Due to the scale and shere popularity of Battersea Powerstation, alot of trouble cropped up. For example; there was a lot of work involved with the health and safety aspect of the preparation.
Due to the restriction on times etc. we had another location on stand by just in case we needed more shots. This location being one of our casts house.
Many problems occured with the story and casting of our music video. Due to the uncertainty of whom our main actor would me, our star image kept changin due to the image of each actor varying. Options included Simon Wood- a rugged looking, mid 40's man with past experience of the music industry, Hamish, a mid 20's student with a slightly rugged look with more sex appeal and Sam Hoare, A man in late 20's with sex appeal and with the complete package. Due to many complications with the casting. We decided to use Sam Hoare as our main man.
However, this caused us to change our story idea. Due to the star image of our artist changing to a younger man, we thought it would be better if the story involved around a relationship. Our original idea was to have Sam walking through battersea (the location where people were kept in the past in captivity) and having shots of the 'gools' as Sam searched for his girl friend (Paula). This then slightly changed as we wanted to keep the stereotypical inspiration of a country song- about relationships and heartbreak. So we then decided to have sam walking through Battersea Powerstation, at the end was Paulas grave. As he walked through, we would then cut to flash back of the violent relationship. Ending in a scene with lots of people round her grave. However, after decision, we decided it was best if we just had Paula and Sam in the story. It would still revolve around a relationship, but would be much more affective with less people. We also took inspiration of this idea from a Kylie Minogue video.
After many weeks of looking at pictures of the location, we finally did a reccy of the location. This enabled me to visualise where we wanted each shot to take place, as well as looking at the location in order to get some shots of this iconic building.
However, due to a sudden amount of snowfall on our shoot day. Our shoot had to be postponed to another day. Because of this, we know have to recast our main man. But this is also a postive note as it allows us to have more time to fully develop our plot.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Stars and Stardom
Keith Negus
THE IDEOLOGIES OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
When keith first started out, he was more about going and finding new bands. He sits there and thinks 'there's really a gap in the market for this kind of project...' But he doesn't go out to gigs to find them, infact he gets bands through various writers and producers. So if a writer comes in he may have some great songs and maybe is looking for a front person. Or maybe he have the front person who he want to launch into the market but doesn't have the songs. So he puts the two together.
A record company executive ones quoted "What im looking for is a working act. I signed Black Sabbath umpteen years ago; and they're still making records. Theses are acts that are career acts." In basic terms saying he wants and act that can stay around for a long while.
IDEOLOGIES OF CREATIVITY
Keith Negus (producer of pop) indentifies that there are two ways of thinking about potential artists from within the music industry. These ideologies shape the way in which their careers are developed and their image is made. These two types are The organic ideology of creativity and The synthetic ideology of creativity.
THE IDEOLOGIES OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
When keith first started out, he was more about going and finding new bands. He sits there and thinks 'there's really a gap in the market for this kind of project...' But he doesn't go out to gigs to find them, infact he gets bands through various writers and producers. So if a writer comes in he may have some great songs and maybe is looking for a front person. Or maybe he have the front person who he want to launch into the market but doesn't have the songs. So he puts the two together.
A record company executive ones quoted "What im looking for is a working act. I signed Black Sabbath umpteen years ago; and they're still making records. Theses are acts that are career acts." In basic terms saying he wants and act that can stay around for a long while.
IDEOLOGIES OF CREATIVITY
Keith Negus (producer of pop) indentifies that there are two ways of thinking about potential artists from within the music industry. These ideologies shape the way in which their careers are developed and their image is made. These two types are The organic ideology of creativity and The synthetic ideology of creativity.
- Organic Ideology Of Creativity 1
A naturalistic approach to artist. The record company are responsible for nurturing the artists and enhancing their image, aswell as letting them naturally progress through their career.
- Organic Ideology Of Creativity 2
Their music is many aimed at older and more sophisticated consumers, with the record label emphasising the album sales in order to create a successful back catalogue. Profits generated by this kind of act tend to be part of a long term strategy by the record company.
- Synthetic Ideology Of Creativity 1
The image of the artist is oftern creatde by the record company, and executives in this company attempt to construct successful artist and songs at their disposal. A combinatorial approach to artists and material. The artist is given a short time to prove them selves before other combinations are tried out.
- Synthetic Ideology Of Creativity 2
Often aimed at younger, less sophisticated audience membersm, whith emphasis given to single sales and promoting their first album. The profits generated by this kind of artist tend to be part of an immediate, short term strategy by the record company.
In practise, the success of synthetic acts will fund the development and investment in organic acts. Most record labels will try to balance between the two in order so secure funds available for day-to-day running of the company as well as long term profit making.
In terms of promoting organic and synthetic acts there is large difference. Firstly, the clear distinction between the way in which the dfferent types of artist are represented to tensure short term or long term sucess. Organic acts are oftern sold on their 'aunthenticity', both musically and socially. Their image will appear unconstructed (although it actually is carefully constructed). Synthetic acts are often sold on their 'look' or personalities. the image of the arist is carefully and unashamedly constructed.
RICHARD DYER
Richard Dyer is an extensive writer writing about roles of stars in films, tv and music.
In order to understand the relationship between the music industry and its audiences, it is important to consider the roles of music stars. The word 'Star' refers to the semi-mythological set of teh meaning constructed around music performers in order to sell the performer to a large and loyal audience.
