Social realism in films represents real life, with all its difficulties and triumphs. The stories and people used in the films are everyday characters, usually from working class backgrounds. Typically, films that use a social realist background are about the struggle to survive the daily grind. They usually told the whole story and didn’t leave out any gritty or nasty situations.
Social Realism in British films became popular during the 1960s. In this period, it was referred to as the British New Wave. British New Wave directors included Karel Reisz, Lindsay Anderson and Tony Richardson. Before they made feature films, most of them created a number of documentaries. Many of there films had been screened at the National Film Theatre event. This was an event called the ‘Free Cinema’ that happened in the 1950’s. Many of the British New Wave creators were more than just directors. Most of them were film critics as well. This helped them to promote their agenda and ideas in magazines such as the Sequence.
Many films produced in this era emerged as great films. These included Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and Look Back in Anger. Many of the films were either based on plays or books due to the fact that the social realists were part of the literature and theatre scene. As well as the number of new directors that the New Wave produced, many actors came to prominence in this time period. Actors such as Tom Courtenay, Rita Tushingham and Albert Finney had prominent roles in social realism films.
The end of the New Wave came when the rise of television dramas brought this genre of film to people’s homes. Also, the Americans withdrew funding for such movies. However, since the demise of the New Wave, new directors such as Mike Leigh and Ken Loach have produced new films that use the same genre as those 40 years before them.
Monday, 15 December 2008
The editing used in the TV production of ‘The Tudors’
In this episode of the ‘The Tudors’, different types of filming and editing techniques are used to create different meanings and connotations.
Firstly, the shot/reverse shot is used when the audience first see the Frenchman. The shot/reverse shot is a POV with the Englishman looking towards the Frenchman. They use this camera shot to focus on the Frenchman and emphasise the importance of this character. Finally, they use this shot to unsettle the viewer. The meaning of this shot is to create an opposition between to the two characters (Englishman and Frenchman). Furthermore, the shot emphasises that the viewer is on the Englishman’s side.
The next shot used in the episode is when the guards are walking after the Englishman. They create a suspense and disorientation by cut between the characters at varied speeds. The shots of the guards are only of there legs. This causes the suspicion of who they are at first. Also, the shots of the Englishman are from behind him. This creates a shot reverse looking from the French guard’s perspective. This scene is effective due to the disorientations of the quick cuts between characters. This causes a sense of panic in the scene.
Finally, the third rule that i have learnt is the 180 degree rule. In this production, this rule is neglected. The effect of this is to show the opposition of characters and to show more disorientation for the watchers.
Firstly, the shot/reverse shot is used when the audience first see the Frenchman. The shot/reverse shot is a POV with the Englishman looking towards the Frenchman. They use this camera shot to focus on the Frenchman and emphasise the importance of this character. Finally, they use this shot to unsettle the viewer. The meaning of this shot is to create an opposition between to the two characters (Englishman and Frenchman). Furthermore, the shot emphasises that the viewer is on the Englishman’s side.
The next shot used in the episode is when the guards are walking after the Englishman. They create a suspense and disorientation by cut between the characters at varied speeds. The shots of the guards are only of there legs. This causes the suspicion of who they are at first. Also, the shots of the Englishman are from behind him. This creates a shot reverse looking from the French guard’s perspective. This scene is effective due to the disorientations of the quick cuts between characters. This causes a sense of panic in the scene.
Finally, the third rule that i have learnt is the 180 degree rule. In this production, this rule is neglected. The effect of this is to show the opposition of characters and to show more disorientation for the watchers.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Shot List and Shooting Schedule
Shot 1
A panning shot of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location. In this shot, the titles will run.
Shot 2
The camera then cuts to inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform, with him looking out.
Shot 3
We then cut an over the shoulder shot of the man writing the letter although the words are unclear on the page.
Shot 4
CU of Man 1 writing the letter
Shot 5
The camera then cuts to a view of the train tracks outside. This mid shot is static as we show a train approaching the station.
Shot 6
we then cut back to a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him.
Shot 7
Medium shot of the train pulling away from the station, with the man following it as he walks down the platform.
Shot 8
The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he. The camera continues on after Man 2 has stopped.
Shot 9
The camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket.
Shot 10
The camera cuts back a medium shot from inside the house, looking out to the 2nd man walking towards the house.
Shot 11
We then cut to a close up high angle shot of the 1st man writing the letter.
Shot 12
CU shot of man 1 signing the letter
Shot 13
CU shot through the window of the man watiing at the door
Shot 14
We will then cut back to a CU shot of the 1st Man as he stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door, as hes writing you hear the knock.
Shot 15
The camera then cuts to a CU shot of Man 1 looking up.
Shot 16
Over-the-shoulder shot of Man 2 waiting at the door, we then see Man 1 open the door and then closing it quickly.
Shot 17
CU shot of Man 2's foot in the door
Shot 18
The camera then cuts to the 2nd man pushing the knife forward, into his side and walk through into the house
Shot 19
Medium shot of Man 2 walking through the shot into the room.
Shot 19
Shot of the page with the ink running out of the pen, signifying Man 1's death.
Shot 20
CU shot of Man 2 picking up the letter and setting fire to it.
Shooting Schedule
Day 1
Arrive at 2PM
1st Shot: Shot 2 (2.10)
2nd Shot: Shot 3 (2.20)
3rd Shot: Shot 4 (2.33)
4th Shot: Shot 11 (2.45)
5th Shot: Shot 12 (2.50)
6th Shot: Shot 14 (2.55)
7th Shot: Shot 15 (3.10)
8th Shot: Shot 13 (3.20)
9th Shot: Shot 20 (3.40)
10th Shot: Shot 10(3.55)
11th Shot: Shot 5 (4.10)
Day 2
12th Shot: Shot 7 (2.30)
13th Shot: Shot 8 (2.50)
14th Shot: Shot 9 (3.00)
15th Shot: Shot 6 (3.10)
16th Shot: Shot 16 (3.25)
17th Shot: Shot 17 (3.30)
18th Shot: Shot 18 (3.40)
19th Shot: Shot 19 (3.50)
20th Shot: Shot 1 (4.00)
A panning shot of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location. In this shot, the titles will run.
