MOCK EXAM FEEDBACK

- Remember sound cannot be narrative.
- Identify camera shots i.e. mid-shot, angle, shot-reverse-shot, tracking shot.
- Stick to social types "soldiers/guards".
- Use terms like vfx.
- Use words like courage, determined, endure, leader when doing questions on representation.
- Expand on statements such as explaining why a character is villainous.

PLANNING AUDIENCE RESAERCH

I started by investigating how different clothes, technology and film brands target audiences in order to prepare for  creating my own audience profile for my AS Foundation Production. I need to plan to reach my target audience.

As part of distributing my film, I will be using different marketing strategies, such as reaching out to my target audiences through social media i.e. Facebook and Instagram and also by using things such as film posters.

In addition to profiling my audience, I will work out why they enjoy the genre. Why would they want to watch my film? What makes my film different from competing films of the same genre and  how will my film appeal to viewing needs of my target audience?

1.My target audience would be teens to young adults who are interested in horror/thriller movies and enjoy slick, up to date things such as new technology and clothes brands i.e iPhones and TopMan.

2. Our film stands out as an independent thriller/horror film about a young woman who discovers her boyfriend has failed to infect her with deadly virus and accidentally infected himself in the process.  

3. Our audience should watch our film because it is: "An original and refreshing take on classic horror/thriller films with an exhilarating plot which grabs you by the neck and never lets you go." TOTAL FILMS says: "A truly terrifying look into an infected mind!". 

Time spent understanding my audience will help me create a profile of my audience member. This information will then be useful when I create my marketing strategy.

Audiences can be segmented and defined by their GEARS
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Region/ nationality
Socio-economic group

My target audience consumes secondary media such as different radio stations and so I invested the target audience for Absolute and Capital radio.

My target audience turns to the internet to learn more about film releases. For exmaple my friends and I, who form the target audience for my film, find out about new films on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, IMBD and iTunes.

SHOT LIST

AUDIENCE PROFILE

Our audience profile would probably consist of younger adults and teens as our film opening is a horror/thriller and would appeal to a younger demographic. This means that our audience would have the usual things associated with a younger demographic. Things such as, new technology: smartphones, apple laptops. They would shop at slick and young, in style clothes lines: topman, superdry, hollister etc.

As our film is a thriller/horror, our audience could be interested i other horror/thriller films such as: inception, The Shining, 28 Days Later and Angels and Demons.

FILM CREDITS

15/10/14|PLANNING| FILM CREDITS

I went back to the Art of the Title website to research how films use the opening credits in their productions.

I also looked up the film distributors association to try and establish a distributor. 

We will use a list of credits: Director- Oliver Davis, Editor- Oliver Davis/ Lily Stoj, Actors- Lily Stoj, Charlie Walker, Robert Tann, Cameraman- Oliver Davis, Sound- Charlie Walker, Makeup- Lily Stoj

Written by-Oliver Davis, Lily Stoj, Charlie Walker, Robert Tann

DOCTOR WHO

10/9/14| RESEARCH | THE ART OF THE TITLE 3: DOCTOR WHO

The opening to the 8^th series of Doctor Who uses a variety of techniques to show it as a sci-fi adventure series.

Firstly, the opening uses a very techno blue colour pallet to show it as an adventure sci-fi-genre. The colours create a space age feel and the flying waves and stars further show the action and sci-fi effect that the opening has.

Secondly, graphics are used to create flying planets and clocks to show the time travel aspect of the show. The graphics fly out of the screen towards the audience to emphasis the action and give a thrill to the audience. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES

10\9\14 |RESEARCH|THE ART OF THE TITLE 2: Sherlock Holmes

Today we watched and analysed the opening to the 2009 film Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey jr. and Jude Law. Having seen the modern day Sherlock TV show I was eager to watch analysis this version.

The opening was done in a style to reflect the Victorian setting with a dark, olden colour pallet consisting of sepia and rough brown and looked bleak. Also, the opening style was done on olden looking paper and the styles of the characters were shown in Victorian clothing. Ink spots were also used to show ink writing which was used during the Victorian times and the style of writing used for the credits was in; an olden cursive style. A pen and ink wash was used for the style of writing.

CGI is used to make the characters and graphics morph with still photographs as moving images which are then reanimated.