Stars depend upon a range of subsidiary media- magazines, Tv, radio , the internet- in order to construct a marketable image to their target audience. Irrespective of the medium, stars have some key features in common:
A star is a image that is constructed out of a range of materials (e.g. advertisment)
Stars are commodities produced and consumed on a strength of their meanings
Some common values of music stardom consist of:
Youthfulness Creativity/Talent
Rebellion Agression/Anger
Sexual magnetism A relation to drugs and inpolite behaviour
An anti-authoritarian attitude Consumption of sex, drugs and goods
Originality Success against the odds
Fundamentally, the star image is incoherent. Dyer says that this is because it is based upon two key paradoxes
Paradox 1
The star must be both extraordinary and ordinary at the same time.
Paradox 2
The star must be both absent and present
THE STAR IMAGE
In the music industry, performance seems to promise the completion of the image but is always left unclear. Meaning the audience continue consuming the star in order to complete their image.
The star image acn be used to position the cinsumer in relation to dominat social values (hegemony). Dependant on the artist, it may seem that the audience are postioned outside the mainstream, but only to a limited degree.
Quote: " In these terms it can be argued that stars are the representation of persons which reinforce, legitimante or occasionally alter the prevalent preconceptions of what it is to be a human being in this society. There is a good deal at stake in such a conceptions. On the one hand, our society stresses what makes them like others in the social group/class/gender to which they belong. This individualing stress involves a separation of the person's "self" form his/her social "roles", and hence poses the individual against society. On the other habd society suggests that certain norms of behaviour are approproate to given groups would now wish to contest ( e.g. the stuggles over the representation of blacks, women and gays in recent years). Stars are one of the ways in which conceptions of such persons are promulgated."
Monday, 18 October 2010
Creating An Anamatic
After finalising and storyboarding our idea, we then filmed the shots with a hard disc Sony MPeg2 SD NX camera - 10 seconds per shots. There are many advantages with using this camera, for example: Speedy upload, and each shot is made into a seperate file, making logging easier.
Once this was done, I then uploaded the shots onto final cut pro and started to cut the shots to the track. Due to the fact that track was too long, i had to cut the track, so after alot of trial and error, i managed to get the finished cut sounds good.We went through the track and decided what the best time was to cut between shots- making note of key rhytms that will help make editing easier. Throughout, i used markers in order to mark key moments to cut at, which will help when making editing decision. Doing the editing my self has given me a better understanding of the technology and development of media products. It has also helped me get a clearer understanding of our own music video, enabling me to envisage what the video is going to look like. However, after putting the shots onto screen, a few changes had to be made. I had to both, elongate and cut shots in order to fit the music and also, to reflect the mood of the music. This is important due to the fact that were telling part of a story in our video.
I have a specific vision of how i want the song to sound and look, so the way the song is enveloped will represent my vision.
Once this was done, I then uploaded the shots onto final cut pro and started to cut the shots to the track. Due to the fact that track was too long, i had to cut the track, so after alot of trial and error, i managed to get the finished cut sounds good.We went through the track and decided what the best time was to cut between shots- making note of key rhytms that will help make editing easier. Throughout, i used markers in order to mark key moments to cut at, which will help when making editing decision. Doing the editing my self has given me a better understanding of the technology and development of media products. It has also helped me get a clearer understanding of our own music video, enabling me to envisage what the video is going to look like. However, after putting the shots onto screen, a few changes had to be made. I had to both, elongate and cut shots in order to fit the music and also, to reflect the mood of the music. This is important due to the fact that were telling part of a story in our video.
I have a specific vision of how i want the song to sound and look, so the way the song is enveloped will represent my vision.
Story Boarding process
At this moment in time, we have just started our initial story boards. After discussion of our decided plot, we then started to draw out the shots
Initial ideas included:
Initial Location:
Barren, secluded landscape in order to show the lonelyness of the situation. In conjunction with the helicopter and fire trail, this could have work. But realistically, it wouldn't have.
These shots, and in particular the fire in the eyes, back up the artist mysterious ways. The fire can represent either the madness in his head, or the sex appeal that he has.
These shots include a main girl in chains love interest it defines the hetro sexual nature of the star artist. Most of the songs in this genre are about a man who has done a women wrong, or vice versa, so this song backs up the stereotypical references that the genre has.
Another stereotypical aspect that this genre withholds is the use of a guitar. Due to the way were modernising the song, we needed key images that can relate to the genres original stereotypes. This is in conjuction to the below image- the cowboy hat.
Here the artists star image is majorly enforced. The rugged, un shaven face, shadowed by the black cowboy hat create a mysterious, modern and sex appealling man.
Initial ideas included:
- Helicopter shots
- Walking in a desolate/barren wasteland
- Flicking cigarette onto petrol- petrol trail
- Fast tracking shots
- Chinese people playing violins
Initial plot:
mid story- man walking through deserted landscape. Walking away from building where he just committed an act. He then flicks a cigarette which follows a petrol trail leading towards the house- in order to cover his tracks. Once flames are ignited, as he's walking away creepy looking girls with hair on their face come into shot playing the violin. This was in order to give the piece a modern twist. It was then going to end on him boarding a helicopter. All filmed at 'Battersea powerstation'.
Initial Location:
Barren, secluded landscape in order to show the lonelyness of the situation. In conjunction with the helicopter and fire trail, this could have work. But realistically, it wouldn't have.