Shot 2
The camera then cuts to inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform, with him looking out.
Shot 3
We then cut an over the shoulder shot of the man writing the letter although the words are unclear on the page.
Shot 4
CU of Man 1 writing the letter
Shot 5
The camera then cuts to a view of the train tracks outside. This mid shot is static as we show a train approaching the station.
Shot 6
we then cut back to a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him.
Shot 7
Medium shot of the train pulling away from the station, with the man following it as he walks down the platform.
Shot 8
The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he. The camera continues on after Man 2 has stopped.
Shot 9
The camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket.
Shot 10
The camera cuts back a medium shot from inside the house, looking out to the 2nd man walking towards the house.
Shot 11
We then cut to a close up high angle shot of the 1st man writing the letter.
Shot 12
CU shot of man 1 signing the letter
Shot 13
CU shot through the window of the man watiing at the door
Shot 14
We will then cut back to a CU shot of the 1st Man as he stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door, as hes writing you hear the knock.
Shot 15
The camera then cuts to a CU shot of Man 1 looking up.
Shot 16
Over-the-shoulder shot of Man 2 waiting at the door, we then see Man 1 open the door and then closing it quickly.
Shot 17
CU shot of Man 2's foot in the door
Shot 18
The camera then cuts to the 2nd man pushing the knife forward, into his side and walk through into the house
Shot 19
Medium shot of Man 2 walking through the shot into the room.
Shot 19
Shot of the page with the ink running out of the pen, signifying Man 1's death.
Shot 20
CU shot of Man 2 picking up the letter and setting fire to it.
Shooting Schedule
Day 1
Arrive at 2PM
1st Shot: Shot 2 (2.10)
2nd Shot: Shot 3 (2.20)
3rd Shot: Shot 4 (2.33)
4th Shot: Shot 11 (2.45)
5th Shot: Shot 12 (2.50)
6th Shot: Shot 14 (2.55)
7th Shot: Shot 15 (3.10)
8th Shot: Shot 13 (3.20)
9th Shot: Shot 20 (3.40)
10th Shot: Shot 10(3.55)
11th Shot: Shot 5 (4.10)
Day 2
12th Shot: Shot 7 (2.30)
13th Shot: Shot 8 (2.50)
14th Shot: Shot 9 (3.00)
15th Shot: Shot 6 (3.10)
16th Shot: Shot 16 (3.25)
17th Shot: Shot 17 (3.30)
18th Shot: Shot 18 (3.40)
19th Shot: Shot 19 (3.50)
20th Shot: Shot 1 (4.00)
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Preliminary Filming Task completion
1. Editing and camera techniques
For our preliminary opening, we used the following techniques:
• We used titles before and after the film to show the information needed for exam board
• We put are names on the final shot of are opening using the title designer
• We used the time stretch tool to make a scene longer. Also, we used the erase tool to delete shots that were not needed or took to long.
• We used the 180 degree rule, shot/reverse shot and match on action shots in are production. Furthermore, we used a various types of shots including panning, birds eye view , ECU’s, Over the shoulder and a high angle shots.
2. New techniques used in the production of my opening
In my production, I used many new programs in the creation of are production. These programs included the video hosting website Youtube. I used Youtube to upload the final cut onto the internet, from which I then embedded onto Blogger. Adobe Premiere Elements was used create the final cut. This program was easy to use and effective at creating a professional looking film. I used a digital video camera to shoot the scenes. As well as the camera, a tripod was used in some shots. Finally, I used the social networking site Blogger to evaluate my production and post any planning I had done.
When I used the camera, I found it was difficult to keep it steady when creating tracking shots. In the end, I found it easier to use a tripod and hold the legs. Also, the quality of the camera could have been better to create a more professional look. However, this is only a minor problem as the final cut still looked respectable. When working with Adobe Premiere Elements, I found it difficult to change the sound levels to create the right suspense. Finally, when my group went to book a camera for the date we set, we found that they were all booked up. This created a problem as we had to wait an extra two weeks before we started filming.
One of the many strengths of my production is the array of shot types used in the for this project. Also, I believe we worked well as a group by sharing our ideas and the production roles involved in the creation of this project. Finally, we didn’t disagree over any major parts in the film and acted sensibly to create the look that we were going for.
3. How successful was the final product against the brief set?
The brief that was set for are production was the following:
• I had to include a shot of a hand opening a door and having a conversation with another person. Once this happened, one of the men had to leave the room.
• I had to include three different types of shots used in films. These were the 180 degree rule, match on action and the shot/reverse shot.
I think that my groups production matched all the points that the brief set. Me, Ian and Jen decided to apply the dialogue in a unique way. We chose to do this by using MSN Messenger to produce a conversation between the two men in the opening.
My group used the 180 rule throughout the films by keeping to one side of the room. Also, the match on action was used when we filmed the over the shoulder shots by having the two characters in the same frame. Finally, we used the shot/reverse shot when both characters were receiving the instant messages from each other. We showed this by showing both characters in the same shot. We applied this when the person typing would only show the back of his head and the computer screen.
For our preliminary opening, we used the following techniques:
• We used titles before and after the film to show the information needed for exam board
• We put are names on the final shot of are opening using the title designer
• We used the time stretch tool to make a scene longer. Also, we used the erase tool to delete shots that were not needed or took to long.
• We used the 180 degree rule, shot/reverse shot and match on action shots in are production. Furthermore, we used a various types of shots including panning, birds eye view , ECU’s, Over the shoulder and a high angle shots.
