Remake of the opening sequence of Juno

Remake of the opening sequence of Juno, by myself and Max Johnson.

What went well: our storyboard was very accurate so it made it easy when it came to filming it for us to work out all of the timings, frames, angles and movements. Also, the editing was shared half and half between me and Max, and we worked together really well. Most of the filming was very successful, the only shots that weren't were the ones that were filmed sideways.

What I learnt: I learnt that it is not as easy as I thought to film a steady shot and using something like a trailer etc to rest the camera on would make the shots more steady. Also, I learnt that I should not film things sideways as when you put them in Adobe Premiere to try and turn it round, it leaves two black spaces at the side.

What I will take to with me to the next production: to the next production, I will take the same attitude when making a storyboard and put the same amount of detail into it to make it easier for filming. Also, I will not film shots the wrong way round and use a prop to get steadier tracking shots. I will take the same work ethic when editing and working with my partner(s).

The storyboard:

Feedback from peers:

Use of camera shots: all of the feedback we received for the use of camera shots was positive and said the shots were 'smooth,' 'clear,' 'accurate' and 'steady.' 

Editing: most said the editing was mostly like the original, smooth and clear. However one said our lamp post shot needs to be improved but did not specify how. 

Lighting: most said the lighting was natural and like the lighting in Juno. However, one said our lighting could be brightened. 

Overall: '8/10,' 'pretty good,' 'good video, different environment of the shots, could put in more editing,' '9/10 very good' 'good and mostly like the original,' '9/10' 'the video as a whole is a success, the transitions are very slick and the camera work was very steady.' 

Mise en Scène

Mise en Scène: what is put into a scene or frame.

Setting and props
Costume, hair and make up
Facial expressions and body language
Positioning of characters/objects within the frame
Lighting and colour

Setting and props: these are either built from scratch or a great deal of time is spent finding a set which already exists.
For example: sci-fi = space, in another universe
                     rom-com = major cities e.g. Paris or New York
                     horror = dark forest, abandoned crooked house

Costume, hair and make up: act as an instant indicator to us of a character's personality, status and job. They also give us an idea of society and culture within the film and certain costumes can signify certain individuals e.g. black cloak = vampire.

Facial expressions and body language: facial expressions provide a clear indicator of how someone is feeling e.g. smiling = happy, smiling = sad. However, you have to be careful as if you add scary music to a smiling facial expression, we get a different feeling. Body language indicates how characters feel towards each other.

Positioning of characters/objects within the frame: this can draw our attention to characters/objects within the frame. The film-maker uses positioning to show characters feelings towards each other, e.g. if two characters were opposite ends of the frame, facing away from each other, we get the feeling they are rivals.

Lighting and colour: highlights important characters or objects within the frame. Also, it can be used to make characters look a certain way, for example by shading sections of the face/body, it makes the character looks mysterious.
Low key lighting is created by using only the key and back lights, for example horror films.
High key lighting uses more filler lights, this makes it look more natural and realistic e.g. rom-coms.

Mise en Scène analysis for a trailer of my choice:



Thor: The Dark World trailer 
The trailer is set mainly in another world which doesn't exist in real life, this creates a sci-fi feel. Another major setting of this trailer is in a highly secure prison, this represents one of the characters is very dangerous. Thor wears a cape throughout the whole trailer, this shows he is a hero, alongside some of his 'team' who also wear hero-like outfits. To contrast this, the girl from the human world wears jeans and a tshirt to show the normality of her life compared to the hero life. Throughout the trailer, many serious facial expressions are used to co-inside with the serious story line, there is also many shouting facial expressions during the battle to show the determination of the characters. There are lots of close up's and extreme wide shots, this always shows them in the centre of the frame to draw attention to how important the characters are. At the beginning of the trailer, Thor and his brother are faced opposite each other when his brother is in the prison, this represents a grudge Thor may hold and a rivalry between them. However at the end of the trailer, they are walking along in slow motion side by side, this shows they have teamed up and now work on the same side.Throughout the trailer, low key lighting is used along with a grey sky colour, this creates a mysterious feel for the film, what is going to happen?

Representation Theory

Theory 1: The Male Gaze (Laura Mulvey)
The cinema puts the audience in a masculine positions.
The protagonists tend to be men.
There are two distinctive modes of male gaze:
1) Voyeuristic - women as whores
2) Fetish - women as unreachable Madonna's
(Also narcissistic - women watching see themselves reflected on the screen)
There is now an argument there is a female gaze.

