Editing task

For this task we had to edit little clips and add audio over these clips, this task was to introduce us to editing and how to use it. At first I found it a bit hard to actual figure out how to import all the videos and the audio but once I did it I didn't have any problems with it, I used a lot of edits on this task as I wanted to see what I could do and also to help me in future tasks as if I want to use something I used in this one I can always go back and check what I used and use it again. Overall this task really helped me get to know how to edit and I really learnt I also enjoyed it a lot.

Juno

For this task we had to go out in groups of three and record different shots for the opening of Juno, the aim was to get the footage we produced to look like the films footage as much as possible. When doing this we had some challenges we had to overcome but also we worked well as a team and this defiantly helped us and was a big advantage. To make sure the shots were at the right time and that they were the correct shots we all produced a story board so that we could follow it and make sure that we record the shot we need for the right amount of time, the story board really helped us out as we used it as a guide to decided where to film the shot and what actions had to be done it the shot, without it the footage would've been maybe too long or too short and wouldn't of matched the actual footage which was what we needed to do. A disadvantage we had was that we didn't use a tripod to film any shots, not all of the shots needed it but for one or two would've been good, it would've stopped the camera from moving so much and the shot then could've been clearer, even though we didn't use it I felt that the footage we came up with was still good but having the tripod would've made it better. We knew what we needed to do and generally we got the shots we needed pretty quick and we did finish within the first hour this was due to our storyboard and the fact that we worked well together and focused on getting it done not only on time but to the best quality we could. Although we did face some time delays as sometimes it was hard to get the shot exactly right due to the shots including moving cars, it did take us a couple of shots and time but we ended up with a good result and the time used on doing it was worth it in the end. Overall I was really happy with the filming we got done, we didn't need to rush anything and this meant that we had time to edit. Editing was the hardest part to do, even though I have got some experience with editing from previous tasks I was still getting use to it, but once I got going I found it easier and easier to do, the end result of my editing I was happy with, I got all the shots in the right order and made sure that they we the right length even if that meant I had to slow or sped up a shot due to an error either with the filming or the story board not being exactly right. Either way I saw the problem as was able to fix it and make sure that I could make it look like the real footage. I enjoyed this task and really learned a lot about filming and editing and how important storyboards are and that I should double check things first as if I don't errors could be made which could then cause me problems in the future.

Film Production Task & Feed Back

 

For this task we were had to create an idea for a film. The genre we had was a love story and the audience was for over 50s. We created a love war film. We felt that this would appeal to our target audience due to it being historic so, we not only had the genre of love but we found away to involve the war to really make sure that we could really sell it to the target audience.

From the feedback that we got I can clearly see that the films overall view was very positive, people thought that the title was catchy and that you could tell what the film was going to be about straight away just from the title which was good as our target audience was for over 50's and so for them who may not want to read about what its about they don't need to as the title is a clear clue of what the film includes. The actors and actresses that we chose were very good actors and should be able to fit the role well but from the feedback we got we then found out that maybe the people we chose were too glamorous to play the part. The film idea also brought a lot of questions with it like will their love survive? For us this shows that there was interest shown and that people did want to find out more about the film and how it will all unfold in the end. We were told that our plot was a lot different from other love war films which for us it very good as we are not just making the same old stuff as this probably wouldn't make people want to see the film again as it would just be predictable but, for us the story is new and this means people will be more drawn in to the film. Overall our film had a very positive review and people said they would buy the rights to the film which shows us that we did well on making sure the film would appeal to people over 50.







 

Film Language

CAMERA - The scene starts with a close up of a stop sign which I think is a good way to get the audience involved, they can already be  drawn into the scene straight away as that's the first thing we see straight away this then gives the audience ideas as in people minds they will be thinking of links to a stop sign and the colour red such as danger and violence, and just from the way the shot was filmed with the close up of the stop sign already the audience is dragged into the scene Next we see the camera following the group of children, the technique was tracking, from the use of this the audience gets to see more into what type of film this is and learn more about the characters as we get to see the background behind them and even the streets and this can let us really know a character as we can see what kind of background these children have. Just from the use of tracking on the camera this allows the scene of the movie to be set up but at the same time keep the audience interested and with the characters. In the next scene the camera uses panning down, yet again we get to see more of the set and area but also it brings us into the next scene very well instead of just carrying on the panning and following them, it gives it variety. The camera then uses zoom to show the bullet holes in the poster, this is a clear and easy way to show the bullet holes as because of the zoom that whole shot it centred around that one thing and the audience can clearly see the point of the shot and that it to show just how violent the area is, because zoom was used it was a good way to get another point across to the audience without anything being said. When the boy approaches the police tape we are shown his shoes zoomed in and then it moves up to show is whole body and then ends at his face, this adds to the atmosphere of the scene as they are at a crime scene and it almost shows that he is desensitised to this sort of thing as child that age shouldn't be used to a crime scene, the fact that it slowly showed his face maybe is done to let the audience know that he isn't really bothered as before we are shown his face we are not sure on how he feels about seeing the bullet holes and police tape but all is revealed as we see his face and we can clearly see that he isn't really affected, and this lets the audience see that these characters are used to this and that this isn't really a big shock and the fact that we can tell that again highlights the violence and danger they may go on in the film. Then the scene changes and we are in a classroom this time the camera is zoomed into peoples faces, this is to let us see more about the character and what they are like, we get to see their facial expression and learn their different characteristics, also when they talk It is clear to see who is talking. Overall the different camera techniques used in the opening scenes are very important on showing the themes and characters. We can learn so much just from the techniques without and dialogue needed and that shows how powerful and important it really is even though to most people like the audience they wouldn't really realise this as the way the camera is used is almost providing them with the ideas about the film subconsciously.