2. New techniques used in the production of my opening
In my production, I used many new programs in the creation of are production. These programs included the video hosting website Youtube. I used Youtube to upload the final cut onto the internet, from which I then embedded onto Blogger. Adobe Premiere Elements was used create the final cut. This program was easy to use and effective at creating a professional looking film. I used a digital video camera to shoot the scenes. As well as the camera, a tripod was used in some shots. Finally, I used the social networking site Blogger to evaluate my production and post any planning I had done.
When I used the camera, I found it was difficult to keep it steady when creating tracking shots. In the end, I found it easier to use a tripod and hold the legs. Also, the quality of the camera could have been better to create a more professional look. However, this is only a minor problem as the final cut still looked respectable. When working with Adobe Premiere Elements, I found it difficult to change the sound levels to create the right suspense. Finally, when my group went to book a camera for the date we set, we found that they were all booked up. This created a problem as we had to wait an extra two weeks before we started filming.
One of the many strengths of my production is the array of shot types used in the for this project. Also, I believe we worked well as a group by sharing our ideas and the production roles involved in the creation of this project. Finally, we didn’t disagree over any major parts in the film and acted sensibly to create the look that we were going for.
3. How successful was the final product against the brief set?
The brief that was set for are production was the following:
• I had to include a shot of a hand opening a door and having a conversation with another person. Once this happened, one of the men had to leave the room.
• I had to include three different types of shots used in films. These were the 180 degree rule, match on action and the shot/reverse shot.
I think that my groups production matched all the points that the brief set. Me, Ian and Jen decided to apply the dialogue in a unique way. We chose to do this by using MSN Messenger to produce a conversation between the two men in the opening.
My group used the 180 rule throughout the films by keeping to one side of the room. Also, the match on action was used when we filmed the over the shoulder shots by having the two characters in the same frame. Finally, we used the shot/reverse shot when both characters were receiving the instant messages from each other. We showed this by showing both characters in the same shot. We applied this when the person typing would only show the back of his head and the computer screen.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
Preliminary Filming Project Script
Setting the scene: We will start the opening by using an ECU of the door handle as the first man turns it. Then we will focus on the Robert (man1) as he sits down opposite to other man (Steve(man 2)) in the opening. They will talk to each other using MSN Messenger. We will use a voice over which will speak the words on the computer monitor. While communicating, one of men’s computers abruptly shuts down and the monitor presents a screen saying ‘Will restart in 5, 4, 3……’
Then the man whose computer fails says ‘Why does it always shut down’. Then he leaves the room.
Script
Robert (man 1) sits downs at computer and logs on
Robert (man 1) “Have you got everything I need”
Steve (Man 2) “Yes, I have it on me”
Robert (Man 1) “Then where is it?”
Steve (Man 2) “Check your inbox!”
Then Robert’s (Man 1) computer crashes.
Robert storms out of the room with Steve looking at him confused.
Then the man whose computer fails says ‘Why does it always shut down’. Then he leaves the room.
Script
Robert (man 1) sits downs at computer and logs on
Robert (man 1) “Have you got everything I need”
Steve (Man 2) “Yes, I have it on me”
Robert (Man 1) “Then where is it?”
Steve (Man 2) “Check your inbox!”
Then Robert’s (Man 1) computer crashes.
Robert storms out of the room with Steve looking at him confused.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Working Titles Production Company
Working Titles is a British film production company with its headquarters in London. They produce feature films and some television programmes. They work with other film and TV production companies such as Universal Pictures and BBC films.
The company was founded in 1984 by Sarah Radclyffe and Tim Bevan. It is currently owned by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The company received mainstream recognition after the popularity and success of the film "Four Weddings and a Funeral".
In 2004 they made a profit of £17.8 million. Since 2007, all of Working Titles films have been distributed by 'Universal Pictures', who have a 64% stake in Working Titles. The remaining shares of the business are owned by private investors and the company's founder, BBC Films. Also, the company runs a smaller low-budget film brand called WT2. WT2 is abbreviated for Working Title 2. To date, WT2 has produced a small number of films with British origin, which have included; 'Billy Elliot' in 2000 and 'Shaun of the Dead' in 2004.
More films that Working Title’s have created include; About a Boy, Captain Coreli's Mandolin, Hot Fuzz and Pride and Prejudice just to name a few.
The company was founded in 1984 by Sarah Radclyffe and Tim Bevan. It is currently owned by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The company received mainstream recognition after the popularity and success of the film "Four Weddings and a Funeral".
In 2004 they made a profit of £17.8 million. Since 2007, all of Working Titles films have been distributed by 'Universal Pictures', who have a 64% stake in Working Titles. The remaining shares of the business are owned by private investors and the company's founder, BBC Films. Also, the company runs a smaller low-budget film brand called WT2. WT2 is abbreviated for Working Title 2. To date, WT2 has produced a small number of films with British origin, which have included; 'Billy Elliot' in 2000 and 'Shaun of the Dead' in 2004.
More films that Working Title’s have created include; About a Boy, Captain Coreli's Mandolin, Hot Fuzz and Pride and Prejudice just to name a few.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Friday, 7 November 2008
Media Thriller Opeining Project - Props and Costumes
For our filming project, we had to think about the connotations of the props and costumes our characters will be using, and how they will come across to the audience. With our sub genre being crime thriller, we thought it would be fitting to have one dominant character (Man 2), and one not so dominant character (Man 1).
The setting where Man 1 will be located is an old run down house that used to be lived in by squatters, so the house is empty, has old floorboards and is in poor condition. We will add some furniture into the house to make it seem more of a home such as a desk and a chair, but the run down look we will want to maintain to link this to the character and lifestyle of Man 1. This meaning that the character is poor, personality is damaged and in relation to his past, which has been of hatred and misfortune. Also, we will include a pen, some paper and an envelope to the setting as Man 1 will be writing a letter during the opening. Man 1 will be wearing mostly red coloured clothes including a t-shirt and converse shoes, and he will also be wearing blue jeans.
