Preliminary Task- Continuity

In today's media lesson we filmed a short sequence demonstrating 'Continuity'. This means that the shots were on going and continuous throughout the whole sequence. In these shots we used a range of different shots including long shots, low angle shots, point of view and over the head shot.
The following is the storyboard shots demonstrate continuity:

LS/WS

LOW ANGLE/MS

POV/LS/WS

POV/WS

M2S/WS

OTS/LOW ANGLE/360

OTS/360

OTS/360

OTS/360

M2S/WS

ACTION PLAN

These are the tasks that should be completed by the end of the week.
Week Commencing Monday 29th October 2012

• Preliminary Task (Continuity)
• The 180 degree rule 

Camera Shots

All of these different camera shots have a purpose or significance of being used. This means that all shots should be carefully considered before deciding which shot to use.

Establishing Shot

This shot shows the audience the current location/setting within the movie or the exterior of the setting, also known as an exterior shot.  Depending on the angle of the shot it could imply to the audience whether it is a good or bad place if either a low or high angle shot. Often this shot is often extra wide shot in order to fit the whole of the location in, yet if suitable a wide shot will be used instead. 

Wide Shot

A wide shot is often used to establish the surroundings of a building or characters within a shot. This therefore has no specific focus within the shot and allows the audience to explore the whole shot. In this image there is no focus, but the wide shot allows the audience to see the surroundings of two characters which doesn’t necessarily mean that the focus is on the characters.

Long Shot

A long shot often focuses on a specific object or character as well as allowing us to see some or more of the surroundings in the shot also. This shot therefore has the purpose of us noticing the main focus in the shot as this could potentially be of great significance to the whole movie or an important factor. In some cases long shots background may be significant but this isn’t always necessary. 

Medium Long Shot

This shot is used to show the characters body from the knees upwards to the head and not the whole body. The purpose of this is to allow the audience to see the actions of the characters more clearly and also to see if the character is holding or carrying anything, which may be relevant. This shot is often used to bring the audience closer to the film and draw them in making them feel more intrigued and interested. A medium long shot does not show much of the surroundings, and if so it will only be a very brief amount.

Medium Shot

A medium shot unlike a medium two shot is focused on the characters waist to their head. This allows the whole focus of the shot to be on the character with no background being shown or any thing else to distract the viewer’s focus. This shot able’s the audience to see anything that the character is holding or any gestures that they are making as well as being able to view the characters facial expressions.

Medium Two Shot

This shot is similar to a medium shot however a medium two shot is when there is two people in the shot. Again this shot will usually show from the waist to head with both characters being the main focus of the shot. It will also able us see the hand movements and the body positioning in the shot which may be significant to the audience. The framing of this may be either in a tight a loose frame but the main focus will remain on the two characters in the shot.

Medium Close Up

A medium close up shot will show the characters appearance from their shoulder to the top of their head which includes the hair also. This shot will able the audience to clearly view the characters facial expressions as well as the position the face is in. e.g. whether the character is standing at an angle.

Close Up

A close up shot will shows the characters face to the audience. For example this will be from the chin up to the tip of the head and sometimes may include the characters hair in the shot. The purpose of this shot is to show the audience the characters emotion and facial expression. Often this shot is used to show an extreme emotion within the scene of the movie and is intended for the audience to realize this.

Big Close Up

This shot will not include the character full face and will not include the characters hairline. Often this shot will just show the characters chin to forehead and again is used to show extreme emotion. This shot will highlight the emotion on the character face and also show the audience the features of the characters face.

Extreme Close Up

This shot is used in order to show a specific segment of a whole shot. For example on the face of the characters the shot may focus on the eye or nose of the characters as this may be significant. Furthermore, a shot of a handle of a door would be an extreme close up to show the door handle’s significance. This shot can also be referred to as a tight shot.

Over The Shoulder Shot

The over the shoulder shot is used often when there is conversation between two characters. This is often a mid close up shot also and the audience will be able to see the other characters head over the shoulder of another character. Another shot associated with this is the reverse shot when the shot changes over the following character in the same position.

Overhead Shot

This shot is similar to a bird’s eye shot and means that the shot is taken from above the characters. For example it is facing downwards from the top of the setting. This will give make the character look distanced although this may not be the purpose in all of the shots.

High Angle Shot

A high angle shot is when the camera shot is pointing downwards towards a character from an angle. This will therefore make the character look weak and vulnerable as the audience will be looking down on them.

Low Angle Shot

A low angle shot is when the camera is facing the up towards the character at an angle. This purpose of this shot is to make the audience look up to the character in the shot making them seem superior and have the power in scene.

Deep Shot

A deep shot is often when there is high density in the foreground yet the focus in on a character or object in the centre of the shot. This will therefore allow the audience to focus on the middle of the shot. 

