Sunday 16 December 2012

Ill Manors Trailer Analysis

1) What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?
The typical codes and conventions for film trailers are:
  • Screen text - often appear in majority of films which highlights to the audience importance information such as, the release date, director, production company.
  • Institution information - production company, studio, finders ect. 
  • Credit block shown at the end of the a trailer, which has all the information on the production company, usually shows the name of the actors/actresses, realise date ect.
  • Trailers use a voice over, however they are usually a voice over of a man. This is because, it could suggest that male voices are more powerful which reinforces the idea of society being patriarchal. The fact there are not many female voice overs emphasises society is not equal. Also, mainstream films usually use a powerful voice over, which anchors the meaning.
  • Names of the main stars are shown on the screen early on in the trainer which allows the audience to known who is starring.
  • Important information such as the name of the film are sometimes shown at the end of a trailer. This is because, if the beginning of a trailer is appealing, full of excitement, keeps the audience engaged, this would make the audience intrigued in watching the whole of trailer and wanting to know the name of the film.
  • The music is essential in trailers as it can suggest the genre style and the plot of the film.
  • Majority of trailers follow the typical narrative pattern according to Todorov which shows equilibrium at the beginning followed by a disequilibrium at the end of the trailer. This shows the conflict which needs to be resolved; no narrative closure.
  • Many enigma codes are used, which is effective in keep the audience hooked and wanting to go and watch the film.
  • Reviewers quotes are usually shown in some trailers which is effective as it allows the audience to know if the film is worth watching or not.  

2. How does Ill Manors use trailer conventions?
The screen text of the name of the film is very important as it makes the audience aware of what the film is called. The typography 'Ill Manors' is in a bold and hard hitting font which reflects the nature of the film and the genre. The fact that the title of the film is shown at the end of the trailer is effective as it keeps the audience engaged and appealed with all the chaotic elements being shown they would ant to know what the film is called. Additionally, important information such as the realise date is also shown at the end as well after the title of the film, this would make the audience aware of when the film will be coming out in cinemas. Moreover, reviewers quotes are part of the screen text which is effective in promoting the film to the audience if it is worth watching or not. In this case, 'Ill Manors' reviewers quotes are shown in the trailer  emphasise that the film is worth watching and this is made evident through 'Simone Baired, Time Out' at 0:15, as he stated "A film for our times". This could suggest that this film, would be suitable for the youths (teenagers) however, it may portray that the film gives a true picture in reflecting how society is like today. Additionally  the director/producer name is stated at the middle of the trailer "From Visionary artist Plan B" which clearly conveys to the audience that Plan B made this film. This is effective, in making the audience aware who the director of the film is and if people are fans of his music they are likely to watch the film.
Non- digetic sound is used throughout the entire trailer of a voice over of Plan B. The voice over of Plan B highlights he is the narrative of the film which is a original approach. The fact that he raps his music anchors the image as it makes it clear for the audience, therefore it is a preferred reading. Furthermore, montage editing is used through out this trailer which shows it is a non linear narrative in terms of the shots and fast pace and it is a multi-strand narrative as there is more than one narrative; effective in generating excitement for the audience. Furthermore, the music used in the trailer is urban and up-beat which would appeal to the youths as they are mostly into rap/urban music, also the sound track is featured in the film which would appeal to the audience. This is known as synergy as Plan B is used his music to promote the film, also he promoted the film through his concerts and the album; effective promotion in getting more people in wanting to watch the film. Relating to theorist such as Medhurts the film includes many stereotypes such as, representing/stereotyping teenagers from deprived areas as being "criminals" or "deviant". This is a stereotype as many people in society assume or believe that, people from a working class background, who live in a council estate are going to be harmful to society, especially young adults. 