Theory 2: The Bechdel Test (also know as the Mo Movie Measure or Bechdel Rule)
This theory has the following criteria:
1) There has to be at least two (named) women.
2) They have to have a conversation with each other...
3) ...about something besides a man.

Theory 3: Richard Dyer
He argues how we are seen determines how we are treated and how we treat other people is based on how we see them.
He believes stereotypes comes down to power. Those who have power stereotype those who don't.

Theory 4: Roland Barthes
Barthes looks at mythology, in regards to people and places.
He suggests the media often gives us mythic representations or a fairytale-like portrayal of a particular place or person.

Representation in a film opening of my choice:




In this film opening, Jack Sparrow is being represented. He is being represented through the new argument of the 'female gaze'. The protagonists tend to be men, but here, I think it is females. The cinema puts the audience in a feminine position, and men watching see themselves reflected on the screen. Although Laura Mulvey's theory is used here, I think the Dyer theory is more appropriate in relation to the opening. In the opening sequence, Jack Sparrow is seen to be 'higher up' when standing on the foot of the boat, therefore you would think he is well respected. However when he arrives at the docks, he is asked for money. But he is soon treated with respect and his asked  for secrecy, as he offers the man more money, therefore is being treated how he is being seen. In return, the man who receives the money is being treated based on how Jack Sparrow sees him, unscrupulous. In terms of foreground/background, we can see the horizon behind Jack Sparrow when he is standing on the foot of the boat (e.g. for most of the scene), and then the busy docks when he arrives there. There are no notable absences for the foreground or background. I think this opening sequence is the representation of a pirate, and reflects a pirates interests, because in the sequence it shows fellow pirates who were hung, to which Jack Sparrow takes his pirate hat off in respect. Also, it shows the pirate (Jack Sparrow), arriving at the docks, and casually picking up a bag of stolen coins, a pirates interest. I think people make sense of this representation as it is presenting a stereotypical life of a pirate, which doesn't link with Barthes' theory. Barthes suggests media often gives us a mythic representation of a particular place or person. In this opening sequence, the pirate is being very stereotypical, and therefore there is nothing mythical about it. The denotations of this opening sequence is what we see, for example the pirate standing on the foot of the boat, then arriving at the docks, being approached by a man and then stealing money. The connotations of this opening sequence is what we understand, for example Jack Sparrow standing on the foot of the boat (higher than ground level) shows authority, power and someone who should be respected. Also, when he takes his pirate hat off for his fellow pirates, this shows respect, honour and revere. As the audience, regarding the overall direction of the film's representation, I have learnt that Jack Sparrow is represented in a stereotypical pirate way. I believe I am watching this opening sequence how the creator wants me to view the text, in a preferred reading way.

Film analysis: Camera

Frame
Angle
Movement

Frame:
ECU - extreme close up
CU - close up
MS - medium shot
MLS - medium long shot
LS - long shot
EWS - extreme wide shot

Angle:
Birdseye
High (camera low looking up, power)
Level
Low (camera looking down, inferior)

Movement:
Worms eye view
Tracking
Tilt up
Tilt down
Pan right
Pan left
Zoom
Steadicam
Static


Opening sequence of Thor

Frames of this sequence:

This is an ECU (extreme close up), level, pan right shot. The effect of this shot is to put the 'peace maker' box in the centre of the screen to draw attention to it and make the audience realise its' importance.

 

This is a CU (close up), level, static shot. The effect of this shot is to show the facial expression on this man, his expression represents the seriousness and determination the people of Asgard feel.

 This is a MS (medium four shot), high, pan right shot. The effect of this shot is to show all four people looking towards the sky, they are looking for hope. A MS is used here to show the positioning of their body frames to make the audience see they are looking up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a MLS (medium long shot), low, static shot. The effect of this shot is to show Loki walking along in a powerful way. He feels strong within himself and hopeful he can make his father proud.

 This is a LS (long shot), low, static shot. The effect of this shot is to make the man at the front look most important with his army faded behind him. He is supported by them but it is also clear he is in charge.

 

This is an EWS (extreme wide shot), level, static shot. The effect of this shot is to show the setting of the film and it is also the establishing shot, the first shot the audience see to create the enigma code.

Low budget vs High budget (+ Logo)

Low budget vs High budget PowerPoint.

My Logo:

Representations

Sterotypes - media institutions use stereotypes because the audience will instantly understand them. Think of stereotypes as a 'visual shortcut.' They're repeated so often that we assume they are normal or 'true.'
Archetypes - this is the 'ultimate' stereotype. For example, the white stiletto wearing, big busted, brainless blonde bimbo.
Countertype - a representation that challenges traditional stereotypical associations of groups, people or places.

