Preliminary Task Evaluation

After being set the preliminary task, our group of four came together and brainstormed different ideas about the angle shots, transitions, timing, sound, lighting and action onto a rough copy of paper. Eventually, we put all of our individual ideas together and created a storyboard with pictures of the different angle shots. Each drawing has a description of the sound, lighting, transition and action of that particular scene. This gives us a basic template of what our overall preliminary clip will look like. We each posted a preliminary planning post to our blogs which contain information on who is doing what, the props we will use, locations and a copy of our storyboard. This effectively put everything into perspective and we can get a clear image of what the final thing will be like. We practiced different angle shots such as shot-reverse-shot and over the shoulder, whilst taking it in turns to play the role of the director, cameraman and "actors". As a group we decided to come up with a subject for our two actors to discuss so that they had a rough idea of what to say as they were having a spontaneous conversation. From this, we then practiced spontaneous conversations using different angle shots to see what looked best. From all of our practice shots we then, as a team, decided on which ones looked best and then chose those particular shot angles for our final preliminary task. 

I found the planning very useful as it gave us a rough guideline of what, overall, we would be doing. Having a rough guideline also meant that we could try out and experiment with different ideas and then expand from them to create even better ones. The planning also really helped the conversation between myself and Hamish as it supported what we would be talking about. In previous practice shots we didn't have a plan and found ourselves stuttering, laughing or experiencing long pauses. After making a very simple script, it became useful as we then knew who was speaking and when (although the conversation was still spontaneous).

We originally planned to have the conversation between myself and Hamish. Hamish originally would be a teacher and me being a student having a conversation in the study hall. We then came to the conclusion that this choice of action would be unacceptable as it wouldn't be believable. Also, the background noise would be too loud in the study hall. After discussing and brainstorming more ideas about the location and conversation we decided that it would be more realistic if  me and Hamish were both friends and have a conversation about me wanting to drop media but Hamish reminding me that I have missed the deadline. We also changed the location from the study hall to the media editing suite as it's quiet and has no background noise.

What camera skills have you developed? How confident are you with cameras, and has this confidence changed during the project?

I have learned how to use different angle skills such as low angle shot, high angle shot, worm's eye, bird's eye, tilt shot etc. which has been really helpful for our preliminary task as we can use the basic angles during our two minute clip. After experimenting with the basic camera angles for our project, it made me realize how effective they can be and how much difference they can make the audience perceive the film. Because this had increased my knowledge of positioning the camera in appropriate places, it has made me much more confident when using a camera.

During the preliminary we decided to use low angle tracking shots of Anna (myself) walking down a long corridor and a tracking over the shoulder as I walked, we did this to build up the tension to question 'where is she going?' We also used a close up of when I put my hand onto the door handle to open the door to greaten the suspense. We tried to use as much over the shoulder and shot-reverse-shot action as possible to create a clear and general understanding of the conversation. The confidence whilst using the camera hasn't changed during the project as all of the angles and 180 degree rule worked perfectly which, if anything, has boosted my confidence even more because I now know how compelling the simple shots can be.

What editing skills have you developed? How confident are you with using the editing program?

I have previous experience form making short videos in the past on Windows Movie Maker, the transition and layout is very similar to the new editing software but there is lots more things to choose from. This was useful as we could experiment with different editing styles and transitions. By experimenting with different transitions we could see which ones looked the best. Personally, I preferred the 'fade to black' best because it simply just faded and cut from one scene to another without being too dramatic. 

I am now very confident when using the editing program because I have got to grips with how to use transitions, edit sound and cut certain clips. 

Other comments
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed working with our group because we worked as a team by putting lots of ideas together and we all got along very well. We each decided on what we would finally do because our thoughts on the project were very similar. I am very pleased with our overall project.

How is Anna Karenina packaged to appeal to a range of audiences and build upon past successes?

How is Anna Karenina packaged to appeal to a range of audiences and build upon past successes?

Anna Karenina uses actors that would appeal to a younger audience. For example, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is normally in mid-low budget films (such as Angus, Thongs and Full Fronted Snogging) but is seen as a teenage ‘heart throb’ to attract the younger audiences, especially girls. Director, Joe Wright also uses characters such as Jude Law and Kiera Knightley to attract both sexes of any age as both characters have previously starred in films targeted at that same audience. For example, Atonement and Sherlock Holmes are both films with either Keira or Jude in and both have a very different target audience.  By using actors from different genres of films this will attract them to watch a slightly different genre (Anna Karenina).  Keira Knightley also has large fan base and suits the upper class, regal/rich characters and in previous films associates to romance/ drama genres, making her perfect for the role of Anna K. Anna Karenina builds upon past successes as they bring out a diverse genre of romantic/tragedy/drama and try to make it a global success instead of continuing with the normal rom-coms.  Working Title is well known for their rom-coms and comedies and, therefore, brings out a slightly different genre with a unique use of cinematography to appeal to different audiences and widen the companies’ status. Working Title has also started to introduce more literature adaptations and is finding this a success. The middle aged/older generation may find this more interesting as Anna Karenina is based on an old Russian novel which appeals to this age range. 

