25.4.12
When filming
When looking back at my film I was talking to my teacher about TV drama and films and how I noticed when watching scenes they always use lots of clips from different angles so when I was filming scenes for mine and Ellens film I picked up that the actors had to make sure they knew to stay in the same place so it looked natural and you couldn't tell any errors or mistakes.
24.4.12
Evaluation
http://www.slideshare.net/nicolefairman123/media-evaluation-as-nicole-fairman-12664796
A link to my Media AS Evaluation ^
A link to my Media AS Evaluation ^
26.3.12
5.3.12
Research for titles
Research and planning into film titles are more serious and important than people think as the title is meant to portay what the film is about. As our film has a pyschological way to it as Lucy starts to break down and isn't in her right frame of mind to go off to the army but we also have the army genre part of it with war so this is some research of what goes into those genres.
Looking up other words for physcological states of mind were:
http://listverse.com/2008/06/23/top-15-psychological-thrillers/
I have noticed the film titles varie to what the film is about. Some are very direct and simple such as 'Amercian Pysco' which says what it does in the title but some have mysteries and answers to them such as 'Se7en' or 'Straw Dogs' titles like those show how you need to watch the film for it to make sense or it's a hidden message or metaphor for something. The same is for war films even though most of them are reality just re-filmed or based on something but their titles can be reality such as 'Pearl Harbour' or another tpye of Kellys Heroes.
Looking up other words for physcological states of mind were:
- Mind
- Soul
- Spirit
- Psychiatry
- Psychoanalyze
http://listverse.com/2008/06/23/top-15-psychological-thrillers/
I have noticed the film titles varie to what the film is about. Some are very direct and simple such as 'Amercian Pysco' which says what it does in the title but some have mysteries and answers to them such as 'Se7en' or 'Straw Dogs' titles like those show how you need to watch the film for it to make sense or it's a hidden message or metaphor for something. The same is for war films even though most of them are reality just re-filmed or based on something but their titles can be reality such as 'Pearl Harbour' or another tpye of Kellys Heroes.
BBC news
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special_reports/uk_troops_in_afghanistan/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16135614
The link above is the BBC news showing deaths and details about young troops out in Afghanistan. A video is also added to show how British troops still face daily threats on the ground in Afghanistan. It goes on to talk about IED's and how they are having to face them daily as they are a new common bomb type.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16135614
The link above is the BBC news showing deaths and details about young troops out in Afghanistan. A video is also added to show how British troops still face daily threats on the ground in Afghanistan. It goes on to talk about IED's and how they are having to face them daily as they are a new common bomb type.
29.2.12
Costumes
Emily sawtell: as Emily is a common teenager we decided general basic teenage clothes such as coloured jeans, a scarf and a zip up hoodie. Using the brighter colours represent how her personality was meant to be seen, a happy bubbly girl. Little things were also added like the iPod at the woods scene as iPods are used by mostly every generation. Another little part added was the mascara as it still gave her a feminin identity.
Daisy McQuaid: daisy was very basic as she was a mother so using a simple cardi with a scarf, long basic straight hair and the skirt with tights. It was still modern for a mother but still was kept her to age.
Tim Roberts: A general modern boys type of clothing. The leather jacket with the printed jumper with the army stencil fonts on it which I think connects to the film nicely. We chose browns and blacks as they are boy colours but to also represent the personality and His death.
Daisy McQuaid: daisy was very basic as she was a mother so using a simple cardi with a scarf, long basic straight hair and the skirt with tights. It was still modern for a mother but still was kept her to age.
Tim Roberts: A general modern boys type of clothing. The leather jacket with the printed jumper with the army stencil fonts on it which I think connects to the film nicely. We chose browns and blacks as they are boy colours but to also represent the personality and His death.
26.2.12
Feedback 2
As our old plot used the stereotypical 'stalker in the woods' we thought to change it but still keep it in so we have and our plot and it makes sense is to make it seem that Lucy was dreaming/imagining it as she isn't in the right frame of mind after what happened to her brother. We have this scene filmed anyway as she goes to turn around to look for the stalker but the stalker is not there. A new plot could be linked in now to how she is feeling and that she isn't thinking straight...
Representation of gender
I think mine and Ellen's film is a great way to look at the representation of gender and how men seem to still have authority and power. Firstly we show the feminist theory when one of our characters claims that Lucy can't go into the army as she is a woman. This sentence is a key point in our film to show the division between female and male as going into the army is seen as male based and not female. Close up shots of lucy (Emily) we use a lot to show her emotion and feeling of how she feels against this as women are seen to be more emotional and show feelings more than men. A scene is also used with Lucy and her mother which is a stereotypical way of women as she is in the kitchen cleaning/washing up. This was and used to be the role of women as they were housewives and men were the workers who would bring in the money.
