Mini Mock - As Media Studies Blog Post.

What similar films did you research before starting this coursework piece and why?

I have made a quick Prezi to show you the three films I decided that were best to analyse for my Spy- Action genre.

Who are your primary audience and how will you attract them to your film?

After researching and looking at film the BBFC and how they rate films before release, I concluded that the best age rating for my film would be a 12/12A. I decided this because of the involvement  weapons (e.g guns) and moderate threat and physical violence. It would not be a 15 because their isn't a frequent use of strong language. My primary audience would be mostly male between the ages of 12 to 40 because of how my film includes guns what is more associated with male fans then female. 

What were the main reasons behind your choice of location, actors, costumes and props for your movie?                       

Props 

I am only using the total of four props. First prop will be a briefcase which will be the first thing shown in my movie. It has a major significance because of the documents inside and it give secrecy to the audience. The other props will be three fake pistols I have made and painted to give a realistic look. I'm using them because every action movie includes numerous of guns and weapons and every villain/spy will carry one.

                                                      Location

The location I have chosen is a recently and newly built tunnel running through Hemel Hempstead’s Nicky Line. I decided this would be the best place to film because of the secret enclosure and the eerie atmosphere it gives. It is a perfect place for people to meet in secret just like in my two minute opening. It was also chosen, because the location is near and very easy to get to. 

Actors

My actors are portraying celebrities that I thought would be the best for my film. First Actor will portray Will Smith becuase he has always been in a lot of action movies and plays the typical hero. He will be played by Fehinti Balougun. Second Actress will be Amber Mayhew and she will be portraying Cameron Diaz. I chose the two because she is the typical blonde the can overpower men. Although, Cameron Diaz hasn't played that many villians. her fans would be interested in how well she would do in an unknown role.

Please name your film company and explain the roles you have been undertaking over the past six weeks. 

The name of my film company is M.A.D.D. 



The past six weeks I have conducted in researching film genres by analysing movie's and deciding what genre is best to use for my two minute opening. 

I began on the genre of Sci-Fi Adventure, however I thought the SFX  would not be able to create easily. Also, I didn't want to do thriller because it is one of the easiest genre's to create and pretty much everyone else chose it. So, I finally went for action.  There are so many sub-genres for action it was hard with what one to chose but I ended up going for Spy-action because I always enjoy watching them type of films and love the escapism. That is exactly what I want my audience to feel. 

Since then, I have been researching and analysing films in the same genre and testing out final cut and live type to give me an idea what I will be working with. 

Lastly, I finally created the plot of my film, wrote out scripts, drew storyboards, decided on who will be casted (real actors and dream actors) and choosing the best location. All I will need to do is film/edit and my film will be completed. 

What have been the biggest challenges to over come so far?

The biggest challenge to over come so far would have to be time management. It has been difficult for me because I wasn't used to the whole blogging coursework and having so much to do. However, by using target plans and drafting pieces of work has helped me in seeing what I got to do and how long I should take so I am as up to date as I can. Another challenge is technology. At first, I hated using blogger because for me personally it wasn't easy to use and it was hard to be creative with my work instead of just typing it in word format and pasting. But, I have now got the hang of how to embed, post videos, use prezi, voki and I hope it will help me when it comes to filming my movie.

What did you learn from completing the Preliminary task?

   I created a voki to tell you what I had learned.















How many shots including the institutional logos, are included in your two minute opening?

I haven't completed filming yet, however I tend to use as many as possible including: Over the shoulder, wide, long, close up, extreme close up, medium two shot etc.

Reflect on your skills in using video cameras and editing software.

I have indeed use video cameras before but haven't tested for my filming. However, I have used editing software (final cut) to created the beginning of my movie with my logo and institutional logo. I also tested out how audio would sound. For now I want it to be how my opening starts. 

What type of shots/angles are used most commonly in your film and why?

The most common shot/angle in my film will be the over the shoulder shot because of there being a lot of dialogue. Also, I want to show emotion and facial expressions in my film so close ups will be used as well to show detail.

How have you used/considered lighting effectively in your opening? 

Of course when I eventually film and edit I can change the lighting to the tone and mood of my choice, however, I picked the tunnel alleyway not only because it helps with not being in the way of the public, the darkness from being inside a hollow, echo place helps set the tension and atmosphere. 


How many credits are to appear in your film?

A M.A.D.D Film 

Amber Mayhew playing KIM PARKER

Fehinti Balogun playing MAX GEMINI

Lauren May (TBC) playing UNNAMED MAN

THE GAME

How do you intend to distribute and share this film once it is complete? 