Anna Karenina vs. Dark Knight Rises marketing

Anna Karenina vs Dark Knight Rises

G321 - Preliminary Planning

Who's doing what?

• Directing- Liam
• Camera men/women - Charlotte and Liam
• Acting - Anna and Hamish

Quick draft:

• Anna walks from one side of school to the other
• Walks into a room
• Hamish is sitting down
• Anna sits next to Hamish
• They have a conversation about Anna missing the deadline to drop media
• Anna storms out angrily, chucking a book onto the ground
• Hamish remains sat in his chair
• Roughly two minutes long.

Location:

All around the long corridor area. With a bit of filming outside. Conversation is held in computer room.

Props used:

• Door handle/door
• Chairs
• Book

Storyboard
(SCAN HERE)

Camera Training: Still Images

A Bird's eye view looks vertically down at the subject. Shows a clear image of the character/subject and the surroundings.

Low angle shot making the subject threatening, powerful or iconic.

  Over-the-shoulder shot. Used to see the subject from that character's point of view. Used mostly in dialogue and interviews.

Rule of third. Shows three subjects but focuses your attention to the closest subject on the right.

High angle shot. Camera looks down making the subject look vulnerable or insignificant.

Worms eye shot. Used to show a sense of confusion or fear.

                                                                               

Tilt shot. Makes the object/scene seem disorientated and confuses the audience.

Long shot. Shows a clear image of the space around the main subject of the shot. 

Medium  close up. Shows suspense and makes the facial expression clear.

Close up. Shows extra suspense and can read facial expressions clearly and understand what is going on.

Extreme close up. Shows extreme tension. Used in mostly horrors or thrillers.

Media Studies.

GCSE Results:
A - Religious Studies
B - Sociology, Additional Science, English Language, ICT, Resistant Materials
C - Maths, English Literature, Science

Hobbies:
• Being w/ friends and family
• Listening to music
• Photography
• Dancing

Media Interests

I don't tend to read newspapers as they're very awkward and big to read and they're just a lot easier to read online, they also involve lots of politics and sports which I'm not interested in. I prefer to access news on the internet as it's quick and easy to find what particular topics youre interested in reading. Reading the news on the internet also offers suggested links to other articles that are similar that I might be interested in reading also. Online articles also contain graphics such as sound clips, pictures and videos making it more interesting.

My favourite magazine would be i-D as it involves lots of fashion photography which I find really interesting. Every issue they have they focus on a different theme. Their latest edition was named 'youthful' which is aiemd at the younger generation which involves lots of interviews and youth fashion photography. I also find myself reading a lot celebrity gossip magazines as I like to keep up with the latest celebrity gossip and news.

Radio Media:

I like radio 1 as it plays a range on different genres which I like as I don't have a specific music genre that I favourite. It also gives you the latest news and headlines. Sometimes they have competitions and chat shows which keep you entertained for a long period of time.

Music industry:

My favourite genres of music range from Indie, pop, rock, hip hop, soul, reggae etc. I don't just listen to one music category because that's boring. My favourite artists are people like: Azealia Banks, Little Comets, Eliza Doolittle, Kanye West, Shy FX etc etc.

I access my music on Spotify and iTunes, if I'm not with my laptop which contains all my playlists and libraries I will just listen to music on YouTube. I believe that illegal downloading is acceptable if it's a single or just a few songs as the artists are already get paid millions. However, I think illegal downloading is wrong if you wish to download a whole music album. The music industry might influence your dress, attitudes and aspirations in both positive and negative ways. If you are a huge fan of a particular artist you may strive to look and feel like them by dressing and acting in a similar way.

Video Games:

I love anything competitive on the wii as it's physically interactive and so intense. Although I do enjoy the occasional game of FIFA. Video games can have a massive negative effect on attitudes to the solution of conflicts. People who play regular violence games can be influenced to act like the people they play in their video games. Also, parents are buying children 15 and 18 certificates to children/teenagers who are younger than this age limit influencing unacceptable actions and behaviour.

