Timeline of opening title sequence CAST

Here our task was to go onto the website 'The Art Of Title' and watch a 2-3 minute title sequence noting down the time of each of the frames and the names, also noting the soundtrack timings. I chose the the film CAST. I found this task tricky to understand to start off with, however became more clear to me after fully understanding what to do. I found it helpful overall as I am aware that we will be creating our own title sequence, so being able to watch a published title sequence first and note the ways the frames flowed, the timings in between each frame will enable me to relate this to my future task of making my own title sequence.

Devising a film production company name

We (Bruno, George and I) decided to do a mind up to come up with an appropriate film production name to suit our genre choice. As you can see above in the photo, we though of Heatwave Productions, but decided that it didn't sound so edgy, instead more dangerous, maybe more associated with movies like Fast and Furious. Ripper Productions and Trap Film productions came next to our mind. However we all agreed that Ripper Productions actually sounded too gory, and would associate more with horror films rather than a psychological, real-life thriller. Trap Film Productions however, was one of our favorites. This didn't sound too dangerous, neither too gory, and actually the name 'Trap Door' could mean multiple things, such as the audience get 'trapped' within the film, also relating to being trapped in a room. However our final idea that we stuck too, was Dark Feather Productions. We thought that this sounded quite mysterious, and also edgy, which is just what we wanted. Quite a symbolic name as the feather is dark, however it floats very lightly which can lead to multiple thoughts, such as secrets within our film choice.

OCR Preliminary Task

For our OCR preliminary task, we had to produce a short film which had to contain the following: shot reverse shot, 180 degree rule and match on action.

Scenario: we decided to base our video on was a youth from school, stealing a school laptop, and making a run for it. We tried to give an effect that the audience was chasing this youth, creating excitement and building tension within the video. We added the soundtrack He's Just A Rascal by Dizzee Rascal as we thought it was at an appropriate pace when the youth was just about to make a run for it, the music suddenly picks up adding to the tension.

Location: The Cherwell School 

Shooting Schedule (AM):
9:10 - establishing shot of youth walking towards gate with laptop
9:15 - shot reverse shots out of school gate
9:20 - match on action shot of youth running from school
9.30 - tracking shot of youth running down alleyway
9.40 - reverse tracking shot of youth, from round the corner of the alleyway facing youth



We used a small portable camera to film our task, which was not ideal but we made the most of it. I found the process quite tricky at times, such as getting the 180 degree angle rule right, which I am not sure whether we accomplished smoothly within our task however we had a go. Filming the chase down the alleyway was very quick paced and fun, Bruno cycled after the youth running holding the camera upright to get the tracking down smoothly. However the reverse tracking was much tricker to overcome as I had to sit on the handlebars while Bruno cycled forward, enabling us to get this shot. The editing was not so tricky either as we just edited out the parts that were faulty, and merged together smoothly film that was worthy and flowed well. The track that was added in (He's Just A Rascal - Dizzee Rascal) fitted well as the tempo and pace matched the task, with the track's pace speeding up as soon as the youth makes a run for it. Overall I think that my group did well and learnt a few things in this task, getting an overall grasp of what filming and editing is like.

Draft shooting schedule

OCR G322 June 2011 Merlin essay question

1. Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs a representation of class and status

In the extract of the TV drama Merlin there are many ways in which class and status are represented. To begin with, the camera shots and movement are a main factor in how class and status are represented. The different shot types used help create a fantastical atmosphere. For example in the beginning of the extract, pan shots are used quite a lot as we watch Merlin walk through the corridors of the castle, coming out of the castle and then walking through the streets of the market. These pan shots may help emphasise Merlin’s low class status as he is compared to the enormity of the castle, therefore making him seem smaller. However in comparison to this, a mid-shot is used to establish Prince Arthur’s involvement in the scene. We see him walking powerfully through the streets, a slight low angle shot is used which may help illustrate his size and importance compared to Merlin.

Secondly the editing of the extract also constructs the ways in which class and status are represented. In the fight sequence, there is a use of fast editing and slow motion shots, this emphasises and creates a sense of danger within the scene. The fight sequence is a vital part of establishing class and status within the extract. This is because as for the first time a member of the servant class stands up and challenges the Prince. In effect, when Merlin does this it challenges the status quo of the medieval system. The conflict and the scene is increased with the fast editing during the fight scene as the camera jump cuts from different elements in the marketplace to characters weapons and even their faces to imply danger and harsh conflict during the scene. In contrast slow motion is used; this highlights the Prince’s attitude and illustrates to us how he is able to break the rules of society as he challenges and fights Merlin in the middle of the street. The slow motion also highlights the danger and heated emotions within the fights, as we are able to look closely and identify specific actions taking place. Match on action is also used as we see Merlin leaving the castle, walking into the market. This contrasts both the classes, as we can easily identify the differences between the grand, exquisite castle which looks quite peaceful and undisturbed. As Merlin walks into the market it’s immediately very busy and run down. This strong contrast gives us the impression of what is expected of a servant class’ atmosphere and surroundings.

Furthermore there is editing during the confrontation scene between Merlin and the Prince. They both engage in armed conflict as the two share a heated discussion swapping insults. When Merlin tries to walk away, only the camera here can see his face in reaction to the arrival of the Prince, however none of the other characters in the scene are aware of his facial expressions. Here the audience are placed in the Prince’s position because of the emotional and physical reactions to the Prince’s words are visible to only us. This brings us into the battle of the classes.

Sound within the extract also adds to the representation of class and status. In the extract sound is used to add tension to situations. For example, when Merlin is in the Princess’ room without her permission, the non-diagetic music is used to create tension and create a sense that Merlin is breaking a rule and could get into a lot of trouble. The music adds tension in this case. Another example is once the fight scene begins, the orchestral music begins. This adds to the atmosphere putting us the audience on edge and creating a livelier atmosphere. As soon as the fight scene finishes, the low toned orchestral music begins. This implies a sign that the fight is over, everything has slowed down and only one of the classes has won.

