Film Opening Production Diary

production diary:

11/11/16: in our first day our planning our film opening we were put into groups of 3, my group consists of myself, Harry Foord and Jess Prentice. In these groups we had to come up and brainstorm a few strong ideas for film genres and plots, in which we would eventually choose our strongest genre depending on feedback and availability. Today we came up with three main genres, these were; action/comedy, mockumentary and crime thriller. We now need to further develop these ideas and produce a pitch to receive constructive feedback.

14/11/16: after deciding on three genres today we were given the task of developing these ideas and producing a film pitch of our main ideas to the other class groups. As a group we assigned each individual with a task to complete a selected amount of PowerPoint slides on genre related topic (props, plot and practicalities). The next step for our group is now to present our film pitch.

15/11/16:  after creating our PowerPoint we as a group presented our film pitch to the class groups, this allowed us to receive feedback on our strongest idea. With this we was then able to go and produce and develop a main genre idea, as well as this we blogged our feedback and gave an evaluation of what we can improve following our feedback. We now need to produce a storyboard, shot diary and shooting schedule for our final film opening idea.

17/11/16: Todays lesson consisted of each individual in the group creating either a shot diary, story board or a shooting schedule. Following our decided plot we created a story board for each shot with a brief description, shooting schedule of the shot type, time and setting and finally a shot diary of the order of shots. We now need to produce a talking story board and plan when we will be filming our final film opening.

21/11/16:  Following the final stages of planning, today we are completing any fine details in planning before we begin filming . This included producing an audio guide of our story board and beginning our script and final research.
22/11/16:  today we were researching our film openings backing music, finishing our script and researching out title font. To do this we each produced a word document on our research and took a vote in order to get the final outcome of the title font and music.
23/11/16: We then begun filming our film opening, we done this by as a group going to our final settings and filming the final shots for our opening. This was done at our second location (HSBC Chelmsford city centre), We filmed these shots in the afternoon to get the effect of time passing through out our opening.

25/11/16:  Today we uploaded our finishing shots and began to sequence them together as well as cutting and editing the footage we had. As well as this we continued to add music research in order to find the best suited music to our genre.
27/11/16:  We then continued to complete filming, for this we went to our second location (green close). These shots we took were to complete any retakes or opening shots in our film opening.
28/11/16:  After getting all our rough film footage we now uploaded our new shots to our existing footage, before sequencing and editing the timings and durations of each shot. We also begun our institution research.
29/11/16: We then continued to edit our footage as well as changing some sequences and the variety of shots we were including. Also whilst Harry and Jess were editing I continued to do music research and develop our institution choice.
30/11/16:  Now we have got our sequencing complete we began adding our credit titles to each individual shot, we have also started to add transitions to each title. As well as this I begun our representation and completed our institutions research.
01/12/16: Today we continued to edit our credit titles into our film footage. However I continued to complete any outstanding paperwork, this included our representation PowerPoint and beginning to find and location shots.
05/12/16:  Today we gave each individual group member an individual task. My task was to produce a presentation of our location shots and a brief description of what they included, Jess was completing any editing that was outstanding and Harry was producing a film poster using Photoshop.
06/12/16:  Today we were giving feedback on each individual film opening draft, we gave our feedback individually, this was done in categories of positives, negatives and what we would change.
08/12/16: today we were given the tasks of each individual producing a analysis of a similar film poster, we also continued to edit our film opening.
09/12/16: today we were continuing to edit our film opening towards our final version, as well as this we each continued to update and catch up on any paper work for our film opening.
12/12/16:  Today our group worked together to analyse and continue editing our film opening, we also assigned each group member to complete any blogging or genre research that was incomplete.
13/12/16: Following from our last group meeting, we continued today to assign each individual task to complete any further research in which we needed in order to improve our film opening, this included any audience or genre research and planning.
14/12/16: In order to meet our film opening deadline we received feedback on on our film opening and went back to editing the order and timings of each title. With this we completed our film opening research , this included further title sequence research from a suitable genre film.
15/12/16:  Our group today worked together to process any thoughts we had about our film opening, following this we applied our ideas into editing our final film opening.
16/12/16: With today being our film opening deadline, we worked as a group to get any negatives int positives, this included any sequencing or final titles needed.
19/12/16: Following our deadline our group was working to complete and incomplete blogging our film opening paper work in order to meet our blogging deadline.
20/12/16: Today consisted of our group updating any research/planning that was outstanding for our film opening. We also uploaded our final film opening to YouTube.
21/12/16: Today we continued to complete any planning/research for our film opening, this included any script or genre research. We also each individually continued to update our blog.