Changed Ideas:
After discussion and analysis of the plot and shots, we decided that it was better if we changed the idea. Even though we could get the helicopter, - and the reason we were going to use it was because it was a modern twist of the horse- we thought that it was best to take it out in order to make the overall plot darker. We also got rid of the fire idea due to the fact that we were unable to do it at battersea due to fire restrictions.
New Plot:
In order to make the video darker and more sinister and to take full advantage of the location, a new plot was formed. We now want the power station to act as a pen where people were kept. The main man(lead singer) has gone there in order to be reunited with his love. However, all shots of people in the station are actually ghosts- shown by flickering etc. As he walks through the station, shots of the 'captive' are shown- straight cuts and also in tracking shots. This continues as he progresses through the station. Shots including close ups of the captive eyes etc. Near the end, shots of 'His Girl' are shown, juxtaposed with him running- creating a visual link between the two. After he realises she isn't there, and the song ends, sounds of the 'real world'- sirens, talking etc. start to play. Cate came up with this idea as it makes it looks like the 'Man' was numb to the out side world, but after realising 'she' wasn't there, reality kicks in.
My group are currently in discussion about wether or not to use prosthetics. I came up with the idea of shooting in black and white, so with this, making can be just as effective - dark smudges below eyes.
Final Location:
This is our chosen location due to its sinister atmosphere and naturally abandoned look. The dark tinge and panel less windows creates a barren, eerie atmosphere - backing up the bands star image.
These shots, and in particular the fire in the eyes, back up the artist mysterious ways. The fire can represent either the madness in his head, or the sex appeal that he has.
These shots include a main girl in chains love interest it defines the hetro sexual nature of the star artist. Most of the songs in this genre are about a man who has done a women wrong, or vice versa, so this song backs up the stereotypical references that the genre has.
Another stereotypical aspect that this genre withholds is the use of a guitar. Due to the way were modernising the song, we needed key images that can relate to the genres original stereotypes. This is in conjuction to the below image- the cowboy hat.
Here the artists star image is majorly enforced. The rugged, un shaven face, shadowed by the black cowboy hat create a mysterious, modern and sex appealling man.
Monday, 27 September 2010
More Ideas for the music video look
I decided to research music videos that have a quirky yet dark look to them. One example is 'Blue Orchid by the White Stripes'
In this particular video, i really like the sped up time and dull colours used. I think this are two components that im going to put forward to my group as i think it will suit our song well.
Another song is 'Disturbia by Rihanna'.
Once again, the use of speeding up time, or jolting shots creates a dramatic effect that will suit the darkness of our song. The use of lighting is another key element that i particularly like due to the atmosphere that can be created through this use.
EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS FROM VIDEO:
In this particular video, i really like the sped up time and dull colours used. I think this are two components that im going to put forward to my group as i think it will suit our song well.
Another song is 'Disturbia by Rihanna'.
Once again, the use of speeding up time, or jolting shots creates a dramatic effect that will suit the darkness of our song. The use of lighting is another key element that i particularly like due to the atmosphere that can be created through this use.
EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS FROM VIDEO:
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Friday, 10 September 2010
Copyright Letter To Label
To the copyright holder
We are a group of A Level students working on an A Level project for a qualification in Media Studies. We are writing to request permission to use the following track as part of this project:
Black Heart by Calexico
With your permission the track would be used as the accompaniment to a short form video that is made purely for assessment purposes and will have no commercial usage. The video will be viewed only by members of the school community and the assessor of the examination board.
The artist and the copyright holder will of course be fully recognised in the pre-production and evaluation material that accompanies the project. We can also include a full copyright notice if required both in the planning material and on the video itself.
Yours sincerely
James Burke
Hurtwood House School
Reply
To the copyright holder
We are a group of A Level students working on an A Level project for a qualification in Media Studies. We are writing to request permission to use the following track as part of this project:
Black Heart by Calexico
With your permission the track would be used as the accompaniment to a short form video that is made purely for assessment purposes and will have no commercial usage. The video will be viewed only by members of the school community and the assessor of the examination board.
The artist and the copyright holder will of course be fully recognised in the pre-production and evaluation material that accompanies the project. We can also include a full copyright notice if required both in the planning material and on the video itself.
Yours sincerely
James Burke
Hurtwood House School
Reply
We are a group of A Level students working on an A Level project for a qualification in Media Studies. We are writing to request permission to use the following track as part of this project:
Black Heart by Calexico
With your permission the track would be used as the accompaniment to a short form video that is made purely for assessment purposes and will have no commercial usage. The video will be viewed only by members of the school community and the assessor of the examination board.
The artist and the copyright holder will of course be fully recognised in the pre-production and evaluation material that accompanies the project. We can also include a full copyright notice if required both in the planning material and on the video itself.
Yours sincerely
James Burke
Hurtwood House School
Reply
***PLEASE NOTE***
For writer and publisher information, please check the ASCAP, BMI, Harry Fox Agency and All Music Guide websites.
If you are clearing film festival rights for an independent film without commercial distribution, please note that is not policy to issue quotes for additional rights (such as theatrical release, television broadcast, etc.), until such time as an actual distribution deal is in place.
