tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1215860159762800612024-03-13T04:42:27.291-07:00James.T Foundation BlogLatymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-86501025046979538622011-04-06T03:44:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:43:27.844-07:00Closing PostThis blog is now closed, thankyou for reading :)Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-80221364848274759452011-04-05T08:40:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:44:56.601-07:00Note to ModeratorDear Moderator,<br />
<br />
Thank you for taking the time to look around my blog. On this blog you will find my <em>individual research</em> into film opening sequences and the film industry and also a few of my <em>planning and production</em> work over the course of the project. As you can see, I have posted my finished film opening sequence and my preliminary task at the top of the page.<br />
<br />
I have linked my <em>group blog</em> and the other members of my <em>group's blogs</em> on this page to the right, under essential links. I have also put links to our <em>main</em> and <em>secondary class blogs</em>. <br />
<br />
Lastly, I have labled all my work as either, <em>evaluation, research, planning, or prelim task</em>, which can be found under <em>labels</em> to the right.<br />
<br />
I hope you find my blog interesting and easy to navigate around. <br />
Thankyou for reading.<br />
James Thicknes.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-45841038725414750632011-04-04T11:03:00.002-07:002011-04-04T13:12:25.081-07:00Evaluation - Question 1<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u>1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our film is called the Witness, and is an action thriller with some crime/drama. It is about a 17 year old named Jack, who witnesses 2 members of a gang disposing of a body and is now wanted by that gang. He has nobody to turn to as he himself is struggling with a drug habit, so he must get to the bottom of the gangs business on his own. <br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Jack is the typical anti-hero. He is the hero of the story but at the same time is a bit of a dark and dodgy character. Similar to Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting, (Danny Boyle 1996) who is the main character and hero, but is also a heroine addict on the side. A more extreme version of this would be Johnny Depp in Sweeny Todd (2007) who is the lead role, and also a violent murderer.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Entertainment/images-4/ewan-mcgregor-trainspotting-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Entertainment/images-4/ewan-mcgregor-trainspotting-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ewan McGregor in Trainspotting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.moviemobsters.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sweeney-todd-johnny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://www.moviemobsters.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sweeney-todd-johnny.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnny Depp in Sweeny Todd</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.cinemagora.co.uk/images/films/69/126169-b-taken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.cinemagora.co.uk/images/films/69/126169-b-taken.jpg" width="150" /></a>Another film that was great inspiration to us was Taken (Pierre Morel 2008.) This film is an action thriller about a man who is tracking down his daughter who was taken by a sex trafficking business. Our film is also about a gang involved in sex trafficking, and our hero is completely alone in trying to put an end to it. Similarly to Taken, there are few other main characters in the Witness other then Jack, making him seem more isolated and unaided. However our film is a lot less of the explosive action and car chases, and more about the struggles and hardships that Jack suffers throughout the film. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">According to Todorov’s theory of equilibrium, most films follow the same narrative structure of:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fatvtrGDe_o/TZjwTXXt7uI/AAAAAAAADTo/IX5j-3CtIbU/s1600/equilibrium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="31" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fatvtrGDe_o/TZjwTXXt7uI/AAAAAAAADTo/IX5j-3CtIbU/s400/equilibrium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This structure is especially true with action/thrillers or crime films which our film fits into. We therefore chose to follow the same pattern, and our story goes as follows:</div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmwZenmgN40/TZogWwzjiBI/AAAAAAAADew/CPHhK_PW87E/s1600/yer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmwZenmgN40/TZogWwzjiBI/AAAAAAAADew/CPHhK_PW87E/s320/yer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equilibrium</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WUGMm1Z6Sw/TZogUphgZtI/AAAAAAAADes/-435Rth4gFs/s1600/jg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WUGMm1Z6Sw/TZogUphgZtI/AAAAAAAADes/-435Rth4gFs/s320/jg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disruption</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6CozJCtpY8/TZogTUypjBI/AAAAAAAADeo/x8L3SFboHYA/s1600/lolol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6CozJCtpY8/TZogTUypjBI/AAAAAAAADeo/x8L3SFboHYA/s1600/lolol.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Similarly to most other films that follow this narrative structure, the equilibrium and disruption are present in the opening sequence. The hero's journey will make up most of the rest of the film, and the resolution comes right at the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The main purposes of a film opening sequences are:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">-To introduce the characters – We introduced the main character and have left introducing other characters for later on in the film. We also showed two of the villains, but they covered their faces and therefore didn’t have much of an identity suggesting that they are quite low down in their gang.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">-To establish a setting and key themes – The setting in our opening sequence is in the middle of the woods making the main character seem isolated and alone. We also showed a shot of Jack walking away from some houses, showing that he belongs in an urban setting.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-To engage the viewer and make them want to watch on – We tried to do this by having a fast paced chase scene with exhilarating music. We also ended the opening with a cliff hanger; we don’t know what happened to Jack and therefore want to watch on to find out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><img height="53" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmwZenmgN40/TZogWwzjiBI/AAAAAAAADew/CPHhK_PW87E/s320/yer.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 377px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 666px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-34821024812637113482011-04-04T11:03:00.001-07:002011-04-05T02:52:07.720-07:00Evaluation - Question 2<strong><u>2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our film focuses on a teenager from a fairly poor background, who has developed a drug habit. Drug abuse is a problem that a lot of teenagers can relate to in modern society, and in no way does our film glamorize this lifestyle. We represent it in the harsh and gritty way that a lot of other British films do. Through use of highly contrasted dim lighting, and dreary <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">London</city></place> sets, we think we have portrayed a bleak outlook on drug abuse.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IH-uc-haXQ8/TZjxgBbLESI/AAAAAAAADTw/4DyYxagVmFg/s1600/lewi+junkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IH-uc-haXQ8/TZjxgBbLESI/AAAAAAAADTw/4DyYxagVmFg/s320/lewi+junkie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack smoking a spilff</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Jack is wearing simple and dull clothes that show he isn't very well off. This is further shown by the fact that he is wearing cheap branded clothes that go along with the stereotype that young males are very brand sensitive.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blQ32YOeRe8/TZrh3xlo_lI/AAAAAAAADpU/PA1oY-iKCxA/s1600/shoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blQ32YOeRe8/TZrh3xlo_lI/AAAAAAAADpU/PA1oY-iKCxA/s200/shoe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nike trainers</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VeH15bh9QNY/TZrh4ZdBhDI/AAAAAAAADpY/qwkRlSka02Y/s1600/jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="110" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VeH15bh9QNY/TZrh4ZdBhDI/AAAAAAAADpY/qwkRlSka02Y/s200/jacket.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addidas hoody</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Opposed to the thugs who wear bulky walking boots, and all black clothing, suggesting that they don't really care what they look like, they just want to get the job done. They also wear their hoods up, and have balaclavas covering their faces, which takes away their identity and shows that they have something to hide.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPXLOn_k3ec/TZrmLa_9dnI/AAAAAAAADqc/JDuWlcnmKF0/s1600/thug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPXLOn_k3ec/TZrmLa_9dnI/AAAAAAAADqc/JDuWlcnmKF0/s320/thug.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thug hiding his identity</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Gender is another important factor in our film, and we have represented it in the conventional old-fashioned way. Stereotypically, in films women are the victims who must be saved by the men. We have gone along with this theme in our film, as the only girl in the opening sequence has been murdered by men, and women are the victims throughout. <br />
