Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Friday, 16 October 2009
The Media Top 100
The panelists:
- Peter Barron: Male; Editor of Newsnight.
- Peter Bennett-Jones : Male; Founder of Tiger aspect group.
- Brent Hoberman: Male; Founder of online interior website mydeco.
- Tessa Jowell: Female; Minister for the Olympics.
- Siobhan Kenny: Female; Director of communications at publisher Haper Collins UK.
- Andrew Neil: Male; Publisher of Barclays brothers press Holding Group.
- Trevor Phillips: male; Is chair of the equality and humas rights commission.
- Chris Powell: Male; Chairman of Nesta.
- Janine Gibson: Female; Editor of Guardian.co.uk.
- Jane Matinson: Female; Editor of Mediaguradan.co.uk
2 & 3)
- Jane Tranter (10)- Involved in BBC and is controller of fiction.
- Lesley Douglas (19)- Controls BBC Radio 2 and 6Music.
- Jana Bennett (21)- BBC director of vision.
- Helen Boaden (23)- Director of BBC news.
- Ruth Jones (25)- Actress and writer.
- Marjorie Scardino (26)- Chief executive of Pearson.
- Elisabeth Murdoch (27)- Chairman and chief executive of Shine Group.
- Ashley Highfield (28)- Chief Executive of Project Kangaroo.
- Rebekah Wade (30)-Editor of The Sun.
- Julian Bellamy (32)- Channel 4 head of programming.
- Carolyn McCall (35)- Chief executive of Guardian Media Group.
- Gail Rebuck (36)- Chairman and chief executive of Random House UK.
- Sly Bailey (38)- Chief executive of Trinity Mirror.
- Arianna Huffington (47)- Founder and editor- in-chief of Huffington Post.
- Dawn Airey (50)- Chair and chief executive elect of channel 5
- Veronica Wadley (52)- Editor of London Evening Standard.
- Jane Bruton (56)- Editor of Grazia.
- Lucian Grainge (64)- Chairman and chief executive, Universal Music Group International.
- Joanna Sheilds (66)- AOL executive vice-president and president of People's Network.
- Caroline Michel (73)- Chief executive of PFD.
- Katie Price (83)- Reality TV star and Author.
- Eileen Gallagher (97)- Chief executive of Shed Media.
- Emily Bell (98)- Director of Digtal Content, Guardian News & Media.
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Self Evaluation
(2) Overall I have done well in objectives and the understanding of work is good. (Why do people get this confused with attendance?)
Effort:
(2) Most of the time I try my best in every task, however once in a while may go off topic. Need to be more consistent.
Punctuality:
(2) Never late to lessons but have been absent which is mainly due to exams. So not perfect.
Submission and quality of homework:
(2) Always submit homework but is not always to the highest standards but most of the time is to a good level.
Ability to work independently:
(2) I usually can work fine independently, but there is still room for improvement.
Quality of writing:
(1) Don't have any problems with the quality of my writing and think it doesn't need much changing.
Organisation of Media folder:
(3) To sum it up: average. It's in order but need to print off power-point slides and blog work.
Oral contributions in class:
(1) From the previous self-evaluation this is what I have most improved on because I try to contribute as much as possible in lessons (although not always right when i do).
Contributions to your practical production group:
(2) Mainly due to exams it hasn't been the main focus, however now is the priority for all members in the group.
www:
Contributing in class.
Improvement on working independently.
Homework is of a better quality.
ebi:
Organization of folder.
Try to put 100% effort into everything that is being taught in lesson.
Link aspects that are in the topic of the essay.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
NBS Paragraph
Throughout the extract the sound links well with the lighting and colour this is due to the film having typical characteristics that would be associated with the genre. The parallel sound and contrast in lighting allow the audience to be wary of what they could expect during the extract. The use of parallel non-diegetic sound permits the audience to be familiar with the genre and it is the type of background music that would be linked with the genre. Also the director uses high-key lighting so the scene is perceived as more realistic and gives a natural effect. Therefore the use of these two key elements of film language by the director, this gives a more believable approach for the audience. Furthermore this is crucial for an historical film as the audience can't directly relate to the character's situation, however by following conventions that are attached to an historical adventure genre this remains the appeal of the film.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Film Language Essay: Analysis of extract
Pirates of the
The parts of the extract that will be analyzed are the first minute and the last minute. This is because it will be clear-cut to pick out key aspects of film language in these two parts of the film. Also these two minutes may help identify the contrast between the first and last moments of the scene. The aspects of film language that will be used to analyze this essay are mise-en-scene, lighting, sound, cinematography and editing. This will link to the effect on the audience and why directors use these factors of film language.