3)Who is the target audience? Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used
I think the film is targeting young adults from the starting age of 18-34, however it could appeal much more to the male audience. This is because, the film contains a lot of violence, sexual content, drug-taking ect which would appeal more to a male audience rather than females; even from the trailer as audience, we can tell that the film are going to include those three main things as it is a 18 certificate. Also, from watching the trailer the psychographic group which I think would be associated with the film would be strugglers and reformers. This is because, struggler seek escape and the trailer clearly highlights adults who have been brought up from deprived areas or haven't had a good childhood which has had a impact on them growing up; hence why they are doing drugs ect. Moreover, montage editing is used to show the audience  that the film has a multi-strand narrative which means it will not be focusing on just one main narrative. The ways the scene are edited together does give away clues about the narrative because it highlights that the film is going to focus on different characters and their circle of violence /problems as they try to struggle living on the streets. The fact that flashbacks are shown in the trailer could suggest, that in some parts of the film the flashbacks are significant in reflecting back on each character life and maybe showing the audience what caused them to be in the position they are in now. The main stars in the trailer are invisible as none of their names appear in the trailer, which could suggest that they are not famous enough, however they are visible as they do appeal in the trailer, which is effective in showing the audience who they are; makes them more aware. Furthermore, there is information about the director "From the visionary artist Plan B" which is significant in portraying to the audience that he directed and produced Ill Manors, therefore the audience would be more aware. Additionally, the voice over of Plan B (Non-Digetic) highlights to the audience he is the narrative of the film and the fact that he raps the narrative in the trailer is a effective approach as it anchors the image for the audience. Furthermore, the screen text of important information such as the release date and the name of the film is shown at then end of the trailer. This is an effective approach as from the beginning of the trailer, the audience would be engaged and appealed with the different chaotic elements being shown, therefore they would wait till the end of the trailer to know what the film is called and when it is released in cinemas. 

4) How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?
The genre of the film is a teen urban drama  and this is firstly represented through the characters costumes. The males characters  in the trailer are wearing track suit bottoms, hoodies, caps ect and these clothings are stereotypical in representing young adults in being deviant. The clothing worn in the trailer, does reflects the genre because, as it is a teen urban drama the audience would expect the males wearing those type of clothing as it is associated with that genre; known as a dominant representation. Additionally, the music used throughout the film is urban which clearly related to the genre as well because, that type of music is mostly associated with teenagers. Non-Digetic music is used of Plan B, which highlights to the audience he is the narrative of the film and the fact that he raps the narrative in the trailer is a effective approach as it anchors the image for the audience. This is made evident through the lyric of what Plan B saying in the trailer "I am the narrator let me take you back and fourth.." Also, according to Props theory the dramatic sound is used to highlight the 'Villian' in a more threatening way and this is made evident when we the audience recognise the character Kirby. This represents the genre, as the dramatic music connotes that he is dangerous and not trust worth; also the fact that he has just come out of jail could foreshadow that he could be the one causing the main conflict in the film. Furthermore, there is more than one setting in the trailer, such as a house, police station, in an alley ect. This is because, for every different setting the camera includes different characters as well which could suggest that the film follows a multi-strand narrative and a complex narrative as well. The fact that the camera movement focuses on different characters in the film not just one main character clearly highlights it s a multi-stand narrative as well know as a montage editing.

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Media Pre-Production - CW.

For the MEST2 coursework Gagan, Anita and I are going to produce a fiction product, which will be targeting E4's demographics 15-35 year old. The five programs I have chosen which broadcast on E4 are:

  • 90210
  • Misfits
  • Made In Chelsea
  • Friends
  • Hollyoaks
The reason, why our group have chosen to analyse these five specific TV programs is because the narrative for each programme are appropriate in producing our product. Also, in order to produce an effective product, I am going to be analyse the two-minute opening for each programs by including media language.

