Next steps...

Hi everyone,


Now we finish Preliminary Task #1.

Your homework therefore is to complete the edit itself (I recognise this needs to be done in study breaks, at normal school breaks and during class times).

Final cut due Thursday.  To that end, the double block tomorrow will largely be devoted to editing.

CCR's - rough version; also due Thursday.  ROUGH version.  I want basic information you intend to discuss, plus technically-based observations.  Actual creative mediums need to have been considered though not necessarily 'up and running'.

Let me know if questions.


- T. Marcus

Representational Essay #1 - Bourne

Okay everyone, next challenge:

Embedded below is an extract from The Bourne Identity.  You should watch it at least four times.  During the first screening, you should not make notes; during the second, third and fourth screenings you should make notes, as well as making additional notes between these subsequent viewings.  You should also compare and develop these notes using your class notes from our recent class screening, and compile them to answer the question below.

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

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

Your answer should be approximately 3 sides in length (no less than 2 1/2 sides, leaning towards 3 to 3 1/2).  Cover as many of the bulletpoints as you can, and refer also to representational theory.

Remember the Key Topic areas of Representation, and remember that these are KEY areas but not the ONLY areas.  Still, most observations on social groups and social issues will eventually circle back to one of those seven topics.

This is due Wednesday 15th March.


- T. Marcus

This week, PT#1, and Creative Critical Reflections

Hi everyone,


I very nearly decided to simply say "Yes, please" for this post.  But I'll be somewhat more descriptive.

As you know, this week's assignment is the Thriller Sub-genres blog post, due Wednesday.  Stay on this at home; you won't have class time for it this week.  That said, breaks and study periods may potentially be used after prior communication with me.

Preliminary Task #1 should have a COMPLETED rough edit as soon as possible.  I'm projecting that this will be next week.  That said, don't dawdle.  We will be editing the majority of tomorrow and all of Wednesday class.  That MAY be enough to get a basic sequence in place.  Again, editing can be done in breaks and study periods, but prioritise homework or studying for tests.

We will begin designing our responses to the CCR questions during the wrap-up phase of editing, but RIGHT NOW you should write down things that went wrong or you had to change or things you've already noticed or learned.  Keep a notepad next to you while you edit; you'll keep noticing and changing things!  Log it all.  It's fantastic fodder for your CCR's.

Have fun.


- T. Marcus

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