Lesson Review- Catherine Dalton

In today’s lesson we looked at each group’s review of a particular genre, and there film analysis that complimented this. With each group we made notes to learn about other genres and more importantly identify and learn to identify typical opening sequence conventions in opening sequences, helping us with analysis.

Firstly we looked at a group whose genre was Crime and Gangster. The main conventions involved in this genre included stereotypical characters such as a hero, victim and villain; also it introduces the setting, narrative and has credits. Also the conventions would include a hook or enigma code.

This particular group looked at the film Lock, stock and two smoking barrels, this opening sequence focuses on the crime genre, we know this due to the mise-en-scene used, the dull lighting and the characters and costumes used, also the speech and situation. In this sequence we clearly see or can easily recognise the genre, due to the main character he costume consists of a typical London outfit and the dull background backs up the idea that he is not only the main character but is a typical, crime character in London, this is further reinforced when the police begin to chase after him, after a situation to portrayed of them selling illegal goods. This illegal selling also emphasises the genre. This film opening sequence also fits in the opening scene conventions, such as an introduction to the characters with a credit sequence, also it establishes the setting and finishes with a chase sequence is chase sequence acts as a hook and enigma code to make the audience want to watch more of the film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o1UXSxTjfo

Secondly as a class we looked at James Bond’s opening sequence. This particular opening sequence goes with the typical conventions of an opening sequence, it introduces the setting, which is a crowded setting, also introduces the main characters it does this by framing them individually, also adds cross-cutting between the characters. In addition to this it has stereotypical characters such as the hero, we know he is the hero as he is dressed in bright colours, unlike the villain who is dressed in much darker colours. Furthermore there is an enigma code to draw the audiences attention in, when James Bond is seen looking into a backpack.

Also conventions of action are used in James Bond, fast-paced camera shots are used, a variety of setting, this variety of setting is seen in the chase sequence, when it takes them to several different places. Also the use of variety of shots, this is seen in a Point of View shot of the mobile phone. The music is also constantly changing building up tension and subspense this also relates to convention but of the Action theme. Lastly the use of varied camera shots helps the sequence to move on quickly and also establishes the main character, this is due to a low angle shot showing the main character.

Lastly, I found the lesson very helpful as it enabled me to link my knowledge of both opening sequence conventions and genre conventions to particular films, also my looking at all the groups I was able to learn about new genres and there own specific conventions.

Lesson Review, Natalie, 26/11/09

After last weeks lesson where each group individually analysed a genre and opening sequence, each group did a small presentation of the genre they analysed and the rest of us took notes. Each group did a different opening sequence from James Bond: Casino Royale to Texas Chainsaw massacre.

Each group did a review of an opening sequence explaining its conventions and how it is used. Every sequence showed different conventions of its genre as well as different conventions of an opening sequence. Some included credits whereas others didn’t, some included introduction of main characters where as some were only introductory of the genre.

Individually I evaluated each groups opening sequence and took notes on what conventions appeared in each sequence. The main conventions of opening sequence includes introduction of an characters, settings, genre, time & date, plot, narrative, and uses credits and has a hook which entices the audience to want to watch more.

The first sequence we went through was from the crime and gangster genre, conventions of this genre include, death/crime, hero & villain, criminals, authority which is represented negatively, set in a busy urban city and an easy to recognise set. The opening sequence was the film ‘Lock, stock & two smoking barrels’, the plot Is of a gambler selling illegal goods on the street, it is set in an urban area of east London, this can be seen from the costume and the accent of the main character. There is use of credits between shots to break up the narrative but keep the audience interested at the same time. We are introduced to the main characters as an audience. AS well as this, we are introduced to the setting and genre. There is grey use of lighting which represents the area and lifestyle. There is a use of slow motion at the end of the sequence with a voice over spoken over the top. The slow motion adds emphasis to the central characters and the situation they are in, the slow motion also represents that the characters are running out of time and allows the audience to take in what has happened prior to this. There is music also within the sequence which adds pace and keeps the audience interested. The hook used is at the slow motion section which keeps the audience amused.