21.2.12
Teachers feedback
We got some feedback of our film so far and what could be changed or improved. A comment made was at the end of the film instead of her being in a room crying that we actually film her in the room having to carry on everyday an what she does. We needed some more action as our film gives off the impression something upbeat is about to happen so maybe a fight or dispute between the attacker is needed to be bring up the tension. Also music, some upbeat drums to add tension which we can find on the music of iMovie or we coulda make on garage band.
Dividing up our work
Me and Ellen did a joint film so both of us had different inputs and ideas so this is what I cr
Up with and what Ellen came up with. Starting in order of the film I came up with the idea of doing a picture montage of our protagonist Tim with a voice over as that could tell you the context of the story without it seeming like it was dragging on. Me and Ellen gathered photos of Tim and Emily singular and together which we thought were appropriate for the scene. After the picture montage scene I came up with idea of doing a 5-7 second transition of it saying 'Matthew Moltell' and the date he was born and died to add the to effect of what happened and the emotion. This is followed with a church scene what I wanted as a back base to the pictures so it had something to link with. I filmed a bit of the world war 1&2 stand in the church to show the dedication and the respect made years ago and how it was important. I started with a low angle on Emily walking in so it could show her feet as she walks in. I used a mid angle on the church and zoomed in on the ww1&2 stand so people could read it and undertanad why it was used. The next scene is in Marlwood local library which Ellen came up with. The script was made up by both of us but she filmed this section. The next scene is between the mother and daughter (daisy McQuaid and Emily Sawtell) Ellen came up with the idea of using a family member as she did want to use a grandad but to do that/find a old person was quite difficult so I said about using a mum as that would be easier. I thought about using the 30/80 degree rule so it showed a normal conversation and Then i thought about doing a mid long shot outside with the window open so we could see both of them. The following scene is at the woods which Ellen filmed. We both had different inputs of it but Ellen filmed it. The scene at the end Ellen suddenly decided that the wood scene cut off to easily without an explanation which made it seem more confusing for our audience, Ellen decided about doing a very quick/short scene at the end to show Emily crying and that she was still alive so it seemed there was a sequel actually to the end of it and it's quite like a cliffhanger.
Up with and what Ellen came up with. Starting in order of the film I came up with the idea of doing a picture montage of our protagonist Tim with a voice over as that could tell you the context of the story without it seeming like it was dragging on. Me and Ellen gathered photos of Tim and Emily singular and together which we thought were appropriate for the scene. After the picture montage scene I came up with idea of doing a 5-7 second transition of it saying 'Matthew Moltell' and the date he was born and died to add the to effect of what happened and the emotion. This is followed with a church scene what I wanted as a back base to the pictures so it had something to link with. I filmed a bit of the world war 1&2 stand in the church to show the dedication and the respect made years ago and how it was important. I started with a low angle on Emily walking in so it could show her feet as she walks in. I used a mid angle on the church and zoomed in on the ww1&2 stand so people could read it and undertanad why it was used. The next scene is in Marlwood local library which Ellen came up with. The script was made up by both of us but she filmed this section. The next scene is between the mother and daughter (daisy McQuaid and Emily Sawtell) Ellen came up with the idea of using a family member as she did want to use a grandad but to do that/find a old person was quite difficult so I said about using a mum as that would be easier. I thought about using the 30/80 degree rule so it showed a normal conversation and Then i thought about doing a mid long shot outside with the window open so we could see both of them. The following scene is at the woods which Ellen filmed. We both had different inputs of it but Ellen filmed it. The scene at the end Ellen suddenly decided that the wood scene cut off to easily without an explanation which made it seem more confusing for our audience, Ellen decided about doing a very quick/short scene at the end to show Emily crying and that she was still alive so it seemed there was a sequel actually to the end of it and it's quite like a cliffhanger.
Audience Feedback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhjTIJIAYGU&context=C432c3c4ADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9gpWf579qh-j2GAdTxHtJK8=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3wUYhy0tGo&context=C4958a7eADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9r9DP1dlsN-T3S4YBex2Ob8=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBaH7A7IycE&context=C47a23eeADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9uDDmwTtSawyES4jxBKX8QA=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxXcAUnTKU8&context=C4055ce5ADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9tXs9r4Lb6M6OrqpvMOtbZ0=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3wUYhy0tGo&context=C4958a7eADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9r9DP1dlsN-T3S4YBex2Ob8=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBaH7A7IycE&context=C47a23eeADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9uDDmwTtSawyES4jxBKX8QA=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxXcAUnTKU8&context=C4055ce5ADvjVQa1PpcFPUD5sIIjRZ9tXs9r4Lb6M6OrqpvMOtbZ0=
Storyboard
This is my current storyboard of mine and Ellen's film broken into 22 clips. Most clips vary in time length as we had to keep it as short and to the point as possible (10-20 seconds).
