Research on short films - Just Say Hi

Just Say Hi
http://www.virginmediashorts.co.uk/film/4531/just-say-hi#.VCFbYbGwVfE

An extreme long shot introduces the two characters and shows them at a bus top. They both appear to be quite young, and their casual clothing and the fact that they are at the stop at the same time every day suggests that they are of college or sixth for age. This probably means that the target audience for the film is 18-25 year old males and females as they are more likely to still be at college or university. The male can be seen in the extreme long shot leaning up against the shelter while the girl is inside sat on her phone. The colours and lighting within the shot are quite dark and dull and therefore appear natural, except for the blue of the bus stop sign which suggests the significance of the setting.

The boy attempts to make conversation with the girl, shown by a medium shot, mocking how long the bus is taken, and the spectator may laugh at his attempt of a joke. However, the girls unimpressed reaction shown by her facial expression create an awkward atmosphere and result in the spectator now laughing at him as opposed to with him, and almost feeling sorry for him. Many shot reverse shots like this one are used throughout the film, and are a very effective way of enabling the spectator to track the progression of the relationship. Shot reverse shots can be used during conversations to capture the reaction of characters, but as no dialogue is used the reaction simply through means of facial expressions and body language. 

There is a wide variety of shot types used throughout the film. Extreme long shots are used to establish the location, and the same for the long shots. Medium shots are used during conversation, and a few close ups are used to show the characters reactions. However, not many transitions are used. A swipe across the screen shows the change in day, reinforced by the different clothing the characters are wearing, with the location staying the same, but it is only used once. Other than this, only cuts are used, and then a cut to black at the end onto the credits. 

The continuity is strong throughout the film, and the match on actions are very smooth. A long shot shows the male character going to sit down on the bench, with the shot changing to a medium shot to finish the movement. Smooth match on actions means that the spectator barely notices the change in shot which this one does effectively. The same can be seen again when he passes the girl a tissue after she sneezes. However, one continuity error is noticeable when the pair are sat on the bench slowly moving closer to each other. In the long shot, the girls hand can be seen on her shoulder holding the strap on her bag, but in the next her hands are in her lap.
  

The genre of the film is romance with elements of comedy, a hybrid. The idea of combining the two genre's is effective as it represents real life relationships; it portrays the typical 'boy meets girl' scenario but also addresses the awkward moments and the imperfections, making it easier for the spectator and target audience to relate to.

The film uses a simple linear narrative, and tells the events as they happen, although the narrative is restricted. The spectator does not know anything about the characters background, and can only make assumptions on their age by their clothing. Additionally, there are various ellipses as the audience does not see what happens before the characters get to the bus stop and where they go from there. It is also an open ended film, as there is no indication of what happens once they finally talk, and whether or not their relationship continued. Bordwell and Thompson believed that the chain of events within a film forms a cause and effect relationship, and this theory can be applied to the short film. However, Todorov's theory cannot be, as there has been no disruption of equilibrium, no recognition of disruption or attempt to repair the problem.

The non diegetic soundtrack that accompanies the film is upbeat and bubbly, creating a lighthearted atmosphere, and fits the mood and genre of the film. Diegetic sounds of cars driving past can be heard, as well as the girls sneeze and a thump as the boy bangs his head against the glass of the shelter. There is no dialogue in the film, apart from the girl saying 'Hi' at the end follows by a cut to black. This means that any messages are conveyed non verbally through characters body language and facial expressions, which works effectively as the shot types used mean that the spectator can see and understand all the relevant information.

The font used at the beginning and in the end credits is quirky and appears hand drawn, reinforcing the assumption that the two characters are of school age, and suggests and element of youth. It's also simplistic, and fits with the simplicity of the linear narrative and lack of dialogue.