There are many stereotypes on the North and South of England and also the views that the people from the areas have on each other. Over the course of the scene stereotypes are mainly matched but on the odd occasion are reversed. The south was a richer area and still is than the north and it was strange for a family to move from the south to north. This scene explores the views of different character types and how they react to certain situations. The mise en scene is an accurate account on how it was such as dirty rag clothing and dark dirty alleyways for the north and nice clothing and luxury homes for the south.
The scene starts with a couple arguing that the audience immediately identifies as being husband and wife. The wife seems to be upset that they have moved from where they were. The title North and South makes it clear to the audience that it is about the difference between life in the North and life in the South. The man is very apologetic and says 'I had no choice' The camera angles used show the man looking down on the woman and the woman looking up on the man because in that time period men were more superior than women. This keeps with the mise en scene and the time period well. The woman steps back into the darkness to signify her end to the argument and emphasises the possible darkness that living in the area may lead them to. The audience sees that this family are quite rich and live in luxury with good quality paintings all around the house.
The scene in the luxury house then moves onto dark alleyways amongst the working class in dirty rags this juxtaposes with the luxury house and emphasises the difference between classes. The woman that is walking down the alleyways is the daughter of the couple in the first scene. The audience knows this because of the slight glance they had of her in the first scene in the house. As she walks non-digetic sound of her reading a letter is read. The voice over is a good way of giving the audience an understanding of what is going on in the scene and also a bit of background information. It also tells you that she is educated that she can read and write and enforces the idea of the 'rich south' The letter reads that she could get used to life 'up North' and 'the people seem nice'. Just as that is read a big flock of men on their break come rushing down the stairs that she is on. She is pushed and assaulted and seems very shocked. The men all grab at her to try and steal from her and clips of action are missed out in this to make the scene more frantic for the audience. During this there are quick shots of the men's legs at a low angle which makes it seem like a stampede and the woman small and venerable. This enforces the stereotype of the North of how they are rowdy, poor and will do anything for money such as stealing. The stereotype is then reversed when a man pushes the others away and gives her back her money. She is very grateful to the man for protecting her and offers him a tip for his services. To her and the audiences surprise he refuses the tip which reverses the stereotype of the people from the north tyring to get money in any way. The scene ends on a high angle open shot when she is free from the stampede which connotes freedom again and her relief.
Overall this extract is split up well into North and South. where it starts with the rich side the southerners life and then moves onto the rough and poor north area. It's ironic that although the south are the richer but are most upset and the north seem happy with life and get on with it.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Friday, 17 April 2009
How has new technology influenced production, marketing and exhibition in the film industries in the last 30 years?
How has new technology influenced production, marketing and exhibition in the film industries in the last 30 years?
New Technology has become increasingly better in the past 30 years and has a huge influence on the way films are produced marketed and exhibited. New techniques and increased computer technology has driven the film industry foreword but it does have its drawbacks.
The production of films have been able to be more impressive due to great effects that can be used with great ease. This allows the producer and director to be more ambitious with their films. For example Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, there recent films have huge impressive fight scenes with huge high action. The proof is in the 1st films and the last. Star Wars first was first around in the late 70s and for the times had great special effects which one many awards such as best visual effects and best special effects. George Lucas produced another trilogy starting with ‘The Phantom Menace) in 1999 which had much improved visual qualities. However this biggest improvement came from Lord of the Rings which was directed by Peter Jackson. The first film (The Fellowship of the Ring) came out in 2001 and within 2 years to the third (The Return Of the King) dramatic improvements were made. This shows the greater improvement of technology recently in a smaller period than in the 20 year period before in star wars.
The development of techniques such as ‘green screens’ has been increased and is being used very effectively in films. Using green screens allows you to mix to images or frames together while erasing a background colour. This has been used effectively in films such as Indiana Jones. They had a big boulder rolling after a character and to avoid making the actor run from a boulder they used a green screen. It is also used to create locations, the TV series Doctor Who features the characters going to all different places so instead of using up money the locations can not only be shown up with the characters on but can be edited in any way wanted. For example having a location set in Victorian times which you wouldn’t be able to do if you went over to the place and filmed.
