Film Practicing

GENRE PRACTICE:
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What is it? A type of category of...

D DESCRIBE
I IN DETAIL
S SETTING - LOCATION, HISTORICAL TIME PERIOD
T THEMES- LOVE, GUILT, REVENGE, GOOD VS EVIL
I ICONS - SIGNIFICANT PROPS SUCH AS WEAPON OR A WALLET
N NARRATIVE - HOW A STORY IS TOLD, PLOT
C CHARACTERS - BOYS/GIRLS, BACKGROUND
T TEXTUAL ANALYSIS - STYLE OF CAMERA, EDITING, MISE EN SCENE AND SOUND

Types of genres:

• drama
• romcom
• comedies
• horror
• scify 
• action
• adventure
• thriller
• western
• musical
• crime mystery

Genre Theory: Steve Neale  

• He started that genres may be dominated by repetition, but are also marked by difference, variation and change.
• The idea that these genres change, develop and vary as the borrow from and overlap with one another. 

Action and Adventure:

For our first task we captivated a picture representing the genre of adventure and action.  To accomplish this, we aimed to embody the stereotype of these genres but mixing them together. For example, in both, characters could be running away from someone or something, escaping or climbing to explore. Therefore, we chose a wired fence for a prop to achieve this. In addition the fence looks similar to those in a prison; this also highlights the genre of adventure and action. 

  

Musical:

For our second task we designed a picture for a music genre. By doing this we included key props such as a piano and a drum, and characterised our facial expressions to be happy; due to musicians loving what they do and create. To possibly improve this image i would change the backdrop to a musical theme such as adding stage lights, more instruments or artistic posters etc.    

Vocab

Hybrid: combination of two genres for e.g romcom, action adventure
Semiotics: is the study of sings and also of anything which stands for 'something else'.
Denotation:  what we see when we look at an image (what it is)
Connotation: what we understand from this image. (what other meaning it has.)

1. brand identity
   The image a company constructs for itself through the use of logos, slogans and other marketing tools in order to appeal to an audience.
2. cross-platform
   The appearance of a media text on more than one platform; cross-platform or cross-media advertising is used to market a product like a film on the web, TV and newspapers.
3. endorsement
   The act of supporting or backing something; celebrity endorsement is often used in advertising to sell a product.
4. ethos
   The purpose, attitude and beliefs of a person or an organisation.
5. media convergence
   When audiences use one platform to consume various types of media texts.
6. media format
   A media format refers to whether the content is video, audio, print based, or a combination such as a website or video game.
7. media platform
   A media platform is where a media text is presented; this can be TV, cinema, computer, games console, digital media player, smartphone, tablet, magazine, or newspaper
8. media text
   Any media product such as a TV programme, film, magazine, video game, newspaper, music track or album created for an audience.
9. niche audience
   A small, narrow audience interested in a specific topic or theme - the opposite of a mass market audience.
10. public service broadcasting
    Public service broadcasting is for the benefit of the public and not just for profit or commercial gain; the BBC is a public service broadcaster in the UK.
11. smartphone
    A mobile phone with a powerful processor that is capable of running applications and accessing the internet.
12. tablet
    A computer device a little smaller than a laptop but with a built-in touchscreen, usually without a keyboard.

Intro:

Introduction:

Media includes a variety of specific elements, for example a newspaper, a magazine, a film, an advert, social media and music. These specific forms are presented to us - as an audience - in our daily life constantly. We are completely surrounded by the influential and original ideas by others; persuading, presenting, creating, informing. We repetitively read, listen, watch, upload and play, these aspects all contain the involvement of media. 

My favourite types of media💗: 

• Like the majority, I spend most of my time on social media (both snap chat and Instagram). Despite the negative attitudes towards the overpowering world of social media, I find having a social life rather important and influential; due to the huge impact it has. Such as staying in contact with friends and family, following individuals that you admire, uploading photos and sharing your passions.

• In addition I believe music is one the most important aspects of media as it's a passionate approach to express how you feel. This could be explored by a beat, (whether its slow or fast, exhilarating or calm) or a type of movement such as dance. Personally, music can be a subject that defines someone, what they like or example. Imaging a world without the complicity of music seems rather impossible. Music is also used in a myriad of other ways such as in an advert, a film, a game, a show etc. This helps identify a certain mood, a way to captivate someone, intensify something etc. 

• Lastly, film is also a crucial part of media because its used to entertain and it embodies and conveys the values and beliefs of the culture within which and for which it is made. The use of film seems to have not run out of interesting and compelling stories with complex and compelling narratives. It has a huge impact on our lives and how it influences us.

Notes from class:

➱ L - language (camera, music, editing, costumes, lighting, makeup, pop)

➯ I - industry  

➯ A - audience (who is it targeting?)

➱ R - representation (who? class, age, ethnicity, sexuality. What? message, place.)

