Friday, 23 April 2010
Comparing Our Old Final Video To Our New Final Video
Looking at your first rough cut, there were many problems with our video. The first being that it was too long. The maximum we were aloud was 2.12 seconds and maybe an extra couple of seconds with title sequences and other bits and bobs such as special effects. Eventually we cut this down by taking away 1 extra shot and the special effect before that saving us a total of 4 seconds. Another problem was that sounding was a problem. We had sound changing suddenly from a up beat to a slow and sad song. Getting audience feed back, we saw that it was a totally different to what the first song we played was Going on to the final cut, we took out the second beat of music, and left the upbeat one at the beginning as we thought it engaged the audience. Also at 0.37 seconds of the video you could hear background sound of the clip which was a plane and other bits and bobs. This was resolved by splitting scenes and decreasing the sound of that particular clip through iMovie. The fourth problem we faced was some clips jumping and not looking continuous.Adding in more special effects helped resolve this problem.The last problem we faced was a major one.The problem was a key scene in our 2 minute opening thriller. It was when Mr Carlos who was played by Amar Pandya received a phone call from Tony his guard man at the house. The audience feedback told us that they could not understand what was being said so straight away we thought a voice over had to fix this.So in the end we used Garage band to create a recording and then mime it in with what was said. This scene can be seen at 1.35 in the final video screening. In all we changed a lot through the rough cut and the final cut we've come a long way making sure we listen to our audience and making the final product spot on, as you will see from the audience feedback.
FINAL VIDEO.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Use of props is very essential in any film to create the original effect, props we used were:
Car: Amar(Carlos) pulls up in the car at the start of the film, creates an image of his authority and power.
Mobile Phones: Phones were very useful to us in our film, using a phone out of the picture was also useful as we used the torch of a phone to create the lighting which fits perfect to our scene as it is not too bright and not too dark. Also we used a phone in the scene were Carlos gets a call from his good hold worker Tony.
Costume: Use of costume was essential, Carlos had a very confident and stylish look with all black clothes and a leather jacket going along with some boots and a nice looking furred hood, this gave the character the image it needed. Where as Rico was given a smart look in a suit showing his professional ways in business or even killing.
Use of props in our scene just gives it the extra professional look it needs, by adding in small things creates a complete image of a good thriller , for example Ricko had a cigarette in his hand this is a common habit with gangsters and is a very bad habit. We as a group did not include many props to make it look extra, we tried to keep it simple and also having that effect on the viewers.
more on shooting
- We started off with arriving at the set and just exploring the view and how it would fit in to our story. We used a villa for out location for the film, this set was perfect for us as our story involved rich big shots making money and being a great success in life (Carlos) therefore we needed a place for him that would match perfectly with his image.
- We shot every scene about 2-3 times so we can select the best one and carry it forward to our final film after editing, this way we would not have to re-shoot or make any changes as we have few copies of it. One of the main problems we got was the signals of our phones being caught in the shot, this would disrupt our scene and therefore had to be shot again.
- Another problem we faced during our filming was light, as we were shooting at night time we had some scenes that came out very dark on d camera. To solve this we used extra lighting through 'Phone torches' this helped a lot as the light in the phone would brighten up the whole scene with that glimpse of darkness creating a very good image for the viewers.
- One thing i believe our group stood out was on the way we all worked as a team to create the best scenes we could for our group, our cameramen were always on task working very hard to retake every shot if needed even about 30 times as we needed to do so for one of the scenes. The actors in the film were played by members from our group Amar (Carlos) Humzah (Rico) Ahmed (Tony) and Usman as a guard. As an actor in the film i had to keep going through many scenes myself until the team got it right, one scene where i had 2 remove my jacket and put a shirt on got very annoying as i had to keep changing over and over again. Finally after all the problems our team overcame them and went through to which hopefully will be a exciting thriller opening.
- We shot every scene about 2-3 times so we can select the best one and carry it forward to our final film after editing, this way we would not have to re-shoot or make any changes as we have few copies of it. One of the main problems we got was the signals of our phones being caught in the shot, this would disrupt our scene and therefore had to be shot again.
