Film Rating

The BBFC say that “it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.”

The story we are presenting is about a boy who falls asleep in a waiting room and dreams his way through an imaginary land. The boy, Will, encounters several different animals and creatures on his journey, which could distress or frighten a young child. The BBFC state that the theme of a ‘U’ film can include problematic themes, however, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate or young children. However, the guidelines for a ‘U’ film state that ‘horror scenes’ should be ‘mild’ and ’brief’ and that ‘the outcome should be reassuring.’ This is will defiantly be the case in our film as Will shall always find a way out of any dangerous situation.

As our film has been filmed using plasticine and the nature of the film, imitable behaviour is an issue that should be treated very seriously and carefully. As this is the case, there will be no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons and the main character will never do anything to put himself in danger, or a situation a young child is likely to copy.

Through out the entirety of the film, there will not be any bad language, nudity or any sexual references and violence will be mild and very infrequent.

The BBFC state that “unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.”

Late into the making of the models used in the film, the group realised that the body shape and facial expressions of the main character and others where in fact quite horrific and that this should be taken into account when suggesting a rating for the film. As it is the main character who the viewer, in this case a potentially quite young child, is ideally meant to connect and feel comfortable towards, the facial features and nature of the character must be soft and friendly. As filming has already begun and cannot be re-done at this stage, this will have to be a problem the group takes into account when rating this film.

The theme for a ‘PG’ film can be slightly more serious but many of the factors covered in the paragraph above relate more to the content of the film.

Overall, the films themes, situations, behaviour and other factors point towards the film being a ‘U’. However, due to the appearance of some of the characters and particularly the main character, I believe this film should be rated a minimum of a ‘PG’

3 Priorities For Next Week:

1. For next week, we need to make sure we have fully completed all the I-stop for the opening of our children's film. That includes having our character opening the door, meeting the 'magical dog' and briefly (possibly) exploring the magical world.

2. To sort out all diagetic and non-diagetic sound for our children's film opening. This includes character speech and the soundtrack.

3. To upload a completely finished children's film opening sequence to our Longroad Media blog.

wallace and gromit analysis

Wallace And Gromit; A Grand Day Out begins very simply with a theme tune over a still image of a section of the scenery. Writing is then ‘drawn’ on, giving the name of the short film and introducing the characters. The opening sequence is very short and soon gives way to the story.

The first image the audience sees, holiday brochures, already gives away a key part of the story and makes it very easy for younger viewers to get the gist of the film. The film is done using stop motion animation although, the camera actually slowly moves around an image if it is still, saving a lot of time and often makes a longer duration shot, with more camera movement look a lot better. Background music is almost constantly played through the film and creates a more comfortable atmosphere for the viewer. This is very important, especially when in a children’s film so as to make them want to keep watching and not feel intimated by the film.

Close ups are often used as they require a lot less detail in the whole shot and less needs to be moved meaning less room for errors such as wrong movements in characters or setting. As well as this, only props and characters are made using plasticine as they are the only things that the director has to move.

Movements made by the characters are often quite dramatised, making their reaction to a comment or situation a lot easier to read and follow which is also important for the younger viewers.

Main characters are usually made to look a lot friendlier with softer voices and with more simple facial features. This helps the audience to connect with the main character a lot faster and easier and makes the story a lot easier to narrate.

The sounds used, whether it be opening a cupboard or picking up a piece of paper, are also very emphasised. This could be a technique used to make sure the viewer is still concentrating on what’s going on and that their attention stays with the character.

Certain facial features or body language is a very easy way to display the emotion of a character without them having to say anything. For example, Gromit doesn’t speak at all, however, the viewer is still aware of his reactions and feelings towards a certain situation. These feelings are mostly shown in the way his ears move and the way his arms move. This also gives him a particular personality, which would be a lot different if dialogue was used.

Childrens Film Opening Script

Boy is in bed, quietly reading a book. The only light is just a small bedside light.
Boy slowly begins to drift off to sleep as the camera slowly fades out and eventually the book drops to the floor.

Boy: What's going on, where on Earth am I.

