synthesized, almost enhancing the genre of sci-fi, rather than a thriller. Therefore, if we were to choose this piece of audio, I fear that it could deter from the dark and gritty tone of the opening.

Influences:



With reference to the opening title sequence of 'Se7en', the soundtrack perfectly suits the extremely uncomfortable and graphic shots. There is a low base present, as if to portray the build up, or foreshadowing of something very dark and evil. This is also supported by the snare and lower drum beats, almost replicating a heart beat; a very dark and 'twisted' interpretation  much like the film itself being dark, twisted and gritty. The synthesized noises, for example at 0.11-0.15 influenced our own soundtrack choices as it is terribly uncomfortable, contrasting the dull hum clearly heard at the very start.

The opening to Casino Royale is a perfect example of digetic audio combined with a constant, background soundtrack. This is particularly effective at 0.16 for example, when the man slams the car door, we, as an audience, are able to distinguish the car door, portraying the state and emotion of the character, as well as the enigmatic, deep soundtrack subtly building tension. I particularly like the double meaning behind the increasing pitch of the soundtrack, along with the upwards movement of the elevator. Not only does it, almost obviously, reflect an increase in hight ( therefore reflected by the pitch) but also, rising into a more climatic scene, with higher pitched sounds stereotypically indicating a warning or awareness.

A 'dreamy' and soft soundtrack:

For the 'flash back' scene of 'Iga' lovingly and happily running into the distance, we aim to have a soft, delicate and dreamy soundtrack in order to achieve that pleasant and fond memory 'Crowe' is having.

http://freesound.org/people/Corsica_S/sounds/147618/
The echo and continuation of 'Jihpolpo' is quite entrancing, linking nicely to the mood and theme of the distant and fragmented memories that 'Crowe' is experiencing. The loud high pitched notes create effective impact, and could support the narrative in terms of that these flashbacks are to arise question and awareness within the audience, which could be triggered through the high notes. However, I feel that there are too many low notes, which in contrast, creates quite a loud and overwhelming soundtrack in general, contradicting the context to which it would be put in.

http://freesound.org/people/thatjeffcarter/sounds/141865/
This piece called 'We listen' starts with several separate notes/chimes which is particularly appealing because it could connote entering 'Crowe' thoughts. By starting immediately with higher tones, clearly signifies to the audience a change in tone from the lower, gritter soundtrack. The notes seems to linger, blend and overlap into one another,  just like 'Crowe's' thoughts, linking nicely to context as well as further establishing the protagonist (can't seem to let go of the past). Finally, there is particular appeal because there are no low notes present; just  the separate 'chimes' which create one constant and soft audio.

http://freesound.org/people/imaginaryband/sounds/79422/
From listening to 'Relaxation and atmosphere', this piece has clear similarities to our influence of 'Layer Cake'; a very relaxed and dream like feel as there is no beat. Again, the notes seem to linger and echo, creating more of an unnatural tone. However, the pace could be slightly too slow for our scene, in terms of shot length; as part of 'Crowe' mind, the flashback is particularly fragmented, and therefore reasonably quick. This then might leave no time for the soundtrack to develop. We aim for the soundtrack to establish a tone straight away, which I believe 'Relaxation and atmosphere' does not.

Influences:

A particular influence from a real thriller text is the opening soundtrack to 'Layer Cake'; 'Hayling' by FC Kahuna. The soundtrack is very idyllic and relaxed, in which it perfectly portrays the theme of drugs (the 'dreamy' state of mind that you are in) through its slow and relaxed beat, as well as establishing the slick and 'cool' main character through its slightly techno and synthesized tone. We also aim to achieve something very relaxed and almost unnatural, as this particular soundtrack is part of 'Crowe' fragmented thoughts; a figure of his imagination. When deciding upon our own soundtrack, we will take into consideration the ways in which the soundtrack is used in context to the film, helping support the themes that arise within the narrative; whether this be drugs within 'Layer Cake', or crime and murder within 'Crowe'.