Please complete the following and email to: edroche.chicago@gmail.com
Your name:
Company name:
Phone number:
Fax number:
E-mail address:
Mailing address:
PROJECT TITLE:
Type of project:
-Film
-TV
-Commercial
-Live Dramatic Performance
-Interactive Media Videogame
-Home Video/DVD
Other (please specify):
Production company (if any):
Distribution company (if any):
Overall budget of project and music budget:
Plot synopsis and approximate running time of project:
Requested song title(s):
Master recording: (Name of artist performing the song(s) you wish to use)
Timing and type of use:
(Please provide details on how the song(s) will be used in your project, as well as the approximate timing in minutes/seconds – i.e. up to 1:30 background vocal over opening titles, 0:45 background vocal over montage, etc.)
Requested rights/required media:
(Please specify exactly what rights you require – i.e. film festivals, theatrical, free/network TV, basic cable/satellite TV, pay/subscription TV, home video/DVD, common carriers (airplanes, etc.), Internet, live dramatic performance, etc.)
Length of term: (i.e. two weeks, five years, perpetuity, etc.)
Territory: (i.e. United States and Canada, Japan, World, etc.)
Additional songs used in the project:
Estimated release date:
Summary/additional information:
Artist Profile
I’m going to both stick to and subvert the stereotype of a country and western star
Stereotype- cowboy hat, guitar, tassles, check shirt
however, this is what we want the artist to look like
Our Record Label
Touch and go records is an independent record label based in the Chicago, Illinois.
Touch and Go Records came into existence in late 1980, when the Ohio punk band Necros decided they wanted to put out a 7" record. Being in high school at the time, and having no money, they were aided in this project by their friends Tesco Vee and Dave Stimson, who were the geniuses behind a fanzine called Touch and Go. The 7"s by the Necros and the Fix (a Michigan punk band) were recorded in late 1980 and released in early 1981, and Touch and Go Records was officially born.
Early releases for Touch and Go consisted mainly of 7" vinyl singles by many of the early '80s Michigan / Ohio hardcore bands, including the Necros, the Meatmen, and Negative Approach
Institutional Context
What is the History of the band?
- The band have been around for 2 years so are new
- They've become indivual in the way the make and perfrom music
- Breaking stereotypes of the typical country/western video; hay bail, cigarette.
- They met in Nashville but after forming a band, they moved to Austin, Texas.
- They've also broken away from stereotypes in terms of the lyrical choice. They dont sing about love or death which is very common in this genre.
What Gener(s) of music do the band/ artist fit into?
- Heavily influenced by George Strait, Blake Shelton, Jerod Niemann
- Country is constantly changing so with their modern sounds, it will help their star image
What record label are they signed to?
- Touch and Go records
- Touch and Go records is an independant record label based in Chicago, Illinois
- Grew to the key record label in the 1980's alternative and rock scene
- Made a name for them selves by releasing new sounding rock band such as 'Big Black' and 'Jesus Lizard'
Who are the bands audience?
- middles aged- (50+)
- mainly white males
- people who listen to indie also listen to country
What kind of visual images has the act/band created for themselves
- They usual wear the traditional cowboy hats and chaps but with a twist
- Also seen in deserted land- reflecting the country rawness
- In terms of the music video. They steer away from the stereotypical look of a man walking in a desert chewing tabacco.
- They use special effects and non-stereotypical country looking setting and props such
Initial Ideas
We decided to go with the genre of Country due to its strong niche audience and stereotypes. I wanted to break the stereotypes that accompany a country music song- hay bail, cigarette and a bango, and go towards the more alternative/modern style. I put forward a couple of artists such as Carrie Underwood- undo it, simply because she's a young, female artist that has a modern yet country twang to her. This is the exact subverted stereotype that we were looking for.
We decided however, to go with a band called 'Calexico' -Black Heart
we chose this song as it has a more cynical approach towards the typical western song and video. Also, it widens our target audience as it combines many other genres, but the main one being Country/Western
In terms of the image of the music video, I found ideas in videos by Kanye West that i thought were really cool. - Shackles, black and white.
We decided however, to go with a band called 'Calexico' -Black Heart
we chose this song as it has a more cynical approach towards the typical western song and video. Also, it widens our target audience as it combines many other genres, but the main one being Country/Western
In terms of the image of the music video, I found ideas in videos by Kanye West that i thought were really cool. - Shackles, black and white.
Conventions Of The Video Promo
· The explicit and unashamed promotion of the artist’s “image” (aesthetic/generic/ideological) as a specific product with a brand identity, ready for mass consumption
· The featuring of the artist (almost without exception)
· A wide and extensive use of shot types, camera angles and movement
· Repetition of reoccuring thematic elements and generically specific iconography (one key element often being dominant and providing the skeletal structure for the promo)
· A possible narrative structure
· A possible performance element
· The flexibility to disregard Realism!
· Shots cut tightly to the beat of the track
· Use of special effects (lighting, annimation, CGIs, in-camera effects)
· A carefully constructed Mise en Scene appropriate to the content and tone of the track
· High impact instantly!
Background To The Music Industry
Music video serves a number of different functions:
· Promotes a specific single and, normally, an album
· Promotes a specific artist or band
· Creates, adapts or feeds into a ‘star image’
· Entertains as product in its own right
· Reinforces, adapts or undermines the ‘meanings’ of a song/track
They often contain an number of re-occuring thematic elements such as; Narrative, performance, thematic and symbolic
- Most majors also own, or license, a string of a smalled subsidiary companies in order to reach different kinds of audiences in different kinds of genre. These companies are known as 'Major-Independents'
- Finally, there are a huge number of small companies with little to no financial connection to the majors
- These companies often concentrate on a small number of artists, within specialized niches in the industry.