The meaning of Man 1 wearing red is to indicate that he may be in danger from Man 2, who will be carrying a knife, or that he is involved in a scenario where death and blood may occur later on in the film. Man 1 in the opening will be writing a letter, this letter will be linked to a past experience and current situation between Man 2 and an unknown character to the audience at this point. The audience however, will only see Man 1 writing, what he is writing will not be shown to the audience.
Man 2 however, will be a more dominant and confident figure, and this will subsequently be reflected in the clothes and props he will be using. The clothes he will be wearing will be black boots, blue jeans, a smart jacket (possibly leather) and an accessory such as a watch or a necklace, which will look expensive to show he is of higher authority than Man 1. Also to show his dominance and power, Man 2 will be carrying a knife in his pocket. All this will indicate that Man 2 is highly ranked in a form of gang, his high rank being suggested by the bold black boots, expensive accessory and the weapon. With a weapon in his possession, his intentions may be to kill Man 1, or which is the case, Man 2 will be a messenger between Man 1 and from another unknown character to the audience, of higher rank than Man 2.
Neither man’s faces will be shown, so the audience will only be influenced by what each character is wearing and the setting they are in. Nothing will be given away by facial expressions or looks.
The setting where Man 1 will be located is an old run down house that used to be lived in by squatters, so the house is empty, has old floorboards and is in poor condition. We will add some furniture into the house to make it seem more of a home such as a desk and a chair, but the run down look we will want to maintain to link this to the character and lifestyle of Man 1. This meaning that the character is poor, personality is damaged and in relation to his past, which has been of hatred and misfortune. Also, we will include a pen, some paper and an envelope to the setting as Man 1 will be writing a letter during the opening. Man 1 will be wearing mostly red coloured clothes including a t-shirt and converse shoes, and he will also be wearing blue jeans.
The meaning of Man 1 wearing red is to indicate that he may be in danger from Man 2, who will be carrying a knife, or that he is involved in a scenario where death and blood may occur later on in the film. Man 1 in the opening will be writing a letter, this letter will be linked to a past experience and current situation between Man 2 and an unknown character to the audience at this point. The audience however, will only see Man 1 writing, what he is writing will not be shown to the audience.
Man 2 however, will be a more dominant and confident figure, and this will subsequently be reflected in the clothes and props he will be using. The clothes he will be wearing will be black boots, blue jeans, a smart jacket (possibly leather) and an accessory such as a watch or a necklace, which will look expensive to show he is of higher authority than Man 1. Also to show his dominance and power, Man 2 will be carrying a knife in his pocket. All this will indicate that Man 2 is highly ranked in a form of gang, his high rank being suggested by the bold black boots, expensive accessory and the weapon. With a weapon in his possession, his intentions may be to kill Man 1, or which is the case, Man 2 will be a messenger between Man 1 and from another unknown character to the audience, of higher rank than Man 2.
Neither man’s faces will be shown, so the audience will only be influenced by what each character is wearing and the setting they are in. Nothing will be given away by facial expressions or looks.
Soundtracks for the opening
*to be decided in the editing process
we have chosen the songs listed below to create tension and suspense. They all start off calmly and slowly build up in tempo and volume.
Biko by Bloc Party
Televators by The Mars Volta
Golden by Fall Out Boy
The King by Hard-Fi
Ghouls by We are Scientists
Girls & Boys by The Subways
ID by Kasabian
Running Battle by Kasabian
After we came up with these choices, we found out that the music soundtrack could not be copyrighted. This meant that we couldn't use any of the above. We thought about creating our own soundtrack using Ian's music skills, until we came across a website that provided with a very atsmospheric, non-copyrighted soundtrack using stringed instruments, that builds up for tension and holds notes for suspense in the desired way we had planned.
The soundtrack that we will use is called Subhonmr b2 34 string from www.freesound.org.
The soundtrack from the film 'The Chamber' inspired us to make this decision, as it expresses their soundtrack in the same way that we will express ours.
Another idea of a soundtrack we debated using was Grey Snow by Josh Woodword (from www.joshwoodward.com)
we have chosen the songs listed below to create tension and suspense. They all start off calmly and slowly build up in tempo and volume.
Biko by Bloc Party
Televators by The Mars Volta
Golden by Fall Out Boy
The King by Hard-Fi
Ghouls by We are Scientists
Girls & Boys by The Subways
ID by Kasabian
Running Battle by Kasabian
After we came up with these choices, we found out that the music soundtrack could not be copyrighted. This meant that we couldn't use any of the above. We thought about creating our own soundtrack using Ian's music skills, until we came across a website that provided with a very atsmospheric, non-copyrighted soundtrack using stringed instruments, that builds up for tension and holds notes for suspense in the desired way we had planned.
The soundtrack that we will use is called Subhonmr b2 34 string from www.freesound.org.
The soundtrack from the film 'The Chamber' inspired us to make this decision, as it expresses their soundtrack in the same way that we will express ours.
Another idea of a soundtrack we debated using was Grey Snow by Josh Woodword (from www.joshwoodward.com)
Treatment for thriller opening
We have decided to shoot the opening in the sub-genre crime/thriller, much like other thrillers of its kind. For example, like in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Leon etc. We aim to create a tense atmosphere which lends itself well to the genre. The way in which we will aim to immediately establish the equilibrium is through the setting. We will create the equilibrium by using music to build and tense atmosphere but without giving away the plot. The place we have haven chosen to shoot this opening is at Salhouse Train Station, mainly because of its deserted location, a convention used in many other thrillers.
