To begin with in this video of our focus group, we give the 3 of them a brief idea of what our opening sequence will be. This is just so that they know what the film will be about and what will happen so that they have a basis in which they can answer our questions on.
The first question asked is "What do you think about that and what do you reckon could be improved?" The responses we were given were good. Jason asked a few smaller questions such as 'why the old decrepit house', these prompted us to explain our reasoning to why we chose the location and why the story line is what it is. These were interesting statements as it made us think more into why and what effect it would have and also why it has that effect. We also had Myles say that he thinks it could 'really really work' and that he 'can't pick any wrongs in it' which we are really happy about. Josh then added that he thinks 'it is a good story-line.' All these comments help us a lot as it means we have more confidence and belief in our idea and also that we have been made to think about why instead of just what.
The second question asked was "What locations do you think would be good to film in?" This question is focusing more on the actual ways of improving it and what the audience and viewers would prefer and like to see. The responses from the three of them again were really good. The three of them all had the same similar idea that the best location would be to film in not just an old run down house, but somewhere where the area too is maybe abandoned, run down or even a place that the house we film is maybe on its own as it would create the sense that the man maybe ashamed of his daughters mental illness or he is isolated and trapped because of it. Jason gave us a really good idea of filming the outside of a house that is isolated, and then just filming in another different house. He even went as far as giving us a possible location which is by Oaks Park he said there are a few houses on their own just spread around that would be good to film.
"How do you think we should end the opening sequence?" This was the third question asked, again with this question is is all down to their own personal opinions of what they would think would look good. One good answer we received in reply of this question was that we should build the tension up and up to a climax, and then just cut it off. This would leave the viewer wet at the mouth and wanting more as it would create more suspense and mystery.
Another good reply was that it all depends on how we think the story will end. For example, if we think she will be taken away and put into a mental asylum or the dad will be killed would alter how we should end the opening sequence. This opened our eyes more so to speak as it meant we have now had to go away and think more into the ending of the story in order to create a good and interesting ending that makes the viewer want to watch on.
The fourth question we asked our focus group was; "Out of the horror films that you've seen, what would be the best opening sequence that you've seen?" Jason replied with The Shining as he likes the way it is just a car driving up to this isolated hotel with music playing in the background. He said it builds tension, and that our idea is similar. This is a good comparison as we can look at The Shining's opening sequence and see how they have done it and take ideas and techniques from that. Josh then said how he likes the Saw 1 opening sequence as the variety of camera angles and editing techniques help to build up tension, Josh prefers opening sequence to be more action based than just one or two things.
Myles' answer was that he really likes the film Se7en and the opening sequence to that film is one of his favourites as the way that it gives you slight hints to what could be happening but leaves a lot unanswered really creates a thirst to know more and that means you want to watch more.
The fifth and final question asked was; "Is there anything in film opening sequences that you dont specifically like?" The groups replies were all centered around the same idea; that you shouldn't give too much away as it leaves little to the imagination. Another thing that they said they do not like to see is the killer's face. The don't think the killer should be seen in the opening sequence, unless it is going to start off with him killing someone or whether the story is going to start from the end and work the way back, in that case it would make the film a non-linear narrative.
The aim of this focus group is to find out others opinions on our ideas and how we could improve them to make it a better viewing for the audience. The answers we have received really helped us to see other aspects that could work and maybe make the opening sequence better. This focus group was a success as we have gained more ideas and views and it also required us to think more of how we can keep the viewer interested and intrigued and wanting to watch more. We have had to think more into why as well, this is important as it allows us to really understand and evolve our story a lot more so that when filming and editing we really have a clear idea of what we want the film to look like as a finished product.
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