There are many elements to mise-en-scene that are used in the extract. Costumes are clearly important as they help identify the genre of the film. All the characters are dressed in pirate clothing, the effect on the audience is that they are able to identify that it is a film about pirates and that it consists of the typical conventions of this particular film. The directors have used this type of clothing as it enables the film to be more realistic and believable. For instance the inclusion of pirate hats and eye patches makes it easier to identify who is a pirate. Such as the first character is dressed smart and royally, therefore the audience can recognize that the character isn’t a pirate and may make assumptions about what kind of role he may play in the film. Furthermore the costumes also provide a purpose to the audience as they’re not clothes that people wear in contemporary times so immediately the viewers know it is a historical film.
The lighting and colour in the extract doesn’t consist of many bright colours. The director does this to connote the type of mood and atmosphere during the scene. There is a great deal of grey and brown which signifies that there is a battle. This is illustrated as there isn’t just one particular colour but there is a mix which gives the impression that there is complete chaos happening in the extract. The cause of this on the audience is by not having bright colours that are noticeable; the focus turns more to the characters and their actions. This maybe done by the director to show this is a significant part of the film.
Actor’s facial expressions in the extract are usually serious. However Captain Sparrow at times has a more laid back approach. This may link to the actor Johnny Depp as he has played similar roles before where he has to have two sides to his personality. In addition the expressions of Davey Jones and Lord Cutler Beckett are grim and particularly Davey Jones it gives a sense of hatred. This allows the audience to identify who the protagonist is and who the villains are. The director may choose to do this so the audience can learn more about the character such as their intentions by their facial expressions and body language. As thunder is about to occur Davey Jones face looks worried and concerned about something. This is like a warning to the audience that something shocking is going to take place, it creates a mysterious enigma.
The make-up used is the detail on Davey Jones and his comrades to make them look creepy. Also as you see in the final minute of the extract every one of them has a distinctive look, although Davey Jones is the most stand-out character. This is because the director wants the audience to know he is the leader. The purpose on the audience is so there is a sense of intimidation from Davey Jones. The director does this to show a slight bit of mystery behind the character.
The first prop identified is a cup this differs from the last prop which is a sword. This shows during this scene a lot has happened. The effect on the audience by having a cup is they may expect not much to happen in the specific scene. Therefore the director’s technique of having this as the first prop surprises them when there is a great deal of action and violence that occurs after. Also the cup of tea further connotes the type of character Lord Beckett is, it may advocate that he doesn’t get involved in the violence but may get his associates to do this instead. Another prop that is significant is the chest. This prop is shown to be significant as the characters are fighting over it. This shows how important this prop is to the narrative. It also provides an explanation to the audience on why the characters are clashing. The swords used by Jack Sparrow and Davey Jones reiterate that the film is historical as guns were difficult to access at the time. Moreover it provides a greater impact on the audience as they’re aware that both characters have to battle hard to obtain the chest.
The setting of the extract takes place in the ocean and the characters are on ships. The director does this so he is following the key characteristics of the genre of the film. The inclusion of ships in the scene gives the idea that the genre is literally an adventure as they’re moving one location to the other. Additionally the outcome on the audience is because the setting involves the ocean they immediately think of danger and risk. This already builds up tension for the audience. This links to the main colours of the setting as it gives a gloomy effect and creates a sense of mystery because the colour of the setting as a whole isn’t very appealing. The ocean isn’t shining and is dark and mysterious which could relate to the narrative at the point of the scene. Such as the conflict between the characters links to how the ocean is moving. Thus it creates a more engaging way for the audience to watch the extract. This is because they can view it from different perceptions.
The extract consists of mainly high-key lighting. The use of this by the director Verbinski is to give a more realistic and natural effect. The extract consists of a lot of filler lights mainly in the first minute. This is used as a result, shadows are less noticeable, although they are still formed the distinction between light and dark is vague. This type of lighting is used so the audience can spot the characters facial expressions clearly and can glimpse everything in detail. The key light came mainly from a top lighting angle. It is instigated this way so the attention is underlined on the main characters.
