Media

Appendix

2009-04-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Key terms
Chapter 1.1
Analysing films
Genre and Audiences
Preliminary Task
Main Task
Class work inspiration for my film
Classical conventions
Primary plan
Initial draft of idea two
Script breakdown of Third draft
3rd draft of main film
Main film
Film Certificate
Case Study
Pre- production plan
Constructing the production
Thriller conventions - how they relate to my film
Story idea feedback
Editing program
Opening sequence 1,2,3
Costume, props, setting, mise en scene
Short general survey
Evaluation
Storyboards
Sound creditations
First preliminary idea -Blind date & storyboard
Final film

Powerpoint presentation

2009-04-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

Azzees Minot
The Coopers Coborn and Company school
Main task PowerPoint evaluation

In what ways does my media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

The main theme within this film is the idea of the mental disease of schizophrenia engulfing the mind of a young student due to pressures and strains of the world. It explores the theme of expectations, how trying to collectively adhere to all of them can tear a student or anyone to bits, mentally and physically. This mental breakdown, forces the protagonist to want to be someone else for a chance of escapism and ultimately conjures up someone to fit the role of who she wants to be in life.
The creativity of this storyline mainly stemmed from myself trying to analyse the problems I have in ordinary life and being able to adapt it into a thriller. When developing this idea I stumbled onto the fact that I actually prefer to watch thrillers that have a psychological aspect to it. This particular genre attracts me most, due to the complex storylines it has and the craft in the way the creator reveals them, sometimes in chorological order, retrograded sequence or even just sporadically.
Once I had got the rough edges of my film I reminisced the films that I had watched and enjoyed. Skeleton Key, Fight Club and Gothika were films that I thought of instantly, then I went about analysing their good techniques, based on what I could remember. I chose not the watch the entire films again only the openings, so that my storyline didn’t merge into theirs.
The convention of extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations is an element that I feel would be a useful aspect to my film, to make those who watch my film to remember it every time they go into a bathroom similar to the one in the film. Then I would fill that my opening is a successful one and has served its purpose.

In what ways does my media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

The ‘Skeleton Key’ has a complex storyline that, is only revealed at the end and it is one that throughout the film, excites. The protagonist endeavours to make good perish over evil and when the audience thinks that, that is the case, we are rudely awakened to the bitter truth. It is this sort to tension, in which I want the audience to be taken through, within the entire film
Fight club, follows the same concept of an all time low for the protagonist and it is here which stems the introduction of another character who serves as the protagonist’s alter ego. It is only toward the end of the film whereby the audience are lead through the character’s point of realisation at the same time as the character.
These two film’s influenced me the most, of drafting up a complex idea and allowing the audience to be the position of the character and get the shock when they get it as I feel that these films are the most captivating and the most thrilling.

What thriller conventions does my film conform to?

•To get a better grasp of how I should portray my film and to make sure it followed the right guidelines of the conventions of a thriller, in class our group learnt about genre’s and were given this as a core template:
•A crime at the core of the narrative (often murder, but not necessarily).
• A complex narrative structure, with false paths, clues and resolutions
• A narrative pattern of establishing enigmas which the viewer expects to be resolved.
•A protagonist who is systematically dis-empowered and drawn into a complex web of intrigue by the antagonist.
• Extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations
• Themes of identity
• Themes of mirroring
• Themes of voyeurism
•Protagonist with a ‘flaw’ which is exploited by the antagonist
• Titles often reflect an aspect of the pro/antagonist’s psychological state.
• There is often a scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril
• Mise en scene which echoes/ mirrors the protagonists’ plight.

Whilst comparing my film to the stated conventions above, I believe that there are various aspects which entitle the opening sequence to conform to this genre.
The most prominent feature which allows the film to abide by the thriller conventions is the fact that the narrative is extremely complex and is also structured to leave the viewers with a pattern of enigmas. The establishing shots of my film depict the fact that this plot is centered on an ordinary location but is infused with extraordinary events (low – angled medium shot of the door, swinging opening by itself). Within the opening of the film, the focal prop that is used is the mirror- to indicate something sinister and also to highlight the antagonist, who in reality cannot be seen through mirrors. Once the audience is introduced to the antagonist, they immediately are shown the theme of voyeurism through the close up shot that panning left, which revealed the antagonist watching the protagonist. However some of the other aspects of the thriller are not able to be illustrated through the two minute time constraint which means the viewers are not able to witness the “ scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril” and are also not presented with the “ protagonist’s ‘flaw’ which is exploited by the anatagonist.” In addition to the fact that the film represents the opening, the last bullet point about the mise en scene echoing the protagonist's plight, is not able to be witnessed due to the way in which i structured the form of the play. I decided to start with the middle first, but is actually the present.
To conclude, i believe that the opening addressed some of the conventions and some didnt but i feel this is justifiable due to the type of genre the opening in aimed to mirror. Moreover as it is a psychological thriller, there would be not much difference between the two slightly different genre's if my film followed everything in which the general thriller required.

How does “Alone” develops or challenges conventions?

(Once I analysed the initial draft. I decided to alter a few bits to make it much more interesting.)
This film adopts the genres of a teen movie with a supernatural/ psychological thriller twist. It is about a female student called Shania who has undiagnosed schizophrenia which everyone believes is just a bad anger problem that has unnoticeably formed due to extreme stress. The pressure has formed because she is an intelligent girl with high ambitions to become and TV and film director but her mum won’t allow her unless she obtains A grades. It’s not until her so called anger problem, spirals out of control and regrettably forces her do something that is not within her nature and will leave her in front of unforgiving jurors. Her truth is revealed by the least expected circumstance but will anyone understand her problems, will she reach her goals?
1. CCTV camera mode= person standing over a body which is slumped on the floor with a pool of blood the person turns and looks directly at the camera
2. (point 1) fades into Extreme close up of the security camera
3. Track closer to focus on the lens (extreme close up)
4. Fade in an image of the characters (female’s) eye (merge into the number 2)
5. Zoom out of the eyes and reveal the whole body of the character (in a daze)
6. Flick to shot reverse shot with profile in frame and Shania is still focused on the camera….We hear one of her voices.
7. Go into a memory which is an argument with her mum. It is interrupted with the voice of the teacher merging over the mothers
8. We then are back to the classroom scene where the teacher tries to gain her attention and starts making rude comments
9. Point of view shot staring at the teacher – and we hear two of the thoughts in Shania’s mind
10. Shot reverse shot- behind the teacher as he makes a derogatory remark …so we can see the anger/ reaction in her face.
11. Point of view shot- voices get louder and the teachers face gets closer
12. Side shot of Shania getting mad and standing up to the teacher.
13. Wide shot and the front of the class observing the other children and the incident.
14. Shot reverse shot – behind Shania she sees the boys who owns the camera laughing and making face at her behind the teachers back and turns on him.
15. Wide shot from the front of the class where a female on the left shouts out tells Shania to keep quite and an argument kicks on with them
16. wide shot from the front – as Shania walks out of the classroom in a rage and makes a menacing comment
17. Monologue as the screen goes black
18. point of view shot- as she throws water on her face
19. Looks in the mirror while voices are still talking to her
20. Travelling shot- to the classroom
21. point of view shot- glances back to the body and then turns to the camera
22. notices that the tape holder is open

How does “Alone” develops or challenges conventions?

I decided not to go with this idea because, there were too many scenes involved, for a two minute opening of film and it would be quite difficult to find the right cast for the film. I realised the film idea that I had concocted, would actually last for approximately 5 or more minutes.
Before I came to the stage below I think I drafted 2 or more designs and even started filming until I realised I had to create another one.
27h February 2009
Today when speaking to one of my teachers I realized that the footage I had previously filmed for my ‘Main film’ would not be adequate for the coursework because when it edited it would be too long and the beginning would not capture the depth of my psychological thriller. Instead the two minute footage would confuse the audience and not capture the whole idea. In saying that, I have not decided to delete anything or discontinue with the completion of the film, as it would be useful to the show reel that I am working towards to create, intern I have conjured a new idea for the beginning that would entice the audience whilst grasping a section of the plot.
The new idea for the opening is:
-First we see the protagonist standing in front of the mirror gazing at herself (alone in the reflection- which will be a behind the shoulder shot)
-Then the protagonist looks over her shoulder for the audience to see a her alter-ego standing behind her
-She looks back to the mirror whilst her alter- ego stands there watching her intensely and emotionless, though not having any affect on the other girl.
- That fades out into a sequence of different types of security cameras, gradually the sequence getting quicker until it blacks out and the beginning of my original film starts.

Do the thriller conventions I have used indicate a sub- genre?

From when first drafting my film; I was already aware of the fact that it will follow the conventions of a psychological thriller.
Taken from Wikipedia:
(which states) A psychological thriller: In which (until the often a violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical.
This is identical to my plot line except the part which states “(until the often violent resolution)”. The protagonist and antagonist are constantly at war with there opinions and normally is a power- struggle, but towards the middle, they reach mutual reckoning and understanding and this is then juxtaposed with ending which is a continual conflict.

How I analysed “Skeleton Key” and “Gothika” to influence my opening sequence?

Due to the fact that “YouTube” didn’t allow me to watch the opening of ‘Fight club’ I had to result in using another film to influence my opening sequence, because I need to revert back to the film on a regular basis and upload the opening onto my blog and I wasn’t sure of how I would be able to perform this operation with a DVD.
“Gothika”, gave the me inspiration to create the titles simply but effectively, which would not discredit the plot of the film. Also simple camera shots could also can also be used to capture all that needs to be seen and heard. From the opening scene, we are initially directed to view this woman recounting something and we are forced to watch her because we are presented with a “Point Of View” shot however I don’t think it would be clear to identify the protagonist, through this short scene. The two women’s conversation is then presented to the audience, with a combination of POV’s and shot reverse shots and then a shot that incorporates both characters from a side profile adhering to the 180 degree rule. From the opening titles there is music which creates suspense through its crescendos and chromatic sounds. This film mainly helped me with creating the opening titles and how I would incorporate the action seamlessly.

“Skeleton Key” There is an J – cut audio which then slowly goes a shot with the protagonist sitting down and speaking whilst the camera starts from a mid shot level and pans up to reveal her face. It was at that moment, in which I thought was a good technique which create suspense from the beginning of the film. It was only through the post- production stage which inspired me to want to create a voice- over (like Skeleton- key) at the beginning but that would be a soliloquy of my protagonist’s thoughts. However, I was not able to contact the actresses in time nor be able organise a shooting day that would take into account everyone’s arrangements.

