Thursday 8 December 2016

The first scene begins with a pan shot across a group of young children. The children are shown in the extract covered in mud,looking hungry and sad this relates to the common stereotypes of the working/underclass. The adults in the scene are shown dressed in expensive clothing showing the divide between classes. Diagetic sounds of coughing and sniffing are constantly heard throughout the first scene and the entire extract, this connotes the abysmal conditions that are being forced upon the impoverished underclass children. It also shows the poor health and hygiene stereotype commonly paired with the underclass. Shot-Reverse-Shot is used in the confrontation between the boy and MR Bumble the balance of power obviously opposes the young boy as the shot from Bumble's perspective has the boy shown on a low angle and with Bumble dominating the shots blocking. This combined with the subdued low key lighting creates a hostile atmosphere and raises tension for the scene's climax. The second scene begins with a wide angle tracking shot that connotes to the audience the power classes have over each other. The director has used this tracking shot to show the middle class authority over the underclass. Mr Bumble is holding a cane which he uses to hit the the ground with as he walks, this positions the audience into believing his state of authority and has been used to show the divide between the lavish dress and ornament of his cane in contrast to the dirty rags worn by the underclass workers. "God sees thou" is revealed on the wall behind Mr Bumble through a birds eye view crane shot into a longshot. This reinforces the common stereotype of the poor and uneducated being devout christians a motif that remains throughout the entirety of the extract. The use of non-diagetic sound in this scene also enforces the religious motif as church bells can be heard in the background. The director may have used this to portray the historical exploitation of the poor through religion. The ambient silence in the end of this scene portrays the lack of power the poor have.It also references classical victorian beliefs of children being "Seen not heard"

Thursday 17 November 2016


Who were the co-founders of DNA Films?
Andrew McDonald and Duncan Kenworthy
When was the company founded?
1983
Where is DNA based?
Uk, London
How many films have DNA Films produced?
27
What awards have DNA Films won?
DNA Films have won several awards for their films including 28 Days Later which won 6 awards (including the Saturn Award's Best Horror Film in 2003), Love Actually which won 9 awards (including the Empire Award for Best British Film), Notes on a Scandal which won 8 awards (including the British Independent Film Award for Best Screenplay), The Last King of Scotland which won 6 awards (including three BAFTAs, for Best British Film, Best Actor for Forest Whitaker and Best Adapted Screenplay), Sunshine which won a single award (being the BIFA for Best Technical Achievement in 2007), Never Let Me Go which won 8 awards (including the Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Overlooked Film) and Ex_Machina which won 19 Awards (including an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects).How many full time staff does DNA Films employ?
Their are three main full time staff at DNA Films, the heads of Andrew MacDonald and Allon Reich, as well as their secretary Joanne Ruth Smith.
List 5 box-office hits that DNA Films have made.
  •  28 Days Later (2002) - Making $84.6 Million from its $8 Million budget
  •  Love Actually (2003) - Making $246.9 Million from its $45 Million budget
  • The Last King of Scotland (2006) - Making $48.4 Million from its $6 Million budget
  •  28 Weeks Later (2007) - Making $64.2 Million from its $15 Million budget
  •  Ex_Machina (2014) - Making $36.9 Million from its $15 Million budget
List 5 flops that DNA Films has made.
  •  The Parole Officer (2001) - Only making $3.976 Million on a $6 Million budget
  •  Sunshine (2007) - Only making $32 Million on a $40 Million budget
  •  Amelia (2009) - Only making $19.6 Million on a $40 Million budget
  •  Never Let Me Go (2010) - Only making $9.5 Million on a $15 Million budget
  •  Dredd (2012) - Only making $41.5 Million on a $45 Million budget
What is Danny Boyle's relationship with DNA Films?
collaborator with DNA Films, with them working together of 28 Days Later, Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later and T2: Trainspotting.
List 3 famous directors that DNA Films have worked?
  • Danny Boyle
  •  Richard Curtis
  •  Mark Romanek
List 5 famous actors who have starred in films made by DNA Films ?

