Early Consideration of Evaluation Questions

Welcome back! Today, I will give an early perspective on the evaluation questions so that I can use these questions to mould my film opening.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS? 

This question is important to think about as it allows us to think about how real media products compare to our product and to see if we have successfully challenged the conventions of the genre. At this moment in time, I can use this question as a helpful reminder that, I do need to challenge, use or even develop the conventions used for the thriller genre,

HOW DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT REPRESENT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS?

This is a question that can help us in the planning phase of the product as we need to represent social groups within it ,for example; Gender, Sexuality, Race, Religion. In which we need to standby throughout the whole process of making this film opening.

WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND WHY?

This is not important at this moment in time as distribution is after the product has been produced.

HOW DID YOU ATTRACT/ADDRESS THE AUDIENCE?

When planning, we need to think about how we are going to bring our audience into the film and to be attracted to it, in which we need to make sure that the film contrasts to the target audience so that they will not get bored of the film opening.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTING THIS PRODUCT?

This question can only really be answered at the end of the project, however I can always note down when I use certain equipment and certain editing techniques etc as I use them so that I have a clear record of the process of making this film opening.

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FOR IT TO THE FULL PRODUCT?

At the end of the project, We will have more of a understanding of equipment and techniques in which we can contrast against our preliminary task. Therefore, it is important we learn different techniques so that I can contrast the basic skill that I used to and still have, to the more advanced skill by the end of the project.

Next time: ...

AS Film Brief

Welcome back! Today, I will outline a brief for my AS Film!

First of all, I will embed the AS Media specification in which outlines what I have to produce for my AS Media product.

Media Specification V6 Sep 2013

WHAT WE HAVE TO DO...

First of all, I have to participate in a preliminary excerise in which I have already done and is documented previously. Then, I have to participate in a main task in which I have to create a 2 minute film opening tailored to the Thriller genre. 

WHY THRILLER?

We are using the thriller genre because you can portray the story within the 2 minutes easily, therefore we can make an effective film opening in which is simple to execute. If we were to produce a comedy movie, they I would have to make you laugh! Therefore, If my product was unsuccessful to do so, then the film opening would be seen as a poor piece of work. The same goes for the horror genre, I would need to make you jump/ feel scared! Also, a lot of preparation would be needed including special effects in which are hard to come by. Therefore, the thriller genre is perfect as it is very approachable. 

Next time: I will go through the evaluation questions! See you then!

22 Narrative Theory

Welcome back! Today, I will show my research on the 22 narrative theory!

This image shows the 22 narrative theory in which every film made will fit into! As you can see, this images shows 22 stories in which every film can fit into and therefore it shows the general conventions in which films contain. For example, my favourite movie, Saw, will come under 'escape' as it links perfectly to the narrative in the 22 stories theory. 

Next time: I will outline my AS Media Brief! See you then!

Steve Neale's Theory of Repetition and Difference

Welcome back! Today, I will talk about the theory of repetition and difference!

STEVE NEALE ONCE SAID:

•  "Genres are instances of repetition and difference" 
• "Difference is absolutely essential to the economy of the genre"

WHAT THIS MEANS!

Steve Neale is saying that a film and it's genre is defined by two things:

REPETITION

• How much it tailors with a genre's stereotypes and conventions. 
• He says that a film must tailor to these conventions enough that it can still qualify and be identified as a film of that genre. 

DIFFERENCE

• How much a film subverts the genre's stereotypes and conventions. 
• He says that a film must subvert these conventions enough that it is still viewed as a unique film, not just a clone.

EXAMPLE OF REPETITION

Texas Chainsaw Massacre is your typical classic horror film in which takes on typical horror conventions. There are a group of people that are center of attention for most of the film as they are in supposed danger. Then there is one villain 'Leatherface' in which has an iconic weapon in which he uses which is the chainsaw. Texas Chainsaw Massacre also uses typical conventions such as the location of the film in which takes place in a spooky house with many gory aspects including body parts. This places the audience in a mysterious and erie environment in which makes them feel uncomfortable.