- Another problem we faced during our filming was light, as we were shooting at night time we had some scenes that came out very dark on d camera. To solve this we used extra lighting through 'Phone torches' this helped a lot as the light in the phone would brighten up the whole scene with that glimpse of darkness creating a very good image for the viewers.
- One thing i believe our group stood out was on the way we all worked as a team to create the best scenes we could for our group, our cameramen were always on task working very hard to retake every shot if needed even about 30 times as we needed to do so for one of the scenes. The actors in the film were played by members from our group Amar (Carlos) Humzah (Rico) Ahmed (Tony) and Usman as a guard. As an actor in the film i had to keep going through many scenes myself until the team got it right, one scene where i had 2 remove my jacket and put a shirt on got very annoying as i had to keep changing over and over again. Finally after all the problems our team overcame them and went through to which hopefully will be a exciting thriller opening.
March 3rd, The first shoot ...
We began by driving to Heathrow Terminal 5, were we had to get there as soon as possible because we only had 15 minutes to film what we wanted. we had to apply for a filming permit from the media office in the terminal, this was all done last minute. We arrived at the terminal and drove tot he forecourt where we had Amar walking out of the doors into the forecourt as if he had just come of a flight. We first had a scene where he recieves his car keys of a random women we asked to help us out, we decided not to use that scene even though she was really good looking.
We then left the airport and went straight to the countryside where we had a lovely villa waiting for us to film inside. We had many problems such as, lighting - this made our work look too dark as we didnt have suficient lighting. One scene we filmed was done using nightshot as we film us going into the drive and parking up outside the house. It was very dificult too hold a steady shot as the ground was covered in stones.
We then continued to inside the house where we displayed a 180 degree rule using a mirror, we had to use the perfect amount of light because we only wanted to have Humzah barely visible till he walked inside from the balcony. This is when Humzah confronts Amar where he says a few lines and then pulls out a gun, cocks it back and holds it to Amars face.
We then left the airport and went straight to the countryside where we had a lovely villa waiting for us to film inside. We had many problems such as, lighting - this made our work look too dark as we didnt have suficient lighting. One scene we filmed was done using nightshot as we film us going into the drive and parking up outside the house. It was very dificult too hold a steady shot as the ground was covered in stones.
We then continued to inside the house where we displayed a 180 degree rule using a mirror, we had to use the perfect amount of light because we only wanted to have Humzah barely visible till he walked inside from the balcony. This is when Humzah confronts Amar where he says a few lines and then pulls out a gun, cocks it back and holds it to Amars face.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Garage Band
What is sound?
there are two types of sound, digetic and non-digetic sound. Digetic sound being the sound where the cast can here while preforming and non-digetic sound being the over sound which can't exactly be heard. sound is the sensation of hearing a noise which makes us believe and react in many different ways. sound can also have a positive and negative impact on films, this is why the correct sound should be used. for example having a fast paced sound while showing slow movements could be very disorientating for the audience, whereas if you were showing a fast paced clip while playing sound with the same pace as the clip they would go hand in hand creating an effect which could capture the audience. For our 2 minute thriller clip, we have decided to use garage band. This is were we can combine a mixture of effects to eventually produce the perfect non-digetic sound. Also garage band allows to slow nd speed up the sound aswell as playing around with the pitch nd tempo.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Final Cut Tutorial
To get to grasp with Final Cut, a software on the Apple iMac's we were shown to use, I have watched many tutorials to see how to get around problems and how to do basic stuff on there to help me and others. The video I found most helpful was 'Final Cut Basic Tutorial' this video gave basic foundation of buttons, and tools that could be used.
After watching the tutorial it helped me learn so many important things when using Final Cut, and the good thing is, If I forget I can always refer back to my blog and look up information that is proving to be hard on the software. Another excellent tip we were given by our teach was to try out the apple website, and from there go on to software and find the tutorials. this was also helpful for other software's such as iMovie.
After watching the tutorial it helped me learn so many important things when using Final Cut, and the good thing is, If I forget I can always refer back to my blog and look up information that is proving to be hard on the software. Another excellent tip we were given by our teach was to try out the apple website, and from there go on to software and find the tutorials. this was also helpful for other software's such as iMovie.