  • Andrew Garfield
  •  Ewan McGreggor
  •  Karl Urban
  •  Keira Knightley
  •  Alan Rickman 
What has been DNA Films highest grossing film?
Love Actually was their highest grossing film
What Hollywood studios have DNA Films worked with?
20th Century Fox distributing 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later (through their division, Fox Searchlight) as well as Universal, who distributed Love Actually.
List two of DNA Films big blockbuster films and find out their budgets.
  •  Dredd (2012) - $45 Million
  •  Sunshine (2007) - $40 Million
What film is DNA Films most famous for?
TrainspottingWhat other genres do DNA Films films like to make?
drama, thriller, romance, sci-fi, action and historical.
Who have DNA Films entered into a partnership with for DNA TV Limited?
in collaboration with the Fox Network Group (division of 21st Century Fox, one of the big six).

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Ex_Machina created a website allowing you to have Ava draw you a portrait
Ex_Machina created a website allowing you to have Ava draw you a portrait

Monday 14 November 2016

Marketing

Disney is a conglomerate


media conglomeratemedia group or media institution is a company that owns large numbers of companies in various mass media such as television, radio, publishing, movies, and the Internet. Media conglomerates strive for policies that facilitate their control of the markets across the globe.
Disney noted that 18 of the top 100 most viewed YouTube channels worldwide are dedicated to toys and toy unboxings, accounting for 8.1 billion views in the first quarter.


Lucasfilm announced in August that it had signed up seven global partners spanning the worlds of make-up, breakfast cereals, sandwiches and telecommunications for an “expansive, historic promotional campaign”. The brands involved – Procter & Gamble (via Covergirl and Max Factor), Duracell, car manufacturer FCA US, General Mills, HP, Subway and Verizon – have all created their own campaigns around the film that include advertising, video content and special promotions and giveaways.



Covergirl has a YouTube video promoting its upcoming range of Star Wars make-up, while HP ran a promotional campaign asking artists to create and submit Star-Wars related art for a chance to have their work shown in a professional show and win a laptop.


Ex_ Machina advertised using tinder
It is a breathtaking piece of marketing because it ticks all three boxes that any great tactical work should achieve. First, it’s bang on the positioning of the film, which is about the Turing Test and the inability of humans in the future to be able to discern between humans and computers. Second, it satisfies the strategic goal of the campaign, which is obviously to drive awareness of the film ahead of its launch. Tales of SXSW attendees’ experiences with Ava and the general brilliance of the idea have filtered far and wide through Adweek, People Magazine, Mashable and other top-tier American publications. Finally, and not unusually for truly disruptive tactical work, it cost virtually nothing.

Ex_Machina interviews were mainly done on the internet and there were very few above the line interviews .