EXAMPLE OF DIFFERENCE 



Paranormal Activity is still part of the horror genre, however there are aspects of it in which make it unique and not identical most horror movies. The irregular setting of this film is what makes it different as it is set in regular house. This is irregular because there is no unnatural aspect of the setting in which doesn't worry the audience, this is the beauty of the film as it twists the audience emotion and then scares them with the paranormal aspect of the film.

Next time: I will talk about the 22 stories! See you then!

Propp's Character Theory

Welcome back! Today I will talk about Propp's Character Theory!

Now, I have made a Prezi in which will explain Propps Character Theory, so sit back grab a cup of tea and enjoy a short lesson.


Next time: I will talk about Steve Neale's Theory of Repetition and Difference!

Todorov's Narrative Theory

Welcome back! Today I will talk about Todorov's Narrative Theory!

INTRODUCTION
I need to be able to acknowledge the different narrative theories within Media so that I can apply them to my own work. Therefore, researching and presenting these theories will allow me to be able to accurately think about the narrative of my product in terms of its characters, story and repetition and difference.

I hope you like it!

Next time: I will talk about Propp's character theory! See you then!

Film Classification

Welcome back! Today, I will talk about Film Classification! 

WHAT IS FILM CLASSIFICATION?

Film Classification is the age restriction in which some are placed onto some films. This is because the film may have content that is not suitable for a certain age. For example, different classifications include 12A, 13, 15, and 18.

BBFC

The British Board of Film Classification is a non-governmental organisation that deals with the classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom. They deal with cinema, film certifications. video releasing, editing, video games and mobile operators. 

UNIVERSAL

Universal is simply all ages admitted. There is almost nothing unsuitable for children 4 and over. 

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Parental Guidance is all ages admitted however there maybe some scenes in which are unsuitable for young children. It may contain mild language or sex/drug references. 

12A

Films under this category are considered unsuitable for young children. Cinemas in the United Kingdom are only permitted to supply tickets to see a 12A films to children under the age of 12 if they are accompanied by an adult. 

12

Films strictly suitable for people aged 12 years or older. 

15

A 15 rated film is strictly suitable for 15 or over. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, regular use of foul language, strong violence and strong sex references.

18

Films that are strictly suitable for people aged 18 or over. Basically a 15 but ten times worse!





Next time: I will talk about Todorov's Narrative Theory!

Film Idents Research

Welcome back! Today, I will talk about film idents!

WHAT ARE FILM IDENTS?

Film idents are the companies branding in which supply the funds and promote the film. These companies include Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount or Walk Disney. These idents usually contain a logo, music and a animation of some sort, to define to the audience that this is the company that made the movie, essentially.

WALT DISNEY

Well, here is the first ident. When looking at this ident you see a beautiful night sky and a very calm atmosphere. Until we see a winding river representing a magical journey of some sort that the viewer might take during this film. Then, a flag followed by a huge castle which is a big piece of iconography within this ident in which is representing a home, a home in which the audience can feel welcome at in which Walt Disney want to show to the audience. In terms of the soundtrack, it starts off quiet and fairy tale like until it pans down to the river in which it develops into violins in which signify the settlement around the river which represents that idea of it being a home for the audience. Then, the castle appears and drums bang, fireworks shoot up into the sky in which represents the iconography being a popular piece of iconography as it is the main logo for Walt Disney.

PARAMOUNT



 Here's the next one, Paramount Pictures. Their ident really represents aiming high and being successful. In their ident we see a mountain above the clouds with their name at the top of the mountain, this suggests that the company are always aiming to be the best. It doesn't end there unfortunately... The stars that follow this are extremely important to the ident. If we reference football, yes football, When a team wins a European Cup (The champions league) They gain a star on the clubs badge to show that they were/ are the best in that competition! So... Paramount are using the stars to represent success and achievement which portrays further the fact that they want to be the best!