Film Opening Website

As part of our marketing as a group we created a website that would suitably present our film, this would include important information like the release date/time, characters, genre/plot and screening locations.

Click here for 'Not So Die Hard' website.
Below are some images taken from our film opening website, these show the layout and information that our website provides for our targeted audience.



Photograph Evidence Of Planning

Here are some photos of evidence of our group planning and us going to our filming locations.



Title Sequence Research

Today we done further research into our title sequence, to do this we analysed and researched a similar genre title sequence. Below is our research of the timings and types of titles we researched from the action film 'oceans 11'.



 

Marketing Planning

Today we continued with our planning for our film opening, this involved our marketing planning of how and where we are going to advertise of film poster. To do this we presented the poster in day to day environments such as a bill board.

We have also produced a website using 'wix' this website page is to promote any important details about our film, for example our release date, genre and release locations. Here is our website link.

Age Certificate Research

Today we were doing further research for our film opening, this included research into what we can include in a bbfc 15 film and the restriction of the certificate.

According to the 'British board of film classics' the following contents is acceptable in a film with the certificate 15:

 



Also in relation to the certificate, our target audience gender is very broad. Due to our choice of starring a female actor in an action movie we have decided that anybody from 15 and over is suitable for our film, however the action side of our film will appeal more to the male side of our audience

Genre Research

Today we was doing further research into what our genre and film plot usually includes.

 

A heist film usually consists of three acts, these include; a briefing of preparation and planning, the heist itself and finally the outcome of the heist. Therefore due to this we are including clear but brief reflections of each act with in our film opening to maximise the clarity of our genre.

Also a heist film includes characters with a clear identity, this can be down to there personality, costume or skill.

Finally a heist film will usually include a mode of transport to and from the heist, props such as guns and robbery tools. Throughout a heist film there is a clear reflection of the characters living outside of the law.

We also ensured that we had included the comedy aspect of our film opening by including clear flaws in our planning, props and skill levels. In order to effectively do this we analysed film such as 'central intelligence' and '21/22 jump street'.

Below are the main films that we took inspiration from. These mainly influenced us to use the comedy side of our film opening.
 

Film Pitch Evaluation

Our film pitch gained mostly positive feedback with our average score out of ten being around the 8 mark. The feedback for our film title is that it is relevant to the film and also interesting. The shortness of the title means that it is catchy as well, meaning it is easily remembered. The cast feedback was also positive as many people liked the fact that we had an all British cast, seeing as the film is set in Tudor England. This helps to keep the authenticity of the accents in our film. The plot of our film was more of a split, regarding opinions. Whilst some thought that it was a unique and interesting plot idea, others thought it would be a slightly boring storyline with not much to expand on.

To improve next time, we could choose a film idea that may be more safe in terms of successfulness. If we aim for the film to be targeted towards a wider range of university students rather than the high intellectuals, it will increase the likelihood of ticket sales. 

Film Poster Analysis

In todays lesson we had the task to analyse a similar film poster, with this we had to annotate the film poster in what is similar with our film poster. The key annotated information was:

FIlm Opening First Draft



Self Assesment

Our film opening had unique camera angles and the music fit well to the genre. We decided to use "You really got me" by The Kinks and also some royalty free action music to add a happy, fun effect at the start and a tense mood towards the end. The use of both high and low camera angles added variety to  our film. The way in which the titles were implemented was creative and unique,with some reacting with what was going on in the sequence. This helped set us apart from other groups as not many had used the idea of dynamic titles.

 

To improve, we could increase the lighting in some scenes. For instance, in the van it is very hard to distinguish what is going on due to the low light. Also continuity was a slight problem as the footage was filmed over 2 separate days, resulting in the natural lighting being much different where 2 scenes follow on from each other.This could be overcome by using artificial light when filming, or changing the contrast of the footage in post-production.

Film Opening Poster

Today we created a film poster for our film opening, to do this we imported a shot from our opening and editing it using titles and logos in Photoshop.