Meeting March 15th
Today we met up and had a discussion about what we were going to film again and what things needed to be re-done completely. We first decided on a day which we were all free and we could shoot, and luckily enough we thought the next day was perfect! So now that was out the way we decided on what had to be re-shot and what scenes we would do completely again. after long discussion it was clear that the first 3 scenes were perfect. From arriving to the villa, there on everything had to be shot again, as some old scenes did not look continuous and there was not enough suspense present.With all ideas on paper and us ready to shoot we began the wait for the next day.
Group Discussion Saturday 6th March
On Saturday 6th of March, we began to shoot our first few opening scenes. the first scene we needed was at Heathrow terminal 5, we began shooting when were interrupted by one of the security members asking us for a permit. we replied in the sense we did not have one, nor did we know we needed one. So on the Saturday we did not shoot.Humzah Sarwar took the liberty of contacting Heathrow Airport and talking to the Manager of security, to grant us a permit in such short notice. luckily for us we succeeded and were granted a permit from BAA Heathrow for a duration of 30 minutes. The insuracne cover was £5,000,0000, but with the sweet talk of Humzah Sarwar we walked away with a zilch insurance cover.
Jigsaw Character Analysis SAW Movie
Jigsaw, one of the main characters in the brilliant film which includes 6 parts 'SAW'. jigsaw is a man who goes through alot in his life and further on does very mentally disturbing things such as, playing games in order to survive or die. Jigsaw picks on people who do not appreciate life and do bad things such as.. cheat,crime,drugs e.t.c.
Use of props and costumes in the film were used very well as jigsaw never showed up himself to the victims instead used a toy puppet with a recorded clip to follow...
Jigsaw is a very freaky character in the film, the story does revolve around the mysterious games of jigsaw which makes the film an all time best thriller. Adding to this in the film we see allot of blood and very disgusting games played which include human bodies being ripped apart and etc.
Use of props and costumes in the film were used very well as jigsaw never showed up himself to the victims instead used a toy puppet with a recorded clip to follow...
Jigsaw is a very freaky character in the film, the story does revolve around the mysterious games of jigsaw which makes the film an all time best thriller. Adding to this in the film we see allot of blood and very disgusting games played which include human bodies being ripped apart and etc.
Red Herring
A red herring refers to a device or diversion used to distract the onlooker from the original idea. Red herrings are often seen in films, adventure games, and puzzles. However, the most common use for a red herring is in literature, especially mystery and thriller stories.
Simply put, a red herring is an item which has no use in the story except to distract the reader from the real culprit. The red herring can take the form of a character, which the reader may believe to be the killer, only to discover later that he is innocent. Or it can take the form of an item which readers believe to be the clue to a discovery, but which turns out to be worthless.
Red herring is used in many different ways to confuse viewers or show them a glimpse of danger during a scene, in our thriller scene we have used this at the start of the clip where the character is followed by a car and immediately the viewers think a chase may begin, but nothing happens at the time.
Simply put, a red herring is an item which has no use in the story except to distract the reader from the real culprit. The red herring can take the form of a character, which the reader may believe to be the killer, only to discover later that he is innocent. Or it can take the form of an item which readers believe to be the clue to a discovery, but which turns out to be worthless.
Red herring is used in many different ways to confuse viewers or show them a glimpse of danger during a scene, in our thriller scene we have used this at the start of the clip where the character is followed by a car and immediately the viewers think a chase may begin, but nothing happens at the time.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Questionnaire results
After we had the results in, it was clear that...
• 9 of 20 said they preferred to see ‘blood’ in a thriller
• 12 of 20 said ‘tension’ makes a good thriller film
• 7 of 20 said they watched thriller movies ‘often’
• 9 of 20 said they preferred to see ‘blood’ in a thriller
• 12 of 20 said ‘tension’ makes a good thriller film
• 7 of 20 said they watched thriller movies ‘often’
audience research
As the research was coming to end, we thought we needed more than our views and our research. We needed different opinions and thoughts from other people. So we decided to create a questionnaire and find out what interested us for our coursework video clip. We printed an amount of 20 questionnaires to distribute.