New Technology

New technologies have increased my understanding of the world as social networking sites spread news fast via homepage and 'liking'. Online news on both the Internet and mobile phones are easier to access with the latest news from around the world. You can also explore other cultures from around the world via blogs, images, internet etc. The ability to communicate with others is a lot more easier as there are apps such as Blackberry Messenger (BBM) this enables free instant messaging to others who have a blackberry mobile phone. Social networking is also accessible on mobile phones. However, there are many ways to access social networking sites and many people can say anything they want as it's easier over the Internet. This could lead to severe bullying. Also, without some sort of safety software anything can be seen which could influence unacceptable behaviour. The music industry is conveyed throughout the whole of the internet, from YouTube to iTunes and Spotify, easy to access and listen to music for both free and charge. Television programmes can be accessed online through streaming illegally or on demand/catch-up which is easy to use. Movies can also be downloaded online both legally and illegally. If movies are bought online they can be watch over and over, like DVDS. Movies can be streamed online but this is illegal and there could be consequences.

Television

My favourite channels are E4 and MTV. E4 because they play all my favourite american sit-coms and reality shows i.e. Big Bang theory, How I met your mother, The Hills etc. and MTV because they're music channel as well as playing american reality shows. My favourite television genre is reality such as: Made in Chelsea and The Hills. Fresh Prince Bel Air, Fawlty Towers and The Simpsons have always been my classic favourites and the most memorable to me.

Feature Film

My favourite film genre is rom-coms because I love romantic films and comedies, so it's the best of both worlds. They're hilarious and really entertaining.

One of my favourite films is GHOST made in 1990. Starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, both amazing actors from famous hollywood movies. It's a fantasy/mystery story about a couple who are madly in love and then hearts are broken after Patrick Swayze who plays 'Sam Wheat' dies in a botched mugging. Although he is still there throughout the movie but as a ghost. Although nobody can see him he finds a ghost whisperer lady and tries to explain to her that he needs to get in contact with his wife. After a long time, she finally convinces Demi Moore who plays 'Molly Jenson' that she can speak to Sam. With unrealistic graphics throughout the film, Sam manages to get through to Molly and she 'realistically' disappears and enters heaven with him. Although the graphics are appalling from the outset and throughout, that's what makes it truly old and mystical. Although, the way in which the director has filmed it, is very qwerky and really makes you use your imagination. The soundtrack throughout is quite cheesy and dramatic which makes the overall film so perfect. The actors performances have a great affect on the audience as it shows how strong relationships were without technology or a busy work life, just two people with no distractions.

Another great film that I love is Anchorman (2004). Starring Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Christina Applegate and more. Will Ferrell who plays 'Ron Burgundy' is San Diego's top rated newsman in the male dominated broadcasting of the 1970's. When Christina Applegate who plays 'Veronica Corningstone' comes on the news scene and wants to join Ron as an anchorwoman who soon becomes his partner. Ron and is news gang are very against the idea, and encounter some hilarious events throughout the film that always have me in stitches. The soundtrack is very dramatic and fits the scenes perfectly. The actor's performances are just right, Steve Carell who plays 'Brick Tamland' is hilarious as well as all the others. Although Christina is a good actress her character, Veronica, annoys me highly throughout.

Lastly, Knocked up (2007) is one of many of my favourite films. Starring Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl and Paul Rudd. Party go-er 'Ben Stone' (played by Seth Rogen) is out for another night of fun with his mates. Whilst partying he bumps into sophisticated 'Alison Scott' (played by Katherine) for the first time. She comes across smart and mature whilst celebrating her promotion with her sister until Ben offers to buy her lots of drink. They then both become crazy party animals and decide to go back to her small house. After spending the night together she realizes she is pregnant. The couple, who are not together, go through many funny events to support the pregnancy, although they don't always get along. The more and more time that they spend together, they eventually fall in love and cliche live happily ever after.

I highly enjoy watching films at the cinema, because of the comfy chairs, huge screen, masses of popcorn and  the fizzy fanta slush puppies. Although I love to have movie nights on DVDs/On Demand with my friends. My favourite cinema is Odeon because I've been in the same screen a few times with comfy chairs that lean back and you can raise the annoying arm rests and stretch your legs. It's placed in Riverside by the river which is a nice atmosphere in warm evenings because it's all lit up and there are people out enjoying the night. However, the price is very expensive, but if you have made a good choice of a film and get the 'comfy chair screen' then it's totally worth it. I much prefer to watch films with my friends because I like the company and I feel like we can share the experience of a certain film together and discuss it in the future. Alternatively, if I watch a film by myself, I can concentrate more and can feel the emotion in the movie itself. Me and friends (in the result of boredom) would make music videos, especially when we were younger.

To conclude, I haven't really come across any media that has offended me that I can remember, however, most films that involve sexual/violent abuse to children can be quite upsetting. If I was to construct a media text it would be a film review as I like writing about films that I enjoy or some sort of magazine (preferably fashion) as I read a lot of that and am very interested in it.
 I have chosen media studies as an option as I think it's a very interesting subject and you get a higher understanding of how films, music videos etc are structured and I love watching films. I would quite like a part time job in photography/journalism as I enjoy that sort of thing and media studies would be a useful A-level to obtain.

Eliza