Note Taking

In today's lesson we watched roughly a 5 minute clip from Gavin and Stacy and in preparation for a essay we took notes on it mainly focusing on the mise en scene of the clip, As we were taking notes I found that I was writing and taking my notes all over the place so it is hard to find were i made my points on different things when preparing to write an essay. To solve this problem in the future I am going to make a different heading for the aspects of mise en scene and put my notes under them making it easier to find my points!

Coronation Street - Northern Stereotypes

In the last few lessons we have looked at regional identity and focused on the North, south and countryside. I have decided for this post to focus on the North, Coronation Street is a perfect example for Northern Stereotypes and it is very popular and known by all even if you do not watch it, like myself!!

The sterotypes that stand out at me are the cobbled streets and that they dislike the rich. The dislike the rich stereotype is because although I dont watch it from what I see and hear and have ever heard anyone who is successful is generally not liked or made out to be bad in someway, This leads on to another stereotype which is that they always moan and whine an example of this is when they think they are hard done by liek not being as well of as everyone else!

Big Drinkers is a stereotype I always would associate with nearly all soaps and coronation street is no different, every episode will involve a scene from a pub and on the odd occasion a fight will occur due to some "very big drinking".

From what I see in corronation Street thier is always friction between certain people which makes me think that character have fitted in with another stereotype which is that they speaking thier mind because they dont care what other people think which is another sterotype!

Paulo Nutini

Paulo Nutini

Paulo Nutini is one of my favourite music artists, this is because i find that alot of his songs make you feel good about yourself and forget any problems you have, my favourite song of his is "new shoes" because of its catchy lyrics and upbeat tune, in the song he sing about putting his "new shoes on" but in my opinion it makes me think that it is talking about him starting a fresh like a new life/beggining for his old Shoes (life)

Pheonix Nights - Peter Kay

In class to help us with the representation area disability, we watched the first two episodes of Phoenix Nights a comedy drama wrote by Peter Kay. This is a unusual program as far as stereotypical disabled people are portrayed. This is because the main character played by Peter Kay is disabled is is also the boss of a working men's club. This is unusual because its is very rare that a person with power and authority. He very rarely shows he struggles with his disabity in the episodes and doesent show may of the stereotypical trates of a disabled person on the TV.

• He shows signs of his disability on 3 main occasions this is when he is unable to get him self a drink becaause he cant stand up to reach.
• When he had to ask fo his wheelchair because he couldn't get it himself.
• He couldn't join in on the bucking bronco

Representation - Ricky Gervais - Disabilty

In class we looked at how disability is presented in the media, to help with this work we saw a video clip from youtube featuring Ricky Gervais although it is made for purely comical value it express very serious points about the way the disabled are represented.


From looking at this we saw many sterotypical view presented

1. "Poor little fellow"
2. People of a differnet race are disabled
3. Pollitically incorrect
4. Gay
5. Unattractive
6. Characterised- what sort are you

Ricky Gervais in this sketch is also very partonisaing

• Thinks he cant be happy
• Fear of catching it
• treated like an object
• wheelchair is abit of fun

Representation - Disability and Ability

Ability and Disability in the media is shown in extremes.
stereotypical views of disability are that we assume it is a mental problem.

Historically disabled people don't play theme selves in media performances. The media influences the way we look at others.

Us and the media show disabled people as alot of stereotypical views some of theses are:

• They are disabled and incapable
• We are ashamed of them
• Possibly ashamed of themselves due to their differences
• Assumed to be less intelligent regardless to disability
• Unattractive, not sexually attractive, not desirable

Action Film Types- Matrix

Martix

As a Futuristic/Sci-fi Action film would be the matrix we have chosen this to because it will have a completely different range of action characteristics.