ACTION PLAN

These are the tasks that should be completed by the end of the week.
Week Commencing Monday 22th October 2012

• Camera Shots
• Examples of Camera Shots 

Representation of Age

The TV Drama that I will be basing my analysis on is the opening scene of the Channel 4 teenage drama ‘Skins’. The programme is aimed at teenagers above 16 to 19 and often covers the many issues and problems the audience may feel or be associated with. 

The opening scene begins with big close up of a characters fist which shows the cuts and scars that have been placed on them. The shot is also supported by the use of low key lighting to make it difficult for the audience to focus on anything other than the fist in the shot and also accentuates the dark atmosphere in the shot setting a depressing tone. The music during this shot is also fast paced and up beat connoting the aggressiveness and anger that may have been caused with association with the fist portraying youths as violent and careless about their health or actions. 

The shot then changes to a low angle shot of a male character wearing a ripped t-shirt and tracksuit bottom, with the camera zooming in towards him. This therefore underlines the importance of this characters role within the TV drama as well as the stereotypical dress sense this character complies with signifying the association with the term ‘chav’. The characters face is also turning away from the shot which symbolises that he is in a deep thought raising the possibility that youths are paranoid. This shot also uses high-key lighting with a bright light focusing on the characters strained face and body making this visible by the audience, and the surroundings dimmed out expressing that the male character is the dominant in the shot. The characters costume in the shot is supported by the high key lighting allowing the audience to see the dirt and ripped t-shirt representing youths as being unhygienic and lazy when taking care of themselves.

The shot cuts and proceeds to a low angle shot where another character enters in the foreground allowing them to be seen as superior and important. This character however is blurred out, yet the rear side of the male character in still the main focus of the shot where his appearance is visible and clear. The use of high key lighting is used again within this shot and supports the contrast between both characters. The character in the foreground is submerged with bright lighting accentuating the good character they are, yet the male character is still in the low key lighting highlighting the gloomy and dull attitude British youths are considered to have. 

The following shot is an establishing shot at eye level which shows the audience the current setting of the scene. The shot has a high density as the black metal bars in the fore ground, the blue and white wall colours and costume of the second character all is all considered by the audience to express the setting as a prison ward. The bright lighting supports the density as it allows the audience to clearly view all of these items. The male character again is the more dominant as the colour of his t-shirt is different compared to the other bold colours in the shot which therefore focus our attention on him. This represents the male character as dangerous and negligent of their behaviour and lifestyle. 

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/skins/4od#3052142

Ideas and Inspiration

Currently in the news, the abduction of April Jones, a five years old child has surfaced with an national appeal to find the child.

This abduction of the child has given me the idea of potentially basing my thriller crime film opening on this concept. A younger child being the focus of my plot can help me to add the theme of children into my opening in order to show the film's relevence to children. Having a young female child acting as the victim of the antagonist will also help the audeince sympathise with the plot increasing tension and suspense throughout. Other thriller crime films that have previously had similar plots to this include both Taken and Man on Fire.

ACTION PLAN

These are the tasks that should be completed by the end of the week.
Week Commencing Monday 15th October 2012

• Deciding an idea
• Looking at representation
• Analysis of a type of representation

Media Institution

Me and my group member have chosen to use 'Summit Entertainment' production as we thought that this most suited our film. The dark colours and the context of the production company will give the audience a chance to view our film as a thriller film from the very start. The independence of 'Summit Entertainment' is something that we liked also, drawing us closer to choose this option.

This therefore means that we will be using this at the beginning of our opening.

Summit Entertainment Logo Analysis

Below is 'Summit Entertainment' production company logo, which i have de/connontated. This therefore has great significance to the viewers i order for them to recognize that the film they are watching is Summit Entertainment  production. 

-          The dark background connotes to the audience that the company create themes that are dark and spooky. This underlines that the film could be potentially associated with the genres of thriller or horror.

-          The text of ‘Summit’ stands our due to the large font which signifies that they are superior and have wealth. This connotes that they want the audience to think of them as a powerful production company.

-          The outline of a mountain is used as the trademark. This connotes to the audience that the company are a ‘high’ as a mountain in the context that they are the ‘top’ film company and are better than competitors.

-          The blue shade in the trademark ‘mountain outline’ represents that they are fresh and new with film productions and could also connote their intensity.

-          The use of the black background and white text could represent the use of good and bad binary oppositions and also help the blue to emphasis the superior fresh company that they are. 