Our first shot starts with the title of our film leading onto the montage and then titles showing the characters who are in it and a 'Nicole and Ellen media production'. The shots then follow onto the church scene, the scene at school with the protagonist and her friend. An ellipsis is used as the following scene is at our home talking to her mother. She then takes off for a walk and starts imagining she can then see her brother.
18.2.12
BBFC
The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912 and videos/ DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984. The BBFC is a not for profit organisation, and its fees are adjusted only as required to cover its costs. They have to look at everything associated to media and give a age restriction on it, by doing this it allows the right age and audience to watch something suitable for their viewing. They do this by looking at:
- Language
- Discrimination
- Sex
- Drug use
- Horror
- Imitable behaviour
- Nudity
- Violence
- Sexual Violence
- Universal
- PG
- 12
- 12A
- 15
- 18
- R18
13.2.12
Third script..
The third script is the third scene with Lucy and her mother. Lucy walks into the kitchen and has a conversation with her mother why she hasn't had a good past couple days at school as she has had no support from friends. She goes to confine in her mother but when Lucy explains to her mum what she wants to do Lucy's mum is angry and hurt 'what Lucy?! Why would you want to do that, I've already lost one child and I'm NOT losing another!!!' they both start shouting at eachother and I think is one of my favourite scenes as it really captures their emotion. It resembles family life very much I think which was an aim to do as it was meant to show and represent real life.
Script 2
The second script is between the protagonist and her friend months after the tragedy happened. The friend is discussing and asking why Lucy hasn't answered her calls and if she wants to speak about it. Lucy goes on to tell her fiend how she is feeling and how she feels the only way she can connect with her brother is if she goes to war like he did. Her friend is shocked and doesnt give any support. Lucy is hurt and upset and walks off upset. I think this scene is important as it starts to show the audience how Lucy is all alone and she has no-one to care about her feelings. This then leads onto the next scene with her mother...
Script 1
Our first script in mine and Ellen's film is our protagonist Lucy speaking about her
Brother.
'have you ever had somebody you trusted and depended on so much that you feel lost without them? I did, my twin brother Matthew. He was a kind, generous person who you could always count on and he was my best friend. Matthew went
Off to the army after his GCSEs and within a year he was out in Afghanistan. whilst he was out there Matthew stood on a IED, which is the most common, newest explosive bomb type in Afghanistan and he died. All of my feelings have been
Crushed and I lost my best friend that day'. The script uses the context to tell the
Story of the past and I think works well against the pictures as it has emotion in it which moves the audience. It is quite a different start to a film but I like as it has passion. When our protagonist spoke the scprit she paused after each sentence or comma to add effect and dramatise what she was saying so it was more emotive and clear to the audience.
Brother.
'have you ever had somebody you trusted and depended on so much that you feel lost without them? I did, my twin brother Matthew. He was a kind, generous person who you could always count on and he was my best friend. Matthew went
Off to the army after his GCSEs and within a year he was out in Afghanistan. whilst he was out there Matthew stood on a IED, which is the most common, newest explosive bomb type in Afghanistan and he died. All of my feelings have been
Crushed and I lost my best friend that day'. The script uses the context to tell the
Story of the past and I think works well against the pictures as it has emotion in it which moves the audience. It is quite a different start to a film but I like as it has passion. When our protagonist spoke the scprit she paused after each sentence or comma to add effect and dramatise what she was saying so it was more emotive and clear to the audience.
6.2.12
Filming terms
- C.G.I - Are computer generated images
- Cinematography - Is moving imagery which are used in films as photographs
- Dissolve - This means when two shorts merge together then disappear into each other
- Stereotype - Is something we all do and it is making a judgement of a particular subject or somebody
- Archetype - Is the strongest example if a stereotype and this is a pattern of behaviour
- Crane shot - This a shot from above so you can see everything which is being filmed or to make somebody look small
- Trombone shot - This combines zoom and track shots
- Asynchronous sound - The discrepancy between shots
- Ambient lighting - The basic light which is available when filming
- Mise en scene - The props/objects which are on set
- Non-Diegetic sound - Musical sound effects that do not fit to what is on the screen
- Semiotics - This is the study of signs and symbols
- Pull out - When eerything is pulled out of the frame
- Pulling focus - Blurring a subject then putting it into focus
- Residual meaning - What's left after other parts are taken away
- SFX - Special effects used to create a certain feel for the type of film
- Symbolism - Something that is used to create a particular meaning
- Convention - An informal rule
- Open frame - The frame is cleared for action
- POV - Somebodies point of view
- Connotation - Something which symbolises a meaning for example: Red = Love, Danger, Hot
- Foley - The sound effects made in a studio if they can-not be produced in real life
- Action code - When to signify a action
- Fast editing - A quick cutting technique
- Kinetic camerawork - A gand held camera using a lot of energy
- Convergence - is the tendency for different technological systems to evolve towards performing similar tasks. Convergence can refer to previously separate technologies such as voice, data and video
5.2.12
Characters
Lucy Mortell - Emily Sawtell
Mathew Mortell - Tim Roberts
Lucy and Mathews mum - Daisy McQuaid
Stalker - Ellen Wilson
These characters were used for certain reasons. Emily our main protagonist had a really clear voice which I liked because we knew when she did the voice over she would be clear and professional. Her and Tim her 'twin brother' both had blonde hair with green/brown eyes so they had a good match to be seen as family. Daisy the mother was tall with a professional manner to, she had mother like qualities such as her hair and the way she dressed. She also had a clear voice so when she shouted at Lucy she sounded very much like a mother. Chloe was a good person to use as she was friends with Emily so they could act as natural as they could together as they are friends in real life, Chloe was opposite to Emily which I liked as she looked a friend as she was different to Emily.