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS



 Lastly, we have Universal Studios. In this ident, we see the world slowly glow as the name of the company slowly pans round the globe. Firstly, the Earth slowly glowing represents the company brightening peoples lives and ultimately making movies that will make the audience happy. Then, the motion of the logo quite weirdly represents the motion of wrapping your arms around someone which ultimately signifies uniting people through the film. In terms of soundtrack, this ident uses fanfare to represent the importance of the company and the movie itself, telling the viewer that this is an important movie to them!

Next time: I will talk about Film Classification! See you then!

Film Title Design Research

Welcome back! Today, I will talk about film title design! 

TITLE SEQUENCE

A title sequence is a method in which films present their titles, with key production and cast members. This typically used text of the opening credits and helps establish the setting of the film. Live action, animation, music, still images or graphics could be included in a title sequence. First of all, lets look at a video showing the brief history of title design!

Let's look at a few title sequences! 

CASINO ROYALE

Casino Royale's opening sequence starts with the stereo typical gun barrel and the main actor in the middle. He is wearing a suit whilst pointing a gun towards us, this tells the audience that we may be pointing a gun back which suggests that a confrontation is happening. This is portrays to the audience that this movie is going to have a lot of confrontations like this, which obviously contrasts to all the James Bond movies, as they are intense action movies.

Within this title sequence, we see main actors/actresses, producers, directors and other key roles being mentioned on screen as graphics are displayed. These graphics relate to the movie title and its plot, which are obviously different vectors which relate to casinos and gambling.

We then see the same character confronting more enemies portraying to the audience that it might be one man on a mission, This tells the audience further that this will involve some action moments in the film.

The last thing we see is a piece of iconography in which a 7 of hearts is flipped around the screen. In this particular moment, two bullets are shot into the card to make the reference '007'. This is a piece of iconography because James Bond is agent 007 in MI6. When the audience see this they know they're watching a James Bond film as it is a popular piece of iconography in the world of film. 

ALIEN

Alien is a dated film meaning that the title sequence is not graphically advanced as Casino Royale due to time periods. This means that the title sequence is very short but simple which introduces the film well.

In the opening, we see nothing but the night sky? This portrays to the audience that the film maybe set in space. Low key lighting is also present with a rays of dull light entering the shot. This tells the audience that a sense of emptiness, like there is nothing in space. Which is obviously contradictory to the plot of the film as there is something out in space.... wink wink. 

Then, we see what looks like a planet in which then confirms the setting in which is space. This portrays to the audience that there is a dark presence within this section of space, as is it a singular planet. This portrays to the audience that there is an evil entity that may represent this planet, in which could be the alien? 

Next time: I will go through film idents! See you then!

Film Title Conventions Research

Welcome back! Today, I will evaluate the whole class film opening document and sort generic conventions from it! 

INTRODUCTION

As a class, we were told to research 3 films of different genres and note down all the idents and roles within the opening titles of each film. As a group we had collated 54 pieces of research into one document:

Class Research V1

EVALUATION
In conclusion, I can clearly see that the ident always comes first in a film opening with the film title closely following. Then, the production roles are noted e.g. the producers, music, production designer and costume designer. Finally, the editors, director of photography and Director are last to be noted.

A SUITABLE MODEL

Ident
Film Title
Producer
Principal Actor(s)
Featuring...
Casting By
Music By
Production Designer
Editor
Director of Photography
Writers
Director

Next time: I will look at Film Title Design! See you then!

Film Openings Research

Welcome back! Today, I will talk evaluate my film opening research! We are looking at film openings because we need to identify general conventions within the titles. 

As part of this research I was asked to watch 3 film openings and comment the order in which certain companies/ roles came up. 