- Known as 'Independents'
• Visually stylish – ‘artistic’ mise-en-scene
• ‘Rhythmic’ montage, fragmented style
• Intercutting
• Experimental use of camera/editing
• Fast pace
• Conspicuous lighting and cinematography
Often break the rules of continuity editing
Music video serves a number of different functions:
–Promotes a specific single and, normally, an album
–Promotes a specific artist or band
–Creates, adapts or feeds into a ‘star image’
–Entertains as product in its own right
–Reinforces, adapts or undermines the ‘meanings’ of a song
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
TASK 7: LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIM TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO FULL PRODUCT?
The difference in preparation between the Prelim task and the Main task was vast. The prelim task involved me doing a basic story board due to our limited script, however, due to the scale and depth of our Main task, it involved us doing alot more planning ; multiple story boards instead of the one, and a much more in depth analysis of each shot.
Along with change in preparation work, my development of film-making skills also changed. During the prelim task, we used basic shots such as CU, medium closeup and wide shots and told the story through the use of dialogue. However, when doing my main task, this altered slightly. Due to our theme and style of our movie. the shots were very basic. For Chloe - 'Angel 3323', throughout we used a medium close-up as the shots for her had to be in the form of a web cam. In terms of Josh - 'Lester 727', we used extreme close-ups on his facial features but then took a few medium closeups of the key board. So, there was no real differentiation between my Pre-lim and main task apart from the fact that the story telling aspect of the shoot had to portrayed mainly through visual language rather than verbal. When doing the storyboards, we had to consider this which made it more difficult to go about.
In terms of Camera work and our developments, i believe that my overall development has increased due to the more technical and precise shots i took. I believe that the main task has demonstrated my development of skills. Luckily for my group, and the theme we were going for, certain aspects such as the eye line match and 180' line weren't too much of an issue do to the fixed camera position on 'Angel 3323' and the basic staggered shots for 'Lester 727'.
Sound has also been a massive development. From our pre-lim task that consisted of no sound but dialogue, to our main task that had its own soundtrack which created tention and atmosphere.
We decided that our film was going to be edited mainly through after effects. This was a bit daunting due to the fact that i have never used it before and especially not in our prelim task. After a fair few trial and errors, my group and i managed to get the hang of it. however, my development at this current stage has stopped at the basic aspects of the software. I found it fairly difficult to master, but did my best to give my group and my project my full potential.
Along with change in preparation work, my development of film-making skills also changed. During the prelim task, we used basic shots such as CU, medium closeup and wide shots and told the story through the use of dialogue. However, when doing my main task, this altered slightly. Due to our theme and style of our movie. the shots were very basic. For Chloe - 'Angel 3323', throughout we used a medium close-up as the shots for her had to be in the form of a web cam. In terms of Josh - 'Lester 727', we used extreme close-ups on his facial features but then took a few medium closeups of the key board. So, there was no real differentiation between my Pre-lim and main task apart from the fact that the story telling aspect of the shoot had to portrayed mainly through visual language rather than verbal. When doing the storyboards, we had to consider this which made it more difficult to go about.
In terms of Camera work and our developments, i believe that my overall development has increased due to the more technical and precise shots i took. I believe that the main task has demonstrated my development of skills. Luckily for my group, and the theme we were going for, certain aspects such as the eye line match and 180' line weren't too much of an issue do to the fixed camera position on 'Angel 3323' and the basic staggered shots for 'Lester 727'.
Sound has also been a massive development. From our pre-lim task that consisted of no sound but dialogue, to our main task that had its own soundtrack which created tention and atmosphere.
We decided that our film was going to be edited mainly through after effects. This was a bit daunting due to the fact that i have never used it before and especially not in our prelim task. After a fair few trial and errors, my group and i managed to get the hang of it. however, my development at this current stage has stopped at the basic aspects of the software. I found it fairly difficult to master, but did my best to give my group and my project my full potential.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
TASK 4 : WHO WOULD BE THE AUDIENCE FOR YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT?
My media product doesn't only appeal to a niche audience - a audience of a specific group, but more of a commercial audience. This is because 'Angel Dust' is about social networking sites and therefore appeal to a large audience. Yes, the film ends up with death, but we wanted to show the global crisis with social networking sites. But due to the fact that were putting Internet social sites in a bad light, i believe that the older end of the main stream audience would like to see it to so a small interpretation of the life that teenagers these days live. It also acts as a warning for the younger audience, making them realise the dangers that are out there. Even though the danger- death in this case- is extremely exaggerated and isn't that likely. So i believe that the main stream audience would be these people - shown in the pictures below.
This boy is an example of the typical audience member. He's preppy looking with highlighted hair, young, excited, and is listening to music- showing that he is already capable with media products.
'Angel Dust' would mostly appeal to people in their teens and twenties due to the matter this film is portraying, as this age of people are the one's who use these sites the most. There are also many other reasons why this was my target audience, such as them having a disposable income that they can spend on the cinema. Also, many people in horror movies themselves are teenagers, which allows this select audience to relate to them. Also, if the see a person of their own age getting attacked, they are more likely to get more scared then if it was a adult. This is why we decided to have a teenager - Chloe, star as our actress.
In terms of gender, it would appeal to both. However, males mainly due to the pretty actress and gore.
This boy is an example of the typical audience member. He's preppy looking with highlighted hair, young, excited, and is listening to music- showing that he is already capable with media products.
