Thursday, 6 December 2012

The Dark Knight

Suspense is built up during the start of the scene, where there is a slow ticking sound, and music over the top, which is quiet but noticeable, and adds to the suspense of what's about to happen. There is a wide range of different camera angles used, to give the audience an insight to what is actually going on, and so that they can get a thorough understanding of the plot. There is a quick introduction to lot's of different characters, however, most of them are quickly killed off as it is revealed that the joker, who they kept referring to and believed to be simply organizing the bank robbery from afar, has ordered each of them to kill another while he takes all of the money. The pace of the scene is very quick as in the space of three minutes, 5 people are killed and we are introduced to The Joker who is the main antagonist of the film. The quick paced action scene is a indicator of what is to come throughout the film. As all of the bank robbers are wearing masks, there is an enigma created. The Joker takes off his mask to reveal that he is wearing makeup similar to the mask anyway.

Source Code

The film begins with a man on a train, hearing explosions. There is a loud train horn and he suddenly wakens. It is clear to the audience that he does not know where he is. This creates an enigma and a sense of mystery for not only the audience but the character as well. This allows the audience to learn things at the same time as the character (Capt. Colter Stevens). There is an ominous musical soundtrack playing as Colter tries to work out what is happening. Everyone around him remains calm which keeps the focus on him. The scene then calms down and Christina, who appears to be friends with Sean Fentress (the man that everyone else sees Colter Stevens as) tells him that 'everything is going to be ok'. Out of nowhere, there is an explosion and the audience see the train being derailed. Before the explosion, there are a few quick cuts which build the pace of the scene and signify the impending danger.

Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Quantum of solace

The opening scene in James Bond Quantum of solace, starts in the middle of the ocean, with the camera then zooming into the hillside, over the top of this, a fast paced, suspense piece of music is played which indicates something is currently happening, or about to happen. The scene then switches to 4 different camera angles of a moving aston martin, giving the audience a first sight of bond, and indicating that some action is about to take place. The shot then quickly changes back to the camera zooming in on the mountain side, and then changes to 4 different camera angles of a moving alfa romeo, giving the audience a sight of James Bond's enemy, this indicates something is obviously about to happen between the two, the camera then switches back to the mountain shot, then back to bond, we see his car again, and for the first time, a glimpse of his face, the camera then switches back to the mountain shot, and the musics pace then suddenly quickens, and starts getting much louder, the mountain shot no longer remains, and it goes straight into James Bond changing gear, and then the enemy firing bullets at him.

Monday, 3 December 2012

Legal and Ethical Issues

People involved with television must be extremely aware that when they produce content for an audience, that they do not break any broadcasting rules due to copyright laws. When producing television programmes for an audience, an especially a larger audience, the providers must ensure that they dont include any copyrighted material within the programmes. To ensure certain types of music, or brands can be included within the programmes, certain fees should be made to the owner of the copyrighted material. Copyright applies to many different things, including publishing photographs upon the internet, making a sound recording of any book or magazine, paintings of photographs, and obviously the main ones including brands, and music copyright.

Defamation is the act of making a statement which may give an individual, group, company, product or religion a negative or inferior image. This can be also any disparaging statement made by one person about another, which is communicated or published, whether true or false, depending on legal state. Obviously some types of television programmes aren't suitable for everyone, due to certain material, such as sexual scenes, and blood and action, producers are given their content a certification process, which decides what age groups TV shows and movies should be portrayed too, U being for absolutely anybody, PG being parental guidance needed, 12A is anyone over the age of 12, or younger, but they must be accompanied by an adult, 15 being anyone from the ages 15 and above, and obviously 18 being people ages 18 and older. The BBC has a set of editorial guidelines, which apply to any sort of content in which the BBC produce and publish, or anyone who has contributed towards it. 