Feedback Analysis

Today as a group we was reviewing and analysing our groups feedback, With this we would take the constructive advice and negative points to improve our final film opening.

 

Our feedback received a variety of both negative and positive points. Our positive feedback was mostly based around our clear representation of our genre, our titles font and placement and finally our interesting story line and dialogue.
However our negative feedback was greatly based around one scene, this was the scene in which we was in the van, the feedback in which we received for this was to improve the sound as it appears muffled at times and to improve the clarity of image and dialogue as it can become confusing.

 Finally we received some feedback on how our music was a great fit to the genre and was applied in suitable areas, however the volume became distracting as it appeared to loud.



Peer assessment

In todays lesson we were giving feedback on each individual groups film opening first draft. The way in which we assessed each film opening draft  was by each using a feedback sheet that was divided into positive aspects of the film opening, negative aspects and things that we were change in order to make the film opening better.
An example of my personal feedback is from the film opening of outlaw, in this I have shown a few improvements that they could do to act upon the negative points of there opening.



Film Opening Script

Through out our script is kept to a minimum amount, this is to highlight the personalities of each character and focus on the dialogue which is occurring. There are only two main scenes in which there is script used  (inside the van and loading the van), these scenes are points in the film which so the authority of each individual and that help reflect our action/comedy genre. Below is the layout of our script:

Scene 1

Jess: We leave in five pack what you need

Harry: Alright Boss

Jordan: Gang Gang

 

Scene 2

Harry: Oh yeah Guys, I’ve got this as well

Jess, Jordan: Woah Woah

Jess: Put it down Jesus

Harry:… Sorry

 

(Jordan’s Phone rings)

Harry: For fuck sake

Jordan: Mum, I told you don’t ring me when I’m with my friends….. Sorry about that guys.

Scene 3

Harry: Shit

Film Opening Loaction Shots



Film Opening Representation

Today we had to create a presentation of our character profiles and locations. To do this I created an emaze PowerPoint on the representation of our film opening 'Not So Die Hard'.



Institution Reserach

Today we had the task of producing information on the suitable choices for our institution research. In order to do this effectively I have created an emaze presentation on our choices, the background of each and our reasons behind each one.

 

Risk Assessment

Today as part of our film planning we were creating a risk assessment for the shooting of our film opening. The risk assessment will be put into place at our shooting settings, these are: HSBC bank in the Chelmsford City Centre and Green close in Springfield 

Film Opening Audience

The target audience for our film opening is bbfc 15, the reason for this is due to the language and violent references. However we have also used comedy references to suit a more mature audience. With bbfc 15 being our primary audience, our secondary audience would therefore would be an adult audience that would go with there children, This would be down to our genre and plot being suitable for both age groups whilst creating interest from multiple types of social backgrounds of young and mature adults.

Title Research

Our title research included us taking a variety of possible film names and taking a vote from our class, this is because our target audience is of the age of 15+, so we will receive a suitable outcome.

Triple Vengeance - 7

Hardcast Bullets -  2

Not So Die Hard - 10

The outcome of our film title vote has revealed that 'not so die hard' is the most popular for our genre and target audience. We have also decided to go with the final outcome for our film name as we also believe that the genre is accurately reflected in our film title, so will allow our audience to relate and understand the film from our film opening.

Marketing Campaign

Todays task included us producing a plan and research of our marketing campaign for our film opening. For this i have created a emaze presentation to show how we brainstormed each marketing method and how it will be done and how it will benefit our film opening.

Shooting Schedule

Film Opening Music Research

Today we were completing our planning for our film opening, this included researching our backing music, the aim for this is that is will reflect our genre in a strong light. We done our research by ensuring that the music we was using was at least 50 years old before taking a vote on which music was the best. The sound tracks we found were:

You really got me – the kinks

Paint it black – the rolling stones 

The four seasons – walk like a man

The Surfaris – wipe out.

Tequila – the champs.



Film Opening Story Board

Our final film opening planning included our production of our visual story board. To do this we used a story board template to separate each individual camera shot before adding a visual image and brief description for guidance.

Film Opening Title Research

Todays task was to complete any fine details of our film opening research. This included researching suitable fonts for our titles. We decided to produce a vote to decide which title font was the most suitable to our theme and genre.