A lustrous soundtrack for 'Miss River':
For this climatic, flashback scene, we want to attain a soundtrack which reflects the feminine character of 'Miss River' as well as being quite uncomfortable for the audience.

http://freesound.org/people/milo/sounds/54366/
'Femmes_whispers' was our first and immediate choice. This is because we experimented with the idea of whispers; a whisper is very gentle and effeminate, but can portray extreme power and unnerving intimacy ( having to get very close in order to hear it). This therefore connotes the sneaky and devious characteristics of 'Miss River'. Also, the fact that you have to get very close to another person in order to distinguish a whisper, portrays a sense of intimacy and secrecy with the audience. I particularly like the short quick breaths placed in-between the whispers within 'Femmes_whispers', connoting the fragmentation of the seen nicely by physically breaking up the audio. Again, this soundtrack creates a clear distinction in tone from the 'dream like', happier flash back of 'Iga' to this more seductive and suggestive one, building tension as well, due to the up and tones and style of the whisper.

Digetic sounds:

Digetic sounds can be referred to within any films, as they add to the realism of the narrative. With the aid of digetic sounds, we can tap into the audience's fears, as the sounds used are often very recognisable and sometimes, day-to-day (cars, laughing etc). Therefore, if these effects are heard within a dark thriller, the audience may feel that these situations could also happen to them, due to the normal, day to day digetics.

Gasp:
http://freesound.org/people/lauriesafari/sounds/169901/
This digetic sound is necessary to express 'Iga's' shock, when turning around to face 'Crowe'. We decided to go for a sound effect rather than the actress gasping because it need to be clearly heard by the audience, almost to the extent that it is quite 'over the top'. However, with the over exaggerated gasp, we are certain that the emotion of fear and terror will be clearly understood by the audience. This piece is also the perfect length in proportion to our shot of 'Iga'.

Laugh:
http://freesound.org/people/sagetyrtle/sounds/72695/
A laugh is vital to express 'Iga's' happiness within the 'happy flashback'. Again, we decided to go for an inserted audio rather than the actress actually laughing, purely for the same reasons as the 'gasp'; to be clearly heard and interpreted by the audience. As well as this, the actress' own laugh may have been lost against the background noises of the field. The appeal towards this particular 'laugh' was that the tone and pitch reflected 'Iga's' own laugh very accurately, therefore being able to portray the right expression, without sounding to fake and 'cheesy'. The laugh chosen is a relatively long soundtrack, however, we shall edit down the soundtrack to fit the scene.

Gun shot:
http://freesound.org/people/GregsMedia/sounds/150137/
Although a very brief sound effect, the 'gun shot' is possibly the most important piece of audio within the whole thriller opening. This is because with the mere sound of a gun the audience are instantly informed that 'Iga' has been killed. If there was no audio at this climatic point, the narrative would be very much vague and ambiguous. The sound is a standard gun shot; quick, loud and immediately recognisable. This is appealing as the gun shot will be the only action on the screen at the time (the audio will support a black screen), therefore the audio alone needs to explain and sustain the narrative.

Birds:
http://freesound.org/people/Zbyhek/sounds/167487/
To compliment the happy flash back, dreamy soundtrack and female laughter. We want to include the soft 'tweeting' of birds. We decided not to research into considerable depth with this audio, as it isn't necessarily a vital aspect, but moreover a complimentary sound to support the mood and location. As well as adding realism and relevance to the location within the scene, tweeting birds often connote happiness and grace, which is much like what we want to portray within the scene.


Final decisions:
Due to the opinions expressed above within each particular analysis of the soundtracks, we have decided to use the following within 'Crowe':

• Modulaat Sector.
• 'We listen'
• 'Femme_Whispers'
• All of the above digetic audio.

I fell very confident with our choices of soundtrack and believe that they will achieve our aims of supporting and developing the tone and themes within 'Crowe'.

