RESEARCH: LOOKING INTO OTHER FILM POSTERS

As we are required to make our own film posters for our film opens I have decided to do some research into famous film posters. For example my first poster I looked at was 'Invictus.' I thought that this poster was very appealing as it has Nelson Mandela featured as the main object. It is also rugby related therefore it's something that we could possibly use for ours. The second advert that i looked at was 'Leatherheads.' I found this advert aesthetically pleasing as it demonstrates the aggression and team moral of rugby. From looking at these it will allow me to draw up some examples for my own film poster.

STARTING TO EDIT OUR FILM

In the screenshot below you will see that I have made a start editing our movie called 'Nine.'

PLANNING: CALL SHEET #2

CALL SHEET

PLANNING OUR VIEWER PROFILE

Today I started making outline notes about what my target audience for Nine. I did this by carrying out research on viewers of their age and what they do on a day to day basis. 

Age group: 12-65, teenagers and young adults

Gender: Men

They are likely to watch TV programmes such as documentaries, rugby matches, sports reports, match day and six nations. 

In their leisure time, they will visit YouTube, play video games, download movies, drink Starbucks; eat at Pizza Express, MacDonald's, Subway and go to the gym. 

Clothes: River Island, Supreme, Palace, Sports Direct. 

Media: iPhone or Blackberry for internet on the move; Mac Book or iPad to see movies, Twitter, play games, browse and shop; FaceBook for connecting to friends.

When carrying this out I used the NME reader profile to help me understand how to create this viewer profile.





















These are the type of brands that my target audience for my media project would be interested in. The reason for this is because these are young trendy companies that teenagers would shop from.

RESEARCH: OCR WEEBLY

Today I found the OCR Weebly links very useful, this was because I found Steve Thorne's advice on video production very useful. I also learnt how to plan a photoshoot. I particularly found the usage of the post it notes for a storyboard very useful.

I then took his idea of the storyboard with post it notes to then be able to change the order of scenes. 

PLANNING: TOPLINE, TREATMENT & TWIST

Topline: As a boy in his last year at school, wanting to make it as a big rugby player. Last game of the season – they are playing their rivals. Xander wants to persue a career in music, but doesn’t want to let his father down. 

Father never made it, wants to push his son. 

Cast:

Craig – Dad

Boothe – Coach

Xander – Player

Ryan – background 

Twist: Father wants child to play rugby professionally, but child wants to pursue music career. 

Treatment:

Present day. A loving father wants to push his boy into becoming a professional rugby player, as he never managed to make it when he was his sons age. XANDER enjoys rugby, however he is more interested in a career in music. He feels obliged to pursue his interest in rugby as he doesn’t want to let his dad down. He has supportive friends such as RYAN who is an aspiring professional tells him to follow him dream. Xander needs to make the decision of whether to go for music or continue playing rugby. The audience do not know what he chooses as the screen cuts to black. 

AUDIENCE RESEARCH: RECEPTION THEORY

Reception theory focuses on the scope in textual analysis for 'negotiation' and 'opposition' on the part of the audience. This means that a text is not passively accepted by the audience but that the reader / viewer interprets the meanings of the texts based on their individual cultural background and life experiences. Stuart Hall’s encoding decoding model; dominant, negotiated and oppositional readings; why Hall says he studies culture instead of media specifically, and media hegemony.

AUDIENCE RESEARCH: AUDIENCE PROFILING

A common and traditional method of audience research is known as demographics. This defines the adult population largely by the work that they do It breaks the population down into 6 groups, and labels them by using a letter code to describe the income and status of the members of each group. If you look to the diagram on the right hand side you will see how the Audience Profiling system works. For example A is for higher management, bankers, lawyers, doctors and other professionals. This is clearly the podium for people that earn a high income. B is for the middle management, so for example teachers and graphic designers. The C section is split up into two categories, C1 and C2. These contained the office supervisors and skilled manual workers. You then move down to the bottom of the food chain. D is for the semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers. Then leads to E where its the unemployed, students, pensioners and casual workers.  

RESEARCH: BBFC RATINGS

AUDIENCE RESEARCH: MEDIA EFFECT'S MODEL

Over the course of the past century or so, media analysts have developed several effects models, ie theoretical explanations of how humans ingest the information transmitted by media texts and how this might influence (or not) their behaviour. Effects theory is still a very hotly debated area of Media and Psychology research, as no one is able to come up with indisputable evidence that audiences will always react to media texts one way or another. 

Media Effect’s Theory 

Media effect's theory is how media can affect society. Some negative implications of this theory are when people do "copycat murders", i.e. when a teenage boy murdered his best friend in 2004, the game 'Manhunt' was banned in the UK, because the murder was styled upon a murder within the game.  

RESEARCH: EXIT POLLS

Over the half term break, I decided to look into different studies that movies had carried out once released. For example the key features that I specifically looked at was the people that were surveyed as this gave a rough idea as to how many people went to go see the film and of what age and sex they were. I looked at three films which had all been released in 2014. These were The Lunchbox, The 100 year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared and 2 Days, 1 night. Below you can see the information that I grabbed from the studies that each individual film carried out.