MISE EN SCENE - Costumes are key to show the audience the type of people in the film and let us know things like what year the film is set to even what age range the characters are and if they are rich or poor. When we are shown the characters we can clearly see that they're young and it looks as if they are on their way to school as they are carrying bags. Just from the costumes we can already tell the age and where the characters are heading. When we are in the classroom scene we can see straight away who the teacher is as she is dressed like she is at work and she has classes which could be representing her intelligence and then again would point to her being the teacher. Props are a big part in these opening scenes, first we had the reds top sign that showed us violence and danger, then we had the bullet holes and the police tape which again pointed to the same theme of violence. Next we had the pictures on the wall which show crime, this lets the audience see just how much crime and violence is apart of these children's life's as they are even bringing it into school as this for them is normal, this only highlights that the area which this film is set is most definitely filled with a lot of crime. The stick that the teacher uses could be shown as something which shows her power or intelligence, when the boy is asked to take over he has the stick and he gets the attention from everyone. Props and costumes are key to showing secret meanings in films as most props are there to give a message to the audience, this could be from a simple warning sign or a prop that shows someone's  position or power.

Sound – This is the main feature that will provide the audience with information and it will be the most clear to understand. Before we are even shown an image on the screen we can hear people shouting and using inappropriate language, which shows the theme of violence. Next gun shots can be heard which immediately gets the audiences attention and brings them into the film as this is action and the entertain that they might like. Just from the shouting swearing and gun shots everyone is very clear that the film is definitely going to involve some sort of crime or violence in it and that whatever we are about to watch will be interesting if you are into action. We can also then see that wherever this film is set is a dangerous area and this is a key part to setting the scene for the characters. Again gun shots can be heard but this time it is to show what happened that past night so thus sound is being used to set the plot and give the audience an Idea f what theses kids have to go through. The rest of the sound we hear is mostly from the teacher and the students, this lets us see the characters personality, we can see the teacher is shown to be boring due to her voice and how she doesn't really change her voice to show emotion, the children show their innocence with their laughs and some jokes but then the boys get into a disagreement and we are shows another side which is the violent side which the audience can assume that the children have due to what they see most days due to the area they live in. When the mum is on the phone we are shown shot of a boy walking home but we can hear the mum this is called non diegetic and this is to let us understand the situation while we carrying on watching the boys walk home, even though we can hear it the boy cannot. Sound is very important to this opening scene it provides the audience with information about the characters and even more on their lifestyle and the themes of the film.

Editing – Screen time is important as it can let the audience know who is the main character, the more screen time the more Important that person becomes, from this opening scene I can tell that the boy that gets called up to the front of the class is going to be a main character as he has a lot of screen time in the opening scene and he as a big role in showing the plot of the film and letting us look into what life is like to him and as we can see what his life is like we can also get a good idea what everyone else is going through his age.

 

Matrix  opening sequence consider: - colour, binary oppositions, male/female - good vs evil
 We are presented with a dark theme with the lighting being dark to the policemen's uniform being
dark and even the same with the women. This could be there to show the theme of evil or even mystery that lurks, but then we see a bright light which is almost like we are being held at questions, it makes us feel on edge. For binary oppositions its clear its male vs female, although it would be expected that the men would win against one women we are shocked that she has so much power and goes against the norm that men are stronger than women, as usually women are seen as the weaker gender. The cops represent the good and the women represents the evil as police are there to help and capture her. They are in their uniforms to show they're the good people and she is wearing all black like a robber would to show she is the bad.






UP Consider how they show the passage of time, sound, mise en scene and camera

 In this opening scene we are shown how time goes on, this is done by using certain major life events in the film not only show their story but to move on in time. Certain life events include them getting married and even losing a baby. Time is also shown progressing through the use of everyday life events such as doing up a tie. Sound is key to this clip as it lets us know when the characters are happy and when things are emotional. The music can go from upbeat to sad and slow which really add tot the emotion that the audience feels. Scenes swap by gliding across the screen slowly to show how hard and emotional the characters must've been.