Non-diegetic and diegetic sound are linked well in this extract. A great deal of sound effects is used such as thunder, the swords clashing and the explosion noise at the end. The similarities between these particular sound effects are they all create destruction. This is a bigger impact to the audience as they are aware of the dangers that the characters are in. There is also use of dialogue, however it isn’t very appealing as there is a lot of other sound going on at the same time. The only exception is when Davey Jones screams at the beginning when he sees the clouds coming together. This is done so the audience can remember him yelling as it may confirm what the character is feeling. This helps them identify he is angry and infuriated. Non-diegetic sounds such as the music is parallel as it goes well with what is being shown at that point. This is because it is at a fast tempo and the scene is based around action. The music becomes more upbeat as the ships start to take off. The director does this to build up tension. There are many sound bridges involved with the non-diegetic sound this is done by the director to help create a smooth transition from one scene to the next. Thus helps it flow and is more understandable for the audience. Near the end it is difficult to hear the non-diegetic music this is because the audiences are meant to focus more on the visual images.
The cinematography is done by Dariusz Wolski. He uses a lot of close-ups at first so the audience can clearly see which characters are involved in this particular part of the scene. However the extract consists of a lot of medium shots as this is the best way to give a brief overview of everything. This also keeps it simple and easy for the audience to view. A point-of-view shot occurs when Sparrow is looking towards Davey Jones and his associates. This is done by reverse shots where the camera is towards Sparrow then at what he is looking at then back to him. This shot directly puts the audience into his shoes and allow the use of identification as they are sutured into the narrative. The cinematographer does this to show the difficult obstacles in the protagonist’s way and the tasks he has to overcome. The expression links to this as he has a worried look when he sees Davey Jones is after him. During the final moments there is a long shot of the two characters battling. This is done to show the surroundings they are in. This also allows the audience to think of the difficult conditions they’re fighting under. A low angle shot is used to show the superiority of Lord Beckett has over his comrades. The audience is aware he is the leader.
Camera movement such as tilt is used when Davey Jones looks up towards the sky. This is done so the audience can see where the characters attention is at. Panning was also used to create suspense and linked with the non-diegetic music as they helped develop tension. Furthermore afterwards the camera zooms into Davey Jones face as a close up to show to the audience he is enraged. The director does this by zooming into Davey Jones so the audiences are aware that it has a direct effect on this character.
During the extract in both parts there are mainly straight cuts in terms of editing. The first edit doesn’t take place till sixteen seconds but is followed up by a number of quick cuts. This is done so the film can flow at first and then speed up quickly unexpectedly. This is to surprise the audience by the change in tempo. There is a pattern where there is no edit for at least ten seconds which is followed up by a number of cuts. This trend becomes accustomed to the audience and helps them identify key parts of the scene. The editor has chosen to do this so the audience don’t have to think too much about camera edits and can have their full attention on the actual plot of the film.
In conclusion key aspects of film language must be presented to a high standard if a film is going to be successful or not. This is clearly proven in this extract as this film made a worldwide gross of around $960million which was the highest in 2007. It also won academy awards for make-up and visual effects which come under film language.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Analysis of four still images




- Signs
- Troy
- Speed
- Pearl Harbor
The second still is a close up shot of the women. This is done to show the facial expression of the character. The camera angle has the other character (Achilles) back to the camera to show he may not have any feelings at the time. By providing a close up, we the audience are able to identify if something good or bad has happened.
The camera angle of this still shows that the character isn't the most significant image. This shot enables the audience to focus on the explosion. This is what is first noticed. Thereafter the attention is then turned to the character. The camera angle also shows this accident happened on a normal street. As you are able to see the roofs of houses. Therefore the audience know in the film explosions and dangerous stunts can occur anywhere and anytime.
The final still from Pearl Harbor shows three characters. We are able to identify the main character from the three as he is the central figure in the image. This is a long shot so we are able to see his surroundings and what the costumes and props are consisted in this scene. These enable us to make assumptions on what is going on in this particular time. Such as he has a suitcase so he may have traveled and therefore is at the airport. Also he has army wear on, this is probably near the beginning as it is providing the audience with an introduction on what the film is about as long shots help do this.
