My final film poster

This is my final film trailer poster " The BLACKBERRY"

 Researching on horror film posters gave me the idea of using dark colour schemes. In this case I chose to go with a simple black, red and white colour scheme. I also used this same colour scheme in the making of my magazine cover. This also helped reveal the genre of the film being advertised and helped with the mise-en-scene. Including the quote at the top of the poster, helped to give a hint to the audience of what to expect as well as get them a little bit scared. All this helps to set the atmospheere for the film. I purposely surrounded the text in a red rectangular shape to help it stand out. The inclusion of the age certificate made the audience aware of  who were legally permitted to view the film. To help determine the title of the film being advertised,  I ensured that the title was in an obvious big red font. Doing this helped to attract attention and make it visable amongst all the other texts. As most of the scenes in our film trailer were set in the woods, I tried to incorporate this setting in both my film poster and magazine cover. Doing this helped to keep the same house style and mise-en-scene. To keep the horror/thriller genre, I included haunting eyes in the background and the scared expression on my actors face. To help emphasise on the title of the poster, I made my actor hold a "blackberry" in both hands. I finally finished my film poster by adding credits which included the names of the producers and directors of the film. To keep my audience in the dark, I did not reveal the release date of the film and instead wrote "COMING SOON".

Stages for my film poster (drafts)

These are the stages I went through to complete my film poster. As you can see through the pictures, I have changed and improved some aspects of my poster.

Poster sketch/plan

Below is a hand drawn sketch/plan of what my poster might look like. I might not necessarily follow my original idea but it is still a starting point for my production.

Planning: Potential pictures to use for film poster and magazine cover

These are a few of the images I wanted to use for my film magazine cover and Film poster.

Auxillary task Research on Horror/Thriller film posters

As well as producing a trailer, one of our auxillary tasks was to create a film poster for our film trailer. This film poster was to help give a hint of what our trailer might be about. To get a general idea of what film posters included, i decided to reseach on a couple of posters.

I researched different film posters for my auxillary tasks. Researching these posters will hopefully allow me to pick out key features that will help with my film poster. At first glance, its obvious that the dark colours used in these posters help make the genre very clear. This is a technique that i might use in my own film poster. As well as this, the camera angles used emphasises on who the main character or characters are. Looking at the tittle of the film, bold letters are used to attract its targetted audience and makes it stand out.  All these techniques have been thought of by the film poster producer in advance. Every image and writing used is thouroughly analysed before use.   

The film posters also includes the date of releaase, the website and sometimes quotes from newspapers or film critics. It is also evident that there aren't a lot of text on the poster, however, any texts on the poster are normally placed on the outside of the poster. This ensures that the focal point of the poster stays on the center image, closely followed by the film title.

So with these posters in mind, I will hopefully apply some of the skills used to help improve and perfect my film poster.

Analysis of my Film magazine cover

As you can see, with the help of my research on film magazine covers, I have been able to incorporate some ideas into the making of my own magazine cover. Take for example the use of the bold heading. I decided to use the blood dripping font on my magazine cover to help give a hint of its genre. I also chose to use the colour white so that it stands out from the dark gloomy background. Overall, I used a colour scheme of white, red and black. I decided not to use bright colours such as yellow, blue and others as this would ruin the spooky horror effect.

From researching, I was able to learn that most magazines placed their text around a main image. This is exactly what I did. Doing this allowed my front cover to have a focal point. In this case my focal point was the hooded figure on the right hand side of my magazine. Placing my text on the left hand side ensured that it didnt get in the way of my image, but still attracted the readers attention with its black on white font.

I also tried attracting my targetted audience by including freebies, dvd's, posters and a competition. As well as this, I made sure that my magazine price was a shocking £2.20. This made it affordable and more likely to be bought by all classes. To make it clear of the price of this magazine, I included a "Half Price" note on the bottom right of my magazine. It was in a bold white font to help attract my audiences attention. With the production of my magazine cover, I have included features that most magazine covers use. I included a barcode, a simple layout, bold texts, an image, website, Heading, information, attractions and a cheap price. All these would hopefully complete my magazine cover and attract my targetted audience.

Stages of my film magazine draft

These are the steps I went through, to come up with my final film magazine cover. In every picture, I have changed, corrected or added a new feature.

My Final Film magazine Cover

This is my final magazine cover

Editing my magazine cover

To edit my magazine cover and film poster, I decided to use Photoshop elements. The common tool that i used to crop and place an image ontop of another image was the "magnetic lasso tool"

With this tool, I was able to crop this mysterious figure in the hood and place it on a different background suited for my magazine.