How does my media product represent particular social groups?

The protagonist within my film are presented as an ordinary school child, that gets shouted at. She is a girl who appears to be self- conscious, - hence why we see her in the mirror, she looks sometimes too deep into situations. Although it’s not apparent from the first two minute’s, she is actually an extremely hard- worker.
The social groups who this is aimed at is mainly students and that is the reason why I thought it to be appropriate to make the target audience be aimed at the same sort of market. But ultimately the idea and initially beginning does not tie the film down to any one particular social group at all and any aged person watching can identify to this particular time in their life and enjoy it.

There aren’t any designed camera angles, editing techniques, or audio tracks incorporated , that is set out to specifically limit the target audience or social group. The typical stereotype of young teenage Essex girls altering their clothing to appear provocative has not be highlighted here nor has the coarse cockney dialect.

What kind of media institution might distribute my media product and why?

Due to the fact that Internet is taking over, all over media intuitions, I think it would be wise to advertise my film on common web pages such: Msn, Yahoo, Google, AOL in order to try and publicise the film.
Socialising networks such as Bebo, Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are orgainsations that are viewed by people of all ages but I would as for my product to be shown to audience’s above the ages of 12 because I don’t think it would be suitable for any ages younger and it is from this age, they are likely to go out to the cinema and watch the film. #
I would also try and distribute the product to music channels, as it would attracting the captive audience that I am look for. Seeing as subconsciously I believe I have targeted a larger proportion of the female sector, I would put some poster advertisements within some magazines, such as Look, More, Heat.
Although it could sound quite enthralling, I don’t think I would use the radio institution because, I believe the amount of young listeners are now declining, so it could actually be a waste of money to advertise on this medium.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

I thought initially that students and young teenagers would be the best captive audience for my film due to the fact that it was centred around teenagers between the ages of 13- 18. I selected this range because the catalyst for the problems of the protagonist stem from pressure: from the home, from school, friends and boyfriends. So I thought that the age range listed above would be able to relate to them much more.
Though I would think I made a film that both men and women (boys and Girls) could enjoy equally, I think due to the fact that the two protagonists are girls, I have subconsciously aimed it more at the female market. I believe this because they may be more inclined to make relevance of the storyline to themselves. I also conducted a short survey to get a general understanding of what people want to see within their film.

Short survey to understand what type of movie’s young teenagers in Coopers Coborn and Company school enjoy of 25 randomly selected in a pattern on 1 in every 6
•
•Are you:
•Male 12
•Female 13
•
•How old are you?
• 12 – 13 3
•14- 15 2
•15- 16 5
•16- 17 10
•17- 18 5
•
•What type of films do you like to watch most?
•Horror 1
•Thriller 1
•Action 8
•Chick flick 2
•Comical 4

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the media product?

For the post- production Stage, I used the editing software Serif. Which revealed to be relatively easy once I read the short editorial. When ‘capturing’ the footage, initially I was not aware of the area on the computer, in which the footage should be save onto and this caused me major problems. When I saved the footage in the wrong folder I was not able to play the unedited film with the aid of sound with the footage becoming corrupted and playing at an ultra slow speed. I remain stuck in this situation for many weeks until, I started messing around with the audio tracks and found a solution. I was required to first save it into the correct place and then I inserted another audio track, muted the existing on and found the exact same vocal voices that I needed but used them on audio track 2. I continued doing this and once the sound was working, I then decided to change the sequence of the edited footage around to make it more captivating. I then ended up with my final piece.
Another problem with this same software, or just the computer, was that every time I wanted to export the file to a another format to compress it, like Mpeg, it would take the same length of time the film lasted for, but when it was time to upload this film to Blogger or YouTube it would take 10 times the actually film would last for and even longer.

Looking back at my preliminary task and discuss what I feel that I have learnt in the progression from it to the main task.

Looking back over the preliminary task, I think I shouldn’t have changed my idea so many times and worry about what the storyline was about. Instead I should have focused more on creating simple shots which captured the image I was trying to identify and highlight as important aspects.
In the second draft of my preliminary film I didn’t give the actors any set lines to learn, and in retrospect I should have organised what they were going to say, due to the fact that without it, editing was a more complicated and a gruelling process then I had first envisaged.
I also would have liked to use the sound and editing techniques I had learnt later in the course to enhance the overall image of the film. However I prioritized my time to focus on the main task instead.
At the beginning of the course all I knew was to pick up a camera and film footage. I also knew how to use a boom mic, if necessary. However due the fact that our camera didn’t have the facility, I was learning from the basic level. Then I learnt more about camera shots and rules within the film industry, e.g. 180 degree rule and 35 degree rule. I also have the learnt the effect that sound has on music and all of the different editing techniques e.g. Jump cuts. I have also learnt more of the Serif’s techniques and how to operate them e.g. Split screen.

Final film

2009-04-20T16:44:00.001-07:00

First preliminary idea - Blind date & storyboard

2009-04-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sound accreditations

2009-04-20T16:26:00.001-07:00

The sound that i used for my film, all came from the site:
'freesound.org'

1178: nicStage – Guitar string ominous
1280: Plagasul – arpeggio5lop
2425: Andrew Duke – eerie piamo01
2855: Nathan shadow – horr ambient 001
3264: Jovica Dronetail 08
7262: Poised To Glitch – Viral vocoded flick
13849: adcbiclye – 8
18631: Walter Odington – female deep breathing
22698: Dj Chronos – Loop
18169: Jake Williams- Footsteps on hard floor indoors
22350: studiorat – scream boom 01
26766: Walter Odington –bath tap off
28366: Gengis Attenborough 008 War 2

Storyboards

2009-04-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Above is the initial storyboard that was drafted after the second idea.

above is the initial storyboard in which i set for the first main task.

Evaluation

2009-04-20T15:18:00.002-07:00

Overall I think I done a good job in managing to create a thriller for teenagers aged 12/15 and above. I aimed to create a psychological thriller and believe I was able to capture the relevant aspects which enabled it conform to such a genre. I created a piece which was ambiguous on so many levels that, the audience should want to know what is going on, or what is about to happen.

Through a workshop class of sound, I was shown a website that allowed anyone to download anti copyrighted music, which just minimal conditions. Within the same class I learnt that adding a range of subtle or unsubtle tone to a piece at one time can create different feelings within the audience, so I tried this and ended up using between 7- 12 tracks in the piece, but some are extremely subtle and other are diagetic sounds that the audience generally expected to hear but was caught ‘clean’ by the camera microphone.

The more I watch the film the more I notice and want to take out, change, or incorporate within it: I notice a continuity mistake; on the corner of the sink table, there is a drink bottle and then later in the scene there is a tissue roll. I would like to change a shot of when the two characters initially are revealed to be standing next to each other to a steadier shot seeing as it was a bit wobbly before. I would like to incorporate a voice from the opinion of the antagonist, to give a different sense of dynamics within the two characters
In conclusion, working on the opening of a two minute film, has been extremely stress, but also a very rewarding experience, to witness the film finished close to your own personal satisfaction. However I am proud of the work I have produced and glad I have learnt vital lessons at an early stage to I can only improve. Plus the new techniques I have learnt, has also inspired me to complete an even better product next time.

Short general survey

2009-04-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

Short survey to understand what type of movie’s young teenagers in Coopers Coborn and Company school enjoy of 25 randomly selected in a pattern on 1 in every 6

Are you:

Male 12
Female 13

How old are you?

12 – 13 3
14- 15 2
15- 16 5
16- 17 10
17- 18 5

What type of films do you like to watch most?

Horror 1
Thriller 1
Action 8
Chick flick 2
Comical 4

Costume, Props, Setting, Mise- en Scene

2009-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Alone - Main opening

Within the opening, there were no obvious items in which I needed; to aid the theme or storyline of my film, so i didn’t include any. The costumes where an easy aspect to create, due to the fact that my story was based on a school girl natural settings of a school and I thought it be easiest to make the main characters wear simple black and white school uniform, minus the crest, so that it would not create problems if someone forgot the item with the crest on shooting days. As the location of the main scene was in a bathroom and due to the fact that my film is a psychological thriller there was no need for the setting to be adapted in anyway.

Opening Sequence 3 - Donnie Darko

2009-04-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Donnie Darko

Openings with titles that then fades into an establishing shot in which we can hear general atmos’ of the outside side which birds chirping and something which sound like a train in the distance. The camera pans left and moves continually and slowly down a curved road with sound, closer down the road to whereby and object is visible on the floor and then is identified as a person, when he begins to wake up. The non- diagetic music that is playing first sounds like an eerie flat note noise and at the moment the person begins to wake up a new tune is introduced which sounds like spring music or sounds of life, blooming and blossoming.
From the opening sequence of up to 2.15 it is not apparent, of what the story line is, or who this film should be aimed at and nor does the title give any sense of knowing or knowledge.

Ultimately, I am not really very fond of the opening, there is nothing substantial there will appeal to me to want to continue watching and also feel that there is not much analyse. However this simplicity could portray a minimal greatness about the film, which will later develop into something thrilling but judging by the opening there is not much I can say that invites me.

Opening Sequence 2 - Gothika

2009-04-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

Gothika

The film openings with credits to the production companies and starts off with the titles of who is starring in this film: Halle Berry, flowed by the title of the film. There is use of an audio j-cut and then the audience are presented to a blurred image of the first character who is retelling her thoughts to the protagonist. From the opening scene, we are initially directed to view this woman recounting something and we are forced to watch her because we are presented with a “Point Of View” shot however I don’t think it would be clear to identify the protagonist, through this short scene. The two women’s conversation is then presented to the audience, with a combination of POV’s and shot reverse shots and then a shot that incorporates both characters from a side profile adhering to the 180 degree rule. From the opening titles there is music which creates suspense through its crescendos and chromatic sounds. The storyline is not wholly explained but the theme of women being oppressed by men is the initial sentence that the audience are directed to which indicates that this could be the main motif in this film.
From the initial close- up shot we get of both characters’ we realise that are antithesis of each other: in their colour tone, one has radiance about her and bring lighting and the other is made to look pale and dark shadows engulfing her face and only captures light when she leans into it. The protagonist (black woman, Halle berry) is can and collected throughout this conversation but the other woman is not.

