T1 | Wk 3 - Opening Sequences classwork / Homework

 Hi everyone,

Here's the video from class explaining this homework task...

This homework is due Thursday 19th Feb 

Let's take a look at James Bond, Skyfall's opening credits;

Notice what techniques are used in this opening to the film. 

So here's the task for this week's classwork:

•On your blog create a post titled 'Opening Sequences' and explain the following: 

–What is the purpose of Opening Sequences?

–What is the difference between Opening Credits and a Title Sequence?

–What techniques can be employed in an opening sequence?

Here's some examples of what we mean when we say TECHNIQUES

https://www.creativebloq.com/audiovisual/top-techniques-title-sequences-10135013

–Research a modern Thriller and a Hitchcock film of your choice to use as examples, as well s the James Bond, Skyfall clip, above. 

–Demonstrate how both films achieve the purpose of the Opening Sequence, and contrast their techniques.

Here is an updated version of the powerpoint explaining some of the differences between opening sequences and title sequences.  It has a few more leading questions to assist you in the assignment.

https://www.artofthetitle.com

Let me know if you have any further questions!

- T. Bianca

T1 | Wk 3 - Tues / Wed classwork

  

 Take a look at this movie opening, 'A Quiet Place' - the 1st 6 minutes only.

Write an essay explaining how the 4 technical elements create meaning in terms of TENSION and SUSPENSE which are the main goal of a thriller movie. 

Try and use as many terminology words as possible and make sure you work through all 4 technical elements. 

This essay will be out of 15 and marked in the following way;

Terminology - 5 (using correct media terminology in the correct context)

Analysis - 5 - (interpreting the question and providing relevent insights, ability to deconstruct the text and derive intended meaning, dependant on how accurately you demonstrate that you understand the codes and conventions of the thriller genre and how the conventions have either been challenged or conformed to)

Explanation - 5 (this is the level of detail included, the depth of analysis and the skill you use to commuinicate your points as well as how well you use actual examples from the text, to back up your points)

e.g. 'the  sad-sounding music in the background makes the audience sad' 

as opposed to

'the non-diegetic score is effective in evoking feelings of sympathy for the family. The violins and stringed instruments provide an eery tone that highlights both the danger that the family are in as well as the twinge of sadness at the careful life they have to live, just to survive. This is paired with shots of everyday life activities, now changed to be silent, for example the mother cooks the family food in the floor boards and serves it on leaf plates."

 

Watch this breakdown of the same clip, too...

T1 | Wk 3 | Thursday - How to create suspense - examples

Take note of how suspense and tension is built!

This is Alfred Hitchcock - the so called 'Master of suspense' 

https://indiefilmhustle.com/hitchcock-create-suspense/

 

And this one!

https://youtu.be/fiNxbnBLVVY

T1 | Wk 2 | Sherlock Clip | Wed - Thurs

  

 Hi,

Watch the extract several times and assess how the sequence manages the bridge between 'heavy' and 'light' moods.  (Focus particularly on finding the main / initial shift in tone)

If we haven't already done so, finish your written notes on how the mood is set up in each case by the following micro elements:

• Camera: shots, angles, movement, composition.
• Editing: within each section and crucially, between them, to make the 'bridge'.
• Sound: dialogue, music, effects, atmospheric establishing sound, diegetic v non-diegetic contrasts.
• Mise-en-Scene: how is this different for the two contrasting storylines; how is mood and atmosphere created in each case through lighting, colour, performance and other aspects?

Remember that your notes need not be exhaustive; for example, you would only record types of camera shots and their resulting effects, rather than the number of times each shot type is used and their corresponding timecodes in the extract.

Finally, use your notes to write a short response about how the technical elements combine to construct mood and tone.  Responses should be one full side in length, so you will very likely not be able to cram in everything you've observed.  Select your best material for the task.

Let me know if you have any questions and have fun :)

- T Bianca

T 1 | Mon + Tues - Classwork - thriller genre

 Hi,

Today we aregoing to learn about the CONVENTIONS and CODES of the thriller genre.

Then we are going to look at how those are used together to create thriller movie openings. 

Let's have a look at these videos together then answer these questions on your blog;

What sorts of technical elements are being used here and what effect are they creating? 

What do you like and think is effective?

What wasn't done so well?

1,

2. 

3. The Paper Boy 

4. Exemption 

T1 | Wk 2| Monday - Thriller Genre

 Hi guys,

Today we will continue with the handout of deconstructing meaning in the still images.

Half way through the lesson we will start looking at thriller genre conventions with this PPT

https://jordelle.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/codes-and-conventions-of-a-thriller-genre2.pdf

T1 | Wk 1 | Friday - Intro to Media Studies concepts (Video)