Our film will begin with the first few shot of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location and enabling us to use a different camera shots such as long shots and worms eye view. Within these shot, running titles will be added discreetly so the viewer attention is not distracted from the opening shots. Throughout this opening, we plan to use a soundtrack, which fades in as the picture does which, by the low volume, sounds like it is being played out of shot or from a distance. Within these shots, a dark and derelict house is shown. This is the frame that we end the title sequence with. The camera then cuts to inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform. We plan to make the opening shots to set the scene last approximately 35 seconds long.
The character lives in the house alone. He is a recluse who lives in the run down house. He lives alone and is very socially isolated because he has recently stopped being involved in a gang in a scene of organised crime and corruption. Throughout the opening, we are going to have subtle clues as to his past (for example; a letter, the character stepping off the train and his intent) His house is next to the platform at the quiet station, its location is secluded, overgrown and the interior of the house is damp and dirty. There are bare wall on show and the floorboards creak as you step on them. The rooms are very bare with only essential such as his bed and a small television in his bedroom.
He is writing a letter and the camera focuses in onto an over the shoulder shot of the letter although the words are unclear on the page. When we cut to this shot, initially the music increases in volume; as if it is coming from inside the man’s room. From the over the shoulder shot, we cut to a frame of his hand turning off the radio- where the music is coming from. When the man clicks the radio off, it becomes silent. The sound of the click will be enhanced when we editing the film, which will provide a more noticeable contrast between the music and silence, making the atmosphere even more eerie than before. Another way we show the contrast between the inside of the house and the outside, as well as the soundtrack, is the lighting. Outside; we are only going to use natural light, which will contrast with the house, where there will be darker, more noir lighting.
From here, the camera then cuts to a view of the train tracks outside. The soundtrack remains silent until you begin to here the sound of the train along the tracks. This noise builds to a crescendo; however, we don’t see a train approaching because it is coming from the opposite direction. We chose to do this because by playing this trick on the audience, it adds to the build up the tension and mystery. This is the point at which the equilibrium is disrupted. It isn’t dramatic, but it is enough to change the atmosphere. The sound of the train approaching increases until it reaches the point at which the train is about to come it view. The camera remains still; focusing on the tracks, but at this point it cuts back into the house, focusing in on a blank wall, with a clock hanging on it. The camera remains on this point until the second hand then strikes the hour. We then cut back to a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him. The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he walks (like in the film ‘The Third Man’). The camera then stops, as does he from here, the camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket. The soundtrack remains silent. Also, when the camera focuses in, background is blurred- this is so the audience’s attention is drawn to the object.
After these shots in which the weapon is identified, this 2nd man continues to walk towards the house where the 1st man is located. The camera cuts back to the 2nd man walking towards the house, focusing on his feet using a low angle shot. From this point, in a series of 3 to 4 frames, the camera will keep cutting back and forth between the low angle shot and the 1st man in the house writing the letter, with the use of over the shoulder, high angle, medium and long shots of the man from behind, with the edition of a high angle close up shot of the 1st man’s hands and the letter as he writes.
Once the man reaches the house, the camera will then cut to a medium shot of the 2nd Man’s side, from his shoulder to his waist as he knocks on the door. We will then cut back to the high angle close up shot of the 1st Man as he stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door. The camera stays focused on this as ink begins to leak onto the page from the pen (like in the opening of ‘Don’t Look Now’ with the photo slide). The camera will then cut back outside for the final shot sequence which is an over the shoulder frame, in which the 2nd man is waiting at the door. As the man opens the door, we are going to see the reaction on the 1st mans face as he quickly goes to shut the door again, before the 2nd man pushes the knife forward, into his side. We then cut to the 2nd man grabbing the letter and in a close up shot we watch him set fire to it - suggesting to the audience the connotations and possible consequences of the letter, also making the audience wonder exactly what it could say.
Our film will begin with the first few shot of the station and the surrounding area to establish the location and enabling us to use a different camera shots such as long shots and worms eye view. Within these shot, running titles will be added discreetly so the viewer attention is not distracted from the opening shots. Throughout this opening, we plan to use a soundtrack, which fades in as the picture does which, by the low volume, sounds like it is being played out of shot or from a distance. Within these shots, a dark and derelict house is shown. This is the frame that we end the title sequence with. The camera then cuts to inside the house to a man sitting by a window which faces the platform. We plan to make the opening shots to set the scene last approximately 35 seconds long.
The character lives in the house alone. He is a recluse who lives in the run down house. He lives alone and is very socially isolated because he has recently stopped being involved in a gang in a scene of organised crime and corruption. Throughout the opening, we are going to have subtle clues as to his past (for example; a letter, the character stepping off the train and his intent) His house is next to the platform at the quiet station, its location is secluded, overgrown and the interior of the house is damp and dirty. There are bare wall on show and the floorboards creak as you step on them. The rooms are very bare with only essential such as his bed and a small television in his bedroom.
He is writing a letter and the camera focuses in onto an over the shoulder shot of the letter although the words are unclear on the page. When we cut to this shot, initially the music increases in volume; as if it is coming from inside the man’s room. From the over the shoulder shot, we cut to a frame of his hand turning off the radio- where the music is coming from. When the man clicks the radio off, it becomes silent. The sound of the click will be enhanced when we editing the film, which will provide a more noticeable contrast between the music and silence, making the atmosphere even more eerie than before. Another way we show the contrast between the inside of the house and the outside, as well as the soundtrack, is the lighting. Outside; we are only going to use natural light, which will contrast with the house, where there will be darker, more noir lighting.