Marketing of films has become easier with the increase of technology because of the different ways to advertise a film. The Internet is now one of the best ways to market a film. Trailers can be put out all over the Internet on sites such as Youtube. Reviews on websites which could advertise a film depending on the review, however could have a negative effect on the film. The Dark Knight created its own websites with forums which built up the film and created a massive hype for the film.
‘Itunes’ is also another new way of marketing a film. Films are sold through ‘Itunes’ which is a programme made by the American company Apple which allows people do download podcasts, music, TV series and films. Distributors sell the film to Apple who then sells them onto the customers which renovates money to film. 10 years ago all of this wasn’t around without the Internet you get none of it. However, film piracy is a huge problem for the film industry and the Internet is the main problem many websites feature illegal copies of films which can be watched by anyone with the internet. There has been ways of trying to stop this or at least reduce it but it seems to be to big to control.
Exhibition in the film industry has become also better because of the new ways of producing a film. 30 years ago films came out onto VCR in a cardboard case but now there are allsorts of variety. DVD is the most common format of a film you will see which can be played on games consoles as well as DVD players. There is also the new Blu-ray, which allows the viewer to see the film in a much higher quality or definition (HD). These new formats are also a lot more reliable compared with VCR. Not only have these new formats been made available and more reliable but also the majority of films now come with bonus disc. This may include things like Outtakes, ‘the making of the . . .’ or deleted scenes. So you no longer just watch the film which adds to the entertainment. Also the increase in technology helps create a better DVD cover a more eye catching and effective picture compared to the older less exciting pictures found on videos. As marketing has a problem via the internet exhibition also have small similar problems such as fake illegal copies of a DVD which can be made with the right software.
New Technology has become increasingly better in the past 30 years and has a huge influence on the way films are produced marketed and exhibited. New techniques and increased computer technology has driven the film industry foreword but it does have its drawbacks.
The production of films have been able to be more impressive due to great effects that can be used with great ease. This allows the producer and director to be more ambitious with their films. For example Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, there recent films have huge impressive fight scenes with huge high action. The proof is in the 1st films and the last. Star Wars first was first around in the late 70s and for the times had great special effects which one many awards such as best visual effects and best special effects. George Lucas produced another trilogy starting with ‘The Phantom Menace) in 1999 which had much improved visual qualities. However this biggest improvement came from Lord of the Rings which was directed by Peter Jackson. The first film (The Fellowship of the Ring) came out in 2001 and within 2 years to the third (The Return Of the King) dramatic improvements were made. This shows the greater improvement of technology recently in a smaller period than in the 20 year period before in star wars.
The development of techniques such as ‘green screens’ has been increased and is being used very effectively in films. Using green screens allows you to mix to images or frames together while erasing a background colour. This has been used effectively in films such as Indiana Jones. They had a big boulder rolling after a character and to avoid making the actor run from a boulder they used a green screen. It is also used to create locations, the TV series Doctor Who features the characters going to all different places so instead of using up money the locations can not only be shown up with the characters on but can be edited in any way wanted. For example having a location set in Victorian times which you wouldn’t be able to do if you went over to the place and filmed.
Marketing of films has become easier with the increase of technology because of the different ways to advertise a film. The Internet is now one of the best ways to market a film. Trailers can be put out all over the Internet on sites such as Youtube. Reviews on websites which could advertise a film depending on the review, however could have a negative effect on the film. The Dark Knight created its own websites with forums which built up the film and created a massive hype for the film.
‘Itunes’ is also another new way of marketing a film. Films are sold through ‘Itunes’ which is a programme made by the American company Apple which allows people do download podcasts, music, TV series and films. Distributors sell the film to Apple who then sells them onto the customers which renovates money to film. 10 years ago all of this wasn’t around without the Internet you get none of it. However, film piracy is a huge problem for the film industry and the Internet is the main problem many websites feature illegal copies of films which can be watched by anyone with the internet. There has been ways of trying to stop this or at least reduce it but it seems to be to big to control.
