Robbie Jay Audience Coursework Feedback

1. Is The Product A Clearly Recogniseable Opening Sequence?

Yes, it is a recognisable opening sequence because it establishes the hook of the film which makes the audience want to watch more, which is the fact that Jason, the main character, is about to embark on his journey, which is also introducing the storyline/plot/narrative. The characters are introduced and the genre is made aware to the audience through the use of generic conventions of a British Gangster film. These are all what is expected from a opening sequence of a film.

2. Is The Genre Apparent?

As stated before, generic conventions of a British Gangster film are used in the opening sequence, the characters wear suits and speak in Cockney accents, which strongly resemble previous gangster films made such as Snatch and Lock Stock, which we're big influences on this film. The settings contrast to show power within the gangsters, the powerful and wealthy gangster Vinny T is shown in a large house however the lighting reflects his personality, dark and evil. Then Mickey and Jason are shown meeting in a rural and unattractive ally, which reflects their status but also their power and wealth levels, they are clearly a much smaller force within the gangster hierarchy.

3. Who Do You Think The Target Audience Is For The Product?

The target audience for this film is young males, from older teens to late twenties, early thirties.

4. Do You Think The Product Would Appeal To The Target Audience?

Yes, because the opening sequence is fast paced, it grabs the audiences attention and makes them want to watch the rest of the film because it leaves them with a cliffhanger. The British Gangster conventions are displayed effectively in the sequence and makes the target audience know exactly what the genre is. The actors are late teens and are males and this means that the target audience can relate to that because of age and gender similarities. Also the settings are very reflective of real life, which means they can also relate with that.

5. How Well Do You Think The Following Technical Areas Have Been Adressed?

Cinematography - This has been used very well because there are a variety of shots used within the product, for example there are close ups of the characters, to introduce them to the audience and also to show their emotions and there are also point of view shots to show the scene through the characters eyes.

Sound - There is a good use of sound within the sequence, the non diegetic sound, which is the music, works well with the sequence because its also fast paced and upbeat which matches the tempo of the scene itself. The diagetic sound also works because the characters speak with a cockney accent which is a generic convention but also fits with the characters personalities.

Editing - The editing is continuity editing which works well with the product and helps it acheive what it aims to. There is use of shot reverse shot when Mickey and Jason are in conversation, which is also a very effectively used tool. The pace of the editing is quite fast and hits the audience at a quick rate, but still lets them take everything on board and understand it.

Mise-En-Scene - The mise-en-scene has been used to reinforce the genre and to aid the overall effect the sequence wants to create, the suits worn by the characters shows that they are powerful individuals and are not the type of people you want to anger. The settings of the alleyway is also well used because its a typical setting that would be expected for a British Gangster film.

6. Overall How Successful Is The Finished Product? Give An Example Of Something That Can Be Improved And Something That Works Well.

Overall the product is very successful in what it trys to create, which is a tense atmosphere and putting the audience on edge to make them want to know more. It also trys to create the British Gangster genre feel which is does effectively using the conventions. The narrative is something that is successfully executed within then product. However, the opening sequence could be a little bit longer by adding in more shots or dialogue for example.