Sub-genres of Thrillers

Hi everyone-


Now that the planning is done, after the filming we'll mostly be into editing during class time.  That being the case, you need something to do at home.  Perfect timing, really, considering what's coming.

Your next blog assignment:


Thriller sub-genres-

• Research 6-10 thriller sub-genres.
• You will define the core content, themes, techniques and conventions that are characteristic to each sub-genre.
• You will also give examples of common methods used to achieve the desired effects.
• List 1-5 appropriate movies that land in the category of the sub-genre you are discussing.

This is due Wednesday 8th March.  Learn this, because after this we'll be doing an essay on an extract from The Bourne Identity.

Enjoy.


- T. Marcus

Updated! - Preliminary Task #1 and current HW

Hello gentlemen,


CURRENT BLOG ASSIGNMENT:
For your current Opening Sequences assignment, have a look at Alexis' blog post from last year.  Make sure you also look at the comments I left for her!


TASK PLANNING:
For now you should be completing the following-

• Brainstorm
• Storyboard
• Script
• Location
• Props & Costumes - list them, source them, bring them in
• Possible Talent - choose and approach for willingness and availability on the day
• Filming day options - finalise and CONFIRM WITH TALENT
• Callsheet for talent - make it simple for them so they know what they need to bring
• Shot list for yourselves - this helps you plan out how you will manage your time
• Group roles - who will do what on the day?  Who will act as timekeeper?  Director?  Cam-op?
• Equipment list - plan NOW what you'll need; don't be scrambling on the day

NEXT BLOG ASSIGNMENT:
As we discussed in class, the next blog assignment will be the Preliminary Task #1 planning.  Besides the task requirements on p33 of your coursebooks, that planning will need to include:

• Brainstorm
• Storyboard
• Script
• Props & Costumes - list and examples, plus rationale for your choices
• Conventions you intend to employ, and rationale

All of this will feed your Creative Critical Reflection, which we will discuss more fully at a later time.  For now, get your planning ready and get filming!  :)

Have fun.


- T. Marcus

Opening Sequences research...

Hi everyone,


So here's the task, to remind you:

•On your blog, explain the following: (create a post titled 'Opening Sequences')

–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?

–Research a modern Thriller and a Hitchcock film of your choice to use as examples.

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

Here is an updated version of the powerpoint we saw in class.  It has a few more leading questions to assist you in the assignment.

Let me know if you have any further questions!


- T. Marcus

Welcome to 2017

Hello everyone!


Welcome to AS Media Studies.

We're kicking off with an analysis project, as follows below.

You may use the Sherlock clip in this post for our task.

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)

By now we've produced a storyboard of the precise transition section - the last shot of the first sequence and the first shot of the second.  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.  Have fun!


- T. Marcus

Potentials...

Hi girls,


I hope your study break is going well for you.

Below is a list of shows that I think Cambridge MIGHT consider for the examination.  At the very least, they're good practice.

Remember, just because they may be used does not make them 'wholesome' shows.  All are to be viewed with discretion and discernment, and most definitely with the approval of your parents.

• House of Cards
• Mad Men
• Mercy Street
• The Get-Down
• 11.22.63
• Halt and Catch Fire
• Narcos
• Grey's Anatomy

(It also occurred to me that Orange is the New Black may be a candidate, yet I couldn't find a clear 3 minutes - let alone 5! - where they didn't drop the f-bomb.)

I suggest familiarising yourselves with a range of shows that cover all the genres in our course book.  So far Cambridge seems to have focused on period dramas, but this may also indicate they're about to not do that anymore.


- T. Marcus

Blog presentations - final order

Hi girls,



You'll want to have it laid out so examiners find it easy to read.  To that end, do it like this:

1. Final product
2. CCR
3. Process / Planning

Research should all be clearly tagged and labelled, including the following tasks:

• Logo investigations
• Thriller sub-genres
• Representation codes & conventions
• Opening Sequences analyses
• Opening Titles & Sequences - discussion & analysis

Be blessed, and let me know if you have any further questions!


- T. Marcus

Representation task: Extract - The Young and the Restless

Hi everyone,

You're going to have to use this link to view the video.  Follow the instructions below.

You should view this extract several times.  during the first screening, you should not make notes; during the second, third and fourth screenings you should make notes, and take 2 minutes after these 2nd, 3rd and 4th viewings (time yourself if possible!) to make further notes.

Extract: The Young and the Restless (season 42, episode 10700, 2015 dir. Sally McDonald)

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs meaning through the following:

• camera shots, angles, movement and composition
• editing
• sound
• mise-en-scene.

Have fun!

- T. Marcus