Video Story Board

Today we were given the task of producing a audio guide through our story board. To do this we filmed our story board shot by shot whilst talking over what each shot will include.



Film Opening Moodboard

During todays lesson we were given the task of creating a mood board for our film opening. This mood board had to include costume, prop and setting research, therefore it had to show links and reflect the genre and plot of our chosen film opening.



Film Pitch Feedback



Our feedback from the class was both positive and negative. The majority of our feedback involved constructive feedback, this was aimed at improving the story line of our film opening to ensure there is a strong relation with our target audience as well as the genre of our film opening being clear. However there was a repetition of positive feedback outlining our originality and variety of shots

Costume Research

in todays lesson we were given the task to do some costume research and planning for our film opening. For this we have looked in to suitable costumes to suit our genre as well as finding and preparing our costumes so they are ready for filming.

Shot Diary

In todays lesson we were given the task to produce a shooting diary for our chosen film opening genre, to do this we came up with a plan of what shot types we wanted to include and the scenes we were wishing to use.

Shot diary

·         Outside still shot of the garage door opening, members wait for the whole door to open (slow).

·         Cut to close ups of each person to give actor name and nickname.

·         Shot from inside the van (open doors).

·         Cuts to outside shot of the van, loading the van, pass the camera in (object).

·         Panoramic of van driving away.

·         shot of inside the van, corner shot (awkward silence).

·         Low shot of jumping out the van.

·         First person view of running into bank.

·         Pan across the bank

·         Close up of someone’s face.

Dancing Animals Task

With todays task we will be doing our first editing of premier, with this we will be using dancing animals, James bond or chosen film clips and backing music to create a film trailer as part of our research and practice of editing on adobe premier.

As a result of my practice editing the positives include me being able to chain a sequence of clips together as well as being able to edit the clip speed, duration and transition. However I will need to practice further on putting visual effects to the video clips.

Film Opening Film Pitch

In todays lesson we were assigned the task to produce a film pitch presentation on our chosen film opening genre. This task involved us having to outline a basic story line, actors, plots and props. As well as this we had to present our film pitch to the class, with which we received feedback on how our film opening appeared to our target audience.

Prelim Task And Evaluation

Our prelim task was given a weeks time line to plan, film and edit. This timeline stretched from the 11/10/16 to the 21/10/16. During this time we were put into groups of 4, in which we were given a genre of film and were told to plan each camera shot, script and settings/props.

Original film ideas:

• sports genre- basketball or football.
• how sport can help individuals- bullying or sexism.
• clear yet interesting setting- sports hall.
• Film title- 'girls can't play'

From these ideas we decided to use basketball to show how girls are under rated when it comes to some sports, hence the title 'girls can't play'.

Planning methods:

 

Evaluation:

1) Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

I was part of a group of 4 with Charlotte R, Anneka W and Holly C. To ensure we had a controlled role in the task we assigned clear roles for each person, We decided that Charlotte would film and me, Anneka and Holly would act, as well as helping to edit as a group.
 2) How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use?

We used a story board as part of our planning for each camera shot and shot timing, as well as this we used a table to clearly present the scene number, camera shot and script. This was done as a group with each person giving input.
 3) What theorists do you think you could apply to your task?
 4) What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

When planning our prelim task we had to consider the availability of each setting, casting member and timings. As well as this we had to carefully consider our time for filming and editing to allow enough time to finish filming and edit our film suitably.
 5) How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well and with hindsight what would you improve/do differently?

After completing our filming for our prelim it is clear that the success was the variety of shots we included through out and the clear representation of our sport genre, however the quality of filming and script in areas was not to the desired standard. Therefore what I would do differently is to allow more time to review each camera shot after filming to ensure the final film had a better quality.
 6) What did others say about your production?

Our general feedback from others consisted of being slightly confused about the message of the film as well as the shot quality being varied in areas. Finally a positive from others was that the genre was clear as well as being a suitable length.
 7) What have you learnt from completing this task?

From completing this task I have come to understand that planning your timings and availability of cast is a key factor in filming. Also I have learnt what camera shots work with certain genres and what shots don't work.
 8) Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing your final film opening?

When completing my final film opening I will now take my mistakes from our prelim and ensuring that they are the key factor that is improved, this will be done by advanced planning, group discussions and allowing further time for filming shots that are vital to the genre of the film opening.

