Monday, 16 December 2013
Prelim Storyboard
Monday, 9 December 2013
Log-line ideas for opening sequence
Log-line ideas for opening sequence
1. Twins separated at birth, who took up similar lines of work, are asked to assassinate the same person, but when their paths cross they face off against each other without acknowledgement their true relations.
2. A retired assassin and single dad settles down with his son, but when his past catches up with him, he must take up his old line of work to protect the things he loves most.
3. When a group of fugitives plot a high-school takeover, the school bands together to take back what's theirs.
1. Twins separated at birth, who took up similar lines of work, are asked to assassinate the same person, but when their paths cross they face off against each other without acknowledgement their true relations.
2. A retired assassin and single dad settles down with his son, but when his past catches up with him, he must take up his old line of work to protect the things he loves most.
3. When a group of fugitives plot a high-school takeover, the school bands together to take back what's theirs.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
The influence of Saul Bass
Saul Bass was an American graphic designer and Academy Award winning filmmaker, best known for his design of motion picture title sequences, film posters, and corporate logos.
During his 40-year career Bass worked for some of Hollywood's most recognized filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, Otto Preminger, Billy Wilder, Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese. Among his most famous title sequences include the animated paper cut-out of a heroin addict's arm for Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm, the credits racing around what eventually becomes a high-angle shot of a skyscraper in Hitchcock's North by Northwest, and the configured text that races together and apart in Psycho.
Saul Bass designed some of the most iconic motion movie posters off all time, including that of The shinning, Such good friends and The fixer, all of which intrigue the audience into learning more about the picture. Here are some of the sketches Bass created whilst working on the hit motion film, The shinning...
As Media Trip Report
My special day at the BFI in south bank London. Peter Frazer introduced us to a wide range of ways to improve our blogs and enlightened us on opening title sequences.The first thing he did was talk about 5 aspects which included genre, narrative(enigma) creates a reaction from the audience and questions the audiences mind so that they want to see the rest of the film. Structure and atmosphere. Some of the films included, Dawn of the dead, Napoleon dynamite and catch me if you can. It was decided that atmosphere potentially one of the key factors in epically films such as Dawn of the dead which genre was clearly thriller. We then analysed student films and talked about showing too much of the plot there by demonising any enigma. We were told to add as many as 22 credits into the film in order to express all the different area productions to make the film fit with conventions.
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Textual analysis of opening sequences
Textual analysis of opening sequences
1) James Bond
An opening sequence is used to introduce both the movie/media text as well as introducing the cast and production team who have devised the movie.
As we see during the classic James Bond films its distinctive unique title sequence is recognised world wide, implying that the James Bond franchise has created a both memorable and intriguing title sequence. This famous title sequence highlights the films genre and relation to thriller.
The heavy focus placed on the main character along side the contrasting backgrounds, provokes a audience response, mainly directing them towards to introduction of the dripping blood. The inclusion of weaponry and addition of blood, produces the first hint that the film would be based around the genre of 'Thriller'.
1) James BondAn opening sequence is used to introduce both the movie/media text as well as introducing the cast and production team who have devised the movie.
As we see during the classic James Bond films its distinctive unique title sequence is recognised world wide, implying that the James Bond franchise has created a both memorable and intriguing title sequence. This famous title sequence highlights the films genre and relation to thriller.
Textual analysis of opening sequences 2
Textual analysis of opening sequences
Se7en
The title sequence to Se7en is another classical stereotypical thriller sequence which depicts connotations of thriller and motions related to crime within the first few seconds of the scene. An example of this is the clear reference to murder with the camera focused on the thick black markings and swirly lines, highlighted on what appears to be a police report, whilst a misty red descends upon the screen.
The slow-motion capture of led chipping away from an in motion pencil signifies a harsh reality present in the content with the addition of various effects such as bold flashing lights which could again canoet crime scene like surroundings or even that of helplessness and danger.
Many contrasting colours are also used which clearly indicates that information which is presented to the audience about small background information about the film. For example, the case report on what seems to be a murder and also the pictures of violent acts, devising uncanniness amongst the audience.
The producer has used a rather small and messy font, perhaps used to signify a hand-written like effect during the title sequence which is rather unusual given the basic fundamentals of a opening title sequence include providing the audience with information such as, the creator of the film along side the main actors ect.
Se7en
The title sequence to Se7en is another classical stereotypical thriller sequence which depicts connotations of thriller and motions related to crime within the first few seconds of the scene. An example of this is the clear reference to murder with the camera focused on the thick black markings and swirly lines, highlighted on what appears to be a police report, whilst a misty red descends upon the screen.
The slow-motion capture of led chipping away from an in motion pencil signifies a harsh reality present in the content with the addition of various effects such as bold flashing lights which could again canoet crime scene like surroundings or even that of helplessness and danger.
Many contrasting colours are also used which clearly indicates that information which is presented to the audience about small background information about the film. For example, the case report on what seems to be a murder and also the pictures of violent acts, devising uncanniness amongst the audience.
The producer has used a rather small and messy font, perhaps used to signify a hand-written like effect during the title sequence which is rather unusual given the basic fundamentals of a opening title sequence include providing the audience with information such as, the creator of the film along side the main actors ect.
Monday, 4 November 2013
Log Line
Log Line
A log line or logline is a brief summary of a television program, film, or motion picture.
Logline #1 - The extraordinary story of a thoroughbred racehorse - from his humble beginnings as an under-fed workhorse to his unlikely rise and triumphant victory over the Triple Crown winner, War Admiral.