MY RESEARCH

Saw (2004)

Lionsgate Films (Ident) 

Twisted Pictures (Ident)

Film Title

Movie Starts 

Directed By

Written Credits

Produced By

Music By

Cinematography By

Film Editing By

Casting By

Production Design By

Art Direction By

Costume Design By

Other

Harry Potter And The Philosophers Stone (2001)

Warner Bros Studios (Ident)

Film Title 

Movie Starts

Directed By

Screenplay By

Produced By

Executive Producers 

Director of Photography

Production Designer

Edited By

Music By

Other

James Bond - Casino Royale (2006)
Albert R. Broccoli Productions LTD (Ident)
Principal Actor

Film Title
Other Actors
Associate Producer
Production Executive
Camera Operator
Second Unit Assistant Director

Script Supervisor
Publicity and Marketing
Promotion
Assistant Producer
Produced By
Directed By

Overall, I think I contributed well however I have improved my research for this post. I can use this to make a model that I would ideally use when making my main task.

Next time: I will talk about Film Title Conventions! See you then! 

3 - point Lighting & Reflectors

Welcome back! Today, I will demonstrate and explain 3 - point lighting!

INTRODUCTION

3 - point lighting is a technique used to amplify the subject in dark areas. There are 3 lights used for this (hence the name 3 - point lighting). Key light, fill light and back light. 

KEY LIGHT 

The key light is placed on the left side of the subject in which brightens the subjects face in which we can see more clearly. However, shadows show on the one side of the face. 

FILL LIGHT

The fill light is placed on the opposite side to the key light in which takes away the shadows on the one side of the face, this completes the amplification of the subject. 

BACK LIGHT

The back light is placed behind the subject. You use this light to bring the subject forward within the frame as just using the key and fill light can blend the subject into the background. 

Here is a GIF to show how each light is implemented: 

WE HAD A GO! 

REFLECTORS

What are they? well.. It all depends on their reflective surface! If the reflective surface is white, then it will add exposure to the shadow without affecting the colour balance. If the reflective surface is gold then it will produce a warmer reflection. 

When are they used? Reflectors are used when the subject is outside when there is no natural light. A reflector simply bounces the light rays into the direction that it is placed which creates a faint light. 

Next time: I will evaluate film openings and their titles! See you then!

Tracking & Arc Shots

Welcome back! Today, I will demonstrate and explain tracking and arc shots! 

TRACKING SHOT

A tracking shot is a smooth alternative for filming someone walking for example. Filming this handheld can be very shaky therefore using a track and a stand in which the tripod sits on, enables camera man to film the person walking much more smoothly. This will effect the person who is watching because then they can clearly see the person walking. 

As part of our learning we attempted to use a tracking shot!

   

ARC SHOT

An arc shot is very similar to a tracking shot. The tripod is mounted onto a stand which has 3 wheels in which can be moved freely. If we delve into maths, an arc is a segment of the circumference of a circle. Therefore, when filming we placed the subject at the center of the circle and filmed in an arc motion.

 

Next time: I will demonstrate 3-point lighting! See you then!

UK Film Distribution

Welcome back! Today I will talk about UK Film Distribution! 

Before I start waffling on, watch this short video on film distribution and how a film goes through production to exhibition before being officially released:

After watching that video you should have some knowledge of how a film goes through production to exhibition. The reason why a film is distributed like this, is to maximise the amount of people that will watch the film. Marketing and promoting the film is a big part of the films process using all kinds of media.  Distributors need to be able to access this to widen the attraction towards the film to gain a greater profit.

I will now use a website to look into the distributors of two films:

Jurassic World - Universal Studios

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Walt Disney Studios

Next time: I will show you tracking/ dolly shots and 3-point lighting! See you then!

Preliminary Task Evaluation

Welcome back! Today I will evaluate our preliminary task! As told from the previous chapter in my media journey, there were positives and negatives to our preliminary task. I will slowly talk through our preliminary tasks starting with the positives and negatives.