Voice Over and Montage
For the start of the film I thought about doing a 20-30 second montage of pictures of Lucy and Mathew or just Mathew with a voice over telling the story in a nutshell by Lucy. Instead of trying to film Mathew in Afghanistn being blown up or their lives I thought that it could be just context with Lucy explaining the story.
I think a voice over with pictures can make it seem more realistic and emotional as it is just one voice with images and it makes that persons voice seem more important and dramatic as that is the only thing you hear but it also draws you in/emphasis it more.
Here are some of the images I chose and why:
I think a voice over with pictures can make it seem more realistic and emotional as it is just one voice with images and it makes that persons voice seem more important and dramatic as that is the only thing you hear but it also draws you in/emphasis it more.
Here are some of the images I chose and why:
This image I think shows how they are non-identical twins as they are both at school on their last day sharing their memories together. Their facial expressions make it seem humorous.
This is a picture of him looking smart and smiley which I think would be used for something like a montage to represent somebody as it's formal and classic.
Plot Change
Linking to feminist theory, mine and Ellens plot has changed. Our plot line still has the genre of war type but we have changed our main character to a woman as it would be something different because men are always seen to be the protagonist so changing it to a woman would make it seem more a bit unique and different.
The Plot-
Lucy and Mathew are eighteen year old non-identical twins who are inseperable. Lucy is still a student at sixth form-college and Mathew as soon as he finished school applied for the army and within the first year he was transported to Afgahistan. Whilst he was out there Mathew stepped on a IED (Improved Explosive Device) which is the most common and newest bomb type in Afghanistan at the moment which obviously caused his death. Lucy and her family are distraught over the loss of their son/brother and Lucy hits depression. Lucy wants to try get back in touch with her brother but the only way she feels she can do this is by joining the army like Mathew and to follow his footsteps/memories. Lucy tells her mother and friends her plan but it doesn't go down well with them at all. Lucy feels hurt and alone so decides to run off to the woods for some alone time but realises as she is walking with her headphones that she is not alone...
The Plot-
Lucy and Mathew are eighteen year old non-identical twins who are inseperable. Lucy is still a student at sixth form-college and Mathew as soon as he finished school applied for the army and within the first year he was transported to Afgahistan. Whilst he was out there Mathew stepped on a IED (Improved Explosive Device) which is the most common and newest bomb type in Afghanistan at the moment which obviously caused his death. Lucy and her family are distraught over the loss of their son/brother and Lucy hits depression. Lucy wants to try get back in touch with her brother but the only way she feels she can do this is by joining the army like Mathew and to follow his footsteps/memories. Lucy tells her mother and friends her plan but it doesn't go down well with them at all. Lucy feels hurt and alone so decides to run off to the woods for some alone time but realises as she is walking with her headphones that she is not alone...
17.1.12
Audience
Our audience is aimed at teenagers both male and female but also adults as it does have an interesting content and isn't a teenager based film as it involves family and emotion. This could also link with other families who are sufferening or going through the same as what our film is about.
Locations
When looking at locations me and Ellen had quite similiar ideas. For our first scene between Lucy and her friend I decided to use the local school library at Marlwood school as that showed sixth form, realistic life. I think it worked well as it was quite big so we could use different places or angles to film the best shot. We also had reality in the background of normal people doing their day to day projects and because it was a library it was quiet enough to hear our actors but loud enough to hear people in the background.
Second location was at my house between Lucy and her mother in my kitchen. Ellen chose the kitchen as it seemed more homey as the mum could be cleaning/washing up and we could get a good shot of Lucy walking down the stairs into the kitchen. I also then came up with the idea that we could film Lucy and her mum frontwards whilst still doing their jobs and seeing the background as the kitchen has a big window looking out to the garden so I could stand out at the garden, open the window and film in which I really liked as it was quite a different shot.