From here, the camera then cuts to a view of the train tracks outside. The soundtrack remains silent until you begin to here the sound of the train along the tracks. This noise builds to a crescendo; however, we don’t see a train approaching because it is coming from the opposite direction. We chose to do this because by playing this trick on the audience, it adds to the build up the tension and mystery. This is the point at which the equilibrium is disrupted. It isn’t dramatic, but it is enough to change the atmosphere. The sound of the train approaching increases until it reaches the point at which the train is about to come it view. The camera remains still; focusing on the tracks, but at this point it cuts back into the house, focusing in on a blank wall, with a clock hanging on it. The camera remains on this point until the second hand then strikes the hour. We then cut back to a shot of the concrete floor of the platform. Onto this arrives the 2nd man in our opening. He is wearing distinctive boots, which is the first thing we see of him. The camera then cuts to a side-on shot looking across at the platform following his footsteps as he walks (like in the film ‘The Third Man’). The camera then stops, as does he from here, the camera then goes to a close up shot of his side where he reveals a weapon concealed under his jacket. The soundtrack remains silent. Also, when the camera focuses in, background is blurred- this is so the audience’s attention is drawn to the object.
After these shots in which the weapon is identified, this 2nd man continues to walk towards the house where the 1st man is located. The camera cuts back to the 2nd man walking towards the house, focusing on his feet using a low angle shot. From this point, in a series of 3 to 4 frames, the camera will keep cutting back and forth between the low angle shot and the 1st man in the house writing the letter, with the use of over the shoulder, high angle, medium and long shots of the man from behind, with the edition of a high angle close up shot of the 1st man’s hands and the letter as he writes.
Once the man reaches the house, the camera will then cut to a medium shot of the 2nd Man’s side, from his shoulder to his waist as he knocks on the door. We will then cut back to the high angle close up shot of the 1st Man as he stops writing and puts his pen down to get up and answer the door. The camera stays focused on this as ink begins to leak onto the page from the pen (like in the opening of ‘Don’t Look Now’ with the photo slide). The camera will then cut back outside for the final shot sequence which is an over the shoulder frame, in which the 2nd man is waiting at the door. As the man opens the door, we are going to see the reaction on the 1st mans face as he quickly goes to shut the door again, before the 2nd man pushes the knife forward, into his side. We then cut to the 2nd man grabbing the letter and in a close up shot we watch him set fire to it - suggesting to the audience the connotations and possible consequences of the letter, also making the audience wonder exactly what it could say.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Video Production
180 degree rule
The 180 degree rule is used in the production of most films. This could be used when people are having a conversation. When using this technique, there is an imaginary line that the camera doesn't cross when filming. The only time when you come out of the 180 degree rule is when you can see the camera changes sides.
Match on Action
Match on Action is also used in the production of films. This is another piece of editing that gives a scence that the character or characters are moving in the same direction by using two cameras to film from different perspectives.By using Match on Action, the films doesn't look like to two pieces of film cut together.
Shot/Reverse shot
Shot/reverse shot (or shot/countershot) is a film technique used when two characters are looking at each other in one scene. The first character is shown looking at another character. This person usually is seen looking off-screen.Once the first person has looked towards the camera, the other character is then shown looking back in the direction of the first character. As the characters are shown to be facing in opposite directions to each other, the viewer assumes that the actors are looking at each other.
The 180 degree rule is used in the production of most films. This could be used when people are having a conversation. When using this technique, there is an imaginary line that the camera doesn't cross when filming. The only time when you come out of the 180 degree rule is when you can see the camera changes sides.
Match on Action
Match on Action is also used in the production of films. This is another piece of editing that gives a scence that the character or characters are moving in the same direction by using two cameras to film from different perspectives.By using Match on Action, the films doesn't look like to two pieces of film cut together.
Shot/Reverse shot
Shot/reverse shot (or shot/countershot) is a film technique used when two characters are looking at each other in one scene. The first character is shown looking at another character. This person usually is seen looking off-screen.Once the first person has looked towards the camera, the other character is then shown looking back in the direction of the first character. As the characters are shown to be facing in opposite directions to each other, the viewer assumes that the actors are looking at each other.
Monday, 20 October 2008
My Advert for mens perfume
My advert is for men’s perfume. My Brand, Energize, is appealing to the male audience of between 16-25 years old. The fragrance is based around the sporty side of men.
My advert shows a man running though a city. He is followed by the slogan 'You Can't Be Stopped'. The slogan means that this product is irresistible and you can't be stopped from buying this product. Also, with the man running, it shows by using this fragrance, he is athletic and healthy.
My background is of a shop front from a city. I have blurred the image so it doesn't take away from my product. This also creates a sense of speed and atheism.
My Bottle is simple but effective. The red writing on the black background make it stand out from other perfumes. I have placed the bottle in bottom right hand corner because that is the last place were the readers eyes will look. This will help to remind them of the product when they are shopping.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Research Task 3: Content analysis of film distribution in Norwich
Research Task 3: Content analysis of film distribution in Norwich
In my research, I have looked at 3 different cinemas in Norwich. They are the Odeon, Vue and Cinema City. I have taken the listing from the weekend of the 11th and 12 of October 2008. I have collected the listing from the website www.timeout.com.
In total there were 73 films on offer in Norwich. At the Odeon cinema, there was the most amount of films on offer. On Saturday, there were 16 different films shown, while on Sunday there was 20. At Vue, there were 14 films shown on Saturday and the same again Sunday. Finally, at Cinema City, there were 4 films on Saturday and 5 films on Sunday.
There was only one film that was offered at all three cinemas. This was How to Lose Friends & Alienate People. There were 10 different films that were both shown at the Odeon and Vue on the Saturday or Sunday. This shows that there are so many American films that cinemas can pick and choose the ones they think we bring the most in.
From the three cinemas in Norwich, there were 73 films on show and they were played 210 times. This is a ratio of nearly 3 viewings per film. The Odeon had the most of films shown. They had 56 viewings on Saturday, while they had 3 more views on Sunday. Cinema City had one more viewing on Sunday (5) than Saturday (4). Vue was the only cinema that had more film viewings on Saturday than Sunday. On the 11th, they had 46 viewings and 40 on the 12th. This was mainly because of the late night films on offer that none of the other cinemas have.