Thriller Animatic

Thriller Animatic:

 

Above, is our group animatic for the opening of our thriller. The purpose of an animatic is, potentially, to view your production, without the actual footage needed (storyboard pictures used). We made this by simply taking pictures of our individual storyboard shots, then editing them in Adobe, at roughly the same pace in which the real shots will be produced. By reviewing the animatic itself, we, as a group can then begin to make changes to shot type/length/continuity/ remove or add shots etc; to which these will be made in light of the animatic itself. It has informed  and clearly highlighted the changes that we need to make for when we shoot the film opening.

Fonts

Thriller- Rough Cut

Reflection:

• Within the rough cut of our thriller opening, I am particularly pleased with the over-lay placed over the establishing shots between 0.00 and 0.15, portraying the similar fragmented and gritty tone to the opening of 'Se7en'.
• Alilcia's performance as the femme fatale Miss River' at 1.29 to 1.43 is particularly endearing and lustrous, expressing the same glamour as Lynn Bracken in 'L.A Confidential'.
• This is supported by the uncomfortable, whispering soundtrack.
• I am also pleased with the tilt shots at 0.16 and 0.23, creating a sense of secrecy and obscurity  much like the disorientating sewer scene in 'The Third Man'.

However, from watching the rough cut, I am now aware of what aspects i need to improve on:

• A soundtrack from 0.00 to 0.16 needs to be included, in order to set the enigmatic tone from the very start, and continuing throughout the opening.
• The fragmented flashbacks (of 'Iga' running and 'Miss River') would be more recognisable if in black and white, to symbolize being part of 'Crowe's' imagination and thoughts, like those in 'Casino Royale'.
• This will also be supported by a fade transition at 1.14 to signify that we are going into 'Crowe's' thoughts, as the narrative is a little unclear.
• Within the 'Iga' flashback, the tone slightly drops as there is now soundtrack. Therefore, including dreamy, idyllic music would sustain the tone.
• Edit the alley way scene at 1.07 slightly sooner, as we can see 'Iga' smile, which is certainly out of character.
• Not all the titles rendered properly when exporting. However, despite this, we will change the font seen at 0.04 to a slimmer, 'scratchier' one ('A. Typewriter) to suit the uncomfortable overlay, achieving the same effects as 'Se7en'.
• Also, to build up tension, we are considering to start the soundtrack slightly early, like 'Layer Cake', to introduce and hook the audience before anything has even appeared on the screen.

Below, I have included our group analysis and improvements of our rough cut, a class feed back sheet and a teacher feed back sheet.

Logistical Changes

Due to logistics, we have chosen to make changes to our thriller  in terms of locations and actors.

• CNS field- This location achieves the same "dreamy effect", as the past decided location of the Mulbarton Common, aswell as being a spacious location. Instead, all group members can easily get to the field, as well as our actor. 
• Flats- Whilst scouting for locations, the house we have found suites the grimy tone; particularly with grafitti, dustbins and moss. Also, we figured that there would be less noise pollution from cars and traffic, which was inevitable at the St Stevens flats. Without the noise we can achieve an enigmatic and eery tone.
• Actor- Due to availability, we have chosen another actor to play 'Damien Crowe.' This actor still suits the profile write up of Damien Crowe, although slight costume changes have been made; moreover, a more "modern" image:
• Actress-Again, logistically, "Veronica" will now be played by me. This role is a short, no speaking role and will not affect the narrative or tone in any way. I shall be wearing a brown hooded coat to achieve a sense of concealment.

Damien Crowe's 'Modern' image re-vamp:

Black hooded coat- instead of a high collar on a coat, the hood completely covers the back of the protagonist, enabling us to reveal him in an enigmatic climax.

Trousers and dark shoes- smart trousers ad shoes still fit with 'Damiens' smart and sophisticated image, only connects with a younger audience by being a slightly more casual, relatable and modern image.