Film Opening Mark Scheme

in todays lesson we begun to look at the mark scheme for our film openings and what is expected to gain the highest marks as possible, as well as this we analysed multiple previous student film openings and discussed what made the opening good and what could be improved. Finally we was put into our film opening groups, my group consists of me, harry ford and Jess P.

Level 1 0–23 marks The work for the main task is possibly incomplete. There is minimal evidence in the work of the creative use of any relevant technical skills such as:
• Producing material appropriate for the target audience and task;
• using titles appropriately according to institutional conventions;
• using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set;
• shooting material appropriate to the task set; including controlled use of the camera, attention to framing, variety of shot distance and close attention to mise-en-scene;
• using editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer and making selective and appropriate use of shot transitions and other effects.

Level 2 24–35 marks There is evidence of a basic level of ability in the creative use of some of the following technical skills:
• Producing material appropriate for the target audience and task;
• using titles appropriately according to institutional conventions;
• using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set;
• shooting material appropriate to the task set;, including controlled use of the camera, attention to framing, variety of shot distance and close attention to mise-en-scene;
• using editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer and making selective and appropriate use of shot transitions and other effects.

Level 3 36–47 marks There is evidence of proficiency in the creative use of many of the following technical skills:
• Producing material appropriate for the target audience and task;
• using titles appropriately according to institutional conventions;
• using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set;
• shooting material appropriate to the task set; including controlled use of the camera, attention to framing, variety of shot distance and close attention to mise-en-scene;
• using editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer and making selective and appropriate use of shot transitions and other effects.

Level 4 48–60 marksThere is evidence of excellence in the creative use of most of the following technical skills:
• material appropriate for the target audience and task;
• using titles appropriately according to institutional conventions;
• using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set;
• shooting material appropriate to the task set;including controlled use of the camera, attention to framing, variety of shot distance and close attention to mise-en-scene;
• using editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer and making selective and appropriate use of shot transitions and other effects.

In relation to the opening scheme mark scheme I believe this example would have received a high level 4 (56-58) marks. The reason I believe this film opening is a high level 4 because it consists of multiple camera shots, effects and it effectively reflects its genre of thriller. However I feel like it drops marks as it seems too long and in areas the quality of acting seems to lack effort/effect. I also feel this film opening received high end of level 4 as the quality of image and focus is high throughout each individual shot.

I believe this film opening is levelled at a high level 3/low level 4, the reason for this is due to the good variation of camera shots and clear genre representation. However the reason for the loss of marks to me is down to the lack of titles/credits, and the lack of originality. as well as this I feel like the colour resolution of some camera shots lack quality in some shots.

following the mark scheme for this film opening I would mark this opening as a high level 3, the reason for this is due to the varied quality of camera shots and the lack of quality and clarity in the scripted audio. However the this opening does use a wide range of camera shots.

Genre Task

todays task consisted of analysing the opening scenes of 'ghost ship', 'harry brown', 'clueless' and ' guardians of the galaxy'. This task involved us having to analyse the genre represented by key features of the opening scene such as camera shots, colour.

The opening of 'ghost ship' begins with a relaxed setting of gentle music and enthusiastic characters,

however the great contrast of the mysterious/unknown character that causes the dramatic scenes of horror is suggesting the genre of 'ghost ship' is going to be a hybrid of drama and mystery. The use of the slow panning of the

horror event and quick view of the cause of the event reveals how the mystery genre will be key through out 'the ghost ship'.

'Harry Brown' begins with clear drug usage, gang relation and violence through out. The use of the characters

opening in a dark setting/clothing with a theme of gangs and drugs is suggesting that 'harry brown' includes the

genre of crime. The use of the camera images being from a point of view shows how 'Harry Brown' is

likely to be a crime biography. Finally the use of slang language being heard before the opening images

also immediately sets the genre for crime for 'Harry Brown'.

The opening of 'clueless' begins with a theme of partying and summer holidays. Comedy is the genre we
can pick up from the energetic characters and language of the narrative. The use of the quick camera shots and hot city life reveals how 'clueless' is going to contain youth humour and therefore continues to reflect the genre of comedy. Also the use of the summer costumes and characters reveal a sense of romance as well as comedy.

