Planning 1

As of now, Kyra and I decided on the plot of our film opening. I don't know if we're going to stick to this, but it's a start. Our main character is going to wake up somewhere (probably a forest-like area) and an Uber driver will pick her up. The driver will seem insane, but the main character finds out at the end of the film opening that they are actually right.

We want to make this as creepy as possible including the same conventions from inspirations. For example, Black Mirror has the reoccurring theme of making elements of the episode seem very normal when in fact it is plain creepy. More specifically the Black Mirror episode of "Be Right Back" presents this perfectly: in a relationship, the male dies and it is completely normal for the female to talk to a computer that mastered his language and later end up ordering a robotic version of his body.

Although Kyra and I's film opening doesn't have the same plot, we want to adopt the same creepy elements. I want to close the film opening with a group of people acting out something collectively that looks too normal but is truly alarming. This will give the viewers a fear we want to instill in them.

A still from "Be Right Back"

Music

Personally, one of the most important factors in a film/film opening is the music. Due to our genre and overall vibe of the film opening, I want to go towards a techno-music route. Nightcall by Kavinsky is one song I draw inspiration from. The voice in the song also somewhat creepy. 

I like this kind of song above all others because since our opening will most likely be inspired by a Black Mirror and will be under the genre of psychological thriller/horror, I want the music to be somewhat futuristic and "creep" up on the viewer. Any other type of song would not do the same.

Music will set the mood for the opening and will be one of the first things a viewer notices. Thus, being one of the first thing that forms a viewer's attention. Music is very important to me and I want to make it a focal point in the film opening, maybe syncing with the editing on screen. 

Minor changes/inspiration

Since the beginning of this course, my best friend Kyra and I were decided on the theme of horror. Although I do want to stick to that genre, I want to kind of twist it and film a psychological horror film opening. I think that'll be best above all other genres because Kyra and I wanted to impact the audience in a unique way and get inside their heads.

Black Mirror is one show we want to draw inspiration from. I'm obsessed with the show and really appreciate it's creativity and originality. The plots of episodes start off somewhat innocent and normalize clearly odd situations. I like this technique since it ensures a shock reaction from the audience. In a lot of episodes, Black Mirror allows you to feel compassion towards the main character and waits until the end to reveal the character's major faults. The show also centers its issues around technology, kind of blaming it. Although we're not sure yet if we want to include technology in the suspense, the show's uniqueness inspires me.

The Black Mirror Series can be found on Netflix.

I'm so excited to begin production and apply my ideas to the screen!!!