Media Institution- Summit Entertainment

‘Summit Entertainment’ is also an American based film studio which is apart Lions Gate Entertainment. The reputable film company was founded in 1991 by Bernd Eichinger, Arnon Milchan and Andrew G. Vajna, but did not establish as a film studio company until the 1990’s where they expanded to produce and finance film making. From the 1990’s the company became recognised for the release of leading foreign sales and production making other production companies aware of their growing empire. It was not until April 2007 that the company become a heavily full motion studio.

In 2007 Robert G. Freidman the former vice chair man raised the budgeted amount of money in order to finance a full acquired license which allowed Summit Entertainment to create full production slate’s of fill and was able to distribute its own pictures in the United States where the large successes of films became apparent. Further down the line, earlier in 2012 the company have also become subsidiary to parent Lionsgate a phenomenal production company. This allowed them to bring together two of the most independent leading studio’s and created a prestigious brand.

‘Summit Entertainment’ do not produce films for a niche audience unlike twisted pictures of Pixar, but create genre of films that appeal to the mass market. Being responsible for hugely successful films such as ‘RED’, ‘The Twilight Saga’ and ‘American Pie’ the company have grossed more than $283,000,000 with their most recent Twilight film alone. This large figure highlights the masses of success their blockbuster films produce.  However, the company’s first major success came from the production of the film  American Pie which has grossed more than $235,000,000 since its release date, also being responsible for making Summit Entertainment the production company that they are recognised for today.

Focusing more on the Thriller genre, Summit Entertainment are responsible for producing the likes of ‘Never Back Down’ grossing more that $24,000,000 and producing the infamous crime thriller ‘Hurt Locker’ which has almost grossed $50,000,000. These being some of the thriller being produced more noticeable ones include the classic ‘RED’ which has a $186,000,000 gross figure and other films such as ‘Push’, ‘Gone’ and ‘The Darkest Hour’. Summit Entertainment profoundly known for their versatile range of films allows them to attract audiences that enjoy a range of films targeting both the mass and niche market. More blockbuster type films such as the fantasy ‘Twilight’ targeting the mass market, whereas ‘Push’ targets a more niche market.

Summit Entertainment hold a licence to distribute under the name Summit Entertainment LP, with them already distributing over 40 films to the audience. This underlines the independent organisation that Summit Entertainment expresses.

New Line Cinema Logo Analysis

Below is 'New Line Cinemas' production company logo which i have de/connotated.  This therefore has great significance to the viewers in order for them to recognise that the film they are watching is a New Line Cinema production. 

• The blue colour around the film strip to represent the film strip as magnificent, fresh and new. Contrasting the black background which could indicate that everything else is dark and boring compared to the midnight blue which represents e.g. superior film.

• A film strip, of which a film or image used to be imprinted on. This indicates that they are associated or relevant to filming reflecting that they are a film based production company.

• On the right hand side of the image there is a broken off/ disfigured part of the film strip which has been placed over the corner of the strip. This accentuates the possibility of the films being twisted or different compared to other films highlighting unique and different films. 

• In the centre of the logo the text is the name of the production company. The bright white colour contrasts the darker colours in the logo, and larger font making it stand out and un missable on the screen so that viewers see and recognise the company's logo.  

• The sub heading below the company name gives recognition to the superior company that they have merged with. The white writing makes us notice this so that again we recognise this.

Media Institution- New Line Cinema

‘New Line Cinema’ is an American based Production Company, was founded in 1967. The company itself acts as a production company and has a high reputation due to the creativity and innovation that they build their films upon. New Line Cinema has a mass audience that their mainstream films are aimed at worldwide, but also specialize in creating films for a niche audience for audiences to enjoy around the world. Throughout New Line Cinema’s four decade history the production company have produced some of the most successful films in history including the infamous Lord of the Rings trilogy which grossed a combined total of $3billion dollars worldwide.

In 2008 New Line Cinema merged with notorious oligolopy Production Company Warner Bros therefore functioning and maximizing film performance alongside Warner Bros. Yet, giving New Line cinema the advantage of producing, marketing and distributing rights separately.

New Line cinema does not specialize in producing a specific genre film, but instead produces a wide variety of film genre’s that attract a larger mass audience. For example the fantasy genre ‘lord of the rings’ generating billions of dollars in revenue for the company, comedy films such as ‘wedding crashes’ and ‘horrible bosses’ did exceptionally well in cinema grossing over £300 million dollars in box office. The franchise horror sequence ‘final destination’ and nightmare on elm street also brought in a large amount of revenue. New Line Cinema mainstream films budgets were often in between $50million to $100million, with lord of the rings being one of the most expensive New Line Cinema Budgets.  These high budgets determine that the audiences should see a well-made films.