The BFI states that they," Carry out exit poll surveys for all of the films that we support through out Distribution Fund. Exit Polls are standard practice for major releases, but much less so for smaller or independent films." 

Here is the Link to the BFI website with all the exit polls on: http://www.bfi.org.uk/film-industry/lottery-funding-distribution/insight-reports-case-studies-audience-research/exit-polls

PREZI ON DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES

Below is the link to my presentation on Prezi about Distribution Companies.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY PREZI

RESEARCH: PETE'S MEDIA BLOG

Upon looking at Pete’s media blog, it came to my attention that his blog is a lot more useful than expected. The reason for this is because he is constantly posting useful media sources and links. I found this particularly helpful for a media student like myself. Pete's blog of Media Magazine which is also very helpful. Pete uses Twitter to reach out to more people. What I find particularly helpful about Pete's blog is that he helps us with a step by step guide on a slide share of how to produce a successful production. I have taken his advice and integrated it into my own work by using his successful points and making sure they are in my own personal work. This will then lead to me being able to produce a successful production.

UPDATES TRELLO

From the screenshot below you will see an updated version of my trello. This shows that I have been working thoroughly through the work that has been set for me. If you look at the ‘Done’ List you will see what research I have done. 

PRELIMINARY EXERCISE

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE (RED LIGHT)

From watching the opening sequence to ‘Red Light’ I personally think that it is off the thriller genre. The reason for this is because of the tense soundtrack causing the viewer to constantly be on the edge of their seat causing suspense. From what I found when watching it, it was clear that they only listed the names of people with a high authority. For example in the middle of the opening sequence it stated,’Executive Producer Lisa Wilson.’ When writing the name Lisa Wilson they used a much bolder font. This is effective as it makes it stand out to the audience. This also represents the importance of this person. The editing in this sequence is very clever. The reason for this is because when the music becomes very climatical, the editing speeds up. This adds to the tension and the suspense. However I like at the end when they have used slow editing to present cinematic black and white close up shots of a radio. I personally think that the characters are drawn in through the intense sound track and the close up black and white shots of the radio. As a viewer it feels as if the shots are absorbing you into the screen and you feel as if you are in another world due to the suspense and tension created within the moving image. 

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE (SHERLOCK HOLMES)

In class today we watched the film opening to Sherlock Holmes. We watched the film opening on a website called ‘The Art of the Title.’ The opening sequence clearly establishes the period at which the film was set as it looks Victorian. I can tell this because you see sepia coloured tones that suggest Victorian photography processes. The titles are presented in hand writing in pen and ink wash. This creates lots of ink splats which creates background sounds. The splatters also give the title an old foxed look and styles, the still photography taken from the moving image film which then morphs into a pen and ink wash carries on in a cycle. The still photographs are frozen moments form the moving image, these are then stripped down into pen and ink wash drawings which re-animate into moving image and the process starts again. 

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE (LES BLEUS DE RAMVILLE)

From watching the film opening it is clear that the genre is of the sporting action type. The reason for this is because just from briefly watching it, it is very clear that it is based about Ice Hockey. The people mentioned in the credits are people with high power, such as Stephan Paquette. Something that I find very surprising was that their was no sign of a production company in the introduction to this film. When watching the introduction, it was clear that is was the build up to a game. Therefore the mise-en-scene was the changing rooms and the ice rink for the match. When looking at the style of editing it was clear that it was linked to the style of editing. For example when the tempo of the music slowed down so if did the editing and when the tempo speeded up, so did the editing. I personally think that the audience was drawn in by the incredible cinematic shots of the players putting shits up, doing up boots and taping up their sticks. I was absorbed into the whole atmosphere of watching the game. 

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE (NARCOS)

Just from watching the first dying seconds of the Narcos trailer it was clear that this was of the comedy action and adventure genre. The reason for this was due to the vast amount of ammunition and explosives presented as well as humous shots of different groups of people. When looking at the titles shown in the trailer we firstly notice that this film was directed by José Padiha. This was in large writing to the left of the screen. To the right of the screen was a car soon fire. This created a sense of importance as it meant that the director had her section on the film, almost as if its its her own personal space. We also know that the executive producer was Eric Newman. They presented his name on top of a mid shot of an old looking man. This shows that his personal title doesn't deserve personal space like the producer because he isn't as important. Narcos is a part of the 'Netflix Original Series.' When looking at the Mise-En-Scene it is clearly set in Mexico. This is obvious due to the looks of the actors as well as the foreground, mid-ground and background in each scene with is presented in the trailer. The editing changes throughout the course of the trailer. For example when the action is taking place the viewers witness fast passed editing with creates and builds up tension. However when the humour is being presented the editing becomes very slow yet effective. Looking at the trailer from the males perspective I am drawn in with scenes of attractive mature women in well fitted dresses. 