Third location was in Alveston bridle path, we used it about half 10am on a Friday morning so we had the sun at a nice point coming through the trees/bushes. There are lots of places such as walkways/fields you can film in around the main wood part to get different shots. The problem we had that day was it was a bit muddy so doing running scenes were difficult but found a way by doing different angles to cover up that up.
Second location was at my house between Lucy and her mother in my kitchen. Ellen chose the kitchen as it seemed more homey as the mum could be cleaning/washing up and we could get a good shot of Lucy walking down the stairs into the kitchen. I also then came up with the idea that we could film Lucy and her mum frontwards whilst still doing their jobs and seeing the background as the kitchen has a big window looking out to the garden so I could stand out at the garden, open the window and film in which I really liked as it was quite a different shot.
Third location was in Alveston bridle path, we used it about half 10am on a Friday morning so we had the sun at a nice point coming through the trees/bushes. There are lots of places such as walkways/fields you can film in around the main wood part to get different shots. The problem we had that day was it was a bit muddy so doing running scenes were difficult but found a way by doing different angles to cover up that up.
Dear John
Dear John is a 2010 American romantic drama-war film which comes under the genre of mine and Ellens film. This is one of my favourite films and it links as inspiration as he is off to Afghan something he has always wanted to be a soldier but he has a partner/family to think about as he will have to leave her. This has a link with our film as Lucy wants to go off to the army but her family aren't happy with it and has to think whats the best idea...
13.1.12
The Guardian
We listened to a podcast about women in the media in one of our lessons recently and the representation of them. I found out 78% of articles are mostly written by men and on Radio 1 in the morning 84% talk about men and what's happening at the moment with them. Women are still represented like they were back in the 1920's and onwards being a 'house wife' or being in childcare. But you could see this being that men are so dominant and the main figure out of the two that this is why women don't push themselves to do as much as men do. As they're aren't many women main figures in the public eye so nobody has anybody to inspire to be like. 5000 women dropped out of work in the past two years. More work experience needs to be done for women such as sport journalists as it's less than 10% and 5% coverage of recording it.
When looking at the representation of men with mine and Ellens film our main character is was a man but has now changed to a woman. When going to the army you see more men but women have recently became more involved. It's more a stereotype to have a man start the army especially when looking at inspirations such as films as it's always men.
Also the military wives produced a song at christmas time 2011 for their men which I think works really well with feminsim and linking in to our film as we seen this genre of film being mainly male based but women are creeping in and even though men are still seen as the dominant character/most important, women are becoming more confident and important as men are as the years go by.
When looking at the representation of men with mine and Ellens film our main character is was a man but has now changed to a woman. When going to the army you see more men but women have recently became more involved. It's more a stereotype to have a man start the army especially when looking at inspirations such as films as it's always men.
Also the military wives produced a song at christmas time 2011 for their men which I think works really well with feminsim and linking in to our film as we seen this genre of film being mainly male based but women are creeping in and even though men are still seen as the dominant character/most important, women are becoming more confident and important as men are as the years go by.
11.12.11
Stencil Fonts
Because mine and Ellens film genre is War Films when looking on IMovie credits and pieces of writing are very important, so I thought about doing army stencils for ours as it would link into our piece of work really well.
When the credits or starting credits happen a drum beat could appear in the background or it would be really good if we could have the actual army beat/theme tune in the background. This tune always appears at the end of their adverts.
Here is a link to a website which do army stencil fonts:
http://www.1001freefonts.com/army-stencil-fonts.php
When the credits or starting credits happen a drum beat could appear in the background or it would be really good if we could have the actual army beat/theme tune in the background. This tune always appears at the end of their adverts.
Here is a link to a website which do army stencil fonts:
http://www.1001freefonts.com/army-stencil-fonts.php
I really like the effect of this one as it is bold and is very eye catching like a statement. I find this stencil is used a lot in war films or on adverts so it is a well known stencil so people will automatically think 'that comes from the army'
This one isn't always used as much and doesn't have as much recognition but the spray paint effect of colouring in letters make it seem more teenage style but also that something isn't clear and it comes across quite anonymous and miss guided like something is trying to be hidden up which I think could work really well with the film.
9.12.11
Film Analysis 3
Black Hawk Down -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-a8PG83SLE
I really like the start to this film as it so different to other war films. The non diagetic music adds so much tension to the film it grips you in straight away but also reflects the culture when see a slow tracking shot of the african man. The start of the film uses shots of writing starting with 'based on a true event' which automatically grabs the viewers attention and also uses a blurry effect on the writing which gives of an un-stable worrying effect as somethings not paticularly right. I like how they have used fade in and fade out short clips of what is happening as it only shows a bit of the scene which makes you want to see more but also to show you how a lot of things are occuring during this time. The scenes aren't that clear where you see peoples faces straight away or what they're doing it's quite anonymous and mysterious to what has happened or what is going on you just have the context to tell you what is happening and the music to show that it's a sad time. Using only that to tell a story, I quite like.
