Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Group Feedback
Conventions of an opening scene
To introduce our main character we used an establishing shot which showed him to the audience quite soon into the scene. We also used an initial panning shot to introduce the setting which also helps to support the genre too. The genre is also expressed through the use of our music and a black and white video filter.
Specific genre conventions
The type of soundtrack we used established a mysterious environment of an adventure film. The props also expressed the adventure genre as did the location.
Variety and quality if camera work
we used a selection of shots and camera angles to express the mood, tension and mystery in the opening scene. The variety of shots gave the audience a sense of being there and also and idea of the environment in which it was set. We feel the quality of each shot was very good and steady which helped the audience to experience the story fully and understand what was going on.
Use of special effects
The only special effect we used was a black and white video filter to establish to the audience that that part was actually set in the past. We found this to be effective because our peer feedback told us that they understood it was in the past.
Sound quality and effectiveness
We used sound to create an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. We removed all of the original sound from the raw footage and replaced it with pre-recorded sound effects. This was to increase the quality of the sound in our film. Our feedback told us that the sound was "creepy" and "fitting".
Use of mise en scene
We used a stick on the ground from the forest as a prop to dig a hole. Another prop was the treasure map, which a great deal of effort went into making
Editing
We used transitions to great effect. This allowed us to have an extended walking scene without continuous filming.
To introduce our main character we used an establishing shot which showed him to the audience quite soon into the scene. We also used an initial panning shot to introduce the setting which also helps to support the genre too. The genre is also expressed through the use of our music and a black and white video filter.
Specific genre conventions
The type of soundtrack we used established a mysterious environment of an adventure film. The props also expressed the adventure genre as did the location.
Variety and quality if camera work
we used a selection of shots and camera angles to express the mood, tension and mystery in the opening scene. The variety of shots gave the audience a sense of being there and also and idea of the environment in which it was set. We feel the quality of each shot was very good and steady which helped the audience to experience the story fully and understand what was going on.
Use of special effects
The only special effect we used was a black and white video filter to establish to the audience that that part was actually set in the past. We found this to be effective because our peer feedback told us that they understood it was in the past.
Sound quality and effectiveness
We used sound to create an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. We removed all of the original sound from the raw footage and replaced it with pre-recorded sound effects. This was to increase the quality of the sound in our film. Our feedback told us that the sound was "creepy" and "fitting".
Use of mise en scene
We used a stick on the ground from the forest as a prop to dig a hole. Another prop was the treasure map, which a great deal of effort went into making
Editing
We used transitions to great effect. This allowed us to have an extended walking scene without continuous filming.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
peer feedback
Conventions of an opening scene
Specific genre conventions
Variety and quality of camera work
Use of special effects - animation
Sound - Quality and effectiveness
Use of Mise-en-Scene
Editing
Best features
Monday, 8 November 2010
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Children's Opening Scene Analysis - Jumanji
The Jumanji. opening scene is set in the past and this is shown using costumes that represent the past. Also, the props used, like the old fashioned shovel and the horse and cart also support the time in which it is set.
The camera changes from close-ups to long shots which express how alone they are and also helps to build up tension with the close-ups. Also, the lighting in the sequence is very low which helps to build fear and a sense of danger.
The music in this sequence is intense and low in pitch, this helps to express the audience the fear that the characters are feeling and also the danger that they are perhaps in. The "drums" that are heard represent the board game which sets the tone for the entire film.
Overall, the use of all these micro features portrays some mystery and slight horror towards this film, but not too much into the horror genre to make it inappropriate for a younger audience. Also with the transition to the next scene which is in modern day, more colourful and lighter in general, this supports it being a children's film.
Ed
The camera changes from close-ups to long shots which express how alone they are and also helps to build up tension with the close-ups. Also, the lighting in the sequence is very low which helps to build fear and a sense of danger.
The music in this sequence is intense and low in pitch, this helps to express the audience the fear that the characters are feeling and also the danger that they are perhaps in. The "drums" that are heard represent the board game which sets the tone for the entire film.
Overall, the use of all these micro features portrays some mystery and slight horror towards this film, but not too much into the horror genre to make it inappropriate for a younger audience. Also with the transition to the next scene which is in modern day, more colourful and lighter in general, this supports it being a children's film.