The matrix describes a future in which reality perceived by humans is actually the Matrix: a simulated reality created by sentient machines in order to pacify and subdue the human population while their bodies' heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Upon learning this, computer programmer "Neo" is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, involving other people who have been freed from the "dream world" and into reality. Also this type of flim covers these interest of what people may find interesting to watch for;

cyberpunk and hacker subcultures; philosophical and religious ideas. Other examples of films which have used these ideas are classics such as "Alice's adventures in wonderland".

Looking at this film we found:

• Quick bursts of flashing images, gets your attention


• Instant Action, special affects e.g Slow motion, colour changing.


• Rains is used for an affect.

I found it hard to gather positives for this type of action film as it is not something I would usually watch however there are some good features that can be used in all aspects of action like, scenes with high intensity, comical moments.

Action Film Types- Gladiator

Gladiator

Another type of action film is gladiator which has historical content, so the element of action will be different e.g clothing and props and venues will differ to other types of action movies.


From this Trailer we learnt it is import ants to include:

• Strong Story lines


• Unexpected changes in Characters, who became a gladiator.... The Gladiator


• 24 seconds into the Trailer there are examples of the different settings and culture (the coliseum in Rome)


• Colour affects


• Slowing Down scenes adds to the affects of Action Scene


• High intensity e.g when The Gladiator Dives out of Fire


• Shows Name of film straight after big scene.


• Good Sound effects e.g Crowds roaring, Swords Clashing, thuds of feet and armour.

Action film types- Hot Fuzz

For this Part of research me and Dan looked at the different types styles used by directors when producing action films.
Our reasons for doing this is so that we can get a better understanding of what works well and so we can see the mise en scene of the films e.g seeing what clothes are worn, props etc.

To do this me and Dan looked at a few trailers so we could pick up on all theses aspects and give us a in depth look into the Action movie style.



This is one of my and Dans favourite films Hot Fuzz, This is comes under a Comedy Genre as well as being full of action. From this trailer we noticed that...

• There policeman- serious, responsible, but also portrayed to play jokes and which takes the seriousness out of it and makes it a more enjoyable watch.


• Murder- makes you realise the film is serious and is full of action which again makes it a enjoyable but more interesting watch.


• There is a personal dilemma in the film as well as in the story as a whole which makes you gripped to it and want to stay focused.


• In the opening to the film you instantly know who the main character is and what his role is, you realise this when he shows his police badge.


• Showing the weapons symbolises that the characters have power and are better than those who don't.

Sponser straight away in a spin effect "Universal" and then working title after his description "working title" makes film more professional.

Description of main character blended into various character and whats the dilemma and how he can overcome it.

Action in a silent speech of comedy to inflict more interests and makes it more successful and affective and not just a typical action film. (1.10-1.14) (1.32-1.39) (1.50-1.58)- minute in Video

Comedy speeches can inflict violence and action e.g. "three people have died in a week" ... "accidents happen all the time what makes you think it was murrrdderrr?"

Police badge symbol code effective background and colour that resembles the police society of today/ blue (1.15-1.17)- "minute in video"

Research, Film Openings

The genre our group has chosen to use for our film opening is action/thriller. We have chosen this Genre because we feel we have a stronger knowledge about it than any other so we will be able to work to our potential.
We all have many ideas for our 2 minute intro and will soon discuss in detail and decide on our ideas.
I am working with my friends Adam and Dan and we all have simalar interests so working together shouldnt be a problem.
In this lesson i looked on youtube to find out what made a good into to gain these ideas.