High Crimes is subject to fairly strict copyright guidelines, the film is a product from the warner brothers studios, the main reasoning behind the guidelines is that they are to protect the film itself, and any advertisement and media related products, such as toys, merchandise, and movie posters, so they do not copied by another company, or get illegally sold. The High Crimes movie received an official certificate before its release, this allows the film to be categorized for future references, mainly so retailers dont get the genre mixed up, but also for any rewards the film may receive, also the certificate allows them to indicate a specific target audience for the film to its viewers, so that it is seen by an appropriate age range. Doctor is mainly broadcast before 9pm, its mainly aimed at people of any age range, however, when making the programme, the producers must take into consideration the violence levels, sexual content, and use of inappropriate language, no legal constrains currently apply to the BBC's doctor who series, however they are in the BBC editiorial guidelines. The one show is an official product of the BBC, so therefore it fits the editorial guidelines perfectly, its made as appropriately as possible to its viewers, and it makes sure its entire content is appropriate for all of their audience. The same guidelines are included in which they ensure the programmes merchandise, and online availability isn't illegally mistreated and sold illegally. 



Casino Royale

Casino Royale Opening Sequence

The opening sequence is black and white, this is used to show that this current scene is set in the past as James Bond earns his 00 status, and to distinguish it from the rest of the film, which is set at a later point when he is well into his 00 career. An enigma is created because we are not aware of the characters background stories, and what sort of part they portray during the film. Suspense is shown during this opening sequence, its shown during the start when its extremely calm and quiet, the man walks to his office unaware of anything about to happen, however with the use of different camera angles, it gives the audience a feeling that something is about to happen. There is ambient sound during the start of the scene, this the makes the scene calm, then in the office we get the dialogue, which gives the audience information such as the fact that the first man has been selling MI6 secrets. There is then a flashback to James killing the man's colleague. The gunshot leads into the music and opening titles. In the scene we are introduced to James Bond and

Thursday, 8 November 2012

High Crimes - Job Decriptions


Stunts

Unit Production Manager- A UPM is usually hired by a film producer or televison producer, and is responsible for managing the production and regulating the costs of delivering the expected film or television show on budget at the end of principal photography

Art Director- An art director, in the hierarchal structure of a film art department, works directly below the proudction designer, in collaboration with the set decorator, and above the set designers. A large part of their duties include the administrative aspects of the art department. They are responsible for assigning tasks to personnel such as the Art Department Coordinator, and the Leadman, keeping track of the art department budget and scheduling (i.e. Prep/Wrap Schedule) as well as overall quality control.

Set Dressing Buyer- They buy the furnishings, wallpaper, lighting fixtures, and many of the other objects that will be seen in the film.

Storyboard Artist- Storyboard artist (sometimes referred as story artist) is a profession specialized in creating storyboards for advertising agencies and film productions. A storyboard artist is able to visualize any stories using quick sketches on paper at any moment. Quick pencil drawings and marker renderings are two of the most common traditional techniques, although nowadays flash, Photoshop, and other storyboard applications are gradually taking over. The digital camera is one of the latest techniques in creating storyboards.

Steadicam Operator- A steadicam operater is someone who uses the camera with a  stabilizing mount for motion picture camera that mechanically isolates it from the operator's movement, allowing for a smooth shot even when moving quickly over an uneven surface.

Camera Loader-
The camera loader may be responsible for two things:
Operating the clapboard at the beginning of a shot. The clapboard (AKA clapper board) was originally designed as a way to provide a reference for synchronising audio and vision. Modern technology has made this unnecessary but it is still used extensively. The clapboard is still useful for providing reference information. And also loading film stock into film magazines.

Script Supervisor- A script supervisor (also called continuity supervisor) is a member of a film crew responsible for maintaining the motion picture's internal continuity and for recording the production unit's daily progress in shooting the film's screenplay. The script supervisor credit typically appears in the closing credits of a motion picture.

Chief Lighting Technician-  Is the main organizer of lighting technicians who are involved with rigging stage and location sets and controlling artificial, electric lights for art and entertainment venues (theater or live music venues) or in video, television, or film production.

Rigging Gaffer- The rigging gaffer is a member of the electrics or lighting department and works under the direction of the gaffer and the DP. He or she has a crew of set lighting technicians and set wiremen, including a best boy, and is generally responsible for pre-lighting on set. Ahead of principal photography on a new scene or location, the rigging gaffer arrives to survey the site and plan installation as per the gaffer’s instruction. This person supervises the crew in unloading the lighting truck and installing cable, rigging equipment, and lighting instruments according to the gaffer’s design. This is only preparatory work, as the primary lighting crew will follow to focus lights and refine the look, as will the grips install gobos and other accessories. Essentially, the rigging gaffer ensures that all gear is in working order, in place, and ready to be locked down upon arrival of the gaffer.