*key word* INTERTEXTIALITY  - Two different medias working together 

→ This advert - promoting the 'original adidas' - involves a myriad of intertextuality by referring to other texts and other media. This could possibly remind the audience that we are in mediated reality. This runs counter to the dominant 'realist' tradition which focuses on persuading the audience to believe in ongoing reality of the narrative. Or could be used to modernise a certain media, the song for example - 'My Way' - produced in 1969 is used but edited to create a fresh and new version. This further reinforces why that specific song was chosen; doing things your 'way' makes you 'original', linking to the message of the advert. In addition the advert also displays diverse versions of the understanding of science towards human anatomy, creating their own version with different individuals, representing that everyone is completely different in their own and unique way. Importantly, the advert further includes various races (black and white skin), classes ( famous people, such as Kendall Jenner and snoop dog along with ordinary people) and ages, which sufficiently identifies the equality within this video but also varies the audience for this specific product. 

→ Varied camera shots are used, especially a technique called 'fast cutting' which refers to several consecutive shots of a brief duration (3 seconds or less). In this video its used to convey a lot of information very quickly and to imply chaos and energy. At the end, a powerful statement is mentioned: 'original is never finished', this symbolises how important being original is, it will never end as it changes constantly.    

Summer Work

Task 1:

This mysterious and exhilarating poster – representing the ‘BodyGuard’ - portrays a thrilling yet emotional appearance to the audience. The dramatic and intense presence foreshadows, possibly, a thrilling film, attracting those who indulge in horrors.

Nonetheless, the connection and the tightening security highlight a form of romance (by the use of passion and protection from the unknown male character) causing a strong contrast in themes. Therefore this could also target an audience who prefers romances. In addition the noun ‘bodyguard’ symbolises an action type film; due to its meaning, a person - usually armed - responsible for the safety of one or more other persons. Consequently, the hybrid poster characterises a myriad of genres, such as love, crime, adventure and action, therefore appeals to a wider audience. The women’s face is covered, emphasising how scared and vulnerable she is, highlighting the stereotypical aspect of a women. In addition the pathetic fallacy – dreary rain – sets the scene of darkness, constructing a theatrical attraction. Furthermore, the black and white appearance creates an enigmatic appeal; why does she need a bodyguard? Who has hurt her? What has happened? Subsequently, this causes the audience to engage in the film, leaving them wanting to know what happens. Also the daring title (in capitals) states a bold announcement along with the intimidating red strip, which could represent a sign of danger, love or death.

Task 2:

In the trailer the producer uses many split screen aspects displaying two opposite powerful images contrasting their meanings. The first shot portrays the date and an image from the Cold War; immediately a disturbing reflection and event is represented to the audience. The second split illustrates the divide between Germany and the strong contrast and rift between the two different republics – west and east. This contrast is further reinforced by the background image of a supermarket because this distinguishes that he know has the ability to choose what he does whereas before – in the army  - he was restricted and had to obey orders. The third shift changes to soldier and spy (identifying his diverse jobs) viewing his divided personality by the change of uniform or that his new life has been split up into two. Lastly the ‘over the wall’ and ‘under cover’ categorizes the duties of his role which further reinforces the alterations. This is shown through the high intensity filming and audio, where the producer uses a rapid build-up of quick blunt conversions, which harmonizes with the dramatic music. The change from each character or scene is very impulsive and sharp with no smooth transition. This is used to construct a myriad of energetic movements within the action scenes to build suspense and tension, which is then cleverly broken with the ending – an explosion. This explosion is cunningly used to break the rhythm of the music, resulting in a sudden stop that surprises the viewer but also creates a theatrical finish.

Close shots constantly appear within the trailer, identifying the characters emotion, the theme of fear and anger occurs as a main feature; due to the genre being horror and action. However there is a split second where the main character smiles/laughs, which breaks this huge nervousness that the audience feels. This is further reinforced when a strong emotion of love appears, (which is entwined with the action) portraying all his different feelings exploding all at once. Nonetheless most of the intensity is due to the perpetual crime references, especially when a mid shot appears with a woman muscularly holding a gun. For the viewer this is rather unusual as it goes against the prevailing expectations of a woman in this time period, which further builds up tension within the trailer. Furthermore to represent this time period, old costumes such as army and maid uniform are used. Also the trailer involves intertexuality, as an orator from the news – another media - speaks in the background, informing the viewer with information, making the overall appearance rather reported and chaotic. In some certain areas the camera angles alternate to less sturdy shots, indicating the coarseness and roughness of the program, this way, the audience gets to feel the aggressive and exhilarating movements from the objects and characters, increasing the heightened emotion. This juxtaposes to the smooth and rapid transition from scene to scene.

Task 3:

"Popular media has a significant but not entirely straightforward relationship with people's sense of gender and identity" 

How does this magazine cover shape our views and opinions on any one group in our society?

