Things to include

Many films in the noir style usually have a vast range of shot types - from cantered angles to extreme close ups. So before I make an attempt at filming anything, I need to start with a shot list in an order that I want. That way when I come to filming, i'm prepared and will make the film opening look more professional if the camera shots are thought of before filming.

List of shots to include if possible:

- Cantered angle
- Close ups (more than 2)
- High angle
- Low angle
- Medium shot
- Any shots that use voyeurism
- Extreme Close ups

Editing is going to be the most time consuming task after filming everything. However the main point of editing is to clips to seamlessly flow smoothly without the audience noticing, unless for a specific, intended reason.

Some editing effects to use:

- Fade in / Fade out
- Cross Dissolve
- sharp cuts for pace
- Stop dissolve
- Subtitles - fade
- Black and white - Film noir effect
- eyeline match
- 180° Rule
- shot reverse shot

Sound takes a massive part in making sure the atmposphere, pace and tension is set. An epic soundmix will be the stand or fall of this opening i think.

Therefore i will try to keep these things in mind:

- Simple music
- Original Sounds (copyright free)
- Sound build - synchronous to action within the frame
- Simple sound layout - quiet > build up > crescendo > Build down > Quiet > Hint of a build up again at the end

- Amplified sounds to exaggerate actions within the frame ie: loading of the gun / gunshot / car engine
- It is paramount that the music is synchronous with the action. No good having a gunshot 10 seconds too late for example
- Possibly a voice over unless it does not aid the scene in any way.

Mise en Scene is very important as this helps provide detailed representations of characters and helps the audience understand the plot, without the use of words. It also helps in reducing continuity errors.

- lighting - constant lighting - especially outside
- lighting - use of shadows - film noir effect
- clothing - dark clothes contrast to lighter clothes and light ( black and white )
- clothing - supporting character stereotypes
- foreshadowing - use of props to suggest future violence (eg: guns)
- Props - Realistic looking props, used to create tention or for a specific action

After considering all these things i will now be ready to start filming as i know exacly what i must try and include. It may be impossible to include all of these features however i will try to include as many as possible without it effecting the plot or original idea.