We decided we had to ask a range of questions so we could use it to our advantage and use peoples opinions and encrypt it in to our piece of coursework. We not only asked question that related to us and our coursework, but asked question to do with research around the thriller area, for example ‘’How often do you watch a thriller film?’’
We decided we had to ask a range of questions so we could use it to our advantage and use peoples opinions and encrypt it in to our piece of coursework. We not only asked question that related to us and our coursework, but asked question to do with research around the thriller area, for example ‘’How often do you watch a thriller film?’’
Location and Different Actions In a Scene
Location and Different Actions In a Scene
Throughout the period of conducting research we decided we had to pick locations and see how it would be filming in the dark, as our concept would be at night for our coursework. We also discussed things such as how shots would be taking, how it would look and would it suit the settings.
This is part of evidence of planning as well as research and we came to the conclusion that at night was the best time to filming our 2 minute thriller scene, it had all aspects we looked for.
Preliminary task
Basic outline of the ‘Preliminary Task’
The preliminary task was scene with continuity. The basic plot of the scene was a character opening a door and coming in, sitting next to or in front of other character(s) and having a conversation. For this task there were requirements of 3 shots to be used. The 3 shots asked to be used were
Shot/Reverse Shot- is a shot used my many cameramen, the meaning of shot reverse shot is a character shown looking at another character.
180 degree rule- is a famous rule used by many directors; the basic concept of the 180 degree is if two characters are shown in a scene they should have the same left/right relationship. If the camera passes the line of the 180 degree line then the cameraman must show the movement of the camera to the other side. (The picture you can see describes the 180 degree rule)
Match on Action- is basically in other terms the continuity of the scene. If there is a cut in a scene, the next bit of clip must carry on were it left of.
Our Planning/Story
Our story was basically a teacher holding an detention on the weekend. The children are messing about in class room, but are interrupted by a fuming teacher. The shot suddenly cuts to the teacher closing the door and storming in. He walks over to the table and sits down and begins the conversation with the children.
Roles:
Camera Man: Humzah
Actor 1:Mohit (Teacher)
Actor 2:Amar (Student)
Actor 3:Usman (Student)
Editing:
Coming to editing the film was not so hard. We used the apple software called iMovie. This is where we cut out scenes we has made a mess of and de -creased sizes of clips that were too long. We also added animation in-between cuts through the clips to add more an professional effect.
The preliminary task was scene with continuity. The basic plot of the scene was a character opening a door and coming in, sitting next to or in front of other character(s) and having a conversation. For this task there were requirements of 3 shots to be used. The 3 shots asked to be used were
Shot/Reverse Shot- is a shot used my many cameramen, the meaning of shot reverse shot is a character shown looking at another character.
180 degree rule- is a famous rule used by many directors; the basic concept of the 180 degree is if two characters are shown in a scene they should have the same left/right relationship. If the camera passes the line of the 180 degree line then the cameraman must show the movement of the camera to the other side. (The picture you can see describes the 180 degree rule)
Match on Action- is basically in other terms the continuity of the scene. If there is a cut in a scene, the next bit of clip must carry on were it left of.
Our Planning/Story
Our story was basically a teacher holding an detention on the weekend. The children are messing about in class room, but are interrupted by a fuming teacher. The shot suddenly cuts to the teacher closing the door and storming in. He walks over to the table and sits down and begins the conversation with the children.
Roles:
Camera Man: Humzah
Actor 1:Mohit (Teacher)
Actor 2:Amar (Student)
Actor 3:Usman (Student)
Editing:
Coming to editing the film was not so hard. We used the apple software called iMovie. This is where we cut out scenes we has made a mess of and de -creased sizes of clips that were too long. We also added animation in-between cuts through the clips to add more an professional effect.
Final Destination 3
In the film “Final Destination 3” we can quickly discover that it is thriller film due to the media concepts used. This film contains alot of suspense which keeps the viewer engaged and makes them want to watch more. It also has alot of blood and this makes it more interesting to watch. Final destination uses a number of media concepts such as imagery and sound to emphasis certain areas of the film.
The 3 scenes in which the media concepts are used effectively and reinforce that it is a thriller move are...
This picture shows the scene where the 2 girls are baked to death inside a sun tanning machine. This is evidence of the film being a thriller as it makes the audience sit on the edges of their seats and is full of suspense.