Logline #2 - A 17th Century tale of adventure on the Caribbean Sea where the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow joins forces with a young blacksmith in a gallant attempt to rescue the Governor of England's daughter and reclaim his ship.
Logline #3 - After segueing from a life of espionage to raising a family, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are called back into action. But when they are kidnapped by their evil nemesis, there are only two people in the world who can rescue them... their kids!
Logline #4 - Toula's family has exactly three traditional values - "Marry a Greek boy, have Greek babies, and feed everyone." When she falls in love with a sweet, but WASPy guy, Toula struggles to get her family to accept her fiancée, while she comes to terms with her own heritage.
Logline #5 - A young man and woman from different social classes fall in love aboard an ill-fated voyage at sea.
Answers:
1. Sea biscuit
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Spy Kids
4. My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding
5. Titanic
A log line always places a question in the viewers mind to help intrigue them into watching the film.
A log line or logline is a brief summary of a television program, film, or motion picture.
Logline #1 - The extraordinary story of a thoroughbred racehorse - from his humble beginnings as an under-fed workhorse to his unlikely rise and triumphant victory over the Triple Crown winner, War Admiral.
Logline #2 - A 17th Century tale of adventure on the Caribbean Sea where the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow joins forces with a young blacksmith in a gallant attempt to rescue the Governor of England's daughter and reclaim his ship.
Logline #3 - After segueing from a life of espionage to raising a family, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez are called back into action. But when they are kidnapped by their evil nemesis, there are only two people in the world who can rescue them... their kids!
Logline #4 - Toula's family has exactly three traditional values - "Marry a Greek boy, have Greek babies, and feed everyone." When she falls in love with a sweet, but WASPy guy, Toula struggles to get her family to accept her fiancée, while she comes to terms with her own heritage.
Logline #5 - A young man and woman from different social classes fall in love aboard an ill-fated voyage at sea.
Answers:
1. Sea biscuit
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Spy Kids
4. My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding
5. Titanic
A log line always places a question in the viewers mind to help intrigue them into watching the film.
Conventions of Opening Sequences
Conventions of Opening Sequences Movie titles & Appropriate
The title of the movie will also appear in the opening sequence, letting the audience know what they are about to watch. The opening clip may also have genre suited music, which could be used to bulid up atmosphere or tension for the first scence. This also gives an insight as to what genre the media text is.
Cast & Crew Names and images of the cast and crew can appear in an opening title sequence, although not all of the crew will be listed in the credits. Main actors and crew members such as the producer and director,amongst many ithers will appear at the beginning. The sequence will also contain any production companies.
Characters & Setting A main setting will be introduced in the opening sequence,along with one or more characters. These characters are sometimes the main roles, although there could be other characters displayed.
Mise en Scence & Editing The audience will be introduced to the mise en scence, including costumes, settings and props ect. Editing will be apparent through the opening sequences, either in the form of a linear narrative or non-linear.
This could also could also contain a montage of shots from different times and settings Cinematography & Camera Work The sequence will include a variety of shot types such as close ups to show details, and a master shots to show everething within the scence. There sgould be a range of different angles and camera movements, all to help build up the genre and give an insight into the film.
The title of the movie will also appear in the opening sequence, letting the audience know what they are about to watch. The opening clip may also have genre suited music, which could be used to bulid up atmosphere or tension for the first scence. This also gives an insight as to what genre the media text is.
Cast & Crew Names and images of the cast and crew can appear in an opening title sequence, although not all of the crew will be listed in the credits. Main actors and crew members such as the producer and director,amongst many ithers will appear at the beginning. The sequence will also contain any production companies. 
Characters & Setting A main setting will be introduced in the opening sequence,along with one or more characters. These characters are sometimes the main roles, although there could be other characters displayed. Mise en Scence & Editing The audience will be introduced to the mise en scence, including costumes, settings and props ect. Editing will be apparent through the opening sequences, either in the form of a linear narrative or non-linear.
This could also could also contain a montage of shots from different times and settings Cinematography & Camera Work The sequence will include a variety of shot types such as close ups to show details, and a master shots to show everething within the scence. There sgould be a range of different angles and camera movements, all to help build up the genre and give an insight into the film.
History of opening sequences
History of opening sequences
A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound.
Early Title Sequences,
Early title sequences often created by lettering artists often employed by major studio-typically presented white type on a black background as the colours were contrusting thus producing a clearer picture. Soon after, they included some minor decorations such as lines, outlines,or small drawings. Some title sequences or title 'cards' worth mentioning are the ones created by pioneer director D.W.Griffth. These title cards could be considered one of the first examples of branded title cards in that Griffith included his name as a signature at the edges of each card. Because early movies were silent, the title cards often had an additional function: They displayed displayed dialogue that was essential to comprehending the story, and they set the time and place for individual scences.These cards were first photographed and then edited into the main movie.
Since the invention of the cinematograph, simple title cards were used in silent film presentations in order to identify both the film and the production company involved, and to act as a signal that the film had started and then finished. In silent cinema title cards were used throughout for dialogue and plot and it is in some of these early short films that we see the first examples of title sequences. This remained the convention for many years until the advent of television forced the major film studios to invest in developing cinema in order to win back a diminishing audience.
As cinema's title sequences grew longer we begin to see the involvement of graphic design such as Saul Bass, which directly influenced the 1960s television predilection for creating strong graphics-led sequences for many shows.
