One Page Pitch

One page pitch from AlexHunter98

Lighting Practise #2

Hey Guys!

Sorry this is late but I just thought that I should upload a couple more images to practise lighting.

The purpose of this shot was to experiment with tinting the light red. The effect of this use of colour conveys a feeling of danger and creates a tense environment. This is something that would be used in a horror. Secondly, the origin of the light source, behind the door, provides the viewer with a suggestion to where their focus should be directed.

This image was used too in order to experiment with tinted lights. However, this was used with the contrasting colour blue. As you can probably tell by Santa's presence, the effect of this colour is to create a cold, wintry atmosphere. In addition, I decided to edit a foggy white border around the image to help enforce a chilling tone.

One Page Pitch

One page pitch from AlexHunter98

Role of a Screenwriter

Screenwriters compile scripts required for aspects of mass media, such as film and TV shows, working alongside directors and producers with the intention of selling them and having them produced. Scripts can be developed by either the screenwriters own unique ideas or even any existing material that can inspire them. The screenwriter is responsible for describing to the audience the story in much detail.


The Film Industry:


In the film industry, it is quite common for scripts to be based on existing material, like books or even a particular person's life. This is then adapted by the screenwriters interpretation. Mostly, a film project gets initiated by a screenwriter and as they initiated it, the writing assignment becomes there's; 'exclusives' or even 'pitch' assignments. Those who pitch new projects, whether original or an adaptation, often do not have to worry about competition and are often more successful. However, when the word is out about what project a production company wants done, known as 'open' assignments, competition is present. More established writers will win these assignments.


Development Process:


Once a screenwriter finishes their project, they team up with an industry-based representative in order to pitch and sell there script. These representatives can be producers, directors, literacy agents, entertainment lawyers or even entertainment executives. The screenwriter is given the rights that were agreed with the purchaser but is credited once their work is recognised. This gives the screenwriter an opportunity to earn higher income.


Production Involvement:


Screenwriters are rarely involved in the development of a film. Although they can be established as advisors, producers or even direct the project.


Many scripts do not make it into production because the amount of scripts purchased each year outnumber the amount of professional directors that work in film and the TV industry. When a screenwriter sells their finished project, he or she often hast o continue networking and push to have their projects chosen and turned into films or TV shows. However, if interest in a script fades, a project can die out.

Certificates

Hey Guys!

So I was thinking about the task when this hit me - How do you decide what the certificate is? Naturally you'd imagine a thriller to be a 15 or even an 18 because of common conventions such as violence and strong language but there are 12s that fall into this genre. Look at those age certificates you see on DVD covers, I noticed the word bbfc all over it. This refers to the 'British Board of Film Classification'. I looked on the website and here's what I found:

The main purpose of attaching an age to a piece of media is to:

• protect children and vulnerable adults from potential harm or unsuitable content
• empower consumers, particularly those responsible for children, to make informed viewing decisions.

12 - not suitable for those under the age of 12 years old, however  in 12As, anyone under 12 can be accompanied by an adult

• moderate violence
• strong language (depending on the manner it is used in)
• brief sex and verbal references to sex
• reference to drugs (however not strong)

15 - not suitable for those under the age of 15 years old

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (occasions of strongest terms)
• strong verbal references to sex
• nudity and/or sexual activity (however no strong detail)
• discriminatory language and/or behaviour (e.g. racist or homophobic)
• drug taking

18 - not suitable for those under the age of 18 years old

• very strong violence
• frequent use of strong and very strong language
• strong portrayals of sexual activity
• strong horror
• strong gore
• discriminatory language and/or behaviour
• real sex (in some circumstances)
• drug taking (however should not promote drug misuse)

Uses and Gratifications Theory

Hey Guys!

Today I'm looking at the Uses and Gratifications theory to understand what is the audience's motive or purpose to watching media.

Developed by Blumler and Katz, this theory simply asks "what people do with media".

In 1987, McQuail expanded upon this study, providing the following reasons:

Information/Education

• being able to acquire information and understanding about relevant events
• learning/self-education
• seeking advice and influence on decision making

Personal Identity

• seeking model behaviour
• gaining insight into one's self
• finding reinforcement for personal values
• establishing role model values similar to yours

Social Interaction

• finding a basis for conversation
• gaining a sense of belonging
• enabling one to connect with others
• social empathy (understand another's experience)

Entertainment

• escaping the stress of reality and relaxing
• emotional release
• receiving aesthetic enjoyment filling time
• sexual arousal

However, some may criticise this theory over the belief that people have no control over what the media produces. Secondly, this theory removes the possibility that the media influences our lives and how we see the world. The Hypothermic Syringe Model for example argues that audience merely take in what they are told by the media and see it as the absolute truth, thus having no control over how viewers use the media.