Narrator: Welcome, to the dreamland, you are inside your own head, free to do whatever you want, whenever you want. You can fly, you can visit grand landscapes and you can eat, whatever you want.

Will: Why am i made of plasticine?

Narrator: This is how the dream world works, don't ask me, you imagined it...

Will: Right...

Narrator: We're getting off the point my friend, the real question is, how do you leave?

Will: Well, I'll try the door over there...

Narrator: Yes, that could work, fill your boots, but wheres the fun in that?

[voice fades away slowly]

Will Walks over to the door, slowly, and a bright white light shines through.

the boys dog appears in the scene, made of plasticine like the rest of the set and jumps up to lick his face.

Dog: Ruff! oh terribly sorry old chap, got a chesty cough. But I'm so glad you're here!

Boy: Hello boy! WAIT, since when did you talk?!

Dog: I'll have you know, I speak 9 languages, including Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, Gibberish, Dog and Human, of course.

Boy: Whatever, lets explore...

STORYBOARD

shot 1: medium long, will laying in bed the falling asleep

shot 2: swirly lines representing entrance to a 'dream world'
shot3: out of focus P.O.V, will blinks in to focus
shot 4: medium, looks down at hands a feet
shot5: gets out of bed and starts walking around his room
shot8: long, walks down stairs

shot10: medium, opens front door and looks out
shot 11: extreame long, looks out at imaginary world

THE TEAM

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
BEAN HOLMES: animator
BREAD MAKER: director
WILL RITSON: actor
LEWIS REES: camera man

SETTING IDEA-SPACE

SPACE SETTING: Ignoring Wallace and Gromit in the foreground, the background could be used for the space scene we intend to use. Here the main boy character will maybe meet characters such as aliens etc. The setting should be arid, dry and nearly desert like, with a black space background with stars and planets etc.

SETTING IDEA-JUNGLE

JUNGLE SETTING: This is an idea for one of the settings that boy will investigate whilst traveling around the magic world. The setting will consist of different types of jungle foliage and maybe animals i.e. Tigers etc.

Stop motion with toys

FIRST IDEA

The first idea we have is of a young boy (Will) who will fall asleep one night, only to wake to find out he has transformed in to a cartoon version of himself, and can shape shift into anything. After this he explores an imaginary world, experiencing a world of weird creatures and settings, with the aim to find his way out and transform back to his usual 'human' self. When in this world, we want the boy character to be able to transform into anything he wants, i.e. a bird, car, plane etc, whilst exploring various 'worlds', such as; a jungle, space etc (basically a magical world) and meeting the inhabitants i.e. aliens etc. IDEAS TO BE DONE IN PLASTICINE OR LEGO

Analysis of childrens film opening

Toy Story - Will Ritson



To begin with, the opening to Toy Story has an all round happy and warm atmosphere. One elements that relates to this are the colours in the sequence. They consist of mainly light blues, browns and yellows. These colours appear quite neutral, and unimposing, as opposed to colours such as red. This also hints at a sense of security with the toys, and that alot of fun can be had with them. In addition to this, the cloud design of the wall paper on screen adds to this, as clouds and blue sky tend to be associated with warm summer days and fun. The opposite effect would happen if the skys were grey and gloomy.

In addition to this, the non-diagetic sound, the music in particular, is very upbeat and happy. This also adds to the sense of fun and security, and adds to the films all round atmosphere. In addition to this, the words "you got a friend in me" suggest an actual friendship with the toys themselves.

The mise-en-scene within the sequence is all of toys. The "buildings" made from the boxes suggest to children waching that fun can be had with everything. In addition to this, the room has toys everywhere, and in a way, the room looks like a miniature landscape, with the blue sky wallpapers, the boxes, and the toy race track. It is almost surreal.