Ed
Monday, 1 November 2010
Monsters Inc. opening sequence
The Monsters Inc. opening sequence starts with an animated title sequence and jazzy music. The animations are of many doors and animated monsters, which play a key role in the film. The animation and music then the screen fades to black. The picture fades in to a shot of a shelf in a childs' bedroom, the lights turn off and it is then dark. The camera pans down to a little boy in bed trying to sleep. There are then various different shots of the room, in near silence when the closet door slowly creaks open with a creak. There is no non-diegetic sound in this scene.
The boy opens his eyes and looks at the door to see a tentacle poking out of the door. The boy blinks and the tentacle has been replaced with a jumper. Some non-diagetic music begins at this point, building tension as a shadow passes across the bed. The shot pans down to under the bed where some red eyes open. The monster then slowly rises up above the bed in a threatening pose. The child looks up and screams, as does the monster. The mood of the scene is then immediately lightened when the monster falls backwards and makes a fool of himself. It is at this point that the whole thing is shown to be a simulation.
-Michael Kitchen
-Michael Kitchen
Planet 51 - opening scene analysis
Before we even get a glimpse of any of the characters we see the opening credits and the media company, in this case, Disney.
At the beginning of the scene 2 aliens are sitting in their car over looking a city from the top of a cliff. After a few seconds of the 2 aliens in the car talking, a UFO appears from in front of them, so they attempt to drive away in their car and run into the army, the focus then goes onto the army as they attempt to fight off the UFO. All of a sudden the UFO and the army stop fighting as the alien comes out of the UFO, waiting a few seconds before annihilating the 90% of the army. As this happens more UFOs come from space and help the original UFO. The camera then turns to show that this is actually a film being shown at the cinema being watched by the characters of the film.
This is a sci-fi film, with a BBFC rating of U. Which means that it is appropriate for all ages.
By Jake Barrett.
At the beginning of the scene 2 aliens are sitting in their car over looking a city from the top of a cliff. After a few seconds of the 2 aliens in the car talking, a UFO appears from in front of them, so they attempt to drive away in their car and run into the army, the focus then goes onto the army as they attempt to fight off the UFO. All of a sudden the UFO and the army stop fighting as the alien comes out of the UFO, waiting a few seconds before annihilating the 90% of the army. As this happens more UFOs come from space and help the original UFO. The camera then turns to show that this is actually a film being shown at the cinema being watched by the characters of the film.
This is a sci-fi film, with a BBFC rating of U. Which means that it is appropriate for all ages.
By Jake Barrett.
Monday, 18 October 2010
preproduction work
these are pictures of our mind map, shot list, storyboard, and risk assessment
by Adam Gardiner, Ed Selvey, Jake Barrett and Michael Kitchen
Monday, 11 October 2010
British Board of Film Classification - Certificates
BBFC, set up in 1912, is the British Board of Classification, which is in charge of determining what ages are suitable to see specific films. U, which stands for Universal, is the first in the list and means that this film is suitable for all and that these films should "be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror."
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate U:
Theme: Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate to a younger audience.
Language: Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity: Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour (e.g., kissing) and references only (e.g., to 'making love').
Violence: Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.
Imitable techniques: No emphasis on realistic weapons.
Horror: Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.
Drugs: No references to illegal drugs or drug use.
In November 1982, the BBFC introduced certificate PG. In general, a PG is suitable for any children and should not shock any children over 8, however parents are advised to take into consideration the film for their own children. In 1985, this certificate was carried over to video releases.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate PG:
Theme: More serious issues may be featured, eg crime, domestic violence, racism (providing nothing in their treatment condones them).
Language: Mild bad language only.
Nudity: Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sexual references and innuendo only.
Violence: Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed - if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
Imitable techniques: No glamorisation of realistic, contemporary weapons. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques.
Horror: Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Drugs: No references to illegal drugs or drug use unless entirely innocuous.
The 12a certificate is only available for cinema releases.
For DvD/Blu-Ray releases the 12 certificate is used.
Theme: Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
Language: The use of strong language should be rare and must be justified by context.
Nudity: Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context will be brief and discreet.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied. Sexual references may reflect the familiarity of most adolescents today with sex education through school.
Violence: Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated and without physical detail.
Imitable techniques: Dangerous techniques (examples include: combat, hanging, suicides) should contain no imitable detail. Realistic and contemporary weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror: Sustained threat and menace is permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
Drugs: Brief and occasional references to, and sight of, 'soft' drug-taking (eg cannabis) are allowed, but must be justified by context and should indicate the dangers. No instructional elements are permitted.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate 15:
Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms are only rarely acceptable. Continued aggressive use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable.