1) 90210

(I will be analysing the opening two minutes of this clip)
Firstly, at beginning of the clip clearly the 180-degree rule is used to convey the conversation between both of the characters. However, if the 180-degree rule is broken it will confuse the audience in making them think that the characters are looking away from each other. The camera movement of panning is used in showing the character car, however the camera focuses back on to the female character (Naomi). A medium shot is used in this specific part of the female character on the phone, which could connote that she is in a rush to go somewhere due to her facial expressions looking worried and through the way she behaves. Additionally panning is used throughout the shot of the female character driving the car which keeps up to date with her actions. Furthermore, there are different camera framing used throughout this clip which would appeal the audience. A effective camera framing is the close up of the two couples hands who are getting married. This is because, the previous shot we see the female character running to the wedding chapel to stop the wedding; therefore by editing those two shots and putting them together, keep the audience intrigued in making them think that she might be too late. However, a cut is used which changes the camera framing of the close up  into a long shot, which focuses on the female character (Naomi) running into the wedding chapel. The long shot is effective as it could give the audience a sense of relief that she made it in time before the ring is put on the male character finger. Evidently, the medium shot of the three characters who are the guest to the wedding which the camera focuses, could connote that they are embarrassed for their friend crashing the wedding. This is highlighted through their facial expressions in looking shocked and surprised; as the audience, we almost feel sympathetic towards the female character (Naomi) as she has embarrassed herself in front of everybody. Moreover, the last shot at the end of the two minutes opening is of the female character sitting alone on the bench outside. Thecamera framing of a long shot is used which reinforces the idea of her loneliness as she embarrassed herself and lost the guy she loves. I have print screened three of the images below which I think are important, as I am going to be analysing the mise-en scenefor each of them.

First Clip.
(Female character name in this clip is Naomi)
Firstly, a over the shoulder shot highlights that both characters are having an conversation  however the camera focuses on the female character at this point. The camera framing of a medium shot  is used of the female character clearly shows she is upset and shocked about the news she has be given.This is conveyed through her facial expressions as she does not look happy and the audience would be able to recognise this from the female character eyes as it almost looks as if she is about to cry; alongside with her mouth opened which conveys her surprised reaction to the news she has heard. However, if we did not see this specific clip above, where I have print-screened the shot, this shot would be an enigma code for the audience. This is because, the audience could been intrigued in wanting to know, why the female character looks astound and astonished therefore it would raise questions in the audiences mind. The location in this specific shot appears to be in an airport, suggesting that the female character was about to go somewhere across the country, however she has been stopped due to the news she has heart. Furthermore, even though we cannot see completely what she is wearing from this shot, her clothing suggest she is wealthy. This is because  the golden necklace she wears could convey that she is affluent as the colour 'gold' connotes wealth, success and power, which could be representing her character. Additionally, her hair is tied up in a low bun from the shot and she is wearing a black coat, which could connote a sense of maturity. This is because, she looks sophisticated from her appearance as she is not wearing so much make-up and is not revealing her body. 
Secondly, the setting of this shot is clearly in a wedding chapel/church as both character are about to get married. We can clearly recognise this from the female character clothing, as she is wearing a strapless white dress and the colour white is ideal for a bride dress. Additionally, from the female character appearance she is represented in looking beautiful and sophisticated due to her hairstyle which is kind of a 60's look. The jewellery she is wearing of earrings and and an necklace makes her look elegant as keeps her look simple. The camera framing, used above is an over the shoulder shot, which focuses on the female bride, even though we can see a bit of the facial expression from the male character. The facial expressions are effective in this specific shot because it clearly highlights to the audience that something bad has happened on their wedding day. This is indicated through the facial expression of the bride looking confused and surprised at her finance husband, which could connote that she has found something out which has made a stop to their wedding. Followed from this, is the male character (groom) facial expression with his mouth slightly opening connoting he is speechless and his eyes directed to somebody else from that specific clip. This could connote, somebody has entered in the church who the male character knows or somebody has said something about the him, which has shocked the his "future wife to be".
Thirdly, the setting of the shot above is taken from somewhere outside however it conveys a  peaceful scenery. The surrounding in which the shot is taken of trees and the sea in the  background creates an calm atmosphere, however this could link to the female character. This is because, the establishment/long shot of the female character sitting alone outside could suggest she is reflecting back on something or thinking about somebody; therefore the peaceful scenery could reflect her state of mind at this very moment. Also, this is clearly followed by her facial expression and body language of the female character in looking emotionless which could connote that something bad has happened or she has lost somebody close to her. The propp used in this shot is a flower which she is holding could be symbolic in terms of that she has lost somebody close therefore she might be grieving  This is because, the colour white represents purity, goodness, peace and lose. However, others could argue that the prop of the flower does not entirely mean she has lost somebody close to her, it could be representing the character goodness and purity.
Audience: Lastly the target audience for this program would be aimed at teenagers from the age of 16+, as well as adults from 20+. This is because,  90210 would appeal to adults and teenagers as well because some of the narratives are about relationships, problems at school ect therefore adults/teenagers can relate to it. The uses and gratifications associated with 90210 I think are:
  • Personal Identity - The audience can relate to some of the problems and feel as if they in the position of that character; feel connected to them.
  • Entertainment - They would be able to feel relaxed,shed a tear or laugh and just be able to enjoy watching the program. 

