The Storyboard for WHO

Aloha!

In this post I will be inserting the images that were drawn for our new movie - WHO

The images on the below are all in order..


So please have a look!




















































Thank you for looking at these images of our storyboard and we hope you are interested in watching our movie!

Editing and Meaning in a Thriller Genre

Aloha!

During this week of lessons, I learnt many new things. For example, the Kuleshov Effect, the Niche genre and the editing and meaning that takes place in a thriller genre

This blog is about, as you already guessed, Editing and Meaning in a Thriller Genre.

To start off, as a class, we watched the opening of the movie "se7en". Which I must say is very gruesome.

 As well as that, our teacher had asked us to answer some questions whilst watching the opening. They were: 

1. How does the editing construct meaning in the opening sequence of "se7en"?

To answer this, the beginning of the movie, an eerie music is added in to give the audience a sense of suspense and unnatural behavior. In addition, the introduction is full of different shots and scenes of things going on. For example, blades and writing, a lot of artsy action like sticking images on paper and looking at video reels. This leads the audience to think about the man is really doing and feel obliged to watch the whole movie. 

2.  How does the opening titles of se7en communicate meaning about the killer?

The opening titles of the movie is practically like telling a story as it starts off with an empty book and ends with the book almost full. The shots in between show the book in progress of filling up. For example, a person holding a pen and writing within the book and pages being turned.
Furthermore, there is change in dynamics with the sound being played in the background. If listened closely, the beginning of the clip has slow and mysterious music but the end has violent and compelling music. This could explain a lot about the character; his thoughts or even actions. 

Overall, this opening clip helped me to understand that the opening of a movie is immensely important as the scene of the entire movie is set and is where the audience decides whether they want to watch the movie or not. 


Thank you for reading this blog!

The Moodboard for "My Bestfriend's Man"

Aloha!

This blog is all about the mood board that me and my group created for our film - "My Bestfriend's Man"
In the images below, you will be able to see how we had characterized each of the three characters, whose names were as the following:
Michael Lewis
Courtney hill
Katherine Lopez

Mood boards are originally produced because they let the creator(s) experiment with ideas. These allow the creator(s) show the audience a proposed look/ a vision they have in mind. 




In the images of the mood boards in this blog, the basics of each of the characters are established.  This was a baseline to what we as a group were going to stick to whilst directing. 

I hope this was helpful and you understand what we had in mind whilst directing the actors for out movie. 


Thank you!

The Kuleshov Effect

Aloha!

Today I will be explaining something that most of you probably haven't heard before. It's called the Kuleshov effect.

The correct definition is -  "The Kuleshov Effect is a film (montage) effect demonstrated by Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov in the 1910's and 1920's. It is a mental phenomenon by which viewers derive more meaning from the interaction of two sequential shots than from a single shot in isolation."

In class today, we watched a clip called “2001 a space odyssey - the dawn of man” and we had to write about the introduction.

We got given two question to answer and below I have got them as well as the answers 

1. "What meaning is being created/communicated?"

Within the opening, the clip shows dominance of the Gorilla over the Tapie. This is because the Tapie wanted to eat the same food of the gorilla but the gorilla does not allow that. This could be trying to portray that humans are very possessive over their objects and they do not let anybody touch their things. 
Furthermore, another meaning that could be created is the idea of survival. As shown in the beginning of the clip, a gorilla gets attacked by a cat, speaking practically, a gorilla is a lot more stronger than a cat but the clip shows that everyone is trying to survive their own way. 

In addition, I would say that in this movie, the audience understands that the theme of evolution is presented throughout, as the gorillas represent us, humans. 

2. “How is it being communicated”

These ideas are being communicated with the Kuleshov effect. The audience is shown one scene, then cut to another and then shown the original scene. Suspense is built up, which is why this effect is used particularly well within directors. 
To add to that, the different sounds in the clips also help the audience understand what is going on. 

Continuity Editing

Aloha!

Today I learned some new terms within the topic of continuity editing.

The first one is called continuity editing  - 

This is the predominant style of film editing and video editing in the post-production process of film making of narrative films and TV shows.

This makes the video seem almost natural and everything flows. 

Secondly, there is a continuity editing called match on action - 

Cutting on action or matching on action refers to a film editing and video editing techniques where the editor cute from one shot to another view that matches the first shot's action. 