This picture shows the beginning of the film where the students are on the rollercoaster as it is all falling apart causing them all to die. This is evidence of the film being a thriller as it has alot of adrenaline running through the viewer because they know what is about to happen and are getting anxious.
This picture shows the scene where the man doesn’t belie the vision and then gets killed while exercising. This is evidence of the film being a thriller as there is suspense and some blood.
The 3 scenes in which the media concepts are used effectively and reinforce that it is a thriller move are...
This picture shows the scene where the 2 girls are baked to death inside a sun tanning machine. This is evidence of the film being a thriller as it makes the audience sit on the edges of their seats and is full of suspense.
This picture shows the beginning of the film where the students are on the rollercoaster as it is all falling apart causing them all to die. This is evidence of the film being a thriller as it has alot of adrenaline running through the viewer because they know what is about to happen and are getting anxious.
This picture shows the scene where the man doesn’t belie the vision and then gets killed while exercising. This is evidence of the film being a thriller as there is suspense and some blood.
AS Media Coursework Specification
A S Media Coursework Specification
The specification describes areas that should be covered throughout the journey of the making of your audio piece of coursework. These sections are
The mark Scheme...
20 marks- Research and Planning
Research and Planning are looking through different thriller contexts and bringing them together to help you with the next stage which is planning. Research should be conducted by the individual to help them gain a better idea of their task ahead and give them realistic ideas for the coursework. Planning will be conducted after the research is all in place and you are ready to create you coursework.
60 marks- Construction
Construction will be assed in other words on the filming and all other aspects to do with filming. The group will be assessed on team work and will work together to make the best piece coursework possible. students will be assessed on camera knowledge for example, camera angles and routines e.g. match on action.
20 marks- Evaluation
The evaluation will conclude the piece of coursework, here you will discuss what went well and what could be improved over the journey of the coursework. You will discuss if the piece of thriller coursework produced meets the specification.
The specification shows that candidates should make an opening to a movie which should last no more than 2 minutes, and only 10 percent more if needed. The theme of the movie should be 'thriller'. A 'thriller' movie is suspenseful adventure story or play or movie.
At different stages, candidates should also create a blog and keep record of everything done with evidence to provide. On the whole candidates should take each task seriously and achieve to best of their potential.
Preliminary Task
This will be a task that should be completed by all students, for the video clip you will not be marked down, but instead, if you do not complete the video clip that has been asked for then an reduction of 15 mark will be appointed to each group member.
The preliminary task is a small scene of a person walking into room and sitting down and then having a conversation with other characters, different media aspects will be appointed to the task that should be used.
The specification describes areas that should be covered throughout the journey of the making of your audio piece of coursework. These sections are
The mark Scheme...
20 marks- Research and Planning
Research and Planning are looking through different thriller contexts and bringing them together to help you with the next stage which is planning. Research should be conducted by the individual to help them gain a better idea of their task ahead and give them realistic ideas for the coursework. Planning will be conducted after the research is all in place and you are ready to create you coursework.
60 marks- Construction
Construction will be assed in other words on the filming and all other aspects to do with filming. The group will be assessed on team work and will work together to make the best piece coursework possible. students will be assessed on camera knowledge for example, camera angles and routines e.g. match on action.
20 marks- Evaluation
The evaluation will conclude the piece of coursework, here you will discuss what went well and what could be improved over the journey of the coursework. You will discuss if the piece of thriller coursework produced meets the specification.
The specification shows that candidates should make an opening to a movie which should last no more than 2 minutes, and only 10 percent more if needed. The theme of the movie should be 'thriller'. A 'thriller' movie is suspenseful adventure story or play or movie.
At different stages, candidates should also create a blog and keep record of everything done with evidence to provide. On the whole candidates should take each task seriously and achieve to best of their potential.
Preliminary Task
This will be a task that should be completed by all students, for the video clip you will not be marked down, but instead, if you do not complete the video clip that has been asked for then an reduction of 15 mark will be appointed to each group member.
The preliminary task is a small scene of a person walking into room and sitting down and then having a conversation with other characters, different media aspects will be appointed to the task that should be used.