 CAPE FEAR - camera and mise en scene
The camera is zoomed into pictures on the wall which shows us the mans interests and then it zooms out to him doing push ups and we can clearly see that he is covered in tattoos. When he is leaving and is with the guard the camera does something very clever and almost makes it look like we are following them down the stairs and are apart of it. Next it is the shot of him leaving the prison gate, it is him simply walking towards the camera, this makes the scene a lot more dramatic and really adds to the scary vibe that he gives off. The guards are wearing there uniform to show their power and who they're, while the man is covered in tattoos and then puts on a shirt which lets us know he is not in power and has to listen to them.

Narrative

       In this clip on UP the two main characters are Ellie and Carl who at the start we are shown are deeply in love as they're getting married, next we see them building their own house, they both seem full of character and full of life, this is shown by how they move to their facial expressions and the light scenery that surrounds them. Next it goes to a scene where Carl accidently ruins the post box but just as he feels bad Ellie fixes by doing the same, the post box is a big part in showing the theme of love as it shows that they are both there for each even through the mistakes that might happen it also shows how passionate they both are. Throughout the start of the film it really highlights  the love that they have for each other and how fresh it is and new. The first change in the clip which shows the opposite side is when Ellie loses her baby, the mood changes and thins are all most opposite to the start of the clip. But it doesn't last long as they both have the same dream and have something to look forward to, in the next scenes when they are trying to save money it shows all the set back they have but how they never give up which again shows how strong their bond is. Then the next change is from young to old, there is clearly a change in there looks but we are shown that their love is still the same. The hill a big par in the clip, before we were shown the hill when they were both young and Carl had trouble getting up but this time it is Ellie who has the hard time getting to the top as she collapses. This shows a change he used to be the weak one who needed the help but now it has all changed. When Ellie is in hospital he brings a balloon and then he leaves without her but he brings the balloon which shows that even though she isn't there he still brings a bit of her back with him and that's all the good memories and that's all symbolised by the fact that the balloon he presented her with ahs now come home with him. The end of the clip leaves the audience with a lot of questions like how does he cope without her and does he ever live out his and Ellies dream.

Audience

                        
                                                  Who  creates what we watch?
Both the media and the audience creates what we watch, the media physically creates it but the type of content created depends on the audience. The audience has a massive impact on what is created and published by the media as the media will twist and change stories to fit what the audience wants, that could be from celeb news to important political information. The media adapts to what the audience demands, the audience likes controversy so therefore the content produced will most likely have a two sided story as then it becomes a discussion among people and ends up becoming more and more popular which is what the media wants, they want a bigger audience so they will cater to their wishes.

                                    Can the media exist/function without the audience?
The media cannot exist without the audience as they wouldn't be able to see the opinions and views on their stories and therefore they cant adjust and create content that suits anyone. Without the audience the media would be pointless there wouldn't be a use for it.

                            Who is more powerful the media or the audience why/how?
I think that the audience is more powerful as the audience can adapt and create what the media creates, if the audience responds well then the media will create more of what the people want therefore the audience is the most powerful as they almost create what they want.

                                         Can the media can control the audience?
In certain ways I think yes the media can control the audience but not in the same way that the audience controls the media. The media publish what they want and can put out what they want and this can influence the audiences views, even though the audience can have an affect on what they publish the media still have the final say on what goes out and what the end message is that the audience receive.


Film and You

What do we mean when we use the word 'film'?

When we use the word 'film' we are talking about a story or event recorded by a camera as a set of moving images. A film is there to either entertain or educate.

Do you think it means the same as the word 'movie'?

I think the word 'movie' means the same as the word film as they are both still moving images recorded by a camera,

And what about the word 'cinema'?

The word 'cinema', is where films and movies are released to the public for the first time, they're there to entertain or inform people. All these three words link in to each other and are very similar.

Top 10 Favourite Films

1. Alice in wonderland        

2. Harry potter series                         

3. Sinister

4. Fault in our stars

5. Edward scissor hands

6. Corpse Bride

7. Nightmare before Christmas

8. World war Z

9. Pirates of the Caribbean

10.  The conjuring

What do they have in common?

Some of the films I like come from my favourite director Tim Burton, I love his films as they have a weird but wonderful art style which really appeals to me, they are creepy but always have a deeper meaning to them which I love to figure out, I love to do research on him a lot and learn about behind the scenes on some of the things he has directed as it interests me a lot, I look forward to his new film which comes out very soon. A reason why Alice and wonderland, Edward scissor hands, corpse bride and pirates of the Caribbean are my favourite films is because I really enjoy watching my favourite actor Johnny Depp, I think he takes on different roles extremely well and he also works close with Tim burton which is how I found out about Depp in the first place. So some of these films do have things in common as some have the same actor or director. The rest I enjoy simply because they are based on horror which is my favourite genre of film and I love to watch them in my free time, most of my top ten are very creepy, horror or fantasy films. I like the fault in our stars as I read the book first and really enjoyed it so I then had to watch it, its the only one on my top ten which really doesn't have anything in common with the rest of the films I listed.