Rigging Electric Best Boy- Best boys are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the lighting or grip department. Their many responsibilities include the hiring, scheduling, and management of crew; the ordering, inventory, and returning of equipment; overseeing workplace safety and maintaining discipline within their department; completing timecards and other paperwork; stocking of expendables; loading and unloading production trucks; planning and implementing the lighting or rigging of locations and/or sound stages.

Key Grip- the key grip is the head of the grip department and chief rigging technician on the set. Using light, the key grip is in charge of the shadows of light, the movement of the camera, the placing of cameras on any stationary, moving, flying, or floating surface—anywhere a camera is to work. As a supervisor, the key grip directs the crew of grips, many with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, or special equipment operators.


Monday, 22 October 2012

High Crimes Analysis

Camerawork/Editing- Close up shots when people are speaking to give the audience perspective from the characters point of view. Over the shoulder shots used to give the audience a good view of what's happening so they can take it all in. Cameras placed in a certain position and follow movement of someone, this is used to show the audience that someone is watching that person. Transition when women is in the car in the lake, to when she wakes up in hospital, to show the audience how she is feeling and what she is seeing, so they can relate towards it. During the major fighting scene in the shed, when the man is being strangled, the cameras blur, and show disorientation, this is to give the audience an insight into what the character is seeing and what the character is feeling. Most of the camerawork included in the film isnt handheld, as seen in many other big films, the use is minimal. The cameras are mainly on rigs such as cranes, or mounted, to allow the user to keep the camera moving, but at the same time, keeping the camera stable to ensure that the audience can get an understand of what is going on. The use of mid shots are very frequent throughout the film, mainly to focus on the characters when they are performing and ineteracting with eachother, this is so we see what both characters are doing, their facial expressions, and how they are reacting to evens around them. There is use of editing when flashbacks are being shown during the film, these are usually shown with sepia or a black and white filter over them, in this film, there is flashbacks to the evens in the South America, in which they have a grain filter on them, to show they took place in the past, and not lately.

Costumes- Military costumes used to show the army and who works for them, also shows authority within. Suits are worn to show the professionalism.

Representation-

Tom/Ron is shown and represented as extremely different during different scenes in the movie, to begin with during the start of the film, hes shown as a caring, innocent, loving husband to claire, who are infact, extremely happy together, once hes been arrested he is still shown as innocent, and caring, the way he acts creates a feeling of warmth and love between the couple. However, once Claire find out that he is responsible for many murders, we see a completely different side to him, hes shown differently, he then hurts Claire, ties her up, and prepares to infact kill her, we see a huge change, from the loving caring husband, to this violent tough man, we see these changes mainly through posture, facial expression, and through tone of voice.

Claire is shown as an extremely intelligant, powerful, smart, indedpendent woman, always dressed appropriately and accoringly. We see this through her tone of voice, the way she acts, and we see her dress sence during opening scenes of the movie with her boss. However, just like Tom, we see a change to her representation as the film goes on, like when she and her boss have the car crash, we see her weak, needy, with no make up on, lying in a hospital bed, in casual clothing. A very different Claire to the one the audience were introduced to during the start of the movie.

Charlie, is shown as a very different character compared to the other two, his appearance isn't the best by no means, his house follows this, a very untidy place, which matches how he looks. Charlie is recovering from being an alcholic, this shows that he isnt the perfect person in which the audience would expect him to be, hes an off the wall, take a chance kind of person, hes generous, he helps Claire fight against the threat of army officials and the government.


Lighting- Bright at the start, the lighting tends to get darker when something important is about to happen, this is a sort of indication to the audience.

Sound- Fast, up beat music is used when building up to a scene of fighting or action, helps to build up suspense and tension before hand. Slower music used when a scene is more frightful or upsetting, to give the audience an insight and to let them feel what the characters are feeling. During the big fight scene in the shed, we hear the loud gunshot, once the gun is fired the sound goes silent, this is to emphasize whats happened, and to give the audience time to take in ones just happened, and the severity of it.