An example would be a man walking up to a door and reaching for the knob. 

Next, is shot/reverse shot - 

This is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character (often off screen) and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. 

As shown on the right, there is a little explanation on shot/reverse shot and the images provided will help understand that this term of continuity editing is used very frequently. 


Lastly, I learnt about the 180 degree rule - 

With this rule, people are able to understand where everything in the scene is. So, the director films a scene, using separate shots. 

As you can see on the photo on the left, scenes that are shot will only make sense if they are within a an angle of 180 degrees. 

Codes and Conventions of the Thriller Genre

Aloha!

In this post, I'll be stepping aside from my movie - My Best friend's man - and be talking about the thriller genre. If people are confused with the difference between a thriller and a horror movie, let me explain..


A thriller movie is full of suspense. For example; The Dark Knight, The Maze Runner, Everest, Southpaw, Jurassic World and many more.

Whereas, a horror movie is chilling, spooky and creepy. Some examples would be, 
Sinister, Insidious, The Conjuring, Paranormal Activities and the list is endless.

Now, let's talk about the codes and conventions of the thriller genre. 

Here are some of the main things an audience would find in a thriller movie: 
- suspense and excitement is created 
- usually set in an urban or suburban area
- violence can be central to these films
- the hero and villain will have opposite sides but will have similar characteristics
- a major topic within thriller movies can be said is the injustice within society
- the hero is often an outsider, isolated but has moral values. 

So, what is a thriller exactly?
A thriller movie usually consists of a battle between the protagonist and antagonist. (just to be sure, a protagonist is the leading/main character and an antagonist either opposes the protagonist strongly or is hostile).
The producers leave the tension and suspense for the climax of the movie to keep the audience on edge the entire time. 
As the protagonist is the main character, his/her role is to restore justice whilst the antagonist seeks to destroy it. 

These are the conventions of a thriller: 
- Low key lighting
- quick cuts
- shadows
- tension music
- changes in the angle of shots
- diegetic sound of breathing 
- black and white shots
- a montage of shots


The characters:
- The protagonist is often a brave male who seeks to restore the stability. 
- The antagonist will have a hidden identity that the audience uncovers as the movie progresses
- The antagonist commonly goes out for revenge from a past event. 

Cinematography of a thriller:
- A lot of close ups as well as extreme close ups, mainly of the protagonist character
- These camera angles are often used to show emotions
- The shots of the antagonist will be cut quickly so the audience don't know of him/her until later. For example, a back shot, a lot-key shot, a silhouette or even a shadow

Editing of a thriller:
Many jump cuts will take place as the audience has to be kept unaware but also have to remember them for later on. This will eventually lead to the movie making sense. 
To build suspense, directors regularly use cross cutting and it is also essential for a thriller. 

The sound in a thriller:
Music is essential, whether it be in a thriller, adventure or even romantic movie. It helps to understand the mood of specific characters. 
In thriller movies, music adds to the suspense and tension

Mise en scene:
- For a thriller location is important because the audience can establish the theme 
- Often low-key lighting is used.
- The costumes for the protagonist will be ordinary and everyday clothes but for the antagonist will be in dark clothes.
- Make-up and hair-styles 
- Acting
- Film stoke (Black+white, colorful, Fine-grain or grainy)

At this moment of time, I really hope that all the information above has cleared up any turmoil or has given some completely new knowledge.

Thank you and I'll be back with some more new information!

Development - The Synopsis

Aloha!

So, today I'll be talking about another step in the development part of my short film,

It's called the synopsis. 

In this part, me and my group had to pitch our film by telling the entire class our synopsis. 

Let me just clear up any confusions, a synopsis is - simply a clear, factual summary of the novel's/movie's story line. 

It's a bit difficult to speak of your movie and not telling them what exactly happens because you never know when you might give anything away!

Long story short, me and my group of girls had pitched perfectly and had also answered questions without giving the film away. 

Within the synopsis, we talked about our character's names, which were the following:

Michael Lewis,

Katherine Lopez

Courtney Hill

The girls are best friends and this is where Michael's character comes in..

I can't give away any more but once I've talked through most of the stages me and my group went through for this film; I'll most probably upload it onto this site!

When writing a synopsis, even if it's for a short film, it's important to highlight only the important bits. For example, for the movie i made, i said that it involves two best friends, with some background info on them and the male character but with no insight into him whatsoever. 