Cinematography
Going My Way (1944)
It was directed by Leo McCarey and the cinematographer was Lionel Lindon. The extract is all in one setting. The first shot is from an outsider's perspective as it is a long shot and is a distant away from the characters. Also no one is looking at the camera so the audience are aware that they are seen as observers.
There is a long part in the extract where there is a point of view shot. This point of view shot is with the children who are looking directly at the man. It is seen as a point of view shot by a reverse shot which shows the children then the camera turns to the older character. This permits the audience with an identification with the boys as they are put into their perspective. It also creates a sense of respect shown to the man as all their eyes are focused on him. This connotes he has high authority and wisdom.
American Graffiti (1973)
The film was directed by George Lucas and the cinematography was done by Ron Eveslage. The camera movement is began by panning towards both cars. There is a long shot of both cars where they are both from the same distance from the camera. This allows the audience to compare the styles of the two cars as it relates to the personalities of the characters. As one is stylish and newer then the other is may connote that this character may get the better of the other.
For most of the extract the camera is in front of the two cars and is almost like the cars are following the camera. This makes it seem as if they are coming towards the audience. Therefore it allows them to feel involved in the particular scene and also take more of an interest.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Film Noir

Film noir began in the 1930's and remained as a strong cinematic medium until the early 1960's. Film noir literally means "black film" in French and features themes which are more negative than positive, with an overall dark and shadowy outlook--being filmed in black and white. This film genre takes in detective and crime noir as well as many gangster films of the 1930's. Noir also moves into more modern films combining with other genres. These would include western noir--"High Noon", romance noir--"Laura", crime noir--"The Big Heat" and even modern detective noir--"L.A. Confidential" and "
The first recognized noir movie was "Stranger on the Third Floor" from 1940, although films made use of many noir facets well before. "Stranger on the Third Floor" featured what was at the time a new cinematic technique that made use of dark or dim lighting effects, dreary settings, filtered lights and generally dark themes and characterizations. Noir scenes are made from interesting camera angles and with dramatic close-ups and shadowed lighting. Frequently the stories use of smoke-filled rooms, views of light filtered through venetian blinds, seedy downtown areas with neon lights, dark wet streets to heighten the noir effect. Brightly-lit scenes are not used in noir films since the desired effect is that of dreary hopelessness.
The content of noir films keeps pace with the settings. Most noir stories feature main characters who find themselves embroiled in hopeless situations, fighting against a force that threatens to overtake them, the force being their inability to resist temptation. Most often this main character is male, although there are some noir movies in which the main character is female. Sometimes they’re known as the femme fatale. The femme fatale is most often depicted as a beautiful woman, cruel and dishonest, who is willing to do anything necessary to reach her ends.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
3 Extracts Mise En Scene
Van HelsingProps: In Van Helsing the main props are weapons such as a sword. This connotes that the film is to do with violence. Also this helps provide an idea of what kind of genre the film is. In Kung Fu Hustle thereare two props that stand out which are an axe and a pig hanging out from the top. This unlike Van Helsing shows not only a weapon as a prop. Therefore this film could be suggested as a hybrid genre. As the inclusion of the pig shows that there is a humour sie to th film. The Amityville Horror also contains a weopon but is difficult to identify what the weapon is. Also as it is one person by himself it infers that ths person enjoys inflicting pain on people and is evil. However Van Helsing suggests that they're doing it for a good purpose.
Costumes: The first poster the characters are wearing mainly black. There is not much colour which can represent that the period of time in this film is alot of darkness. In Kung Fu Hustle the three men at the top are dressed smart which suggests they may be gangsters. Therfore it could give the impression they are villains. In the third poster the guy is wearing ordinary clothes. This could suggest anone is capable of killing.
Lighting: There is alot of low key lighting inthe first poster. However there was high key lighting in the middle and it was back lighting to show the significance of the characters. In Kung Fu Hustle there was no lighting. In the third poster there was low key lighting on the sides but in the middle there is high key lighting so the audience will focus more on the middle where the character is.
Setting: Van Helsing's poster has a building with alot of cloudiness and the moon in the middle. This creates a gloomy effect as there isn't much light. This gives the impression that there is alot of adeventures throughout the film. In Kung Fu Hustle the background is yellow. This wouldn't be expected in an action film. Therfore this conntes that there is alot of humour involved in the film. The Amityville Horror poster has an image of an house and the character is shown in a hideout. This allows the audience to make assumptions that the character has found it's next victim in the house.