Preliminary Task

analysis of a opening sequence of a childrens film

finding nemo (director andrew stanton 2004)

firstly the genre of finding nemo, now finding nemo has a number of different genres making it a hybrid. firstly theres a family genre in the sequence because of the storyline that you get from the trailer, and it shows all different age groups within the sequence such as the baby clown fish to the adult clown fish. theres also a fantasy feel to the sequence because of the human features that the fish seem to have for instance they are talking and interacting between each other in a human way, and is not related to real life. also where they live also have a city theme because of how all the fish swim around and interact with each other. another genre is adventure because of the storyline that has been has been created, also all of the different settings show that theres been an adventure. the music also is up beat and tense showing that there is a adventure and there is some suspence happening.

now the characters in the sequence and they conform to the traditional convention of childrens film characters. there are two main characters marlin (albert brooks) nemos worrisome father and nemo himself. children are meant to relate to nemo as the lost child and parents are meant to relate to the father and how he worries about losing his son. the comedy aspect of the characters are shown as well because of marlin being a clown fish they all expect him to be funny, whereas he is the complete opposite. most of the characters are friendly and conform to the conventional characters of a childrens film, there are also conventional 'baddies' in the film in this case the sharks.

there is also a conventional atmosphere to the film as well because it starts of happy and the music relates to this but then there is a scenario in this case nemo getting lost. then they have to overcome this and then it ends with a happy ending. throughout the sequence the music relates to this, because when somthing bad or sad happens there is smooth slow music. but then it changes when they are on thier journey to find nemo the music becomes fast paced and bolder to relate to the mood at that time.

the narrative and the meaning of the film is that you should listen to your parents and do as your told. in this case if nemo had of listened to his father when he told him to get away from the boat then he would have never been taken. another moral idea that is created is that you should keep going and trying somthing in this case he was persistant looking for his son. both of these moral issues conform to the conventional childrens film.

Analysis of the Opening Sequence of 'Lion King'

The opening of Lion King (1994-Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff) suggests a hybrid Genre of a fantasy film, adventure and musical. The fantasy genre is suggested by all the different species of animals shown in the sequence. These animals also seem to have human qualities; for example the baboon in the sequence seems to ‘baptise’ the lion cub, when the lion cub is presented to the ‘crowd’ they all bow down to him and the baboon and the lion hug. The adventure genre is suggested by the way all the animals in the land all go towards where the lion cub is being presented in large numbers. The musical genre is suggested by the way the non-diagetic music plays a huge part in the opening sequence. Anyone who has seen Lion King knows the opening song is instantly recognisable and always linked to the film. Also, people who have seen the film know that musical sequences play a huge part in the film.

Characters in Lion King are all animals, which conforms to the convention of a children’s film. The main character here seems to be the lion cub, because all attention is on him, because all the animals have come to see him and he gets baptised, which allows children to be able to identify with the lion cub. This main character also conforms to the stereotype of a lion being ‘The King of the Jungle’, because the lion cub is presented to the crowd like a king. This also suggests hew lion cub is a hero, because the crowd bow down to him, which conforms to the convention of a children’s film character. The all the characters seem to be friendly and positive because they all hug and respect each other. This again conforms to the convention of a children’s film character.

The atmosphere in the opening sequence of Lion King is extremely upbeat and happy. This is because of the music in the scene represents a positive attitude and sets the scene for how the rest of the film will play out. The way the sun rises up to create high key lighting and present a positive attitude. All the characters seem positive because they are all laughing and smiling presenting a happy atmosphere. This all shows how the convention for atmosphere in a children’s film.

The narrative in the opening scene of Lion King gives the moral message of community and family, because it shows all the animals going to see the lion cub and cheering and bowing down to him and shows how his family is close by his side. The start of the film conforms to the convention of a children’s film because it starts happy and upbeat because of the music and emotion of the characters. The opening suggests that the lion cub will become ‘King’ because he is presented to and praised by the visiting crowd, suggesting that the lions are their ‘rulers’. This suggests that the outcome of the film will be the lion cub becoming king and have a happy ending, thus conforming to the convention of a children’s film.

how they have made the names out of clay is a good idea and we could use it for our title of our film

Wallace & Gromit-Stopmotion & Character Creation

This clip shows how the makers of children's comedy film Wallace and Gromit made their film Curse of the Were-Rabbit. The clip analyses how the makers used Stopmotion to give the effects in the film of the Were-Rabbit; of how it moves and the construction of the characters. This could help us in the development of our characters and help us to make our opening scene more realistic, but still maintaining the effect of Stopmotion.