2) Made In Chelsea

Firstly, the camera movement of tracking is used to which focuses on the female character actions, as she walks through the park to her boyfriend. Along side with the tracking shot is a long shot which is effective in showing how the female character looks in terms of her clothing. Also, the first medium shot the audience get is of the male character who does not look too happy to see his girlfriend due to his facial expressions in being emotion less. This could suggest, that they both had an argument or a conformation is about to occur. Moreover, the 180-degree (also known as an over the shoulder shot) is used in order to show the conversation between both of the characters and from the conversation as the audience, we can acknowledge both characters are sorting out trust issues. Additionally, the 180-degree rule is very important because, if the rule is broken it would confuse the audience as it would look as if the characters are looking away from each other.
Pictures below are print-screened from the clip below, and I will be analysising the mis-en-scene for each one.
Firstly, the camera framing of a long shot, is used to show the female character walking towards her boyfriend and a tracking shot is used for this. The long shot is effective in conveying the female character appearance and body language to the audience. This is because, from her clothing especially her low neck black lace top could connote a sexiness side in her and maturity as she is not revealing too much; appropriate for teenager girls  who watch this program and are aspired to grow up like her. Additionally, as the audience, we can tell that the shot is taken on a windy day as the female character hair is swept back from the wind. However, as she is wearing a revealing top, her hair back makes her look more attractive. Furthermore, the setting for this shot looks more as if it is in a park because of the path she is working on, the trees, boat in the background. Moreover, we can not see the the male character in the grey jumper and blue cap, however as the audience we can tell that he is looking at her therefore he is either her boyfriend or friend. Also, the sound used in shot is both diegetic and non diegetic. This is because, diegetic sound is clearly shown from the conversation between both characters,where as non diegetic sound is the music added at the start of the clip. The music added at the very beginning of the clip, is pretty up-beat with the sounds of of drums, which could appeal to the audience more as it does not make the feel bored.

A medium close up is used of the female character ( Millie) which is effective in showing the audience how she looks. Personally, I think this shot is powerful as from her facial expressions she looks angry as she is not smiling which could connote something bad. However, even though from her facial expressions she might look angry, this could reinforces the idea of her attractiveness, through her clothing. This is because, her black low neck top is abit revealing, connoting a sexiness side in her which could appeal to the male audience who watch this program. Furthermore, from her body language and the way she looks from her facial expressions, she confident and head strong; gives a more powerful shot of her. Moreover, the background of the shot is blurred out, focusing on the female character, which could connote she is an important character for this specific narrative; hence why her name is shown next to her, which is useful for the audience if they do not know who she is.
Audience: The target audience for Made In Chelsea would be 16-25 year old, because the characters in the program are all either in their early 20's or late, therefore it would appeal to adults  as well as teenagers because of their narrative include, such as; love, relationship, friend ships ect. Also, the social economic classification I would associate this program with, would be class B. This is because, even though the program is a structure reality, the characters are represented as being wealthy due to their careers,, therefore class B would be suitable. The uses and gratification associated with Made In Chelsea would be:

  • Entertainment - This is because, the audience would be able to feel relaxed and released emotions whilst watching the program.
  • Escapism - audience would be able to escape everyday problems and routines therefore they would feel more relaxed whilst watching the program.
3) Friends
(I will be analysing up to 2:00)
Firstly, the 180-degree rule (over the shoulder shot) is used between the two male/female character, which conveys they are having a conversation. Medium shots are used often throughout most of the beginning of the shot, because they are sitting around a table, therefore ideally you cannot film the character whole body. However, the medium shots are effective in highlighting to the audience the different characters therefore, they would be able to recognise them. Also, non diegetic sound is clearly portrayed in some of the shots through the editing the sound effect of laughter whenever a character says something funny. This would be effective on the audience, because it conveys to them something funny has be said or happened, or the audience would laugh with the comments the characters made as well. Additionally, diegetic sound is clearly highlight from the characters dialogue with each other; audience would easily recognise this. Furthermore, the setting for this specific scene, is located in a kitchen/ dinning area, which is easy to recognise because of all the props in the background such as, mugs, cups, plates, fridge, oven, ect; setting is effective as it gives a homely atmosphere to the audience. Furthermore, at 0:49-052 a tracking shot is used on the male character to convey his actions of getting up and walking to the female character. This is useful, as from the beginning we see them all sitting around the table and with a bit of movement helps to keep the audience hooked; as it would be boring if they all sat around the table throughout the whole scene.
Analysed the mis-en-scene in the shot below.
Establishment shot is used, which clearly highlights the setting for this clip which is in a kitchen/dinning area. We can tell the setting is in a kitchen/dinning area from the props in the background such as, fridge, table, oven, mugs, cups, plates ect. These props, are typically associated with this setting also the fact all the characters are sitting around the table conveys they are having dinner together; gives a homely atmosphere to the audience. Also, the two female characters are standing up where as the male characters are sitting down suggesting that something might of happened. This is because, the body language of the female character with her arms on each side of her waist could connote she is angry with the male characters, suggesting they have  something wrong Additionally, both female character facial expressions connote to the audience that they are not impressed with the three men.
Audience: I think the target audience for Friends, would be 16-30 year old  because the narratives would appeal to both adults and teenagers. The social economic classification would be class C1-B, as the characters in the program have middle class jobs such as being part of business  therefore the audience could relate to this. The uses and gratification associated with Friends would be:
  • Entertainment - Most of the narrative in Friends contains humour, therefore the audience would be very much entertained whilst watching the program as they would be laughing. 
  • Escapism - Audience be able to escape from their daily routines and problems, therefore their minds would be focused on the program which makes them feel more relaxed.

4) Hollyoaks
(Analysis of the first 2:00)
Firstly, the setting for the clip above is in three locations; first one is shown in a hospital room where a girl is lying in a bed, where as the second and third location  is in a family kitchen and living room. At 0:11-014 a tilt up is used on the female character which is effective in showing her hiding a piece of toast under her sleeves, then turning around to see if her mum saw, could connote she might have an eating disorder. The medium shot of her giving a little smirk as her mum comes to her with food, connoting she is happy that her mum did not see her hiding the toast under her sleeves. Also the make up used on the female characters are cuts on her forehead which could connote she might of been in an accident and the fact that she looks pale with bags under her eyes emphasises the idea that she might be ill. The non diegetic sound is used at the beginning of the clip by editing in a song which could be effective on the audience in order for them to just focus on the events at this moment. However, the digetic sound is conveyed through the dialogue of the characters within the scene. At the beginning of 1:24 the 180-degree rule is used in showing the on going conversation between the mother and daughter.
The reason why I chose this specific shot to analyse out of the whole clip is because, I thought the shot was effective in conveying the female character emotions. Firstly, the female character looks emotional less from her facial expressions by not smiling and keeping a straight face, as if she is not pleased about something; hence why she does not look happy when her mother gives her a hug. The make up used on the female character makes her look ill from her bags under her eyes, the cuts on her cheek; however this could connote that she might of been in an accident previously. Also, the camera  framing of an over the shoulder shot gives a sense of tension to the audience between the mother and daughter. This is because, the female character does not look satisfied hugging her more and we can see this through the character eyes, which could connote something is worrying her.
Audience: I think the target audience for Hollyoaks would be 15-30year olds because, some of the narrative does appeal to an adults as well as teenagers too. For instance, some of the narrative include aspects of love, relationships, family problems, friendship, real life problems ect therefore adults and teenagers could relate to this. The uses and gratifications which I think are associated with Hollyoaks are:

  • Personal Identity -  the audience would be able to the relate to one of the characters and his/her personal problems. This would make the audience feel connected to them and feel as if they are in that character position.
  • Entertainment - audience would be able to feel relaxed, shed a tear, laugh whilst watching the program.
  • Escapism - this would allow the audience to escape from their daily routines or problems, which would make feel relaxed whilst watching the program.  
5) Misfits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R82UXQ-1oE
(I wasn't able to upload the video on to my blog, because I couldn't find it when I searched for it by clicking the insert video button; therefore I copied and pasted the link for it.)
Firstly, the 180-degree rule is used at the beginning to the middle of the clip (stops at 0:30) which highlights the on going conversation between both of the characters. From this conversation, as the audience we can acknowledge that both characters are talking about the bar maid in the background. This is shown when the male character turns around to face both of the character in the background, which then the camera focuses on them. Moreover, the setting for this clip is in a bar/pub, which the audience would be able to recognise this from props such as the drink bottles, glasses ect on the bar in the background. Also, as the location looks deserted as they are only four people, could suggest that it is shot during the morning as normally bars/pubs are often busy during the evening or night. The most effective camera angle conveyed is a low angle, which is conveyed between 0:57-1:07, as the male character is looking down at the other character. The low camera angle represents the male character in being superior/powerful in comparison to the other male character; effects the audience in making them think that he is going to hurt him. 
Audience: target audience would be 16-25 year olds, this is because it does include some adult content such as sexual scenes, swearing ect therefore it would be suitable for this age group. Also, Misfits connects to the target audience as the characters are in the program are at the similar age, therefore they could relate to some of the problems a specific character is going through. The uses and gratifications associated with Misfits are:
  • Entertainment
  • Escapism
  • Identity

Sunday 9 December 2012

Ill Manors Film Research Questions.


1)Research all the Institutions involved in the production of Ill Manors. List them with a summary of what their contribution to the film was.
The institutions involved in the production of the film are Revolver Entertainment and BBC Films. 


2) How much Ill Manors cost to produce (its budget)
The budget for this film is £100,000.  however they made £453,570 from the Box Office in the first eight weeks. 

3) How was Ill Manors funded?
The film was  funded through Film London Microwave,BBC Films,Creative Skillset, Aimimage Production and Gunslinger Film (Co-Production).  Film London  the capital film and media agency. Film London is one of nine regional screen agencies throughout the UK. Ill manors is the 5th film to be released through Film London Micro-wave; the successful training into production scheme. Microwave is in partner ship with BBC Films and supported by Creative Skillset. Also, Film London Microwave provides:
  • Production Funding
  • Bespoke training and mentoring
  • Professional development
  • Support from script to screen
Gunslinger films is a company sets out to launch and promote rising talent and to make distinctive feature films that are commercially viable. 

4) What is the target audience for Ill Manors?
I think the target audience for Ill Manors would be for teenagers/adults from the age of 16-18+. This is because, the film includes a lot of violence, swearing, sex scenes and also the certificate of the film is a 18+ therefore it would not be suitable for children who are young.

5) Who is the main distributor of Ill Manors?
The main distributor of Ill Manors is Revolver Entertainment. 

6) How was Ill Manors promoted?
The film was first promoted through the film poster which was first unveiled by Empire magazine website on the 8th of May 2012. Additionally  the website Digital Spy unveiled two further promotional posters on the 18th of May and 7th of June 2012. The DVD contains footage that was not broadcasted at cinemas. 

