Tuesday 6 December 2011

ESSAY UNFINISHED

How has Working Title adapted to changes in the film industry
Working Title is a British film production company, based in London . The company was founded by Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe in 1983, It produces feature films and several television productions films . Eric Fellner and Bevan are now the co-owners of the company.

Working Title are known for producing films that appeal to audiences to both sides of the Atlantic.They did this by selecting A list actors and making films with basic plots that are easy to watch and don't require much thinking from the audience.However recently the critically aclaimed thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was released by Working Title,Which was a completely different genre to any other film they have made.According to the IMDB the film appealed  mostly to males under 18 ,which is a completely different demographic to any other film they have produced.The change of genre was one of Working Titles many changes to adapt to the rapid changes in the film industry .

Working Title began as an independent company,therefore funding for films became increasingly difficult,until NBC Universal became one of Working Titles parent companies and owners.This has lead to a long lasting relationship between the two companies and exceptional profit.Without Universal, Working Titles probably wouldn't have made such popular films and not exist today.

Working Titles relationship with Studio Canal has also been very beneficial.They have financed many of Working Titles films ,most famously 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Image analysis from Thelma and Louise (Ridley Scott) 1991



Location:Filmed in a car park(conventional thriller setting),which gives the audience a sense of realism therefore making the scene more intence.Another thriller where the setting of a car park is exploited for a sense of realism,is the first fight scene in Fight Club directed by David Fincher.

Characters:The dominant woman (femme fatale) holding a gun up to the face of the less powerful man.This goes against the normal female stereotype and shows that she has the greatest power than anyone in the shot.This is very similar to Uma Thurman's character in Kill Bill 1 and 2.

Lighting:Non ambient,Which creates suspense and fear.If ambient lighting was used, the shot wouldn't look as sinister.

Camera Angle:A medium close up is used so the audience can see the divide in power.One side the deviant woman with power,the other, the helpless man.The audience can also establish facial expressions.

Another reason the medium close up is used is that it makes the audience feel they are almost in the shot,as it's very 'in your face' thereofre making it more intense to watch .Once again this type of shot is used in Fight Club with the gun in mouth shot.This also shows the divide in power and even looks more menacing as a low angle tilt shot is used.

Monday 28 November 2011

Practice Camera Shots
Worms eye shot-Gives a character status
Over shoulder shot-Seeing things from the charcters point of view


Low angle tilt shot-Great shot to display menace and status
Birds Eye -A high shot which works well to establish setting

Thursday 17 November 2011


Preliminary task
Shooting the preliminary task proved to be a lot harder than my group initially thought it would be.Sticking to the 180 degree rule became my groups main concern, and this took a few practice shots to nail it.


Continuity errors were also a concern.As it is seen in the final film,my clothing is different as unfortunately my group could not finish the shooting in one lesson.

What made Animal Kingdom a marketing success ?

Although Animal Kingdom was independantly made film,it had an astonishing marketing success.Firstly the film has a fantastic trailor which sells everything about the movie in a few minutes.The plot of the film is sold exceptionally well which is very appealing too the audience.The trailor also has a very famouse soundtrack Air Supply 'All out of love'.The song itself makes the trailor very poignant .

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter also made the film a marketing success.The sites were utilized to spread the word about the film and how brilliant it was.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

'Witness' scene analysis-how Peter Weir Utilises thriller conventions.

At the beggining of the scene,the audience hears the soundtrack that has an eerie /spooky effect on the scene.It's especially effective when the young boy is looking up at the angel whilst the panning camera shot is used,as it builds suspense .The next shot the audience sees,is the relatively long shot of the mother and son sitting down in the station.The choice of shot utilises the thriller genre by showing how alone therefore vulnerable they are to any potential danger.Also in this shot we notice the vanishing point.
The vanishing point is the door too the toilet which the boy approaches.Vanishing points in thrillers tend too be where a significant turning point occurs,For example in witness,The murder takes place in the toilet.

When the boy walks into the toilet there is a slight low angle shot on the man already in the toilet,this represents the difference in power between the two characters .The colour scheme of the toilet utilises the thriller genre due too the bleak dark colours.Just before the murder takes place, the audience notices the enigma ,it is a man who's face isn't shown throughout the whole of the murder scene.This conforms too the thriller genre.Soon as the man gets attacked,Another soundtrack is played,it's very frantic and adds too the suspense and struggle of the killing.


When one of the two killers draws a knife out of his pocket.There is a close up of his hand holding the knife,This adds menace to the clip and frightens the audience.