'Angel Dust' would mostly appeal to people in their teens and twenties due to the matter this film is portraying, as this age of people are the one's who use these sites the most. There are also many other reasons why this was my target audience, such as them having a disposable income that they can spend on the cinema. Also, many people in horror movies themselves are teenagers, which allows this select audience to relate to them. Also, if the see a person of their own age getting attacked, they are more likely to get more scared then if it was a adult. This is why we decided to have a teenager - Chloe, star as our actress.
In terms of gender, it would appeal to both. However, males mainly due to the pretty actress and gore.
TASK 3 : WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND WHY?
My chosen media institutions that i have chosen to distribute my film are
We contemplated which companies we should use. My initial idea was to have LIONSGATE and Twisted Pictures. This was because they created such films as Saw and Catacombs. However, after careful thinking, we decided that they wouldn't suit our film due to the fact that they specialise in thriller, torture porn movies, where as ours is a thriller, mystery film. After more research, i found the companies Brain Damage Films and Magnolia Pictures.
We chose to use these specific institutions for specific reasons. Brain Damage films, interlinked with Magnolia pictures, are the distributors of Angel dust. We decided to choose these two companies as, looking at the research of the previous films, their preference of film is very much similar to ours. All of their films are horror and thriller movies, so they know what works best in these types of films. They would be interested in our film due to its unusual story line but also, stalker/killer aspect of it. However, by having two production companies there are pro's and con's. A con being less money money income as it has to be shared between other companies. And a pro being more publicity.
We contemplated which companies we should use. My initial idea was to have LIONSGATE and Twisted Pictures. This was because they created such films as Saw and Catacombs. However, after careful thinking, we decided that they wouldn't suit our film due to the fact that they specialise in thriller, torture porn movies, where as ours is a thriller, mystery film. After more research, i found the companies Brain Damage Films and Magnolia Pictures.
We chose to use these specific institutions for specific reasons. Brain Damage films, interlinked with Magnolia pictures, are the distributors of Angel dust. We decided to choose these two companies as, looking at the research of the previous films, their preference of film is very much similar to ours. All of their films are horror and thriller movies, so they know what works best in these types of films. They would be interested in our film due to its unusual story line but also, stalker/killer aspect of it. However, by having two production companies there are pro's and con's. A con being less money money income as it has to be shared between other companies. And a pro being more publicity.
TASK 2 : HOW DOES YOUR PRODUCT REPRESENT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS?
My media product- 'Angel Dust' represents one social group in particular. That one being the teen Internet blogger, however I'm looking at 2 aspects of it. Chloe- the teen blogger in this case- is being shown as a negative stereotype - giving out too much information and being generally ditsy.This sticks to the typical convention in horror movies, that the girl who inevitably dies is a beautiful, young, blonde girl. However, in the case of Josh- the paedophile/ killer- we decided to go against typical conventions by making him young. You would expect the Internet perve to be in his 40's will a beard and glasses. But by us making him our own age, it portrays a different image. It reminds the audience that the Internet is full of dangers, and even dangers caused by people their own age. We created a subversion on what you would expect to see. The fact that we upholded one stereotype and went against the other gave our film an interesting twist.
Through the use of editing, you can manipulate anybody to act the way you want. So through the use of editing, and specific shots, we managed to portray each character in different ways even though they're from the same social group.
The stereotype of 'Angel 3323' is the fact that she's a pretty blonde the exposes her self. To keep this stereotype, we decided to use shots and props to back it up. By using medium shots, it enabled us to see her whole body, making her vulnerable. We also got her to wear revealing clothes which will act as a 'fishing line' for the potential paedophiles. For 'Lester 727' we got him to wear non-revealing clothes and showed very little of him. This went against the stereotype .
HERE'S A SCREEN GRAB FROM MY SEQUENCE:
This shows Lester 727's chin with sweat driping down it. This particular shot is very unrevealing at by the use of water creating the sweat drip, we managed to sum up his part of his character in this shot.
Through the use of editing, you can manipulate anybody to act the way you want. So through the use of editing, and specific shots, we managed to portray each character in different ways even though they're from the same social group.
The stereotype of 'Angel 3323' is the fact that she's a pretty blonde the exposes her self. To keep this stereotype, we decided to use shots and props to back it up. By using medium shots, it enabled us to see her whole body, making her vulnerable. We also got her to wear revealing clothes which will act as a 'fishing line' for the potential paedophiles. For 'Lester 727' we got him to wear non-revealing clothes and showed very little of him. This went against the stereotype .
HERE'S A SCREEN GRAB FROM MY SEQUENCE:
This shows Lester 727's chin with sweat driping down it. This particular shot is very unrevealing at by the use of water creating the sweat drip, we managed to sum up his part of his character in this shot.
TASK 1 : IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS?
In some ways, we stuck to the conventions but also went against others. From a normal film, you would expect to be shown the distributor and production company whilst being shown the theme of the film. We stayed with this aspect, we showed our production company and distributor or a separate clip to the actual sequence, this was to make the change into the actual film more distinct. However, we decided not to have other credits, such as actors, on a simple page separate from the action. I wanted to set the theme and mood and then incorporate the titles into the 'action'.Through the use of after effects, we were able to embed our credits in a form that related the the writing within the whole opening sequence.The usual convention was subverted due to the animated titles.
The paedophile in the film uses the same writing, so by us showing the credits in the same form, it created a visual match and set the mood. I liked how they were the same writing as it gave the effect that the whole sequence and film were being controlled by 'Lester727'- the paedophile. It backed up the theme of the film, being looked over and perved by the unknown internet user.