I really like the start to this film as it so different to other war films. The non diagetic music adds so much tension to the film it grips you in straight away but also reflects the culture when see a slow tracking shot of the african man. The start of the film uses shots of writing starting with 'based on a true event' which automatically grabs the viewers attention and also uses a blurry effect on the writing which gives of an un-stable worrying effect as somethings not paticularly right. I like how they have used fade in and fade out short clips of what is happening as it only shows a bit of the scene which makes you want to see more but also to show you how a lot of things are occuring during this time. The scenes aren't that clear where you see peoples faces straight away or what they're doing it's quite anonymous and mysterious to what has happened or what is going on you just have the context to tell you what is happening and the music to show that it's a sad time. Using only that to tell a story, I quite like.
Film Analysis 2
2) Saving Private Ryan - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZgKo46X8CI
The opening of the film starts with a long wide shot with diagetic sounds of the waves but the camera angle appears to be a bit to the side which shows that something is going to happen which isn't going to be the right state of mind as camera angles like that are usually used when people are drunk or hurt or not in the right frame of mind. The diagetic sounds add tension as it's very harsh sounds and your waiting for something to happen. It then moves onto a tracking shot of the boat with the men on, this also isn't a stable camera angle which shows that they're going to war and how they're feeling uncomfortable but also sea sick from the waves. I could use this when my character in my film is running to show what he's going through but how he is feeling. The colours are very dull which reflects the mood of how they feel and what is about to happen (pathetic fallacy). Then close up shots of each person to see how they're reacting. I think the close up shots are good as they can capture the emotion of what that paticular character is feeling and going through.
The opening of the film starts with a long wide shot with diagetic sounds of the waves but the camera angle appears to be a bit to the side which shows that something is going to happen which isn't going to be the right state of mind as camera angles like that are usually used when people are drunk or hurt or not in the right frame of mind. The diagetic sounds add tension as it's very harsh sounds and your waiting for something to happen. It then moves onto a tracking shot of the boat with the men on, this also isn't a stable camera angle which shows that they're going to war and how they're feeling uncomfortable but also sea sick from the waves. I could use this when my character in my film is running to show what he's going through but how he is feeling. The colours are very dull which reflects the mood of how they feel and what is about to happen (pathetic fallacy). Then close up shots of each person to see how they're reacting. I think the close up shots are good as they can capture the emotion of what that paticular character is feeling and going through.
My 180 degree rule (Evaluation)
Here is a link to my 180 degree rule > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZHdyNH5zts
Evaluation
I was pleased with my 180 degree film especially when learning about IMovie and the effects we could do because I think sometimes certain effects are needed for films and they make it better.
Positives: What went well with my film I think were definately my actors (Harry Tully and Ollie Biggin) as they improvised the whole scene and acted very professional but it was exactly what I was looking for. When editing the shots for the film I used a medium room voice which made everybodies voice much clearer and sharp but also gave it a little echo effect which I think went really well for my genre of my task as it made more tense but also reacted sometimes police interviews you see on drama shows. I used a vignette throughout the whole of my task as the dark circle made it seem more mysterious but also that it is pin-pointing on one person in pecific which was Max (Ollie Biggin). The slow motion effects and music I think went really well with the pace of the task. Camera angles and shots were done well such as the angle facing both of the two characters as you can see both of them clearly and how they both react to what eachother say.
Errors: I would have liked to work in a different room where it was just a small room for two people to give it more tension but also to give it more of a realistic effect because in my task you can see people in the background at one point and hear another person at the end. Some of my cuts aren't as sharp as possible they do give a good effect as you could see it being a long interview and skipping out bits by doing the dissolve effect but I think they could have been sharper. My credits at the end need to be a bit longer instead of around three seconds so people can see who were actually involved but also make the writing longer when it flashes onto the character saying their name such as 'Max'. It wasn't as long compared to 'The Interviewer'.
Evaluation
I was pleased with my 180 degree film especially when learning about IMovie and the effects we could do because I think sometimes certain effects are needed for films and they make it better.
Positives: What went well with my film I think were definately my actors (Harry Tully and Ollie Biggin) as they improvised the whole scene and acted very professional but it was exactly what I was looking for. When editing the shots for the film I used a medium room voice which made everybodies voice much clearer and sharp but also gave it a little echo effect which I think went really well for my genre of my task as it made more tense but also reacted sometimes police interviews you see on drama shows. I used a vignette throughout the whole of my task as the dark circle made it seem more mysterious but also that it is pin-pointing on one person in pecific which was Max (Ollie Biggin). The slow motion effects and music I think went really well with the pace of the task. Camera angles and shots were done well such as the angle facing both of the two characters as you can see both of them clearly and how they both react to what eachother say.