What is needed in an opening movie sequence that involves?
• Big bold title
• Mise en scene for the type of genre
• Camera angles, how many shots? (10-20)
• What clothes for the character, what way should he act?
• What the character emotions are and the he acts
• The type of text in the title, font, size, colour, bold, Underlined
• What editing in the camera we need to do, fade in, fade out, zoom in, and zoom out?
• Maybe a logo to represent the film like maybe a army film or gangster film etc.
• Slow motion effects, fighting, gun shot; point of view like someone is watching someone etc.
• Sudden bursts of noise, silent to loud in an instant, short and snappy.
• Colour of the background, black and white, bright and bold, colourful and loud.
• Historical vengeance, Job reference?
• Point of view with a question to answer, a target on a person?
• Appropriate surrounding quiet, day, night, sunny, windy, rain, busy, lazy.
• Where’s it set on a building / sniper. In a street/ cars, gangsters, knifes, guns. In a house: quiet, close combat, anger, scene and signs of historical vengeance / flashbacks.
• Angle of guns the way they point to represent that they are the main aspect or the character.
• Maybe sort 20 seconds of background life of the chararacter, family, causes – convicted – shot and left for dead – etc....
• Is the dilemma set in the local environment or far away in a different country?
• Maybe a rise of monsters vampires, demons, zombies, aliens and needs to be a very intimidating and big dilemma!
• Maybe the main character could turn him into the dilemma and be the dilemma without knowing, quick twists.
• Brief summary of the story and how characters link to each other.
• An opening scene slowly getting bigger and building up tension of what it includes, e.g. a mystery box, graveyard, symbolic codes.
• End of movie clip which leaves an enigma code to make the person want to find out what happens next.
• Abstract clever backgrounds maybe e.g. cartoony, (Sin city) (Kill bill) (Crank)
• Explosions, powerful and fast or slow moving enrolment and tells the tempo of what the film maybe like e.g. (Crank)
• Over the top action scene, maybe compare it to real life and then to the main character e.g. James bond

Shameless Characters Characteristics

Fiona,

• Shy


• Enjoys a good time


• Easily lead


• Ashamed of her past


• defensive over her upbringing


• Quite feminine shown by dress sense e.g pink dressing gown.
  

Frank,

• Drunk (alcoholic)


• Regular with the police due to Drunken behaviour.


• Scruffy/messy hair and appearance


• his motive is to drink and go to the pub


• Act as if he has no responsibility

Veronica,

• Loud mouthed


• Forward


• Heavy Alcoholic

Ian,

• Gay


• Insecure


• Innocent


• Sticks up for what he believes


• Defends his friends

Lip,

• Intelligent - studies and mentors physics


• Speaks his mind


• Resourceful


• Business minded


• Rough

Steve,

• Confident


• Laid back


• Cautious


• Money maker


• Criminal

Reprsentation Theorys:

GateKeeping

In 1961 a theorist called White spoke of the ‘Gate Keepers’ these are the people who make the decisions in the construction of media texts.
Gatekeepers are people such as;
• BBC Commissioners
• Law makers
• Directors
• Producers
• Editors
• Audience e.g Test Screenings etc
• Men which are generally White and middle class


The Constructionists Approach

This is the representation is constructed with a set of ideas and values ( the producers intent)

The Context of the representation is part of the representation, Media, Language, choices, anchorage, media form, Placement/location, genre, and expectations etc.

The audience reacts to this representation and this depends on their own personal interpretation context: age, gender, religion, nationality, gangs etc

Representation

Representation

A key point when explaining Representation is SELECTION

Everything in the media today is a representation this includes everything we see.

The SELECTION process is:
The decision over what is chosen to be represented and what is rejected;
The choices made when organising the representation,
The options taken, that focus the audience in a certain way.

Stereotypes

Problems

In many instances stereotypes are used negatively by dominant groups to describe subordinate groups.

• Stereotypes are not always negative an example of this is that black people are quick runners.
• They can be held about one’s own group an example for me is that cricketers don’t like contact sports.
• They are not always false e.g. Cricket players will wear white.
• They are not always minority groups or the less powerful e.g. The Rich and powerful are disrespectful to them worse off than them.

A key term used with Stereotypes is mediation


The Theory of Cognitive Dissonance.


Argued that we resist adjusting our attitudes unless faced with overwhelming evidence against it. Believed that we seek out confirmation of our thoughts/beliefs. This links with Pluralism audience theory.

Male Gender Research

5 Typical Male Characters in Soaps

1.Money Maker and Buisness man:This Character takes no prisoners and always trys to get what he wants no matter what price he may have to pay they are also generally lazy and will take the easy route avoiding competion.















