For my preliminary task, I decided the genre of film I wanted to do was thriller. Together as a group, we came up with several ideas which we thought would suit this genre. We decided that a kidnapping scene would be interesting and something that we could recreate quite easily. I thought that this would be filled with mystery and tension, and leave the audience wondering what will happen next.
In order to create a tense, eerie scene, we needed the correct costumes, props etc. to ensure that this was portrayed.
The preliminary task was filmed at a member of my groups house. I thought that this would be a good place to film, as it had everything we needed in order to create our scenes. Some of the props we used were: knives, scissors, a cloth, a pillowcase, tape, a mallet and a borrowed car. We wanted to make our piece sinister and mysterious, so by using things like knives and mallets, it created the atmosphere we needed.
A main problem we faced as a group was that we ended up laughing in between scenes, as we struggled to stay serious. We had to repeat several scenes in order to get them right, and this prolonged the process (although, we did get there in the end). Another problem that we faced was that we had to wait to a specific time of the day to film certain parts. We wanted our film to be mainly set outside, however we often struggled to get the right lighting, as we didn't have a budget or any form of professional equipment that we could've used. Also, an additional problem that we faced was that everyone had to be home for a certain time, which limited the amount of filming we could do, especially outside.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed creating this preliminary task, as I found it interesting to try out the filming and also to act out within it. We will take all of the skills and techniques we learnt from this task and put it into our main task, where we will create a post-apocalyptic film opening scene.
From our preliminary task, we have learnt that if we got straight to the task, rather than laughing at it first, we could focus better and therefore create an even better piece. However, I think that it went quite well and our end product turned out well.
If we were to do this again, we would use a voice over for our scenes, as we found that whilst we were filming outside, it was difficult to hear the things we were saying. This is something which we will consider using for our main task.
For our own mise en scene piece, we wanted to create something which would represent the vulnerability of our character prior to a post-apocalyptic happening.
We decided that the lighting for our piece would be better if the photograph was taken outside to represent that the character was presumably lonely or homeless. Although the facial expression on her face represents that she isn't happy, the lighting contrasts with this as it is very bright and light; you could guess the time of day.
Additionally, the positioning of our character represents that she could be bored and fed up. Her isolation could portray that she has to go miles in order to find supplies to keep her going. Her arm rested on her knee, and hand to her face could show that she is tired both mentally and physically and would do anything to live a normal life again.
The costume, hair and make up of our character was important to get right to portray the vulnerability. We wanted her clothing to look old, torn and worn to represent that she had been living a life on the streets. Her make up has ran, which could portray that she had been crying whilst looking at the picture she has in her hands. Although most of her hair is tucked inside her hat, it could represent that she hasn't had any where to go to freshen up and keep herself clean.
The main props in our images are the picture, can of food and the dog. These represent that she doesn't have a lot of supplies upon her person, therefore representing that food and supplies are scarce. The image in her hands could be of her family or a loved one, who she wishes would return and see again. The can of food beside her shows that food is in very short supply and therefore has to eat things sparingly. The dog in the first image could be her only companion, and only has him to keep her company.
Women in films are generally shown as the vulnerable, weak, maternal characters. However, in some films, they are shown as strong, powerful leaders.
For example in the film 'The Book of Eli', the character of Solara is shown to be quite weak to start with, however, becomes strong as she follows the ways of Eli.
However, in a film like Wonder Woman for example, the main character is a woman and is shown to be powerful and strong. Her costume is sexualised, as this is something which perhaps would attract a male audience.
Mise en scene
There are 5 different elements to mise en scene, these include:
settings and props
costume hair make up
facial expressions/ body language
lighting and colour
positioning of characters/objects within the frame
These are used throughout films to create different atmospheres and effects.
For example, a low key lighting scene can create the effect of mystery and tension, whereas a high key lighting scene creates an upbeat, happy mood to the scene.