<br />
We made the girl stand out by having her wear deep red clothing symbolizing lust/passion. Compared to the men who are wearing very plain black/grey clothes, the girl looks very dressed up, suggesting that she cares about the way she looks. This supports the stereotypethat young girls are superficial. This is shown below:</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wyPswx8hH0/TZjxiKM-8BI/AAAAAAAADT0/u8k8Qkbe75g/s1600/phil+slag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wyPswx8hH0/TZjxiKM-8BI/AAAAAAAADT0/u8k8Qkbe75g/s320/phil+slag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl is the victim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-84336954225313100372011-04-04T11:03:00.000-07:002011-04-04T11:03:13.487-07:00Evaluation - Question 3<strong><u>3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vceM0gQATwc/TZm7Yl-IPqI/AAAAAAAADWg/GIWZo9b_G-M/s1600/bitebullet-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vceM0gQATwc/TZm7Yl-IPqI/AAAAAAAADWg/GIWZo9b_G-M/s200/bitebullet-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our production company (Bite the Bullet Productions,) specializes in action/thriller films, targeting both national and international audiences who are fans of the genre. They are also good at producing films of Britsh nature by capturing the realisim that is often showed in British cinema.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eUrtrbUJBs/TZjyaJ7UzHI/AAAAAAAADT4/WrQghA4h46k/s1600/revolver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eUrtrbUJBs/TZjyaJ7UzHI/AAAAAAAADT4/WrQghA4h46k/s320/revolver.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our film would likely be distributed by a company of similar values such as Revolver Entertainment. Revolver entertainment specializes in delivering maximum media coverage via a range of platforms. They are responsible for the release of films such as ‘Kidulthood’ and ‘Shank,’ which are both set in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">London</place></city> and gang culture feature predominantly. However ‘the Witness’ isn't really epic or explosive enough to be picked up by an international company and therefore may not do so well overseas. It's dark, grittiness and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">London</place></city> sets would probably do better with British audiences and therefore a British institution should distribute our film.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/75/KidulthoodPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" id="il_fi" src="http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/75/KidulthoodPoster.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="232" /></a><a href="http://orsonswell.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/shank_quad_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" id="il_fi" src="http://orsonswell.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/shank_quad_1024x768.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="232" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTQcn4WVsSI/TZWfyKbYHFI/AAAAAAAADHY/jOwZIkBm-j8/s1600/ooggaaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTQcn4WVsSI/TZWfyKbYHFI/AAAAAAAADHY/jOwZIkBm-j8/s320/ooggaaaaa.jpg" width="224" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facebook Statistics</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since our film is targeting a younger market, it makes sense to utilize modern technologies to tap into that market. For example online marketing would be very effective at reaching teenage audiences by websites such as FaceBook and YouTube. In the <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">UK</place></country-region> there are over 10 million FaceBook users aged between 15 and 25, which is a huge portion of our market. Since online marketing is a global platform, it opens up to a global market. This means that our film could be distributed to global audiences. However since our film is fairly British and doesn’t have much of a global appeal, it could be screened in cinemas by request. This has proved to be very successful by other films such as Paranormal Activity, (Oren Peli, 2007) who used this tactic and ended up making a massive hype around the film, and reaching a huge audience.</div></div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-6935390625202183322011-04-04T11:02:00.003-07:002011-04-05T03:31:32.409-07:00Evaluation - Question 4<strong><u>4. Who would be the audience for your media product?</u></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_64O0JStLNKg/S7Eame5QwYI/AAAAAAAAUXg/mv7dIO4NoN4/s1600/BBFC_15_Certificate_UK-logo-BF5F5479FA-seeklogo.com.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_64O0JStLNKg/S7Eame5QwYI/AAAAAAAAUXg/mv7dIO4NoN4/s200/BBFC_15_Certificate_UK-logo-BF5F5479FA-seeklogo.com.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Certificate rating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our film would be appealing to the younger generation (old teens – young adults,) because of its genre, and the realism that is achieved by tackling the issues that face this generation today. Since our film would have scenes of violence and drug use, the certificate rating would probably be a 15. So our primary audience would be teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 (predominantly male,) with a secondary audience of adults who are fans of the genre. </div><br />
<br />
I think our film would be mainly for <country-region w:st="on">UK</country-region> audiences, predominantly in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">London</place></city> due to its British nature; however it might have a global appeal for other people who are fans of action thrillers.<br />
<br />
Example Audience profile:<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Name:</strong></em> John<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Age:</strong></i> 19<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Gender:</strong></i> Male<br />
<strong><em>Nationality:</em></strong>British <br />
<em><strong>Hometown:</strong></em> East London<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Lifestyle:</strong></i> He is adventurous and enjoys going out at the weekend, socialising and trying new things.<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>Tastes in Media:</strong></i> He uses lots of different media platforms such as Sky, and is always up to date with new technologies like the latest iPod. He is also a regular user of the internet and FaceBook.<br />
<strong><em>Tastes in Film:</em></strong> He is a regular cinema goer, and enjoys action thrillers and comedies mostly. He likes his films to include fast paced action, hot girls and funny characters. Favourite films include: Kidulthood, Shank and Pineapple express<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://www.hilaryshepherd.com/rantsnraves/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/cameron-dabaghi-empire-state-building-jumper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-81306769223394288802011-04-04T11:02:00.002-07:002011-04-04T15:35:57.888-07:00Evaluation - Question 5<strong><u>5. How did you attract/address your audience?</u></strong><br />
<br />