Titles:
The name 'High Crimes' is implying that both the establishments and the sevrity linked with the crimes are extremely serious, and of horrific manner, this is due to the inclusion of the army and also the government, the name stands for two things. The titling of the film is very simple and straight forward, 'High Crimes' is written in a white font, on a simple plain black baground. The manner of this is very formal, and rather sophisticated, this maybe could be to show the audience, and give them an insight into the mood of courtrooms and locations with a serious meaning, during the film. The titles fade out and in, at a slow pace, and they appear during scenes of the disfunctioing villages.

Narrative- The husband and wife move to the country to find their ideal lifestyle, however on a shopping trip in san francisco, the husband is captured by the FBI and charged with the murder of 9 peasants in a remote village during 1088. His wife is shocked to discover, that her husbands real name is Ronald, not in fact Tom, who was a covert military operate serving in the United States marine corps, and has been on the run for the last fourteen years. Tom denies the murders but admits he was present at the scene.

Genre/Target Audience- The main target audience for this film would be adults from around the age of 25-40's, mainly because this is more of a mystery action thriller, younger people would enjoy it, but its not as action packed as some of the films in which younger people would rather watch and enjoy. However the film does have the inclusion of extreme violence, and sexual content, this is a pointer as to why the film is a thriller aimed at rather mature, older audiences, rather than the younger generation. The film however, is only labeled as a 12 for viewing, this could be due to the fact that children these days are introduced to more severe and horrific films at an earlier age, this film doesnt have too much violence, however there is a lot of implied violence, bad language isnt really included much either, so the reason its been branded as a 12 is understandable.

Monday, 15 October 2012

Monday, 8 October 2012

Doctor Who - Notes Write Up

Narrative-

Plot Outline- Doctor is taken to the asylum, a prison, the doctor and the ponds must find an escape route. The daleks begin to close on them as they attempt to escape. This is a one off episode, but it is actually part of an ongoing series. Throughout the episode we get the doctor kind of telling us the story, this is shown as a part of mise en scene. 
The Doctor along with an Amy and Rory who are headed for divorce are kidnapped by the Daleks. They find themselves before the Dalek Parliament and the Doctor is quite surprised when he learns why: they want the him to save them. A ship has crashed on the one place they will not go - the Asylum, where mad Daleks are sent to spend their days. Once there, they are assisted by the only survivor of the crash, Oswin, who has been there for a year awaiting rescue and making soufflé's to pass the time.

Representation-


The doctor is represented in many different ways during the doctor who episodes, he is made out to be capable of achieving anything with his varied knowledge, and his screwdriver, however as well as this, he is rather unusual, and is made too look out and stand out differently from any other character we may have seen, this is done to draw the audience in, and make them fall in love with him, in which, they have succeed, as the doctor is loved by the audience. The doctors appearance is one in which he represents the character very well, he dresses rather smart, and in some way quirky, this is shown to represent a light, happy side to the doctor, however, he does have a dark, and rather serious side to him at times. Rory if featured in the episode to be the joker, whether its  by what his physical presence is doing, or in what he says, even though he has recently divorced amy, he still has love for her, and she also still has feelings, however choses not to show this through facial expression, and her tone of voice. 


Mise en scene-


The mise en scene in this episode, varies depending mainly on the location. The setting of the episodes makes it very important so that the audience establish the mood of it, and also so that they establish the mood of the characters. During the first main plot, the setting is in a very snowy environment, with very little around, its dark, eery, the mood changes as soon as this setting is shown. The dalek asylum is very similar, its very dark, eery, its extremely mysterious, this is added so that the audience finds it very curious, and they get a sense of what the character is feeling, this makes them feel much more involved, and makes the audience want to continue to watch the programe, and see whats next. You can see during this episode, as it goes on, the lighting goes from bright at the start, to much darker as the story gets more meaningful. 

Sound-

The sound is a major part in the doctor who episodes, in this episode, the music gains pace as the episode goes on, this shows that the audience can expect something is about to happen, especially during the main plot, its used to show the audience this is a substantial scene in the episode, and they want to make sure you are very focused on it. There is a use of non digetic sound throughout, this is to create a small, meaningful atmosphere, and to get across a mood to the audience. 
Eery music is used leading up to an exciting part of the episode, the music then gains dramatic pace and then suddenly something happens. The music is added to help to control the narrative, and this helps the audience to get an understanding of the plot and also whats going on, so they can get a feel for the character and the setting. Most of the sound FX included in this Doctor Who episode, except the daleks who are voiced by person, are from a foley sounds library, or sometimes can even be created in a foley studio. 