Costume and props are a major feature throughout movies, as these make things seem much more realistic. They are specific to the genre of the film and depend one when the film is set.
All five elements are key and directors think very carefully about how these things are added to create a phenomenal film.
Why do companies use websites to promote their films?
Companies use websites in order to advertise their movies. These websites give the audience more information about the film. They are able to reach out to a wider audience.
This is so the films are much more popular in cinemas, and therefore, the companies can make more money. They usually give an insight of what the film will be about.
For example, the Star Wars films generally have their own websites, giving the audience information prior to their release. I think that this is a good idea, as it enables the viewers to see whether they think they will enjoy the film or not.
Many new and upcoming movies, like Wonder Woman or Moana, have their own websites so that the film can be explored. The Disney film Moana has a website designed for a younger audience; things like games and printable colouring pages attract young children to their website, and will often watch the film after seeing these. Additionally, a store is often advertised on their websites so that people can buy official merchandise, therefore creating the company more money.
The Star Wars film Rogue One has its own website, which enables the viewer to have a preview of the film. The website enables you to see behind the scenes and introduces the audience to new characters. This is important for not just a fan, but also a critic or a general viewer, as they can experience and see the different things about the film. It enables the company/film producers to gain a bigger audience and helps them to spread the information to many people. This then helps them to attract more visitors to the cinema and gain money.
The website offers extra information to the viewer. It guides them through the webpage but also introduces the audience to the characters.
It also enables the viewer to follow the films pages through links, for example Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The characters have to things in order to survive.
Something catastrophic has usually happened beforehand, and the narrative is that the characters have to live in a destroyed world.
Death and violence is something commonly represented throughout.
The places where the characters live in are usually derelict or abandoned.
Zombies
The main character is usually a male, and often finds a female who needs help.
Both non-diegetic and diegetic music/sounds are used throughout the films.
There is always something significant which the characters have or need to find.
Their supplies are very low, and often have to trade or kill for supplies in order to stay alive.
Dark, low-key lighting.
Flashbacks are often used throughout the films.
The ending of post apocalyptic films are generally similar and represent a happy ending. For example in The Book of Eli, the two characters find where they're supposed to go; Eli recites the words from his book to a man in Alcatraz, and this is known as the bible. The female character (Solara) then goes on to listen to Eli's every word on her music player; he wants to be like the next Eli.
Furthermore, in the film I Am Legend, the main character (Dr Robert Neville) finally finds way to cure the zombies. However, he sacrifices himself by making sure that he had killed the zombies; he helps to protect the female and son characters in the film. This cure then lives on under his name.
In the film The Road, a father and his son are fighting for survival. Sadly, at the end, the father dies and the son is left to fend for himself. However, he is approached by another man, who at first looks suspicious, but offers to help the young boy. The man, his wife, their children and dog all gather together to persuade the boy to join their family. In the end, he takes up their offer and decides to travel with them.
What are the 'walking dead'? How have they been used in other movies?
What might be the key to survival in PA movie narratives?
How far will Eli go to survive?
What would survivors of the apocalypse ask?
In Book of Eli, what has happened to bibles and why?
How is religion used in BOE? How is religion used in reality?
How do societies in reality avoid catastrophes?
Who will the future leaders be in post apocalyptic scenarios?
What does Eli represent?
1. If the worse was to happen, what would we do? How would we strive to maintain our humanity? Who would guide us? How would we rebuild our communities? Who would lead us into the future? If we had to build the world all over again, how would we?
2. The walking dead are people who are numb, dazed, their body is in shutdown, they are connected but not connected, they walk around not having all of their senses available to them. They are a walking spirit; they are alive but they aren't living.
3. They have to live like people did 50-100 years ago; they have to learn how to kill and hunt for food + drink, trade things with other people and fix cars.
4. He has to protect his book; he has to kill others in order to keep this book in his hands. He will do anything so that he can keep his book safe.