Best Thrillers

Best Thrillers from AlexHunter98

Thriller Opening - Initial Ideas

Hey Guys!!


In case you don't remember or don't know, the purpose of this blog is to work on my AS Media Studies main task. This task is to create an opening sequence to a thriller. After some complex thinking and decision making I have decided to conduct this task with Daniel Haywood; a friend of mine who is also doing this course. I decided to work with him because after looking at his blog and his impressive preliminary task, I am fully convinced that we will work well together. I'll leave a link to his preliminary task at the bottom.




Anyway, merging our minds together we have came up with some great ideas that we both agree on. We have decided on a crime-based thriller, opening up with a shot of a bed room where the victim, which will be our friend Amy Heald who has offered to help out, is reading at night. Here we thought about introducing titles on the walls or something. Then we take a shot from outside, where the antagonist is outside. He is most likely a murderer. Then, we skip to the next day where there is a detective at the scene of the murder. As well as this, we see flashbacks of the crime taking place as the detective advances through the house.


So that's just our basic plan. We haven't really thought of a title or anything yet but Ill be posting regular updates on any other ideas we have.


Bye for now.


https://youtu.be/-YHfXWbuS_I : The Race (Daniel Haywood's preliminary task)

Textual Analysis

Textual analysis on Se7en from AlexHunter98

Conventions of a Thriller

Lighting Practise: Update

Hey Guys!

Hopefully over the weekend I will be able to blast out some more pictures of me experimenting with lighting! I will probably be using Lego again to do this like the three images already posted.

So, on that point, goodbye for now!

Lighting Practise

Hey Guys!

I've been experimenting with lights to help create meaning and emotion in shots. Enjoy!


The purpose of this shot was to achieve back lighting. Effectively, this generated a silhouette, thus resulting in an idea of mystery. Additionally, the light appears to be tinted a warm yellow, effectively suggesting the light symbolises hope or happiness.







This type of lighting is chiaroscuro, commonly used in horrors and
mostly achieved through the contrasting natures of black and white. Considering this, I decided to direct this shot in order to successfully show fear, whilst keeping to the classic horror genre.

Here I tried to achieve high-key lighting; making the shot as bright as I could with as little shadows appearing as possible. The effect of this, I believe, is to create an image that appears blinding to the audience in order to convey the character on screen as being overwhelmed or even light-headed. However, I think the addition of other effects outside of the aspect of lighting would help in showing this clearer.



Preliminary Task: Titles

Hey guys!

Today I've been messing around with Premier Pro by myself making some cool titles. I'm still trying to learn the basics though. Hopefully I'll be able to mess around with After Effects too and maybe be even to show the titles on my blog.

See you guys later!

Textual Analysis

Textual Analysis of a Title Sequence from AlexHunter98

Question 6: Evaluate your contribution to the group's work

Due to the fact that this was mine, Connor's and Jess's first time experiencing filming, we decided to share out the tasks, such as editing. We decided to do this as then we would have a clearly idea about where our strong points lie so when it comes to the main task, we know which roles we can fulfil confidently.

The roles I fulfilled mainly in this task were acting and editing. I chose to do the acting as I know I feel confident in doing this can do it effectively. However in this task my acting seemed sloppy. Although, I would definitely like to fulfil this role in the main task if I could. The editing role was the one mainly shared out between the three of us because none of us had used editing software before so we didn't know if we were good at it or not. I felt like this was educating, gaining skills in editing, and I would be happy to fulfil this role again, experimenting with more new and exciting effects.

When evaluating our work together as a team, I believe that we worked well. We got along well, exchanging and considering each others ideas on filming and editing and being extremely organised when it came to booking cameras and organising times for when we would film. I think that we would all agree that we would be happy to work together again on the main task.

Question 4: How well did you meet the brief?

The aim of this task was to create a piece that consisted of a character entering a room and exchanging a few lines of dialogue with another whilst obeying the 180-degree rule and the rules of continuity. A variation of different shot types must be use, such as shot/reveres shot.