Editing

Actors

'Damien Crowe'
Joseph Murray
Due to logistical problems, Joe Murray was a very helpful, replacement actor, suiting the role of 'Damien Crowe' perfectly. Visually, Joe suits 'Damien's' character profile; smart with a modern dress sense, with a strong sense of ambiguity, especially with his hood up, to which Joe cleverly suggested. Joe portrayed great emotion within close ups, strongly influenced by those in 'Casino Royale' (before the flashbacks). His input and ideas were very well received, as well as his flexibility and reliability.

'Iga'
Iga Madejowska
A fellow group member and actress, Iga's role was quite literally 'written' for her. After a few costume adjustments, Iga's visual profile was perfect to the character. After deliberation, we decided that red high heels were not right logistically, for the cold and cobbled streets of Norwich, despite their great connotations. However, the connotations of the red shoes are still in place, with Iga's input of wearing pinky-red lipstick and coincidently, red hair. 'Iga's' statement leggings and bowler hat make her a very recognisable character also. Iga was extremely professional, constructing Polish dialogue as well as clearly understanding the direction we wanted to go down with this character. Her versatility and emotion portrayal was great, especially within the flashbacks. 

'Miss River'
Alicia Arnold
Alicia Arnold studied Drama for GCSE as well as Media Studies, continuing Media Studies in particular, through to A-level. Because of this, Alicia had a great understanding of the 'Thriller' concept and therefore, the 'Femme Fatale' role she was asked to play. Alicia's costume was very successful, with a lustrous fur coat, black trousers and high heels. Along with her long blonde hair, Alicia very much reminded me of Lynn Bracken in 'L.A. Confidential'. Like Joe, her close ups were fantastic, portraying great and authority and emotion. Alicia was very reliable and hard working, taking direction from us, as well as adding her own inputs with props such as jewellery.

'Veronica'

Megan Edwards

An extremely small role, I myself, took on the role of 'Veronica'. There was no need for much direction or emotion, just simply there to exchange the letter with 'Iga' (on the other end of the phone at the start of the opening). With a coat, with hood up (in the scenes) and a scarf on, 'Veronica' is very much secretive character, and small connection to 'Iga'.

Chosen Final Locations

Establishing shots:

St Steven Car Park:

Playhouse River:

Norwich Market:

Streets of Norwich:

Dummy shot: this location links on to where "Iga's flat" is situated, so it terms of continuity, it fits well. We aim to achieve a shot like this; the wall within the foreground portraying a sense of secrecy and stalking, while the graffiti expresses a grimy and gritty tone.

Dummy Shot: The market stalls in the evening are extremely quite and derelict, suiting our tone. This dummy shot enables us to establish where we are, as well as following "Iga" down the shot into the distance, while introducing "Damien" in the foreground.

Dummy Shot: I particularly like this location;  the dark paintwork of the shops and stone pavement is particularly "cold". There is also a potential vanishing point, with the closing in of the streets in the distance.

Alley way scene- Norwich Market:

Dummy Shot: this street light gives out a good pool of light, enabling a very strong shadow.  A close up shot like this, will be able to capture the shadows of "Iga" and "Damien"- strong shadows being an element of film noir.

"Iga's flat" :

Dummy shot: slighting tilted and obscured shot  portrays a sense of concealment ( of cameras), yet discovery of "Iga" (coming from the flat). I also like the strong shadow of the metal fencing against the wall, again elements of film noir.

The Bungalow at CNS:

Dummy Shot: Logistically, the Bungalow at CNS was a perfect to location due to group availability and time restraints. The corridor resembles a convincing house corridor. A long shot with a possible vanishing point, the location also poses close up shots, particularly with the coat pegs (close up of Iga's hat).

CNS field:

Drama room.

Thriller Storyboard, shooting schedule and "Whilst Filming" changes

Storyboard:
Above, is a picture of our initial story board. When creating the sotryboard, we were very much aware of the fact that we needed to include a varieity of shots such as close ups (to portray detail and emotion), long shots, and establishing shots, as well as various camera movements in order to create a realistic and sophisticated opening. The yellow speech bubble sticky-notes imply where we would like to include sound, whether this is digetic or non-digetic.