Our main character is a 17 year old male who fits in nicely with our target audience as he would be somebody they can relate to. The male lead role would probably attract a more male dominated audience. We have therefore added a love interest between Jack and one of the female victims later on in the film, to attract a more well-rounded audience. This has proved to be successful in other films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, where the love interest between two of the main characters could be why it attracted a large female audience and did so well in its box office.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="140" src="http://phoenixweasley.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/piratesofthecaribbean3pkm5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Elizabeth in Pirates of the Caribbean</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In order to appeal to our young market, we tried to make our film thrilling and fast paced. We did this through use of fast basey music and quick choppy editing during the chase sequence. To engage young audiences we used language and mannerisms that they can relate to. The realism of the film, and the fact that it tackles relevant issues such as gang culture and drug abuse, is also appealing to this market.<br />
<br />
In order to anchor the fact that this is a British film for predominantly British audiences, we followed the same styles and conventions that other films of the genre have. For example the gritty and realistic way that the film is shot is appealing to the slightly sadistic British audience. Similarly to the film Shank, we would use relateable urban locations in London throughout the rest of the film. We hinted at this in the beginning of the film when we used this shot: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWbnzRoR3Eg/TZoGeWmIt0I/AAAAAAAADa8/5joeSHJ3wbU/s1600/alleyway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWbnzRoR3Eg/TZoGeWmIt0I/AAAAAAAADa8/5joeSHJ3wbU/s320/alleyway.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alleyway and houses in the background show that Jack comes from an urban environment.<br />
Also, the police siren connotes danger and violence, and again suggests urban roots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
After we had finished editing our opening sequence, we conducted a screening of our film, and gave a questionnaire to 50 members of our target audience (all aged 15 - 18.) We did this to to find out if we have successfully targeted them, and if our film makes sense so far. Our results showed us that everyone who was at the screening rated our film between 6-10 out of 10, with an average of 9/10 for the boys, and 7/10 for the girls. This reflects what we originally planned, as we said from the beginning that males would be our primary target audience.<br />
<br />
Here is a sample of one of the filled out questionnaires:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/52238236/IMG-0017-THE-WITNESS-QUESTIONAIRE" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; margin: 12px auto 6px; text-decoration: underline;" title="View IMG_0017 THE WITNESS QUESTIONAIRE on Scribd">IMG_0017 THE WITNESS QUESTIONAIRE</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_76719" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/52238236/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-24zb694n92pqwomnsxv6" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
</script>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-11775887527673406352011-04-04T11:02:00.001-07:002011-04-04T14:03:27.820-07:00Evaluation - Question 6<strong><u>6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?</u></strong><br />
<br />
A list of the equipmeant we used during the production process:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Hardware:</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Sony Camera and mini DV tape (with tripod)</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Microphone and Headphones</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Dell computer</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Mac computer</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Software:</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Adobe Premiere Pro cs3</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Adobe Sound Booth cs3</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Live Titles</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHOVmjqjcrg/TVa3ux5Q5SI/AAAAAAAAC-k/Pial5M0lFE8/s1600/IMG00064-20110212-1459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHOVmjqjcrg/TVa3ux5Q5SI/AAAAAAAAC-k/Pial5M0lFE8/s200/IMG00064-20110212-1459.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me Filming</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Throughout the project I have developed my skills in editing and filming a huge amount. With the camera I have learnt the in and outs of the different manual settings, and have become better at deciding the best way to shoot a shot. This was particularly relevant, as we didn’t realise how easy it was to accidentally change the colour grading settings on the camera. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one of our shoots we did just that, making half of our footage a strange washed out colour, rendering it useless. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div>I have become a lot more confident with using various softwares on the computer to edit our film. We used adobe premiere pro to do most of the editting of our film, and throughout the project I have progressively become better at editting accurately and quickly. I also learnt some tricks and techniques needed to create a certain feel within a shot. For example we brought up the contrast and darkened most of our shots to create a gloomy atmosphere within the forest. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc4CznKF2rw/TZnifCZ9dkI/AAAAAAAADXI/zJ9xRXfLMHU/s1600/contrast+etcy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc4CznKF2rw/TZnifCZ9dkI/AAAAAAAADXI/zJ9xRXfLMHU/s320/contrast+etcy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing the contrast on Adobe Premiere Pro</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We used Live Titles on the mac to create our titles and animate them. We only wanted a simple animation on our titles, as they weren't meant to be very distracting or noticeable, (apart from the last one which needed impact.) However looking through all the fonts and animations on the mac was interesting as this was a new programme for me, and will be usefull for future preferance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUVINF_GRmk/TZm5m9YjcpI/AAAAAAAADWQ/1xXTTJ3Nf8Q/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-04%2Bat%2B13.24.49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUVINF_GRmk/TZm5m9YjcpI/AAAAAAAADWQ/1xXTTJ3Nf8Q/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-04%2Bat%2B13.24.49.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating titles on Live Titles</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Probably the most important thing I learnt from the process is the importance of lighting. Lighting can completely change the way a shot feels, and changes the way an audience reads into the story. For example, when we filmed our footage it was in broad daylight and sometimes quite sunny, this gave an optimistic feel which we didn’t want. This was fixable by changing the colour grading in editing, however it’s easier and quicker to get it right then first time. If I were to advise someone else who was doing the same project, I would say to avoid an outdoor night shoot at all costs. As we learnt very early on, it is a nightmare to light, and most professionals would shoot it in a heavily lit studio.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-8usJrcJHI/TZn-AQylqpI/AAAAAAAADao/Od-6TvRX1zk/s1600/oooooooo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-8usJrcJHI/TZn-AQylqpI/AAAAAAAADao/Od-6TvRX1zk/s200/oooooooo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As you can see in this shot, we have beams of light coming through the trees. Obviouslty this made the shot alot brighter than the other shots, so we had to change the contrast and brightness more so in order to keep the sequence continuous.</div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-33134948116451572722011-04-04T11:02:00.000-07:002011-04-05T04:24:07.027-07:00Evaluation - Question 7<strong><u>7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?</u></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most important skill I've learnt from the prelim task, was understanding how important continuity is. Continuity makes a film make sense, and helps the audience to follow what is going on. We achieved continuity in our film opening, by obeying the rules of continuity. These included the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule. It became habit for us to check that we weren’t breaking either of these rules which was helpful when it cam to editing because the shots flowed together more seamlessly. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="176" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4TwJ4ckY9U/TZoj8HopPlI/AAAAAAAADfg/fT5sHv1gvXs/s200/180_degree_rule.