Nudity: There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sex: Sexual activity and nudity may be portrayed but without strong detail. The depiction of casual sex should be handled responsibly. There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence: Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain, and of injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques: Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives).
Horror: Sustained or detailed infliction of pain or injury is unacceptable.
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug use.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate 18:
The BBFC respects the right of adults to chose their own entertainment, within the law. It will therefore expect to intervene only rarely in relation to '18' rated cinema films. In the case of videos, which are more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent.
There are no constraints at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The Board may, however, cut or reject the following content: - any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity. This includes also instructive detail of illegal drug use - the more explicit images of sexual activity - unless they can be exceptionally justified by context
Sex Education at '18': Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.
Sex Works at '18': Material which appears to be simulated is generally passed '18', while images of real sex are confined to the 'R18' category.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate R18:
To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to adults of not less than 18 years. The 'R18' category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit videos of consenting sex between adults. Such videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops, of which there are currently about 90 in the UK. 'R18' videos may not be supplied by mail order.
We are doing a certificate PG movie.
By Michael Kitchen, Ed Selvey, Jake Barrett and Adam Gardiner
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate U:
Theme: Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate to a younger audience.
Language: Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity: Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour (e.g., kissing) and references only (e.g., to 'making love').
Violence: Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.
Imitable techniques: No emphasis on realistic weapons.
Horror: Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.
Drugs: No references to illegal drugs or drug use.
In November 1982, the BBFC introduced certificate PG. In general, a PG is suitable for any children and should not shock any children over 8, however parents are advised to take into consideration the film for their own children. In 1985, this certificate was carried over to video releases.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate PG:
Theme: More serious issues may be featured, eg crime, domestic violence, racism (providing nothing in their treatment condones them).
Language: Mild bad language only.
Nudity: Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sexual references and innuendo only.
Violence: Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed - if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
Imitable techniques: No glamorisation of realistic, contemporary weapons. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques.
Horror: Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Drugs: No references to illegal drugs or drug use unless entirely innocuous.
The 12a certificate is only available for cinema releases.
For DvD/Blu-Ray releases the 12 certificate is used.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate 12:
Theme: Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
Language: The use of strong language should be rare and must be justified by context.
Nudity: Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context will be brief and discreet.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied. Sexual references may reflect the familiarity of most adolescents today with sex education through school.
Violence: Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated and without physical detail.
Imitable techniques: Dangerous techniques (examples include: combat, hanging, suicides) should contain no imitable detail. Realistic and contemporary weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror: Sustained threat and menace is permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
Drugs: Brief and occasional references to, and sight of, 'soft' drug-taking (eg cannabis) are allowed, but must be justified by context and should indicate the dangers. No instructional elements are permitted.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate 15:
Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms are only rarely acceptable. Continued aggressive use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable.
Nudity: There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sex: Sexual activity and nudity may be portrayed but without strong detail. The depiction of casual sex should be handled responsibly. There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence: Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain, and of injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques: Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives).
Horror: Sustained or detailed infliction of pain or injury is unacceptable.
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug use.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate 18:
The BBFC respects the right of adults to chose their own entertainment, within the law. It will therefore expect to intervene only rarely in relation to '18' rated cinema films. In the case of videos, which are more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent.
There are no constraints at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The Board may, however, cut or reject the following content: - any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity. This includes also instructive detail of illegal drug use - the more explicit images of sexual activity - unless they can be exceptionally justified by context
Sex Education at '18': Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.
Sex Works at '18': Material which appears to be simulated is generally passed '18', while images of real sex are confined to the 'R18' category.
These are the boundaries that the BBFC follow for certificate R18:
To be supplied only in licensed sex shops to adults of not less than 18 years. The 'R18' category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit videos of consenting sex between adults. Such videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops, of which there are currently about 90 in the UK. 'R18' videos may not be supplied by mail order.
We are doing a certificate PG movie.