This is the title of our sequence. It's going to appear over the top of 'Angel 3323's empty room. This goes againts the convention of having the title before any action but sticks with the convention of establishing the theme of the sequence, due to the empty room and the flickers in the editing. Giving the shot an edgy twist.
This is a shot showing layering. We decided to layer text over action which goes against conventions by not showing the writing in a separate shot or on a mobile etc.
Thriller movies are normally shot from the perspective of the killer. We decided to go with conventions here. However, the are normally equally shared between 2 people. This is where we didn't go with conventions as we only use the paedo's perspective
The paedophile in the film uses the same writing, so by us showing the credits in the same form, it created a visual match and set the mood. I liked how they were the same writing as it gave the effect that the whole sequence and film were being controlled by 'Lester727'- the paedophile. It backed up the theme of the film, being looked over and perved by the unknown internet user.
This is the title of our sequence. It's going to appear over the top of 'Angel 3323's empty room. This goes againts the convention of having the title before any action but sticks with the convention of establishing the theme of the sequence, due to the empty room and the flickers in the editing. Giving the shot an edgy twist.
This is a shot of our actress. It goes against conventions due to the fact that, normally in thriller movies, the actors look at the camera to build tension. But we decided to get her to look at the camera all the time. Mainly due to the fact that it's supposed to be a webcam. But also because we wanted to 'through off' the audience.
This is a shot of the 'Matrix' effect. It goes against the original conventions by displaying the divide between the two pages in this case. We decided to make the shots flow, rather than doing two seperate shots.
Titles are normally shown on a separate page or shot. So, we went against conventions by imbedding it into the action
This is a shot of the 'Matrix' effect. It goes against the original conventions by displaying the divide between the two pages in this case. We decided to make the shots flow, rather than doing two seperate shots.
This is a shot showing layering. We decided to layer text over action which goes against conventions by not showing the writing in a separate shot or on a mobile etc.
Thriller movies are normally shot from the perspective of the killer. We decided to go with conventions here. However, the are normally equally shared between 2 people. This is where we didn't go with conventions as we only use the paedo's perspective
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Post-Production: Skills, titles and graphics, audience appeal
Skills:
My skills that i used in this task were very similar to those used in the Prelim task. In the pre-lim task i was co-director, so i took the skills i learnt there and adapted them to my new situation. In both situations, i had to use the camera (balancing, and focusing etc.) which got easier as time went on. I started to get the hang of which angle shot was best when, and got an eye for detail- especially when filming the killer. Different angles of the killer where needed in order to develop his character fully.Whether it be a close up of the hands, or a extreme close-up on the keys.
In terms of editing techniques and the editing process we had some confusion about decided how we were going to go about it. Because we were switching between the blogger and the killer and the computer screen. We had to add in a third clip into the sequence so the audience wouldn't get bored of simple cuts. Therefore, the cuts are quick (about 2 seconds). We decided to reveal alot about Angel 3323 by the use of the shots. We allowed the audience to see her face, body and her room, making her webcam messages personal. This is an extreme contrast to the Killer. We decided to use shots that showed very little of the killer such as close ups of his eyes. This created a restricted narrative. We are trying to create a pressurised and awkward mood which is created through the editing sequence. The vast contrast between the two characters along with the quick cuts but slow clips created the mood. This editing decision also backs-up the internet style we wanted to portray.
Sound:
In terms of sound - as Speilberg said, Jaws wasn't a movie until John Williams' score was added, were using non-diegetic sound produced by my cast member Josh Jackson. . We only used diegetic sound in the 'Paedo' typing shots. This is because we wanted to create a controlling and mysterious atmosphere. Josh Jackson, head of sound, created a creepy, basey tune. The editing matched the rhythm and speed of the sound, and it created an overall 'eerie' atmosphere. Without the music, the impact of the sequence would not be the same.
Titles and graphics:
We decided to imbed our titles- including actors, dist' and production company- into the facespace pages. We wanted to carryout the theme of the internet, so we decided to have the actors and directors etc. to appear in the same text that 'Lester 727' writes in. We chose specific places to inbed our credits. We didn't want to ruin the mood of the sequence that's why we used our unique style of editing as a way to switch between credits. We used the straight cuts as a starter mark for the title. We would then contintue to show it for two repetitions of that person. For example. James burke, James burke.STOP. this is because titles can be boring and we didn't want to distract the audience by this. We had the distributor before the opening sequence, just to establish the creates of the film.
Audience Appeal:
We choice all of our choices specifically to appeal to the audience. Due to the development of technology that has occured, the modern day people spoilt with the standard that they get. So have high expectations for the next film releases. We decided to suite the audience preference's and use after effects to create a new edge to the film. All the shots we used also appeal to the audience. The tention through unrevealing shots, and the over exposure of 'Angel 3323' are exactly the type of thing the audience watching are looking for.
My skills that i used in this task were very similar to those used in the Prelim task. In the pre-lim task i was co-director, so i took the skills i learnt there and adapted them to my new situation. In both situations, i had to use the camera (balancing, and focusing etc.) which got easier as time went on. I started to get the hang of which angle shot was best when, and got an eye for detail- especially when filming the killer. Different angles of the killer where needed in order to develop his character fully.Whether it be a close up of the hands, or a extreme close-up on the keys.