Camerawork-


There is lots of different camerawork used to create different effect, and meaning when you are watching the episode. When something dramatic or extremely exiting and important is happening, there are fast cuts, this is to make the audience feel much more involved in what's is going on, a very good example of this would be when there is explosions inside and the doctor is running away from them, he doesn't really have much idea of what is going on and going on around him and that is what they want the audience to feel and relate to when they create this mood. When there isn't much going on during the episode, the shots are much slower and more spaced. 


Titles-

The doctor who introduction, has no live footage, the intro is completely computer animated, and includes a flying tardis. The introduction includes the same old theme song for Doctor Who, this is so that the audience obviously recognize the programme, its also the same without the sound, you know its doctor who because of the tardis. The characters names appear on screen, then the actors names appear in accordance to the main roles in the programme. 

Target Audience-


There is a very widespread audience for the Doctor Who episodes, however, the specific audience they intend to reach is late teens, and upto adults, there is lack of swearing and sexual nature, this therefore makes the Doctor Who episodes suitable for children of a younger age, so this reinforces that the episodes cater for a very widespread audience.


Genre-

The genre of Doctor Who can be defined by two genres, the first is Science Fiction, this is show off by the use of space, the inclusion of aliens, other planets, other life, it is also shown by the typical elements of the Science Fiction genre, such as robots, space ships, and force fields. The other genre is drama, as includes a majority of dramatic features, just like other tv programmes, like murder investigations, things like that. 





One Show Camera Shots




Over the shoulder shot to give us the person who is listening point of view.



Fast paced panning shot.



CGI of The One Show titles that features the shows name.



Close up on the guest to show the audience her reactions and feelings.



Zoomed out shot of all the involved people to give the audience an insight into how they are acting and feeling.



Two shot of the presenters of The One Show speaking directly towards the audience, making eye contact with the camera.

One Show Analysis

What do they do (Presenters) to engage and address the audience?

Do they use Language to address them? Do they use Body Language to engage the audience? Or  Guests to gain more viewers?

In the one show their is a frequent use of graphics throughout, this is to include interactivity with the audience. The two main presenters of the one show throughout the episode, are talking directly towards you, this makes you feel interested and involved. As well as the presenters and graphics, bright lighting is used to keep the audience interested, and it also makes the program appealing to match its genre. 

The set is also a very colorful one, as if it was dark, this wouldn't attract as many viewers as its more boring and less appealing, its extremely vibrant, and there is an inclusion of extremely modern furniture, the main focus is the coffee table, where the interviews take place, and the presenters talk to the audience, there is no use of separate chairs, instead there is the inclusion of two separate sofas, this helps the presenters and guests contain a close bond, and allows them to present the show to the audience and relates to them as they will most likely be watching the show from their own sofas at home.

As the one show includes frequent interviews, over the shoulder shots are used so that you can see the interviewer, but also still have the main focus on the person being interviewed. There is also inclusion of contact numbers, adresses, and email adresses to give the audience interactivity within the programme, these are displayed on screen, and have a low level music piece over the top, then are narrated by one of the presenters, this is so that it doesnt seem to bland, and can keep the audience interested. 

The different uses of camera are kept at a certain level, but it all depends on who they are recording. Close ups are used in the program so that the audience takes much more of an interest in what is being said by the person. Not only does this give the audience an insight into whats been said, but it makes the audience feel much more involved with the presenters, and the people being interviewed.

The one show includes frequent use of the 'Two Shot' which includes both presenters, this is used to allow the guests of the show, to walk on and off the set without really being noticed. In some video clips, the program use handheld cameras, this is to reiterate the realism in the recording. Finally,  the dress code for the presenters is 'Smart Casual' nothing too major, but nothing un-presentable either, very often you will find that the guests on the show are actually much more formal than the presenters themselves.