5. They would ask: is there a god?
6. The bibles were rounded up and destroyed because people lost faith in thinking that god was real.
7. One person wants the bible for good, but another one wants it for bad. Eli has the book, as he still believes and he reads it everyday, however others believe that due to the deaths of thousands of people, they stopped believing. In reality, people may re-think what they were originally thinking (if they believe in god), wondering why all of the conflict is happening, and why god isn't doing anything to help.
8. Democracy, altruism; positive, generosity and you give.
9. If you can persuade people that you are right; "the gift of the gab".
10. Eli has faith and belief in everything that he does, and that idea that we would rebuild the world with good in the world. He also represents hope.
Movie: Psycho Music: Instrumental, violin discords Role Played: Reflects
a screaming sound as the victim’s voice is edited alongside the music. The
music amplifies her screams with harsh,
rasping sounds. Effectiveness: Shocking
and deliberately upsetting.There is
only the sound of a shower running beforehand and the violin shatters the
silence. Movie: Trainspotting Music: Lust for Life - Iggy POP. Role Played: Reflects the characters 'lust for life'. The characters are heroin addicts, and their lust in life is shown to be drugs. Effectiveness: Describes the lives of the characters to the audience and shows that they have a lust for something in life.
The website YouGov is an informational page which informs the audience of a stereotypical person who likes a certain band, brand, celebrity, TV show or movie. This allows you to see if you are a stereotype or not, however, this is only based on the people who have taken surveys on the YouGov website and not the wider audience.
For the film 'The Book of Eli', I found that the stereotypical age range of this film is between 40-54. The biggest majority of the audience are male and are in the social grade of ABC1. They tend to be within the right wing supporters for politics. To describe themselves, the descriptions of easy going, well balanced and relaxed are given. However, they also can be described as grouchy, mean and fickle occasionally. A stereotypical 'The Book of Eli' fan is a customer of Strongbow, ASDA, Windows and Android. Additionally, it is stereotypical that these fans shop at the clothing brands of Yves Saint Laurent, Burtons and JD Sports. Furthermore, it is said that a stereotypical fan of this film spends 26-30 hours per week online. They typically read the Vogue magazine and the Mirror newspaper. On average, they spend approximately 46-50 hours watching the television.
Moreover, for the film 'I Am Legend' the stereotypical person who likes the film are males, aged between 40-54, and within the social grade of ABC1. These fans too are within the right wing group for politics. They describe themselves as easy going, sweet and bighearted, but on occasion they can be nervous, dizzy and restless. They are a customer of Sony, eBay and ASDA.
Edits In the opening scene of 'The Road', we see a graphic match. This edit shows the doors closing, making the scene look dark; when it moves to the next scene is it also dark. Additionally, there is also another graphic match in the opening scene. This shows flowers in the garden, we also see flowers on the female characters clothing. A little later in the film, we see that she is pregnant. The flowers used could connote the sense of life, the season of spring and fertility. Moreover, a jump cut is used when the child and the father is walking down the road with their trolley. This has been done to speed the action up, so that the audience isn't watching the whole of their journey.
Camera Shots A POV shot is used when the child is looking up at a deer head on the wall. We know that this is a POV shot as the camera is slow down, indicating the height of the child. Also, there are a lot of close ups throughout the opening scene. This has been done to create tension and focus onto something significant. A tracking shot was used too in the opening scene when the two characters were walking. This could have been done so that the audience can follow the action and that they are with them during the scene. Furthermore, a panning shot is used to show the logs in the lake, which are from the trees that had fallen. It could have been done to inform the audience on the treacherous conditions which the characters are in, and how the world is slowly falling apart. Sound At the start of the opening scene, a piece of slow paced, emotive piano music is used. This could have been done so that the audience feels a sense of sympathy for the characters. This then changes into a more tension-building sound, which creates the atmosphere of mystery and the audience may wonder what will happen next. When we see the father and the son in a cave, we hear the sound of the rocks moving. This creates the effect that the earth is still moving and is still unstable.