Actors: In the first poster the two central characters have a serious expression and are looking straight ahead. This gives the impression that are involved in something significant in the film. There are another two character who in the shadow. They don't look human this suggests that these are the challenges facing the two main characters. In Kung Fu Hustle the expressions of the characters vary. Such as the man on the floor looks like he has fell down and has a dazed look. However the three men at the top have a more serous expression. This shows the contrast of personalities and characters consisting in the film. In the last poster the character has his back to the camera. Therfore this suggests that they don't want there identity to be known. This allows the audience to be aware that the character is evil.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Film Language Task 1
Donnie Brasco is an academy award nominated 1997 film, by Mike Newell, starring Al Pacino, Michael Madsen and Johnny Depp. It is based in New York during the 1970s. Also it was distributed by Sony Corporation.The characters in the poster are wearing jackets. Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) is wearing a leather jacket which in the period of time of the film was for younger people. Also Lefty Ruggiero's (Al Pacino) jacket is more sophisticated which may show he is the older of the two.
There is low key lighting which shows darkness. This further connotes danger as most crime such as murder occurs during night. Also there is a spotlight on the two characters which represents a significance of them to the film as the light is focused only on them.
The lighting leads on to the actors. This is because as there is not much light people focus more at the characters expressions. Especially the man at the front as he is right in the centre. Their expressions provide a sense of seriousness and hate. This assists the audience to identify that there is conflict in this film.
There is not much make up used in this poster. Nevertheless there is a lot of detail on the character's faces. Also the lighting used on Ruggiero's face doesn't allow the audience to see his eyes. This may be done so they are unable to guess his true feelings and exactly what he is looking at.
The only real props that can be noticed with the exception of clothing is the end of a brick wall that the two characters are standing next to. This may suggest they have just come out of an alley or a dead end. This also comes under setting. By placing the characters here this allows the audience to make assumptions about what they have just done. Also as the lighting is dark it may assume there was violence and crime going on as most people may predict this in a dark alley.
The typography for the title is simple and spaced out. It is red to connote blood, danger and death. Therefore this allows the audience to identify the genre as by taking everything into account. Such as knowing that Al Pacino consists as a main character this gives the impression it is a gangster genre. In addition by stating it is based on a true story the audience will think that everything that occurs in this movie can happen in the real world. Therefore it makes it more meaningful to the audience and more fear. This also creates more interest from people who know about the true story.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Case Study 2

Revolver Entertainment is a film distribution company based in the UK. It is one of the the UK's most leading 'All Rights' distribution companies. It was founded in 1997 and the headquarters are in London.
10 Lambton Place
London
W11 2SH
It has has 15 theatrical releases and 50 home entertainment titles. Revolver USA was launched in 2007. Also they released their first ever live action Digital 3D movie earlier this year. Furthermore the first entire eco- friendly film release. They released films that were Oscar and BAFTA nominated that they co-produced.
Also they have released films such as Kidulthood, Tell No One, Taxi To The Dark Side and My Brother Is An Only Child.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Insitution Case Study

Charles Pathé was the main person behind the introduction of the company in 1896. The idea is to build an image built around 'independence, innovation and quality'. It also attempts to cover a whole variety of media and entertainment interests. Pathé is the world's LONGEST established film company. Pathé is one of the leading distributors and producers of films in France and the UK.
Pathé has produced media texts such as: Dirty Sanchez, Black Christmas, Rat Race, The Duchess, and The Fox And The Child. Also Blindness and What just Happened are coming soon. There have been print media texts such as Pathé Gazette and The Pathé Pictorial. They're also involved in cable and satellite networks such as Télé Monte Carlo, Voyage and Comédie!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path%C3%A9
http://www.pathe.co.uk/
http://www.britishpathe.com/
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Peer Assesment of Trailer Analysis
Actors used were important, and well executed as they featured a real life drug addict. I believe what separated this from so many other trailers was that the group had gone an extra mile by getting a real life drug addict, which could have been dangerous.
The actors were significant in this trailer as they added a new dimension by featuring a real life drug addict. This is what stood out the most from other trailers as it showed they put in more effort and there's was more unique because of it. This was risky to speak to a real life drug addict.