At the Vue cinema, out of the 14 films available, the percentage of American films was 69% (9 films). There were only two British films on offer, two films with both American and British connections and one French film. It was a similar outcome at the Odeon. The percentage of American films was 62.5% (10 films) and a staggering 70% on Sunday. British produced films had 4 shown on Saturday (25%) and only 3 on Sunday (15%). The influx of American films at multiplex cinema like Vue and the Odeon is because of many problems. Firstly, multiplex cinemas are often owned by American companies who wanted to promote American directors and actors/actresses. Vue Entertainment is owned by Legal & General Ventures, and Boston Ventures and Clarity Partners, the American private equity firms. Since the turn of the century, the Odeon cinemas has undergone a series of sales, firstly to Cinven in 2000, which merged Odeon with Cinven's ABC chain and then to a group of private investors in 2003. In 2004, the chain was purchased by Terra Firma and merged with United Cinemas International to produce the largest cinema chain in Europe. Also, America produces many more films than Europeans because of the amount of money and funding available to producers in Hollywood. The amount of money in Hollywood helps to promote them to wider audiences unlike some British films who have very small budgets compared to some block-buster films.
Trying to buck the trend of American films taking over cinemas is Cinema City. Over of the weekend of the 11th and 12th of October, they had three British films and one French film on offer on the Saturday and three British, one French and one Italian film on the Sunday. The attitude of cinemas like Cinema City is helping to produce more and better directors and actors/actresses because more people may be tempted to watch a British film than watching the norm (American films).
Out of the 73 films on offer around Norwich, only two films had English as there second language. This was Gomorrah (an Italian film) and I've Loved You So Long (a French film). Both of these films were shown at Cinema City. This shows that countries that have English as their first language produce the most well known and watched films in the UK.
Overall, I can see that the British film industry is struggling to cope with the amount of money used by Hollywood producers. Without the money to advertise and bring in ‘A list’ actors/actresses, British films are playing second fiddle to American movies.
In my research, I have looked at 3 different cinemas in Norwich. They are the Odeon, Vue and Cinema City. I have taken the listing from the weekend of the 11th and 12 of October 2008. I have collected the listing from the website www.timeout.com.
In total there were 73 films on offer in Norwich. At the Odeon cinema, there was the most amount of films on offer. On Saturday, there were 16 different films shown, while on Sunday there was 20. At Vue, there were 14 films shown on Saturday and the same again Sunday. Finally, at Cinema City, there were 4 films on Saturday and 5 films on Sunday.
There was only one film that was offered at all three cinemas. This was How to Lose Friends & Alienate People. There were 10 different films that were both shown at the Odeon and Vue on the Saturday or Sunday. This shows that there are so many American films that cinemas can pick and choose the ones they think we bring the most in.
From the three cinemas in Norwich, there were 73 films on show and they were played 210 times. This is a ratio of nearly 3 viewings per film. The Odeon had the most of films shown. They had 56 viewings on Saturday, while they had 3 more views on Sunday. Cinema City had one more viewing on Sunday (5) than Saturday (4). Vue was the only cinema that had more film viewings on Saturday than Sunday. On the 11th, they had 46 viewings and 40 on the 12th. This was mainly because of the late night films on offer that none of the other cinemas have.
At the Vue cinema, out of the 14 films available, the percentage of American films was 69% (9 films). There were only two British films on offer, two films with both American and British connections and one French film. It was a similar outcome at the Odeon. The percentage of American films was 62.5% (10 films) and a staggering 70% on Sunday. British produced films had 4 shown on Saturday (25%) and only 3 on Sunday (15%). The influx of American films at multiplex cinema like Vue and the Odeon is because of many problems. Firstly, multiplex cinemas are often owned by American companies who wanted to promote American directors and actors/actresses. Vue Entertainment is owned by Legal & General Ventures, and Boston Ventures and Clarity Partners, the American private equity firms. Since the turn of the century, the Odeon cinemas has undergone a series of sales, firstly to Cinven in 2000, which merged Odeon with Cinven's ABC chain and then to a group of private investors in 2003. In 2004, the chain was purchased by Terra Firma and merged with United Cinemas International to produce the largest cinema chain in Europe. Also, America produces many more films than Europeans because of the amount of money and funding available to producers in Hollywood. The amount of money in Hollywood helps to promote them to wider audiences unlike some British films who have very small budgets compared to some block-buster films.
Trying to buck the trend of American films taking over cinemas is Cinema City. Over of the weekend of the 11th and 12th of October, they had three British films and one French film on offer on the Saturday and three British, one French and one Italian film on the Sunday. The attitude of cinemas like Cinema City is helping to produce more and better directors and actors/actresses because more people may be tempted to watch a British film than watching the norm (American films).
Out of the 73 films on offer around Norwich, only two films had English as there second language. This was Gomorrah (an Italian film) and I've Loved You So Long (a French film). Both of these films were shown at Cinema City. This shows that countries that have English as their first language produce the most well known and watched films in the UK.
Overall, I can see that the British film industry is struggling to cope with the amount of money used by Hollywood producers. Without the money to advertise and bring in ‘A list’ actors/actresses, British films are playing second fiddle to American movies.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Opening to The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) Directed by Paul Greengrass
The Bourne Ultimatum
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Certificate: 12
UK cinema release date: August 2007
Shot 1
Jason Bourne starts this film by hobbling at night time with street lamps lighting the streets. The light makes the action more dramatic. He is in Moscow and the ground has snow on it. The music is fast and builds up tension. There are different shots of him hobbling towards the train station. They only last for a few seconds for each shot. This keeps up the suspense of where his is going. While he is trying to get the station, police sirens become more prominent. When he gets onto the train, there is lots of noise from police running. This also creates tension. There no lighting in the train or when he exits it onto the tracks. The makes you think about were he is. The he jumps out of the train and disappears into the night.