What is a thriller?
So today was another lesson, not the fact to be missed that we had to crack on with our thriller task. Today's lesson we learnt about understanding what the actual term ' thriller' meant. We viewed many videos and pictures to understand how directors made there film so different but yet so to the point of a thriller that a viewer could not resist watching. Understanding how colours and scary picture can emphases the screen shot even more by adding basic foundation to the scene.
'Se7en' opening sequence
When we analysed this video, we saw that the director used a various of colours , sound, lighting and pictures to create the dramatic scene. The sound emphasises each screen shot building up the sound and the suddenly dropping when we see something bad. This plays with the minds of the audience preparing them for such a scene, and then this leads of the whole movie becoming a 'thriller' arising a suspenseful atmosphere. Colour used in the video is mostly red, this symbolises blood and in the end gives a clear distinction of threat.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Godfather Film Review
Rarely can it be said that a film has defined a genre, but never is that more true than in the case of The Godfather. If The Godfather was only about respectable Mafia types, it would never have got aso many awards. The characteristic that sets this film apart from so many of its predecessors and successors is its ability to weave the often-disparate layers of story into a cohesive whole. Any of the individual issues explored by The Godfather are strong enough to form the foundation of a movie. Here, however, bolstered by so many complimentary themes, each is given added resonance. The picture is a series of mini-climaxes, all building to the devastating, definitive conclusion, which happens to have a big shoot out which results in other Don's being killed.
The film opens in the study of Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather, who is holding court. It is the wedding of his daughter Connie, and no Sicilian can refuse a request on that day. So the supplicants come, each wanting something different - revenge, a husband for their daughter, a part in a movie.
The film has three parts in total, the godfather a thriller/action film isnt a very common type of thriller that we see today in cinemas, it has a very unique way of approchinging the thriller genre. the story line doesnt hold a genuine thriller scene were people are usually murdered and the antagonist usually is a step behind the protagonist. Here In Godfather Mario Puzo has developed a very strong story line which has a gangster status, there isnt much killing going on in the film, however the suspense the storyline brings is utterly amazing the way the film grips the audience makes it a thriller, at times where the main Don is talking it does his voice and his faciaql expressions make you think how can a man like this be so powerful? However you realise during the duration of the film that it is possible for any man to become powerful, or succesful in some cases, not mattering how big or small the person is.
The film opens in the study of Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather, who is holding court. It is the wedding of his daughter Connie, and no Sicilian can refuse a request on that day. So the supplicants come, each wanting something different - revenge, a husband for their daughter, a part in a movie.
The film has three parts in total, the godfather a thriller/action film isnt a very common type of thriller that we see today in cinemas, it has a very unique way of approchinging the thriller genre. the story line doesnt hold a genuine thriller scene were people are usually murdered and the antagonist usually is a step behind the protagonist. Here In Godfather Mario Puzo has developed a very strong story line which has a gangster status, there isnt much killing going on in the film, however the suspense the storyline brings is utterly amazing the way the film grips the audience makes it a thriller, at times where the main Don is talking it does his voice and his faciaql expressions make you think how can a man like this be so powerful? However you realise during the duration of the film that it is possible for any man to become powerful, or succesful in some cases, not mattering how big or small the person is.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Analysis of the movie 'Se7en'/ opening sequence.
The opening sequence of the movie 'se7en' is really eye catching as the music has a sound which can create a high amount of suspense to the audience which is good as it is a thriller movie. The writing on the screen shows us the directors and the actors, the writing is effective because the font that is used has a 'creepy' look to it. The font is often flashed up , then after a few seconds fades out of the picture which has a good effect.
A film about two homicide detectives' desperate hunt for a serial killer who justifies his crimes as absolution for the world's ignorance of the Seven Deadly Sins. The movie takes us from the tortured remains of one victim to the next as the sociopathic "John Doe" sermonizes to Detectives Sommerset and Mills -- one sin at a time. The sin of Gluttony comes first and the murderer's terrible capacity is graphically demonstrated in the dark and subdued tones characteristic of film noir. The seasoned and cultured Sommerset researches the Seven Deadly Sins in an effort to understand the killer's modus operandi while green Detective Mills scoffs at his efforts to get inside the mind of a killer.