WWW: Developed point well.
Mentioned key concepts such as the importance of actors.
Showed what made it stand out from other trailers.
EBI: Linked it to other institutions.
2.Jaspal- http://da-jassi.blogspot.com/
Firstly the sound of the trailer attracts the audience in even more closer than they already are, there is a use of Diagetic and non- Diagetic sound. The use of both of these sounds in the trailer is very successful, as by the audience listening to the diegetic sound it helps them to understand more clearly what is going on in the trailer. Also the dialogue language used in the trailer is referred to as slang, for example: “you think you’re bad yeah… Show me what you got”
Initially the sound of the trailer gains even more interest from the audience by using diagetic and non- diagetic sound. The diagetic sound allows the audience listening to know what the trailer is getting across at. Therefore it provides them with an understanding of the overall intentions of the trailer. Furthermore the dialogue language used could be referred to as colloquial language for instance: "you think you're bad yeah... Show me what you got". This gives an idea of what the people are like.
WWW: Refers to the audience.
Mentions diagetic and non- diagetic sound.
Gives evidence when backing up a point.
EBI: Where non diagetic sound is used.
3. Natasha- http://natashafayes-web2point0.blogspot.com/
The mise en scene is important in this short film. It allows the audience to focus on Curtis as the setting has no real distractions and also enables it to look more realistic. By making it more realistic the audience will engage with the situation in the short film by considering other people may suffer the same fate in reality.
WWW: Shows the impact the mise en scene may have on the audience.
Links it to other concepts such as the character.
Develops the point about audience focusing on the setting.
EBI: Describe the actual settin in detail.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Trailer Analysis: Saving Faith
'Saving Faith' is a movie trailer that has typical conventions and connotations that would be associated with a hard hitting and gritty genre. It is about a happy couple enjoying life to its fullest until a mafia leader turns their world upside down. This trailer attracts an audience that is interested in action.
There were many different types of camerawork involved in this trailer which showed it was well directed. As the car's door opened you couldn't identify who came out as the camera shot was at a low angled tilt. This was well thought out as they wanted to conceal the identity of the killer. The impact on the audience was that they didn't know who was responsible for all the wrong doings till later on in the trailer. Therefore it provides questions for the viewers in their head that they want answered during the trailer. This keeps them interested for the duration of 'Saving Faith'. Also when the character is sitting down holding a gun this is not the first thing that is shown on that particular part. It slowly pans to the right which then shows the image. This creates a suspense during the panning to the right. As a result when the audience see the gun this creates a shock and allows them to think they have to keep watching.
The sound involved in the trailer was mainly non-diegetic because of the soundtrack. The soundtrack coincides with the trailer quite good as matches the mood and situation going on in 'Saving Faith'. Such as at the start of the trailer when all is peaceful the soundtrack doesn't oppose to it. When the trailer becomes more open and shows the main conventions of the film such as violence the soundtrack alters to that particular genre. In terms of diegetic sound there wasn't a great deal of it in the trailer. However in most trailers they don't usually have this type of audio in it. When the violence appeared in the trailer the sound when someone was hit against the wall made it feel more realistic. Also this diegetic sound is felt by the viewers and creates an impact as they are aware that someone is inflicting pain.
Most of the characters in the trailer were dressed in hoodies. This gives the impression that they are meant to behave in a anti social way. Also one character was dressed smart and therefore could show he is meant to be the leader of the gang. The costumes clearly convey that the film is to do with crime and consists a huge amount of violence. The lighting is to do with what is being shown on the trailer. For instance when the couple are smiling at the beginning of the trailer it is broad daylight to show that nothing is wrong. Conversely, the lighting becomes darker as the point in the trailer has reached at a part where there is a lot of hatred and anger. At the end of the trailer it is night time which for the viewer potentially means a bad ending.
Also in that scene the boy is sitting alone next to a fire place. He has a concerned expression, this shows that by the end of the trailer an event has happened which has made him release a depressive mood. There is a point in the trailer where someone has been hit against the fence and there is a close up of his facial expression. It clearly shows he is in pain and connects with the audience to feel sympathy for the character. In the trailer of 'Saving Faith' they don't have to many prop with the exception of the gun which is shown on numerous occasions. Nevertheless this one prop provides us with an idea of what the film is about as it connotes death, hate and chaos. Which is what 'Saving Faith' is all about. The title 'Saving Faith' connotes that the film is to do with trying to defend and save good. Conversely the trailer suggests that this way doesn't come out on top.