Our storyboard board displays all elements that we included within our treatment, only with the added benefit of visuals with the mise en scene (props and costume).

Shooting Shcedule:

Our thriller requires, the majority of the time, a night time shooting schedule. Therefore, for scenes such as the etablishing shots, walking shots and alley-way scenes, we aim to:

• shoot after school
• 5pm-6pm
• over 2 evenings (Monday and Wednesday).

For our scenes which require the drama room, we aim to:

• Shoot after school
• 3pm-4pm
• Over one afternoon

For the flashback, field scenes, we are heavily relying on the light, therefore, we aim to:

• Shoot in free periods
• 10:20am-11:20am, when the sun is still high
• Over one lesson period

For the house scenes (school bungalow), we aim to:

• shoot over a one hour period in the afternoon
• 1pm-2pm

Changes:
Whilst shooting we have stayed relatively true to the sotryboard. However, whilst on location, or preparation before hand, we have come  across a few logistical problems, which we are able to overcome, without disturbing our sotryboard to a large degree. Changes include:

• Close ups- instead of a close up of 'Iga's' feet, we have decided to shoot a close up of her taking her hat. Less of a logistical problem, and more of a continuity and storyline change. This is because this shot will enable the audience to easily recognise the character and easily associated the hat with her. 
• Briefcase- due to logistics of not being able to get this prop, we shall use a letter inctead. This prop still suits the tone as it is easily concealable and very secretive, as the audience are only aware of the fact that it is 'CONFIDENTIAL'. Also, with this prop, there is an opportunity for a close up of the letter in order for the auience to truly understand the secrecy and importance of the letter.
• Gun- again, logistically, we were unable to get a gun. However, we have overcome this by deciding to cut to a black shot, filled with the single digetic sound of a gun. The audience will still be able to follow the narrative as the noise is easily recognisable, also creating tension and enigma as we cannot see what is happening.
• Long shot- whilst on set for the 'flat' location, we came across the perfect opportunity for an oscuree, tilted shot behind a wall. Therefore we have changed the long shot to a hidden, obscure shot, connoting concealment and a sense of sypying.
• Flashback- For the flashbacks, we have decided to shoot from 'Damien's' point of view, therefore, as a result of this just "Iga" will be seen within the shots, ranging from medium to long/extreme long.
• Shadows- Whilst on set for the alley-way scene, the Noir lamppost posed good opportunities for extreme shadows, instead of seeing "Damien" follow "Iga". This links nicely to film noir extreme shadows.

Pixton Comic strip:
Below are two comic strips/storyboards that I created on Pixton. One is to develop our ideas that we expressed through our sotryboard further, in order to give us an insight before we start our thriller production ('Miss River').
On the other hand, 'Flash Back' has been created to justify our logistical changes and to give me the opportunity to evaulate them (for exmaple, the flash back from 'Damien's' point of view).

How to Create a "Cool" Character: Thriller research and planning.

Potential and Scouted Locations

The scouted images below consist of primary photographs, in which I was responsible of collecting from the previous table.

Views of Norwich:

• Car park, establishing views
• Norwich Market
• Playhouse River

Car Park, establishing views:
This location is to be included within the first frames/seconds of our thriller opening; a quick shot, yet has to establish the location.
Advantages:
As predicted, this potential location establishes Norwich very well, portraying an urban, fast paced, busy life, as well as suiting the fast pace of the shot cuts. Thisis connoted through the movement of the cars. The urban setting links well to influencial opening thrillers such Layer Cake and Essex Boys. However, Layer Cake portrays a more glamorous tone, whereas we want to achieve the grit and grime of Essex Boys. Finally, logistically, this location was easily accessible. 
Disadvantages:
Although the dummy shots below capture a rewaerding view, we aim to film in the evening when it is dark. Although there will be faint, artificial lights from shops and cars, this is something to consider. However, no back light from the car park assures that no unwanted light will be in the shot.


Dummy shot



Dummy shot





Extended potential locations:
The location of a car park, not only for the views, presented the opportunity for a gritty, urban shot to be briefly included within the fragmented shots.