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 180 degree rule</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Match-on-action (MOA) is also very important for making continuity sequences and I have learnt how to make them look professional. Since we were filming a chase sequence, MOA was especially important, as it prevented the audience from losing track of where the characters were in relation to eachother. Here is an example of us using one in our opening sequence:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ16lI0dBV8/TZo5TmxblYI/AAAAAAAADiY/wipmAlA2xy0/s1600/walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ16lI0dBV8/TZo5TmxblYI/AAAAAAAADiY/wipmAlA2xy0/s320/walking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3esV-XdXZKg/TZo5Uq_tMeI/AAAAAAAADic/jEUbznMQYw8/s1600/hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3esV-XdXZKg/TZo5Uq_tMeI/AAAAAAAADic/jEUbznMQYw8/s320/hand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Match on Action!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Organisation was another skill that I've developed from the prelim task. We found that it was alot quicker and easier to edit and our footage when we had all our shot logs and shot lists at hand to refer to. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeFeLgz0bsQ/TZokrH1uKWI/AAAAAAAADfk/UaL5oninl4A/s1600/IMG00127-20110304-1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeFeLgz0bsQ/TZokrH1uKWI/AAAAAAAADfk/UaL5oninl4A/s1600/IMG00127-20110304-1224.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me shot logging</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Group dynamics was very important in the project as morale tended to get low when we were filming in the middle of a forest at 6 in the morning. We quickly learnt that being well fed and rested impacted on how efficiently we filmed and edited, and so we made a point of achieving both before doing a task. Overall I think we did manage to work efficiently and we managed to delegate the work equally.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzVq8W4Jnkc/TZr4C_acJbI/AAAAAAAADr8/KqFOr1uZamE/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B2011-04-05%2Bat%2B12.04%2B%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzVq8W4Jnkc/TZr4C_acJbI/AAAAAAAADr8/KqFOr1uZamE/s400/Photo%2Bon%2B2011-04-05%2Bat%2B12.04%2B%25235.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-229801880051454082011-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:002011-04-05T11:58:49.655-07:00First responses to the briefOn Thursday January 20th, our group first discussed our thoughts on the brief during our lesson. We were all excited about the task and couldn't wait to get started.<br />
To begin with we decided to choose what genre we were interested in, after a few suggestions including comedy and drama we narrowed it down to the genres of: Dark Comedy and Thriller<br />
At the end of this meeting we decided the best thing to do was to go home and think up an initial idea (film sequence) for the next day. <br />
During our next lesson, we fed back our ideas, and chose the best one to take further and develop. Here was my initial idea:<br />
A dark comedy about a boy who has phsycological issues, and gradually becomes more and more fixated on a girl. After months of stalking, one day after school he follows her home and kidnapps her believing she will marry him. The film gains it comedic elements from an awkward stand off between the two in his parents garage.<br />
<br />
After reviewing the practicalities and potential of our ideas we settled on Sam's thriller idea. We arranged to meet our teachers at lunch and present our idea for the sequence later that day during lunch, prior to this we held another group meeting on Friday lunch where we built an initial story line.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-84662835537803478432010-10-19T04:24:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:50:32.319-07:00Prelim Task - Evaluation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were set the task to create a short continuity sequence involving somebody opening a door, sitting down, and exchanging a few short lines of dialogue with another character. This sequence must demonstrate match on action, shot-reverse-shot and the 180 degree rule.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pJNu8-jewBk?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pJNu8-jewBk?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I worked in a group with Lewi, Megan and Charley. During the planning process, we had a meeting, in which we all discussed our ideas, and wrote up the storyboard and script together. When shooting, Lewi and I acted, whilst Megan and Charley did most of the filming. However we all had a go at being director, director's assistant, and cameraman / woman.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TL8zZnx8W1I/AAAAAAAABVw/TOris2dQLBY/s1600/DSC02018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TL8zZnx8W1I/AAAAAAAABVw/TOris2dQLBY/s320/DSC02018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From left to right: Lewi, Megan, Me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you take into account?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We began by drawing up a rough storyboard and writing a script as a base to work from. This helped to visualize our ideas, and we were able to develop them further. We made sure to include a match on action, shot-reverse-shot, and the 180 degree rule in our sequence, aswell as using eyeline match and the 30 degree rule. After we had decided on a final idea we made a more detailed storyboard with annotations, and a script with more detailed stage direction. We then filmed the whole sequence on Lewi's iPod so that we could see what it would look like, and to spot any mistakes before filming the real thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is an extract from the filming we did on Lewi's iPod:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dygKt3EvXAYgnBzhtz0RcxLZnwt-nPpmjFqp_Ek3NDhlvStGWHIIE8MHJPkzcA-GZ4IqjgHtNQu_e9MEQ2N8A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see it is very rough, but it helped us visualize our ideas, and see what worked, and what didn't work.<br />
<br />
Another theory which we took into account was Levi Strauss's Binary opposition. Lewi played an outgoing, talkative conversational character, whereas I was played a reserved and stand-offish character. We left long pauses between our liens to exaggerate the awkwardness of the situation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>3. What technology did you use to complete the task? and how did you use it?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As previously stated, we used Lewi's iPod when planning the sequence. For filming the real thing, we used a video camera, tripod, microphone and headphones. The headphones were helpful when filming, because we could hear what sound the camera was picking up so we knew if any background noise was interfering with the filming. For editing we used a programme called Adobe Premiere Pro, where we captured our desired clips from the camera, then arranged them together in a continuous order.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Filming:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TL9HUOaMcYI/AAAAAAAABWI/Z7V5GcLw-g4/s1600/DSC01996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TL9HUOaMcYI/AAAAAAAABWI/Z7V5GcLw-g4/s320/DSC01996.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Editing:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TL9HehyXEcI/AAAAAAAABWM/6_ePr56YTE4/s1600/DSC02001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TL9HehyXEcI/AAAAAAAABWM/6_ePr56YTE4/s320/DSC02001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">We had to follow the brief, by including match on action, shot-reverse-shot, and the 180 degree rule, as well as having someone open a door, and talk to another person. This limited what we could do with our continuity sequence, so we had to come up with something simple.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Time was very limited when filming and editing so we had to work quickly and efficiently. This meant filming all the scenes outside the classroom, before filming the ones inside, so we didn't have to keep moving all the filming equipment from room to room. It also meant that we had to be very selective with what we thought was necessary to film, and not overcomplicating the sequence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Where we filmed was important, as it would have to be somewhere that we had permission to use, and was suitable for the task. For example filming outside wouldn't be a good idea, as we'd have to take into account for the weather, as heavy wind or rain could ruin it. We also had to consider other groups filming their sequences, as we had to share some sets with them. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve / do differently?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Overall I think that our sequence was successful. We followed the brief by including the techniques already mentioned, and I think we used them effectively. The sequence flowed pretty fluently, and from our feedback we found that most people found it quite funny which was our intention. However there were a few of mistakes which should have been noticed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">There is a continuity error in the beginning of the sequence. In shot 1, Lewi's sleeves are rolled up as he walks towards the camera. Then in shot 2, his sleeves are rolled down, and in shot 3, they are rolled back up again. A few people noticed this when we had finished our task, as we didn't realise whilst editing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Continuity error:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TMAqKtN9f4I/AAAAAAAABXs/Ab6JMsB9Gek/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TMAqKtN9f4I/AAAAAAAABXs/Ab6JMsB9Gek/s320/Untitled-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The punchline: "talking in class" was a bit quiet, and a few people had trouble hearing it. We tried to increase the sound when editing, but this also made the background sound louder, which sounded odd, so if we had more time, we would re-shoot it louder.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The detention sign falling off the door was cut a bit short. This is because the sign just refused to fall off even after we got Lewi to bang on the door from the other side, whilst me and Megan waved air at it with folders. After over 10 failed attempts we finally got it right and there was some excited yelping, forcing us to cut the scene short. So if we were to re-do it, we would have to try and contain ourselves. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?</b></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I have learnt a few things from this continuity task. Firstly, and most importantly, I have realised how crucial continuity is to film. It makes the narrative flow together, and helps the audience understand what's going on. It may not be particularly exciting, but without it, the film wouldn't make sense, so it is definitely needed, and I will use the continuity techniques in my foundation coursework. Especially match on action, as I think it is the most effective at establishing a scene.<br />
<br />
I have also learnt that filming can often take a lot longer than expected, so you shouldn't do something too overcomplicated, especially if you have a short amount of time. For example our 'detention' sign scene took very long. To avoid running out of time in my foundation coursework, I will plan well, so that mistakes can be seen before they happen.<br />
<br />
I have learnt that when filming, you should film a scene a few times at different angles and distances (without breaking the 30 degree rule,) so that when it comes to editing, you have lots of choice. This makes the scene more interesting, and also means that if there is something wrong with a particular part of a scene, then you can use a shot from a different distance/angle.<br />
<br />
</div></div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-45321185929577619452010-10-14T11:43:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:50:09.601-07:00Barthes 5 Codes - Research<object height="250" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sxvw7D4qY3w?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sxvw7D4qY3w?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object><br />
<br />
I have chosen to analyse the opening of "Pirates of the Caribbean, Curse of the Black Pearl."<br />
<br />
Enigma code:<br />
Why is the first man to speak to the little girl so afraid of pirates? What is the significance of the boy's necklace? Why does Elizabeth hide the necklace? Who is the man on the sinking ship? Why doesn't he want the pier owner to know his name? Is he a pirate?<br />
<br />
Action code:<br />
The film opens with a ship sailing towards the camera. This makes us wonder where it's going, who is on it, is it good or bad? etc... When the crew pull aboard Will Turner, (a pirate) we are not sure whether or not he will turn out to be a good character. Elizabeth takes Will's necklace and identifies it as a pirate necklace, she then hides it from her father, This creates suspense as we wonder the significance of the necklace, and whether or not it will play a part later on.<br />
<br />
Semiotic code:<br />
As the film opens with a ship sailing in the ocean and a girl singing a pirate song, it suggests that the film is about pirates or sea battles. The fact that Elizabeth is is wearing nice clothes and has maids to help her get dressed shows that she is probably a wealthy character. We also see that her father is very protective of her.<br />
<br />
Cultural code:<br />
The way that people talk and dress in the opening give us a feel of the time period that the film is set in, and makes it clear that there are class differences in the film. E.g when Elizabeth's father looks disapprovingly at Will (a blacksmith.) The focus around ships, sailing and pirates make it clear that the film will centralize around these points, and suggests that conflict will play a main part.<br />
<br />
Symbolic code:<br />
Similarly to the semiotic code, the film largely revolves around pirates, however we are unsure as to whether or not we side with the pirates. It could be an Oceans 11 type film, where we side with the bad guys. There is a lot of anti-pirates signs, such as the pirate skeletons hanging from the cliff top. However Elizabeth seems to take a liking to the pirate Will Turner, suggesting that some pirates may be good.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-38042979598305295412010-10-14T07:54:00.001-07:002011-04-05T03:48:18.254-07:00DYM HW FEEDBACKGood work, James, and well presented. You use techical evidence effectively to support your points. Well done.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-77990620041402601472010-10-11T14:08:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:49:51.221-07:00Applying Principles of Continuity<object height="325" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qZnhz1pnlM8?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qZnhz1pnlM8?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Many continuity techniques are used in this sequence from "Rush Hour 3." They help to create a seamless narrative, and give comical value. The sequence is a fight scene of Carter and Lee against a very tall man, as fight scenes can be chaotic and confusing, continuity is important, so that the audience can tell what is going on. Continuity techniques are used effectively to show this in this sequence.<br />
<br />
First of all, eye line match is used well, as it starts off with an OTS shot of Carter looking down on the much shorter child. It then cuts to an OTS high angled shot of the child looking up at Carter. This helps give the audience a sense of height difference between the two characters. This is also used when Carter looks up to the very tall man, exaggerating his height. It is used a third time, when Carter looks up to the master, to show that he has the power, and is important. It also helps to understand where the characters are in relation to each other.<br />
<br />
A reaction shot is used after Carter is carried into the room by the tall man. The camera cuts to a CU of Lee, who looks up (emphasizing the height of the man) and looks scared, (making the man seem intimidating.)<br />
<br />
Match on Action is used, when the child kicks Carter in the leg. The camera then cuts to a CU of the contact. Match on action is used throughout the fight scene, which helps the audience understand what is happening / who is winning. Match on action is also used effectively when the tall man stomps his foot on the floor. The camera cuts to a CU of his foot hitting the floor, emphasizing it, and making him seem intimidating.<br />
<br />
Shot/reverse/shot is used when Carter is speaking to the master. The camera switches back and forth between OTS shots of the two characters with very choppy cuts for transitions. This creates pace in this part of the sequence and adds comical value.<br />
<br />
Another continuity technique used was the fact that the diegetic sound ran on from one scene to the next, allowing us to clearly understand that the scenes follow on from one another. For example when Carter says "It's about time y'all show some respect around here," and starts heavily breathing. We can still here his heavy breathing in the next shot showing that the two scenes are linked.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-42636221521736657982010-10-07T14:29:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:49:38.466-07:00Applying Levi-Strauss's Theory<object height="325" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXCsN6HE_m8?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXCsN6HE_m8?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object><br />