DETECTIVES

10\9\14 |RESEARCH| THE ART OF THE TITLE: Detectives

In the lesson we accessed the Art of the Title and watched the opening to the TV show Detectives. We saw that this was an upbeat show as opposed to dark as the opening theme song was very joyful, fun, faced paced and happy.

We could see the faces of many of the cast members and their characters appearing throughout the opening showing that they would be major characters and also showing that it was definitely the opening of a film as these features usually do not appear in a film opening.

 

          

 

TREATMENT

The opening sequence begins with Charlies arm falling on the floor and moves to a close up of Lily waking up to find Charlie passed out and dead on the floor. A voice over of a newsagent explains how all people found with the Blue Spotted Disease will be quarantined.
Lily then has a flashbacks about the other day and a date with Charlie, in the flashback we see Charlie pour a suspicious blue liquid into what he thinks is Lily's drink but is accidentally his and takes a drink of it.
Back in the present we see Lily rushing to the bathroom, desperately trying to clean the disease from her hands.Lily begins dragging Charlies body towards a closet when the doorbell rings.Outside two government agents explain how they will kill Lily for having the disease and that the quarantine was just a lie.The door bell rings more, Lily drags Charlie to the closet and opens closet when tons of bodies fall out of closet and one grabs Lily's leg screaming HELP ME!

SCOOP IT

PLANNING

10/9/14 |  PLANNING | THE BRIEF

I am working in a group of four pupils with Lily Stoj, Charlie Walker and Oliver Davies. We have decided to pick  Brief 7 (video), the opening sequence of a new film including titles, in any genre or mix of genres such as a comedy or thriller together with a storyboard. Maximum length: three minutes.

In our group we discussed the genre of film we are deciding to do and have thought about doing a horror opening. We have even decided casting and which members of our group will portray which characters. 

ZEN ANALYSIS

ZEN is a television crime drama based in Italy.

We can see many Italian references such as the close up of Italian architecture and the colour scheme of the opening matching those of the Italian flag: red, white and green.

We can see how it is a crime drama through different silhouette of guns and and figure hiding around corners and looking as if they are spying on people. Keys and handcuffs also appear throughout the opening and the sequences are fast paced and dramatic to show it as being a serious crime drama series.

We also see a whole line of fiat cars appearing in the opening which are an Italian make referencing the Italian setting.

The sign of the Italian police is seen in a close up inscribed on the building continuing to show how the series is a crime drama and relates to the police.

AA QUESTION ON SPY KIDS

The extract Spy Kids if a spy action and adventure comedy hybrid of the AA genre. Different codes and conventions are used which are typical of the AA genre such as spectacle which is used in the closing scene when the two spies are seen running for their lives and ultimately jump off a massive cliff and into the ocean. This makes the audience feel worried for the characters as they don't know if they will survive the fall and creates both spectacle as well as tension which is typical of the AA genre. 

Another convention typical of the genre is the use of antagonists and protagonists. In the begging of the extract, we see the main woman a the protagonist as the story is being told from her point of view. The man is shown as an antagonist as she describes that her main mission is to take him out meaning she must kill him. However as the extract continues we see that the two characters both become protagonists and a new, villainous antagonist is shown through the use of heavy, aggressive artillery and shows the struggle of good vs. evil which is typical of the AA genre. 

Another way the extract is typical of the genre is the use of speed and motion as we can see the two spy characters running for their lives from enemy helicopters giving a sense of tension and fear. 

STEREOTYPES

Whilst on the blog I discovered a lot about stereotypes in media and the many different types of stereotypes.

In the context of films like "Arthur", stereotypes include heroic looking protagonist, usually men, who are always at the head of the battle, leading the charge. In "Arthur", the main protagonist is shown as being a stereotypical hero as he shows courage when defending his people against the hordes of power-hungry villains. He is cool, quick-witted and stands confident and strong. 

Other typical stereotypes include that of the villains. In films like "Gladiator", the villains are shown as being very brutish and almost animal like in their appearance and behavior. For example, we see that instead of talking they do more grunts and wild chants to communicate and wear animal furs and sharp, beaten helmets to enhance their terrifying appearance, adding to the portrayal as a villainous antagonist. 