2. The no nosense Hard Man: This Character unless you know him personally then you tend to avoid any kind of contact if possible at all times, this character also may have a soft side to him when it comes to his family as he will show a great deal of care towards them and will do anything to protect them, and you will most defenatly not want to get in the way of what he wants!!















3.Innocent Hardworker and Pushover: This Character is 9 times out 10 a really nice man in some cases the Grandad of the soap, who will work hard to feed his wife and family and will always help a friend but sometimes will do things that make get himself into trouble as he can be taken advantage of.














4.All round nice guy: This Character is normally liked by all in the Soap and by the audience, Normally he is in a strong long term relationship, he would not hurt a fly and do what he can when he can for the people around him.

The Male Gaze

The Concept of gaze is one that deals with how an audience see thing presented mainly people.

There is a feminist theory to gaze, Laura Mulvey coined the term the Male Gaze in 1975 this basically means that "film audiences have to view character from the veiw of an hetrosexual male" The main features of the gaze are:

- The camera angles linger on the curves of the female body
- Events which occur to women are presented largely in the context of a mans reaction to these events
-Regulates women to the status of the objects. The female viewers must experience; the narrative secondary by identification with the male.

There are a few criticsms of Mulvey and the gaze theory, these are:

-Some women enjoy being looked at e.g beauty contests and models etc
-The Gaze can be directed at members of the same sex for many reasons as well as those of the opposite. such as in comparison at body image or in clothing.

Preliminary Activity Evaluation Magazine

Preliminary Task Evaluation Questions
1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you? and how did you plan your magazine?

I worked with a friend in the task Dan Bailey,first we put all of
our ideas in a mind map which we though were appropriate and then decided on the most appropriate through discussions and elimated idea we thought wouldnt work until we had a suitable possible idea.


2.What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

To complete the task we used photoshop on the school computers this was good because of all the features you can use to make your work look impressive and professional lighting affects, background contrasting, variation of fonts etc.



3.What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

When we were planning we had to make sure we used ideas that were possible to do using the facilities given. Shooting the phot was relativly straight forward all we did was make sure that first we choose someone who was confident and made sure she had the correct pose



4.How successful was your magazine cover? Identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

The thing that worked well with the magazine cover is the colour sceme which didn't over power anyaspects of the cover e.g the background colours work well with the text colour. With Hindsight I would look at the colour of the clothes the girl on the cover is wearing because it limits what colours you can use on the magazine.



5.What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework?

I have learnt that we have to stay on top the work and when decisions have to made on my own or a group I/we have to make these decisions quickly so we can get on with the work. This will help when doing the rest of my foundation coureswork because it should prevent me from getting behind.

Camera Angles and Editing

In this Lesson we learnt about Camera angles nd when each one maybe used!
First we learnt about the simple and common shots such as the Long , Medium and Close up shots.

Then we went onto look at more advanced shots such as:
- Shot reverse shot which used for dialogue, the main focus is on the person talking, the camera is usually positioned over the shoulder of the person being spoke to, this is a affective shot because it makes you feel part of the conversation.

-High angle Shot, these shot connote power over the object you are viewing, traditionally women have been used for this shoty to make men look more powerful

-Low angle shots are designed to make a character look more powerful.

-Tracking Shot is when the camera is parelelle to the action and follows the subject or action.

- Establishing Shot, this is usually the first shot in a scence establishing where the action is taking place.

We also learnt about Editing Techniques such as:

-Continuity, which is when the shots are edited so that the film flows from shot to shot.

-Montage, this is a style of editing that has two functions. First is a highly political soviet style of the 1920's which sought to create a new meaning out of seemingly unconnected shots. The Audience will be very aware of the cuts. Secondly there is "the hollywood montage" In classical hollywood cinema a montage sequence is a short segmant in a film in which narrative information is present in a condensed fashion.