Apart from the initial blurring there are no other editing techniques other that standard cuts which addressed the continuity aspect

This film is probably directed to an older audience because from the beginning we get the impression that it is a dark film of sinister and psychological events due to what the woman is saying and the mise – en scene of the location seems to illustrate a detention centre of some sort. I would estimate it to appeal to the region of 15 and above or 18 and above.

In conclusion, I did enjoy the beginning but didn’t like the use of subtitles at the bottom because it distracted me a little.

Opening Sequence 1 - Secret Window

2009-04-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Secret Window

The film cuts straight to the action and the protagonist of the film with a head and shoulders shot, with his face in most of the frame for a large proportion of the opening sequence. The first voice we are given is the one from inside of the protagonist’s head. This concept of thoughts and voices is similar to the style I am trying to generate, but I may choose to do this theme is a different way. The camera makes an effort to ensure that the frame is centred around the protagonist and his actions, whether that is a head and shoulders shot or long shot (when he grabs the keys from the motel room, when he reverses back to the motel, or when we see him walking into the room.) At one point he camera is positioned in such a way, to make it feel like a point of view shot, but then once the protagonist moves from inside the car to outside we instantly feel like the omniscient viewer against but who is left in the car for a while. The opening sequence brings moments of suspense as we are not given the whole entire picture of where the character is, what they are doing, etc. Thus this makes the audience hooked already, within the first minute and a half. It is this type of feeling that I want to capture to make sure it appears to be an opening of a film rather than a two minute short movie. From this beginning I think it is not really possible to denote what target audience it is aimed for especially if you are unaware of the storyline. However, due to the fact that a man and women are in bed together, I don’t think the intentions would be to aim it 12 or under, even though there may not be any scene which highlight this nature in the rest of the film. There were minimal props used but, relevant items to protagonist: his glasses, builds the understanding of the character and also, when he steals the room key from the motel reception is vital in allowing him to discover the truth about the female and male character in the room. At the beginning there is no music but the atmos’ of the inside of the car, although the audience is outside. Then is just the diagetic sounds of the protagonist breathing, putting the car into gear, opening the door etc. There is an underlying and subtle piece of non-diagetic music which soon takes priority when the protagonist opens the motel room door and all three characters are shouting and screaming but only a faint scream of the protagonist is heard. Within the editing aspect there are many just cuts which are tied together to add to the continuity side.

Overall I enjoyed the opening sequence due to the main fact that it captured my attention

Editing programs

2009-04-02T05:02:00.001-07:00

To edit and upload our films, we were required to use "Serif Movie Plus 5". Seeing as this was the first time that anyone had used this software before, we were asked to go through the tutorial and follow the step by step, to get an understanding of how we were going to use it. Through the tutorial, there were examples of how to perform the basic functions which were: cutting, cross fading, adding text, slow motion and speeding up.
These are the main things that were used through editing my films. This caused some problems as there were sometimes when I wanted to, for example put the credits over the action of my film, but due to the fact I didn’t have much experience nor the knowledge to be able to do this, despite endless efforts of trying to, I decided to just abort this idea and create a different idea.

Overall, I believe that my editing skills are reasonable, as I believe I am able to identify anomalous props and character actions which allow the footage to maintain a very good continuity edit.

Story idea feedback

2009-04-02T04:54:00.000-07:00

Our first source of feedback, stemmed from a class group workshop where our teacher put us into groups of four, to view each other’s work and give suggestions on what should be done to improve.

For my viewing session, the critics were made to watch the film without the use of sound, due to the complications that I had with incorporating it. I allowed them to watch it once without the details of the storyline, then before the second viewing I explained the concept to them. On the first viewing, the lack of sound inhibited them from understanding the full complex plot. Then on the second viewing, they suggested that I should try to make it concise the relevance of the establishing shots. Also at the end the titles should be equal in the length in which they play and in doing this, they also should be a bit slower. The titles had the transition of a cross- fade and it was noted that, once of these were too fast and should be smoother.

I then decided to ask some teachers who don’t teach media to analyze and be critical of my film and give me advice on some of the elements that I could adapt and change it.
General comments were: “it was imaginative, thought- provoking, creative, capturing, and the drama was well- delivered to give the impression that it was a person within another person’s mind.” When I posed the question on whether there was anything I would do to improve, it was said that “from my point of view, as I am not skilled in the media field, there is nothing that I would suggest improving.”

I also decided to get the view of my family members. First I asked my dad about any criticism he had when first examining the film. He recommended that when incorporating the sound, to make the establishing shots more significant, I should add the chiming of a bell at each moment the shot changes to enhance the spin chilling affect that I am trying to captivate, with this particular genre. In addition, I should disjoint the initial cut-away shots, to reflect on the distressed state of the protagonist’s mind.

From this feedback and experience I think this has made me more driven to make such a complex storyline clear and perhaps this could be fulfilled best through the music I add and sound which is incorporated.

Thriller Conventions - How they relate to my film

2009-04-02T01:13:00.000-07:00

To get a better grasp of how I should portray my film and to make sure it follows the right guidelines which enable it to be classed as thriller, i researched the some of the typical conventions of this genre.

• A crime at the core of the narrative (often murder, but not necessarily).
• A complex narrative structure, with false paths, clues and resolutions
• A narrative pattern of establishing enigmas which the viewer expects to be resolved.
• A protagonist who is systematically dis-empowered and drawn into a complex web of intrigue by the antagonist.
• Extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations
• Themes of identity
• Themes of mirroring
• Themes of voyeurism
• Protagonist with a ‘flaw’ which is exploited by the antagonist
• Titles often reflect an aspect of the pro/antagonist’s psychological state.
• There is often a scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril
• Mise en scene which echoes/ mirrors the protagonists’ plight.

Whilst comparing my film to the stated conventions above, I believe that there are various aspects which entitle the opening sequence to conform to this genre.
The most prominent feature which allows the film to abide by the thriller conventions is the fact that the narrative is extremely complex and is also structured to leave the viewers with a pattern of enigmas. The establishing shots of my film depict the fact that this plot is centered on an ordinary location but is infused with extraordinary events (low – angled medium shot of the door, swinging opening by itself). Within the opening of the film, the focal prop that is used is the mirror- to indicate something sinister and also to highlight the antagonist, who in reality cannot be seen through mirrors. Once the audience is introduced to the antagonist, they immediately are shown the theme of voyeurism through the close up shot that panning left, which revealed the antagonist watching the protagonist. However some of the other aspects of the thriller are not able to be illustrated through the two minute time constraint which means the viewers are not able to witness the “ scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril” and are also not presented with the “ protagonist’s ‘flaw’ which is exploited by the anatagonist.” In addition to the fact that the film represents the opening, the last bullet point about the mise en scene echoing the protagonist's plight, is not able to be witnessed due to the way in which i structured the form of the play. I decided to start with the middle first, but is actually the present.

To conclude, i believe that the opening addressed some of the conventions and some didnt but i feel this is justifiable due to the type of genre the opening in aimed to mirror. Moreover as it is a psychological thriller, there would be not much difference between the two slightly different genre's if my film followed everything in which the general thriller required.

Constructing the production

2009-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Technical decisions and camera shots

To shoot my thriller I had to use my spare time, which was my free lessons to draw up the shooting script. When filming I had to organize a time which was suitable for the actresses. One of the girls’ didn’t attend my school and hers’ was quite far away so and seeing as the location was at my school it became a real difficult in finding time to meet the needs of everyone. These complications forced me to make my second date of filming extremely productive and useful, as I was knew that I wouldn’t get another, relatively close chance to film extra footage.

For the final idea of my film, I new that there weren’t any props that I needed to incorporate within the film so organising props was a problem for me. Also, the main section of the film would centrally take place in the sixth toilets, and I made the conscious decision to ensure that filming would take place after school, so that it filming would not be interrupted. The wardrobe for the actresses were initially something that I believed would cause a problem for me, seeing I was to later piece together the third draft with the final opening sequence, however I later re- evaluated my the idea of my film and understood that with the changing of sequencing of time it would be not be affecting the rule of continuity if I the clothes to not correspond with each other.

The first thing I shot for the establishing shot was of the exterior of the school, to add to the Mise en scene and make the audience aware that this thriller would be set around the lifestyle of a school and school children, thus the reasoning for students leaving the building. Then there are long shots of a hallway and outside and stairs which indicate there is no one around, which just arouses the suspense further. Next appears a medium low angled shot if a door which opens by itself, which indicates and eerie atmosphere of an unknown person/ source/ spirit travelling somewhere. After there is a low angled long shot a character standing in front of a mirror and this shot is only reveals the feet of this person. I done it in this way to bring more suspense to the appearance of the character and what they are doing. It also paves the unconscious understanding that this person is alone in the bathroom – highlight the purpose of the title. Then there is a close up of a face of another character and whilst the camera pans to the main protagonist, this angle and frame gives the sense of quite an eerie tone which is intended to play on the psychological aspect of the audiences’ minds. Next is a shot of the protagonist staring at her reflection in the mirror, which reiterates the point of that she is alone. The mirror is used as a symbolic metaphor to indicate the darkest depth of a person’s inner-self and there is always a myth about if it is broken then is would cast bad luck.

Editing

Once I had finished the filming and the footage was uploaded onto the “Serif” editing software the next process was to begin.
The footage was uploaded as a large chunk, in chronological order of how the film should appear due to the way in which I filmed it. Whilst editing I had to make sure the shots I used were steady when necessary to avoid the portrayal of an amateur film. Also, my film has some camera angles that, on camera, appeared steady but on the large computer screen, were able to see jerky movements. Though whilst I was able to identify these mistakes and able to erase a large majority of them, the shot I weren’t completely happy with, were not able to be reshot, due to the difficulties that I had with arranging shooting days. Some of the shots which were used to add to the mise en scene of the film, such as the long, and wide establishing shot of the front of the school, were shortened to maintain the audience’s attention of the opening of a sequence. Then to make sure that the clips smoothly followed each other, I used transitions such as cross fading.

Pre- production plan

2009-03-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

The task form the film requires me to produce a film which is to be submitted for solely my own personal assessment. So ultimately despite who I invite to help me, I have already acknowledged that the final result will be a reflection of my own creativity. Subsequently, with this understanding I will need to hire people who are best fitted for the roles in which I will need to fill.