'Guardians of the galaxy' begins with an abandoned futuristic setting, this setting is brought with a hint of
possible violence with fighting creatures, however this is overshadowed by themes of comedy based around the focus character. This therefore reflects how comedy will be the key genre through out, but will also include
action themes in a futuristic content. The clear icon and camera focus on the technology of the character is
revealing how 'guardians of the galaxy' is focused on a futuristic space plot with the genre of comedy/action.



Film Logo

Todays task included creating our own film logo, this can either be done using Photoshop or premier. to do this I have chosen to use premier, to create my logo I have imported a clip from you tube then placed the name of my media logo over the film, I have decided to have this film logo duration 5 seconds long.
 

Film Titles

in todays lesson we have been given the task to analyse and study a film opening title sequence, for this we are taking a film title sequence from 'art of the title .com' and taking screen shots of each stage of the title sequence. I have personally picked the 'captain America civil war' title sequence to analyse the title order.

the total time for the captain America title sequence was 1 minute 50 seconds, with the producers,  directors and team being shown in the first 55 seconds, the actors from 55 seconds to 1 minute 45, then the studios and film title in the last 5 seconds. I found that each title was given a 3 second time slot each.



Elements Of An Opening Sequence

Today we discussed the aspects of which a film opening sequence includes. Whilst doing this as a group we discussed how we could include each individual aspect of opening sequences in our film opening.

The reason for a title sequence is to present the characters, location, plot and themes of the film. Due to this a title sequence is there to give you a brief insight on the genre of the film.

A title sequence will usually include: Cast/Crew, film name, characters, locations, period, genre and indications to questions the viewer could ask.



Juno Film Task

In todays lesson we will be familiarising ourselves with cameras, editing and premier skills. To do this we will be put into groups, in our groups we will be discussing props, story boards, shot transitions and shots. We will be aiming to replicate the juno film opening whilst getting used to camera shots like tracking and panning. Once completed filming we were given the task to sequence the clips we had filmed into the correct order as well as adding a similar effect as the juno opening, this task was done using premier, although we were working in groups we had to edit our juno openings individually.

Planning: as part of our film planning we have closely analysed the timings of shots in the original juno as well as adding images into a story board with brief instructions. as a result of this our story board was accurate to timings, however the type of action shot and notes in our story board was not 100% accurate to the camera angle or shot. Due to this we had some difficulties in shooting.

As a result of filming we did not get to complete filming all our clips to the standard we would have liked, as well as this we had an issue with filming as there was a difficulty with the availability of the group members during filming, due to this we lost time for editing as we struggled to get all the completed shots.

Film prelim

film prelim

for todays task we were given a specific film genre in which we had to create a story board in order to plan for our next task of filming our short film. We were put into groups before being given our genre of sport.

our plan begun with one film logo before beginning with a simple dialogue to set the theme for the film.

we then finished the story board with a twist to what would be expected to be the final result. The theme to our sport film is showing that girls are just as good as boys at sport. This is the reason for our film title 'girls can't play', this is a line that the boys use yet are proved wrong eventually.

finally we was given the task to choose the suitable camera shot, angle and setting. This is to prepare and plan for the film. Also we have decided to use 'here come the girls' music to emphasis the power of the girls. we have also been set a target to use match on action, shot/reverse shot, 180 degree rule, establishing shot, at least two close ups of the characters, tracking shot and high angle shot.

Film Pitch

Today we were given the task to produce a film pitch for a new film, to do this we were put into groups, which we had to choose a genre and film audience at random. My group selected a period drama which was targeted to university students. This gave us the idea to use a historical moment with a twist to accurately relate to our audience. The task involved creating a power point and presenting our film whilst receiving scores and feedback on the multiple aspects of the film (e.g. unique?, interesting? and advertisement).

targeted audience: our targeted audience included a university age group, this target audience suited our educational period drama genre. To relate with our audience with have used the gun plot historic event as well as aspects of mystery and drama to twist the original plot and remain interest and focus with our audience.

Audience feedback: the overall feedback that we received from our audience of our film pitch was mostly positive, however had some constructive criticism. The feedback we received was positively related to the interest and unique twist of our pitch, this also included the advertisement of the film being easily accessible to our target audience. On the other hand some feedback was based around having the film being easier to understand, a greater amount of suspense and interest to some younger audiences.