In different genres of films, the costumes differ depending on what the film will be based on. For example, the genres of western and comedy both have different types of costume. The two films in which I will compare are 'Once Upon A Time in the West'
In a typical western film, a costume includes a hat, a waistcoat or a shirt, a bandana, ponchos/ long coats. These pictures show scenes from the western film 'Once Upon A Time in the West'. From this, we can see that a typical cowboy from a western movie wears clothing that isn't necessarily new. Their clothing looks old fashioned and rough, which could represent the places that they are in and where the film is based.
It could also represent the events that they supposedly go through each day; shooting scenes etc. Being set in the 19th century and in the dusty/deserted areas, very worn, old clothing is expected and is stereotypical of the genre.
They typically have a horse and guns as their props, as this is usually related to violence, which occurs often in the genre of western.
Alternatively, in the genre of comedy, a different type of costume is worn. In the majority of comedy films, simple, casual clothing is used. I think that this could be done so that it represents everyday life; the audience may be able to see themselves in the characters. For example, in the film 'Dumb and Dumber', the characters wear normal clothing, which isn't necessarily new, but is not dirty. Sometimes, comedy films include costumes which look funny on the character, and this will make the audience laugh.
Post Apocalyptic films
In a post apocalyptic film, in my opinion, rough, torn clothing is used in the films. The use of worn t -shirts, big coats, This represents the disastrous conditions in which the characters had been in, and shows that they don't have a lot of belongings. In the film 'The Road', the clothing looks dirty and old; this portrays that supplies are very scarce, and therefore they have to make do with the old things.
As we can see in this photograph, the characters' clothing is unwashed, which shows that they have been living like this for a while. It could represent that something bad as happened to the world, therefore they are having to sleep in different places whilst they travel in search for supplies. Although props are quite scarce, the two characters have a shopping trolley in their possession as a prop. This could represent that their whole life is in a trolley, as they have no other belongings.
Additionally, in the film 'The Book of Eli', clothing tends to also be dirty, worn and old. This film is based upon a post apocalyptic world after a nuclear war had occurred. This means that things we would take for granted aren't available, and means the supplies are very scarce. The main prop used in the film is the Bible which the main character Eli has. This book is what the film is based around and many characters desperately want this book. Another iconic use of prop within this film are guns and weapons. In order to survive in the world within 'The Book of Eli', you need to be prepared to kill and fight. This represents that life is hard for the characters and that if you want something, someones life has to be sacrificed. In the photo above, we can see that the main character is wearing protective clothing; this could have been used to represent the danger that the characters are under. The glasses that Eli wears in the film are used as he is blind; these might be used to portray that even though Eli cannot see, he is still able, strong and is able to accomplish himself to safety.
Costumes & Props for our Post Apocalyptic opening scene:
Torn clothing to represent the conditions in which the characters are in.
U (Universal)- all ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.
PG (Parental Guidance) - all ages are admitted but certain scenes might be unsuitable for children. They might contain mild language and sex/drugs references. Also, it may contain moderate violence if justified by context.
12A - Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for young children. Cinemas in the United Kingdom are only permitted to supply tickets to see a 12A film to children under the age of 12 if they are accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. However, it is unlikely to be suitable for children under the age of 12. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, moderate language, moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Use of strong language may be permitted based on frequency and how they are used, as well as contextual justification. Sexual violence may be implied or briefly indicated.
12 -Suitable for people aged 12 and older. It is illegal to supply a video work with a 12 certificate to anyone under that age. 12-A rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. The content guidelines are identical to those used for the 12A certificate.
15 -Suitable only for people aged 15 and older. No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. It is illegal to supply a video work with a 15 certificate to anyone under that age.Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, (frequent) strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context. Use of very strong language may be permitted based on frequency and how they are used, as well as contextual justification.