Initially, our teacher helped the class to divide ourselves into groups, which would act as a support for each other when it came to making our own film. This also was created due to the limited sources such as editing computers, tape and camera equipment. I was partnered with Sophie Carter and Sandeep Grewal. We informally came to the conclusion that it would be best for the creators of each of the films should adopt the role of the camera woman also, to obtain the camera shot in which they first envisaged.

Within my film Sandeep, took on the role of observing continuity and Sophie maintaining the time schedules and that the film followed the storyboard. I am director within my group for many reasons: one is that I believe I am assertive and whilst I will have created the idea, I will be the best person to capture the idea initially conjured. Also due to the fact that I am aspiring to become a director, by having this role within my own film, this will provide me with experience.
Due to the fact that, our class had learnt of the conventions of a comedy and thriller and technically had those two options to base our film on, I decided to the cast my film in the genre of a Thriller. Initially I didn’t think of who my target audience would be, but decided to devise a production that if I was the target audience, then I would find it enjoyable.

Case Study

2009-03-19T02:31:00.000-07:00

Homework task: case work study on a British film

For your AS Institutions and Audiences exam, you must be able to talk about a case study of a modern British Film you have studied. You will need to write an essay with these headings. Cut and paste this document into your own Word document and write it down, turning it all into a Powerpoint at the end.

For this task i have decided to use the film 'The children' because on the 26th March our media teacher Mr Gilbert, orgainsed a trip to visit Vertigo Productions to gain more of an insight into the Film industry by having a meeting with the a producer James Richardson and director Tom Shankland
of the film 'The Children'

Whilst on the trip, the class decided that it would fitting to record the day and the events that entailed. I was given the task to film the interview with the two members of the crew and have not yet had the oppourtunity to upload and edit the footage to use the information for the exam in June.

Film certificate

2009-03-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/recent/index.php?media=film

pg - Contains mild language, violence and sex references
12A - Contains moderate sex references and language
15 - Contains strong language and violence, Contains strong supernatural horror and disturbing images
18 - Contains strong bloody violence and strong sexual violence

Relating film certification to my film

Main Film

2009-03-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

This is my post- production film but with the exception of music, due to the fact that i am required to find the right un-copywrighted music on the internet, at home but only capable of uploading this file on at school. In addition, i have not been able to upload the film with sound because the file becomes corrupted and doesn't play properly.

I have decided to upload the footage now, as it stands to get more influence on how i can improve my work, with the help and opinions of my family and friends.

3rd draft of main film

2009-03-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

27th February 2009

Today when speaking to one of my teachers I realized that the footage I had previously filmed for my ‘Main film’ would not be adequate for the coursework because when it edited it would be too long and the beginning would not capture the depth of my psychological thriller. Instead the two minute footage would confuse the audience and not capture the whole idea. In saying that, I have not decided to delete anything or discontinue with the completion of the film, as it would be useful to the show reel that I am working towards to create, intern I have conjured a new idea for the beginning that would entice the audience whilst grasping a section of the plot. So, due to time constraints my teacher has set I will have to explain the situation to the head of department and focus on filming and finishing the opening of my film instead of trying to complete the other parts which will only be for my personal use.

The new idea for the opening is:

- First we see the protagonist standing in front of the mirror gazing at herself (alone in the reflection- which will be a behind the shoulder shot)

- Then the protagonist looks over her shoulder for the audience to see a her alter-ego standing behind her

- She looks back to the mirror whilst her alter- ego stands there watching her intensely and emotionless, though not having any affect on the other girl.

- That fades out into a sequence of different types of security cameras, gradually the sequence getting quicker until it blacks out and the beginning of my original film starts.

Script breakdown of Third draft

2009-03-13T05:07:00.000-07:00

Character List:

Teacher : Mr Bently
Mother
Shania
Tia
School children + 10
Doctor voices (not seen)

Plot

Teenage girl who recently has been suffering from extreme pressure, from school and domestic issues, as a result she has developed schizophrenia. As a side affect she has conjured an imaginary best friend and the audience are only aware of this at the end of the movie. During the self –revelation of her condition she realises that she has killed her teacher.
Ext. Playground

Shot of children’s feet running around.

Int. Unknown room

This shot is through the lens of a grainy old security camera.

A school girl walks in the room and stands over the body which is in a pool of blood. The person turns around and looks at the camera.

Shot changes to the image of the security camera and then a close up of the lens.

Int. Classroom

The lens image and merges into a shot of a person’s eye. (Tia)
Pan out to reveal the character slumped on the table, bored and sitting next to a girl who is quite perky and attentive.
The next shot is a wide shot from the back of the class which indicates – to the audience- they are in a classroom.

Then the character Tia has a flash back.

Int. House (any room)

Mum in front of Tia shouting

Mum: Listen Tia, I’ve been getting phone calls from your school saying that you are well underachieving in all you other a levels. I will tell you now. Don’t think you will ever being study that… media thing you want to do if you don’t get A *’s in ALL of your subjects! Are you…..

(Teacher’s voice morphs into the mother’s)

Int. Classroom

There is an initial establishing shot is from the side profile of Tia and the teacher leaning over the table.
The next shot is a shot reverse shot from behind the teacher
Teacher: Are you listening… Tia! Oh daydreaming again I see.

(Medium shot of Shania with the profiles of Tia and the teacher as Shania, slumps back into the chair, folding her arms and rolling her eyes. Then back to the establishing shot.

(Point of view shot – teacher close into the frame) Let’s be truthful do you really think you going to achieve anything in life with that kind of atrocious attitude, young lady. Establishing shot) You sit there thinking you bloody know it all, with that stupid smug look on your face, you’re pathetic-

Shania: You know what… Mr BENT , Oh I mean Mr (aggressively and accentuates) Bently, I just had enough of, you always having some fucking thing to say. No one wants to hear it… (Leans on table edging closer to the teachers face) so SHOVE it where the sun don’t shine... Oh you already have.

Shania stands up and slams her chair into the table. She turns back and motions for Tia to follow. They leave the classroom with the peers in total shock and silence. Shania stride out of the room while Tia lingers behind with a more reserved body language.

Blackout

Voice over of Doctor: It’s the third time this month Tia, that you’ve had a blackout, I can’t see any sign of any physical sign of a problem

Voice of Tia: What you mean… like inside of me.

Int. Bathroom

Tia recovers on the floor of the bathroom in the arms of Shania. Shania doesn’t seem fazed, giving the audience the illusion that she has experienced this before.

Shania: (calmly) Go and wash you face babe.

Tia does what she is told and follows Shania out of the door.
Once the door is closed the camera reverts back to the sink that once appeared clear and reveals bloody water. It is from this point onwards, where the audience should start to get an awkward and sinister feeling.

Int. Hallway

Tia: So how long was I out for?
(Silence)
: Shan… What’s wrong?
(Silence)
: Why are you not talking to me? (They enter a classroom)

Int. Classroom

They take a few steps inside (the camera pans left; behind the two students and reveals a body on the floor)
(The horrified reaction on Tia’s face is shown)
(Flick to a medium shot of the calm and nonchalant Shania gazing at the body.)

Shania: (frustrated) Stop crying. I don’t know why you’re trying to block out what you’ve done.

Tia: (Stutters) what… you mean… I’ve done?

Flash of images and the audience are taken to the flashback of…

Int. Unknown room

This shot is through the lens of a grainy old security camera.

A school girl walks in the room and stands over the body which is in a pool of blood. The person turns around and looks at the camera. This time we realise the person in the camera is wearing a broach. Once we immediately capture the item (jump back to a real- time extreme shot of the same broach).

Tia instantaneously touches her broach and stains it red. (Extreme close up as we witness the stage of realisation) She screams and grabs her face (medium shot) – smearing blood on it. Feeling the moisture on her skin, she looks at her hands (extreme close up) which is covered in blood.

She pants and stutters and she starts to mouth words as if she is going to call for Shania.

Tia: Sha…

(Point of view shot) the camera spins around searching for Shania.
(Repeated Arc shot) As Tia continuously screams
Wide shot – She runs for the door and frantically tries to open it. (Close up of the door handle turn red) – The noise of keys is present at this point

(Extreme close up of her hand going inside her pocket and withdrawing a key)- Which also turns red.) Close up of the confused look on Tia’s face.

Production Team
Azzees
Chidi
Titi
Kit

Initial draft of idea two

2009-03-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

Mr Gilbert – 2min film

(Once i analysed the initial draft. I decided to alter a few bits to make it much more interesting.)

This film adopts the genres of a teen movie with a supernatural thriller twist. It is about a female student called Shania who has undiagnosed schizophrenia which everyone believes is just a bad anger problem that has unnoticeably formed due to extreme stress. The pressure has formed because she is an intelligent girl with high ambitions to become and TV and film director but her mum won’t allow her unless she obtains A grades. It’s not until her so called anger problem, spirals out of control and regrettably forces her do something that is not within her nature and will leave her in front of unforgiving jurors. Her truth is revealed by the least expected circumstance but will anyone understand her problems, will she reach her goals?

Ever heard the saying ‘The walls have ears’? Well the objects around you have eyes, so beware!

Title = ( undecided)

1. CCTV camera mode= person standing over a body which is slumped on the floor with a pool of blood the person turns and looks directly at the camera
2. (point 1) fades into Extreme close up of the security camera
3. Track closer to focus on the lens (extreme close up)
4. Fade in an image of the characters (female’s) eye (merge into the number 2)
5. Zoom out of the eyes and reveal the whole body of the character (in a daze)
6. Flick to shot reverse shot with profile in frame and Shania is still focused on the camera….We hear one of her voices.
7. Go into a memory which is an argument with her mum. It is interrupted with the voice of the teacher merging over the mothers
8. We then are back to the classroom scene where the teacher tries to gain her attention and starts making rude comments
9. Point of view shot staring at the teacher – and we hear two of the thoughts in Shania’s mind
10. Shot reverse shot- behind the teacher as he makes a derogatory remark …so we can see the anger/ reaction in her face.
11. Point of view shot- voices get louder and the teachers face gets closer
12. Side shot of Shania getting mad and standing up to the teacher.
13. Wide shot and the front of the class observing the other children and the incident.
14. Shot reverse shot – behind Shania she sees the boys who owns the camera laughing and making face at her behind the teachers back and turns on him.
15. Wide shot from the front of the class where a female on the left shouts out tells Shania to keep quite and an argument kicks on with them
16. wide shot from the front – as Shania walks out of the classroom in a rage and makes a menacing comment
17. Monologue as the screen goes black
18. point of view shot- as she throws water on her face
19. Looks in the mirror while voices are still talking to her
20. Travelling shot- to the classroom
21. point of view shot- glances back to the body and then turns to the camera
22. notices that the tape holder is open

Primary Plan

2009-03-13T04:52:00.000-07:00

Plan one – Mr Gilbert (2min)

This plan was the primary draft that i concocted for this task.