A title sequence is the method by which cinematic films or television programs present their title, key production and cast members, or both, utilizing conceptual visuals and sound.
Early Title Sequences,
Early title sequences often created by lettering artists often employed by major studio-typically presented white type on a black background as the colours were contrusting thus producing a clearer picture. Soon after, they included some minor decorations such as lines, outlines,or small drawings. Some title sequences or title 'cards' worth mentioning are the ones created by pioneer director D.W.Griffth. These title cards could be considered one of the first examples of branded title cards in that Griffith included his name as a signature at the edges of each card. Because early movies were silent, the title cards often had an additional function: They displayed displayed dialogue that was essential to comprehending the story, and they set the time and place for individual scences.These cards were first photographed and then edited into the main movie.
Since the invention of the cinematograph, simple title cards were used in silent film presentations in order to identify both the film and the production company involved, and to act as a signal that the film had started and then finished. In silent cinema title cards were used throughout for dialogue and plot and it is in some of these early short films that we see the first examples of title sequences. This remained the convention for many years until the advent of television forced the major film studios to invest in developing cinema in order to win back a diminishing audience.
As cinema's title sequences grew longer we begin to see the involvement of graphic design such as Saul Bass, which directly influenced the 1960s television predilection for creating strong graphics-led sequences for many shows.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Audience Positioning
Audience Positioning
Audience positioning in narrative:
This is where the camera places the audience within a dominant position in the narrative. They are shown elements that the characters in the mise-en-scene cannot see. For example, a close-up shot shows one character taking a gun out of her bag, which only the audience can see. In sports programmes this is a common narrative convention, where the viewer, through action replay, sees the narrative more than once from a range of viewpoints. The aim is to make the audience feel in a more dominant position in the narrative in that they can then discuss what has happened with greater knowledge.
A
flashback
The audience is given information about the narrative which enhances its understanding.
Older media texts will use more contrived techniques to suggest movement back in
time, for example, the hands of a clock moving backwards, pages of a calendar
turning or misty filming. Today's audiences are assumed to be more media educated and able to decode signs in clothing and other iconography.
Audience positioning in narrative:
The
privileged spectator position
This is where the camera places the audience within a dominant position in the narrative. They are shown elements that the characters in the mise-en-scene cannot see. For example, a close-up shot shows one character taking a gun out of her bag, which only the audience can see. In sports programmes this is a common narrative convention, where the viewer, through action replay, sees the narrative more than once from a range of viewpoints. The aim is to make the audience feel in a more dominant position in the narrative in that they can then discuss what has happened with greater knowledge.
Point-of-view shots (POV)
The audience sees the
action from different points-of-view that will change its perception and
involvement in the scene. The camera may show the point of view of the murderer
or the victim or move between the two. This will obviously change the audience's
positioning and its response. It is often the case that the audience may be
placed in an uncomfortable position by the camera, or one that positions the
audience from a male or female perspective. POV shots also affect the way in
which the audience relates to the characters.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Media Institutions
Media Institutions
Definition - A media institution is an established, and often profit based organization, that deals in the creation and distribution of advertising, entertainment and information services. It helps in gathering information, and perceptions about different groups of people and their originality.
Definition - A media institution is an established, and often profit based organization, that deals in the creation and distribution of advertising, entertainment and information services. It helps in gathering information, and perceptions about different groups of people and their originality.
Cotemporary industry practises
- Production
- Distribution
- Marketing
- Ownership
- Synergy
- Proliferation
- Technology
Major Media Institutions
Media Concentration
Monday, 14 October 2013
Film Rating
Film Rating
All classification decisions are based on the BBC's published and regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on films, DVD and video games regulations.
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http://www.cbbfc.co.uk/film-ratings/why-we-age-rate-films - As this website states...
Anyone can see a U or a PG, although you and your parents and teachers are encouraged to think carefully about whether a PG film will be suitable for you if you are younger than 8 or 9 years old.
With 12A films you must be 12 or older to go and see them, unless you have an adult with you. It is up to that grown-up to decide that you won’t be upset or disturbed by anything you see.
Anyone wanting to release a film, video or DVD for showing in cinemas or watching at home has to make sure that their film has a BBFC age rating symbol. It's against the law to try and sell videos and DVDs without this. Films that you see at the cinema also have to display the right rating.
All classification decisions are based on the BBC's published and regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on films, DVD and video games regulations.
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http://www.cbbfc.co.uk/film-ratings/why-we-age-rate-films - As this website states...
Anyone can see a U or a PG, although you and your parents and teachers are encouraged to think carefully about whether a PG film will be suitable for you if you are younger than 8 or 9 years old.
With 12A films you must be 12 or older to go and see them, unless you have an adult with you. It is up to that grown-up to decide that you won’t be upset or disturbed by anything you see.
Anyone wanting to release a film, video or DVD for showing in cinemas or watching at home has to make sure that their film has a BBFC age rating symbol. It's against the law to try and sell videos and DVDs without this. Films that you see at the cinema also have to display the right rating.
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Representation of men in Thriller
Representation of men in Thriller
In thriller films, men and women are represented differently due to the concept of the genre. Stereotypically, men are portrayed as the 'hero'/protagonists and tend to be the one to 'save the day' when it comes to thriller films, where as women are seen more of a hindrance and are more typically expected to die during the films.
In this scene we see a subversive depiction of men and women in thriller as we see the equality between men and women throughout the 'shootout'. This is a subversive representation of women, as they are normally seen as feeble and weak, where as in this seen, we seen that the women is clearly as dominant as the male and in some cases even stronger than many males as they massacre through many security personal and escape death.
