Friday, 27 February 2009

Evaluation of preliminary task:

For our preliminary task before we make our proper title sequence, we were required to make a short sequence which involves someone walking in, sitting down and exchanging dialogue with another person.
However we must follow the 180-degree rule, demonstrate match on action and include a shot/reverse shot. This task should also show continuity not be confusing for audience. When I and my group first decided on ideas for this task, we completed a storyboard and mind map so that it included all of our ideas and that we had a thorough overview of what exactly we were going to do. However I believe we decided to make our task too complicated and became too absorbed in the plot and storyline, whereas we should have actually concentrated on the task guidelines. During filming we found it difficult to match continuity as we filmed it in different lighting and places. This meant the sequence did not flow very well and confused audience members. During editing, we attempted to rectify this by changing the lighting and making some bits longer but it didn’t look effective and therefore as a group we made a decision to film it again so it was perfect.
We made sure we found an isolated room which was quiet; this meant we wouldn’t have to stop halfway through due to interruptions and this would improve our continuity. Also we realised during filming last time, we hadn’t followed the 180-degree rule effectively so we ensured it was perfect this time. Because we made our second sequence a lot less complicated, it took a lot less time to produce and we were able to complete it in one lesson, allowing us more time to concentrate on editing. I am glad we re shot the sequence again as it gave us more experience and taught us the importance of the 180-degree rule and continuity. We also ensured our dialogue was short and simple so didn’t interfere with our filming. We tried to add variety to our shots by using lots of different camera movements and shots, as we found this would help keep the audience engaged and overall, improve the quality of our sequence.
We decided to use an over the shoulder shot firstly as this fit in with the ‘story’ we had chosen, as the character was untrustworthy. We then had a long shot of the character opening the door from the inside of the room, giving the sequence more variety and continuing continuity. The next shot we used was a shot/ reverse shot of both characters dialogue, which I think worked effectively as it was engaging to watch. The different camera movements we used was tracking, panning and zooming and we also chose these particular movements to add variety to our sequence. During the making of our second sequence, we also ensured lighting and sound was the same throughout so as to show continuity.
During comparisons of the two sequences, I think the second sequence is a major improvement in contrast to the first one, which was too complicated, did not show continuity and did not follow the 180-degree rule. Making a second sequence allowed all of us to learn from our first mistakes and make the huge improvements that were needed in order for the sequence to be effective. From completing the preliminary task, I and the group now have more knowledge on how to film effectively, which will help us in our main title sequence. From the preliminary task I have learnt the importance of continuity; as it means audience members will not be confused and it will improve the quality of the sequence. I have also learnt the efficiency of the 180-degree rule as the entire sequence looked a lot more ‘polished’ when we followed it effectively, making our sequence easier to follow and overall, a vast improvement on the first attempt.


1st attempt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xOzrOaqPEk
2nd attempt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zyBS4raKTU

Friday, 6 February 2009

Information on film 4 and differences between two film companies:

Film 4 Production:
-Film4 Productions is a British film production company owned by Channel 4.
-Some of the famous films they have produced ‘This is England.’ ‘Four weddings and a funeral.’ and ‘Trainspotting.’
-They are one of the most famous British film companies and have produced the highest grossing films in the 21st century within Britain.
Differences between American and British film companies:
-The American film company has been running for a lot longer period of time and therefore has been able to become a lot more established within the film industry.
-Because 20th century fox is a lot more established then film 4 it is able to produce bigger budget films which are more likely to become a success.
-20th century fox also produces more series of films, such as ‘Star wars’, whereas film 4 produces one of successes such as ‘four weddings and a funeral’. This could connote the power of 21st century fox because they are able to produce more series of a popular film, but film 4 do not have the power to do so.

Tuesday, 3 February 2009

Information on 20th century fox and BBFC

I have recently found some information on 20th century films,and the BBFC and this will help me and my group because we will have some sucsessful film companies to base our idea on and we will also know what is acceptable in a 15 classification film.

2Oth Century Films
-Also known as 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, or Fox.
-One of the six Worldwide major American film studios.
-The company was founded in 1935.
-Some of 20th Century Fox's most popular movie franchises include the Star Wars, Home Alone, Die Hard, Ice Age, Revenge of the Nerds, X-Men (film series), Alien and Predator series.
-Is a result of the merge of two entities; twentieth century pictures and fox film corporation.
-Also has a telivision company called: 20th Century Fox Television.



BBFC:specifically 15 classifications:

DEFINITION:'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and over

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.

Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'f**k'). But the strongest terms (eg 'c**t') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.

Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

Me and my group will ensure we follow these guidlines during the production of our title sequence.