Extreme close up of the camera
1. Track closer to focus on the lens (extreme close up)
2. Fade in an image of the characters (female’s) eye (merge into the number 2)
3. Zoom out of the eyes and reveal the whole body of the character
4. Flick to shot reverse shot with profile in frame still focused on the camera
5. Background sound increases diagetic and non- diagetically and on the right in her peripheral vision, the actors rehearsing are focused on/
6. She -protagonist – stands up exchanges a few words with the group with intern make them exit frame (stage left)
7. Meanwhile the teacher walks half across frame in the background
8. The girl jumps up and runs to teacher ….(dialogue)
9. After the conversation the student storms off in a rage
10. She ends up in the locker room
11. The student sees another student (male) in her class and they discuss the class work and walk back towards the classroom.
12. When they get to the room and argument erupts
13. (NOT SURE) Audience see the fight and asthma that kills him or it should be a blur and a soliloquy could take over (NOT SURE)
14. She goes into the bathroom throws water in her face and talks to herself in the mirror.
15. Goes back into the classroom to steal the camera and realises the tape case is open.
16. There is a flashback of the account of her day and in her memories she remembers that the red light WAS on before.
17. The realisation of the trouble that she was in enveloped her face (close up)
18. Extreme close up of her eye bulging/widening.
19. Title appears.

At the same time i was stuck in two minds about the ending so i devised this plan also, which could give me variety and i could find out what my target audience would prefer out of the two. Then from that research i would keep redrafting plans and ideas until i came across an idea that i was satisfied with and also believed that identified and achieved the brief efficiently, effectively and to my highest standard.

1. Extreme close up of the camera
1. Track closer to focus on the lens (extreme close up)
2. Fade in an image of the characters (female’s) eye (merge into the number 2)
3. Zoom out of the eyes and reveal the whole body of the character
4. Flick to shot reverse shot with profile in frame still focused on the camera showing the whole of the class and teacher at the front dismissing the class
5. Everyone leaves… protagonist tries to steal the camera
6. Owner of the camera comes back in the middle of the theft.
7. Fight breaks out…Girls pushes the boy and he starts to have an asthma attack.
8. When he is on the floor he tries to clutch for his pump.
9. She throws it out of the window then storms off.
10. She goes into the bathroom throws water in her face and talks to herself in the mirror.
11. Goes back into the classroom to steal the camera and realises the tape case is open.
12. There is a flashback of the account of her day and in her memories she remembers that the red light WAS on before.
13. The realisation of the trouble that she was in enveloped her face (close up)
14. Extreme close up of her eye bulging/widening.
15. Title appears.

Classical Conventions....

2009-03-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

Classical Conventions of a Horror my film

After one media class discussing conventions of the genre of film, I went home and starting researching the classic conventions of a Horror film – the genre I had chosen- so I could make sure that my film also adhered to some of the characteristics of this particular genre. In doing so, this would also help give me an idea of the type of certification I would have to give my film.

I first stumbled onto this site and thought that some of their information was useful, for me to understand what the audience expects to see in such a film: http://www.filmsite.org/horrorfilms.html

“Horror Films are unsettling films designed to frighten and panic, cause dread and alarm, and to invoke our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale, while captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience. Horror films effectively center on the dark side of life, the forbidden, and strange and alarming events. They deal with our most primal nature and its fears: our nightmares, our vulnerability, our alienation, our revulsions, our terror of the unknown, our fear of death and dismemberment, loss of identity, or fear of sexuality.

Whatever dark, primitive, and revolting traits that simultaneously attract and repel us are featured in the horror genre. Horror films are often combined with science fiction when the menace or monster is related to a corruption of technology, or when Earth is threatened by aliens. The fantasy and supernatural film genres are not synonymous with the horror genre, although thriller films may have some relation when they focus on the revolting and horrible acts of the killer/madman. Horror films are also known as chillers, scary movies, spookfests, and the macabre.”

From this, I can recognize that my film will conform to the ‘design… to cause dread… and invoke our hidden worst fears’. I created this idea mainly because this is the type of film I enjoy to watch, however I am aware that when making my film, I have to ensure that it meets the needs of the audience who will be viewing it. To identify the thrills people my age also enjoy, I will create a short and brief questionnaire once I have gathered adequate information about the classical conventions of the genres.

2009-03-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Inspiration for my film

2009-03-04T02:26:00.000-08:00

Researching for the film which gave me inspiration for my film, drew me to the movie 'FIGHT CLUB'

"Fight Club is a 1999 American feature film adaptation of the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film was directed by David Fincher and follows a nameless protagonist (Edward Norton), an everyman and an unreliable narrator who feels trapped with his white-collar position in society. The narrator gets involved in a fight club with soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and becomes tangled up in a relationship triangle with Durden and a destitute woman, Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter).

Palahniuk's novel was optioned by producer Laura Ziskin, who hired Jim Uhls to write the script for the film. Several directors were sought to film Fight Club; David Fincher was hired to direct based on his interest in the project despite his previous difficulties with the studio 20th Century Fox. Fincher worked with Uhls to develop the script, seeking advice from others in the film industry and his own cast members. Fincher described Fight Club as black comedy that applies heavy satire; he and the cast also compared the film to Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and The Graduate (1967). Thematically, the film was intended to represent the conflict between a generation of young people and the value system of advertising. The film's use of violence in the fight clubs was intended to serve as a metaphor for feeling based on the generation's conflict. The director carried homoerotic overtones over from Palahniuk's novel to implement in the film, believing that the overtones would make audiences uncomfortable and thereby keep them from anticipating the twist ending.

Studio executives were not receptive to the film, and they altered Fincher's intended marketing campaign to try to recoup perceived losses. Fight Club failed to meet expectations at the box office, and the film received polarized reactions from film critics. The film was cited as one of the most controversial and talked-about films of 1999. It was perceived as crossing a milestone for visual style in cinema and introducing a new mood in American political life. The film later found commercial success with its DVD release, which established Fight Club as a cult film. The film has also permeated American society, inspiring people to set up fight clubs. " - (taken from Wikipedia = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_Club_(film))

Despite the information given to me from the last paragraphyi still decided that the plot of this film is explosive to say the least and excites and enthralls me from the beginning. That said, i wanted to capture this same sort of complex plot through my MAIN film.

"The narrator (Edward Norton) is an automobile company employee who travels to accident sites to perform product recall cost appraisals. His doctor refuses to write a prescription for his insomnia and instead suggests that he visit a support group for testicular cancer victims in order to appreciate real suffering. When he attends the group, the narrator allows himself to weep as a form of emotional release. He is then able to sleep soundly and subsequently fakes more illnesses so he can attend other support groups in order to get out his pent up emotions through crying. The narrator's routine is disrupted when he begins to notice another impostor, Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), at the same meetings and his insomnia returns.

During a flight for a business trip, the narrator meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), who makes and sells soap. The narrator arrives home to find his apartment has been destroyed by an explosion. He calls Tyler and meets him at a bar. Tyler agrees to let the narrator stay at his home on the condition that the narrator hits him. The narrator complies and the two end up enjoying a fist fight outside the bar. The narrator moves into Tyler's dilapidated house and the two return to the bar, where they have another fight in the parking lot. After attracting a crowd, they establish a 'fight club' in the bar's basement.

When Marla overdoses on Xanax, she is rescued by Tyler and the two embark upon a sexual relationship. Tyler tells the narrator never to talk about him with Marla. Under Tyler's leadership, the fight club becomes "Project Mayhem," which commits increasingly destructive acts of anti-capitalist vandalism in the city. The fight clubs become a network for Project Mayhem, and the narrator is left out of Tyler's activities with the project. After an argument, Tyler disappears from the narrator's life and when a member of Project Mayhem dies on a mission, the narrator attempts to shut down the project. Tracing Tyler's steps, he travels around the country to find that fight clubs have been started in every major city, where one of the participants identifies him as Tyler Durden. A phone call to Marla confirms his identity and he realizes that Tyler is an alter ego of his own split personality. Tyler appears before him and explains that he controls the narrator's body whenever he is asleep.

The narrator faints and awakes to find Tyler has made several phone calls during his blackout and traces his plans to the downtown headquarters of several major credit card companies, which Tyler intends to destroy in order to cripple the financial networks. Failing to find help with the police, many of whom are members of Project Mayhem, the narrator attempts to disarm the explosives in the basement of one of the buildings. He is confronted by Tyler, knocked unconscious, and taken to the upper floor of another building to witness the impending destruction. The narrator, held by Tyler at gunpoint, realizes that in sharing the same body with Tyler, he is the one who is actually holding the gun. He fires it into his mouth, shooting through the cheek without killing himself. The illusion of Tyler collapses with an exit wound to the back of his head. Shortly after, members of Project Mayhem bring a kidnapped Marla to the narrator and leave them alone. The bombs detonate and, holding hands, the two witness the destruction of the entire financial city block through the windows."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight_Club_(film)

I believe that the reason why critics review it negatively, is because it didnt suit the era in which it was created in hence it was not appreciated fully, or i could just personally like it and enjoy watching complex films. Ultimately, the film feeds through with some moralising messages:

"Fight Club is a metaphor for the need to push through the walls we put around ourselves and just go for it, so for the first time we can experience the pain."
—Brad Pitt[21]

The Film fundamental stood on its own values, ideas and concepts, and through this filmmakers perception, they are:

"Director David Fincher described Fight Club as a black comedy that applies heavy satire.[15] To avoid a potentially sinister nature, Fincher purposefully kept the film "funny and seditious",[17] while Norton described the film as a "dark, comic, sort of surrealist look" at young people's failures to interact with the value system of which they are expected to be a part"

Below is just the details about the movie:
Directed by David Fincher
Produced by Art Linson
Ross Grayson Bell
Cean Chaffin
Written by Novel:
Chuck Palahniuk
Screenplay:
Jim Uhls
Starring Edward Norton
Brad Pitt
Helena Bonham Carter
Music by Dust Brothers
Cinematography Jeff Cronenweth
Editing by James Haygood
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date(s) October 15, 1999
Running time 139 min.
Country United States
Language English
Budget US$63 million
Gross revenue US$100,853,753

Classwork

2009-03-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

Developing and improving upon your main task.