A Rapper's Ambition
'A Rapper's Ambition' is a film trailer that follows the journey of an upcoming rap artist. The narrative centres around a struggling rapper with big ambitions.
Lighting: You can tell from the trailer the majority of the time the lighting isn't too significant. However from the start you see the character walking through an alley in daylight by himself. This gives the impression that he is frustrated. Also that he is not where he wants to be. The lighting gets darker to show there is a sense of seriousness about what is being addressed.
Institutional values: The story that 'A Rapper's Ambition' conveys is that perseverance will get you to where you want to be. Also if you're not determined enough and aren't willing to try you could ruin your life and chances of being a success.
Camera shots: Most of the camera shots are close ups to show the their expressions. Also it allows the reader to be aware of how they're feeling at the time. Furthermore some of the camera shots are looking down at the rapper to show that he is feeling inferior and like a failure.
Sound: The soundtrack played in the trailer is a beat that links well with the rapper as it gives the impression he is having a difficult time in his life. Also it is at a pace which allows the audience to feel interested in the trailer.
Timing: The trailer is fairly short at around 2 minutes. This is to give a short but huge impact to the audience. As it doesn't give a great deal of the story away but maintains people to want to watch the movie.
Language: The language used in the trailer consists of colloquial words. This is done to make it feel realistic about people who share similar aspirations to them. As they are likely to live in similar areas and communicate in the same way.
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
Analysis of media texts
This film takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, where notorious Irish Mob boss Francis "Frank" Costello (Jack Nicholson) plants his protégé Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) as an informant within the Massachusetts State Police. Simultaneously, the police assign undercover cop Billy Costigan, Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello's crew. When both sides of the law realize the situation, each man attempts to discover the other's true identity before being found out.Sunday, 2 November 2008
Individual Case Study
The genre of this trailer is likely to have similarities with my production. The age group it is mainly aimed at is 15-24 this is because they may relate to the situations in the film the most. A lot of the features of the film consist of criminal offenses such as drugs and violence. It conveys the message that 'crime doesn't pay'.
They maintained the audience from the previous film Kidulthood by having some characters from there. Therefore people who had a liking to Kidulthood were going to watch this film. However they also had new characters to gain more interest.
The beginning of the trailer starts off quite peacefully at first. Suddenly the camera shots are very quick which matches the tempo of the soundtrack. This is important for the trailer as it provides an impact to the viewer by showing them what the film is about. Also by doing this it hints excitement and the unexpected. The audience that the film is aimed at is attracted to the trailer as it has characteristics that they would take interest in e.g fast shots and a quick tempo soundtrack.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Self Evaluation
Most of the time i am on task and achieving well with the objectives.
Effort:1
I gave a '1' because i try to put 100% in every lesson and I am always focused.
Punctuality:2
I have attended every lesson since i joined the class. However i have been 1 or 2 minutes late on the odd occasion.
Submission and quality of homework:2
Except from a few blips at the beginning i tend to always complete homework and do to a high standard. On the other hand usually homework is done at the last minute.
Ability to work independently:3
I work well most of the time but not always. I need to be more consistent.
Quality of writing:2
Use of vocabulary is decent and writing is clear.
Organisation of media folder:2
It is well ordered however should be split into sections.
Oral contributions in class: 3
I don't contribute a great deal in lessons but when it comes to the important discussion I tend to share my views.
WWW:
Know the difference between broadcasting, print and e-media.
Am aware of the changes in technology such as Web 2.0
Understood objectives set in the lesson.
EBI:
Look at my notes more in free time and do more independent work outside the lesson.
I should contribute more in lessons.
Ask if i need help.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
2008 Media Awards Review
Concrete Angel was also an interesting production for the simple fact it was different from the other productions. This stood out and was unique. Curtis getting the best actor demonstrated the difficulty of their production. Also the effort put in by the group as a whole.
Face of Fear was also a good production, this was in the genre horror and this was identified straight away by the background music and the tempo of the trailer. Also the villain acted very well as he made his role very believable. Overall it had everything that usually consists in a horror movie trailer. The fast tempo clearly made it more interesting and the quick camera shots made a huge impact on the viewers.

