9 Frames

9 Frames

Term break homework

26/10/12
AB

The genre of film I've chosen is Action and so this is what I've based my makeshift title sequence on. Ideally if I was to make my own one I would use similar shots, for example: on the first image it shows a long shot of an important figure which indicates that he is a significant part of the movie. The second snapshot shows another character taken with medium shot, which is the protagonist. As the we follow the image we see that the image has a gun cursor which implies that someone is trying to kill the present person. Medium shot and close ups are used when introducing characters and misc en scene which help determine whether they're a hero or not. Extreme long shots are used to show the setting of the scenario.

Fonts which would be used in the title sequence will have to appropriate to the genre of the film.    

Enigma Codes

Lesson: Enigma Codes

Difference between structures of serial, series and soaps.

25/10/12
MWE




How information is gradually revealed to the audience and how problems are structured and reaches their conclusion.

Serial- One Season

Series- Collection of Seasons

Serial- Continuous

Episode Structure

In narrative of episodes various of problems arise. Some are revealed and resolved in the same episode while others reach resolution in further episodes, perhaps towards the end of the season.

Serial- The problem have to reach conclusion by the end of the season

Seasons- Problems can over run in other seasons and not be resolved until much later

Soaps- Problems can go on for a long period of time

Art of Title

Art of Title 

Homework about the Art of Title

19/10/12

AB

Unlike many other files, the opening of Kung Fu Panda does not have many titles. The only title present was introduction of Dream Works. The rest was just an animation which introduced the protagonist of the film. Although, dialogues were heavily used and many music as well. The reason for this is probably because the film is designed for young audience and so they try to engage the audience into the film as soon as possible, avoiding lost of interest from the viewers. The credits are placed in the end.

 

Lesson 07: TV Drama Analysis

Lesson 07: TV Drama Analysis G322

First trial on TV Drama analysis

20/10/12
MWE

Analysis based on "OCR G322 - Merlin (Class & Status) - June 2011"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbZdHx1jQZo


OCR G322 - Merlin (Class & Status) - June 2011

From the extract, it is clear that the protagonist of the story is the first character in the frame- Merlin. The scene opens up with the main character entering a chamber cautiously; from here we learn that through his careful movements that he should not be there- he’s invading someone’s privacy. The music used in the background helps create an atmosphere, the low tone and slow tempo helps construct suspense and anticipation.  The character acts vigilant (the medium shot gives us a clear view of the characters facial expression.)The constant shift of the camera between the door, the objects he’s fiddling with and the character further supports this idea. When the focus of the story turns to the 2^nd character that’s stood outside the door in the hall, the lights are used along with the music to create a dark sinister aura for the character. She inspects the door and when she enters the room to find Merlin, her dialogue says “What are you doing here?” which indicates the idea that this room belongs to her. As a result, Merlin acts like a deer caught in headlights as the actor stammers his words. Due to the fact that the setting belongs to the 2^nd character, the 2^nd character automatically gains status as he’s in her territory. Looking also at the Mise En Scene, comparing the characters appearance, the lady is dressed sophisticatedly unlike Merlin whose clothes are less extravagant which indicates that Merlin belongs to a lower status than the women.

The scene changes and shows Merlin walk down the streets of the kingdom, unlike the hall of the castle where it was decorated with tainted windows and many luxuries where he stood out like a sore thumb. He blends in with ease amongst the other characters as they all seem to be clothed similarly. He travels by himself shown by the panning camera, a group of actors enters the scene and they stand out due to the way they’re dressed. We can easily categorize them into a stereotype, the nobleman. They are not dressed in great fancy clothing but they’re not also dressed in earth coloured linens. This suggests that they are much of higher rank than Merlin. The group centres around one man who we presume as the prince as he fits into the archetype- tall, blonde and handsome. He also acts with much arrogance and has an armed escort who stands not only a defence but a barrier from the commoners, he’s untouchable. Which supports this idea further as Merlin’s dialogue says “Look I’ve told you you’re an ass; I just didn’t realize you were a royal one.” The reference to the monarchy, calling him a “royal” helps determine these assumptions.

Merlin: “Wow, and how long have you been trained to be a brat?”
Prince: “You can’t address me like that.”
Merlin: “Sorry, how long have you been trained to be a brat, my lord?”

