My interim grade is:

B-2-1-1-1

I have set myself three targets to get my aspirational grade which is an A, and the three targets will reflect the way I work until the exams. The three targets are;

1. Go through all my notes and start revising for my exam, which isn't very far away and it will mean I need to do a lot of revision, which is why I will be creating a revision timetable to help know what and when I need to revise.
2. In order for me to pass my exams for media, I will need to attend each lesson and if I miss any lessons I will need to catch up on the work so I don't miss anything out, this will ensure that I get the work I missed out on and revise it.
3. Finally I have given myself a target to work really hard in my practical production group and get an A in my coursework.
   

Nest Best Step..

I will need to achieve my target and mainly focus on my exam and my coursework, and to reach my aspirational grade.

Key Concepts- Audience

Introduction

Media has become world domination and people go through each day using some sort of media form, from iPods to billboards to the news. It has taken over people’s lives as media has become virtually a corruption in peoples mind as some say they can’t live without “Media”. We as the audience consume hours of media through internet, TV and even radio and it can have a major influence on people as they become addicted in using some sort of media throughout their lives. There are many criticism that they content of media text can be somewhat freighting and causes the audience to behave different ways thus showing the influence the media has on some lives.

Historical background

Media was only a time where families would stay at home and watch from a small boxed TV and gather neighbours to sit and enjoy hours of watching TV and radio. The media was a tent of security in families and some would say entertainment was only by watching and listening to the TV and radio. Although the introduction of the media soon become a world fantasy where entertainment wasn’t just in homes but in the streets, in shopping centres and even in people hands.

The arrival of the Media has changed the world as it has created a diversion through people as some people may still watch films in theatres, a vast majority of others spend their time in the four walls of their homes and downloads instance movies of the internet as well as record and produce their own films and post them on the web. We have not only been the consumers of media, as media has developed and changed people have adapted to the wonderful change as people are producing and publishing their own work for the world to see in a matter of instance. Video games are not just played at home now; people walk the streets and carry little technologies called PSP, where entertainment and fun is in the hands of people. The way media has changed the world in not only through adults but children, as they don’t like to spend hours of playing outside with friends but see it as an a chance to stay indoors and play computer games which as a matter of a fact has become a very popular industry.

The Audience as a “Mass”

The media has not only become a centre of people’s homes through family but there has been criticism of people of experiencing the media on their own and becoming a socially excluded from society. Other key facts is that wherever people are in the world they as the audience for the media text receive the same thing in the exact same time. From the last hundred years TV, radio and photography were invented and at this time captured the world as they were able to gave into this media text and call it entertainment.

Self Evaluation

Attainment

1- I have given myself a 1 for my attainment as I feel that I work consistently well and put a lot of effort in my work which has shown my understanding of the subject to be at a good level.

Effort

2- I have given myself a 2 for effort as I feel I do put a lot of hard work in class and in my work, however if I get more involved in class discussions and working with others will make my achievements greater.

Punctuality

1- My punctuality is very good and have no problem being on time to lessons, which is why I have graded myself a 1.

Submission and quality of homework

1- My submission of my work is always to my very best of ability as I put a lot of effort and time in doing my work, which is always handed in on time, therefore I have given myself a 1.

Ability to work independently

1-I think I'm able to work better independently, than in a group because i feel it enhances my chances of putting my own opinion and ideas in my work.


Quality of writing

2- I think my quality of writing is good because I'm able to use the right grammer, spelling and punctuation, however I should improve by using a concept flow when writing essays.


Organisation of media folder

1- I have organised my folder in a way that separates the two teachers work and the 3 different areas we are studying. This will help me refer back to when I'm doing my revesion.

Oral contribution in class

3- I feel as though I need to contribute more in class discussions and give my own opinion of my views, although at times I do suggest things which is why I have given myself a 3.

Contributions to your practical production groups

1- I think I put a lot of hard work into the reseach of our practical production as I have equally contributied alongside my group members. As I shared my ideas and views on things which helped create a good balance within the group.

WWW...


- I am able to work independently by myself

- My submission of my work has been of a good quality and submitted on time

-My understanding of this course has allowed to develop my knowledge in media

EBI....