Thursday 10 November 2016

Major Film Studios
A major film studio is a film producer and production company that releases a substantial number of films annually.Major Film Studios
A major film studio is a film producer and production company that releases a substantial number of films annually.
The Big Six film studios are:
1. Warner Bros. Pictures. Comprising a whopping 19.7 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures), Warner Bros. Pictures is the biggest player in the film industry. Securing the rights to major films like Harry Potter, Superman, Batman, The Matrix and Star Wars have made Warner Bros. the No. 1 name in the business.
2. Paramount Pictures. With 15.5 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures), Paramount Pictures continues to be one of the most successful film production companies in the world. Star Trek, War of the Worlds, the Mission Impossible series, Transformers and Tropic Thunder are just a few of the popular films produced by Paramount Pictures.
3. Walt Disney. One of the most renowned film production companies in the history of the business, Walt Disney now holds 15.3 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures). With highly successful movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Meet the Robinsons and Enchanted, there's no doubt that Disney will continue to play a key role in the industry for years to come.
4. Columbia Pictures. Comprising 12.9 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures), Columbia Pictures remains a big player in the business. Some of this company's recent successes include Casino Royale, The Da Vinci Code, the Spider-Man series and Step Brothers.
5. Universal Studios. 12.2 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures) belongs to Universal Studios, which continues to make millions for the film industry. With major hits like the Bourne series (Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum), The American Pie series, Knocked Up, American Gangster and The Incredible Hulk, it's very clear that Universal Studios knows what it takes to make money in this industry.
6. 20th Century Fox. Also known as "Twentieth Century Fox," this highly successful movie production company makes up 11.9 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures). Some of the biggest and most successful movies from this empire include the X-Men series, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Star Wars Episodes II and III, and the Fantastic Four.
Roughly 9/10 films in the UK are seen as a result of these distributorsThe Big Six film studios are:
1. Warner Bros. Pictures. Comprising a whopping 19.7 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures), Warner Bros. Pictures is the biggest player in the film industry. Securing the rights to major films like Harry Potter, Superman, Batman, The Matrix and Star Wars have made Warner Bros. the No. 1 name in the business.
2. Paramount Pictures. With 15.5 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures), Paramount Pictures continues to be one of the most successful film production companies in the world. Star Trek, War of the Worlds, the Mission Impossible series, Transformers and Tropic Thunder are just a few of the popular films produced by Paramount Pictures.
3. Walt Disney. One of the most renowned film production companies in the history of the business, Walt Disney now holds 15.3 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures). With highly successful movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, Meet the Robinsons and Enchanted, there's no doubt that Disney will continue to play a key role in the industry for years to come.
4. Columbia Pictures. Comprising 12.9 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures), Columbia Pictures remains a big player in the business. Some of this company's recent successes include Casino Royale, The Da Vinci Code, the Spider-Man series and Step Brothers.
5. Universal Studios. 12.2 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures) belongs to Universal Studios, which continues to make millions for the film industry. With major hits like the Bourne series (Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum), The American Pie series, Knocked Up, American Gangster and The Incredible Hulk, it's very clear that Universal Studios knows what it takes to make money in this industry.
6. 20th Century Fox. Also known as "Twentieth Century Fox," this highly successful movie production company makes up 11.9 percent of the US/Canadian market share (2007 figures). Some of the biggest and most successful movies from this empire include the X-Men series, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Star Wars Episodes II and III, and the Fantastic Four.
Roughly 9/10 films in the UK are seen as a result of these distributors

Monday 31 October 2016

Ex_Machina Research

Producer(s): Alex MacDonald and Allon Reich 
Director: first time director Alex Garland 
Production Companies: Film 4 and DNA Films these are fairly small production companies
Distributor: This film was distributed by Universal Studios as most fairly small production companies need large backing from distributors as the have to low funding to afford large distribution
Cast: The cast was extremely small with actors Domhall Gleeson (General Hux in Star Wars), Oscar Isaac (Po Dameron in Star Wars) and Alicia Vikander 
Budget: The film was made with the small budget of $15 million 
Locations: This was filmed in Denmark and Pinewood studios in England 
Technology: Cameras used to film were GoPro style Hero 3 Black Edition 
Sony CineAlta F65, Cooke Xtal Express, Kowa Prominar and Angenieux Optimo Lenses Sony CineAlta PMW-F55, Cooke Xtal Express, Kowa Prominar and Angenieux Optimo Lenses
Number of screens: On opening weekend the film was shown to 1,255 screens in USA and around 100 screens in Europe. The peak number of screens shown was 2,004 screens on it's third week in USA
Box Office Figures: It grossed $25,443 million domestically in USA 