During their conversation, we learn that there’s a dispute between the two as the scene progresses and recorded with shot-reverse-shot between actors. When the Prince demands to be addressed in another way, the camera focus shifts back to Merlin (with an over the shoulder shot) using the following camera shot, it gives the audience a sense of involvement and little more view on the character upper body.  He replies with “Sorry how long have you been trained a brat, my lord?” he refers to him as “lord” and lowers himself subtly as he does so. Even though the action is pure sarcasm, the action clearly showed the difference of class and status between the two. The Prince is of much higher status than Merlin.  The fight then begins and the Prince stands on a platform, not only giving him an advantage in the duel but emphasizes his status and power he has and Merlin remains on the ground.

Lesson 06: Sounds

Lesson 06: Sounds

Recap of lesson on "Sounds"

MWE
09/10/12

Sounds

 

In media in all production film or TV Dramas, there will always be sounds. They're vital as they help create an atmosphere for the audience. Here are the following key terms used in Media Studies when referring to them.

Diegetic Sound – These are sounds that are present in the fictional word. It is designed to be heard by the characters.

Non-diegetic Sound – Sounds which are in the product but cannot be heard by the characters (however this is an exception for a narration by a character within the story – referred to as an internal monologue and is diegetic).

Score – Theme music designed for that specific film or show. Often indicates high budget productions

Sound Effects – Sounds which are added in during editing.

Synchronous –Music which suits the action presented at the screen.

A-synchronous –Music which is used where it classes the scene at hand often creates an unsettling effect on the audience.

Sound Bridge –Sounds which are used to link one scenario to another. E.g. Passing train

A "soundtrack" is a collection of all the sounds used in any production.

OCR: Preliminary Task

OCR Preliminary Task

06/10/12
MWE

Study of the follwing continuity editing techniques:

• 180 Degree Rule
• Match On Action
• Shot Reverse Shot



 180 Degree Rule- In any films or shows it's important to assist the audience regarding orientation. On the diagram on the left, you can see an imaginary line which runs through the two characters; this is called an axis. It creates two seperate arch. Once you have placed a  camera on one side of the scene, it's crucial that the camera stays on that side of the axis to avoid confusing the audience. However, if you want the camera to cross the axis, you must show this. This is called crossing the line or jumping the line. This is often used to show conversation between two figures.

 

 

 The video link below gives a brief explanation about the 180 Degree Rule:



 



 

Match On Action- This technique is a combination of two or more shots which shows similar actions. When put together it creates continuity which is important in terms of making the audience undesrtand what is going on. Great example of this can be found in chasing scences in actions films.



  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJubOZLpp4A

 

 

 

 

Shot Reverse Shot- Shot Reverse Shot is a common technique used in films. It shows a character looking at another. They're both facing opposite directions and so to the audience it would seem as if they're facing one another. One shot would be from character A's stance and there will be a cut and the next shot will be taken from character B's side showing character A.

We have been assigned to create our own video which demonstrates the use of the following editing skills. The image below is the story plan for our video.

The link underneath will re-direct you to our video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnsl_vS9Dx4&list=HL1350760764&feature=mh_lolz

Lesson 05: Camera Movements

Lesson 05: Camera Movements

Recap of  "Camera Movements"

27/09/12
MWE
 

                                                               Camera Movements

Along with camera shots we have camera movement, the combination of both helps convey different wanted effects and assists on mediating the desired ideas. Below are a few examples of camera movements which can be found in several shows:

Panning shot- The camera movement is limited to spinning around its axis

Tracking shot- When the device is attacked to a track alowing is to film fast moving actions.

Tilt up shot- When the camera is tilted at an upright angle.

Tilt down shot- Opposing to the tilt up shot, the camera is aimed down.

Dolly shot- Wheels are attached to the camera and is able to move in all directions, often used on smooth surfaces.

Zoom in shot- When the focus of the camera lense moves closer to the target object.

Zoom out shot- The movement moving further apart from the object.

Handheld/ Steadicam- In event where the camera man is weilding the camera, supported by a steadicam device.

 
Crane shot- Use of camera is partnered up with a crane, offering many more camera angles for the camera man.