-Get more involved in class discussions

-Structure my work using the concept flow

- Try and be more involved in groups

Next Best Step..Film Language Essay- Media Language Linked Together

The lighting used within this extract is very high key as it signifies the humour and comedy that is seen from the two characters, this then automatically allows the audience to identify the genre of the film. The high key lighting is used to show the characters body language and facial expressions which allow the audience to see the two protagonists as the main focus, which is accompanied by the setting as the director has used it to make it as realistic as possible for the audience to reflect upon the natural side of the characters. This is when they see the two characters wearing tuxedoes to a job interview that requires them to do cleaning, which then again highlights the comedy genre. As the characters enter each room the sound that can be clearly heard is the diegetic sound which is mostly the dialogue from the characters, however non-diegetic sound is also used to show the excitement and energy the characters portray thus connoting the genre which allows the audience to indentify with the characters. The sound works well with the cinematography used as the camera movements and angles help to connote a meaning from the characters. An example of this is at the beginning of the extract where it appears as though a medium shot has been used when the two characters sit down at the table eating breakfast. The possible purpose of the director using this shot was to let the scene coincide with the setting to allow the audience to familiarise themselves as if they were there, which makes it very realistic. There is use of diegetic sound which comes in the form of a TV which is used to accompany the dialogue from the characters while they discuss the events on the TV. As the characters talk, the camera zooms from the long shot of their bodies to the close-up shot of their faces to show their facial expressions. Long shots were used to show the setting and the costumes which for the audience allows them to understand the surroundings. There is a clear juxtaposition between the camera shots and the editing as it shows a natural straight cut from one person to the other which allows the audience to stay more focused and adapt to each setting thus enticing the audience to watch more.

Film Language Essay

Step Brothers

In this essay I will be analysing 2-3 minutes of an extract and discussing in depth the different aspects of film language, as these include mise-en-scene, lighting, sound, cinematography and editing. I will also be discussing the purpose they have and the effect it may have on the audience. The film I have chosen to analyse is called Step Brother which was directed by Adam Mckay in 2005. It is about two brothers both aged 39 years old who become step brothers after their parents get married, and become very competitive due to their spoilt lives.

I will be analysing from 2:00-5:00 of the extract as it shows all the elements of film language. The costumes worn in this part of the extract by the two protagonists is a tuxedo suit, which shows the comedy to the film as they have a job interview they wear tuxedo's. However other characters seem to dress smart as it shows the professional side and more seriousness to the trailer, when they go to each interview the interviewer shows they are being serious as to how formally they are dressing which then shows that they need to start behaving like adults and be professional.

Moreover the body language and facial expression show yet again what genre this film is for example at 2:30 to 3:05 it shows the body language of the two characters as they walk into the interview room, it shows how they are acting which is a childish manner thus showing them not being serious and this was used to entertain the audience which is the purpose of this comedy genre. The setting of this part of the extract is within different rooms which shows a multiple rooms and in each room a different job role is required, for example in the first room is a small room which is a cleaning agency and doesn't show much of the room however in the bigger office it shows more of the setting as the camera shows different angles of the room to give the audience a clue in where the characters are, which enables them to be more vigilant and focused. There aren't clear props used within this trailer but other than the kitchen items like the cutlery, however the TV was another prop used which was a used to create a parallel sound and the director might have used this to make it seem more realistic for the audience. The actors and actresses that star in this film are well suited for the genre as they portray two middle aged men acting like children which shows a funny side to them and they are also very famous actors which allows the audience to enjoy the movie as they have previously been in other films and people are familiar with the character for example Will Ferrell is known for playing an amusing character as he has stared in many comedy films like Elf and Blades of Glory. This then allows the audience to decide whether they want to watch a film depending on the actors that star in it.

The lighting used within this scene is very high key as it signifies the humour and comedy that is seen from the two characters. In the first part of this 3 minutes analysis the lighting isn't very bright as the characters are in their house but when they go to the office building the lighting becomes brighter to emphasis theexcitement that will happen. The lighting is very high key in all rooms but in the third room they enter, it becomes low key lighting when they are told they never got the job, and the director might have used this to show the seriousness and allow the audience to make judgement of whether they deserved it or not thus allowing the audience to interact and be more involved with in the film. The use of high key lighting is used to capture the lighting on the characters facial expressions when they talk to emphasis on what they might do next which again keeps the audience more focused. In 2:23 of the extract the lighting is more focused on the protagonist rather than the female actress and the director might have used this to show the audience who the main characters were and how their role was significant in the film, additionally other aspects that help the lighting become high key within this part of the extract is the ceiling light which helps act as top lighting which accentuates the features of the characters to again emphasis on their facial expressions. The lighting used in this extract also helps create an atmosphere for the audience as it conveys happiness and enjoyment which again works help identify the comedy genre.