However despite all the stereotypes we also have anti-stereotypes such as the old woman with the bicycle in the film "Hot Fuzz". The normal stereotype for most olden "granny" like women is to be sweet, harmless and feeble, usually knitting or sitting on a rocking chair. However, "Hot Fuzz" goes against this stereotype compleatley and creates an anti-stereotype where the old woman with the bike is seen pulling out heavy artillery guns and begins furiously and violently firing them at the main protagonists, something that is very unexpected and goes against the traditional "granny" stereotype. 

MEDIA ESSAY

4711 Eau de Cologne (print, 1920)

The first perfume advertisement  that I chose was a 1920s 4711 Eau de Cologne poster. The representation of

a formal, upper-class Christmas party with four main figures, three women and one man, creates a sense of traditional values and social harmony.

As the eldest women gazes in pleasure at the gift of the 4711 cologne bottle, the two women opposite her lean in and smile, sharing her satisfaction.

It seems to me a privileged world, even a touch smug, like the closed upper-class world Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, in which the gilded few enjoy wealth and comfort, immune to the world’s ups and downs. The message is that 4711 is a luxurious cologne which will make you feel rich with both wealth and joy. The poster portrays a social Christmas party where women are laughing and talking. This shows that the perfume will bring people together in a social, fun way and that by having the bottle you have rised to a sense of social acceptancee. The style is very Art Deco and portrays a 1920's scene. The classy, art deco design advertises the perfume as being elegant and artistic.  Colours and highly detailed outfits are shown to make a very realistic and detailed environment. The women all appear very well dressed with a sophisticated and social appearance.

Hair bob young and trendy: 4711 crosses ages

The perfume also seems to be aimed at young, wealthy women. There are several young, luxuriously dressed women in the poster enjoying themselves. However, the perfume also appeals to an older generation as we see a much older woman at the party, happily examining the perfume bottle. This shows how the perfume may be worn by a wide range of age groups  and targets women in general. Also, very few men are actually in the poster and this shows how it is a woman’s perfume that is supposed to be bought for women.

The perfume also shows that it is not necessarily a perfume aimed at one particular person, more it is shown to be a perfume for all people, as the party and expressions of joy make the perfume appeal to family based people, old and young, upper class or those who want to feel luxurious and those who enjoy to socialize. It shows family values and that people will have a fun, social life with this perfume, almost as if it brings people together.

Finally, the posters text states "the one important gift this X-mas" implying that the perfume stands out from all other gifts and is the one thing that actually matters. The word "important" shows that the perfume makes all other gifts seem unimportant, it creates a sense that the woman must have this gift. This also uses a guilt factor because it would mean that if this gift is not given this Christmas, the woman would be very upset as it was the “one important gift”.

This advertisement is from 1970 and portrays a naked woman riding a horse on a beach. The woman is wearing nothing but a thin cape that is fluttering behind her in the wind. We see the perfume bottle underneath the picture of the woman with the words “Abandon yourself to Amazone”.

We see how this perfume is meant to show how the wearer will be open and free as represented by the horse. The cape that flutters in the wind creatively symbolises the spirit of the fragrance and how the woman is independent, not bogged down or stressed and can enjoy life as she pleases which gives people a great sense of enjoyment and a different representation of women. 

Another point is how the woman is all natural in that she is not wearing any clothes besides a fluttering, thin cape. This shows how the fragrance embodies the naturalistic, informal idea of women. This could appeal to women as it shows that they are note just wife’s meant to stay at home to cook and look after children. This message gives women a free spirited feeling and a sense of independence that they can do what they want and enjoy their own life. This message greatly appeals to women, especially in the 1970’s and could have been one of the main selling tactics. It shows woman in a much different light to what how they are usually portrayed: either as a stay-at-home wife with little independence or a glamorous, wealthy upper class woman.

The words below the picture say that the fragrance is “free spirited” showing how it is not necessarily a formal or evening associated fragrance and can be worn whenever the woman pleases and is not meant for buttoned-up occasions and shows the woman as being almost boyish in her actions which was very daring for that time.  The woman also seems spontaneous and free thinking.

Finally, we can see how the fragrance is not necessarily meant for any class group. While in the first fragrance advert we saw that the perfume was portraying wealthier, upper class women, whereas this woman appears to be not associated with any class system, upper or lower and suggests that it is meant for all women in general who want to have a “free spirited” life. While many fragrance perfumes, focus on clothes and looks for women, in this advert we can barely see the face or body of the woman, just the outline showing that looks and clothes don’t matter and that it is more about the spirit and enjoyment of life.