Representation

In todays lesson we have explored the way in which people, events and ideas are presented (representation). Representation is divided up into 7 categories, Disabilities, Regional, Class, Age, Gender, Ethnicity and sexuality.

 

Todays task involves uploading a film opening/ poster in which clearly represents one of the 7 categories of representation. With this we are going to analyse the opening/poster using What, Who, Where and why.

Malibu's most wanted film opening is a clear representation of class, ethnicity and regional. The use of the actors in this are clearly reflecting a contrast to the stereotypical life and background of rich white Americans and the stereotypical image of gangs in the back streets of America. This film opening is representing the rough life of America and gangs in a soft light by representing little violence. The quick change from shoot outs to littering is representing the variation in crimes, with this the images of gang violence and the holiday like Malibu is representing how the typical high life mage of Malibu is not to be overlooked, with pockets of gangs creating problems in the city. Therefore this stereotypical image of Malibu is a regional and class stereotype.

Insitution - Big Vs Small Budget

examples of film logos are the 20th century fox, Pixar and universal, a large budget film will usually cost around £150 million, where as a low budget film can cost no more that £50 million.

1) the main film going audience are mainly mainstream film industries like the 'big 6' (Sony, universal).
2) cinemas are a multiplex business that distributes mainstream films, however cinemas make most of there income through the food and refreshments sector.
3) a distributor is a company that ensures a mainstream film is equally shown across areas of countries.



Audience

Audience

I believe that the content is created by the media, however is heavily influenced by the audience and 

generation of the audience. This is because the media decides on what audience age and gender they

are targeting, but the audience will influence there choice of outcome and this is always occurring.

• Can the media exist/function without an audience? Can an audience (public) exist/function without media?

I feel that there cannot be an audience if there is no media, however the media exists because they are 

targeting certain groups of people, these people then become an audience. So therefore without the 

media targeting certain groups of people there cannot be an audience.

• Who is more powerful: the media or the audience why/how?

The audience is the most powerful in multiple aspects, this is due to there ability to influence the medias

choice and decisions for there outcome, however the media can have an effect of an audiences outlook 

and opinions.

• Can the media control an audience?

With the audience influencing the medias outcomes, the media can however play a big part in wether the 

audiences opinions change or not.

Semiotics

During this task we were asked to choose a film poster of our choice and analyse

the poster adding connotations and denotations to the image.

Connotations:

This film poster of 'Fast and Furious' is clearly showing us a variety of clues towards the type of

genres we can see in this film. The poster is showing a foreground focus onto a shotgun and military soldier,

this signifies violence and power. Also there is a clear view of multicultural people with the

caption 'all roads lead to this' showing how all the characters are like family. Also the font used for the title of the poster is showing a metallic appearance with a clear focus, this suggests that the film will contain physical factors that have a strong representation a feature in the film

 Denotations:

From this film poster from 'fast and furious' we can see multiple different people standing in powerful stances together. As well as this we can clearly see each individual character is in either casual, military or business clothing. This film poster is showing a foreground image of characters of a physical presence with weapons in the hand of two of them, finally this image shows in the background a large city and a caption of 'all roads lead to this', giving reference to roads leading to the city and friends. As well as this the contrast of foreground and background colour is revealing how the violence (dark) will eventually reveal a brighter outcome that brings the group together.






Genre Analysis

We was assigned a task to capture images that reveal specific genres, the following images we captured are related to our given genres of romance, high school drama and family. Also as an additional task we have been required to upload and analyse film openings using the genre analyses technique 'DISTINCT'.

This photo is showing a theme of high school drama, the use of the lockers and corridor is showing a clear relation to a school environment as well as the changing in light, focus and off going paths creating the sense unknown and therefore links to the drama genre.

This image is we captured is to show the genre of romance, the focus of the flower in the foreground is focusing the image towards the bright and vibrant flower to symbolise a romantic gesture of giving a flower. 

These photos are related to our genre of family, the focus in both images are bright and vibrant colours that symbolise a child friendly environment. Also we have met the genre of family by the image of a family book.

 

 

 

Film Language

In todays task we have been asked to analyse the camera, mise en scene and editing of the opening scene from 'boyz in the hood'. We have been asked to consider the symbols, denotation and connotation, narrative, representation and audience, the analysis will involve using the acronyms FAM, CLAMPS, MC DOVED and STOPS. Also as an extension we are going to answer,  what is the clip saying about race, how? - what have these children seen that you wouldn't expect them to have seen at their age? - How does the shot go from street to classroom? - what are the pictures on the wall?, this is to further our analyse of film language.