I believe that this brief was met in our preliminary task as the main body of the narrative was built upon two characters having a conversation. As seen the video, this conversation does follow the 180-degree rule; the camera being in between my right side and Connor's left. Furthermore, a variation of camera shots were used effectively, for example mid-shots, close ups and shot/reverse shot. As well as this we included camera movement such as the beginning pan and the zoom on the medical door. Therefore, I believe this brief was met.

Question 2: Areas of success

Overall, I believe that the final version of our preliminary task was a success.

Firstly, the planning stage. Our effective organisation skills as a team allowed us to successfully gain access to cameras by booking them as well as scheduling times to film in the school's medical room. This practise of organisation will benefit in the main task as I now know how to use the time we have been given effectively. Furthermore, the storyboards we created helped us to recall dialogue and camera shots that we planned to use. This too will benefit in the main task as I recognise the importance of storyboarding before hand.

Secondly, the post-production stage. The editing part proved successful as I now know the basis on Premier Pro, which will be the same editing programme we use for the main task. The final piece consisted of smooth transitions between shots as well as perfect continuity, particularly the beginning walking sequence as the camera changed position multiple times. In addition, the CCTV effect we included worked effectively.

Finally, the feedback we received was positive, with comments on our quirky narrative that was clearly understood.

Question 3: Areas for development

However, there were areas for improvement.

We had planned from the start to film in the medical room as this setting would make sense to why Connor is wounded. Although, we soon came to realise that filming time during media lessons became unproductive. Throughout this time, filming was interrupted by students needed medical attention. After multiple failed attempts at filming in lesson we ended up filming the whole thing afterschool in just an hour, a lot shorter then the combined time of us trying to film before. However, now we have learnt to consider the time and place we are filming for next time.

In addition, characterisation. Although this task was basically a practise for using the cameras, our use of costume, props and overall acting was quite low. For example, Connor, despite a clear shot to the leg with a staple gun, appeared uninjured. This inevitably made it unclear to why Connor was laid down in the medical room in the first place. Our lack of effective acting made the whole plot look lazy and not engaging. When it comes to the main task however, I believe we will be more dedicated.

When watching our clip back on YouTube, we noticed that our audio levels were poor, particularly our dialogue. Music levels were acceptable as in they wouldn't overpower the dialogue if the dialogue was fine, however in this task they did.

Question 5: Feedback from others

Our feedback was from Dan Palmer, Daniel Winn and Dane Buckley. After watching our short film they agreed that the creative storyline was brilliantly presented, showing clearly our efforts in the planning phase. Additionally, they liked how the finally piece turned out with smooth editing and effective continuity. The variation of shots and editing techniques was also recognised and in particularly the use of  the CCTV footage effect and the use of the close up shot on the keypad.

However, there were some areas for improvements. They said that the focus of the lens on some shots was somewhat blurry and problematic if not improved upon for the main task. The audio levels were confusing as there were moments when the dialogue was too quiet and the music too loud. This is something we will most definitely have to look at carefully during the main task. Finally, they mentioned, although not much as problem as the others, that they didn't like the title sequence that much. They would have liked to see some 'directed by' and 'starring' titles. This is something that we will definitely fix in the main task.

Afterwards we watched there short film 'The Race'. Their piece was brilliantly pieced, consisting of excellent continuity and intelligently chosen shot types, such as the close up of Dan P's face as a drop of sweat travels down his forehead. In addition the use of audio. Sound effects, such as the heart beat and the bass drop, were inventively used.

Although, like ours, there was room for improvement. Similarly to us, their audio levels of dialogue were too quiet at times. Additionally, their overall plot was confusing. In respect this film was short but it was unclear what the story was about or who the character's were. For example, the last shot of Dan P's foot in close up clearly shows that he is not racing against anyone. Is this a mistake or is the race a time trail?

Question 1: What have you learned during the making of your preliminary task?

Throughout the development of this preliminary task, I have picked up a number of skills that will help me in our main task.

Firstly, this task has allowed me in gain hands on experience with the DCLRs. From physically handling the camera confidently and making effective use of the tripod to knowing how to take footage and watch it back. Therefore, when it comes to the main task, I will be able to fufill the role of filming effectively and when needed.

Secondly, the use of storyboards. Before, I didn't consider the importance of storyboarding and the impact it can have on the production on a whole. However, now I understand how helpful it is; giving you an idea of how your film will look and helping you remember dialogue and camera shots. Therefore, when it comes to the main task I can effectively generate and use my storyboard to help visualise my ideas.