One of New Line Cinema’s genres that they are known for is their Thriller films, for example producing the final destination, history of violence and rush hour.  All of these films are well-known and have done incredibly well for the company expressing the well structured thrillers that the company produces. Linking to my coursework, New Line Cinema’s production of crime thriller sub genre’s, New Line Cinema have also suited this very well, for instance, seven one of most popular crime thriller films grossed over $100milion worldwide. Other crime thriller that New Line cinema have produced include Fraction, Domino and Rush Hour, a well known sequel with a hybrid of thriller, crime and comedy.

New Line Cinema are also distributors, having their own segment of the company called ‘New Line Home Entertainment’ giving them the right to sell DVD’s under their own name and have the license. Up until 2009, ‘Alliance films’, and the UK’s ‘Entertainment Film Distributors’ have been sold license authority to sell the films off to theaters and cinema’s around the world for a percentage of profits. 

ACTION PLAN

These are the tasks that should be completed by the end of the week.
Week Commencing Monday 8th October 2012

• New Line Cinema Analysis
• New Line Cinema logo Analysis
• Summit Entertainment Analysis
• Summit Entertainment logo Analysis 
• Overall Choice

Crime Thriller Sub-Genre

Crime Thriller is a sub-genre that I will focus my coursework on.  Having researched Thriller as a whole genre it has given me an insight into what codes and conventions the audience will expect to see including color representation, camera angles and quick editing. For a thriller film, the crime sub genre will incorporate the film with a crime-based plot for the film. For example, these plots will often be associated with typical crime based concepts, including a murders, robberies, threats and manhunts. 
Some codes and convention include

• The typical plots include: abductions, murders and robberies. 

• Characters include: gangsters or some protagonist, victim and the detectives.

• Common objects: a gun, knife, police sheriff badge, money etc.

• Shots: close up, big close up, medium two shot, long shot and over the shoulder shot.

• Editing: quick and obstructive, fast paced and eerie music, different transitions.

• Lighting: often high-contrast lighting or low-key lighting to retain mysterious theme. 

It is often focused on the criminal itself and the protagonist (usually the detectives, or main character) in order to build a modern day crime thriller. Crime thrillers are likely to have a hybrid genre of actions and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense for the audience. 

Thriller Terms

What Makes a Thriller Film?

For any film, expressing the Genre has to be shown throughout in order to be classified. This can be done by including specific codes and conventions, certain narratives and using a range of different techniques. Often the codes and conventions of a thriller film can heavily focus on the editing and sound throughout, using ‘quick cuts’ in order to build tension and suspense amongst the audience. Tension should be present through the majority of the film in order to allow the film to accentuate the mysterious and un ease feeling for the audience. A thriller films purpose is in fact to ‘thrill’ the audience so the themes of mystery should be adapted. Lighting in a thriller film,  primarily low key lighting can be used in order to bring the mystery theme into action as viewers are unable to see efficiently causing them to feel intrigued and ‘think’ about what exactly is happening on screen. High contrast lighting may potentially be used in order to highlight the good and bad roles within a film or help producers foreshadow the future of the character. For example, in the first scene of the movie ‘sixth sense’ the loopy mental patient is shown in high key lighting expressing that he is the more notorious and powerful figure, compared to Bruce Willis who sits in low key lighting which foreshadows his weak and vulnerable position compared to this- this demonstrates the high contrast lighting between mis en scene’s. 

Colour may also be used to represent certain character to send a message to the audience. Often the colour red may be signified throughout a film in order to symbolise a message to the reader, for example ‘red’ can often be associated with romance or happiness, yet in a thriller film it may symbolise high emotion or violence. Other colours often include shades such as black or white to symbolise good and bad, as well as contradict to the darker plots.

The characters are placed within a binary opposition, often matching good vs. bad roles. This underlines that thriller films often have a heroic person, and the bad person is known as an antagonist.

Other techniques of a thriller film include obtrusive editing, disorientated sense of time and sense, a range of different close up and extreme close up shots, and tracking of the camera. Narrative techniques, include a range of different concepts which help the viewers to determine the genre of the film. For instance, the plot usually has many twists and turns to it in order to keep the viewers in suspense, increased amount of violence, principles of concealment, flashbacks and making the audience think. The ‘Thriller’ genre often has many sub genres’ which can define the plot and theme of the film more efficiently. For example, the following are some examples of sub-genres:

• ·         Conspiracy Thriller

•         Crime Thriller

• ·         Erotic Thriller

• ·         Political Thriller

• ·         Psychological Thriller

• ·         Spy Thriller

•       Supernatural Thriller

• ·         Techno (action/science fiction) Thriller

• ·         Religion/Cultural Thriller

Often, these are combined with other genres, such as romance or horror in order to create a ‘hybrid genre’ demonstrating that the film doesn’t focus on one genre specifically, this highlights that other codes and conventions may also be present.