Monday, 8 February 2010
analysis of an opening sequence.
Jaws another all time best, however this shows us the variety packed within one genre. This film includes more of blood and killings adding a sparking effect to the story.
Group meeting, February 4th.
As a group we discussed how we were going to structure our research tasks amongst ourselves, we came to the conclusion that we would each take about 2 tasks from the check list and complete them over a period of 3 days. Once this was done we would all meet up on the 08/02/2010 to discuss all of our research we had been assigned to and pass it around so all members of the group had this on their blogs.
MacGuffin.
MacGuffin was created by Alfred Hitchcock it can be referred as a hidden catalyst which moves the plot on to create scene or ending with a twist. It can also be referred as the engine that sets the story in motion. It can be anything or nothing at all. In The 39 Steps, it is "secrets vital to your air defence"; in Number Seventeen it is a valuable piece of jewellery, while in The Lady Vanishes it is, in the most perfectly abstract of all Hitchcock's MacGuffins, a coded message contained in a piece of music. Examples of these are in the films such as:
The top secret plans in The 39 Steps (1935).
The eponymous statuette in The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The letters of transit in Casablanca (1942)
The uranium in Notorious (1946)
The case with glowing contents in Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
The "government secrets" in North by Northwest (1959)
The stolen $40,000 in Psycho (1960).
The stamps in Charade (1963)
The Death Star plans in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
The top secret plans in The 39 Steps (1935).
The eponymous statuette in The Maltese Falcon (1941)
The letters of transit in Casablanca (1942)
The uranium in Notorious (1946)
The case with glowing contents in Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
The "government secrets" in North by Northwest (1959)
The stolen $40,000 in Psycho (1960).
The stamps in Charade (1963)
The Death Star plans in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Saul Bass.
Saul Bass born on May 8th 1920 was an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, but he is best known for his design on animated sequences. In his 40-year career he worked for some of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers, these included Hitchcock, Stanley and Martin Scorsese For Alfred Hitchcock, Bass provided effective, title sequences, employing kinetic typography, working with John Whitney, and Psycho. It was this kind of innovative, revolutionary works that made Bass the film maker he was. His later work with Martin Scorsese saw him move away from the optical techniques that he had managed to begin and move into computerized titles.
Moving on Bas had helped in the directing the highlight scene of Psycho, the hugely edited shower-murder sequence, he used his initiative mind to direct such a scene making it perfect to every second that was shot.
On the whole Saul Bass was a character who brings a change in the American film making scene, not only affecting film making of the time, but for many years to come. One of the famous quotes used by Saul Bass were "Design is thinking made visual’’, in other words he was a follower of his imagination and techniques. Who knew that he could make the difference in the film making world today.
Moving on Bas had helped in the directing the highlight scene of Psycho, the hugely edited shower-murder sequence, he used his initiative mind to direct such a scene making it perfect to every second that was shot.
On the whole Saul Bass was a character who brings a change in the American film making scene, not only affecting film making of the time, but for many years to come. One of the famous quotes used by Saul Bass were "Design is thinking made visual’’, in other words he was a follower of his imagination and techniques. Who knew that he could make the difference in the film making world today.
Alfred Hitchcock.
Alfred Hitchcock, born on August 13th 1899 who was an English film maker and producer was renowned for his gifted techniques in the suspense and thriller genres. After a successful career in United Kingdom in both silent films and early talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood. In 1956 he became an American citizen while still being a British citizenship. Hitchcock directed more than fifty feature films in a career spanning six decades. Often regarded as the greatest British filmmaker, he came first in a 2007 poll of film critics in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Todorov and Propp's theory.
Todorov's theory: Todorov proposed a basic structure for all narratives. He stated that films and programmes begin with equilibrium, a calm period. Then agents of disruption cause disequilibrium, a period of un-settlement and disquiet. This is then followed by a renewed state of peace and harmony for the protagonists and a new equilibrium brings the chaos to an end. The simplest form of narrative (sometimes referred to as ‘Classic’ or ‘Hollywood’ narrative).