As you can see, I placed my original image onto a different background. This helps to give it the scary, spooky effect.

After doing this, I included a heading, some text, a bar code and many more editing features.



Magazine front cover sketch/plan

Below is a sketch/plan of my magazine front cover. This would hopefully help give me an idea of what to include on my front cover.

Research for horror/thriller Magazine covers

For the making of my film magazine cover, I decided to research on a few covers to help me get a range of different ideas. I was a ble to apply some of these ideas to the making of my magazine cover.

 With all film magazine covers, there seems to be a constant colour scheme. Theres also a focal point which includes either the magazine heading or the magazine image. Theres also the constant use of placing the text around the image. This helps to attract the readers eye and helps to focus on the main character. The use of bold heading also attracts the reader to the magazine at first glance.

 However, as these magazines are horror/ thriller, the colour schemes used are mostly dark and intimidating. This relates to the genre of the magazine and targets its chosen audience.As well as this, most film magazine covers includes a barcode, bonus features, exclusive gossips, an issue date, summaries and upcoming movies. Most of these features are included to help boost the number of targetted audience. As you can see, all of these magazine covers have more similarities than differences.

Some of these magazines includes a sense of escapism. In this case escaping reality and endulging in a scifi or fantasy reading.

Escapism:

• Escaping or being diverted from problems
• Relaxing
• Getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment
• Emotional release

This is just one example of the"Uses and Gratification" when it comes to magazines. With these in mind, I have a range of ideas of what I might include in my own magazine cover.

Finished film trailer "THE BLACKBERRY"

Below is the link to our completed film trailer.

Planning : Final trailer synopsis

For our final production, our group decided to produce a horror trailer based on a “Black Berry”.  We were inspired to create this horror trailer by a film called “One missed call” which also included ideas similar to ours. We chose this genre as we felt it suited our skills and also appealed to our young targeted audience aged 15 and above. Our trailer consists of six characters of different ages and gender. Each one of our characters plays a unique role that helps to bring our trailer together. In relation to Goodwin’s theory, we have decided to follow the idea of the relationship between the music and the visuals. As well as this, we influenced our own ideas into the making and planning of the trailer using more of Goodwin’s Theory.

Filming Schedules for our group

Filming days
23rd November 2010 - First scene (fighting scene) - characters needed: Attacker and all the fighters

26th November 2010 - Victim in the bathroom - characters needed: acttacker and one victim (Joy)
                                  - Attacker typing on the Blackberry - characters needed: acttacker

28th November 2010 - Victims walking into the forest - characters needed: all the victims

1st December 2010 - Victims in the forest - characters needed: all the victims and the attacker

4th December 2010 - Victims in the forest - characters needed: all the victims and the attacker


Editing days

6th December  2010 - load everything that was filmed and put it in order according to the storyboard

8th December 2010 - delete clips that are not needed to make it easier to edit the ones needed

10th December 2010 - edit the needed clips and add sound/music

13th December 2010 - finalise the trailer

Final Trailer planning

For our  media lesson, our group begun planning our final trailer. We split some of the work between us and completed a synopsis for our trailer. We also went around looking for suitable characters for our production and started our story boarding. We also started to think about locations and props as well as producing and sketching out a time table for production and planning.

Actors

The Killer (main actor) - Claudio De Franca

Attacker 1 - Jake Robinson
Attacker 2 - Jordan Stock
Attacker 3 - Claudio De Franca
Victim 1 - Joy Kamau
Victim 2 - Daniel Thomas
Victim 3 - Kojo Appiah
Victim 4 - Silvia

Advanced Portfolio Planning

In todays lesson, we looked at planning for our final production. Below is a list of evidences needed in our planing.

Provide evidence of research into similar products and potential target adience


Evidence of organisation of actors, models, location, props and costumes


Provide work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding


Evidence of care in the presentation of the research and planning


Time management


Communication skills


Skills in the use of digital technology or ICT in the presentation

Analysing Film Trailers

In our media lesson today, we were focusing on film trailers. We were asked to watch a few trailers then analyse them. Our aim was to pick out key techniques and effects to use later on in our own trailers. We looked at different film genres such as comedy, scifi, horror and action.

Hell Boy 2 "The Golden Army" Link to Hell Boy 2 trailer video

The title of this film is used as a selling point by the use of the word "HELL". This helps to attract the viewer as well as give a hint of the film genre type. The addition of the number "2" at the ending of the title, is an indication of a continuation for the first film, therfore attracting its followers to watch more.