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Certificate: 12
UK cinema release date: August 2007
Shot 1
Jason Bourne starts this film by hobbling at night time with street lamps lighting the streets. The light makes the action more dramatic. He is in Moscow and the ground has snow on it. The music is fast and builds up tension. There are different shots of him hobbling towards the train station. They only last for a few seconds for each shot. This keeps up the suspense of where his is going. While he is trying to get the station, police sirens become more prominent. When he gets onto the train, there is lots of noise from police running. This also creates tension. There no lighting in the train or when he exits it onto the tracks. The makes you think about were he is. The he jumps out of the train and disappears into the night.
Opening to I Am Legend (2007) Directed by Francis Lawrence
I Am Legend
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Certificate: 15
UK cinema release date: December 2007
Shot 1
The scene starts with sports commentary over the Warner bros and other titles. Female TV presenter interviews Dr Alice Crippen. The camera is a medium shot. The TV studio is well lighted with the present and doctor dressed in smart clothing. The TV presenter is American and Alice Crippen is English. She has the stereotypical English smart voice.
Shot 2
The scene starts with a caption saying 3 years later. The shot is from a helicopter or birds eye view. The city is derelict and is overrun by animals. The scene is sunny and warm. This make out that now humans have left, the world is a better place. However, you start to notice that everything is not as it seems. The sound you hear is of wildlife. After the helicopter shot, there are lots of shots of streets and buildings that are derelict. There is plant life growing and the streets are clean.
Shot 3
This scene starts with a helicopter shot following a straight street. Then a car speeds down that road with the roar of the engine overpowering the quiet surroundings. The car is bright red with white strips to shows it powerfulness and the danger of cars to the environment. This seems to be the only human life around. Then Will Smith is shown in the car with his gun and dog in the car. He is dressed in from casual clothes that make him seem like a normal person. Then you see the sniper rifle.
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Certificate: 15
UK cinema release date: December 2007
Shot 1
The scene starts with sports commentary over the Warner bros and other titles. Female TV presenter interviews Dr Alice Crippen. The camera is a medium shot. The TV studio is well lighted with the present and doctor dressed in smart clothing. The TV presenter is American and Alice Crippen is English. She has the stereotypical English smart voice.
Shot 2
The scene starts with a caption saying 3 years later. The shot is from a helicopter or birds eye view. The city is derelict and is overrun by animals. The scene is sunny and warm. This make out that now humans have left, the world is a better place. However, you start to notice that everything is not as it seems. The sound you hear is of wildlife. After the helicopter shot, there are lots of shots of streets and buildings that are derelict. There is plant life growing and the streets are clean.
Shot 3
This scene starts with a helicopter shot following a straight street. Then a car speeds down that road with the roar of the engine overpowering the quiet surroundings. The car is bright red with white strips to shows it powerfulness and the danger of cars to the environment. This seems to be the only human life around. Then Will Smith is shown in the car with his gun and dog in the car. He is dressed in from casual clothes that make him seem like a normal person. Then you see the sniper rifle.
Opening to 300 (2007) Directed by Zack Snyder
3 Openings to a film
300
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Certificate: 15
UK cinema release date: March 2007
Shot 1
In scene 1 of the film, the name 300 comes onto the screen in blood with a back background. The background behind the writing is a black sky. The 300 writing can only be seen when lighting flash from the sky. The camera moves in to the writing as the sequence progresses.
Shot 2
Shot 2 cuts to a close up shot of a naked baby being held by an old man. The baby is lit by top lighting. Then, a voice over starts to talk over the pictures. He is talking about the baby. The shot then cuts to the old mans face with an extreme close up. The baby and man are at the top of a rock. They look down at a pile of human skulls. The skulls are at the bottom of the rock like it is hell. Also, the lighting is dim to make the skulls look worse.
Shot 3
In shot 3, the voice over talks about the how the boy has grown up from a baby. At this point in the film, he is 7 years old. The boy enters the shot from the bottom, facing the camera. He then goes forward to ‘attack the camera’. At this point, the shot switches to one of him fighting with knife with his teachers. The music is calm and slow, with a women singing. The music then stops with a drum roll as the boy rolls on the ground to grab his weapon.
Shot 4
This shot shows the boy looking at the teachers shield. The sun is shining on the shield and this makes it look like god shining on war and fighting. The music is slow and is played by an orchestra.
300
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Certificate: 15
UK cinema release date: March 2007
Shot 1
In scene 1 of the film, the name 300 comes onto the screen in blood with a back background. The background behind the writing is a black sky. The 300 writing can only be seen when lighting flash from the sky. The camera moves in to the writing as the sequence progresses.
Shot 2
Shot 2 cuts to a close up shot of a naked baby being held by an old man. The baby is lit by top lighting. Then, a voice over starts to talk over the pictures. He is talking about the baby. The shot then cuts to the old mans face with an extreme close up. The baby and man are at the top of a rock. They look down at a pile of human skulls. The skulls are at the bottom of the rock like it is hell. Also, the lighting is dim to make the skulls look worse.
Shot 3
In shot 3, the voice over talks about the how the boy has grown up from a baby. At this point in the film, he is 7 years old. The boy enters the shot from the bottom, facing the camera. He then goes forward to ‘attack the camera’. At this point, the shot switches to one of him fighting with knife with his teachers. The music is calm and slow, with a women singing. The music then stops with a drum roll as the boy rolls on the ground to grab his weapon.
Shot 4
This shot shows the boy looking at the teachers shield. The sun is shining on the shield and this makes it look like god shining on war and fighting. The music is slow and is played by an orchestra.
Monday, 6 October 2008
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