18 - Suitable only for people aged 18 or older, which means adults only. No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. It is illegal to supply a video work with an 18 certificate to anyone under that age. Films under this category do not have limitation on the foul language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context. Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticism or excessively graphic, in which a work will require compulsory cuts where possible.
Restricted 18 - Can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at licensed sex shops. To be supplied only to adults, and it is illegal to supply a film with this rating by mail order. Works under this category always contain hard-core pornography, defined as material intended for sexual stimulation and containing clear images of real sexual activity, strong fetish material, explicit animated images, or sight of certain acts such as triple simultaneous penetration and snowballing.
Some U-rated films include:
These two films are U rated as they are animated and wouldn't include anything which would be unsuitable for children.
PG rated films:
Both of these films are PG rated as they may include some things which could be unsuitable for children.It is under the parents discretion whether their children see this film with them.
12A films:
These films include elements (including violence and mild language) which are unsuitable for young children. It is recommend that anyone under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult over 18.
Some 15 rated films include:
The films shown here are suitable for viewers aged 15 and over, because they use sexual content and strong language.
An example of an 18 film:
This is an 18 rated film, as strong language, drug use, sexual content, mature themes and violence are used.
Action match: a shot which cuts to another continuing a piece of action movement between the shots. This allows the audience to see a smooth action despite a cut in the shot. Shot/reverse shot: cutting between two people having a conversation. Helps create a contrast between the characters and make them seem different. Cross cutting/ parallel editing: where the editor cuts between two separate scenes happening in two separate locations at the same time. This illustrates a contrast or link between them. Jump cut: a cut that moves to a very similar part of the same scene but missing a piece of action out- increases pace. Fast pace cuts: to increase the speed and excitement in an action scene.
Wipe: used to move the action on without a jump cut making the edit seem smooth and calm.
Dissolve: this is when the first shot is on screen and the second shot starts appearing on top of it more and more until all you can see is the second shot. Often used to link two scenes or 2 people together. Visual effects: often depends on what the characters reactions to these special effects are. Graphics on screen Graphic match: a cut from one shot to another that look visually the same. They are there to show us a clear link between two scenes. Slow motion: is used to create a dramatic element in an action scene.
Hello! My name is Jess Castledine and I am a student at Ashfield School. I live in a small town called Kirkby in Nottinghamshire. I am currently studying Media, Photography and German. I decided to take Media Studies, as I found that after studying this subject at GCSE for two years, I really enjoyed the topics that we covered. Also, I thought that the elements we covered in Media would be useful for my future career and maybe even everyday life. I would love to have a career in either the photography or media industry, as I find this is something I enjoy incredibly. Some of my favourite films include The Hunger Games and Divergent, though really I will watch any films which look interesting! I like soap operas too, including Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale. One thing I would love to do when I'm older is travel; I'd really like to see the world, and especially go to Disney World! As well as this, I especially enjoy going to concerts; I love listening to music and seeing my favourite bands perform live. I find that concerts are a great place to be and the atmosphere always feels uplifting when the bands are performing. My favourite bands include The 1975, Catfish and The Bottlemen (my favourite album being The Ride) and many more. I have a few dislikes too, especially insects; I find them really scary! I enjoy being around family and friends too; when my friends and I are together it's guaranteed that we're always laughing.
I have had an interest in photography for quite a while now, so when I heard that I could do it at GCSE, I was over the moon! I received an A* in GCSE, so hopefully my skills from photography can help me with my media studies course.
I am interested in all aspects of media, so choosing this subject has enabled me to try out all of
the different things which I will cover in this course. I am intrigued by how films and other videos are produced, and I think that AS media will help me to broaden my knowledge of this. Hopefully over these two years, I'll learn lots of different techniques within the media lessons which I can use in the future.