The iconic shot of the young boy looking through the parting of the toilet door is fantastic at building suspense and anticipation.The parting of the door is just enough that he could be seen by the killers, which from the audiences perspective makes the boy very vulnerable.
How are new technologies affecting the ways in which we consume films?
In recent years, the ways in which we consume films have changed dramatically due to the rapid introduction of new technology. The competition in the film market is constantly increasing so new ideas and concepts are being brought out all the time (HD, 3D…) to keep up with the demands. This new technology has had a positive effect in terms of captivating audiences and making money .Cinemas are now changing because of new technology. The amount of multiplex cinema screens in the last 10 have slowly risen due to the popularity of CG and 3D effects, obviously these effects can not be in every single film, therefore more screens are available to cater various audiences.  The steady increase of cinema screens has come from the massive demand to watch films on very large screens with new technologies e.g 3D. Although the number of cinemas has increased, more people are choosing to stay at home to watch films in the comfort of their own home, this could be due to people having less money to spend in the cinema due to the recession .Cinemas have tried to work around this and appeal too the general public by having more comfortable seats, big clear screen which allows the customers to experience the film in the best way possible getting the most for their money.
The internet is another factor that is affecting the way in which we consume films. Things such as online streaming and illegal downloads are easily accessible, therefore a lot of people may consider watching a film that is currently at the cinema in the comfort of their own home illegally for instead of going to their local cinema and paying. Result from the survey also shows when it comes to accessing media through internet is most common in the age group 16-24 year olds.
The age of the individual also changes the way in which we consume films, the older generation of people ages 55+ are sticking to their televisions still when it comes to watching films. Statistics also show that 21.7% of people are recording films onto their televisions and a big 27.8% of people are choosing to watch live television. It could be that the younger generation can be more knowledgeable when it comes to technology as that is what they have been brought up with it, and older people like to be more traditional as they have not had much experience with the use of the internet or computers.
New technology could also be affecting the rental DVD/VIDEO/BLU-RAY market. Since 2001 there has been a steady decline in rentals. In 2001 DVD rentals made 494 million pounds, whereas in 2010 they only made 183 million pounds. This could be due too people wanting to go too the cinema and see these films in 3D.The profitability of rentals peaked in 2004 and has never regained since.
Sites such as BBC I-Player and YouTube that provide videos on demand have also greatly influenced the way in which we consume films. According to a survey there is a steady positive trend in TV based VOD. Although online VOD is growing more rapidly. This is due to them being more accessible and higher quality computers. The total VOD market in 2001 made 44.1 million pounds and in 2010 it made 159.4 million pounds.
All in All new technology has completely changed the way in which we consume films. Cinemas have had too change, and it’s now the internet that has become one of the, if the most popular way in which we consume films. As it is easily accessible and doesn’t cost a penny. The only hindrance is,people may be watching films illegally

Kill Bill 1 opening scene analysis

Tarrantino's Kill Bill has an exceedingly well made opening scene.At the the beginning of the scene there is a soundbridge,these work incredibly well in films particulary thrillers,as they build up anticipation and suspense as it cuts too the next shot.Then we have the dieagetic sounds,the first one we hear is the brides heavy breathing.Which shows the audience the womens fear and distress towards Bill.The second dieagetic sound we hear is the footsteps of Bill.This creates anticipation as the footsteps become louder and louder as he approaches the bride.The establishing camera shot of the whole scene is the close up of the brides face.The camera shot only changes once in the whole scene , its a tracking shot of Bills feet as he approaches the bride.When the camera cuts back too the close up of the brides face.It establishes the realtionship between the two characters,and portrays the difference in power.The close up shot of the brides face is fantastic when connecting with audience,as it makes you sympathise with her.You can really see the pain and suffering she is enduring.Anohter reason why the close up shot is brilliant,is because we never get too see the face of Bill,therefore an enigma is created.This creates a fear of the unknown and portrays Bill as a mysterious figure.We then have the brilliant shot of Bills hankachief rubbing the brides face.We instantly notice 'Bill' is written on the hankachief,this shows the audience that Bill is an arrogant man with a sense of 'Cheap wealth' about him.At the end of the scene we have the climax of the gun shot , that conforms to the thriller genre.

The whole scene is filmed with a Noir lighting.This is done for many reasons.Firsly too pay tribute too the classic 1940's/50's thrillers.Secondly the whole scene is a flash back,and lastly it creates a sense of coldness and brutallity.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Possible Thriller case study


'Fight Club'

Directed by-David Fincher

Cast-Brad Pitt,Edward Norton,Helena Bonham Carter

Budget-$63Million

Box Office-$100.9Million(worldwide)

'Fight Club' conforms to the thriller genre due too the realism yet dark twisted nature of the characters.The nameless character played by Norton suffers from insomnia .His doctor has refused to give him medication and advises he joins support groups too witness more severe suffering.He becomes addicted too these groups and therefore creates his own which is known as fight club.At these support groups he meets Marla Singer (Bonham Carter)who is a mysterious twisted woman,who has the fem fatale feel about her which also conforms too the thriller genre.Brad Pitt plays the part of Nortons alter ego Tyler Durden.Who is incredibly twisted and disturbing,due too his views on the life and people.

Monday 3 October 2011

Movie Trailer Analysis


Tinker Tailer Soldier spy:Is a critically aclaimed thriller movie,that has been portrayed fantastically in this trailer.It makes you want too go out and watch the movie due too it's presentation of the A-list actors such as Colin Firth and the dark/mysterious nature of the movie that is incredably well presented in this trailer.This trailor also has a sort of 'Cliff Hanger' effect which leaves the viewer puzzeld.The quick exchange of clips in the trailer portrays this effect ,which also makes the film seem quite frantic and action packed.This also makes the viewer want too go out and see the film.