By Michael Kitchen, Ed Selvey, Jake Barrett and Adam Gardiner
Thursday, 7 October 2010
extra genre research
Adventure:
The adventure genre, in the context of a narrative, is typically applied to works in which the protagonist or other major characters are consistently placed in dangerous situations, and a fictional character who lives by their wits and their skills is often called an adventurer. Adventure novels and adventure films are both prominent genres in their respective media, although the latter has fallen out of the spotlight with the rise of the modern-style action film. In games, the term is less consistently applied: the term "adventure game" is used in reference to video game that make use of exploration, while role-playing games use the term "adventure" in reference to specific pre-planned segments of gameplay.
Action:
Action film is a film genre where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases. Story and character development are generally secondary to explosions, fist fights, gunplay and car chases. Action films have had wide commercial appeal and enjoy box office success. The action film revolves around a hero and the obstacles their character(s) must overcome. While action has long been an element of films, the "Action film" as a genre of its own began to develop in the 1970s. The genre is closely linked with the thriller and adventure film genres, and it may sometimes have elements of spy fiction and espionage.
Science fiction stories contain ideas and technologies that do not exist in real life, but are considered possible under current scientific theories. These stories are often set in the future, on other worlds and are often set in universes where the laws of physics are slightly different or huge technological flaws are lampshaded by machines that run on liquid plot device.
Science fiction stories for children are often very simple, with no explanation provided for how the fictional technology 'works', the laws of physics are broken regularly and special effects are common, particularly CGI and greenscreen effects. Non diegetic sounds such as music are nearly always tense and exciting.
Fantasy stories contain ideas that are impossible in our universe. Magic is often used as a plot device to lampdshade this. Mythical beings such as elves and dwarves are often found. The stories are often set in medieval settings with swords being common weapons.
Fantasy stories for children contain wither no violence or just implied violence, blood, if there is any, is usually a different colour like black or green so as to avoid distress. Like sci-fi, CGI and greenscreen effects are common in fantasy. Sounds are used to increase tension.
by Jake Barrett, Ed Selvey, Michael Kitchen and Adam Gardiner
The adventure genre, in the context of a narrative, is typically applied to works in which the protagonist or other major characters are consistently placed in dangerous situations, and a fictional character who lives by their wits and their skills is often called an adventurer. Adventure novels and adventure films are both prominent genres in their respective media, although the latter has fallen out of the spotlight with the rise of the modern-style action film. In games, the term is less consistently applied: the term "adventure game" is used in reference to video game that make use of exploration, while role-playing games use the term "adventure" in reference to specific pre-planned segments of gameplay.
Action:
Action film is a film genre where one or more heroes is thrust into a series of challenges that require physical feats, extended fights and frenetic chases. Story and character development are generally secondary to explosions, fist fights, gunplay and car chases. Action films have had wide commercial appeal and enjoy box office success. The action film revolves around a hero and the obstacles their character(s) must overcome. While action has long been an element of films, the "Action film" as a genre of its own began to develop in the 1970s. The genre is closely linked with the thriller and adventure film genres, and it may sometimes have elements of spy fiction and espionage.
Science fiction stories contain ideas and technologies that do not exist in real life, but are considered possible under current scientific theories. These stories are often set in the future, on other worlds and are often set in universes where the laws of physics are slightly different or huge technological flaws are lampshaded by machines that run on liquid plot device.
Science fiction stories for children are often very simple, with no explanation provided for how the fictional technology 'works', the laws of physics are broken regularly and special effects are common, particularly CGI and greenscreen effects. Non diegetic sounds such as music are nearly always tense and exciting.
Fantasy stories contain ideas that are impossible in our universe. Magic is often used as a plot device to lampdshade this. Mythical beings such as elves and dwarves are often found. The stories are often set in medieval settings with swords being common weapons.
Fantasy stories for children contain wither no violence or just implied violence, blood, if there is any, is usually a different colour like black or green so as to avoid distress. Like sci-fi, CGI and greenscreen effects are common in fantasy. Sounds are used to increase tension.
by Jake Barrett, Ed Selvey, Michael Kitchen and Adam Gardiner
Monday, 4 October 2010
preliminary task
we didnt really catch the audience we just filmed the necessary clips for a scene, edited them together to give a final video with continuity.
we learned that we need to address the audience more, and keep them interested in our clip/movie.
the practice has helped us get to grips with using the equipment such as camera, tripod and final cut, so hopefully our real thing will be consistent, longer and catch the eye of the audience whilst keeping them interested and wanting to watch more.
first project by Jake Barrett, Michael Kitchen and Ed Selvey.
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