Once my film is complete I intend to distribute it to the public by using social networking sites especially twitter because the majority of the world uses these sites and it is the best way to get it around. Also I will be posting it on this blog and youtube. 

Target Plan 

By the 4/12/12 I will have posted on my blog:

. Pitch.

. Props and Costume list.

. Actors/Actress list. 

. The 39 steps Analysis. 

. Story board.

Location

Location 

This Voki explains about my Location.

 Outside the tunnels on the left entrance

Inside the tunnels walking through the left entrance

Script

Script - The Game

This is my script for my opening two minutes of my film The Game. 

Action-Spy

                               My Genre of Choice

As you already may of known I have chosen my genre fro my two-minute opening to be the action-spy genre. From analysing the main movie genres I decided this was the best one to use because there is countless of editing skills and camera shots I can use. Also, films in this genre typically have action and tension in the first few minutes, which always leaves the audience second guessing and will want to watch on (that is a sign of a good movie). I hope to re-created that in my own piece. 

To help me with my film, I will be looking at three different openings to movies I believe that will help influence and inspire me. Firstly, I have currently analysed James Bond-Quantum of Solace, it has shown that it uses many code and conventions I can use in my own work what will show it is the genre of my choice. Next, I will be looking at another action-spy movie from the other side of the spectrum, Alfred Hitchcock's famous The 39 Steps. I chose to analyse this because it would help me see how spy films have changed through the growing decades and also can show influence into my own film. Lastly, Mission Impossible will be another movie I want to analyse. It will be similar to the James Bond movie I have just looked at, however, It is set in america so their could be a major contrast of how it is done. 

I chose these three films to specifically give me a completely different variety of the action-spy genre because I can influence their style and modify my own.

BBFC

BBFC - Film Classification Analysis

Films what are about to go on theatrical release are classified by two examiners using the BBFC. The examiner will always look at issues involving sex, nudity, horror, drugs, discrimination, behaviour, violence, language etc, when making decisions. They also have to consider the impact the film will make the audience/viewer feel. 

Universal 'U' - Suitable for all.

A 'U' film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. There will never be anything like the use of 

drugs or discriminatory language without clearly showing the younger viewer that is disapproved of. The outcome

 of horror/violence should be very mild and not cause anxiety to young children. Also the outcome should be reassuring. Lastly, sexual activity must be very mild e.g. kissing etc.

Parental Guidance 'PG' - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. 

 A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. Just as the same as U discrimination and drug use can be shown unless disproved of or in an educational or historical context. Horror and violence sequences must not be intense or continue for a long amount of time. A 'PG' can have mild bad language only and natural nudity with no sexual context. With sexual activity it should be very discreet and mild references and innuendos only.

Suitable for 12 years and over – ‘12’ or ‘12A’

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. It informs that these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. Also, no one younger than the age of 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. If an adult believes their child is suitable to watch a ’12A’ they can in their company. ‘12’ category only exists for Video or DVDs. 

  Use of drugs should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. ‘12’s’ may allow moderate physical and psychological threat, however should not be sustained. Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not be created in great detail in which the child can copy. Moderate language is allowed, however, the use of strong language like the word f*** must not be frequent. Lastly, nudity is allowed but must be discreet and sexual activity may be briefly portrayed.

Suitable only for 15 years and over – ‘15’ 

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

  In ‘15’ films although drug taking can be shown, the film as a whole must not promote or endorse drug misuse. Horror with strong threat are permitted but must not be sadistic or sexualised. You can have a frequent use of strong language and the strongest terms (for example the word C***) can be used only if it is justified. Sex or sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There can be strong verbal innuendos and references to sexual behaviour. Finally, violence can be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain/injury. Really strong gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Suitable only for adults – ‘18’ 

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema and no-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video. Everything in an ‘18’ can be permitted however, typical reasons for restricting films to the 18 certificate category have included scenes of hard drug use, supernatural horror, explicit sex, sadistic violence and sexual violence.

James Bond Analysis

James Bond - Quantum of Solace Analysis

Quantum of Solace is the 22 James Bond film in the series produced by Eon Productions and Distributed by MGM and Columbia Pictures. Released in 2008 it is an actual sequel to the 2006 hit Casino Royale.  It is also the second-highest-grossing James Bond film, without adjusting for inflation, earning $586 million worldwide. The plot: 

Bond battles wealthy businessman Dominic Green, a member of the Quantum organisation, posing as an environmentalist who intends to stage a coup d'état in Bolivia to seize control of the nation's water supply. Bond seeks revenge for the death of his lover, Vesper Lynd, and is assisted by Camille Montes, who is seeking revenge for the murder of her family.