Friday 28 October 2016

Representation of Disability- Casualty

Sound
This extract constructs representations of disability using sound to show the venerability of the disabled man in scene six. A deep bass drum is used to show the anxiety of the disabled character when he is threatened by a pair of young men increasing the tension of the scene, the drum also shows his heart beat and the irregular pulse. In scene five happy flamenco music in a major key is used to show the relaxed and happy atmosphere of the scene, it also shows the friendship between his disabled brother and his carer which is countering the normal media stereotype of disabled people being a burden to their carers.
Editing
The editing in scenes with Eli are fast and increasing in blatancy showing the anxiety of Eli in the scene, this is in contrast to the final scene of the extract where the fast editing is used to show the disabled mans competency under pressured situations. Midway through the extract popular media stereotypes are challenged with the two brothers discussing their romantic inquiries, for this relaxed scene the editing is slowed down and the use of shot reverse shot is increased to show the normal conversation being held between the two brothers.
Camerawork
This extract uses camerawork to show the disorientation in Eli, the camera spins to show his confusion and bewilderment. After Eli collapses the camera is positioned low on the ground, this only shows the feet of the women that caused his collapse with Eli's face only showing. This shows how society feels disabled people are below them. Multiple long shots are used in Eli's scenes showing his venerability and his helplessness as you can see no one around him. In the Final shot of Eli a high angle is used showing how standard media portrays people with disabilities as being weak through the dominance of the camera. During the conversation between the brothers eye line shots are used to show the equality between them and how there is no divide between power.
Mise-en-scene
The mise-en-scene in Eli's first scene has women dominating the frame showing how claustrophobic Eli feels when confronted. In Eli's final scene he gives an angel to the Waitress showing how he is venerable and in need of a saviour. The theme of being saved and vunrable is very prominent throughout this extract with a life preserver being seen behind the disabled brother showing his need for help and how he is a burden to his carer/brother however with him engaging in standard conversation challenging this stereotype.

Wednesday 12 October 2016

“Successful media products depend as much upon marketing and distribution to a specific audience as they do upon good production practices”.

Marketing techniques:
above the line marketing consists of television, radio, prints and adds, outside advertising.

Below the line marketing consists PR, search engine marketing, paid search, social media advertising, context marketing, events.

Monday 12 September 2016

Key Glossary




Development - This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.
Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.
Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.
Post-production - During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.
Writer - Script writers of feature films often work alone for a considerable amount of time to develop their scripts. Because a film is usually a solitary creation, there is more artistic freedom, though film scripts are often rewritten several times before production. Television script writers must focus their creativity to meet the needs of specific time slots, audiences and series parameters. In television, a team of script writers often work together to create a viable script. To write plays, a script writer must consider the limited staging area and the fact that most of the story is told in dialog.
Producer - A producer will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes. Producers work closely with the directors and other production staff on a shoot.
Casting Director - Casting Directors organize and facilitate the casting of actors for all the roles in a film. This involves working closely with the director and producer to understand their requirements, and suggesting ideal artists for each role, as well as arranging and conducting interviews and auditions.
Director - A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects, and visualizes the script while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaking.
Film Finance - an aspect occurring during the developmental stage prior to preproduction that determines the potential value of the film.

Camera Operator - responsible for operating the camera physically and maintaining composition and camera angles through shots. The camera operator will usually collaborate with the director.
Editor - a fundamental art technique that assembles shots into a coherent sequence.
Production Designer - they are responsible for the visual concept of the film. They must identify a design style for sets and locations.
Marketing - Promotes a film globally in coordination with the films distribution through release of merchandise, campaigns, franchising and interviews.
Exhibition - distribution of the film through owned theatres and film networks.

Thursday 8 September 2016

Analysis of a Film Still

Analysing Mise-en-scene. This frame is from the film "Frank". This frame uses low key lighting to show mystery and an air of confusion around the main character Frank. It shows his elusive nature as he is remaining anonymous through the use of his mask. It is also shown that he is confident through his dominant body language and the fact he is centre stage among all of the action. His large mask shows how he is dominated by his minds influence and his body has no effect on his vision of a perfect auditory world, this becomes more apparent later in the film. With context to the film the large head also shows how he is trapped in a world of surreal angst and that he is pushing boundary's with severe performing eccentricity. His eccentric clothing and body language shows that on the outside he is comfortable with himself however the mask used to cover his face begs to differ and shows the point that he needs to hide behind someone else to be himself in society

Wednesday 7 September 2016

5x5

Albums

Image result for mac demarco 2
Mac DeMarco "2" this is Mac's second second album released in 2012 individual without a record deal by Mac. Genre Jizz Jazz
Image result for nervous young man