Propp's theory: Vladimir Propp’s theory was formed in the early twentieth Century. He studies Russian fairytales and discovered that in stories there were always 8 types of characters evident. These are: the hero, the villain, the donor, the dispatcher, the false hero, the helper, the princess and her father. He did not state these characters were all separate people e.g. the provider could also be the helper. There are only 8 different character types and only 31 things they ever do. Once you have identified the character type (e.g., the hero) it’s easy to guess what they will do (save the maiden, defeat the villain, marry the maiden or whatever) because each character has a SPHERE OF ACTION. This is easily relatable to films and programmes today.
Propp's theory: Vladimir Propp’s theory was formed in the early twentieth Century. He studies Russian fairytales and discovered that in stories there were always 8 types of characters evident. These are: the hero, the villain, the donor, the dispatcher, the false hero, the helper, the princess and her father. He did not state these characters were all separate people e.g. the provider could also be the helper. There are only 8 different character types and only 31 things they ever do. Once you have identified the character type (e.g., the hero) it’s easy to guess what they will do (save the maiden, defeat the villain, marry the maiden or whatever) because each character has a SPHERE OF ACTION. This is easily relatable to films and programmes today.
Analysis of 4 thriller trailers
- Lighting – Clear, main points emphasised
-Sound- When there is a happy mood through the trailer, the sound is calm and more enjoyable, but it builds up to bad things so does the music, louder and more dramatic sounds.
- Main Characters: Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale
-Location- England
-Camera movements, Upbeat, fast movements , then slow and continuous, but then each scene un ravels another camera shot.
- Lighting Dark, with mild lighting, but some spots emphasised with strong lighting
-Sound- Main character speaks, in trailer, leads on audience, voice gives a recognition of scaryness. The voice is followed with some dramatic music which builds up an then grows louder with big scenes scenes
- Main Characters: Heath Ledger and Christian Bale
-Location- America
-Camera movements, Upbeat, fast movements , then slow and continuous, but then each scene un ravels another camera shot.
- The music had the greatest effect, it makes the audience feel as if they are being watched or that they should expect some serious thrills.
- The music represents suspense as it is ongoing and very continuous.
- The music created great suspense as it grabbed the audiences attention.
- Fade in and fade out used for changing scenes quick effect to change scene.
- Quick description of story which is said in a very fast voice to grab audiences attention so that they are listening in.
- Bright lights used during opening.
- Silent beginning gives a very suspenseful approach to the start of the film which gives a serious approach as we don't no what to expect.
- The lighting is dark in the beginning, and during the trailer begins to lighten up.
- Main Characters names are displayed before the any clips are even shown e.g. Marlon Brando, Al Pacino.
- Produced by Paramount Pictures.
- Trailer involves alotof fadeing in and out to change scenes which creates a continuous effect.
- Music gives us a very calm, mellow feeling, the soundtrack played is used during the film most of the time so it is relevant.
- Trailer consists of main characters speaking.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
January 31st 2010
Introducing the AS Coursework
In the second lesson we began looking at the mark scheme and other important information we need to know to get the highest marks possible. thanks to the mark scheme we now know what the examiners want us to produce, which is a big benefit to our group. We also watched different thriller clips to give us a taster of what was expected of us, we watched professional openings and coursework openinigs which has given us a few ideas of what we could do.
We were also told about the marking scheme and how many marks you can get for each part of coursework, for example there are 100 marks available, 20 marks go towards research and planing, 60 marks go towards construction and the last 20 marks are for evaluation.
We started off getting to know how the cameras work. In the lesson we saw how the cameras are fixed onto the tripod and positioned to shoot in which ever angle needed. There after we started to use the video cameras and digital cameras, we took pictures of still images in our groups to practice different angles and also to get use to using the equipment.
In the second lesson we began looking at the mark scheme and other important information we need to know to get the highest marks possible. thanks to the mark scheme we now know what the examiners want us to produce, which is a big benefit to our group. We also watched different thriller clips to give us a taster of what was expected of us, we watched professional openings and coursework openinigs which has given us a few ideas of what we could do.
We were also told about the marking scheme and how many marks you can get for each part of coursework, for example there are 100 marks available, 20 marks go towards research and planing, 60 marks go towards construction and the last 20 marks are for evaluation.
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