In thriller films, men and women are represented differently due to the concept of the genre. Stereotypically, men are portrayed as the 'hero'/protagonists and tend to be the one to 'save the day' when it comes to thriller films, where as women are seen more of a hindrance and are more typically expected to die during the films.
In this scene we see a subversive depiction of men and women in thriller as we see the equality between men and women throughout the 'shootout'. This is a subversive representation of women, as they are normally seen as feeble and weak, where as in this seen, we seen that the women is clearly as dominant as the male and in some cases even stronger than many males as they massacre through many security personal and escape death.
Monday, 7 October 2013
Research Methods
Research Methods
How do we measure media audiences?
- Sales
- Subscriptions
- Ratings
- Figures
Who measures audiences?
- NRS
- ABC
- BARB
- Bookseller
Some websites which measure audiences
http://www.nrs.co.uk - NBS
http://abc.go.com/ - ACB
http://www.barb.co.uk/ - BARB
http://www.thebookseller.com/ - Bookseller
New media:
There are few new ways in which we can measure audience:
- Facebook/other social sites
- Online forums-comment tools
- Views on YouTube
- Twitter trends
Within research there are two main types of research:
Quantitative - This is questionnaires and more number based research and they also use closed questions this is to make generate exact answers. They are also very factual
Qualitative - Is more reliable on focus groups and interviews, within this also analysis of existing products, also uses open questions to generate answers open to interpretation individual preferences
Considering Audiences
Audience engagement - this describes how an audience interacts with media text. Different people react in different ways to the same text.
Audience expectations - these are the ideas the audiences have in advance of seeing a media text. This particularly applies to genre pieces. Don't forget producers continually play with or shatter audience expectations.
How do we measure media audiences?
- Sales
- Subscriptions
- Ratings
- Figures
Who measures audiences?
- NRS
- ABC
- BARB
- Bookseller
Some websites which measure audiences
http://abc.go.com/ - ACB
http://www.barb.co.uk/ - BARB
http://www.thebookseller.com/ - Bookseller
New media:
There are few new ways in which we can measure audience:
- Facebook/other social sites
- Online forums-comment tools
- Views on YouTube
- Twitter trends
Within research there are two main types of research:
Quantitative - This is questionnaires and more number based research and they also use closed questions this is to make generate exact answers. They are also very factual
Qualitative - Is more reliable on focus groups and interviews, within this also analysis of existing products, also uses open questions to generate answers open to interpretation individual preferences
Considering Audiences
Audience engagement - this describes how an audience interacts with media text. Different people react in different ways to the same text.
Audience expectations - these are the ideas the audiences have in advance of seeing a media text. This particularly applies to genre pieces. Don't forget producers continually play with or shatter audience expectations.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Audiences
What is an audience?
An individual or collective group of people who consume any time of media text. All media context has the media in mind as they are the ones who will ultimately determine the successfulness of the text.
Why are audiences important?
Audiences are important as they bring in the income which will lead the film to be successful. No media product would be successful without an audience as they would have no way of bringing in money produced from the content. The mass media is becoming more competitive so producers strive to bring in the bigger audiences.
Katz and Blumler
Katz and Blumler proposed from their research into audience behaviour that audiences use media texts for a variety of reasons, these include;
Information - Finding out about event, satisfying curiosity gaining a sense of security through knowledge.
Personal Identity - Reinforced by personal values, finding models of behaviour, insight into ones self.
Integration and Social Interaction - Insight into circumstances of others; Social empathy, identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging, interaction, enabling one to connect with family, friends and society.
Impact Of New Technology On Audiences
Old media (TV, Print, Radio) which used to have high audience numbers must now work hard to keep up there high number of audiences with the new technology available, including Social networking sights such as Facebook and Twitter.
New technology makes it harder for these old media technology's to keep up the numbers and have now attempting to create the best coverage and texts in order to keep these audiences.
Demographic - Age, race, gender, class/status and nationality
Psychographic - Interests, beliefs,hobbies
Types Of Audiences
Mass Audiences - Often termed 'broadcast audience'. Those who consume mainstream or popular texts such as soaps or sitcoms. Media and communication that targets a very large group of people.
Niche Audiences - Much smaller but very influential. A niche audience is a small, select group of people with a very unique interests.
Audiences research is a major part of any media company's work. They use questionnaires, focus groups, pre-films screening and spend a great deal of time and money finding out who would be interested in their product.
http://www.thinkbox.tv/ describes how audiences are categorised
Group A - Lawyers, Doctors, Scientists, Well paid professionals
Group B - Teachers, Middle management, Fairly well paid professionals
Group C - Junior management, Bank clerks, Nurses, White Collar Professionals
Group C2 - Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, blue collar professions
Group D - Manual workers, Drivers, Post sorters
An individual or collective group of people who consume any time of media text. All media context has the media in mind as they are the ones who will ultimately determine the successfulness of the text.
Why are audiences important?
Audiences are important as they bring in the income which will lead the film to be successful. No media product would be successful without an audience as they would have no way of bringing in money produced from the content. The mass media is becoming more competitive so producers strive to bring in the bigger audiences.
Katz and Blumler
Katz and Blumler proposed from their research into audience behaviour that audiences use media texts for a variety of reasons, these include;
Information - Finding out about event, satisfying curiosity gaining a sense of security through knowledge.
Personal Identity - Reinforced by personal values, finding models of behaviour, insight into ones self.