Errors: I would have liked to work in a different room where it was just a small room for two people to give it more tension but also to give it more of a realistic effect because in my task you can see people in the background at one point and hear another person at the end. Some of my cuts aren't as sharp as possible they do give a good effect as you could see it being a long interview and skipping out bits by doing the dissolve effect but I think they could have been sharper. My credits at the end need to be a bit longer instead of around three seconds so people can see who were actually involved but also make the writing longer when it flashes onto the character saying their name such as 'Max'. It wasn't as long compared to 'The Interviewer'.
6.12.11
Film Analysis
1) We Were Soldiers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-o4ied3M20&feature=related
The link I have put up there ^ is the first part to a film with Mel Gibson in called We Were Soldiers.
The start of the film starts with a flash back and the main character narrating what is happening. Diagetic music is added from the whistling of the wind against the trees and also wildlife sounds to add to the effect of reality but it also gives the effect of being alone and out in the big wide world all by yourself. It then disolves onto the next scene of the soldiers walking starting with a wide shot of their feet then moving up this gives the effect of them looking powerful and strong as the shot moves up onto their body to make them seem strong and important. The colours range from green and browns to add to the effect of war but also being in a deprived dusty area with a lack of water. They then use the effect of the blood splat the explostion to make it come across as realistic as possible. They then use a range of quick scenes of different people who are in the explostion to show how everything has to be quick but also how everybody has different reactions and responsabilities in war. Not everybody is shooting and running but people get shot and people need to help their team mates back to campus if their is an injury or they have to try get away from the enemy.
The link I have put up there ^ is the first part to a film with Mel Gibson in called We Were Soldiers.
The start of the film starts with a flash back and the main character narrating what is happening. Diagetic music is added from the whistling of the wind against the trees and also wildlife sounds to add to the effect of reality but it also gives the effect of being alone and out in the big wide world all by yourself. It then disolves onto the next scene of the soldiers walking starting with a wide shot of their feet then moving up this gives the effect of them looking powerful and strong as the shot moves up onto their body to make them seem strong and important. The colours range from green and browns to add to the effect of war but also being in a deprived dusty area with a lack of water. They then use the effect of the blood splat the explostion to make it come across as realistic as possible. They then use a range of quick scenes of different people who are in the explostion to show how everything has to be quick but also how everybody has different reactions and responsabilities in war. Not everybody is shooting and running but people get shot and people need to help their team mates back to campus if their is an injury or they have to try get away from the enemy.
My film
When making a film you want to make it the best you possibly can and you have all these visions of it looking perfect especially looking at films now a day but it's actually creating it and making it different for it to look good. When thinking about my film which I am doing with Ellen, I instantly thought of some ideas and so did she but they all seemed to be so clichue which I think everybodies is at first.
Later on that day I did a mindmap on possible thoughts of our film and here it is...
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I came up with maybe doing a documentary style of film as that isn't always used so much now a days so that would be different and not clichue. I watch a lot of documentaries on BBC 3 or channel 4 as they are interesting but so realistic so I want to bring that into mine and Ellens film. I thought of recent issues in modern day and thought about the problems with Afghanistan we face so I thought about doing it on a young man who wants to go off to war but then has seconds thoughts.
Later on that day I did a mindmap on possible thoughts of our film and here it is...
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I came up with maybe doing a documentary style of film as that isn't always used so much now a days so that would be different and not clichue. I watch a lot of documentaries on BBC 3 or channel 4 as they are interesting but so realistic so I want to bring that into mine and Ellens film. I thought of recent issues in modern day and thought about the problems with Afghanistan we face so I thought about doing it on a young man who wants to go off to war but then has seconds thoughts.
Top 10 most realistic war films (modern day)
I researched on IMDb the most realistic war films to link with my film but I made sure it was modern day so it could link to the most recent dispute with us - Afghanistan and it would link with my inspiration of the documentary on BBC3.
1) Black Hawk Down (2001)
2) Saving Private Ryan (1998)
3) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
4) Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
5) Full Mental Jacket (1987)
6) A Bridge To Far (1977)
7) The Longest Day (1962)
8) Hamburger Hill (1987)
9) Platoon (1986)
10) We Were Soldiers (2002)
1) Black Hawk Down (2001)
2) Saving Private Ryan (1998)
3) Inglourious Basterds (2009)
4) Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
5) Full Mental Jacket (1987)
6) A Bridge To Far (1977)
7) The Longest Day (1962)
8) Hamburger Hill (1987)
9) Platoon (1986)
10) We Were Soldiers (2002)
Inspirations on my film
Where I got my inspiration for my film was the BBC 3 documentary on Young Soldiers.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014f74k
The programme was really interesting as you could see what the soldiers would do on a day to day basis before going to Afghanistan and all the pressure they are under but also how they cope personally and how their families cope.