Represenation - the way in which people, events and ideas are presented to the audience.
Gatekeeper - any person involved in a media procution that can control what we see.
Media moguls - owns the productions.
Media consumers - the audience (you and me.)

Questions to ask: WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHERE?
Who is being represented? Who is the preferred audience?
What are they doing?
Why are they present?
Where are they? (foreground/background)

REPRESENTATIONS OF THIS PICTURE:

 

"Eat Up, Slim Down!" and "Shape-Up SHORTCUTS" are the main headlines that stand out here, as they are in bigger font and in bold. Both of these headlines represent how women should be 'fit' and look pleasing to the eye for men. The woman on the front of the magazine represents this, as her figure is 'perfection' and role models apprently what all women should look like.

 

Another headline that stands out on this magazine is "HIS SEX WISH LIST!" as it is in pink (a girly colour), bold and big font. This represents what women should be interested in, sex wish lists and again, how to be pleasing to the eye.

 

The woman on the front of the magazine is wearing a pink swimming costume, to link to the pink in the headline name. She is pushing her bottom out, "how to get a butt like this!" is the slogan next to the picture. She is trying to emphasise her female assets. Again, this links into the "HIS SEX WISH LIST!", "Eat Up, Slim Down!" and "Shape-Up SHORTCUTS" headlines. This magazine is saying young women like this girl on the cover are all stereotypically slim, sexy and have a big booty. This then makes those women this age who aren't all those things, think there is something wrong with themselves, which is definitely not the case.  

Skyfall: setting, costume and music

Opening sequence of Skyfall 


Setting and colour
During the car chase there is a crowed, thin street they drive down, this suggests the film is not set in this country. Another factor that suggests this is the word 'Polis' written on the back of the Polices' jackets. This then tells us the film is set in Turkey.
The chase is filmed in broad daylight with bright colours, the audience clearly needs to see the drama that is unfolding. The orange and yellow colours of the market to complement this and match the feel of the lightness.

Costume and design
The main character is wearing a grey suit, this shows sophistication and wealth and also suggests the film is set in the present day due to the high fashion suit.

The technology in the room we see also suggests it is set in the present day, computers, headsets etc.

Music
In the beginning when he is cautious of danger, the music is tense and high pitched to create drama.
Then there is casual drum music as he enters the car, he is laid back and calm, this is his job.
The music then gets more tense and faster, something is about to happen.
The sounds of the car crash and gun shots represents violence, a change to the casual drum music heard only seconds ago.

The type of music is from the country to complement the set, mysterious bongo drums makes us unaware what is about to happen and captures the audiences' attention.

Rom-Com, Action, Fantasy and Comedy Pictures

This picture represents Rom-Com. The pink lighting creates the feel it is this genre, as the colour pink has connotations of girly and romantic. The shape created by someone's hands also suggest it is a Rom-Com, as it is a heart, and this relates to the romantic theme needed for a Rom-Com.

This picture represents Action. The feel for action comes through the boy jumping off the wall. His feet are in the air, which creates an 'invincible' feel. His arms are raised, he is care-free and ready to take on action. The bricks in the background create a rustic feel, much like the sets on Action films. Perhaps this film will be filmed down a back ally way, where violence is likely to happen close to brick walls.

This picture represents fantasy. The green lighting creates a fantasy feel, as it refers to being 'out of this world' and magical. The boy is holding a 'wand,' a magical item most likely to be found in a Fantasy.













This picture represents comedy. One boy is playfully pushing the other off the ramp, which creates a comedic feel. Both have smiles on their face, which shows laughter, and comedy. The skip in the background may later be used in the film to jokingly push someone in there, another comedy feature.

Narrative analysis

Opening sequence of Iron Man

Narrative analysis using Barthes' Five Codes: 

ENIGMA CODE
Why does the soldier put his hand up? Is he intimidated by this man?
Why would he be 'out of the job with peace?' What is his job?
Who planted the bomb? Why did they do it?
Why is he ordered to 'stay here?' What importance is he? Why wouldn't he give him a gun?
What is he typing on his phone? Who is he sending it to?
Why does he look at the 'Stark Industries' writing curiously? What importance is Stark Industries?
Who captured him? Why did they capture him? Why are they filming him? What are they saying in their different language?
Why are they holding guns to his head? Is he going to die?