 

 

Camera (FAM):  

Frame- through out the opening scene of 'boyz in the hood' there is a continuous variation in the frame of the camera shots, this variation includes multiple different shots of either extreme close up, close up, and long shots. However these variations follow a pattern during the opening scene, this pattern is shown with extreme close ups and close up shots only being used to show key emotions on the actors faces and key violent scenes (gun shots/ stop sign). The use of this change in frame due to violence could symbolise and foreshadow how however small the violence will always be a key in these children's lives.

Angle- the regular angle used in the opening scene of 'boyz in the hood' is level/eye line. The continuing use of this camera angle is representing how the violence and day to day events that occur are a regular sighting and appear to be a way of normality in the lives of these children.

Movement- the camera movement in the opening scene is very limited, the camera movement is mainly very focused on key characters and items. However when there is camera movement it is greatly focused around panning, this focused movement can symbolise how the violence in the area is going to have a great effect on the focused character.

 

Narrative

Todays lesson consisted of us learning about the variation of narrative theories, these theories were 'Barthes', 'Aristotle', 'Todorov' and 'Props' theory. Using these theories we was given the task of analysing 'the prestige' opening scene and suggesting how certain characters/events relate to the theories.
 

Barthes' codes theory: Bathers theory consists of him using signs to show us something has multiple meanings, His theory of how text 'is like a galaxy of signifiers, not a structure of signified', is reflecting how text is like a ball of threads that needs to broken down to be understood. Furthermore he says that text can be open or closed, this means text can either be unravelled in many ways (open) or can only have one obvious meanings (closed).
 

Aristotle theory: Aristotles theory involved that every narrative has a beginnings, middle and end. This is the simplest but one of the most key theories.
 

Todorov theory: Todorovs theory was that every narrative has 5 stages, these were an equilibrium (state of normality), disruption of equilibrium (character or event that effects the equilibrium), the main protagonist (recognises the disturbance of equilibrium), restoration of equilibrium (protagonist attempts to restore equilibrium) and new equilibrium (equilibrium is restored but changed).
 

Propps theory: Propps theory suggests that all narratives have a common structure, his theory also suggests how each narrative has 8 types of characters (hero, villain, donor, dispatcher, false hero, helper, princess and her father) and 31 situations that revolve around these 8 characters.

Levi-Strauss: Levi-Strauss came up with the theory that we as people come to make sense of the world by using binary opposites (e.g. good and evil), with this his theory suggests that all narratives are organised around the conflict of those binary opposites. examples of these binary opposites are good/evil, old/young, black/white, masculine/feminine, wealthy/poor and heterosexual/homosexual.
 



Barthes codes theory: during the opening scene of prestige we can apply Barthes theory in many ways. Firstly the use of the 'ordinary' bird and man seems to appear normal but hold many meanings that need complete focus to unravel the hidden insights/meanings. We can also apply the Barthes codes theory with the use of the cage cover and the lightning, using Barthes theory these aspects of the acts can seem extraordinary but yet are to divert your attention from the real meaning, therefore acting as a 'open' text.
Aristotle: Aristotles theory can be clearly applied to the opening of prestige with there being a clear beginning, middle and end. The theory is clearly shown in the stages of picking the bird/helper or the ordinary, before it is shown to develop to an extraordinary or distracting event that progresses into the final result of the narrative (disappearance).
Todorov: Todorovs theory is the theory that most effectively relates to the opening scene of 'the prestige'. The 5 stages of his theory are represented clearly with the equilibrium being shown with the ordinary bird/man, before being disturbed by the factors of a cage, lightning and cover to remove the equilibrium, the restoration is then performed by the two men with them attempting to remove the ordinary from the disturbance (bird from the cage and man from the lightning), finally the result of the restoration is the bird reappearing and the man disappearing causing a new equilibrium that is different from the original.
Propps theory:  Propps theory is vaguely reflecting with the variation of characters in each act (bird, two men and girl). Propps theory if shown with the acts of magic both revolving and being created by each man, as well as this the girl and the volunteer are acting as a part of theory.