L.o: TO learn how using the 'close - up' can improve your film- making.

( I had not yet devised an idea for my main film, so the examples listed are ones from my preliminary film.)

When have you used the close-up in your current 2 minute movie?
- To show the protagonist is listening to an ipod
- When the character is revealed for the first time.

Why have you used it?
- Indicate that the sound is diagetic and non- diagetic
-To show the facial expressions of the character

what effect does it have?
- creates a link to the genre
-It create suspense for the audience as they dont know why he is so uneasy.

Things i learnt this lesson:

-How close - up shots evoke emotions which can be linked to genres & visual references.
- creates reversal - is important turning point a change of fortune or luck.

Aristole said best ones occur at the same time of a discovery or moment of realisation which changes their actions for the better or worst: '39 steps'.

In my film at the end is when the reversal occurs as it is when the protagonist realises that she was the one who murderd the victim, and that she doesnt have a best friend at all, but her imagination.

I am creating this so the audience experience the character's revelating moment simultaneously, which i personally find more enjoyable when watching a movie.

Main Task

2008-11-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

The titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maxium of two minutes. All video and audio material must be original, produced by the candidate(s) with the exception of music or audio effect from a copyright- free source.

PERSONAL PRODUCTION DIARY

Tuesday 20th January 2009

Today I used one of my free lessons to edit my initial preliminary film that I created. When filming this concept, I didn’t allow my rational thinking to take over when I was faced with some obvious complications. I filmed the beginning of the movie at night and due to time constraints was forced to film the remaining shots – which were the internal ones- during the day. At the time, I knew that filming in these two conditions would affect the look of my movie and in the moment, I didn’t think to change my idea and start the concept with an altered beginning, which could have simply been created on the second day of filming. Consequently, now that I’ve edited the useable footage, it is only 25 seconds long- which is not sufficient for the brief given. At the moment I’m contemplating adding further shots to elongate it, however I feel that would be appropriate for me to even consider doing so once I have filmed and edited my main film.

Wednesday 21st January 2009

Once I finished editing my two preliminary tasks, I proceeded to try and upload the files onto ‘YOUTUBE’ however the file wasn’t compatible so I had to have a brief word with the IT technicians to find out how to change it. Once I had done that I uploaded the video onto my blog.

Thursday 29th January 2009

I created a production team at the beginning of this week, which consisted of Chidi as the first; Titi as the administrator and Kit as the assistant director

I put up posters for auditions for Tuesday and Wednesday and I was able to find someone to act as the character of Shania.

On Thursday, the production team and I met up with the Sarah Clifton where we discussed her role, outlined her role so that she got a better insight into plot. We ended the meeting with her suggesting two possible candidates who she had worked with before and fit the role of Tia.
In addition, it was suggested that Mr Parry could be suitable for the role of the ‘doctor’ so I met him today to ask him if he would be able to take up the role to which he agreed.

Preliminary task

2008-11-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

Task - Mr Dunford My task is to film and edit footage of a character opening a door, crossing the room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180- degree rule.

Student interpretation
When creating this preliminary task, although the aim was simple, i wanted to create something that was, sort of, unconventional; and an idea that could be different and captivating within the time constraint whilst incorporating the elements required.

PRELIMINARY TASK FINAL
.

Read below to understand, how i came to this final product.

Initial idea
There was a tall male dressed in black with a hood up with music blasting (which the audience can also hear) walking down a dark alley way. He then approaches a fully lit public building. Once he enters, the audience are shown his face and he takes off the hood and jacket, stops the music to reveal a suit and a smart looking man. [- I wanted to create this contrasting image within the readers mind to highlight the fact that people judge on first impressions despite their lack of knowledge. Within my filming making and film reviews I’ve learnt that this type of conflicting opinions (twist) is exactly the technique I like to watch and find that people enjoy. ] The man walks over to a lady with a clip board and exchanges a few words and he points her into the direction of where he is confidently heading. The audience follow the man’s direction, where he stops and sits in a seat in front of a woman. The conversation commences and we get the impression that this is a date or a blind date. Characters:
Shayne - protagonist (Zeeshan)
Melissa – Date (Karen)
Shania - Clipboard lady (Sandeep)
Amelia -Extra (Jennifer)

Filming… 2/12/08 & 4/12/08 2/12/08 – Ext. Alleyway Time: 4.45 – 6.00 Props: iPod, leather gloves Characters: The male protagonist was used for filming down the alleyway. We see the character place the headphone in and picks the song in which he is about to listen to. There is a close –up and pan upwards, when he is putting the leather gloves on. Within this filming, I’ve have also incorporated a shot so that where I planed to put the credits in, it can be created. 4/12/08 – Int. Pub/ restaurant Time: 12.05- 1.15pm Props: Clipboard Characters: Whole Company The rest of the film was shot, including the meeting of Shayne and Shania and the dialogue between Shayne and Melissa.

Review Due to time constraints and lack of cast, Zeeshan was and I was not able to complete the whole film idea in one night. So, the natural elements were indefinitely not working in favour with the production when we decided on film on the Thursday. I was fully aware that this would be the case but due to pressed deadlines, I found no incurable way to solve such problems. Disappointingly, I continued the filming and tried not to incorporate the obvious sunlight. Changes There would be two adjustments I would make if I had thought about this at the time of filming or if I had enough If I had more time I would originally stick to my initial idea and film it all in one night. On the second day of filming I wish I had decided to just start filming again, from the character opening the door, and I would have used the night time footage for something else.

Tuesday 20th January
Today I used one of my free lessons to edit my initial preliminary film that I created. When filming this concept, I didn’t allow my rational thinking to take over when I was faced with some obvious complications. I filmed the beginning of the movie at night and due to time constraints was forced to film the remaining shots – which were the internal ones- during the day. At the time, I knew that filming in these two conditions would affect the look of my movie and in the moment, I didn’t think to change my idea and start the concept with an altered beginning, which could have simply been created on the second day of filming. Consequently, now that I’ve edited the useable footage, it is only 25 seconds long- which is not sufficient for the brief given. At the moment I’m contemplating adding further shots to elongate it, however I feel that would be appropriate for me to even consider doing so once I have filmed and edited my main film, but meanwhile i will edit the footage i have to produce a decent scene.

Final Idea Consequently, after the disappointing filming progress that occurred earlier in the week. On Friday 5th December is occurred to me that I could just produce another idea that I would be satisfied with. So I hired out the camera, created another idea and wrote another storyboard. Initially, I devised the idea that I would be the protagonist who walks into a house late in the night and slowly creeps in. It is when she takes off her shoes and tries to precede upstairs, the audience are made aware that her mother is sitting on the dinner room chairs waiting for her. Her mother then shouts in a rage and ends up sending her to her bedroom Adjustments Within my family there are only three people and as director I wanted to make sure that the camera angles were to my up- most satisfaction. I decided to change the main character from female to male and used my younger brother as the main actor (child who is going to get in trouble).
Filming 6/12/08
The production was filmed in one night from 7- 8.30pm and after reviewing the raw footage I filmed more shots (e.g. door P.O.V when Kamal walks up to the door and acts as though he is putting the key within in the door and opening it). Overall I am extremely please with the raw footage so far, and will start editing on 8/12/08.
Characters:
Kamal (as himself) -son
Mum -mother (Lorraine)

Ext. Street outside house Time: 6.15pm Props:
Phone Characters: Kamal
The main character walking up the path on a mobile phone and enters the house.

Int. Inside the house Time: 6.45pm Props: (None)
Characters: Kamal & Mum
She finds him sneaking in the house, orders him to sit down and shouts at him about his irresponsible behaviour lately. Overall thoughts Although I have created two different concepts, I will edit both and use the opinion of my teachers to submit the best one, for my coursework. In order for me to complete both films I will have to go back to the first idea and finish it by incorporating the elements and techniques that were require, such as match on action and the character opening and walking through a door

Genre and Audiences

2008-11-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

1.1) I to complete an activity; which was to caterogise numerous films into genres.

Die hard - Action

Speed - Police/crime

The Matrix - Martial arts & Science Fiction

Star Wars - Science fiction, Swashbuckler, Action

Back to the Future - Science fiction

The Mummy - Combat

Titanic - Romantic, Historical adventure

Mission Impossible II - action, combat

The Great Escape - Historical adventure, suspense

xXx- Action, Martial arts

Spider- man - comic book, combat, teen movie

X- men - comic book, combat

Blade II - martial arts, swashbuckler, action

Rush Hour- comedy, police/crime

Jurassic Park III - Science fiction

Once i had completed this task; i noticed that films that (quite often) overlapped in the genres in which they fall into.

1.2) Exploring the concept of genre II

Genres as a form of Economic Determinism - Films have genres so that it is easier, for many people in the production team e.g studios and distrubutors; are able to differeniate and standardise the product and also able to market the film effectively. It also helps producers and directors to incoroporate essential elements which coincide with the relavant genre type.

A theoretical model - the 'process of genre'

The best way to think of genre is as a constant process of meaning exchange between filmmakers and their audience- in ways which can be identified within film text.

Analysing films

2008-11-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

My Favourite film - Synopsis

The Skeleton Key is a horror film which was released in 2005.

The opening is of a young woman (Caroline) who cares for the elderly but decides to leave the hospice that she currently works at, to become a full time career, to help an old woman look after her invalid husband in New Orleans.

Caroline cares for a bed ridden patient (Mr Ben Devereaux) who cannot speak, and becomes suspicious of the house and the wife (violet). Violet gives a skeleton key of the huge house to Caroline, makes her way into a secret room within the attic where she discovers hair, blood, bones, spells, and other instruments for practicing hoodoo.