Integration and Social Interaction - Insight into circumstances of others; Social empathy, identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging, interaction, enabling one to connect with family, friends and society.
Impact Of New Technology On Audiences
Old media (TV, Print, Radio) which used to have high audience numbers must now work hard to keep up there high number of audiences with the new technology available, including Social networking sights such as Facebook and Twitter.
New technology makes it harder for these old media technology's to keep up the numbers and have now attempting to create the best coverage and texts in order to keep these audiences.
Demographic - Age, race, gender, class/status and nationality
Psychographic - Interests, beliefs,hobbies
Types Of Audiences
Mass Audiences - Often termed 'broadcast audience'. Those who consume mainstream or popular texts such as soaps or sitcoms. Media and communication that targets a very large group of people.
Niche Audiences - Much smaller but very influential. A niche audience is a small, select group of people with a very unique interests.
Audiences research is a major part of any media company's work. They use questionnaires, focus groups, pre-films screening and spend a great deal of time and money finding out who would be interested in their product.
http://www.thinkbox.tv/ describes how audiences are categorised
Group A - Lawyers, Doctors, Scientists, Well paid professionals
Group B - Teachers, Middle management, Fairly well paid professionals
Group C - Junior management, Bank clerks, Nurses, White Collar Professionals
Group C2 - Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, blue collar professions
Group D - Manual workers, Drivers, Post sorters
Monday, 30 September 2013
The Three Act Structure
The Three Act Structure is a typical and frequently-used narrative structuring template. According to Field, screenplays follow a three-act structure, meaning the standard screenplay can be divided into three parts: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution.
A classic example of a thriller genre is the Coen Brothers ' No Country For Old Men '.
Act I comprises the first quarter of the screenplay.
A classic example of a thriller genre is the Coen Brothers ' No Country For Old Men '.
Act I comprises the first quarter of the screenplay.
Act II comprises the next two quarters of the film.Exposition-- In this film only one character is introduced at the start of the film, focusing all the attention on the psychopath that is Javier Bardem
Dramatic premise-- Hunter Llewelyn Moss discovers the remains of several drug runners who have all battled each other in an exchange gone horribly wrong. Rather than report the discovery to the police, Moss decides to simply take the two million dollars for himself. This puts the psychopathic killer, Anton Chigurh, on his trail as he carelessly murders nearly every rival, bystander and even employer in his pursuit of the money.
Obstacles-- Within No Country For Old Men, there are many obstacles along the way, including the inevitable meeting between the Hunter and its prey. In this case, the two battle over a case with over 2 million dollars in and with the help of some ruthless weapons, only one prevails.Act III comprises the final quarter of the film.
Midpoint-- The mid-point in this film features a battle between the hunter and its prey and is a clear benchmark as to how close the two are together in terms of the famous 'hide and seek' theme. In this case, the prey swiftly makes an escape but does not go unharmed with a shotgun shell wedged between the hip of the victim. This can also be linked in with the First Culmination as this is a obstacle within the film where the main character believes they are close to achieving a goal but does not at first succeed.
Climax (Second Culmination)-- The Climax in the film is when the two encounter for the second time and this time only one comes out alive. It is a harsh reality for the audience but the inevitability of it happening was always in the mind of the audience.
Denouement-- The part in this film begins as soon as the prey has been eliminated and is free to return with the casket containing the 2 million dollars
Monday, 23 September 2013
Narritve Devices
Levi Strauss
Claude Levi-Strauss' built upon philosopher Aristotle statement that all drama is conflict with this theory of binary opposition. Strauss said that all stories are accelerated forward by conflict which is caused by opposing characters or events.
Opposites in a storyline are extremely important in a successful story, as drawing two different words or characters together inspires conflict and interesting narrative.
Therefore, the present of binary opposition in films is an important one, as the differences within the world of the story collide and create a disturbance for which a solution must be found. It also helps to create and distinguish between character roles, for there cannot be a hero without a villain.
Barthes Narrative Devices
Roland Bathes proposes that there are codes within film which serve to engage audiences;
The Enigma Code generates and controls what information a viewer is aware of within a narrative and holds their interest throughout the film. It introduces problems or puzzles which must be solved as well as mysteries which must be uncovered.
The Action Code refers to events which occur that the viewer immediately can identify as being significant to the development of the narrative. Resolution may be achieved through action also.
Todorov Narrative Devices
Tsventan Todorov presented us with his theory, which based on his study of folk tales, that implies all mainstream film follows a similar narrative structure to each other. It consists of five stages and is known as Torodov's Theory of Narrative.
Propp Narrative Devices
- Vladimir Propp also proposes a narrative structure which is similar to Todorov's, but slighty more detailed and complex.
Preparation - Introduction
Complication - Keys or clues to the direction of the story
Transference - The donor events
Struggle - Dealing with the complications
Return - Back to 'home' however there are still issues remaining
Recognition - Loose ends are tied up
This ties in directly with Propp's Character Theory, which identifies more character roles than the previously obvious protagonist and antagonist. He states the importance of 'spheres of action' for each character as opposed to rigid character types, with one character having the ability to assume more than one role. Propps identifies seven main roles:
- The Villain
- The Donor - Prepares the hero or gives them a magical object
- The (magical) helper - Helps the hero throughout the quest
- The princess - Object of the heroes desire, sought for during the narrative
- The princesses father - Rewards the hero
- The dispatcher - Character to send the hero off
- The hero ( victim/seeker) - Reacts to the donor, weds the princes, completes the task
- The false hero, usurper or anti hero
Claude Levi-Strauss' built upon philosopher Aristotle statement that all drama is conflict with this theory of binary opposition. Strauss said that all stories are accelerated forward by conflict which is caused by opposing characters or events.