First Shot

The Film starts with MGM as its Distributing logo followed by Columbia Pictures. Not only having MGM as a distributor connoting to the audience that this movie is going to be a big mainstream movie, having two huge distributors doubles the expectations.

Second Shot

 Second screen shot is an establishing shot to set the scene. It denotes small mountains surrounded by an appealing ocean. It could connote that this is the setting of the first two minutes. James Bond is a secret agent working for MI6, during films in the past he is near enough always in luxurious locations for his missions, which means this shot could connote that he is currently taking upon a mission abroad. Also during this scene it slowly uses camera movement to zoom into the mountains to reveal a bridge and every now and then will cut to extreme close ups of an expensive sports car speeding. That connotes, the car is driving through the bridge a top speed preferably trying to escape danger. 

Third Shot

Next, This screen shot denotes the expensive sports car driving away from other similar vehicles on the same tunnel/bridge. Although you do not physically see him yet, audience will know James Bond is in that car because he is also known for his nice rides. 

Fourth Shot

I chose this next shot because it is important. It denotes a man holding a gun and aiming for the car in the screen grab above. It connotes that this man is a villain or more likely to be a henchman to the main protagonist. As well as, it is the audiences queue for the action to start and that the next few minutes will be action packed like a typical modern James Bond movie.  Lastly, It can connote that James Bond has been caught on his mission and is now escaping with either something belonging to the protagonist or some vital information about them he can tell back to M16. 

Fifth Shot

In this shot an innocent bystander in his lorry has got caught inside the action. The gunman either accidentally, or cunningly shoots the wheel of the lorry, what results in the driver losing control and hitting Bond in his car. It connotes to the viewer how serious and how much the gunman/villains do not care and that they will go at nothing to get Bond. 

Sixth Shot

James in this scene is instantly impaled to the lorry as he tries to escape, slowing him down. His facial expression connotes that he is struggling and he is thinking fast of how to get out of the problem. It connotes that there is a high chance the car will be wrecked if he gets out of the situation because of the forcefulness he will use to get the car away from the lorry.

Seventh Shot

This screen grab shows Bond in his sports car still being chased by the villains/protagonists. Although he is trying to avoid the villains, James and his car is coming out of tunnel and connotes that he escaped from the lorry entrapment. Also, it connotes the danger and action isn't over.

Eighth Shot

I chose this over the shoulder shot because it denotes one of the protagonists on the same side as another lorry and shows his face on the windscreen. This connotes that him being on the same side and face on with the lorry shows it isn't going to end well for him unless he can find a way out. The other convenient lorry on the other side tells the audience otherwise. Finally, using the windscreen to show his eyes will also connote to the viewer that he knows he is in trouble and shows his emotion before he crashes.

Ninth Shot 

The Lorry in the next shot has now collided with the protagonists car. This is an effect to inform the audience that James Bond has now got an advantage over the villains and will not give up without a fight. It connotes that James is a very powerful person over the others.

Tenth Shot

I used the last screen grab because it verifies with the police man speaking a foreign language that he is definitely in a different country. Having the police radioing for help with the car chase connotes that either Bond is going to be helped or it is going to make it more difficult for him to get away.

MGM Pictures

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer or better known as MGM Pictures is an American media company in which produces and distributes films and television programs. MGM was founded in 1924 by entrepreneur Marcus Loew and used to be the largest film studio. It was founded by Marcus as he took over Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer Pictures. 

The very well known logo of the roaring lion (or Leo the Lion) was created by Howard Dietz - an American publicist, lyricist and librettist - in 1916 for Goldwyn PIctures, however updated in 1924 for MGM. The logo has the official studio motto "Ars Gratia Artis" what means "Art for Art's Sake" inscribed around the ring of the lion. The roar was only added in for the first time in August 1928 because the films were originally silent.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was the dominant motion picture studio in Hollywood from the end of silent films to the late 50s. Although their films were usually alway a success they loss a lot of money through the 1960s because of cultural and nature changing. 

MGM had struggled in 1973 because of cutting staff and production costs what resulted them in to producing low-budget face and then forced to shut down the theatrical distribution. It continued to produce a few films a year through other studios, mostly United Artists. The theatrical distribution was back on track in 1981 when they decided to buy United Artists as UA's parent company Transamerica Corporation decided to let the studio got after the failure of the film Heaven's Gate (1980).

As MGM was now successful again they decided to purchase Metromedia's (another media and radio company) film subsidiaries, including Orion Pictures. 
   Also, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer attempted to take over Universal Studios in 2003 but failed. 