RESEARCH: ART OF THE TITLE (IRON MAN THREE)

Firstly the action and adventure genre is displayed through the futuristic text and mask. The bright eyes adds to the mystery of who is behind the mask. This shows that their is a hidden identity giving you the impression that this character presented is either  an antagonist or a protagonist. We can tell that this is a very futuristic movie due to the elaborate customer in which the antagonist or protagonist is wearing to hide its identity. When looking at the background there is not much to say however through close examination I personally think it is just the inside of a building. When looking at the font that has been used I personally find it very futuristic which the slight slant in it. I also like the fact that there is a difference in the size of font, for example ‘DIRECTED BY’ is in a smaller font to ‘SHANE BLACK.’ This gives Shane Black a sense of power. I personally think this is really effective especially as she directed the movie ‘Iron Man Three.’  

FILMING OUR PRELIM

Today we ventured our of the classroom to film our Prelim. My group consisted of Ollie, Xander, Bea and Chloe. At first it was hard to take the filming seriously purely because it was the first time we were working together. However we shortly got really into it and all pulled together to produce something that we would all be proud off.  Below is a screenshot of us editing our Prelim on iMovie to the best of our ability. 

HOTEL BABYLON SERIES 1 EPISODE 5

Media G322 Exam Practice

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of ethnicity using the following: 

• Camera shots, angles, movement and composition 
• Editing
• Sound 
• Mise en scène

over the shoulder shot 

shot reverse shot 

fast editing with action slow towards the end when the employee is captured 

tension is built up through sound

MES: hotel upstairs rich in colour 

focus pull shot 

BODY LANGUAGE 

This extract constructs a sympathetic representation of illegal immigrants and a negative representation of the immigration officials. The extract begins with the downstairs of the hotel. This is where two police officers greet an employee with high authority. We then jump to the upstairs world of the hotel. By jump cutting from downstairs and upstairs we can contrast the difference between the sophisticated upstairs compared to the dull and gloomy underground. You could almost say that the upstairs is for the rich and the downstairs is for the poor. The sounds also contrast this as there is more of a buss upstairs with wealthy people interacting with people of the same upper class. However downstairs the sounds almost echo representing the dark and dull worlds of the immigrants. 

As the immigration officers enter the building the soundtrack instantly picks up which adds a sense of tension. In terms of camera angles there is an over the shoulder shot of the receptionist showing the officers enter the building. This is effective as it shows to the viewer the sense of suspense\ created. This then jump cuts to an extreme close up of the head officer as he confidently marches towards her. We gather that the head officer has a sense of authority as people move out the way of him showing his sense of purpose and power. You can link his large strides to the beat of music. 

Later on we witness a dialogue between a white and a black man. This shows a diversity in ethnicity. Showing they are of equal statues and also showing he is comfortable in his legal profession showing that he has nothing to worry about when witnessing the immigration officers busting into the hotel lobby. This was presented through a two shot camera angle. This then leads to sense of urgency which creates fast passed tracking and hand held shots. This then causes the tempo of the soundtrack to suddenly increase. 

RESEARCH: ANALYSIS OF THE OPENING OF NOWHERE BOY

As the opening commences it clearly shows that the movie is sponsored by the UK Film Council, which is sponsored by the National Lottery, Film four and Icon. Co-productions spread the financial costs. The film is also in association with 'An Ecosse Films Production', 'Northwest Vision and Media' , 'Hanway Films' and 'Lip Sync Productions'.

Nowhere Boy was directed by Sam Taylor-Wood. She is presented on the sequence as, 'A Sam Taylor-Wood Film.' Following this was the title of the film which was in the most prominent position on the screen stating, 'Nowhere Boy.' 

Throughout the opening there was an establishing shot. This was a very wide shot of a young boy running energetically through an old grand building which is in contrast as the building itself looks very elegant. The young boy does not look intimidated by this, this conveys that he is a brave young man. However his venerability is presented when a birds eye view shot of a boy curled up in bed is released in front of the audiences eyes. Period of time is shown throughout the sequence by the style of his bedding and pyjamas.

The audience is intrigued from the very beginning when it is clearly shown that there is a sense of tension and conflict between the young boy (John Lennon) and his Aunt Mini, that he has grown up with. Throughout the sequence Aunt Mini is presented as a very strict character, with a very neat and sophisticated dress code. It is clear that she keeps herself very confined. This is then presented by her always perfect hair, speech and clothes.

If you were to compare Uncle George with Aunt Mini, it is clear that George is a lot more loving towards the young boy. There is a close relationship presented in the sequence between Uncle George and John Lennon. Family dynamics is very clear to the audience throughout the screening, for example when you see Uncle George setting up a music system in John's bedroom and then drinking alcoholic beverages together almost as if they are the same age. 

RESEARCH: TRELLO

Today I started using Trello which is an organisational tool that will help me keep track of what I need to do and what I have done. This is my example...

MY BRIEF

I have chosen the brief of video where the main task is to make the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.