The sound used in the extract are both diegetic and non-diegetic, this is because dialogue from the characters used is part of the sound heard from the audience. The main focus is the non-diegetic sound used and this part comes in when the two protagonist are sitting in the lobby waiting to be called. The sound begins very loud as the camera movement slows down and this is to emphasizes on the actions that the characters are doing. There is a clear sound bridge from one scene to the next as it shows the characters being in the lobby to them in the interview room. The music played goes well with the scene as it shows confidence before they enter the room and it goes well with the actions them portray. However when they go into the interview the sound becomes quieter but can still be heard to make it more entertaining and the director has used this to show the that the characters emotions through the interviews and the music coincides with the dialogue as they are speaking in a non-formal manner when having an interview which shows the director creating irony to keep the audience watching more.

Within this extract I am analysing the cinematography and this involves camera shots and camera movement. There are different camera angles used and camera movements for example at the beginning of the extract there is a shot of the two characters sitting on the table eating breakfast and that's a medium shot and this is used to coincide with the setting, so the director can make it as realistic as possible. It then moves on to another medium shot of the father talking to his son, which shows his body movement. At 2:33 of this extract the camera shot of the women walking towards the camera is a medium shot but then moves to a medium shot as she comes closer, then the camera moves to show the two protagonists as they stand up there is a tracking shot following the to the room.

The director might have used this camera movement and shot to keep a main focus on the two characters as they are told to go in and this was before the pan movement was used when the characters were walking past as this was used to emphasis on the characters physical side to make them look superior, which is then followed by a long shot of them walking away. At 2:57 there is a close up on the women to show he facial expressions as they introduce her character, but when the camera moves on to the protagonists there is a medium shot, and this was used because it shows their body language and what they might do next. The camera then becomes a point of view shot when the women is looking to the man and the director has used to show the audience a different perspective, as though the audience is the women so we can identify as to what she is feeling thus allowing a certain involvement of the audience. From 2:56 to 3:39, there is a clear shot reverse shot being used as the camera is moves from one of the characters to the other as this shows that they are talking turns when speaking and it also shows a close up of the women's face because she seems to be expressing more emotional feelings as she gets very frustrated with the men as they keep interupting and telling her to shut up. The director has used this shot allow the audience to be more interacted as the empathises with the female due to the nonsense she is taking and this keeps the audience more focused to keep watching more.

The editing used in this extract starts off with one continuing edit that moves on smoothly, however when it gets to the 2:56 to 5:12 there is a lot of straight cut editing used to make the audience more focused on the characters rather than the editing.

In conclusion from looking at all of the aspects and analysing them in depth it has shown me that when using all the film language, like lighting, sound, cinematography, editing and mise-en-scene they all help create a powerful narrative that allows the audience to stay more focused and watching. It gives it a different element that can be developed to allow the audience to even get involved by using different camera shots and camera movements. The lighting and sound both collectively works together to enhance the audience perception in what they are watching and to keep them more vigilant when using shots like jump shot. The director works closely with all the experts to produce a production that gets the audience wanting to watch more and develops ways to get them all working together smoothly so the audience can't tell when a cut is occurring or when the sound changes, etc.

How Film Trailers Are used to Attract an Audience

The Chronicles of Narnia:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe


(British)


Fantasy

In this trailer there are many aspects that are emphasised, for example the editing used is very precise as each clip smoothly cuts to the next to entice the audience to keep watching. At some parts of this trailer the director uses a jump cut so when the audience are focused on something, another shot is placed so they quickly focus on that for example at 1:57 to 2:09 of this trailer is that the shots move so fast that the audience feel a tension as the narrative develops from showing the characters at the beginning, to them being in a war thus developing the story to make the audience understand what's happening and keep them interested. The editing used is a fast pace montage sequence that works very well with the camera shots which is another aspect that is emphasised to connect with the audience and keep them watching, for example at the beginning of the trailer it shows a little boy walking in a wardrobe, and a point of view shot is used and this was because it helps the audience be in the position of the boy and see what he sees which gets the audience more involved as they identify with the character thus making the watch more. Other camera shots and camera movement that is an aspect which is emphasised is the use of crane shot used and this can be seen repeatedly throughout the trailer as it shows one aspect of the mise-en-scene which is the setting, and this was used to allow the audience to see the location of this trailer which shows not only the setting but also the characters for example at 1:28 it shows a wide shot of the setting but the characters are shown to emphasis the power of the protagonist, which is the white witch.