POSITIVES

Firstly, We had good feedback from the way the film started. We were complemented on the angle of the opening shot in which was slightly diagonal to the door (00:04) which, ultimately, gave a focus or subject to the frame, which was the door and eventually the actor opening it. The match-on-action (00:07) that followed this was correct too and did not contain any continuity errors. Next, a pan (00:09) followed this which was complemented too as it was smooth thanks to our camera man. Lastly, our second pan (00:52) was smooth too which was finally complemented. 

NEGATIVES

However, we had a few negatives. There was a continuity error early on when James Rhodes (Teacher) looked at the camera. (00:04)

The next moment in which there was a problem was when the two actors started to exchange dialogue, there was a white balance issue. This is because the camera was set to auto balance the image when filming. (00:16)

As you can see, the second image is much more warmer because of white balance being automatic changed within the cameras settings. 

The next negative point about our preliminary task was the framing of the dialogue exchange. There was too much wasted space within the frames. (00:20)

That concludes the negatives of our preliminary task!

IMPROVEMENTS

If we was to make our preliminary task again I would re film the opening scene so that James Rhodes (Teacher) is looking at his laptop and not out the window.We would also improve the white balance of the video, there are two ways we could do this. Firstly, we use a sheet of white paper and place it in front of the camera before filming so that it takes the white balance of the paper rather than the room. On the other hand, we could have used a colour correction when editing to change the white balance of the video there. 

Next time: I will talk about UK Film Distribution! See you then! 

Preliminary Task

Welcome back! Today I will show and evaluate my preliminary task! 

SPECIFICATION 

In our preliminary task we had to make a short film that included a person walking through a door, proceeding to walk across the room then to sit down and exchange some dialogue with another person. Within this, we had to make sure that it followed filming rules, contained a match-on-action, contained shit/reversed shot, had not continuity errors, had at least two lines of dialogue and held the camera steady.

TASK COMPLETED!
There we go! A finished preliminary task! I Hope you enjoy it.

MISTAKES WITHIN OUR TASK

There were problems with our task. We did not follow the 180 degree rule as we filmed on the two sides of the line which was wrong. 

Here, I have circled where the camera was in the previous shot, showing we broke the 180 degree rule.

Another mistake was the white balance with the two shots. As you can see the first shot has a different colour to the second shot. This is because of auto white balance on the camera's which we was not aware of during filming. 

One more mistake we that occured was the amount of space in the two frames. There was too much wasted space around the two actors. 

IMPROVEMENTS 

Firstly, we needed to improve our dialogue scene. To do this we would need to film on one side of the 180 degree rule line to follow this correctly. Next, we needed to improve our white balance by adding some colour corrections in the editing phase of the task. Finally, we needed to bring the camera inwards when filming the shot/reverse shot so that the frame didn't have a lot of wasted space. 

PEER FEEDBACK

When peer feedback was presented to us, we saw a clear indication of the 180 degree rule being broke. We also saw that people noticed a few continuity errors that were not. Overall, people felt that the task didn't need to be filmed again, as it followed the specification well.

Next time: I will evaluate my preliminary task! See you then!

Basic Editing

Welcome back! Today I will talk about basic editing! this consists of Straight Edits, Split Edits and Match-on-Action.

STRAIGHT EDIT 

A straight edit is when you take a single piece of film and audio and cut it straight down the middle. At this point another piece of video and audio can be placed next to it to create a straight cut.

 

SPLIT EDIT
A split edit is a good way to move the viewer from once scene to the next. in a split edit, the audio transition at a different time to the video.

 

MATCH-ON-ACTION
A match-on-action is when one movement is split between two video clips. For example, if you film someone walking through a door then you must film them walking through it twice. Therefore, the video will cut when they are half way through the door to the other side to see them walk through it. In conclusion, this edit gives continuity to certain movements of subjects.

 

Next time: I will talk about my preliminary task! See you then!