Today, we looked at a film called 'I Am Legend'. The plot was based upon a post-apocalyptic storyline which included features which were conventional in this type of genre. The opening scene consisted of a TV screen and two people talking; this was very similar to the opening of the modern film 'Romeo & Juliet'. We see a TV presenter and a doctor in the opening scene; the doctor is called Dr. Alice Krippin. The use of the surname 'Krippin' could relate to the Doctor Crippin, who was a criminal in America, and this leaves the audience wondering if any influence was taken from this and put into the film. In the film, we see that the doctor is very hesitant, whilst she explains that she has found a cure for cancer, and this has an impact on the audience as they may think that she is lying.
Additionally, there were many similarities in this film to 'The Book of Eli'. The use of establishing shots in the beginning of the films gives the audience a clearer understanding of where the events are going to take place. Moreover, in both films, animals are seen as a source of food; the main character (Will Smith) in the film 'I Am Legend' tries to shoot deer, but is unsuccessful. This is similar to 'The Book of Eli' where we see a masked man who has shot a cat. From this, we can learn that food is scarce and their only way to survive is to find and shoot animals.
Both of the opening scenes have very similar elements which are intense and leave the audience on edge.
Today, we looked at a short post-apocalyptic film called 'Alone'. This clip showed a man, who was living in the world on his own, after a drastic event had occured. The ending of the film left us with questions; was the man actually alone or is this a metaphor? What triggered the light in the house?
We were asked to come up with an alternative ending to which had been used in this clip, that would be effective and tension-building. As a class, we came up with different ideas, which were all good ones, that would be suitable if this film was remade. For example, the ideas of footprints and footsteps were suggested, as this would create an eerie, mysterious atmosphere to the piece. Additionally, ideas like splashes of blood and weird smelling aromas surrounding the character were also given.
Furthermore, we watched the opening scene to a film called 'The Road'. This is also a post-apocalyptic movie. The plot of the story portrayed the stereotypical aspects of a film of this type; isolation, an abandoned city, desperation for supplies etc.
In today's media lesson, we have been looking at the different camera shots/angles which are used throughout films. We watched a few short clips which described lots of different angles to us. The camera shots include extreme long shot/establishing shot, long shot, extreme close up, close up, mid shot, two shot and point of view.
We also learned the definitions of these shots and why they are used:
Extreme long/establishing shot - you are able to see the setting, where the action is going to take place and this is generally used at the start of a film.
Long shot - enables the audience to see the character from head to toe; you are able to see the relationship with the character and the setting.
Extreme close up - this draws the audience further into the characters emotions, which makes it seem intense.
Close up - this is a shot of the head and shoulders of a person (and maybe even a close up of a certain object). There is usually not a lot of background shown, which helps the audience to focus on the main subject and the characters emotions.
Mid shot - this is the view of a character from the waist up. The audience is able to see the facial expressions and the body language of the characters.
Two shot - this shot includes two characters and their relationship with each other.
Point of view - with this, the audience sees the characters viewpoint: this engages the audience with the characters motives.
Also, we looked at different camera movements which occur in films. Tilt shots, tracking shots, zoom, arc shots, crane shots and panning shots are all used frequently throughout movies.
A tracking shot is used to follow the action; this means moving the camera backwards and forwards to let the audience follow what is happening.
A tilt shot is the upwards and downwards movements of the camera on an axis which shows the sense of height and power of a particular character.
Zoom is used as an alternative to a tracking shot; this shows the focal length of the character.
An arc shot is a full or semi circular shot around an object or a character; this increases the intensity of what may be happening.
A crane shot is used in a film to follow the action in a vertical direction; the camera is simply attached to a crane.
For left to right (or vice versa) movements, a panning shot is used to create the effect.
Additionally, we watched the opening scene of The Book of Eli. From this, we were able to see how film directors use different elements to creating a film.
We looked at the setting, sounds, camera movements, the plot/narrative, characters and how gender is shown. As a class, we were able to see that by using ghostly, mysterious sounds and adding this in with certain camera movements, like a tracking shot for example, it sets a good scene of a peculiar, eerie setting.
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