Opposites in a storyline are extremely important in a successful story, as drawing two different words or characters together inspires conflict and interesting narrative.
Therefore, the present of binary opposition in films is an important one, as the differences within the world of the story collide and create a disturbance for which a solution must be found. It also helps to create and distinguish between character roles, for there cannot be a hero without a villain.
Barthes Narrative Devices
Roland Bathes proposes that there are codes within film which serve to engage audiences;
The Enigma Code generates and controls what information a viewer is aware of within a narrative and holds their interest throughout the film. It introduces problems or puzzles which must be solved as well as mysteries which must be uncovered.
The Action Code refers to events which occur that the viewer immediately can identify as being significant to the development of the narrative. Resolution may be achieved through action also.
Todorov Narrative Devices
Tsventan Todorov presented us with his theory, which based on his study of folk tales, that implies all mainstream film follows a similar narrative structure to each other. It consists of five stages and is known as Torodov's Theory of Narrative.Propp Narrative Devices
- Vladimir Propp also proposes a narrative structure which is similar to Todorov's, but slighty more detailed and complex.
Preparation - Introduction
Complication - Keys or clues to the direction of the story
Transference - The donor events
Struggle - Dealing with the complications
Return - Back to 'home' however there are still issues remaining
Recognition - Loose ends are tied up
This ties in directly with Propp's Character Theory, which identifies more character roles than the previously obvious protagonist and antagonist. He states the importance of 'spheres of action' for each character as opposed to rigid character types, with one character having the ability to assume more than one role. Propps identifies seven main roles:
- The Villain
- The Donor - Prepares the hero or gives them a magical object
- The (magical) helper - Helps the hero throughout the quest
- The princess - Object of the heroes desire, sought for during the narrative
- The princesses father - Rewards the hero
- The dispatcher - Character to send the hero off
- The hero ( victim/seeker) - Reacts to the donor, weds the princes, completes the task
- The false hero, usurper or anti hero
Monday, 16 September 2013
Hybrid Genre
Hybrid Genre
A hybrid is a combination of two or more genres. Hybrids can have larger audiences due to appealing to more people through their multiple genres. This would be more lucrative for the film companies. Some people consider them more exciting and creative.
As horror movies are perennially popular, film makers might start with a set horror paradigms to guarantee audiences interest there are many different horror hybrids such as:
- Horror Romance (twilight)
- Horror War (R-point dead snow)
- Horror historical drama (pride and prejudice and zombies)
- Horror rom-com (Shaun of the dead)
''Genres are not static, but evolve. Therefore, their common attributes change over time. Most films are hybrid genre, since they possess the common attributes of more than one genre'' - Warren Buckland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-genre - Hybrid Genre information
Hybrid Theory’s can also be referred to as cross media due to two different genres combining together, for example a romantic genre and a comedy genre combining together this means that there will be romantic scenes available in the film as well as comedy scenes which would attract more people to watch a film due to having two genres in one film. This could also mean more value for money due to two genres in one film as mainly you may only be getting one genre i.e. a horror genre etc.
Examples of hybrid genres:
A hybrid is a combination of two or more genres. Hybrids can have larger audiences due to appealing to more people through their multiple genres. This would be more lucrative for the film companies. Some people consider them more exciting and creative.
As horror movies are perennially popular, film makers might start with a set horror paradigms to guarantee audiences interest there are many different horror hybrids such as:
- Horror Romance (twilight)
- Horror War (R-point dead snow)
- Horror historical drama (pride and prejudice and zombies)
- Horror rom-com (Shaun of the dead)
''Genres are not static, but evolve. Therefore, their common attributes change over time. Most films are hybrid genre, since they possess the common attributes of more than one genre'' - Warren Buckland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-genre - Hybrid Genre information
Hybrid Theory’s can also be referred to as cross media due to two different genres combining together, for example a romantic genre and a comedy genre combining together this means that there will be romantic scenes available in the film as well as comedy scenes which would attract more people to watch a film due to having two genres in one film. This could also mean more value for money due to two genres in one film as mainly you may only be getting one genre i.e. a horror genre etc.
Examples of hybrid genres:
- Rom-Com (romantic comedy) Genres involved - Romantic, Comedy
- Action Adventure, Genres involved - Action, Adventure
- Horror Com, Genres involved - Horror, Comedy
Narrative
Narrative
In Media Studies, it is important to tell the difference between narrative and story;
Story = a sequence of events, known correctly as the plot
Narrative = the way those events are put together to be presented to an audience
Once we move beyond seeing film and television programmes as transparent representations of the world we need to consider some of the ways in which media texts mediate the world to us. One of the most important of these is through the codes and conventions of NARRATIVE.
Narrative Enigmas
Theses are codes that limit the audience to information, it lets them have to figure what is going off in the story. They have to figure out the puzzle, things the audience should think about are who,what,when,where,how?
This keeps the audience attention to what they are watching. They are interested/curious with what is going to happen next so they are going to watch it till the end so they know the final outcome.
Narratives Themes
Narrative contains different elements, such characterization, plot and setting, that all work together to create the narrative’s theme. The theme is the main meaning of a narrative. It tells the reader what the work is about. The theme is devised through what the characters say, do and think and through the actions that take place within the story. The theme also is revealed in how the plot and setting of the narrative are constructed and presented.