Rules When Filming

Welcome back! Today I will talk about certain rules that are used to make recording professional and accurate so that when the finished product is made, it is aesthetically pleasing.

 30 DEGREE RULE

The 30 degree rule is used for the purpose of creating continuity between different shots. This means that the camera needs to move exactly 30 degrees so that the continuity is smooth.

 

180 DEGREE RULE
The 180 degree rule applies to when two people are having a conversation opposite each other. When this is being filmed, an imaginary line should be taken into consideration from one person to the other. From this the camera must film on one side of the line.



RULE OF THIRDS
Rule of thirds mainly applies to framing. Imagine two lines opposite each other in a vertical position and then two line opposite each other in a horizontal position on your page. There are four points at which the lines meet. This is where your subjects should be placed as that's where people are more likely to be attracted to in the frame.



CONTINUITY
Continuity is the continuous action between scenes. It defines how well the film is edited.

 

CONTINUITY ERRORS
Continuity errors are big mistakes in films that we don't usually see, as editing can make these errors seem invisible. Typical continuity errors in films are props being out of place or costume changes.



Next time: I will talk about basic editing! See you then!

Camera Movements

Welcome back! Today, I will talk about camera movements! These are different ways in which moments are recorded within the film so that they look professional, slick and correct. 

TRACKING SHOT

A tracking shot is similar to a dolly shot. However, a tracking shot is a movement parallel to the action. It keeps a constant distance while the action is taking place.


 


DOLLY SHOT
A dolly shot is a camera movement in which uses tracks to move the camera quickly and smoothly. This camera movement is known as an in-and-out movement from the subject. Most dollies have a lever in which allows for vertical movement. Also, a crane can be added for added height.

 

DOLLY ZOOM SHOT
A dolly zoom is a technique in which the camera moves closer and further from its focus while adjusting the zoom angle to keep the focus the same size.

 

FOLLOW SHOT
The follow shot is self explanatory. It means that the camera follows the subject or action. The distance will stay the same throughout too. This movement can be achieved by a Steadicam, however hand-held follow-shots can be done too.

 


PAN
A pan is a horizontal movement in which the camera moves from left to right. The camera is in a fixed location on the tripod which creates a smooth pan.

 

TILT
A tilt is a vertical camera movements in which the camera points up or down from a tripod. tilting is less common as panning is more natural to human nature.

 

Next time: I will talk about certain rules used when recording! See you then!

Camera Shot Types

Welcome back! Today I will tell you all about camera shot types. These are different distances in which a particular moment in the movie is taken.

EXTREME LONG SHOT

An extreme long shot can be similar to an establishing shot. In sets the scene at the beginning of a particular moment in the film. It has a wide frame which contains small buildings or even a landscape with a character in the middle. An example of this is the Hollywood sign in the background, with the hills in the foreground.

  

LONG SHOT

A long shot focuses on one subject only but is not completely filling the entire frame. However, this subject is clearly visible. For example, this building is further back in perspective however it is clearly visible and is definitely emphasising one subject.

MEDIUM LONG SHOT

A medium long shot is not quite a medium shot. It shows from head to knees with space above the head. This shot is to blend the subject with its surroundings. 

MEDIUM SHOT

A medium shot contains a person in which their torso and head can be visible within the frame. The subject is more detailed as the shot is more close up. This gives the subject the main focus in the frame.

MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT

A medium close up is very similar to a medium shot. However, it is between a medium shot and a close up shot. This shot details the face more while at the same time not getting uncomfortably close within the frame. 

CLOSE UP SHOT 

A close up shot defines a certain part of the subject that is expressed within the frame. This shot is to to show detail of a feature that needs to be shown. This shot is also used to express emotion or exaggerates facial expressions. 

EXTREME CLOSE UP

An extreme close up shot shows extreme detail. There would be a specific reason as to why the camera needs to get really close up. This shot would be needed to show serious emotion or reactions.

Next time: I will go through camera movements! See you then!