I will make sure I will try to catch the emotion and the personal effects of my main character himself but also the family and friends so it comes across as realistic as possible.
My film will include him looking it up on the internet and sending off his application, him telling his parents/family/friends, then him about to go off to camp to start his training programme but he will have doubts and start to realise how he will miss his family and friends loads and decides to run away but what will happen after that?...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014f74k
The programme was really interesting as you could see what the soldiers would do on a day to day basis before going to Afghanistan and all the pressure they are under but also how they cope personally and how their families cope.
I will make sure I will try to catch the emotion and the personal effects of my main character himself but also the family and friends so it comes across as realistic as possible.
My film will include him looking it up on the internet and sending off his application, him telling his parents/family/friends, then him about to go off to camp to start his training programme but he will have doubts and start to realise how he will miss his family and friends loads and decides to run away but what will happen after that?...
29.11.11
Inspiriations of 180degree rule
When I thought about doing an interrogation scene my first thing I thought of were TV Dramas such as The Bill using the 180degree rule but also the camera angles such as extreme close ups to see the emotion or panic or even smug look on their face.
Using expressions such as 'your nicked sunshine' and all different types of body language so I wanted Harry (the interviewer) to be very smug and confident and this can be shown by body language such as Harry leaning back in the chair smiling, very calm and still and this would be in contrast to Ollie who would be sad up right, quite rigid (moving) and quick short answers.
Using expressions such as 'your nicked sunshine' and all different types of body language so I wanted Harry (the interviewer) to be very smug and confident and this can be shown by body language such as Harry leaning back in the chair smiling, very calm and still and this would be in contrast to Ollie who would be sad up right, quite rigid (moving) and quick short answers.
180degree rule
For my 180 degree rule video I made one but realised I did it wrong because instead of keeping the camera between an 180degree rule I went over it so I re-did it during my free and my theme was Interrogation and it went really well.
I looked around the school for good locations and decided my media classroom as I can film them walking through the door but also at the interview on the seats and the table but still using the 180degree rule!
I used my two class mates Harry Tully as the interviewer and Ollie Biggin as the person who got interviewed. It went really well because they stayed professional and improvised really well instead of having a script.
I looked around the school for good locations and decided my media classroom as I can film them walking through the door but also at the interview on the seats and the table but still using the 180degree rule!
I used my two class mates Harry Tully as the interviewer and Ollie Biggin as the person who got interviewed. It went really well because they stayed professional and improvised really well instead of having a script.
Apple
Today my day consisted of a media morning and James from Apple came to my school to learn us all about IMovie which I will be using for my coursework and preliminary task. We learnt all ways you can edit your movie by adding music, transitions, cropping, titles/credits and loads more.
It was a lot of fun but very interesting because it felt like our coursework was actually about to begin and our ideas could start happening because if I wanted a lightning sound or rain, IMovie would create this so I could use it. But a main objective was to make it as realistic as possible and not edit to much to take away it's content.
It was a lot of fun but very interesting because it felt like our coursework was actually about to begin and our ideas could start happening because if I wanted a lightning sound or rain, IMovie would create this so I could use it. But a main objective was to make it as realistic as possible and not edit to much to take away it's content.
15.11.11
Genres
I researched a couple 20 people from Marlwood School and asked them what was their favourite genre. It was out of
- Romance
- Comedy
- Fantasy
- Horror
Preliminary exercise: Continuity Task
When researching the task for film this was a website we found which told us what had to be done... http://www.slideshare.net/satmedia/preliminary-exercise-continuity-task
This meant involving and editing a character opening the door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom he/she then exchanges a couple lines of dialogue.
Task should demonstrate -
This meant involving and editing a character opening the door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom he/she then exchanges a couple lines of dialogue.
Task should demonstrate -
- Match on action
- 180degree rule
- Shot/Rever shot
Film: Preliminary Tasks
When filming certain techniques are used for certain effects and a common one use a lot in any type of film is the the 180° rule. The 180° rule is a camera rule which states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot which is from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.
My preliminary task: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZHdyNH5zts
My preliminary task: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZHdyNH5zts
8.11.11
Getting Started
I already do a photography blog for my AS coursework and love it so this is my new media blog! It is so much easier than having to do things in a book and wasting time. At the moment I am looking at doing either a Film or Magazine approach for my coursework but I think I am more steering towards Film.
I have had one idea in paticular but I think it was a bit to Cliché when talking to my teacher about it so I have mindmapped lots of different ideas instead of the easy, stereo-type way.
I have had one idea in paticular but I think it was a bit to Cliché when talking to my teacher about it so I have mindmapped lots of different ideas instead of the easy, stereo-type way.
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