<br />
1.)<br />
The genre of the film is action superhero, with a bit of teen romance. We can tell its a superhero genre from the opening credits. The transitions between them have spider webbed effects on them, and a man putting on some kind of costume in the background. This along with the title "Spiderman" make it fairly obvious that the film is a about a superhero with some kind of spider powers. After the credits we are shown a school bus scene followed by a school trip. These are conventional signifier of the teen genre. The main character "Peter Parker," has a crush on another main character "Mary Jane," suggesting a romance.<br />
<br />
2.)<br />
Peter Parker (Spiderman) is the main character of the film, and is introduced as a nerdy, student at school, who is a bit of a loser. He is wearing glasses with neat combed back hair and the typical geeky clothes. In contrast to this, the other main character 'Mary Jane' is shown as a cool, pretty and popular girl, with a jock boyfriend. She is shown as sitting and laughing with her friends, where as Peter is by himself and is made fun of by the other students. It has been set up as a typical "beauty and the geek" situation, which are two clear binary opposites.<br />
<br />
3.)<br />
Romance is a likely theme for the film as it opens with Peter narrating, and he says: "This, like any other story worth telling, is all about a girl." This is a clear romance signifier, and suggests that Peter and Jane will get together at some point during the film, (otherwise how can there be a story?) Even though Peter and Jane are shown to be so opposite, there is some kind of connection between them, as Jane seems to like him as well. This is shown when she tell the bus driver to stop the bus, after Peter had been chasing it for ages, with the whole bus laughing at him.<br />
<br />
4.)<br />
The narrative is organized to show conflict as the two main characters are so contrasted to each other, that there must be some kind of disagreement in the future. Or they could get together (opposites attract) and there is some kind of break-up like in a typical romance. At the end of the of the opening sequence, Peter is bitten by a spider, with creepy and daunting music played in the background. This, combined with the title "Spiderman" and the opening credit's special effects, it's fairly obvious that this is the start of a superhero adventure, which always has a good vs evil fight in it.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-43414433275006972162010-10-07T12:59:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:49:24.356-07:00Applying Todorov's Theory<object height="325" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0fds9JHDt60?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0fds9JHDt60?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>1.) </div><div>Protagonist - Tarzan</div><div>Antagonist - The Leopard </div><div><br />
</div><div>2.)</div><div>The equilibrium in the opening scene is shown by two separate happy families living their lives. One family is made up of three humans, (the parents and their son Tarzan,) who have crash landed on an island, and had to rebuild their home. The other family is three gorillas (the parents and their son.) The human family (although crash landed on an island,) happily work together to rebuild their home. We get a sense of equilibrium with the upbeat and motivational music, and the family seem to be enjoying themselves with their happy expressions. The gorilla family live in the jungle amongst other gorillas. The baby gorilla plays with his parents and all seems well. We see how similar the families are as the humans would do something, and then we would see the gorillas doing the same thing. For example, when the father is looking proudly at Tarzan, and the camera cuts to the gorilla father looking proudly at his son. This suggests that the families are linked in some way, and that they will meet at some point in the future. </div><div><br />
</div><div>3.)</div><div>The disruption to equilibrium is obvious when the word "danger" is sung as part of the background music, and it fades from a sunny scene showing the humans finished house, to a close up of a leopard at night time. The leopard then eats the baby gorilla and kills Tarzan's parents. :(</div><div><br />
</div><div>4.)</div><div>There aren't really any clues as to the journey of Tarzan at this point, as later on in the film, we find that the leopard isn't actually the main antagonist, and we are introduced to Clayton, (an evil man with a rifle.) However, it is likely that the story will be about the relationships between Tarzan and the gorillas, as family is a main theme in the opening sequence.</div><div><br />
</div><div>5.)</div><div>Equilibrium is partially restored when Tarzan gets revenge on the leopard by killing it. However the main disruption to equilibrium happens around the middle of the film, when Clayton comes up with a plan to steal some gorillas and sell them. Equilibrium is restored when Tarzan saves the day by putting a stop to Clayton's plans (by killing him,) and saving the gorillas. The gorilla father (Kerchak) dies in the process. :(</div><div><br />
</div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-19139046976971713952010-10-04T14:06:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:49:09.397-07:00Principles of Continuity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Continuity</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is essential in films, as it prevents the audience from becoming confused, and allows them to understand the story. As the camera cuts between shots, a director would use various techniques to make it clear to the audience what is going on. These techniques/rules make a create a continuous narrative, that all directors strive to achieve. Once the director knows these rules, he/she can break them for effect. </span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The rules are:</span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. 180 degree rule:</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never cross the 'line of vision' of two characters, unless you have a master shot that shows the audience where the characters are in relation to each other. This prevent the audience from becoming confused.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKo1TYRbH9I/AAAAAAAABBQ/WjKY1D9kwSM/s1600/678px-180_degree_rule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKo1TYRbH9I/AAAAAAAABBQ/WjKY1D9kwSM/s1600/678px-180_degree_rule.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span>2<b>. 30 degree rule:</b></div><div>The camera angle <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">shouldn't change less than 30 degrees (with the same framing,) otherwise, the audience would notice a jump in the fo</span>otage, making the film seem strange.</div><div><br />
</div><div>3<b>. Shot order:</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Use a logical shot order when putting together a film. e.g. long-shot to mid-shot to mid-close-up. This is a lot more easy on the eye then jumping from long shot to close up, and a lot less confusing.</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>4<b>. Eyeline match:</b></div><div>The direction of characters line of sight should stay the same. For example, if one character is taller then another, then the shorter character should be looking up.</div><div><br />