The creatures presented in this trailer helps to identify the genre as a sci-fi. In addition to this, the explosions that are presented in the trailer also present it as an action based film.

It is important for a distributor to highlight the genre of a film so that viewers can decide at first glance whether its a film of their taste. It also helps to attract its targeted audience easily. The company that distributed this film was " Universal Pictures". They made sure that the individual highlighted in the trailer was "Hell Boy" himself. They achieved this through the the close ups of the main character. The camera focuses on him a lot more compard to the othe characters.

This trailer also incorporates recommendations by including text that shows what other films the director might have created. This would immediately attract a loyal viewers eye. This trailer also includes its company logo as an incorporated recommendation.

Additionally, the fast paced music/ soundtrack in the background of the trailer is also a key technique that presents the film as action packed. Its also a technique that keeps the viewer interested and glued to the screen. The deep voice over in the trailer also sets the mood of the film. It helps to give the trailer the dark, evil effect that adds to the suspense.

The misce en scene, sound, camera and editing appeals to its targeted audience very clearly. It helps to clearly show that its a film not suited for children. These different methods also helps to attract its targeted audience.

"By the time I get to Phoenix" music video/ Evaluation

For this task, we were put in to groups and asked to create a music video of a given song. My group were given the song "By the time i get to phoenix by Glen Campbell.

 Before starting the production of our music video, we decided to research it further so that we could get a feel of what genre the song was in as well as the time in which the music might have been produced. Looking at the original music video, we came to a conclusion that it was too boring and olden. The original video only focused on the main character and we found that boring as well. Below is the link to the original video by Glen campbell.

"By the time I get to Phoneix" original by Glen Campbell

Before filming our version of the video, we decided to modernise it a bit but still keep it in black and white. This would help keep the olden day age effect but have clips from our modern age. We planned our video on a story board and went through the different camrea angles we might use as well as the different effects.

Using Goodwin's theory, we decided to include shots of the main character/Artist. This ensured that the main character was clearly portrayed to the audience. Another Goodwin's theory technique that was used, was the link between the lyrics and the visual. Our music video did not only have shots of the main character but also included a story line.

Our version of the music video, included an establishing shot, zooming in and out shots, medium shots, long shots and close ups. We tried our best to include as many shots as possible to help make it look more professional and neat. As well as filming, we were then given the task to edit our finished videos. Our group included transitions and the black and white theme. We also included scenes that slowed down bits of our video.

When evaluating our music video, I would say that the stability of our shots were quite good and constant as we used a tripod for most of our shots. We also made sure we shot clips in different areas, therfore giving our video a good misce en scene. We finally posted our finished video on youtube. I have attached a link of our video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZum2JXg4VY&feature=fvsr

How to documentary Video: "How to play drums"

For this task, we were asked to make a documentary of our choice. This could have anything to do with our interests or any random subject. I personally chose to produce a short video on how to drum. Before beginning my filming, I researched other how to videos on youtube to get a sense of what to do. After this, i decided to plan my video. I was determined to use my media skills such as the use of camera angles and editing to produce my video.

I also kept in mind the "misce en scene" of my video. Whiles filming my video, I used different camera angles such as a high angle shot, a low angle shot, over the shoulder shot and many more. I decided to use a new type of camera shot which is also known as the "key hole shot". This shot helps to give the illusion of spying. With the use of "misce en scene", I decided to set my video in a brightly lighted room to ensure that everything could be seen clearly and also give the effect of a light hearted rock theme.

After the completion of my filming, it was time to edit my video. To achieve this, I used a mac movie editing software. My editings included transitions and effects. I included the slow motion effect and also a colour texturising effect. I then posted my video on youtube. Below is the link to my completed video.

Social Realism

The most "typically British" of all film genres.

• Social realism shows us to ourselves and gives a taste of what real British film culture is like.
• Realism carried high brow connotations of education and seriousness.
• In 1950's the documentary movement held sway and in 1960's British new wave took over.
• New wave films tended to address issues around masculinity that would become common in British realism.
• Descendants of the realistic flowering at BBC in the 1960's, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh assessed the impact of social realism.