She starts to investigate and question Violet (Gena Rowlands), the owner of the house, about the secrets. She also senses Mr. Devereaux is asking her to help her (she doesn't know for certain because he's mute and paralyzed). She tries to unravel the mystery about the Devereaux's and their ancient house.

Once she realises that Violet is part of witchcraft the aims to escape however Violet attempts to keep her and trap her within the house. She goes to the lawyer Luke for help, but he turns out to be a bad guy and he makes Caroline unconcious and brings her back to the house. Caroline ends up escaping from them after telling Mrs. Devereaux where Ben is and she runs up to the attic. There, she does the spell which she believes is the spell of protections but it turns out its the spell Mrs. Devereaux uses to take peoples remaining years for herself. Because Caroline believes in Hoodoo now, Mrs. Devereaux takes over Caroline's body and Caroline is then trapped in Mrs. Devereaux's Body. It turns out that Luke and Caroline are Papa Justify and Mama Cecile

I find this film in captivating because it has numerous twists and I enjoy that most within a film. When making my film I will be aiming to also follow the ideas of this film by confusing the audience and making them believe in one thing but then change it so this doesn’t remain true.

Here is a list of other movies that I like for different reasons:

· Awake
· Godfellas
· Love and basketball
· The wood
· Scary movie 1 & 2

Favourite media Type

I wanted to do media to get a better understanding about how the industry works and what components are need to make a successful media type. The main reason for my passion is because I do a lot of drama work for television and have become intrigued into the production and creative side.

My favourite media type would be television. Channel Four is my favourite channel because I their shows mainly target teenagers from 15 + and they do this effectively through their shows like .
Hollyoaks is my favourite soap opera mainly because they have exciting story lines.
In my opinion, the actors are very convincing which adds to their creativity.

Form and Style

Hollyoaks is set in the Chester The style of Hollyoaks. Even from the title it proves that the show can appeal to both genders as there is a contrast of blue and pink and male and female symbols.

Representation

The show mainly consists of young families and students who attend secondary school and university. There are three venues where the people of ‘Chester’ can go to social and drink – this is where they spent most of there time. This type of representation can give viewers the idea that this is what most families and students do when they are bored. That sort of illustration is not good because it may influence to the viewers to believe that, drinking in general or excessively is acceptable and normal social values. It many ways this is a true reflection of reality in some areas, but for filming purposes it is exaggerated to create more dynamic story lines.

Audiences

It is a show which can be appreciated by many different age groups. I think it particularly address ages from 15 - 35 year olds. Their story lines range from, underage drinking and teenage mothers to infertile couples and drugs management. The controversial topics can relate to many peoples live and they also have a helpline to comfort those who are dealing with some of the issues they show.

Others favourite media types

Magazine type would be the LOOK Magazine. I like it because it mainly focuses on clothes and fashion and has a few interesting articles about celebrities.

My favourite radio station would be LBC because it has discussions and debates which are intellectual and interesting. The radio station is mainly targeted at adults but I find the opinions of others interesting.

My favourite newspaper has to be the ‘Metro’ because it is free and the articles are short and informative.

My favourite phone would be Samsung Omina because it is slim and mainly touch screen with a high specification, including the Microsoft application.

My favourite Webpage would be FACEBOOK because it allows people to reunite with long lost friends for free and also offers fun applications to interact with people.

Analysing film techniques

After drafting two plans for the opening of my film I decided that the film could be more successful if I did extensive research on key tips I could incorporate in my film to make it symbolise the traits of a thriller.

When studying the original film ‘Psycho’, which was created in 1960 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, I decided to scrutinize the shower scene. It was when the psychotic killer came into the bathroom and stabbed a woman to death. They used close- up shots of the woman’s face to see her reaction and they also focused on the knife; that was impaling her but created a silhouette of the murder. To elongate the death of the woman they added shots of her hand, clenching and going limb, to show her life deteriorating. Once she died there was an extreme close- up of her still eye that was merged and faded from a black plug hole.

‘The Eye’ is a recent 2008 film which is the remake of the same Hong Kong – Thai- Singaporean film. At the beginning of the film they show a woman walking obliviously around in the street. She misses getting hit by car and bumps into a blonde woman, who walks straight through her. The effect of the blonde woman dissolving when walking through the protagonist and re-emerging as what seems to be a soild object/person is an idea that i think is effective as the audience is now totally confused. This could be used as a typical visual refernce point which indicates the genre of this film.T

Chapter 1.1 Video Production Tips

2008-10-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Production Tip

Diegesis

Diegetic material is what the characters are aware of and notice in their world e.g. door shutting. Non – diegetic material is what the characters are not aware of but the audience are e.g. background music which is there to create an atmosphere. Voice- over are a combination of both – the character is aware of what they are saying and so are the audience but the other characters are not aware of their thoughts

Micro and Macro origination

When studying a particular style or genre the micro elements have to be taken into account first, such as: camera work, music, style of titles, dialogue, setting and pace.
If someone was creating a romantic comedy a three – stage process would need to be taken into account when creating it.

study the common conventions of a romantic style
spend time developing a romantic comedy narrative
plan to shoot and edit material which looks right for the genre

Camera work and framing

To keep a steady shot the best tool to use is a tripod unless the shot needs more of a documentary and realist look. Zooming is rarely used in film unless the look of the piece is designed to look amateur.

A combination of shots are essential to the ‘language of film’, from long shots to mid – shots to close –ups. This enable the audience to remain engaged to the action.In film they uses fewer close – ups than in TV and mainly sit to mid-shots, long shot with close- ups sparingly, however the different styles of shots are:
· long shots
· extreme long shots
· mid- shots
· close- ups
· extreme close-ups
· over- the- shoulder shots
· point- of – view shots

When filming the ‘rule of thirds’ applies the eye is usually drawn to the off- centre marks (red) so if filming a person then you should move them to the sides of the screen.

Camera angles alter the power and neutrality of a character. High- angled shots reduce the ‘power’ of the character and low – angled shot increase it. The standard principles of framing is not make sure the character has space above their head and they do not look strange due to objects behind them and that there is space around them to show direction if they are moving.

Avoid ‘unforced errors’ by: practise moving shots several times before recording, shoot far more footage than you need to make editing easier, test microphones are working before filming and make sure your batteries are changed.

Mise en scene

It is about atmosphere, continuity and detail. Carefully choose costume, lighting, location and props to create a verisimilitude and continue this through each shot. For continuity make sure that the costume stays the same, the actors appearance is the same e.g. hair cuts, same lighting and choose convincing props and actors.

Lighting

Although there will not be access to profession lighting there are many ways to overcome this problems, the five tips are:

Use natural light – sunlight, shadow, weather e.g. rain. However the time taken to wait for this type of may be pushes the time constraints.
Use cheap and cheerful artificial light – as long as risk assessments have been carried out
Create colour filters – to give a particular mood.
Position the light source for effect – lighting above or from below can create different atmospheres
Experiment with the interaction of light with objects in you frame.

Combining sound, image and titles

When editing footage, careful decisions are needed to create appropriate sounds and titles for the genre. Deciding whether the title will go over a black spot, over action and how long the title will stay on screen are all of the things that will need to be considered. Each title must have some relevance to the genre so that the audience quickly understand the narrative of the piece.

Music is also a subtle but vital micro element which add ambience to the footage and allows the audience to understand and follow the change of tone and pace. It is a good idea to test out the music at an early stage of post – production so changes can be made.

The Grammar of non – liner editing

Non- linear video editing is the software package that will be used for the post – production work and there will be an assessment of how well the material is edited. Creating continuity and the right rhythm and pace is essential. Avoid choosing transitions that are exciting to use but do not reflect the conventions of the type of film that will be constructed. Use hard cuts for at least 90% of the sequence.

The ideal outcome is to make the editing invisible. A fade may be used to signify the passing of time and a greater number of edits can create more tension or action. Editing is all about the manipulation of the time and space, because it allows you to do things that are not possible in real life. Editing and manipulation should remain discrete so that it doesn’t confuse the viewer – this is called ‘grammar of the edit.’

Key Terms

2008-09-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

OCR: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as_alevelgce/media_studies/

Introduction: Media Literacy for AS

This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop a critical awareness and understanding of the media and the role it plays in society. Throughout the course, students demonstrate understanding of technical skills in their own media production and engage in creative, imaginative and aesthetic activity.

Media Literacy
It understands the process of media and the techniques and the ability to read media texts and hence decode their messages and values.

Advanced Media Literacy

Advanced Media Literacy is a combination of ‘thinking’ and ‘making’ – responding and creating media.

Media Language
It refers to written, verbal, non- verbal, aural and aesthetic communication and are usually a combination of these.

Camera Angles: These can give a different perception of a character and a relationship between many characters. E.g. wide shot could be and establishing shot of a group so you can instantly understand that these are a group of school friends or even a group of people who don’t like each other. A tight two – shot can give deeper understanding between conversions and can show way the characters think and react to a particular situation.

Facial expressions: Can be vital in revealing to the audience a character’s personality or moving the story alone.

Dialogue: Speech can indicate a person’s perception and also portray the characters lifestyle in their dialect.

Diegesis

Diegetic material is what the characters are aware of and notice in their world e.g. door shutting. Non – diegetic material is what the characters are not aware of but the audience are e.g. background music which is there to create an atmosphere. Voice- over are a combination of both – the character is aware of what they are saying and so are the audience but the other characters are not aware of their thoughts

Micro and Macro origination

/When studying a particular style or genre the micro elements have to be taken into account first, such as: camera work, music, style of titles, dialogue, setting and pace.
If someone was creating a romantic comedy a three – stage process would need to be taken into account when creating it.
1. study the common conventions of a romantic style
2. spend time developing a romantic comedy narrative
3. plan to shoot and edit material which looks right for the genre

Camera work and framing

To keep a steady shot the best tool to use is a tripod unless the shot needs more of a documentary and realist look. Zooming is rarely used in film unless the look of the piece is designed to look amateur.

A combination of shots are essential to the ‘language of film’, from long shots to mid – shots to close –ups. This enable the audience to remain engaged to the action.In film they uses fewer close – ups than in TV and mainly sit to mid-shots, long shot with close- ups sparingly, however the different styles of shots are:
• long shots
• extreme long shots
• mid- shots
• close- ups
• extreme close-ups
• over- the- shoulder shots
• point- of – view shots

When filming the ‘rule of thirds’ applies
The eye is usually drawn to the off- centre marks (red) so if filming a person then you should move them to the sides of the screen.