In terms of editing techniques and the editing process we had some confusion about decided how we were going to go about it. Because we were switching between the blogger and the killer and the computer screen. We had to add in a third clip into the sequence so the audience wouldn't get bored of simple cuts. Therefore, the cuts are quick (about 2 seconds). We decided to reveal alot about Angel 3323 by the use of the shots. We allowed the audience to see her face, body and her room, making her webcam messages personal. This is an extreme contrast to the Killer. We decided to use shots that showed very little of the killer such as close ups of his eyes. This created a restricted narrative. We are trying to create a pressurised and awkward mood which is created through the editing sequence. The vast contrast between the two characters along with the quick cuts but slow clips created the mood. This editing decision also backs-up the internet style we wanted to portray.
Sound:
In terms of sound - as Speilberg said, Jaws wasn't a movie until John Williams' score was added, were using non-diegetic sound produced by my cast member Josh Jackson. . We only used diegetic sound in the 'Paedo' typing shots. This is because we wanted to create a controlling and mysterious atmosphere. Josh Jackson, head of sound, created a creepy, basey tune. The editing matched the rhythm and speed of the sound, and it created an overall 'eerie' atmosphere. Without the music, the impact of the sequence would not be the same.
Titles and graphics:
We decided to imbed our titles- including actors, dist' and production company- into the facespace pages. We wanted to carryout the theme of the internet, so we decided to have the actors and directors etc. to appear in the same text that 'Lester 727' writes in. We chose specific places to inbed our credits. We didn't want to ruin the mood of the sequence that's why we used our unique style of editing as a way to switch between credits. We used the straight cuts as a starter mark for the title. We would then contintue to show it for two repetitions of that person. For example. James burke, James burke.STOP. this is because titles can be boring and we didn't want to distract the audience by this. We had the distributor before the opening sequence, just to establish the creates of the film.
Audience Appeal:
We choice all of our choices specifically to appeal to the audience. Due to the development of technology that has occured, the modern day people spoilt with the standard that they get. So have high expectations for the next film releases. We decided to suite the audience preference's and use after effects to create a new edge to the film. All the shots we used also appeal to the audience. The tention through unrevealing shots, and the over exposure of 'Angel 3323' are exactly the type of thing the audience watching are looking for.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Post-filming
Once filming was finished, we immediately started on final cut pro. I went through the shots, labelling them, and then put them in the log bin. I created a separate log bin for the killer, to make it easier when putting the shots into the time line.
We had some difficulty deciding how we were going to go about editing the sequence, in terms of speed etc.
However, we then began to use after effects- giving us a small idea of how our sequence could look. We decided to use the 3-d device created by layering the images. I thought this was a fantastic idea and it gave me a more vivid image in my head of what it would look like. By moving the camera about on after effects, we could give the impression on the camera moving through the actual webpage. We decided to use this effect on Angel 3323'S FACESPACE page as it would create a lovely contrast between her and the killer. Angel's being free flowing and colourful, where as the killers ARTBOX website being rigid and harsh looking- reflecting his character.
We had some difficulty deciding how we were going to go about editing the sequence, in terms of speed etc.
However, we then began to use after effects- giving us a small idea of how our sequence could look. We decided to use the 3-d device created by layering the images. I thought this was a fantastic idea and it gave me a more vivid image in my head of what it would look like. By moving the camera about on after effects, we could give the impression on the camera moving through the actual webpage. We decided to use this effect on Angel 3323'S FACESPACE page as it would create a lovely contrast between her and the killer. Angel's being free flowing and colourful, where as the killers ARTBOX website being rigid and harsh looking- reflecting his character.
Here are
examples of the ArtBox pageMonday, 25 January 2010
Shooting the Thriller
As director in the group, i had the final say on what shot should be taken, however, i was always open to suggestions and allowing others in my group to take 'lead' when they wanted to try something. Due to the fact that we were recording the actress as if she was talking to a web cam, it had to be natural. That's why, i sometimes pressed record when the actress wasn't ready to get her unconscious actions. For example, during the break of filming, many girls came into the room and we filmed in a boarding house, so i decided to secretly record it as, to me, it looked like a slumber party.
Shots used:
Shots used:
Angel 3323: a fixed front on angle giving the impression of a webcam. The angle never changed, the only thing that did was it turning on and off.
Killer: Here we used a variety of angles, i wanted to shoot a very flat angle of his hands on the keyboard so when his hands come into frame, they give the impression of being powerful and in controle. As director, i decided to shoot a couple of P.O.V shots and over the shoulder, putting the viewer in the position of the killer. I aslo decided to do a couple of extra shots such as a close up of him pressing the enter key.
Filming on the day was extremely successful, however, there was still scene's that needed doing. We needed to create the 'ArtBox' website and 'Facespace'. We started both of these using photo shop. I worked on the ArtBox website. In order for this to be realistic, i did research which involved me looking at other blog websites and even 'www.skcentral.com' - a real life serial killer blog. This gave me loads of ideas, including layouts, for our page.Here's pictures of the shoot day.
This is a bag of 'pcp'/ angel dust which is made up of flour and sugar. We took shots of Lester727 holding this, to show his intentions, but we may not be using that to help keep it mysterious.
These are the lights we used when shooting/ The white light for Angel3323 as it gave out a soft light and matched to mood we were giving. The blue light was used when shooting Lester727. This gave off a mysterious blue light which helped portray him in a mysterious way.
Here is an example of Angel3323 being lit by both white and blue light- creating a warm, webcam effect.
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