Watch this clip and make notes in class as to how AI is impacting the filmmaking industry and what ethical concerns or just concerns in general, we should have about the future of this industry with continued AI development
"AI presents some benefits for the film industry but the challenges seemingly outweigh the benefits." Discuss this statement and whether you agree or disagree using examples from the video.
Watch the documentary below by Keanuu Reeves (2012). He explores technological developments in the film world. Make lots of notes, answering the questions below. You will need to be able to write an entire essay on this, at exam time and for homework, soon.
2. Case Study work
- add information to your existing case study documents in relation to technological advancements and also into your homework essay
- Think about the following questions;
- did they include special effects / after effectcs? If so, what? (were they building models like for original Star Wars or using CGI?
What was their budget and in what ways did technology contribute to the budget? (compare big budget Hollywood blockbuster with the Indi film.
What was each budget and how did technology help them in diffrerent ways?
Did the lower-budget Indi film shoot on a digital camera?
Did the blockbuster shoot on film?
Use the following questions to gather the necessary information;
Questions should be filled out below:
1) Note down specific changes in technology below and films that have utilized this change in technology...
2) What has been the exclusive production, distribution and exhibition format for over 100 years?
3) What is going to replace 35mm film?
4) Note down key quotes from directors regarding digital and film production and exhibition:
5) How is digital processed?
6) How does the documentary discuss the production and post production process?
7) How is digital helping or hindering film production, post production and exhibition?
8) Note down key quotes from editors regarding digital post production:
9) What is the impact of digital technology and what does the future hold?
We are going to revisit CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY as a topic today.
Remember we watched Keanu Reeves, "Side by Side" and you made some good notes (everything you'll need for an essay) for writing about the move from film to digital.
Today we are going to explore technological changes and what impact that has on the film indutstry. You need to be able to comment on CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IT IMPACTS EVERY PART OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS (production / post-production / distribution / exhibition / consumption)
This article from last week has a lot in it in terms of technological advancements / changes in technology that impact the film industry;
Today's research is going to be useful for any essay regarding ownership.
We are going to look into the New Zealand Film Commission. I want you to open your case study blog post and do some research on the NZFC and answer the following questions;
1. Who are the NZFC and what is their primary purpose? 2. What films have they funded in the last 5 years that did really well internationally? 3. What films have they funded in the last 5 years that you have seen or that you know have been popular? 4. What services do the NZFC offer to help NZ filmmakers in the production process? www.nzfilm.co.nz/new-zealand
Now I want you to consider the following question on a brainstorming page that you will title, "INSTITUTIONS (OWNERSHIP)".
Flick though this slideshow and make some notes but keep in mind this is British and we are focusing on the NZFC so mainly take the generalised points about ownership and what affect it has on a film being made.
"How does the status of the institution impact on how they engage with the major stages of production?" (basically, how does it impact a film being made to have the backing of a massive conglomerate like Disney, as opposed to being a filmmaker from NZ wanting to make an indi film).
Write points for;
1. Production (getting funding / cast & crew / music for the film / technology & equipment) 2. Distribution / marketing ( actors promoting the film / vertical & horizontal integration / synergy & cross-media-convergence) 3. exhibition & exchange (the type of release you may have / the rights to the film / piracy)
***NZFC new funding update
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has announced key funding changes for 2025, designed to simplify processes, enhance accessibility, and support a broader range of filmmakers. With an emphasis on cultural storytelling, commercial viability, and innovation, these updates aim to make New Zealand’s film industry more dynamic and globally competitive.
Filmmakers will now be required to define the aspirations of their projects from the outset. This ensures that NZFC funding aligns with the film’s intended impact and goals. Projects should fit into one or more of the following categories:
Cultural: A film that represents Aotearoa’s identity and unique storytelling.
Critical: Aimed at international film festivals and critical acclaim, with a clear audience and distribution pathway.
Local Audience: Strong potential to connect with and engage New Zealand audiences.
Commercial: A film with market attachments and international sales potential.
Innovation: Projects by emerging or distinctive filmmakers that push creative or technological boundaries.
By clarifying these aspirations, filmmakers can better align their projects with NZFC’s funding priorities.
The way media re-presents the world — people, places, events and ideas are constructed through choices. Never 'neutral' or 'natural'.
Stereotype
An oversimplified, widely-held image of a group. Stereotypes are ideological — they serve the interests of dominant groups by making constructions appear natural.
Counter-type
A representation that deliberately challenges or subverts a dominant stereotype.
Ideology
A system of values and beliefs presented as common sense. Media texts encode ideological positions through representational choices.
Preferred / Dominant Reading
The meaning a producer intends audiences to take from a text. The technical codes work to anchor this reading.
Signifier / Signified
From semiotics: the signifier is the image/sound; the signified is the concept or meaning it evokes. Useful for analysing mise-en-scène.
Connotation / Denotation
Denotation = what you literally see/hear. Connotation = the cultural meanings and associations it carries.
OBSERVATION GRID
Element
What I noticed (observation) → What it means (analysis)
Camera
Editing
Mise-en-Scène
Sound
✦ ACTIVITY: — Three Statements
1.Students write three statements, each using a different technical element and explaining how it contributes to the representation of a character or group in the extract.
2.Each statement must follow the structure: [Technical choice] + [Specific detail] + [Effect on audience/meaning created] + [Representation constructed].
3.Example: 'The low-angle shot of the detective [camera] creates a sense of authority and dominance, positioning the audience to view him as powerful, constructing a stereotypically heroic masculine identity.'
“Identity is complicated; everyone's got one.” Gauntlett believes that while everyone is an individual, people tend to exist within larger groups who are similar to them. He thinks the media do not create identities, but just reflect them instead
Let's look at this article and clip from David Gauntlett himself
Why is it hard for us to ask the question 'how does this media text construct identity'?
What are some key notions of identity that we should take into consideration?
Use one of the clips from this week's homework assignment and write a paragraph that uses both Stuart Hall, Blumler and Katz (Uses _+ Gratifications theory) and Gauntlett's theory correctly.