Finally the mise en scene gives a representation of class and status as it shows the different characters and their environments and when they are out of them. For example when the Prince is firstly introduced into the scene, he has his guards standing next to him. In comparison Merlin’s entrance where he is shown through a pan shot walking down the corridor alone. This contrasts and illustrates that both classes are very different. In addition the clean white halls of the castle contrast to the dark, small environment that the two servants are in. Furthermore the clothes that both the classes are wearing contrast. The scraggy, dirty and ripped clothes of the servants and the clean and practical clothes of the soldiers, also carrying armour and weapons to show their higher class and status symbols as they are above the servants. In the fight scene Merlin is forced to bend and pick up the weapon he drops. This illustrates his lower class as he is involuntarily bowing to the Prince and how he is going to be forced into his class position by the Prince’s physical might. However, the fight scene does subvert social class and status as Merlin is able to defeat the prince through his cunning magic. There is a back and forth subversion between the Prince and Merlin as they are fighting, Merlin knocks the Prince to the ground, therefore gaining higher status. But this doesn’t last long, as the Prince knocks Merlin to the ground. However within the beginning of the scene there are powerful elements for example the Prince, Princess and the old man controlling Merlin and telling him what to do. Merlin is the definition of class as he is told what to do by his masters. He is told to take the jar to the Princess, so he does. He is told to stop fighting with the Prince so he does and finally he is told to stop using magic which he refuses. He explains that if he doesn’t use magic, he has nothing. This creates empathy as we see that magic is all he has.

In conclusion I believe class and status is represented well through the use camera work, sound, editing and mise en scene. We can clearly identify what is trying to be portrayed within the extract through the use of this.

 

Semiotics and Anchorage

Semiotics
Semiotics, or semiology, is the study of signs, symbols, and signification. It is the study of how meaning is created, not what it is.

Anchorage
Fixing of meaning e.g. the copy text anchors (ie fixes to one spot) the meaning of an image (for instance, a single rose, that could be used for an advertisement for anything from a dating agency to a funeral home) in a print advertisement.

Shot reverse shot, match on action and 180 degree rule

Shot reverse shot
This is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character, and the other character is shown looking back at the first character. This technique is usually used in conversations or when characters are simply looking at eachother. 

Example:

Match on action
This is an editing technique for continuity editing in which one shot cuts to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot. This technique creates a sense of continuity - the action carrying through creates a "visual bridge".

Example: 

180 degree rule
This rule enforces continuity of the film. The rule states that the camera(s) should remain the same side of the imaginary line. The line is drawn perpendicular to the camera's viewpoint in the establishing shot of the scene. The rule should never be broken, as it confuses the audience especially in scenes of chase, conversation or sport.

Example:

Film production - company logos

Film production is the process of making a film. It involves an initial story, idea, or commission, through scriptwriting, casting, shooting, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and exhibition. It also involves companies managing and creating the film.

Walt Disney Pictures are mainly involved with creating and publishing fairy-tale and fictional films. The logo portrays quite a fairy-tale like animation, reflecting that most of its films are quite lighthearted and mainly focussed on children. The castle and the shooting star also help establish this.  

DreamWorks film production are quite similar, the logo is quite fairy-tale like and also would attract children. The boy sitting on the moon with a fishing rod portrays a quite relaxed, calm and quite innocent idea of how the movie may be like.

Breakthru films production has a significantly different logo to the two above. It's quite bold and clear, which may state that the films they produce are quite strong and maybe somewhat serious.

Camera movement

Crab	A less-common term for tracking or trucking.
Dolly	The camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement. Also known as a tracking shot or trucking shot.
Dolly Zoom	A technique in which the camera moves closer or further from the subject while simultaneously adjusting the zoom angle to keep the subject the same size in the frame.
Follow	The camera physically follows the subject at a more or less constant distance.
Pan	Horizontal movement, left and right.
Tilt	Vertical movement of the camera angle, i.e. pointing the camera up and down (as opposed to moving the whole camera up and down).
Track	Roughly synonymous with the dolly shot, but often defined more specifically as movement which stays a constant distance from the action, especially side-to-side movement.
Zoom	Technically this isn't a camera move, but a change in the lens focal length with gives the illusion of moving the camera closer or further away.

Camera angles

• Birds eye angle - is an angle that looks directly down upon a scene.

• High angle - is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject. A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small.

• Eye level angle -  puts the audience on an equal footing with the character/s. This is the most commonly used angle in most films as it allows the viewers to feel comfortable with the characters.

• Low angle - is a camera angle that looks up at a character. This is the opposite of a high angle and makes a character look more powerful. This can make the audience feel vulnerable and small by looking up at the character.

Camera shots

• Extreme long shot - this contains a large amount of landscape. Usually used used at the beginning of a film or scene to establish the setting. Also known as an establishing shot.

• Long shot - also contains landscape, but gives the viewer a more specific idea of the setting.

• Full shot - this contains complete view of the characters. From this shot, viewers can take in the costumes of characters and may also help to demonstrate the relationships between characters.

• Mid shot - this contains the characters or a character from the waist up. From this shot, viewers can see the characters' faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters.

• Close up - contains just one character's face. This enables viewers to understand the actor's emotions and also allows them to feel empathy for the character.

• Extreme close up - contains one part of a character's face or other object. This type of shot creates an intense mood and provides interaction between the audience and the viewer.

• Two shot - this contains only two people in a frame, enabling you to establish their relationship.

• Group shot - this contains more than two people. You can identify what is happening between those specific people in a scene.