Exhibition in the film industry has become also better because of the new ways of producing a film. 30 years ago films came out onto VCR in a cardboard case but now there are allsorts of variety. DVD is the most common format of a film you will see which can be played on games consoles as well as DVD players. There is also the new Blu-ray, which allows the viewer to see the film in a much higher quality or definition (HD). These new formats are also a lot more reliable compared with VCR. Not only have these new formats been made available and more reliable but also the majority of films now come with bonus disc. This may include things like Outtakes, ‘the making of the . . .’ or deleted scenes. So you no longer just watch the film which adds to the entertainment. Also the increase in technology helps create a better DVD cover a more eye catching and effective picture compared to the older less exciting pictures found on videos. As marketing has a problem via the internet exhibition also have small similar problems such as fake illegal copies of a DVD which can be made with the right software.
Friday, 3 April 2009
How does Bleak House create tension ?
How does Bleak house create tension?
The TV series Bleak house uses a variety of different techniques to create tension. Camera angles and editing techniques can make the audience feel a certain way.
In a scene I watched I found they used a lot of clever camera angles to make the audience feel like they shouldn’t be there. Filming lots of depth of field shots with always something in the foreground makes the audience feel as if they are ‘hiding’ and ‘spying’ on a conversation. For example the shots of the corner of a table which gets in the way of the shot. This way you can never see the whole image of his face which adds to mystery and tension.
It is also used to show a characters feeling and reaction. For example there is a shot which is used at the start to show other characters entry into the room. At the same time in the foreground of the shot is the woman. This way the audience can then see the expression on her face as they walk in. The audience can immediately judge her feelings towards these characters. The same shot is used to involve the character in the conversation and the audience are aware she is listening in.
Dramatic sounds are used in the editing process to add drama to the scene. Computer generated sounds are played in loud to frighten an audience and this adds tension. For example when the character notices a name on the letter the quick camera shots of her face and the letter with the added sound create a scary effect. There are also added sounds leading up to the woman collapsing. First there is a heartbeat which builds up the scene and the audience know something is going to happen. Then just before she falls the sound is muffled and effects are put on the audio again adding to the tension. When the woman eventually collapses there is a sound of her head hitting the ground makes more realistic and to make the audience feel the action more.
Other editing effects such as slow motion can emphasise the feeling of a character. For example towards the end of the scene a slow motion effect is put on the character that is displayed as being bad or evil. This allows the audience to capture his evil look thus create more tension.
There is also an added tint to the shots featuring this character to make the audience more aware of who is good and who is bad. There is then added tension immediately when the audience see the tinted effect.
Clever use of composition at the beginning of the scene adds to the darkness of the bad character. It makes sure that there is a dark shadow covering most of his face, again adding to the idea of never getting a clear image of this character. This creates a scary image of the character and immediately represents his evilness, adding to the tension.
In the next scene it immediately begins with quick shots and loud noises which scares the audience and creates tension. A character shouts at another telling him ‘You’ll be out on the streets’ which makes the audience feel for the character who seems scared. It shows him then in his room where he counts money clips are missed out which speeds up the piece and misses out action. This creates a frantic atmosphere and adds tension.
The TV series Bleak house uses a variety of different techniques to create tension. Camera angles and editing techniques can make the audience feel a certain way.
In a scene I watched I found they used a lot of clever camera angles to make the audience feel like they shouldn’t be there. Filming lots of depth of field shots with always something in the foreground makes the audience feel as if they are ‘hiding’ and ‘spying’ on a conversation. For example the shots of the corner of a table which gets in the way of the shot. This way you can never see the whole image of his face which adds to mystery and tension.
It is also used to show a characters feeling and reaction. For example there is a shot which is used at the start to show other characters entry into the room. At the same time in the foreground of the shot is the woman. This way the audience can then see the expression on her face as they walk in. The audience can immediately judge her feelings towards these characters. The same shot is used to involve the character in the conversation and the audience are aware she is listening in.