This leaves thee audience suspicious and wanting to know more..

What is the male character like?

Is he a good character or a bad character?

How does he enter the movie?

Many more questions should be swarming around the audience's head; and that's the whole point. 

Hopefully, that was helpful to you in understanding how me and my group created our synopsis and what should be included to make the best possible one.

Stay tuned for more stages from the film of My Best friend's Man. 

Thank you!

Development - Selecting the story and writing the script

Aloha!

In this blog, I'll be talking about one of the first steps me and my group did in order to make this short film.

This was part of a development stage and it was called 'Selecting the story' and 'Script writing'.
As you probably know, whether it's an advert, movie, story or even music video, a story line is necessary!

To be completely honest, me and my group struggled immensely when thinking of a story line; we just had too many ideas! First off, we though to make it comedy, then we thought about a cartoon/children's movie and after hardcore thinking, our story was based around a chick flick.

But this was not where our troubles ended, once there was an agreement on one idea, we had to write out what was going to happen step by step. Again, as a group of indecisive young girls, we changed our ideas many, many times.  Not because we thought they were bad but because the film overall had to flow and make sense.

Being directors and producers and script writers, we had to think about everything. 

Script writing is not only about what lines each of the characters say but also about the camera angles and off-stage action. 
As present on the left, there is an image of a script for a movie. There has to stage directions and camera angles so when the director starts producing it's a lot easier.

Scripts are supposed to be word for word to the real thing, hence they have to be given a lot of time and effort. 
Usually actors and actresses memorize their script before shooting, so they are mentally prepared for what is to happen next.




Our group had a small script and it didn't include as much detail as it should of because as I said before, we continuously made changes.This may be the reason why when the film is watched, there is not much speaking and when there is, it's not as good as it should be. 


So, lesson for next time; make a proper script and follow it thoroughly because it will be highly beneficial!

Thank you for reading!

The First Media Lesson of A Levels.

Dear my wonderful readers,

Here's an insight to what a media studies lessons can be like..

So, starting A levels can be nerve wrecking, especially when your not with your friends. It's like a whole new start. A fresh start. You don't have as many subjects as you did in GCSE's, so you focus more and your teachers expect more from you too, as you're now an adult.
But, on the plus side, it means you're one step closer to becoming what you want!

Personally, I just started A Levels, which is why I'm able to relate to it so well. The subjects that I've chosen are English Lit, Business Studies, French and Media Studies. And that leads me on to talking about my first ever Media Lesson as a sixth former...

Originally, I have two teachers for the subject, both of which I have heard many good things about.
Whoever's reading this, must be thinking why I chose to write about Media Studies and not something like French or English, well, because people usually have a lot of misconception in this subject. They think it's either too hard or too easy. let me put it this way, its definitely harder for you if you didn't do multimedia computing or computing at GCSE's. However, if you did do those subjects, then you have an idea of what Media Studies is like, but that doesn't mean you won't struggle here and there.

In my Media Studies lesson today, my teacher explained what we'll be focusing on, which is films. So during the course of the lesson, we as a class discussed the things that go on before, during and after a film is showed in the cinema hall.
There's things like the development of the film, where the producer actually selects that story he/she will be producing.
Then there's a stage called Pre-production, where the scenes of the film are rehearsed and insurance for everything single thing is purchased. For example, insurance for the actors/actresses', all the people working back stage and all the technical goods.
Next, the actual production of the film is done; so scenes are shot, the actors change into different costumes, and once the film is made, a wrap party is hosted.
After the production, there's a post-production. This is where any music that is needed in the film, is added in, trailers and posters are made, so the movie is promoted well, all the editing is complete and the film is finally locked.
Which means that it's ready to be shown to the world!
The last stage is called distribution, so, the film is released with a launch party and also means that it is allowed to be physically sent to cinema halls, and can be released on DVD.


As you can see in the photo above, an actress is on a red carpet for the launch of her new film.

So, as you can tell, for an hour's worth of lesson, that was a lot of information to take in, but then again, most of it was general knowledge.

As a first lesson, I was quite intrigued and am happy to say that I cannot wait for the future lessons of Media Studies!

I have attached a link of the visual effects behind the movie of "The Avengers", here.

Thank you for reading!