Narrative Structure and Theory
Russian theorist, Tzvetan Todorov, suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure. They begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.
The structure and format of the storyline e.g. closed/open, three act structure,four act structure, linear/non linear, asynchronous, single stranded/multi-stranded
Examples of films where time in manipulated in narrative
- Flashbacks
- Dream Sequence
- Repetition
- Different characters POW
- Flash Forwards
- Real time interlude's
Comprehending Time
Very few screen stories take place in real time. Whole lives can be dealt with in the 90 minutes of a feature film, an 8 month siege be compassed within a 60 minuet TV documentary's. There are many conventions to denote time passing from, the time/day to type up each new scene on X FILES.
- The structure and organisation of media texts e.g story
- Narrative chain of cause and effect - the plotlines in a story that are triggered by action and enigma codes ( something happens that causes something else to happen)
- Narrative is correlated with genre - some genres have typical storylines
In Media Studies, it is important to tell the difference between narrative and story;
Story = a sequence of events, known correctly as the plot
Narrative = the way those events are put together to be presented to an audience
Once we move beyond seeing film and television programmes as transparent representations of the world we need to consider some of the ways in which media texts mediate the world to us. One of the most important of these is through the codes and conventions of NARRATIVE.
Narrative Enigmas
Theses are codes that limit the audience to information, it lets them have to figure what is going off in the story. They have to figure out the puzzle, things the audience should think about are who,what,when,where,how?
This keeps the audience attention to what they are watching. They are interested/curious with what is going to happen next so they are going to watch it till the end so they know the final outcome.
Narratives Themes
Narrative contains different elements, such characterization, plot and setting, that all work together to create the narrative’s theme. The theme is the main meaning of a narrative. It tells the reader what the work is about. The theme is devised through what the characters say, do and think and through the actions that take place within the story. The theme also is revealed in how the plot and setting of the narrative are constructed and presented.
Narrative Structure and TheoryRussian theorist, Tzvetan Todorov, suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure. They begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.
The structure and format of the storyline e.g. closed/open, three act structure,four act structure, linear/non linear, asynchronous, single stranded/multi-stranded
Examples of films where time in manipulated in narrative
- Flashbacks- Dream Sequence
- Repetition
- Different characters POW
- Flash Forwards
- Real time interlude's
Comprehending Time
Very few screen stories take place in real time. Whole lives can be dealt with in the 90 minutes of a feature film, an 8 month siege be compassed within a 60 minuet TV documentary's. There are many conventions to denote time passing from, the time/day to type up each new scene on X FILES.
Sub-Genre
Sub-Genre
Sub-genres are identifiable sub-classes, almost like a sub-heading within the larger film genre, with their own distinctive subject matter, style, formulas, and iconography.
A sub genre is like subdivisions of an encompassing term. Like if you say you saw a movie labelled -drama- could you watch it and see if it was a romantic drama?
Its taking groups like comedies, mysteries, poems, and making the thinking narrower.
Numerous genres have been added since, and the list of subject matter continues to grow. Due to the amount of artistic material in the world today, sub-categories of major topics make searching material easier because it is a well-organized format.
For example in action/adventure films such as James Bond, there would be sub themes such as:
- Spy
-Espionage
-Political Thrillers
-Martial arts films
-Race against time
Another example includes Dance, there would be sub genres such as:
-Drum and Bass
-Hip-hop
-Pop
-Rap
Comedy is also included with many sub genres, such as:
- Comedy Thrillers
- Parodies
- Dumb Comedy's
- Family Comedy's
Sub-genres are identifiable sub-classes, almost like a sub-heading within the larger film genre, with their own distinctive subject matter, style, formulas, and iconography.
A sub genre is like subdivisions of an encompassing term. Like if you say you saw a movie labelled -drama- could you watch it and see if it was a romantic drama?
Its taking groups like comedies, mysteries, poems, and making the thinking narrower.
Numerous genres have been added since, and the list of subject matter continues to grow. Due to the amount of artistic material in the world today, sub-categories of major topics make searching material easier because it is a well-organized format.
For example in action/adventure films such as James Bond, there would be sub themes such as:
- Spy
-Espionage
-Political Thrillers
-Martial arts films
-Race against time
Another example includes Dance, there would be sub genres such as:
-Drum and Bass
-Hip-hop
-Pop-Rap
Comedy is also included with many sub genres, such as:
- Comedy Thrillers
- Parodies
- Dumb Comedy's
- Family Comedy's
Crime and Gangster have a few sub genres including:
- Cops and robbers
- Law and order
- Detective films
- Suspense Thrillers
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Lesson on Genre
Lesson on Genre
Genre
Genre function according to sets of rules and conventions, which govern their capacity and range. They respond to these rules and conventions by developing formulas and patterns. Overtime, these formulas and pattern may acquire not only typical, but even archetypal force, dominating ways of seeing and of representing the world around us.
The importance of genre for audiences and producers?
Audiences select texts on basis of genre, often because texts are arranged at retail outlets by genre. Also, certain genres are considered appropriate to certain ages/genders in society, and choices are made accordingly e.g. teen movie 'chick flicks' have systems of expectations about the context and style of a text, according to its genre
Why do we categorise films?
As far as TV and films is concerned, this commercial idea of genre with the evolution of the film industry, but was particularly developed in Hollywood in the 1920/30s when the major studios were being established. Film producers wanted ways of attracting audiences to their films to create profit. The obvious solution was to establish what kinds of films people liked and produced them in large numbers. Marketers' could then give films a label so that the audience know what to expect.
