Research

I started with searching on YouTube for some film noir clips. In the search another schools AS media student's work came up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13WXDQ54AQ4&feature=related
Though I'm not sure what rules their class was set, i analysed it comparing it to the conventions we were given and found by watching a film noir opening in class.

Film noir is set in the early 40's / late 50's. In their production you can see modern day cars on the road, and see a flat screen computer- which they definitely wouldn't of had 50 years ago.
Though there have been one or two film noir movies done in colour, they are generally produced in black and white - which this group didn't do.
On the topic of colour, the lighting used was terrible. It obviously wasn't thought about since no interesting shadows or lighting on the characters face was used at all.
The costumes used were more appropriate, like the use or the suit and hat worn by the main male lead. But, in terms of characters, the only reason I could tell who the femme fetal was because of the bright red lipstick. The mise en scene used to differentiate characters was greatly lacking, and the narrative was also confusing and quite thin.
With the technical aspects, there were too many different camera shots used. Film noir is meant to stick with simplistic, but beautifully lit shots and also use no hand held camera. It is obvious that throughout their production handheld was used.
As a last point, the titles used were red on black. In film noir the titles are usually white with a captivating font, on a layer above some footage establishing the scene.

On the other hand, a second project i found on youtube was shot quite professionally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm3zycmbt_w&feature=related

The titles at the start may not have been appropriate for a film noir movie, but it was about the only thing i could find wrong with it.
The costumes used were excellent, really setting out the investigators character. The whiskey and the cigarette were a great touch which helped set the mise en scene as well.
I really loved the lighting and shadows created, it gave it a real film noir vibe and could probably pass as an actual opening. The camera shots used were lovely and appropriate, i especially loved the close up of the whiskey bottle sliding onto the table. It was beautifully set up and just worked so well in the final production.