Although MGM is known for distributing the most well known bond series they only done 11 out of the 23: 

MGM and UA (United Artists)

. Octopussy (1983)

. A View to a Kill (1985)

. The Living Daylights (1987)

. License to Kill (1989)

. GoldenEye (1995)

MGM 

. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

. The World Is Not Enough (1999)

. Die Another Day (2002)


MGM and Sony Pictures Entertainment

. Casino Royale (2006)

. Quantum of Solace (2008)

. Skyfall (2012)

Even though, MGM have had many ups and down with debt they have countless library of films and TV production and distributing and are still going today. With their top 5 Box Office  Grossing Movies ever sure did help:

1) Gone with the Wind - $189.5 million - released: Dec 15th, 1939.
2) Rain Man - $172.8 million - released: Dec 16th, 1988.
3) Hannibal - $165.0 million -  released: Feb 9th, 2001.
4) Die Another Day - $160.9 million - released: Nov 22th, 2002.
5) Rocky IV - $127.8 million - released: Nov 27th, 1985.

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Production Logo

Ideology - My Production Logo. 

I have chosen this final Production Logo for my two minute opening. I decided that the use of the bright laser lights and fast pacing movement helps to show that the film is going to be an spy-action movie (the genre of my choice). I have called my productions M.A.D.D to exaggrate how my action movie will feel. I used the colour red to connote that danger will begin in the first two minutes and well help set the tone/mood. It lacks sound for an effect because during the first ten seconds of my opening, I will be using the MGM Production logo,  with an eery, suspenseful audio music running through to connote the tension of an action movie. 

MGM Productions is being used as my distributor because it is very well known for the James Bond series which is also in the spy-action genre. Also, using Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as my distributor will give the audience high expectations of my movie opening. Which means It will motivate and influence me to make it as successful and clean-cut as possible to reach their standards. 

Camera Movement

Camera Movement

Camera movement is when the director chooses to move the camera with the action in the movie other that using a series of cuts. Moving the camera often takes a great deal of time, especially with long scenes. Not only must the style of movement be chosen, but the method of actually moving the camera must be selected too. There are seven basic methods:

Pans - A movement which scans a scene horizontally. The camera is placed on a tripod as the camera is turned. Often, used to follow a moving object e.g.: Car, plane etc.

Tilts - Very similar to pan, however, it is a movement that scans vertically

Dolly Shots – Can be called tracking shot. This movement is when a camera is placed on a moving vehicle and moves alongside the action. It usually is used for action and chase scenes, following a moving figure or object. Another way is if the camera is mounted on a moving object like its POV, to portray movement of the object.

Hand-held shots - The camera is literary handheld by the camera operator. Usually used for the shot to be bumpy and jagged. Can connote instability.

 Crane Shots - Basically, dolly-shots-in-the-air. A crane is used to move the camera up, down, left, right, swooping in on action or moving diagonally out of it. Mostly used for high angle shots.

Zoom - A zoom can change the position of the audience, either very quickly or slowly, saving the director a lot of time. It pretty much is just a single shot moving towards a particular subject. The drawback to zoom is that if it isn’t used effectively and can become distorted to the audience. To get the best of using zoom use a tripod.

The Aerial Shot – Like a crane shot, instead usually taken from a helicopter. This is often used at the beginning of a film, in order to show setting and movement.

180 Degree Rule.

The 180 Degree Rule. 

The 180 degree rule is when an imaginary line called the axis connects the characters and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene. The camera or cameras should always remain on that side of the imaginary line. An example is if a chase scene and actor/actress is running away from right to left, the next shot must also be shot from the same side. That means the actor/actress has to enter from right to left. Here is a diagram below on how the rule works:

Breaking the rule. 

The rule should never be broken unless for effect. Breaking the rule will confuse the viewer, especially in scenes of chase and conversation. 

Results of rule breaking: 

. Confusion of audience.

. Viewer loses focus.

. Miss vital parts of the film. 

Ways Around the rule.

The only way you can cross the line (axis) without disturbing and confusing the audience is to show the camera movement crossing. You cannot cut across the line because the audience will not be orientated. Once the axis has been crossed you have to stay on that side of the line unless you show the movement back over.

Using 180 Degree Rule.

Here is  quick story board I produced to help me get a better understanding of using the 180 degree rule in filming...

Scene commences with a wide shot and one actor sitting to the left of the frame and a door on the right.

Shot cuts to another actor on the right of the frame walking through the door.

Wide shot is back with two actors in the frame. First actor on the left is still there greeting the other who is still on the right.

Changes to medium shot to show first actor on the left exchanging some dialogue to the other actor.

Now switches to second actor who is still on the right sat down replying to first actor.

The actors are now both in the frame again. 

Next shot is an over the shoulder shot with second actor having ago at the other.

Another shot in reverse effect to the one above.

Lastly, a close up/medium two shot used to show the heated expressions on their face.