Camera angles alter the power and neutrality of a character. High- angled shots reduce the ‘power’ of the character and low – angled shot increase it. The standard principles of framing is not make sure the character has space above their head and they do not look strange due to objects behind them and that there is space around them to show direction if they are moving.

Avoid ‘unforced errors’ by: practice moving shots several times before recording, shoot far more footage than you need to make editing easier, test microphones are working before filming and make sure your batteries are changed.

Mise en scene

It is about atmosphere, continuity and detail. Carefully choose costume, lighting, location and props to create a verisimilitude and continue this through each shot. For continuity make sure that the costume stays the same, the actors appearance is the same e.g. hair cuts, same lighting and choose convincing props and actors.

Lighting

Although there will not be access to profession lighting there are many ways to overcome this problems, the five tips are:

Use natural light – sunlight, shadow, weather e.g. rain. However the time taken to wait for this type of may be pushes the time constraints

Use cheap and cheerful artificial light – as long as risk assessments have been carried out

Create colour filters – to give a particular mood.

Position the light source for effect – lighting above or from below can create different atmospheres

Experiment with the interaction of light with objects in you frame.

Combining sound, image and titles

When editing footage, careful decisions are needed to create appropriate sounds and titles for the genre. Deciding whether the title will go over a black spot, over action and how long the title will stay on screen are all of the things that will need to be considered. Each title must have some relevance to the genre so that the audience quickly understands the narrative of the piece.

Music is also a subtle but vital micro element which add ambience to the footage and allows the audience to understand and follow the change of tone and pace. It is a good idea to test out the music at an early stage of post – production so changes can be made.

The Grammar of non – liner editing

Non- linear video editing is the software package that will be used for the post – production work and there will be an assessment of how well the material is edited. Creating continuity and the right rhythm and pace is essential. Avoid choosing transitions that are exciting to use but do not reflect the conventions of the type of film that will be constructed. Use hard cuts for at least 90% of the sequence.

The ideal outcome is to make the editing invisible. A fade may be used to signify the passing of time and a greater number of edits can create more tension or action. Editing is all about the manipulation of the time and space, because it allows you to do things that are not possible in real life. Editing and manipulation should remain discrete so that it doesn’t confuse the viewer – this is called ‘grammar of the edit.

Composing Digital images

All of the images for both the preliminary and main task much be original and photography is a critical part of print production for AS.

Any camera (film or digital) is just a capturing and the technology in a modern digital camera is just as fantastic just don’t forget to use the prints as well.

Generating a Front page

The front cover needs to be eye- catching so that the reader is intrigued enough to buy the magazine. This is a world where identity is clearly constructed to make the reader feel sense of belonging, or a desire to belong to the community of readers that is established.

Semiotics

It is the study if signs, meaning and how and image is perceived. It is best to use semiotic as a way of developing your own thinking about ‘polysemic’ meaning rather that assuming that signs mean single things to everyone.

There are three kinds of signs in semiotic theory:

1. Iconic signs which actually look like what they represent. - (A no smoking sign)

2. Symbolic/ arbitrary signs which have a meaning that must be culturally learned because they don’t actually look like what they represent. – ( An Arsenal football shirt)

3. Indexical signs which have a connection to what they represent and are suggestive rather that directly resembling what they represent. – ( A Crucifix)

OCR: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as_alevelgce/media_studies/

Introduction: Media Literacy for AS
This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop a critical awareness and understanding of the media and the role it plays in society. Throughout the course, students demonstrate understanding of technical skills in their own media production and engage in creative, imaginative and aesthetic activity.

Media Literacy
It understands the process of media and the techniques and the ability to read media texts and hence decode their messages and values.

Advanced Media Literacy
Advanced Media Literacy is a combination of ‘thinking’ and ‘making’ – responding and creating media.

Media Language
It refers to written, verbal, non- verbal, aural and aesthetic communication and are usually a combination of these.

Camera Angles: These can give a different perception of a character and a relationship between many characters. E.g. wide shot could be and establishing shot of a group so you can instantly understand that these are a group of school friends or even a group of people who don’t like each other. A tight two – shot can give deeper understanding between conversions and can show way the characters think and react to a particular situation.

Facial expressions: Can be vital in revealing to the audience a character’s personality or moving the story alone.

Dialogue: Speech can indicate a person’s perception and also portray the characters lifestyle in their dialect.

Diegesis

Diegetic material is what the characters are aware of and notice in their world e.g. door shutting. Non – diegetic material is what the characters are not aware of but the audience are e.g. background music which is there to create an atmosphere. Voice- over are a combination of both – the character is aware of what they are saying and so are the audience but the other characters are not aware of their thoughts

Micro and Macro origination

/When studying a particular style or genre the micro elements have to be taken into account first, such as: camera work, music, style of titles, dialogue, setting and pace.
If someone was creating a romantic comedy a three – stage process would need to be taken into account when creating it.
1. study the common conventions of a romantic style
2. spend time developing a romantic comedy narrative
3. plan to shoot and edit material which looks right for the genre

Camera work and framing

To keep a steady shot the best tool to use is a tripod unless the shot needs more of a documentary and realist look. Zooming is rarely used in film unless the look of the piece is designed to look amateur.

A combination of shots are essential to the ‘language of film’, from long shots to mid – shots to close –ups. This enable the audience to remain engaged to the action.In film they uses fewer close – ups than in TV and mainly sit to mid-shots, long shot with close- ups sparingly, however the different styles of shots are:
• long shots
• extreme long shots
• mid- shots
• close- ups
• extreme close-ups
• over- the- shoulder shots

• point- of – view shots

When filming the ‘rule of thirds’ applies
The eye is usually drawn to the off- centre marks (red) so if filming a person then you should move them to the sides of the screen.

Camera angles alter the power and neutrality of a character. High- angled shots reduce the ‘power’ of the character and low – angled shot increase it. The standard principles of framing is not make sure the character has space above their head and they do not look strange due to objects behind them and that there is space around them to show direction if they are moving.

Avoid ‘unforced errors’ by: practice moving shots several times before recording, shoot far more footage than you need to make editing easier, test microphones are working before filming and make sure your batteries are changed.

Mise en scene

It is about atmosphere, continuity and detail. Carefully choose costume, lighting, location and props to create a verisimilitude and continue this through each shot. For continuity make sure that the costume stays the same, the actors appearance is the same e.g. hair cuts, same lighting and choose convincing props and actors.

Lighting

Although there will not be access to profession lighting there are many ways to overcome this problems, the five tips are:

Use natural light – sunlight, shadow, weather e.g. rain. However the time taken to wait for this type of may be pushes the time constraints

Use cheap and cheerful artificial light – as long as risk assessments have been carried out

Create colour filters – to give a particular mood.

Position the light source for effect – lighting above or from below can create different atmospheres

Experiment with the interaction of light with objects in you frame.

Combining sound, image and titles

When editing footage, careful decisions are needed to create appropriate sounds and titles for the genre. Deciding whether the title will go over a black spot, over action and how long the title will stay on screen are all of the things that will need to be considered. Each title must have some relevance to the genre so that the audience quickly understands the narrative of the piece.

Music is also a subtle but vital micro element which add ambience to the footage and allows the audience to understand and follow the change of tone and pace. It is a good idea to test out the music at an early stage of post – production so changes can be made.

The Grammar of non – liner editing

Non- linear video editing is the software package that will be used for the post – production work and there will be an assessment of how well the material is edited. Creating continuity and the right rhythm and pace is essential. Avoid choosing transitions that are exciting to use but do not reflect the conventions of the type of film that will be constructed. Use hard cuts for at least 90% of the sequence.

The ideal outcome is to make the editing invisible. A fade may be used to signify the passing of time and a greater number of edits can create more tension or action. Editing is all about the manipulation of the time and space, because it allows you to do things that are not possible in real life. Editing and manipulation should remain discrete so that it doesn’t confuse the viewer – this is called ‘grammar of the edit.

Composing Digital images

All of the images for both the preliminary and main task much be original and photography is a critical part of print production for AS.

Any camera (film or digital) is just a capturing and the technology in a modern digital camera is just as fantastic just don’t forget to use the prints as well.

Generating a Front page

The front cover needs to be eye- catching so that the reader is intrigued enough to buy the magazine. This is a world where identity is clearly constructed to make the reader feel sense of belonging, or a desire to belong to the community of readers that is established.

Semiotics

It is the study if signs, meaning and how and image is perceived. It is best to use semiotic as a way of developing your own thinking about ‘polysemic’ meaning rather that assuming that signs mean single things to everyone.

There are three kinds of signs in semiotic theory:

1. Iconic signs which actually look like what they represent. - (A no smoking sign)

2. Symbolic/ arbitrary signs which have a meaning that must be culturally learned because they don’t actually look like what they represent. – ( An Arsenal football shirt)

3. Indexical signs which have a connection to what they represent and are suggestive rather that directly resembling what they represent. – ( A Crucifix)

Motivated Signs

A more motivated sign just has a more limited range of possible interpretations and have more of a fixed meaning however no meaning is ever totally fixed as each human will have a slightly different take on what they see as a result of cultural experience.

Using Captions

Captions have the obvious effect of making the meaning less abstract and in semiotic terms this is known as ‘anchorage’. The sign is anchored by the caption, the meaning is pinned downs`

Developing a Music Magazine

You need to ensure that the language used, mode of address, layout font and colour range are right for the audience you have identified. Mode of address is the style of language you choose, or ‘register’

Shot/ reverse shot

Usually used when filming dialogue and a medium close shot as a character recites a line. A shoulder or profile of the listening character can be seen in the frame. As a viewer we normally are in the point of view as the listener and a visual logic occurs when the conversation unravels. Shot/ reverse shot observe the way in which speakers words affect the recipient. When a negative statement is made the camera will turn the frame to listener and the emotions of the other character are absorbed through visual responds.

180 degree rule

This is when two characters should always maintain the left/ right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary line (crossing the line) then the new shot from the opposite side is called a Reverse angle. Sometimes a line of action may be broken to disorientate the viewer.

A more motivated sign just has a more limited range of possible interpretations and have more of a fixed meaning however no meaning is ever totally fixed as each human will have a slightly different take on what they see as a result of cultural experience.