-Transition, This is a term for how an editor moves from one shot to another. The use of an inappropriate transition can destroy the mood or pace of a Scene.

- Cross Cutting and parrallel editing, Editing that alternates shots of two or more lines of action occuring in different places usually simultaneously.

-Dissolve, this is a transition between two shots during the first image disappearing the second image gradually appears.

Wipe- A transition between shots in which a line passes across the screen, eliminating the first shot, and replacing it with the next one.

"The Royal Tennembaums"

As a Introduction task we were shown the introduction of the Film "The Royal Tennembaums" which is a film that was directed in 2001 by Wes Anderson. Then we were asked to write a 500 to 1000 word essay using Mise En Scence this was a good activity to practice the skills we have learnt so far!

The Question for the essay was:
"Using Mise en scene select one character and analyse and explain the way chosen character is represented."

This essay also tested what we had learnt about the Narrative Codes and was useful because it meant I had to go back over my notes, to make sure I was doing the essay correctly.

Mise En Scene

Mise on Scene is a french term for the anaylisis of what you see on the screen, but it does not include sound.
The 5 aspects of Mise En Scene are

1. The Setting
2. Costumes/Propps
3. Lighting
4. Acting/facial Expressions.
5. Camera Angles

Vladimir Propp's Charcter Roles

In This lesson we learnt about Vladimir Propp who is a russian critic and literary theorist, he thought it was possible to classify the characters and their actions into cleary defined roles and functions.

Propps Character Roles

• The Hero (seeks something)
• The Villan ( Opposes the Hero)
• The Donor (Helps the hero by providing a magic object)
• The dispatcher (Sends hero on his way)
• The False Hero (Falsely assuming the role of the hero)
• The Helper (Gives support to the hero)
• The Princess (Reward for Hero and needs protection from villan)
• Father of Princess.

Narrative Theory Roland Barthes

We learnt about the Narative Theory in the first theory lesson, we learnt about:
Open Narrative which are continuous e.g Soaps
Closed Narratives e.g A film which has a Beggining, middle and end.

In this lesson we also learned about "THE 5 CODES" I will now give a breif summary of each:

• Action Code - applies to any action that implies a further narrative action.
• Enigma Code - refers to any element in a story that is not explained and therefore, exists as a enigma as its raising questions that demand an explanation.
• The Semantic Code - any element in a text that suggests a particular, often additional meaning by the way of connotation.
• The cultural code - any element in a narrative that refers "to a science or a body of knowledge" in other words, the cultural codes tend to point to our shared knowledge about how the world works.
• The Symbolic Code- this is very difficult to understand, you can only understand it if you look at and understand binary opposites. Levi Strauss was spit into a series of binary opposites for example someone can only be really good at football if someone else is really bad and there can only be a hero if theres a cowardly option.

The final thing we learnt in this lesson was IDEOLOGY this is a organised collection of ideas it also can be thought of as a comprehensive vision or a belief that helps explain the world around us!

Presentations about Directors

Over the last couple of weeks we have been given the task to create a powerpoint presentation on famous directors in random groups which helps us get to know other people in the class. I was set the task to do a presentation on Hammer and Tongs they are a directing partnership which specilise in music videos and film directory, It waswas very interesting whilst researching information and realising they enjoy playing around with the camera and using a variety of shots e.g Establishing Mid and long Shot these are there most popular from what I saw. Other students also did presentations on directors such as Anton Corbijn, Wes Anderson, Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry. I learnt from watching the presentations that these different directors use many different techniques and some we are very capeable of doing with the facilites we are provided with at school.

Magazine Preliminary Task

Our task was to create a magazine cover and a contents page for a school magazine. At first we took a few photos of a fellow student a picked the best one, I decided which one was the best due to the lighting of the photo and facial expression of the student. As i have never used photo shop before i have learnt new skill for example adding light to a image to make it stand out.We also chose and appropriate colour scheme to make sure it looked professional and easy to read the text. Also we had to make sure that the colour scheme matched what girl in the photo was wearing.