ACTION CODE 
The solider puts his hand up - what is he going to ask?
The 'gang sign' - why does the soldier do this? What does this mean?
The bomb explosion - who planted the bomb? Why did they do it?
Gun shots - who did they hit? Did they die?
The beeping of the phone - who is he trying to contact?
The bomb hitting him- will he die?
Pulling the bag off his head - what do they want him to see?

CULTURAL CODE
The suit - he is a wealthy man.
The army outfits- they are obviously part of the army.
The ragged tie and top button undone - he is laid back.
The rusty road and rocks - set in a desert somewhere.
Mobile phone and watch - he can buy what he likes, also represents being wealthy.
The bomb - something dangerous is about to happen.
The blood - something dangerous has happened.
The scarves around mouths and on heads - suggests terrorists who want to be kept anonymous.
The different language - keeping the audience in secrecy, we do not know what they are saying.
Tony Stark represents the audience.

THE CODE

 'THE CODE' - our pitch.
(Beth Braine and Sam Cook)

 
Our task: to create a film pitch to practice genre conventions.
Any difficulties? Trying to find ideas for the story plots and actors/actresses for all the characters was challenging but once we found them, it really came together.

Feedback from our picth:

Relevant/Intriguing/Catchy Film Title? Some said it doesn't give much away, others said it was short and explains the film. Most said it was relevant and intruging and could be remembered.

Interesting characters and appropriate cast? Most said 'yes' and agreed our characters seem intersting, an improvement suggested was to have a few younger characters.

Was interest created for the audience? Enigma codes? Most said 'yes' and that we included a lot of enigma codes.

Narrative suitable for target audience? Will it attract customers? Most said 'yes', it would attract the target audiencde.

Does the narrative fit the genre? Conventions in place? Most said 'yes' and that is was imaginative, an improvement suggested was to make it a bit less action-y.

Is the film different? Most said 'yes' or 'partly', one said they had seen it done before.

Good ideas for marketing the film? Most said 'yes' the ideas for marketing were good, one said it wouldn't work due to programmes making it easy for people to pirate, a good point.

Would you buy the film rights? Most said 'yes' - one said maybe after deliberation.

Scores out of 70: 56, 59, 51, 50, 63,53, 59, 49, 50, 52, 56.

Semiotics

Semiotics - the study of signs, anything which stands for 'something else.'

Denotations - what we see when we look at an image (what it is)
Connotations - what we understand from this image (meaning)

Preferred reading - how the creator wants the audience to view the text.
Oppositional reading - where the intended meaning of the text is totally opposed by the reader.

IRON MAN 3
Denotations - Iron man, positioned as if bending down on one knee, patriotism to his country.
                   -  Photo set in the ocean, foreshadowing deep events, perhaps not all good. Low angle 
                      used, makes Iron man look more important as the camera is beneath him, he will be a 
                      hero.

Connotations - patriotism (down on one knee), faith, hope and determination (facial expression), teamwork and uniting (the other iron men surrounding him) deep and 'the blues' (the ocean) strength (the iron suit) danger (the fire in the background), hero (the light shining from the centre of the main man.)

Preferred reading - Iron Man is a hero and he is going to save the day.
Oppositional reading -  A man in a metal suit, too bigged up.

Genre

The opening scene in Dream girls! The genre of this film can be defined by many ingredients, setting, theme, icons, narrative, characters and textual analysis. The setting of this film is Detroit, Michigan, America. It is also set on many stages, backstage, in car lots and characters homes. The film is mainly filmed all inside, so there is no particular weather. However when there is a scene shot outside, the weather is very gloomy to coincide the American riots. Another ingredient of genre is theme. There are many themes of Dream Girls, but the particular ones that stand out are love, betrayal, justice and music. The icons in this film is the typical 1960 women performer necessitates, so your usual stylish wig, ugly frock and make up. Other icons in Dream Girls include Cadillac cars, salesmen suits, briefcases and cigars.  The narrative of this film (or in other words the way the story is told) is a search for justice, if pitched to a film studio, this story would be told in a soft, sympathetic way but with an excited buzz to showcase the brilliant music included in the film. Characters within this film is the typical good guy/ bad guy, but with a more dominant female base, singers and car salesmen. The textual analysis for Dream Girls can be shown through camera, editing and sounds included within the film. There is nothing particularly special about the way this film has been shot, the usual close ups in more dramatic scenes and a more panned out view when the performances on stage are being filmed to showcase all of the choreography. The editing has been done for the sound recordings, but the main sounds included in the film are quite soft yet excitable during times where the Dream Girls may get there big break, and a bit more dramatic and heavier when some dramatic events are thrown in. All of the above ingredients create the Dream Girls film genre: a musical drama.