</div><div>5<b>. Match on action:</b></div><div>You should edit movement 'on the action', so that one scene follows on to the next. For example, if in one scene someone is running, and the scene ends on the characters right leg, then in the next scene, the character should be on still be on his right leg. This makes it clear that the character is moving forward between shots, rather than going back in time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>6<b>. Shot / reverse / shot:</b></div><div>This is where you film a conversation between two characters several times at different angles, and once with a master shot, of both characters together. Then when it comes to editing, you can put together scenes from all of the different angled conversations. This means that the conversation will flow from shot to shot, and the audience won't be confused as to where the two people are in relation to each other.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Making meaning through editing</span></u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Transitions</u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div> - Cuts - Used to seamlessly move from shot to shot, often used to create pace/rhythm</div><div> - Dissolves - Used to create a slow / relaxed link between shots, often used in montage sequences.</div><div> - Fades - Often used to show a significant period of time has elapsed between shots.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Sound</u></b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div> - Diegetic sound - Sound that we think is happening in the scene, but has actually been added in by a 'Foley artist.' For example the sound of thunder.</div><div> - Non-diegetic sound - Sound that we know isn't part of the scene. For example a voice-over.</div><div> - Sound bridge - Used to link two scenes.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Lighting</u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div> - High key - Bright and low contrast.</div><div> - Low key - More pronounce shadows.</div><div> - Lighting from below - Used to make the subject appear threatening.</div><div> - Back lighting - Used to create a 'halo effect' around the subject.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Colour</u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Cold or blue-ish lighting can create a sense of isolation or alienation, whereas warm or yellowish lighting, can create cosiness, or comfort.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Camera movement</u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div> - Track - Camera moves towards or away from subject.</div><div> - Pan - Pivoting camera to the side, often used to set the scene.</div><div> - Whip pan - A sudden, fast pan.</div><div> - Tilt - Pivoting the camera up or down.</div><div> - Arc - Moving camera in an arc around the subject.</div><div> - Crane shot - Camera moves up or down.</div><div> - Hand-held shot - Camera held in hand, often used to create a sense of immediacy.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><u>Framing</u></b></div><div><br />
</div><div> - Very long shot - Figures appear small in the landscape, often used as an 'establishing shot.'</div><div> - Long shot - Figure seen from head to toe.</div><div> - Mid shot - Figure seen from waist to head.</div><div> - Medium close-up - From chest to head.</div><div> - Close-up - Head and shoulders.</div><div> - Big close up - Head only. - often used to show emotion.</div><div> - Extreme close up - From mouth to eyebrows. - often used to make subject seem threatening.</div><div><br />
</div><div><u><b>How will this be useful to my own film making?</b></u></div><div><br />
</div><div>I have all of the rules of continuity to bare in mind when making my own film. I also understand how to create meaning through the way I edit and film my film, which will be very useful to the whole process. In our accidents task, we made many of the mistakes that have been highlighted above, however we weren't aloud to edit our sequence. We did try to incorporate some of the continuity techniques we already new, but it looked fairly unconvincing as we slipped up in other places. With the skills I have now learnt I will be able to avoid these mistake during our prelim task.</div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-66849487735202088472010-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:48:54.008-07:00Stroyboarding Further research<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWPjjoOFIu8?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pWPjjoOFIu8?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
I like this video because it highlights the importance of storyboarding, showing how crucial it is to the film making process. It also gives a basic over view of how storyboarding should be done, and explains that it doesn't have to be a masterpiece, it just has to show what is happening in the shot. Also, it is hosted by Sam from 'Lord of the Rings,' which is a great film. :)Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-35266642923682260292010-09-27T12:32:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:48:27.404-07:00Storyboarding Research<b>Why is Storyboarding an essential part of the film making process?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>It's much easier to communicate your ideas through pictures rather than text or speech.</li>
<li>It is an important piece of communication between the film crew and provides a base that everyone can work from.</li>
<li>When filming, the crew must all see the storyboard, so that they know what they are doing, and what needs to be prepared.</li>
<li>After filming, storyboards act as a reminder of what was filmed and in what order.</li>
<li>The original storyboard can be compared to the film, to judge the changes.</li>
<li>The special effects team will be able to see whether or not the directors ideas are possible.</li>
<li>It allows the director to spot problems before shooting, saving time and money.</li>
<li>It helps the actors to visualize what they should be doing.</li>
</ul><br />
<b>'P' is for 'Psycho'</b><br />
<br />
A.) What is happening in the opening sequence of the film?<br />
<br />
The film opens with a low angled shot of a toilet door, with low key lighting. The camera zooms in and it mixes to a low angled shot of a man's legs. The man's body is revealed as the camera tilts up from his legs to show a low angled shot of the man leaning over some kind of surface. It then cuts to a high angled shot of some objects on the surface including: a watch, a photo and a wallet. The camera slowly pans across these objects to allow the audience to take in what they are, suggesting they are important to the rest of the film. It then cuts to a CU of a sink with blood flowing clockwise into the plughole. It then cuts again to a CU of the man wrapping his hand in a bandage before cutting to a CU of the same hand clenching in the mirror. The camera then tilts up to a CU of the man's head. The man quickly turns his head from right to left as we hear the door opening. We are shown a MS of a boy entering the room, (from right to left.) It then cuts back to a MS of the man tucking a gun into his belt, before cutting to an ECU of the man's eyes. The shot is shadowy, and the man says "BAD MOVE KID..." before it fades to black. There is a pause, then we hear two gunshots, making us assume that the man at the sink will be the villain of the film.<br />
<br />
B.) How is the narrative flow established?<br />
<br />
The narrative is established immediately, with very choppy, to-the-point editing. There is lots of quick cuts between the scenes, and close ups that give hints to the rest of the film. For example the close up of the blood flowing into the sink, hints at some kind of thriller or horror, and creates a suspensory atmosphere. The use of low angled shots and dim lighting make the man seem threatening or scary, and gives an ominous feel to the opening sequence. We get a clear sense of narrative and continuity as the shots all seem to link to one another, and the sequence of events are easily understandable.<br />
<br />
C.) If you were directing this sequence, what aspects of the storyboard would you like to change?<br />
<br />
If I were directing the sequence, then I would try to create a lot more suspense in order to keep the audience gripped to the film. To do this, rather than having the boy walk into the room straight away, I would have him knock on the door loudly, and the man turn around quickly looking scared. This would create a lot more mystery and ambiguity to the sequence, as the audience would be asking themselves, who knocked at the door? are they good or bad? what is going to happen next? The man would then get his gun out and hide somewhere in the shadows of the toilet. This would be followed be high angled shots of the boy walking into the toilet, maybe whistling "Don't worry, be happy" by Bob Marley. This identifies him as victim and creates sympathy for him as an audience. The sequence would end with a quick cut to black, rather then a fade, as I think a fade would slow the pace. It would finish with two gun shots, as in the original, as i like the mystery behind it.Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-21863814277500363842010-09-23T13:55:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:48:08.005-07:00Analysis of Film Opening. "The Shining"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Shining Opening sequence (Up until 4.43min)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><object height="250" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/se8h6fvBlqY?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/se8h6fvBlqY?fs=1&hl=en_GB&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The Shining (Stanley Kubrick 1980) is a psychological horror based on the novel by Stephen King. The film takes place in a hotel during winter time, in the 1970s. It is about a writer with his wife and son, who accepts the job as caretaker for a hotel over the winter. Soon after moving in, the father descends into madness and is influenced by some kind of supernatural presence in the hotel.