• Their body language displays an expression of love and comfort, therefore our opinion of the royal couple is powerfully positive.
• Also, the bold text 'so its April 29. And you are all invited!' appears to be a public announcement through pint media; a type of 'invitation' concluded in a newspaper. Moreover the pronoun 'all' brands the public as equal, thus the royals are accepting diverse social classes. This is further reinforced as it states that Prince William wants to 'pack Westminster Abby with children, volunteers and the homeless.' As a result, the couple appear extremely caring and sympathetic. 
• Additionally, the magazine informs the viewer that there will be 'street parties, pop concerts and a holiday that could run for 11 days'. This could cause a slight contrast to what the audience originally thought about the royal family; due to the typical stereotype of  the royal society being noble and superior. Consequently, this connects the viewer with the couple as they appear rather normal. More importantly this also shapes our opinion towards the prince and princess to be outgoing and energetic. 
• The bright emerald colours could reinforce their personality. 
• In the top right corner this newspaper offers a 'free Royal Doulton plate' - which is normally £75 -  meaning that all social statuses receive a git from the royal couple. Highlighting to the viewer that they are tremendously generous and care about equality. 

Is this representation positive or negative? 

• The representation is extremely positive as the message is an invitation, highlighting the fact that any age, social class, gender is welcome. 

Task 4:

The Big Six: 

1. Warner Bros: is the world’s largest film studio in the entertainment industry. In 2013 Warner Bros. made a market share of $5.03 billion globally and also set a record as the only studio to exceed $1 billion for thirteen years running. Their most famous includes the Harry Potter series, the Superman series, The Matrix series and Star Wars.
2. 20th Century Fox: is the world’s second largest film studio after Warner Bros. The studio has distributed various commercially successful films, involving Avatar, Ice Age, X-Men, Die Hard, Planet of the Apes, Night at the Museum and Fantastic Four. As a result, this secured them their position as one of the Big Six studios of Hollywood.
3. Paramount Pictures: Is the longest operating major studio in Hollywood. It has a century of experience in premium production services from development of story idea to post production. In 2014, Paramount Pictures became the first major Hollywood studio to supply all its films in digital-form only.
4. Universal Pictures: is best known for three of Steven Spielberg’s biggest hits – Jaws, E.T. and Jurassic Park, each of which became the highest-grossing film ever at the time of its release. Other film studios including Walt Disney use the massive backlot of the Universal Studios, for example parts of Pirates of the Caribbean such as ‘Dead Mans Chest’. 
5. Sony Pictures Entertainment: operates Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Classics, and TriStar Pictures. Sony Pictures has produced, distributed, or co-distributed successful film series including Spider-Man, Men in Black, Underworld, and Resident Evil. sony owns many other companies such as: Ericsson, (a telecommunications, Internet and cable corporation) Columbia Pictures Entertainment, (was as a small movie production studio) CBS Record Group, (the enterprise specialised in rights management, manufacturing and distribution of recorded music) Gaikai (develops video games and cloud-based gaming technology.
6. Walt Disney Studios: produced some revolutionary films, such as Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (the first full-length animated movie) and Pinocchio (a film with complicated levels of technical brilliance in animation) that made the studio stand apart from the rest. Over the decades, Disney Studio introduced numerous technologies in animation and live action films. Disney’s Steamboat - Willie - was the first animated film to have harmonised sound and image. Walt Disney own many other industries such as: ABC television group, (operates Disney broadcasts, cable television and radio business) ESPN, (sports media and entertainment company) Walt Disney Parks, (operates Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and Aulani, a spa and resort in Hawaii) and Marvel entertainment, (media and entertainment company). 

1. Fantastic Beasts: 

• Warner Bros. 

• Release date: 18th November 2016

• Budget: $180,000,000

• Cast: Eddit Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samatha Morton, Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, Carmen Ejogo, Jenn Murray, Jonny Depp. 

• Genre: Adventure

• Director: David Yates 

2. Greatest Showman:

• 20th Century Fox 

• Release date:  December 26, 2017


• Genre: Comedy


• Director: Michael Gracey


• Budget: $84,000,000


• 

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Effron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Keala Settle, Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Paul Sparks, Natasha Bordizzo, Sam Humphrey, Ellis Rubin, Skylar Dunn


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3. Baywatch:

• Paramount Pictures

• Genre; Action

• release date: May 29, 2017

• Director: Seth Gordon  

• Budget: $69,000,000

• Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Effron, Alexandra Daddarino, Jon Bass, Hannibal Buress, Kelly Rohrbach, Ilfenesh Hadera, Oscar Nunez, Rob Huebel, Amin Joseph, Jack Kesy. 

4. Mamma Mia 2:

• Universal Studios 

• Release date: July 16th 2018

• Genre: Comedy

• Director: OI Parker

• Budget: $70,000,000

• Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Meryl Streep, Cher, Andy Garcia, Dominic Cooper, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski

5. Baby Driver:

• Release date: June 28th 2017

• Sony Pictures

• Genre: Action

• Director: Edgar Wright

• Budget: $34,000,000

• Cast: Lily James, Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Eiza Gonzalez

6. Incredibles 2: 

• Walt Disney

• Release date: July 13th 2018

• Genre: Action

• Director: Brad Bird

• Budget: $200,000,000

• Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Sammuel L. Jackson, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, Brad Bird, Bill Wise, Isabella Rossellini, Barry Bostwick