The one show introduction title is extremely fast paced, and in your face, the music is fairly upbeat and appealing, and the colours used for the introduction titles consists of bright red and white, this indicates that the programe's aim is to please the audience, and draw them in to watch the programme by including this positive colour scheme, the colour scheme also fits in with the BBCs colour scheme, as the programme is owned and broadcast by the BBC, so this also lets the audience become aware that its a BBC programme and doesn't belong to another broadcasting channel. The name is 'The One Show' this is an indication that the BBC want it to be the 'best show' or the only show to watch, this isnt a great way to entice an audience however, it may may draw certain people in, and therefore also gain a new wider audience simply because of the shows name. 





Thursday, 20 September 2012

Homework


Stunt  Coordinators: stunt coordinator, usually an experienced stunt performer, is hired by a TV, film or theatre director or production company to arrange the casting (stunt players and stunt doubles) and performance of stunts for a film.

First Assistant Director & 2nd 3rd & 4th: The role of an Assistant director include tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of health and safety of the crew. 

Location Manager: The location manager is responsible for the finding and securing locations to be used and coordinating the logistics involved for the production to successfully complete its necessary work. They are also the face of the production to the community and responsible for addressing the issues that may arise due to the production's impact on the community.

Production Manager:  The production management team (consisting of a production manager and any number of assistants) is responsible for realizing the visions of the producer and the director or  choreographer within constraints of technical possibility. This involves coordinating the operations of various production sub-disciplines (scenic, wardrobe, lighting,sound, projection, automation, video, pyrotechnics, stage management, etc.) of the presentation.
 
Script Editor:A script editor is a member of the production team of scripted television programmes, usually dramas and comedies. The script editor has many responsibilities including finding new script writers, developing storyline and series ideas with writers, ensuring that scripts are suitable for production.
 
Camera Operator: A camera operator or cameraman is a professional operator of a film or video camera, The cameraman is responsible for physically operating the camera and maintaining composition and camera angles throughout a given scene or shot.

Focus Puller: A focus puller,  is a member of a film crew's camera department whose primary responsibility is to maintain image sharpness on whatever subject or action is being filmed.

Grip: Grips are lighting and rigging technicians in the filmmaking and video production industries.

Set Dresser: Set dressers arrange objects on a film set before shooting. They work under the direction of a leadman, a set decorator and a production designer. Set dressers place furniture, hang pictures, and put out decorative items. They are also responsible for some light construction and assembly of small items, such as air-conditioning ducts.

Graphic Designer: A graphic designer is a professional within the graphic design and graphic arts industry who assembles together images, typography or motion graphics to create a piece of design.

Props Maker: Someone who get's the props and designs the props to be used in a film or episode.

Dubbing Mixer: A dubbing mixer is a person who is part of a post-production sound team and works specifically with dialog, music and sound effects to create the final soundtrack for a production.

Foley Editor: A foley editor produces  the reproduction of everyday sound effects which are added in post production to enhance the quality of audio for films, television, video, video games and radio.

ADR Editor:  Is the process of re-recording the original dialogue after the filming process for the purpose of obtaining a cleaner, more intelligible dialogue track




Monday, 17 September 2012

Doctor Who Notes


During the main run of the series from 1963 to 1989 and after its cancellation, numerous novels, comic strips, comic books and other material were generated based on the characters and situations introduced in the show.
 
Torchwood is a spin-off  of doctor who,
 
The Sarah Jane Adventures: A complete overview of the 2007 doctor who spin-off series starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith.
 
The Lost Stories An in-progress guide to all the unmade Doctor Who Adventures.
 
Aswell as spin offs, their has been lots of merchandise for Doctor Who.
 
Magazine:
 
DWM- (Doctor Who Magazine) is a magazine devoted to the long-running British science fiction television series doctor who. Its current editor is Tom Spilsbury. The Magazine has been running for years, the first one in, 17 October 1979 and now, 511 issues later, the latest as of 30 August 2012.
 
Aswell as a magazine, their is also a website for Doctor Who, the websites link is:http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006q2x0 as it is made by the bbc, it includes videos, galleries, latest news, and a full list of the characters.
 
There is also merchandise for Doctor Who, such as Monopoly, Scene it, and also DVD trivia games.