The genre of the trailer can be identify through the use of mise-en-scene for example the props that are used within this trailer can be seen as supernatural for example the magical potion that the little girl uses identifies the fictional narrative which then shows the fantasy genre. Other props that are used to see the fantasy genre is the use of props like swords, tents and the fire bow and arrow however other things that accompany props is the characters costumes for example the armour clothes that they wear during the war can be seen in ancient times which shows the genre of fantasy. The characters themselves identify the genre because the talking animals are things that would be seen in animations and by the director using them show a major aspect of the genre for the audience to quickly understand what the genre of the film is they will be watching. The sound is another aspect that can help identify the genre of this trailer for example the sound used in this trailer is very fast paced when the editing moves fast, for example at the beginning of the trailer there is a loud chime sound which keeps the audience focused, but as it continues the sound becomes faster as the editing becomes faster and this is used to have the audience focused and keep up with the narrative and within this trailer there is a sound bridge used for example before the lion is shown at the end we the audience can hear the raw which in a way tells the audience what to expect before seeing is. Other features of the genre of this trailer being established is through the use of narrative for example in most fantasy films there is usually a conflict between good and evil and in the film there is a conflict between the White Witch and Aslan which shows that the genre of this trailer is fantasy. With all these aspect shown the genre is easily identified.

From just looking at this trailer the target audience is very clear as the genre of the film stands out because of the mise-en-scene. From just looking and hearing at the trailer it seems as though that the main target audience would be children aged 7-12 and this is because aspects like the characters show that it's based for children and stars children as they are able to portray a magical world better than adult would. They would also be able to identify with the children characters and pretend to be like them, going on a magical quest. Other aspects that establish and identify the target audience from what I see is the colours used within this trailer, for example there are a lot of bright colours used which connotes adventure and happiness thus again showing the target audience being children.

The trailer shows that this film is worth seeing as it has many features that are suitable for the target audience for example the fast pace editing used help create energy which the audience prefer when this type of genre is used. It shows different elements of the trailer making it very exciting and understanding for the audience to acknowledge what happens in the film for example the different characters show like the talking animals and the land making it seem very fictional and fantasy which the whole family can enjoy to watch. The locations used in this trailer help accompany the camera work used to bring the characters to life and also set an enigma at parts of the film when the audience will ask what will happen next. As the trailer lasts 2:28 it gives more information but also lets the audience decide whether they want to watch the film or not, moreover it also allows them to see all the characters and determine whether they are people they like watching or not. The faster the editing becomes to more it entices the audience and make them want to watch more.

The conventions that are easily recognisable within this trailer are things like the montage used to create a face pace shot to entice the audience which keeps them watching, and the length of the trailer isn't that long because if it gets long people won't want to watch the film as the trailer has given to much away, but if its short and fast but at the same time gives a bit away it helps the audience understand the narrative. The institutional image and logo is another conventions that is recognised and has been placed to show the audience which company distributed the film for example some companies are good at producing and distributing horror, fantasy or action films and the target audience might see a institutional logo and want to what the film because they trust they distribute good films. The music used in another convention as it helps create an atmosphere for the audience to understand what mood the film is based upon e.g. in this trailer the mood set it more energetic because of the visual image which moves so fast that it doesn't really stay on for long to the audience to see what it is making it another convention along side the voice-over used to help show the narrative for example the first part of this trailer there is a voice over used by one of the characters talking about what will happen in the film but not giving away to much and this is used to allow the audience to understand what is happening. The use of dramatic angles help show different parts of the film and setting for example a lot of crane shot is used to show both the characters and setting to allow the audience to familiarise themseleves in the postition of the character by using shots like point of view shot. In this trailer the title is shown at the end of the film to allow the audience to see what happens and even try and work out what the film might be called if they are watching a TV advert, which is another convention which goes with the release date shown at the end of the film because it shows the audience when the film will be shown in local cinemas if they want to go and watch. Finally another convention that this trailer shows is the use of having the director and producers names at the end of the trailer which allows the audience to see if they know the director from other films they might have produced.