2

The 2012 "Gucci" perfume advertisement shows an elegant young lady, dressed in a glamorous, slim dress. The advert already grabs the viewer’s attention with the luxurious young woman. The advert shows her starring out at a lit up city as she rides in a glass lift. We see a reflection of herself in the window of the lift, she stares out looking confident as she is mesmerized by the sparkling lights of the city.

The woman in the advertisement is portrayed as being very independent and free from any control. She is seen in a luxurious, golden dress with sparkling shoes. This representation of women is a very modern portrayal and much different from the other two adverts as she is seen as being the one with the power and the glamour of a modern day look.

The representation of the woman is all about empowerment: she steps into a golden elevator which further highlights the luxuriousness of the fragrance by making not only the woman but all of her surroundings sophisticated and therefore alluring. While in the elevator, the woman stares out into a modern day city at night which is full of bright, golden light. The city represents the freedom and sensations that the perfume will give you. As the elevator moves up, the camera shows the woman as rising above the city, further showing her sense of power and confidence as a woman as if she is saying to the city: “Here I am, this is me, and with this fragrance, I can be who I want, I can look good, and I can be on top of the world.”

The representation of empowerment is then reinforced through images connoting independence as the scene then cuts to a sandy desert where the same woman is seen in a different dress which billows out with wind blown by a fan. Her sense of freedom comes from the act that she is clearly at home and at ease. The woman contrasts greatly with the sandy, arid and isolated desert as she is still seen in a elegant dress showing that you can go anywhere with the fragrance and still be glamorous, even in extreme locations such as deserts. The woman still looks strong and empowering as she stares directly into the camera and shows her confidence. 

SPIDERMAN EXTRACT

Spiderman is a typical superhero action and adventure film which is full of many traits typical of the AA genre.

Firstly, we see the main heroic protagonist, Peter Parker, to be a middle-class, clean cut white American who is shown as an underdog who becomes a great hero, a scenario very typical of the action and adventure genre.

We see that he is a hero during the extract when he is clutching The hands of his beloved, dying Uncle and he becomes filled with determination and courage to avenge his uncles death and bring justice which portrays him as a very good, very heroic character.

As the extract continues, we see the protagonist change into his superhero outfit, a classic trait of this theme of AA movie. He begins to "spider-web" his way through the glimmering streets and skyscrapers of New York with stunning visual scenes that show spectacle to the audience. These types of scenes include moments where we see the hero climbing up a high narrow wall with the camera angle above him showing the many people below and giving a sense of danger and tension. Scenes like the hero "spider-webbing" his way through the city with a fast moving camera give spectacle, another theme which is typical of the AA genre.

These scenes continue to show Spiderman as heroic and brave as he goes to near-death limits to continue his journey for justice, showing his perseverance and determination.

Near the end of the extract we see Spiderman attack the villains car showing a battle between good and evil, right band wrong, all of which are typical of the action and adventure genre.

MY ADVERT ANALYSIS

STAR WARS THE PHANTOM MENACE

The narrative in the extract from Star Wars The Phantom Menace is typical of the action and adventure genre for many reasons.

Firstly, we see in the extract the heroes and villains of the scene. Anakin, the young boy, is portrayed as being kind and good-hearted which further portray him as being a protagonist which are typical of the action and adventure genre. The character is also seen as being brave and courage's during the pod racing where he faces villainous looking monsters and aliens while traversing a dangerous terrain. This bravery further shows him as a protagonist character and one that we want to feel supportive off especially since he is shown to be defenseless as a child compared to the antagonistic creatures he is facing.

Villainous antagonists, another major factor which is typical of the AA genre, are seens throughout the extract. Monsters and alien looking figures are seen taunting and challenging the heroic Anaking which gives us a clear idea of who is the hero and who is the villain. This sense of good vs evil is very typical of the action and adventure genre. The characters are also seen as being  antagonistic as they are seen murdering or hindering other characters by cheating and crashing racers into rocks and walls. The villains also taunt and tease the hero Anakin and are portrayed as cruel, arrogant and deceiving.