Potential shot. Shows view, but also bleak tone from water and  crime, from the bars.





Dummy shot;  tilted shot creates obscurity and confusion for the audience, while the grey concrete and water connotes a bleak tone. Becuase of the tilted shot, the low ceiling and bar entrap the audience, creating a sense of claustrophobic.

Norwich Market:

This location is to be included within the first frames/seconds of our thriller opening; a quick shot, yet has to establish the location.
Advantages:
The Long shot establishes Norwich, in which we want to achieve a recognisable location.
Disadvantges:
This particular location has a variety of bright colours in shot. However, this is a disadvantage as we want to achieve a bleak, dark tone. Artificial lighting and silhouettes are dependant on whether shops are open. But, if we can access this, the outcome could be very good.
We must take into consideration that these will be particularly quick, fragmented shots, shot the establishment is primarily what we need from the audience.

Dummy shot; Although an (extreme) long shot, the frame is filled. The harsh square building and silhouette of the tree are particulary cold and enigmatic.

Extended angle. For a potential shot, the slope creates and angle and a metaphor;.  we taking the audience down into the dark depths of crime....

Playhouse River:

This location is to be included within the first frames/seconds of our thriller opening; a quick shot, yet has to establish the location.
Advantages:
Advantages of this location are the accessibility of the bridge itself and, the river. The river enables us to capture a reflection of the lights which are evident against the dark backdrop. This creates a sense of enigma and also, claustrophobia, as the frame is either filled with building, or water. Also, The river location adds slight variety to the fragmented shots; still urban, but quieter and more eery.
Disadvantages:

 From the shots taken, the location was very dark, with, in particular, the picture below, appearing quite dark and out of focus; is the amount of light is not enough, the location might not be clearly seen by the audience. However, from the other location shots, light is available artificially from lampposts and nearby shops. 

This shot is particularly dark, but captures a good reflection upon the river, creating a sense of claustrophobia for the audience.

Dummy shot; This close up could be used within the opening, with the light being very striking and enigmatic, and the bars hinting crime.

Open Space:
Mulbarton Common:
This location is to be included within the flash-back scenes consisting of 2 shots; a man and a woman smiling and, two hands holding each other.
Advantages:
Logistically, this particular location is easily accessible, with plenty of open space and little disturbance. The flat land and distant trees create an idyllic and peaceful backdrop, making the audience feel comfortable.
Disadvantages:
Even though this location depicts the appropriate tone for the flash-back shots, the peaceful, dream-like tone that we wish to achieve is dependant on the weather and positioning of the sun.

Haze created by the sun connotes a dream like state; idyllic and peaceful.

Dummy Shot; an extreme long shot establishing the location. Shots like this could also be the backdrop to close ups.

Blackout room:

CNS Drama Room:

This location is to be included within the "femme fatale" flash back scene, where we are first introduced to "Miss River".
Advantages:
This location poses many advantages such black out blinds, reel curtains, and artificial spot lights; creating focus and power upon the character and a dark, serious tone on the audience. Back lights can add definition upon the character if needed. The drama room is also very accessible for booking and use. There is also plenty of space for filming equipment.
Disadvantages:
Noise disturbance may be heard from other rooms, especially as these shots are silent, accept for the dialogue, which is extremely important for the decision Damien makes, and, the plot. Logistically, initial organisation as to when actors and film makers are free may be a problem.

Dummy shot; low angle shot looking up into the spotlight, with dark background, connoting the characters power on the audience.

Dummy shot; Long shot with centred black curtain (shut the black out blinds) and centred spot light.

The spot light links to the image of the femme fatale; a dark lustrous women (black background), but seen as a glamorous and pure figure (white spotlight).

Note:
Because of the controlled lighting and blinds, the drama room could also be used to express the moral ambiguity of Damien Crowe (close up's). However, this may affect the continuity of our thriller, as this part of the opening takes place in an alley way. We would not want this transition between locations to be noticeable, which it could be.