In conclusion the use of mise-en-scene, editing, sound and cinematography help film trailer attract the audience to watch the film and if any of these aspect were missing, it wouldn't appeal to the audience so much to watch the film.

Cinematography extracts from different era's

The Devil's Rain
(1975)

The Devil's Rain is a 1975 film directed by Robert Fuest and staring Ernest Borgnine. The beginning of this extract we can see that the first shot used was a medium shot which was used to interpret the difference between the characters accompanying the mise-en-scene. The characters positioning used was to convey a meaning of importance and the actors clothing helped create a narrative for the audience by using just one shot which also worked with the lighting which created shadows setting an enigma already. As the extract continues the camera movement was used to show the setting of the scene and a close up shot was also used to introduce other characters, however from 0:12 to 0:13 seconds of this extract there is a quick camera movement from one character to the other and this could signify that one character is more important the other. At this point the camera works with the lighting to help set an enigma and create suspense, for example at 0:15 to 0:18 of this extract the camera angle used is a low and high angle this was to show the difference between the characters i.e. a high angle shot was used when the camera show the man with the red cape as he looked down at people which can connote his power and superiority over his people, then at 0:18 a low angle shot was used to show the inferiority of the other man as he looked at to the man, which connotes his terror.

The clothing that the characters wore helped show the characters attributes for example the red cape the man wore would connote evilness and danger which helped linked with the typography of the Devil which now started to help the audience understand the narrative. As the extract continues the audience are able to see that there is a mixed shot used in this part of the scene because there is an object that shows people moving around and shouting and zooms up to their faces but the shot still remains a medium shot which is an good way to convey a message to the audience. As the extract finishes it the camera stays a medium shot which also shows the surrounding of the characters but the lighting still remains low key.

The Casino
(1995)

This is an extract from the film The Casino made in 1995 and created by Martin Scorsese and staring Robert De Niro as a mob-connected casino operator. In this extract the scene shown is of two men walking through a building and the camera movement there is a tracking movement as the camera follows the two men as they walk. The scene began with a crane shot moving in as the men walked to the room, while they were walking the camera followed them as a tracking shot from behind, which the developed into a pan camera movement and this might have been used to show other aspects of the mise-en-scene like the setting and other characters so the audience were able to familiarise them self into the characters shoes by identifying the characters emotions. When the camera was tracking with the two men from behind a long shot was used to show how the actors appeared which then moved onto a wide shot to show the setting and people within it this was because the audience can understand how the scene would have developed.

The lighting used in this extract was high key lighting and this was used to show the setting and other characters. The environment was very loud because other people were talking and this showed that diegetic sound was used to make it seem more lively. Althought at the beginning of this extract the lighting was very low key, and the lamp post was shinning down at the the two men which could indicate thier importance and power. At 1:01 of the extract the camera is positioned behind the characters to show that the camera was a thrid person watching from the side, however as they moved around it showed they were surrounding the man, thus again showing their might and power. At the end of this extract there is a clip a nun, and the camera shot used there was a medium shot, and this was to introduce the woman, but her surroundings weren't shown.

Key Differences

The key difference from these two extract is that the first extract was set in a dark area, which connoted evil and danger.

The second extract was in a bright loud area, with lots of characters which showed energy and excitement.

In the first extract there weren't a lot of camera movement, but the camera shots moved from one person to another.

There is a lot of camera movement because ther camera focused on the two men which showed a tracking movement.

In the first extract there were a lot of high and low angles used, to show the difference between the characters, e.g. superiority and inferiority.

There were more close up shots in the first extract, and more long shots in the second extract and this would be because it accompanied it's genre, for example in the first extract there were a lot of use close up shots which showed seriousness, and in the second extract there were long shots which connoted energy and excitement.

Summary

In conclusion the use of camera angles and movements help make the film more adaptable for the audience and it helps create the genre for the audience to understand, for example close up shots can make the genre a horror and long shots can make the film a action/adventure genre. From looking at these two extract I can see that cinematography has developed and change the way people lsee films, it has changed and become better. The directors use camera shots and movements to connect with the audience and make them move involved by using point of view shots, which helps the audience understand and identify the characters emotions. Overall in my opinion camera movement and shots help create and develop a film, it's the backbone of the film and plays a significant role in film making.