The preliminary task also introduced me to Premier Pro. This is the editing software that we used and will also use in the main task. I have learnt the basis of this software, including how to import and edit footage and sound. Therefore, I can confidentially fulfil the role of editing in the main task.

Preliminary Task: The Kitkat

Preliminary Task Update

Hey Guys!!

The preliminary task is finally complete! Sound and everything! I should have the video embedded on blogger in a few days.

Preliminary Task Update

Hey Guys!!!

All of our footage is finally picked together on Premier Pro! Now all that's left is music and sound effects and hopefully we'll be done be Friday.

Preliminary Task Update

Hey guys

Finally, our filming is finished! Some of our footage is different to that on our storyboard so we will have to update that. We should be starting editing though in our next lesson

Preliminary Task Update

Hey guys!

Me, Connor and Jess finally started filming on Friday and have got the opening scene done. Hopefully we should get the rest done on Monday, when we can film in the medical room.

Preliminary Task Location Shots

Location shots from AlexHunter98

Preliminary Task Storyboard

Storyboard from AlexHunter98

Preliminary Task Update

Hey Guys!!
Finally, we have managed to plan a narrative to our task. Basically, Connor is visited by myself in a medical room where Connor appears heavily injured. Why is Connor injured you might ask? Well it turns out that he recently stole my chocolate bar and has paid the harsh consequences. I know - crazy! Also, we have created a storyboard of to help us remember each of our shots we thought to use to make sure we don't miss anything out when filming.

We shot some pictures of the location we are using but I can't upload them at the moment for some odd reason so I'll try again later. Same goes with the storyboard.

Hopefully we will start filming soon.

Preliminary Task

Hey Guys!
We have been set a task in which myself, Connor and Jess have to film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and siting down in a chair opposite another character where they exchange a few lines of dialogue. For this, we must demonstrate:

•  Match on Action - this refers to a film and editing technique where the editor cuts from one shot of a character to another, making one movement simultaneous.
• Shot/reverse Shot - mostly used to convey a conversation between two characters, this shot technique effectively highlights any emotional reactions
• 180-Degree Rule - the 180-degree rule is a basic guideline that states two characters in the same scene always have the same left/right relationship. This effectively ensures that the audience doesn't become disorientated.

As well as this we will have to achieve continuity in editing in order to form the illusion that what the audience is real.


Our plan


We have decided to share all of our roles, such as editing and filming, to find out which aspect of the task we are all good at. As far as our narrative goes the only thing we are certain on is that it is going to be filmed in school. We haven't fully discussed where in school or what will happen in the scene but I imagine we will be discussing this next lesson.

Camera shots and Practise

Camera shots and Practise from AlexHunter98

Intoduction to Media Studies

Hi I'm Alex and this is my first ever blog. I'm currently studying Media and I have no past experience in making film. Although I did used to post stop motion videos on YouTube  a few years ago. I got into doing it through watching a well known youtuber call ForrestFire101 who's stop motions are just awesome. I think my most popular one only had like 500 views. Due to things like revising for my GCSEs and overall being busy I stopped making them but it would be nice to give it another go sometime just for fun. I'm definitely looking forward to gaining experience in making films as this task progresses.

Do I have any interest in film? Yes. Definitely. I could watch films all the time, I love them. Its like one of my skills. I always make references in front of my friends and there always like 'what are you talking about?' Plus, I always find films as good conversation starters. Although its kind of bad when you asked them if they have seen something and they say no but I'm dying to talk about. My favourite films to watch are mainly action and sci-fi but I love those types of films that really make you think, like the Minority Report (which by the way is a great Tom Cruise film). My all time number one film that will always be my favourite is The Dark Knight. If you haven't seen it why are you reading this you should be searching through it on your TV now. I've always been a fan of the Batman franchise but Heath Ledger's performance just takes acting to the next level. His unique twist on the Joker resulted in a rich, thrilling character to watch on screen. I believe Christopher Nolan will always be remembered for making the Dark Knight Trilogy. Although know that I think about, Interstellar was cool too.

The task that me and my fellow colleges have been assigned is to create an introduction to a thriller film. Exciting. I'm really looking forward to this as I will be introduced to a wide range of filming and editing software that, hopefully, I'll learn to use. Not to mention practically making a film sounds so cool compared to learning about Shakespeare or something. I can't wait! It'll be so awesome when its done!