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The film opens with a wide angled view of a lake with a mountainous background. The camera tracks across the lake and focuses on the mountains. It then cuts to a birds-eye view of a forest, with a car driving through the middle of it. This immediately makes the audience ask themselves; Who is in the car? Where are they going? What is going to happen to the driver? The camera follows the car across various secluded landscapes. The tiny car compared to the vast landscapes makes it seem isolated or vulnerable, which we later find out to be very significant to the film. As we follow the car, a chilling soundtrack is played in the background. This builds up tension, and helps to identify the film as a psychological horror, as the high pitch of it makes it seem spooky and weird. The titles are rolling up the screen as this is happening, and are written in a very plain, light blue text, which is a fairly non threatening colour.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMEriTNDXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/-JMuEuvaIyo/s1600/VLS+-+shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMEriTNDXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/-JMuEuvaIyo/s320/VLS+-+shining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The destination of the car is revealed, as an ELS of a hotel with a snowy, mountainous background is shown. It then cuts to a still title saying 'The Interview' written in white, on a black background. It then cuts to the main character 'Jack Torrance' played by Jack Nicholson. We now know that he was the one driving the car, suggesting that he is the one that is isolated / vulnerable. Jack walks through a grand hotel with smartly dressed workers. He goes up to the reception, and is directed to the interviewer. Jack seems like a normal guy at first, he is wearing a fairly plain suit and addresses the receptionist politely. There isn't much of a hint as to him being a good or bad yet. Jack walks into the interviewers room and shakes hands with him. The interviewer is wearing a red tie which connotes blood and gore, and suggests both are to come.</div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMFeuDZR3I/AAAAAAAAA8w/q5n7J9xQCnI/s1600/Interview+-+shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMFeuDZR3I/AAAAAAAAA8w/q5n7J9xQCnI/s320/Interview+-+shining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="right" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It then cuts to a VLS of the outside of a building and a car park. This instantly seems less secluded and isolated as the eerie music at the beginning, is replaced with the sound of children playing and a dog barking. This suggests its neighbourhood, likely to be the main character's home. It then cuts to inside the building, which shows a woman and a little boy sitting at a table eating sandwiches. The woman is wearing deep red, which again connotes blood, and suggests that some kind of tragedy will befall her. We assume these characters to be Jacks wife and son when the boy asks about staying in the hotel for winter. We find that the son is lonely when he says 'There's hardly anybody to play with around here.' This again is a hint towards the isolation and seclusion of the family, and suggests that something will happen to them and they will be helpless. The mother (Wendy Torrance) seems to be timid and vulnerable, as she speaks in a very soft and high pitch voice. The son (Danny Torrance) has an imaginary friend named Tony. This makes Danny seem slightly strange, and suggests that there's something special about him. This becomes more sinister when Wendy starts asking Tony if he is excited about going to the hotel. Danny answers for him in a strangely hoarse voice, as if he has been possessed. As he is does this, he innocently wiggles his finger and munches on his sandwich suggesting that he has a darker side that he can't control. At 4.42 min, after Wendy has asked 'How come you don't want to go the hotel?' Danny replies 'I just don't,' at this point his sandwich has broken in half, which is strange as it was perfectly in tact a couple of seconds ago. This suggests that there is going to be some kind of breakdown, or accident that occurs at the hotel.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="right" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMGF4F32xI/AAAAAAAAA84/eI_Y-hzmRow/s1600/Mother+son+-+Shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMGF4F32xI/AAAAAAAAA84/eI_Y-hzmRow/s320/Mother+son+-+Shining.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 155px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1759px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMGF4F32xI/AAAAAAAAA84/eI_Y-hzmRow/s1600/Mother+son+-+Shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMGF4F32xI/AAAAAAAAA84/eI_Y-hzmRow/s320/Mother+son+-+Shining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMGhFgGkzI/AAAAAAAAA88/ZQGOTaHABw0/s1600/CU+Son+-+Shining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TKMGhFgGkzI/AAAAAAAAA88/ZQGOTaHABw0/s320/CU+Son+-+Shining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the start of my film, I think the audience needs to be introduced to at least one of the main characters, and get a feel of the time period and setting of the film. Relationships between characters and hints towards how they develop should also be shown.</div></div></div></div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121586015976280061.post-51072653174268842542010-09-20T13:08:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:47:53.306-07:00Reflections on Shots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TJe2_ZquSZI/AAAAAAAAArE/9kPYmkxp4Ac/s1600/3C+bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TJe2_ZquSZI/AAAAAAAAArE/9kPYmkxp4Ac/s320/3C+bars.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DkSA1UJC4TA/TJe2_ZquSZI/AAAAAAAAArE/9kPYmkxp4Ac/s1600/3C+bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Describe your shot and identify in what way it could be described as representing you chosen genre.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shot we took was a mid close up of a white teenage male, clutching some bars and looking into the top right corner of the frame with a scared look on his face. Behind him are some stairs leading up to a closed door. Our chosen genre was thriller / horror, and we tried to represent this by creating ambiguity and vulnerability in the shot. The three bars in the foreground of the shot, make the character seem trapped, and they cast a foreboding shadow across half of his face. The whites of the characters eyes also make him seem afraid and weak. What he is afraid of is unknown, as he is looking out of the shot, this also creates mystery. The stairs suggestively leading up to a closed door in the background of the shot also creates obscurity, as you don't know what is behind it. It also woks to make the main character seem less powerful, as it is looming over him in an intimidating way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. What did you actually do to achieve the effect?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To create the mystery in the shot, we had the main character crouch down, so we were able to see the stairs leading up to the door behind him. We also made him look into the top right corner of the shot, so that the whites of his eyes were visible, again making him seem more vulnerable. We cast a light onto the middle bar so that a shadow formed over half of his face, this gives a foreboding feel to the shot. Lastly, we turned on night vision on the camera giving the shot a SinCity type feel to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Identify what is successful about your shot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think the lighting of the shot was very successful as it emphasizes the whites of the characters eyes, and creates a shadow across his face. I also think the positioning of the main character was good, as it revealed the stairs and doors behind him, giving the shot ambiguity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. What would you do differently in hindsight?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If we were to re-shoot, I think we should make the shot darker giving slightly more atmosphere and making it more obvious that it is a thriller / horror. I also think that his face should be lit up more compared to a shadowy background, making him seem like the hero / good guy, and that he is trapped in something dark / evil.</div>Latymer Media 2010http://www.blogger.com/profile/12158812812118861790noreply@blogger.com0