This is the opening sequence of Lock, Stock And two Smoking Barrels

The second sequence was of the Thriller genre. The conventions of this genre includes adding intensity, tension and suspense. Other conventions include, scary & dark music, isolated setting, death, dark lighting, tracking shot, point of view shots to add mystery and tracking shots. The sequence that this group analysed was the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, This sequence was a very different sequence to the others that I viewed, it contained a series of dark and montage images which represented death and a sinister feel. There was use of dark lighting to emphasis the genre. The character was introduced by a name instead of an image. There were images of mutations to introduce the genre and the title of ‘Massacre’. The character is mysterious as we don’t actually see them and are not properly introduced to them. We are engaged as an audience with use of burning images, sinister and creepy music and powerful images.

This is the opening sequence of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The two sequences are incredibly different, 'lock, stock and two smoking barrels' uses credtis, continuity editing and introduction of characters where as 'the texas chainsaw massacre' doesn't use credits and uses montage editing. The music for both sequences are incredibly different too, this is because the target audiences and genres are both different so serve different purposes.

I learnt a lot from viewing others sequences and it added to my knowledge of other genres. Now when we decide as a group what genre opening sequence to do, i feel we will have far more knowledge on how to do this and our options won't be as limited as they were previously.

Websites used: www.Youtube.com

Analysis of Lesson 26/11/2009 By Ellie Mannix

Firstly, today in lesson we had to prepare our presentation of our specific film genre - western. We were then presented with the remaining of the class' work. We moved round the class room, listening and watching each groups films they analysed and the conventions for this specific genre.

Each group did a review of an opening sequence explaining its conventions and how they are used. Everyone's different sequence' showed different conventions of that specific genre as well as the conventions of an opening sequence.

Group 4 researched into the film genre 'Crime and Gangster'. They introduced us to the conventions of this specifc genre; it is usually associated with death, crime, drugs, illegal actions, situated in an urban setting where the hero goes after the criminal. Nevertheless these films normally glorify the rise and fall of a particular criminal(s), gang, bank robber, murderer or lawbreakers in personal power struggles or conflict with law and order figures.

As a group they analysed the opening sequence of 'Lock Stock and two smoking barrels' where it is clearly identifiable to the audience who the 2 main characters are, one of the times this is portrayed is when they were running away from the local police authority, not only establishing the two characters through the use of an extreme close up but the genre of his specific film. The opening sequence also identifies the setting; a run down urban area of London. It is made clearly identifiable when the characters are running down a dingy alley away from the police which are represented as inferior and negative as the criminals have got away, this adds pace as the adrenaline of the audience increases as they become hooked on what will happen next.

The dark, dirty eary setting adds to the mystery of the plot as it is only the opening sequence in which we await for the rest of the film. Also in this sequence, the slow paced editing

The very first shot we are introduced to is the main character selling items which were ''not stolen, just not paid for yet' introducing to the crime in this film as he is selling stolen goods on a street which in inevitably illegal - crime genre.

We were then introduced to the idea that the slow pace editing of the two main characters escaping relates to establishing the men and the setting and situation they are in, slowing down the pace for the next activity.

The voice over is then heard, which helps the audience familiarise with what they have just watched, relating to crime and gangster as they voice overs are stereotypically used to introduce to the audience the film.

Moreover, the credit sequence in imbeded into the film,, cutting in between the opening sequence.

Lastly, the music in this opening sequence is extremely rapid, which also creates the pace and adds to the adrenaline of the storyline.

Lesson Evaluation - Bridget Long 26/11/09

In today's lesson we analysed different groups opening sequence of a specific genre of their own choice. We were given a short presentation of each of the opening sequences by each group where we discussed the different conventions and watched the sequence. We analysed what makes the sequence successful and what different techniques are used to add affect. We saw similarities within the different genres and similar techniques used to create effect and ways as which makes the sequence more entertaining for the audience.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Group 2 looked at the opening sequence of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Firstly the group explained what techniques are used in the sequence which make it so successful for example the use of music to create suspension. This sequence was very different from the Western genre that our group had looked at however we were still able to link the two together with similar methods used. In the opening of Texas Chainsaw Massacre there is use of montage editing to display some of the things that are related to the film, this introduces the narrative, with out giving too much away. Dark colours are used in order to show the genre as well as create a dark, gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. We see one of the characters which is introduced to us in the opening sequence which is a typical convention of the opening sequence, we have a close-up of him so we can recognise him later in the sequence. Time and date is shown during the sequence which tells us the time period it is set in. The music is unnerving throughout the sequence in order to worry the audience and confuse them. We have a name of a killer, which introduces us to another character. The transitions that are used are dissolves which is noticable and unnerves the audience further. These are some of the points that the group presented to us as a class which helps us to compare opening sequences and to spot the similarities.