Walk The Line:The Film is a fantatic portrayal of the life of Johnny Cash,and how he overcame the horrendous and awful situations he faced in his life.The film does have a target audience but it still appeals too many people.The trailor is fantastic and very appealing as it has a fantastic choice of music that bulids suspence and anticipation,The stomping feet of the convicts does this aswell.The presentation of Alist actors is done very well too ,which gains interest from film fans not Johnny Cash Fans.That is a key factor which made the film such a phenominon.Jaquion Pheonix went on too win an oscar for his perfromance.The trailor also has bits of text in it such as 'But thats not what made him'-this entices the viewer and want too see whats coming next.

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Questionaire

Jonathon Woods


GCSE Grades:
 English Language-C
English Literature-C
Maths-C
ScienceC
P.E-C
Music-B
R.E-C
ICT-C

Hobbies-Playing Bass guitar in a band,Boxing,Football,Rugby

Print Media that interests me...
I am very interested in sport magazines such as 'Boxing Monthly' as I box and like to keep up with the boxing world.I'm also intetested in music magazines such as 'Kerrang' as they provide tour dates and information about my favourite bands.I also read local nespapers such at 'The Evening News' as I like to know what's going on in my local area.

Radio Media that interests me...
I listen to Radio Norfolk every saturday afternoon for Norwich City Fc commentary.BBC Radio 1 is my favourite Radio channel as it provied a wide range of musical genres and good presenters such as Chris Moyles.

Muisc Industry
My favourite genre of music is indie because it tends too be very political and has significant meaning to me.My favourite bands are...Suede and Stiff little Fingers

I play in a band called 'The Crates' I am the bass player

I access my music on the interenet a lot,on sites such as 'youtube'

Illegal downloading
I beleive illegal downloading is wrong and people should just pay money for their favourite artists tracks.It's wrong because firstly,it's illegal,secondly it has ruined the music industry and gives talented young musicians a disadvantage as the 'popular' artisit's music will always be downloaded.Lastly the music industry loses money.


Video Games
My favourite video games are the FIFA football games as I love the sport.

Video games may have a negative inpact on attitudes to the solution of conflicts.Because these days parents are buying their children 15 and 18 year old certificate games that will influence a childs behaviour and they will act however they feel necessary when their actions are unacceptable.


New technology
New technology has increased my understanding of the world in many ways.Things such as I-phones have done this with the many informative apps which can be downloaded,For example you can download a BBC News app which you can acces anywhere anytime.

Technology now allows us too communicate in many different ways,such as social networking sites on the internet,E-mails,Mobile Phones and 'face time' which can be used on an I-Pad.

Accsessing films,television programmes and music has also become a lot easier due to technoligy.The internet has many sites such as 'BBC Iplayer' which allows you too watch your favourite programmes and sites such as youtube which allow you too listen to your favourite music and watch many films.

Technology has a enabled us too create our own media texts such as blogs that can be published for anyone too see.

Television
My favourite TV channels are,Sky Sports News and VIVA.I love Sky Sports News as it is a 24 hr channel with live updates about the sporting world.VIVA is a brilliant channel as it shows many US comedy shows which I love and is also a music channel.

My favourite Television Genre is sit-coms as they have produced some of the most amazing characters off all time e.g Basil Fawlty of Fawlty Towers and Baldrick of Black Adder.


TV programmes I consider memorable-Fawlty Towers,Due too the amazing script and characters.
Worzel Gummidge,as it was aimed at children but somehow has the effect that made adults roar with laughter.And lastly,Little Britain as it created so many characters that I will always remember.

Feature films

My favourite genre of films are underdog storys such as, the Rocky saga and Walk The Line.I love them because they consume you and make you emotionally attached too the character.

Three films I consider outstanding-

.Rocky saga-the boxing scenes were well done and entertaining and the films introduced us too Sylvester Stallone.The films also had a cracking soundtrack, 'Gonna fly now' by Bill Conti  and 'The Eye Of the Tiger' by survivor.

.Walk The Line-Jaqouin Pheonix played Johnny cash amazingly and subsequently won an oscar,his perfromance alone makes the film unmissable.

.Fight Club-The story line is so dark and complicated that it consumes the viewer.The film also has A-list actors,Brad Pitt,Edward Nortan and Helena Bonham Carter.


I love going too the cinema too watch films as I beleive it's the best way.You can't beat it in terms of surround sound and picture qualtity.

My favourite cinema is the Odean in Norwich as the seats are comfortable and it's near resturants so after the film you can go for a meal if you wish.

I prefer too watch films at home on my own because i do it  to unwind after a long day.However i prefer too go too the cinema as a group as it's funner

There is nothing that has offended me in the media,but I can see why these days especially why it may offend people.There are so many things on Tv now such as Eastenders that have become out of hand.The storylines are unrealistic and over the top,and many young children watch it as it's on rather early.

One thing in the media that did offend me though was Russel Brand and Jonathan Ross's comments about Andrew Sachs daughter.They were offensive and uncalled for.












I chose media studies as i love the media and how amazing and corrupt it can be.