7) Compare this with a big budget blockbuster. What are the main similarities and differences?
A big budget blockbuster which I have chosen to compare Ill Manors to, is the film Taken. The film Taken is a very successful action/thriller film with the budget of $25million and made $226,830,568 in the Box Office.
Similarities

  • Contains Violence.
  • Relates to true life experience ( Taken conveys the danger of human trafficking where as Ill Manors highlights the daily lives of individuals who have been brought up in deprived areas since childhood)
  • Enigma codes used to intrigue the audience.
Difference
  • The film Taken features actors/actresses who are well known to the industry therefore more people are likely to watch it, where as Ill Manors features new aspired actors/actresses.
  • Ill Manors budgeting cost is lower compared to Taken, therefore Taken is better equipped in terms of making the film.
  • Ill Manors contains sexual scenes, more violence, swearing and drug taking

8) How does the trailer for Ill Manors hook audiences into the narrative and pose questions that the film will answer? Identify 3 ways/techniques.
Ill Manors hook the audience into the narrative and pose questions that the film will answer is because the trailer clearly portrays the lives people who have been brought up in deprived areas such as council estates and the effect it has had on them whilst they were growing up. This hooks the audience into the narrative because, it it gives the audience a realistic insight of how people from deprived areas are coping and the problems they are facing every day of their lives. Also, the voice over of Plan B almost raping instead of telling the story in just words in the trailer is effective on the audience. This is because it could highlight how he directed/produced the film and it also conveys to the audience that Ill Manors is a reflection of his life when he was growing up in a council estate. 

9) How does the trailer for Ill Manors balance plot and spectacle?
The trailer for Ill Manors balance plot and spectacle through intriguing the audience about what is going to happen later on throughout the film. The flashbacks used in the trailer is effective as it would give the audience and insight of the character childhood and what let him/her in the position they are in now. Also, clearly conveys the main characters by repeating them therefore it allows the audience to identify who is the villain and protagonist.

10) Think about the certificate of Ill Manors (18 certificate). Research film certification and outline what is deemed acceptable for this certificate. What is the difference between a 15 certificate and an 18 certificate?
The certificate for Ill Manors is 18, which I think is suitable as the film includes sexual scenes, a lot of violence, and swearing. Difference:18 certificate contains a lot of violence, sexual activity, drug taking etc, where as in a 15 certificate there can be a a bit of sexual context however it cannot be detailed and must be appropriate.  Drug taking can be shown however it cannot be promoted or encourage drug misuse.

LR:

  • Detailed information for each questions apart from question one.
  • Used some media terminology.
  • All facts were accurate and generally similar to my partner.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation.





 The brief to the preliminary exercise was to: Film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. However, in order to get a good final piece everybody had to demonstrate three important features which were: match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule. Anita, Gagan and I worked together to complete this preliminary exercise in a week, which was beneficial for all of us. This is because, the exercise allowed us recognise our mistakes therefore we would not make the same mistakes when we begin the MEST2 coursework. 
Firstly, the narrative of our film is short as it is a preliminary exercise however; we tried to create tension for the audience, in order to make them more intrigued in watching it. Also, the location for our film is set in the school canteen as no other rooms were available during the time we wanted to film. All three of us contributed in producing this film by taking on different roles which was helpful. Gagan played the role of the teenage girl, (also known as the protagonist) who we see right at the beginning of the film looking stressed and upset. She meets with her best friend, who is played by Anita and reveals to her that she has murdered somebody; however the audience do not know who it is. The narrative clearly links to name of the film which is called 'Murder' and the transition used towards the end was a  fade out ending with a cliff-hanger. As a group we thought the transition of a fade out would be effective because it leaves the audience in suspense; wanting to know what she has done. Moreover, the role I played was filming the scenes and making sure the camera shots/movement was correct. However, even though it was my first time filming I did make a few mistakes with some of the camera framing and we all took it in turns filming as well; making it fairer. 

