Just a little bit about childrens film!

A little bit about Children’s Film as it is what our entire module is on!
Children’s Films are films that have been specifically made to appeal and entertain very young audiences. They are made with no other audiences in mind; this doesn’t mean however other audiences won’t enjoy them as they often do.
Most children’s films have a repetitive theme. A hero and villain often fight over good and evil. Evil usually loses which gives the right morals for young children to copy, about how you should be good and not bad and that being bad is punishable. Themes in kid’s films can really vary. They can be about all sorts of things as long as the topic they use is child friendly but most common are films with animated animals or toys (Finding Nemo and Toy Story) and those about people with special powers (Superheroes or Wizards and Witches).
Children’s films often have 4 specific recurring characters; a hero, a villain, a mentor and a damsel/female love interest/someone that need’s saving. These recurring characters make it easier for young children to understand what’s going on as they remember that what these 4 characters are usually like and what they do. Vibrant colours and friendly music are often used repeatedly in children’s films as they present a comfortable and safe feeling vibe that won’t scare the younger audience.

Analysis of Children's Film Openings

Different types and styles of films open in different ways and this introduces the film to the viewer in certain ways. Children's films need to be enticing from the very first minute to ensure that they don't lose the focus of their young viewer.

Hercules (1997)

Hercules is a Disney cartoon film. Animated or cartoon movies use different ways to portray and introduce settings, characters and themes as they do not use real people and places.

Characters

In the first 3 minutes we are introduced to;

The Muse's, who are used as the narrators throughout the film sing their narrative bits and are known as the goddesses of Music and Arts.

Hercules, The main character, we hear about how much of a great hero he was.

Titans, the evil giants that roamed The Earth and cause havoc with tornados, volcanos, ice and other terrible things.

Zeus, the King of the Gods who locked away the Titans and is the father of Hercules.

Narrative

In the opening scene we are told of how great and heroic Hercules was. How he was the ultimate Hero. This gives the idea that it is going to be a film from his perspective as he goes from ‘zero to hero’. 5 female characters known as 'The Muse's' are the narrators throughout the film and they inform the viewer of important things by singing. This is easy for children to relate to and grabs their attention.

Genre Categorisation

Target Audience: Young children (although all ages can enjoy this film, it's my personal favourite Disney film!).

Emotions: Comedy, Romance, Family.

Theme: Greek Heroes and Legends, Adventure, Fitting In.

Techniques: Musical.

Costumes

All the characters 'costumes' (Because it's animation I’m not sure if you still call them costumes?) fit in with the time and environment so they're all wearing ancient Greek styled clothes and armour. Toga's.

Settings

The sets (again do you call them sets in cartoon films?) are all based on what we know of Ancient Greek civilisation. Typical for a children’s cartoon film with bright colours that captivate the audience.

Sound and Music

Bouncy upbeat music that grabs attention. Very child friendly. Was modern for the time (1997). Informative music.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a film adaptation of the novel of the same title by J.K. Rowling.

Characters

In the first 3 minutes we are introduced to;

Professor Dumbledore, a wise, eccentric and old wizard who is the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Professor McGonagall, another teacher from Hogwarts who has the ability to transform into a tabby cat.

Harry Potter, we see him first as a baby and we are told that he will be very famous. It is later revealed to Harry that he too is a wizard.

Hagrid, a half-giant and friend of Dumbledore’s. Keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts.

Narrative

The opening sequence’s narration is all about this baby boy and how he will be famous among the world of wizards. How he will have to suffer as he grows up with awful non magical folk. The story is told from the young Harry’s point of view and after he learns that he is a wizard the adventures that follow.

Genre Categorisation

Target Audience: Children of all ages but more targeted at older children (the audience for Potter does reach all ages though as many children that started watching the series are now adults and still love the films as well as adults).

Emotions: Family, Excitement, Thriller.

Theme: Magic, Adventure, Fantasy.

Techniques: None recognisable.

Costumes

The character’s we see in the opening sequence wear robes that look to fit their characters as witches and wizards. Hagrid’s larger clothes highlight his size and how he is a giant. All the colours and features appeal to a younger audience as they are interested in the odd and unique.

Settings

The set for the opening 3 minutes is a dark street. The set looks like an ordinary suburb street. The use of magic on the set (Dumbledore making all the street lamps go out) also fits with its genre’s and theme’s and grabs the attention of the audience. The dark lighting and mist makes it mysterious and exciting.

Sound and Music

Classical music is used. This music has a very magical feel to it and the main theme (known as Hedwig’s theme is quite upbeat, although still classical). No popular music or music recorded by bands is used in the film.

Both of these films are my own personal childhood favourites!



:(

Just got signed out whilst I was typing and lost everything. Not amused because that's 2 hours worth of work wasted.