Cravendale Advert-Stopmotion

I have decided to give this advert for Cravendale Milk shows how we could use the Stopmotion as an effect for our children's film opening. This effect will be easy to do, as props will be easy to get (i.e. a cow or alien) and will be easy to re-position in the Stopmotion. I reckon this will be a easy way to do a Childrens Film Opening. This advert also uses comedy to promote their product, which is another genre we could use.

Features of a BBFC PG Rated Film:

PG Parental Guidance –
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children:
Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content
may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to
be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an
educational or historical context. Discrimination by
a character with which children can readily identify
is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be
innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or
intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Imitable behaviour
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which
young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation
of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language
Mild bad language only.

Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be
discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and
innuendo only.

Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (for example,
domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should
condone unacceptable behaviour.

Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed,
if justified by its context (for example, history,
comedy or fantasy).

Features of a BBFC U Rated Film:

U Universal –
Suitable for all:
It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behaviour unless
clearly disapproved of.

Drugs
No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless
they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear
educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable
for young children.

Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to
cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome
should be reassuring.

Imitable behaviour
No potentially dangerous behaviour which young
children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic
or easily accessible weapons.

Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity
Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex
Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and
references only (for example, to ‘making love’).

Theme
While problematic themes may be present, their
treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for
young children.

Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or
menace only.

Analysing atmosphere in A Series of Unfortunate Events

Will Ritson - A Series of Unfortunate Events

In the introduction, the atmosphere is very happy. This is created through the jolly, upbeat music and the high pitched giggles and laughs. The characters in the sequence are all wearing bright coloured clothing, and the main colours are blues and green, these come across as less imposing than colours such as red. The scene is also very stereotypical of a film for young children as the mise-en-scene is comprised of flowers and "cute" animals. This adds to the sense of surprise when the atmosphere of the scene suddenly changes.

From this point onwards, the atmosphere is very uneasy and dark. The change from a happy to dark atmosphere is very sudden and confuses the viewer. It is also very contrasting against what has just been shown. The eerie, and minor music suggests this, along with the low key lighting. In addition to this, the characters do not talk throughout the sequence, and the three children are introduced from behind.

Genre:
in the sequence of 'lemony snickets a series of unfortunate events '
there is a hybrid genre as like many other children s films but this one has as different feel to it and does not follow the conventional setup as a children s film. there are five different genres is this sequence, adventure, horror, family, fantasy, comedy.

Adventure: it has an adventure genre because the children start looking around the house and find out different clues which gives the feeling that there will be an adventure.

Horror: there is slight horror feel to the seqeunce, it starts of as the conventional childrens film with the bright colour the high pitched music and the little elvs. it then changes completely and there is a complete contrast between the two. the colour is very dark so it gives a horror feel, also the actual setting when it changes because they are in a dark misty graveyard. also how the narrator talks as well gives a very negative feel to it because he describes it as a very dark and scary story.

family: there a family aspect to it because in the family there are all diferent age groups which can relate to all the people within a family.

fantasy: there is a fantasy feel to the sequence as well because of the strange powers that they have, no conventional children would have those powers especially the babies powers. also the strange creature in the pond when he pokes it looks quite strange.

finally there is a slight sense of comedic value to the seqeunce as well because of the young child hanging off the table by her teeth.

Character in Lemony Snicket's Series Of Unfortunate Events:

The children characters in Series of Unfortunate Events (2004-Brad Silberling) do not conform to the usual character in a children's film. Each child has an unusual qualities not typical of a children's film; e.g. Violet Baudelaire has the talent of inventing, Claus Baudelaire reads many books and takes in all the information, and Sunny has the very unusual quality of biting things. These qualities shown in the introduction suggest that these qualities will help them find their solutions to their problems during the film. Also, the situation that the children are in; their parents are dead and they are adopted. This is not a theme which would normally be aimed at children. The introduction of the children shows the mystery of the children because you only see them from behind. The character of Lemony Snicket shows the mystery of the film, because his face is blacked out, not revealing his identity.

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