Dramatic sounds are used in the editing process to add drama to the scene. Computer generated sounds are played in loud to frighten an audience and this adds tension. For example when the character notices a name on the letter the quick camera shots of her face and the letter with the added sound create a scary effect. There are also added sounds leading up to the woman collapsing. First there is a heartbeat which builds up the scene and the audience know something is going to happen. Then just before she falls the sound is muffled and effects are put on the audio again adding to the tension. When the woman eventually collapses there is a sound of her head hitting the ground makes more realistic and to make the audience feel the action more.
Other editing effects such as slow motion can emphasise the feeling of a character. For example towards the end of the scene a slow motion effect is put on the character that is displayed as being bad or evil. This allows the audience to capture his evil look thus create more tension.
There is also an added tint to the shots featuring this character to make the audience more aware of who is good and who is bad. There is then added tension immediately when the audience see the tinted effect.
Clever use of composition at the beginning of the scene adds to the darkness of the bad character. It makes sure that there is a dark shadow covering most of his face, again adding to the idea of never getting a clear image of this character. This creates a scary image of the character and immediately represents his evilness, adding to the tension.
In the next scene it immediately begins with quick shots and loud noises which scares the audience and creates tension. A character shouts at another telling him ‘You’ll be out on the streets’ which makes the audience feel for the character who seems scared. It shows him then in his room where he counts money clips are missed out which speeds up the piece and misses out action. This creates a frantic atmosphere and adds tension.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
What is the balance of realism and drama in particular soaps ?
All 'soaps' have to maintain a high level of realism and drama throughout their shows. The main focus points for the creators is to keep a good balance between the two points. There needs to be a high level of drama happening throughout an episode to keep the audience hooked and to make it interesting. However they need to balance this with the realism. Realism is the way of keeping it as realistic as possible so that audiences can relate to it. Having to much Drama and not enough realism makes a show become unreal and rejects the conventions of a 'soap'
A popular show like Eastenders always keeps a high level of drama and has sometimes over the past been criticised because of its unrealistic approach to modern day live. This includes the 'shooting of Phil' and 'Max being buried alive'. Eastenders tries to keep high action such as the Shooting of Phil after the drama attracted over 19 million viewers and became the biggest soap success. However when Max was buried alive there was a huge negative impact and Eastenders had to apologise to its viewers after many complaints. Eastenders takes place at 8.30pm which is before the 'watershed' and having a character 'drugged and buried alive' was found not suitable by many viewers.
Overall, successful soaps find a good balance and occasionally throw in a high drama event to attract many viewers which can cause a positive or negative effect as proved by Eastenders.
A popular show like Eastenders always keeps a high level of drama and has sometimes over the past been criticised because of its unrealistic approach to modern day live. This includes the 'shooting of Phil' and 'Max being buried alive'. Eastenders tries to keep high action such as the Shooting of Phil after the drama attracted over 19 million viewers and became the biggest soap success. However when Max was buried alive there was a huge negative impact and Eastenders had to apologise to its viewers after many complaints. Eastenders takes place at 8.30pm which is before the 'watershed' and having a character 'drugged and buried alive' was found not suitable by many viewers.
Overall, successful soaps find a good balance and occasionally throw in a high drama event to attract many viewers which can cause a positive or negative effect as proved by Eastenders.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Representation of youths in Skins
The Tv drama Skins is aimed at an audience of the similar age to the characters. Therefore the representation of youths isn't negative or over blown but realistic. For example when Tony is on the phone to friends he swears on regular occasions, ' Yours are fucking funny'. However when he speaks to Sid's Dad he is polite. This shows the respect that is shown towards adults. This is generally a strong representation of today's youths. Sid's Dad however is shown as a bad example by swearing at Sid straight after. This shows that some of the characters are possibly influenced by bad parenting. The start of the scene shows Tony playing his music very loud in the morning which angers his Dad. He also swears a lot such as 'Every fucking morning' and the language and anger represents the stress of having a teenager.
Tony is shown walking and talking on his mobile. which shows he has no time to sit and chat, this shows the fast pace of life that teenagers lead. Panning and tracking shots also add to the pace by following him wherever he goes.
Tony is shown walking and talking on his mobile. which shows he has no time to sit and chat, this shows the fast pace of life that teenagers lead. Panning and tracking shots also add to the pace by following him wherever he goes.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
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