Equipment and programs needed for our Childrens film opening

Tripod
Movie/film camera
Dolly
Final cut (editing software)
Garage band (music and sounds)
Photoshop

Props we needed for filming

Clock
Books (library)
Table and Chairs (setting in Library)
Ipod and headphones (may be used)

Analysis of film openings

Conventions in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging

Teen comedy
Average 'teen girl' - periforial characters- school friends, bully (typical 'teen' films)
Music  - modern / pop (teen and rom-coms)
Rejection/ public embarrassment scenes (rom-coms)
Setting - realistic, urban, (British... rom-com...comedy...drama)
Central female character
Target audience - young female teenagers

Possible Roles in Opening Credits

Director
Producer
Music and sound
Starring... (main actors/actresses and their roles in film)
Lighting
Costume
Cinematographer
Editer
Make-up
The actual film title
Casting by...
Production designer
Screen play

Shot List - Plan

1. Close tracking of library books
2. Turning shot from books to clock
3. Close up of clock
4.Empty corridor
5. Zoom in of clock
6. Full corridor
7. follow main character (Sarah)
8. Teacher walks out of door
9. conversation - over the head shot of each character (mid shot)
10. match on action
11. reaction shot

Character Costumes

The characters that we meet in the intro 2 minutes are supposed to look modern, casual and fit in so they don’t need any excessive and mad costumes. The costume needs to be kept simple to fit in the environment of the story.

Sarah (Main Character)

-          Casual college clothes, non-school uniform (Top, Jeans, Boots, Scarf).

Teacher/ Teaching Assistant

-          Smart shirt/Polo shirt, smart trousers/jeans, ID Tag.

Filming Location, Location, Location

THE LIBRARY

G BLOCK CORRIDOR

When planning our film we decided to film our tracking shots of the library shelves and lots of books because we wanted to use the shots of books to hold our credits. We also needed shots in the corridor of G block for our walking shots and our conversation shots. As planned we managed to use all the locations that we needed when filming.

U and PG Certificates

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classifications) is very specific about the certifications they give the films that come out. U and PG are particularly linked with young and children as they’re seen as ‘child friendly’.

U Certification

U stands for UNIVERSAL and is deemed suitable for all ages above 4 years old, although some films may be suitable for audiences younger than that. The U certificate has very specific standards that a film must apply to.                  

There can be no discriminatory language unless the context in which it is being used is clearly frowned upon.

In a U film all drug references, both legal, illegal, and misuse, must have an obvious anti-drug message that the children that are watching can understand.   

Any scary or horror sequences in a U film must be kept short and must not cause over-longing fear to the child watching. The ending should be making the child aware that they are always safe.

There should be nothing in a U film that the child could imitate and potentially cause danger to them. Realistic and easily accessible weapons should be used to cause harm in the film either to avoid children copying the actions.

Only very mild bad language can be used in a U certified film and it must be very infrequent.

A U film can only contain occasional natural nudity, which must have no sexual content whatsoever.

Sexual content in a U film must be kept to a minimum. Mild behaviour such as kissing is valid and sex can only be referred to lightly, for example ‘making love’.

A U certified film’s themes must be appropriate for young children. Any upsetting themes must be treated careful and suitably for young children.

Threat and violence in a U may only be mild. Occasional menace can be present too, but only this.

PG Certification

PG stands for PARENTAL GUIDANCE. All children may watch a PG without an adult accompanying them. The film should be viewable without worries to an 8 year old or over, but it is recommended that a parent or guardian is fully certain that their child will be alright watching the film. The film could upset younger children.

Like the U certified films discriminatory behaviour is once again unlikely to be acceptable unless once again the context is obviously disapproved of. Discriminatory behaviour by a character that children watching can relate to is also unacceptable.

Any reference to drugs in a PG film must be accompanied by a strict anti-drug message.

Any horror sequences in a PG must not be prolonged to avoid instigating fear in the viewer. Fantasy settings may add to the fear of a horror sequence.

Any realistic and potentially dangerous weapons must not be glamourized and no detail of anything that the viewers are likely to copy which could cause them harm.

PG certified films may contain only mild bad language.

Like the U films any nudity must be natural and without sexual content.

In a PG film, sexual references and activity can be infrequently implied, but mild references and innuendo only.

Themes in a PG film can be more problematic than in U films, more serious issues can be addressed but nothing should idolise unacceptable behaviour.

Above from a U, moderate violence is allowed in a PG if without full graphic details and is justified by its context, such as fantasy or comedy.

Finished Filming!

So we completed our filming over the 3 days, not as well as we would have hoped, but that’s because we’re not professionals – yet! We had to change our dialogue as there wasn’t enough time to film it all as but we got all the other shots that we needed. I’m looking forward to the editing after half term where we will be adding an upbeat track that Charlotte has made on GarageBand as our establishing music and we'll be cutting our pieces together with FinalCut. 

Dialogue

Children’s Film Introduction

Initial ideas for dialogue

(Main Character – Sarah, Best Friend – Amy, Teacher.)

Amy: Finally that lesson’s over, I thought I was going to sleep, you’d thing Batley would do something fun for our last lesson. Anyway, what’re your plans then?

Sarah: Well, 2 week’s of freedom, I can do whatever I want.

Amy: You’re so lucky, you're parents are away, you've got the house to yourself. I'm so jealous!

Sarah: Aha, oh yeah, I forgot, you're going to... devon.