Another way in which the narrative is typical of the AA genre is the events of the clip are fast paced, tense and action packed as well as cinematic and fit the action and adventure style. Scenes in which Anakin must traverse through barren and dangerous terrains and the high speed chase between the players heightens the intensity and gives a very tense and cinematic feel making the audience feel as though they are involved in the action. The scene gives feelings of peril and jeopardy such as when the villain crashes another ship or when Anakin must bravely race against the creatures, all of which are typical of the action and adventure genre.

PERFUME ADVERT

HERO

In the motion picture, Hero, we see Jet Li vs Donnie Yen battling in an ancient Chess house. Mise en scene in the scene can be seen when the decor of the house is done out with traditional Chinese decor and has several oriental arches and brick/woodwork which can be seen carved into statues and posts. Chinese robes are worn by the characters with oriental stitch work and traditionally Chinese head wear, all of this adds to the Chinese feel.  

The atmosphere is one of peace and somberness which contradicts with the tense battle between the two characters. Sound can be heard as individual raindrops fall from the sky  and we can hear them loudly dropping onto the floor. This is done to show the serenity and beauty of the battle and defines it from other fight scenes which are usually ruthless, gruesome and brutal. This scene however is shown as balletic and the martial arts style is much more controlled and traditional.

Editing is used during several scenes to make slow-motion scenes during the fighting in order to draw out the scene and create more tension between the characters. This also fits in with the classic martial arts style. The colour also changes to black and white to show a dream like scene witch defines reality from the mind and further shows the fighting as being beautiful and stylish.

The music is also very traditional and an old man is seen playing an ancient Chinease instrument which creates a very balletic and dance like scene where the fighters treat the battle with honor and respect.

The presence of the old man also fits in with the genre as he is seen in many Chinease societys as a sense of wisdom and respect.

SOUND IN STAR WARS 1

Sound in The Phantom Menace

The sound of the engines at the start of the race begin extremely loud and impacting getting the viewers hyped and immediately involved with the race. The engines overwhelm the commentators and cheering crowd at the beginning giving a sense of seriousness and intensity. The engines are fast paced sounding and add to the pace of the race and increases in volume and intensity as  the pod speed round the corner giving a realistic perspective of the race and making the audience feel as if they are there. 

QI PREZI

HERE IS MY LINK TO MY PREZI

http://prezi.com/s5krioacvgly/edit/#2_4

MISE-EN-SCENE

Mise-en-scene is used throughout the Hurt Locker by showing costumes such as army uniforms and bomb disposal suits that were used when bombs or fires went off. These costumes were extremely realistic in that they showed the environment as a war-zone and furthermore added to show the appearance and genre of the fill.

Other props such as heavily armed tanks and firearms can be seen throughout the film to too represent an extremely realistic war environment. The authenticity of the tanks creates a very realistic effect as they are coated in dirt and battle marks which further empathises the authenticity of the props.

Finally, civilians appear very realistic in that they were Arabian robes and hoods in order to show the setting and environment of the scene and portray s what kind of location the film is in. 

3 SCREENSHOTS

This shot shows the main women of the advert as being very glamorous as she overlooks a slick, golden light city. The social group appears to be younger women as the women in the advert is very young, with a lightly made up face and long, shinning hair. The advert uses the city’s glow to highlight the beauty of the woman as well as match the city to her sparkling gold dress, making her look like a comparison to the city. The advert is suppose to show the luxurious and glamour of the fragrance.

This shot shows the main women of the advert as being very glamorous as she overlooks a slick, golden light city.

The social group appears to be younger women as the women in the advert is very young, with a lightly made up face and long, shinning hair. The advert uses the city’s glow to highlight the beauty of the woman as well as match the city to her sparkling gold dress, making her look like a comparison to the city.

The advert is suppose to show the luxurious and glamour of the fragrance. 

This screenshot shows a large, bold title saying GUCCI in gold. This title shows the fragrance as being slick and empowering. The gold colour shows it as being luxurious and desirable.

In the background we can see a forestry area which leads into a starlight city. The city adds to the glamour and beauty of the picture.

Finally we see a young woman in a slick evening dress     peering out into the city. The camera focus behind her and casts the illusion that she is tall and overlooks the city making her seem important and powerful.

This final shot shows the woman appearing in a silk, blue dress walking through a desert area.

A large fan is seen bowing towards the woman and lifting her dress up. The woman does not appear to be making an attempt to cover or put it back down showing her as being care free and very laid back.

This is also implied by the dusty, desert background which contrasts greatly with the woman’s glamour dress and shoes.