Secondly, I completed a detail draft of the storyboard for our film which was very useful as it helped me to know what I will be filming in each scene. Additionally, the storyboard was helpful for all three of us because, we felt confident as we knew what was going to happen in each scene therefore, we did not waste any time and started to film straight away. (Picture of the storyboard below)






Furthermore, Anita wrote out the shot list which was beneficial before we started to film. This is because; it helped us to keep track of all the necessary camera shots we were going to use for each scene. Some of the key camera shots/movement added to our shot list was: long shot, medium shot, close up, match on action shot, 180-degree rule, high/low angel, point of view shot ect.   The storyboard is significant and helped to create our final product because it gave us a clear overall picture of what the film would be like and how long we should spend filming each shot.  Whereas, the shot list was valuable to create our final product as well. This is because, it was a check list for which helped us organise what needs to be shot and the type of camera framing/movement we were going to use. Personally, the thing I would do differently next time in terms of pre-production would be to find a better location as the canteen was not good due to the noise in the background and maybe to write out a script in terms of what each person was going to say in the scenes. However, as a group we worked well because we planned the storyboard and shot list together which are both very important for pre-production, therefore I would not change anything. 

Thirdly, once everybody final product was completed we watched each group's film with the whole class and discussed what was good and what was bad. Once everybody watched 'Murder' and discussed it as a class, we did have some strengths and weaknesses for our film. 
Strengths
The acting from Gagan and Anita was good because it made the film more realistic therefore the audience would feel the same emotions as them. Also, we used a variety of different camera framings throughout the film such as, long shot, medium shot, close up and a match on action shot ect, to make it look more appealing and interesting. I think the most effective camera framing was the medium shot of Anita towards the end when she drops her pen suddenly. This is because, the medium shot of Anita in that specific scene highlights something drastic has happened due to her facial expressions looking shocked; therefore it makes the audience wanting to know what has happened to Gagan. Also, the pen drop is effective as well because it conveys, Anita reaction to the news she has heard and it almost sets the mood and atmosphere to the audience in leaving them in suspense. Furthermore, the continuity editing for the match on action shot was really well to demonstrate the character opening a door (follows the brief)  . This is because, it fitted perfectly to the previous long shot of her working toward the door and then a close up of Gagan hand opening the door; simple editing improved the continuity for our film. Additionally, another strength for our film was through demonstrating the shot reverse shot which I filmed. A shot reverse shot, is also known as the over the shoulder shot and in our film, it was shown through Gagan and Anita having a conversation with one another. Followed by a shot reverse shot, was the 180-degree rule which was clearly shown from their conversation. Whilst I was filming the conversation I had to keep in mind of the 180-degree rule because it is very important, therefore I had to aim/place the camera on the same line when I was filming the conversation. Moreover, our film followed the key three important features which was required from the brief: match on action shot, shot reverse shot, and the 180-degree rule.

Weaknesses
One of the main weaknesses for our film was the audio, which let us down. This is because, the location we filmed was in the canteen therefore, and whilst I was filming I did not take in count of the sound in the background people were making. Once we finished our production, as the sound was bad throughout the film, it made it really hard for people to hear what Gagan and Anita was saying to each other during their conversation because of the noisy background. Whilst editing, we tried decreasing some of the noise in the scene when both of them were talking, however as the sound was not recorded separately and we did not film in a quieter location, we could not do anything about the sound. Also, even though we demonstrated a shot reverse shot, it could have been better. This is because, as I was filming the over the shoulder shot especially for Gagan part, in the background there were coats, bags, items on the chair and people working ect which makes it hard for the audience to focus on Gagan; instead they would be looking at what is happening in the background. Editing the timing of some shots could of been improved, especially at 0:19 of the door closing once Gagan walks in. This is because, it took 4 minutes for the door to close which was long therefore it did not look right when we watched it back with the whole class. 

 Overall, as a group I think we worked well together because we followed the brief and added some of our own ideas as well. We demonstrated the match on action shot, shot reverse shot, and the 180-degree rule which was good. Also, Completing a preliminary exercise before beginning the MEST2 coursework is really useful, because it helped me to recognise my mistakes when I was filming the scenes therefore I would not make the same mistakes again. Lastly, it is a good exercise in preparation for filming the actual TV programme, because it made me realise how significant camera movement/shot, editing, sound and especially location is when you start to film.