Social Realism Films

Social realism films over the ages includes:

• 
  
  Up the Junction
• 
  
  KES
• 
  
  The Full Monty
• 
  
  This is England
• 
  
  Kidulthood/Adulthood

Techniques of Social Realism

• 
  
  Use of authentic locations
• 
  
  Actors with regional accents
• 
  
  No Hollywood stars
• 
  
  Lack of 'big' names- pool of actors well known for appearances in T.V dramas.
• 
  
  Narratives deal with social issues such as; unemployment, divorce, family breakdown etc.
• 
  
  Usually twist of British humour
• 
  
  Gritty
• 
  
  Naturalistic filming techniques- observational style
• 
  
  Spontaneous naturalistic action (Loach)
• 
  
  Non professional actors
• 
  
  Lead characters are 'ordinary' working class.

Importance of having a British Industry

The British industry is important to both the British public as wel as the outside public.
This is due to the fact that the British industry gives an insight on the culture. It allows
this British culture to be spread and noticed around the world through film. The british industry also mocks the British culture as well as upholds its certain values. Overall we could say that the
British film industry is a mirror in which we see ourselves and the window through which
the window sees us.

A2 Media: Andrew Goodwins Theory on Music Videos & Analysis of music videos

For our media lesson, we discussed Andrew Goodwin's theory on music videos. He talks about the key features which distinguish a music video as a form. These include:

1. There is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals.
2. Relationship between music and visuals (e.g. Pace of music relate to speed of visual)
3. Particular music genres may have their own music video style and iconography
4. There will be a demand on the part of the record company for a lot of close ups of the main artists or vocalist.
5. There is likely to be reference to voyeurism: ( e.g. Something your not suppose to see : looking through a key hole shot)
6. There are likely to be intertextual references linking to other music videos or films.

After discussing these theories, we were then asked to analyse some music videos using Goodwin's theory.

Country: Hoe down throw down by: Miley Cyrus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlnbmZK7GxU

 I would say that is music video follows Goodwins theory of the relationship between the lyrics and the visual. This is evident at the beginning of the video where the beats are illustrated through words. For example "Boom Boom Clap..".  This video also follows the typical music genre of country music.

Hip Hop/ Grime: Look what the cat dragged in by: Giggs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIUL10qOeR8

Goodwin's theory in relation to this music video, reveals that this video demands a lot of close up on the main artist and vocalist. It also follows the typical Hip hop/Grime genre, meaning this particular music genre has its own video style and iconography.

Pop: 3 by: Britney Spears http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QubWKLQUrN0&ob=av2e

This muisic video definitely follows Goodwin's theory of demanding close ups of the vocalist, in this case Britney Spears. There is also a relationship between the music and the visuals. The faster the tempo, the faster the transitions between shots.

Boy Band/ Pop : Rule the world by: Take That http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KII1ruAfvsg

This music video follows its particular music genre style and iconography. There are also quite a few close ups of the main vocalists, in this case the whole band.

Heavy Metal: Thunderstruck by: AC/DC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f1cwycSWq0

This video has a relationship between the visuals and the music. For example the explosions in the video matches the tempo and base of the music.

A2 Media : The Phone Call

For this lesson, we were required to use our camera skills to plan and produce a short film name "The Phone Call". We were asked to get into groups and share roles such as editing, directing and acting.  The planning of this task was quite helpful as it enabled our group to put forward ideas of what our film would be about. We were asked to plan our film using story boards. We decided to go for a film about a threatening phone call and with our previous planning, we managed to get filming straight away.

When filming, we had had to keep in mind the different camera angles that would make our film look professional. Some of these camera shots included the establishing shot, dolly shot, swish pam shot and many others. After filming, we were then asked to edit our films to perfect it. As it was our first time using the Apple laptop software to edit, we found it a bit difficult to get the hang of it. On the other hand, our group managed to include one or two transitions as well as adding a starting title and a finishing text. Finally, after the completion of planning, filming and editing our film, we uploaded it onto youtube and i have placed a link of our video below.

A2 Media : Walk Around the School

For this task, our aim was to create an un edited film/tour of St Marks. The main aim of this task was to show the different camera shots and ideas that we could come up with as well as inform new students of the schools facilities and subjects. We were asked to get into groups and produce a no less than 10 minutes film. Our group consisted of two participants and our roles included a camera man and a guide/interviewee. We aimed this short film at new students hoping to be persuaded in attending our school. To ensure a positive attendance and persuasion, we decided to make our film informal and relaxed. This would have made the film more enjoyable and entertaining to watch. We also decided to use different shots such as a wide shot, dolly shot, swish pam shots, over the shoulder shots and many more. To ensure a professional look to our film, we decided to use a tripod in some scenes to eliminate shakeness. As we werent allowed to add any editing to our film, it still had an amatuer look to it. Hopefully in our next task which involves the use of editing softwares, our next video would be far better than our first.