Paradigm
The overall pattern created by a film that helps us to categorise it.
http://www.paradigmedia.com/
Conventions
The individual elements which help specify what genre a film belongs to
http://media-studies.tki.org.nz/Teaching-media-studies/Media-concepts/Codes-and-conventions
Iconography
The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconography
Genre
Genre function according to sets of rules and conventions, which govern their capacity and range. They respond to these rules and conventions by developing formulas and patterns. Overtime, these formulas and pattern may acquire not only typical, but even archetypal force, dominating ways of seeing and of representing the world around us.
The importance of genre for audiences and producers?
Audiences select texts on basis of genre, often because texts are arranged at retail outlets by genre. Also, certain genres are considered appropriate to certain ages/genders in society, and choices are made accordingly e.g. teen movie 'chick flicks' have systems of expectations about the context and style of a text, according to its genre
Why do we categorise films?
As far as TV and films is concerned, this commercial idea of genre with the evolution of the film industry, but was particularly developed in Hollywood in the 1920/30s when the major studios were being established. Film producers wanted ways of attracting audiences to their films to create profit. The obvious solution was to establish what kinds of films people liked and produced them in large numbers. Marketers' could then give films a label so that the audience know what to expect.Paradigm
The overall pattern created by a film that helps us to categorise it.
http://www.paradigmedia.com/
Conventions
The individual elements which help specify what genre a film belongs to
http://media-studies.tki.org.nz/Teaching-media-studies/Media-concepts/Codes-and-conventions
Iconography
The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconography
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Genre
Genre defined in media studies does not simply describe what's in a media text but also the way it is constructed. This is important as it distinguishes between, for example, a comedy based title and a horror type text. Genre showcases a base about what the title will be about, targeting specific audiences depending on the text or film, as well as proving little background insight about what will be featured in the context. For example, in a comedy film, it is fairly inevitable that the film will be subject to a lively and up-beat environment, including specific actors and actresses renowned for their involvement in comical films. On the contry, horror based films would feature a more hostile environment involving more Gothic related conversions such as the stereotypical blood and death.
The genre 'Horror' uses fear to devise panic and tension amongst its audience, and is well known for portraying frightful phobias which the viewers despise of, leaving many stricken and pumped with adrenaline even after the film is finished. Many horror films centre around the presence of evil, whether that by via an even spirit or the very common theme of 'possesion' or even a supernatural presence. A lot of horror films include mythical creatures such as 'zombies' or 'vampire's' which introduce a new approach with the ideology that these creatures could potentially enter the human world, which of course is physically impossible. They also traditionally include a lot of blood and gore, which include connotations with death and harm.
The 'Romantic' genre is based around the idea of love. The plot is mainly centred around the theme of love and how two people seemly become one in a normally complex and entertaining fashion, predominantly including many tearful scenes which leave the audience highly emotional and often shedding a tear or two. Fantasy is another genre which is highly linked with the romantic theme, as fiction tales such as 'Romeo and Juliet' are highly regarded as a romantic title and feature the traditional love related events such as the 'first kiss' and the idea of 'love at first sight'. Unlike comical films, romantic films do not always have a tendency to end in a happy fashion, as there are countless films which include the idea of death also provoking a emotional response from the audience.
Comedy
The genre 'comedy' uses humour as its foundational base with an focus on inflicting a optimistic environment and a feel-good-factor amongst its targeted audience. Comedy texts or media are renowned for its positive or commonly known as 'fairy tale' endings, inspired by many previously fiction, now factual stories. Many comedy films seek success via the starts in cooperated in their films. Stars such as Vince Vaughn, Adam Sandler, Simon Pegg and Jim Carey are all very well known for their Multi-Oscar winning performances between them and all have a tendency to feature in comical related films such as 'Dodgeball' and 'Ted'.
Horror
The genre 'Horror' uses fear to devise panic and tension amongst its audience, and is well known for portraying frightful phobias which the viewers despise of, leaving many stricken and pumped with adrenaline even after the film is finished. Many horror films centre around the presence of evil, whether that by via an even spirit or the very common theme of 'possesion' or even a supernatural presence. A lot of horror films include mythical creatures such as 'zombies' or 'vampire's' which introduce a new approach with the ideology that these creatures could potentially enter the human world, which of course is physically impossible. They also traditionally include a lot of blood and gore, which include connotations with death and harm.
Romantic
The 'Romantic' genre is based around the idea of love. The plot is mainly centred around the theme of love and how two people seemly become one in a normally complex and entertaining fashion, predominantly including many tearful scenes which leave the audience highly emotional and often shedding a tear or two. Fantasy is another genre which is highly linked with the romantic theme, as fiction tales such as 'Romeo and Juliet' are highly regarded as a romantic title and feature the traditional love related events such as the 'first kiss' and the idea of 'love at first sight'. Unlike comical films, romantic films do not always have a tendency to end in a happy fashion, as there are countless films which include the idea of death also provoking a emotional response from the audience.
Action
The 'Action' genre focuses its main aspect of the title on physical action. This creates a rather quick paced film that includes many high-tec stunts and features, such as explosions, car chases and of course the famous shoot-outs. These features leave the audience hung on the edge of their seat, frantically waiting for the next move or unbearably watching a tense gun fighting scene. Action films tend to include a love-able hero who's task is to traditionally 'save the world', some of these hero's include Daniel Craig, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and Wentworth Miller
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