Car Seat Headrest "Nervous Young Man" This demo tape by Car seat is a narrative view on emotion, intelligence and self analysis in 20 songs that analyse heartbreak and worry
Image result for fuck your emotional bullshit

Snowing "Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit" after the death of lead singers father John Galm this EP follows his emotional battles with depression and abandonment



Courtney Barnett "sometimes i sit and think, and sometimes i just sit" This debut studio album from Courtney has a widespread critical acclaim and was released on her own created record label "Milk Records"
Image result for hinds leave me alone

Hinds "Leave me alone" this Spanish indie rock group formed in Madrid in 2011. This low fi garage rock album represents musical styles from artists like the velvet underground, the pastels and other contemporary garage bands from the 1960's with a more up tempo and less melancholic sound.


Songs



Snowing "Important things (Spectre Magic)" This song by snowing  describes lead vocalist John Galm's battle with depression through self medication and insomnia and how he is unable to see his father in the eyes after his death. This song inspired the new revival of modern emotive music.



Hinds "Bamboo" This light hearted summery piece of music originally was written for acoustic as an ep release however it got a full band re-release on their debut album. This track explores themes of a one sided unrequited relationship with the lead singer trying to remind the other that they will not always be there and not to get to attached.




Andrew Jackson Jihad "People II: The Reckoning" This song is about a nihlistic satirical world view on the global consumerist views of Western society and it's effect on the average American person. It also has a self enlightened view on how hindsight is the only way of ever seeing the correct thing.



JANK "Caitlyn" This is a retrospective song about his youth and imaginary friend Caitlyn


Merchant Ships "Sleep Patterns" This narrative song follows the narrators perspective, disillusioned by the deaths in 9/11 in contrast with the death of a woman (previously seen in the song) at the hospital and a lie he tells about death to his friend Garry, he decides that he can not shield his friend Gary from the nihilist perspective that it holds.


Tv Shows 



It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: This tv show follows a dysfunctional friendship group of substance abusing alcoholics that find their way in the world of work and relationships. But often, they can't get out of their own way, leading to uncomfortable situations, which usually worsen before improving.

Arrested Development: "Michael Bluth finds himself forced to stay in Orange County and run the family real estate business after his father, George Bluth Sr., is sent to prison for committing white-collar crime. He tries to juggle the wants and needs of his spoiled and eccentric family while being a good role model for his teenage son, George Michael."

Skins: This drama follows several Bristolian teenagers being followed through post sixteen in a critically acclaimed drama that focuses on modern problems. 

Breaking Bad: This follows a high school teacher trying to pay of his chemo therapy by creating meth.

Fleabag: This BBC comedy follows the min character fleabag as she gets to grips with the denial of her best friend suicide the previous year. 


Favourite AJJ Lyrics



People II: The reckoning "So here’s to you Mrs. Robinson You live in an unforgiving place" this ode to the Simon And Garfunkel song shows how the writer believes that the world goes beyond not caring and that it has a contempt for all life and shows how humanity is uncaring and hateful.

Personal Space Invader "How can you put that straw up your nose When you know how coke is manufactured?" This is a retort to common statements used by drug abusers of how that drugs don't harm any other parties however this shows how cocaine is often made in third world countries in dire conditions. Purchasing these drugs causes the market to stay stable allowing more harm to children in third world countries.

A song dedicated to stormy the rabbit "And I'd like to be a big ball of meat, That bees can buzz around and eat when I die, So that I might be granted one sense of purpose" This shows how the narrator believes life is aimless and when he dies he wants to be able to do something of meaning. The bees that will feed on him contrast the start of the song as it is stated of flies.

Rejoice "Rejoice despite the fact this world will tear you to shreds" This shows that even though the world is unpleasant, violent, dangerous and otherwise terrible place and that it will tear you to shreds there is still reason to celebrate for simply being alive.

Brave As a Noun "In this life we lead, we could conquer everything If we could just get the braves to get out of the bed in the morning" This hows that the singer feels fear is what keeps everyone from achieving greatness even though everyone has to power to make an impact on the world however we are all just to scared of the risk involved of stepping up and making our voices heard.