Amy: Shut up okay I have no choice! You're so lucky, wish my parents would leave me behind. 

Sarah: Some of us are just born lucky. I better get home and say goodbye to my -

Teacher: Sarah Bloom, can I have a word please.

Sarah: Of course sir, see you later Ames.

Teacher: I've just got of the phone with your parents about the fact that you're home alone this holiday, you're parents expressed a concern and so you're staying with me.

DUN DUN DUNNNNN!!

Children’s Film Theme Conventions Homework

Sky High

Themes: Superhero/ Teenagers/ Fitting in/High School.

Characters: Superhero parents/ Normal son with no powers.

Costumes: Superhero costumes in cartoon opening/ Normal clothes in non animated scene- Links to superhero theme of having to be ‘Undercover’.

Sets: Modern day/ Opening scene cartoon comic book style/ Average American house/ Messy teen’s bedroom/ Tidy kitchen- Typically American. Pre-Teen Movie/Comedy.

Sound/Music: Superhero build-up tune/Upbeat teenage pop music.

Dialogue: Dad talking on the phone/ Parents talking to each other.

Props: Son and weight machine in messy bedroom- links to teen movie/comedy when he can’t lift the weights/ wanting to fit in by using the weights/ high school age.

Camera Shots: Cartoon opening scene/ Establishing shot of house/ Close up of Teenager/ Birds eye view shot of son getting ready to use weights/ Close up on hands on weights/ Close up on left of face then back to bird’s eye view/ Birds eye view moves in closer to son/ Low from the left shot of son lying down, as son sits up close up on face/ Shot to parents downstairs camera tracks mum and dad during conversation, over the shoulder shot.

Colour Filters: Cartoon Opening – Very child friendly/ House and bedroom very bright and light coloured to appeal to a younger audience.

Narratives: Son as narrator/ Son’s internal monologue.

                  

The plot!

Our children's film is going to be based around the life of a teenage girl who's just finished her first term back at school and is very excited about her perfectly planned christmas break. All seems fantastic until her parents decide that because they're going away she can't stay at home alone, and is forced to spend her holidays living with her teacher. Things can only get worse from here. 

Titles/ Credits

Similar to Nacho Libre, we were thinking as a group of putting our titles/credits on objects that are within our location shots. For example, we are doing an empty shot of the library and then zooming in on one bookshelf. The credits will be on the side of the books.

In addition there will be one on the ipod when someone pulls it out, and one on the long road sign.

Whilst the credits are showing, we will show different locations within the college of classes and corridors that are empty to show that the holiday are about to begin. We will also show shots of a clock ticking and once it gets to 3.00pm the corridors will be filled with students leaving for the holidays.

Genre Conventions of a children's film

Toy Story:

- Bright colours
- Upbeat music
- Child - imagination -makes up story with his toys
- Comical - Mr Potato head being the villain
- Target audience - family/children
- Set - bright cloud wallpaper - connotes with dreams and imagination
- Boy has made his own set out of boxes and drawn pictures on them
- Showing only parts of the boy not all of him as its about the toys. Wants the audience to start imagining the toys being real.

The mind map showing our initial ideas for our children's film.

Toy Story 3 - Opening Train scene (2 minutes)

Toy Story 3 – Opening Train scene (2 minutes)

Target Audience 

·        Children (mainly)

·        Nostalgic teens

Techniques

·        Computer animation

Emotions (in particular scene)

·        Tragedy

·        thrilling

·        scared

Genre conventions

·        The name of the film being ‘Toy Story’ you would expect a film/ story about toys as the main characters

·        Costumes

Ø  Woody the Sheriff – cowboy outfit

Ø  Buzz Lightyear – Space/ astronaut outfit

Ø  Mr and Mrs Potato-head  - Potatoes

Ø  Slinky – Slinky dog toy

Ø  Ham (evil doctor pork chop) – Pig money box

Ø Jessie the Cowgirl – cowgirl outfit

·        Dialogue

Ø  Typical hero talk

Ø  ‘Bad guy’- cunning, evil laugh

·        Scenarios

Ø  Scene and set from a child’s play and imagination

·        Music

Ø  Fast pulse – sense of emergency

Ø  Tragic

·        Setting

Ø  Desert – in the middle of nowhere

Ø  No-one to help

Ø  Heroes turn up on the scene to stop the ‘bad guy’

What is a film with certificate U or PG?

A PG rated film means that 'parental guidance' is advised.

The film can be seen by anyone, including small children however parents are advised to be careful with some scenes as they may find them unsuitable for their children. If there is anything about drugs then it must end up having an anti-drug message or making it look like drugs are wrong. There must be no discrimination of any type towards anyone!

If there are frightening scenes then they must be short and the violence may only be moderate. Mild bad language only and no sexual content apart from natural nudity.

A U rated film means 'Universal.'

PG and U are practically the same, however 'U' is a little bit more careful and can be watched by more sensitive children as the violence is only allowed to be mild. There can be natural nudity. They also must show an anti drug message and horror scenes must be brief like a mild threat or menace. There must be no point within the movie which could encourage children to imitate bad behaviour.