Star Wars

In the opening sequence of star wars we are introduced to the location. We are also introduced to characters in the opening sequence, both heroes and villains. We are given an idea of the plot and storyline. Another convention used in this sequence, is the introduction of the themes that will be seen throughout the film. At the end of the opening sequence, we are left with a hook/cliffhanger, which are frequently used in opening sequences to engage the audience, and keep them watching. A lot of opening sequences use this in the opening sequence to keep the audience entertained and keep them wanting to watch.

How does the opening scene of Scream use the conventions of the Horror Thriller genre? By Ellie Mannix

From watching the opening sequence of Scream, it is clear to identify that it would fall under the Horror thriller genre as it clearly identifies the expectations that the audience expects from this type of genre. Codes and conventions are important to a producer because they are able to follow a set of rules which cause restrictions when filming and abiding by conventions that they have to meet and the need to follow the set conventions which adjust the target audience as the set of expectations that they audience follow which causes enjoyment and fear for the audience. The sub genre horror thriller is a petrifying, terrifying genre which explores the mental, emotional and physical state of the characters. They are either afraid of themselves, are afraid of karma or a suspicious human (also known as the antagonist) interfering with everyday life. However by watching the opening sequence we can identify that these expectations are being fulfilled as they meet with the description of the antagonist interfering and acting mysteriously which explores the mental state and interrupts the mental situation of the stereotypical young vulnerable teenager home alone. The opening wisely uses dramatic music which creates suspense and dramatic irony as the audience know that there is about to be an interruption in the equilibrium yet they are unsure the timing of the crime, so it therefore informs the audience that the pace and vulnerability of the victim is increasing as this could be related to the increased heartbeat of the victim as the danger starts to increase. The constant use of colour uses the conventions of a horror/thriller genre as it allows the audience to make assumptions, be aware and to learn to recognise what the plot is about. The use of red signifies danger - Craven expertly uses the opportunity to portray danger through the use of signification of the genre. The white clothes worn by the victim signify purity whereas the antagonist wears black robes and a black mask with a scary scream’ed face on it which reinforces the danger of the situation and as being the audience the colours resemble not only the state in which they are in but the status upon the characters. Other colours which represent the conventions of a thriller is the title “scream” which is in a black and red; two colors used very often in horror films which represent danger, mystery and gore. The vulnerability of the character is also a convention of a thriller, as the antagonist will only be able to successfully interfere with the normality of everyday life if there is an easy route. In this case the stereotypical dumb blonde bimbo is the easiest way to interfere and to cause horror by causing her mystery, harm or even death. The use of props is very significant in the opening sequence of Scream as it uses the bare minimum of them and still manages to create an effective and meaningful storyline. Take the popcorn for example. Just a very every day ordinary task, but as the film goes on, the popping noise signifies the fact that there is something wrong and danger occurring. However when there is a fire that corrupts, we understand that this signifies the girls life, and when the mother puts the fire out she is metaphorically putting an end to her daughters life as the next scene is her daughter hanging from a tree. Dead. The use of cinematography uses the conventions of a thriller as it introduces the setting as an extreme long shot pans round showing the open plan house which uses the lighting technique to create shadows and the impression that it is scary and mysterious; when unexpected shadows arise the audience automatically thinks that it is the antagonist which helps create the suspense of the long awaited attack to happen. The point of view shots help create the idea of being stalked by the camera and by managing to capture an effective POV shot it shows what the victim is seeing and the way that she is very naïve and aware that the antagonist is there. From seeing the girl panic peering out the door window on the phone to the killer and looking for him which is a scary experience proving to the audience that these things are capable to happen and as we see both characters it hold the audience at an advantage of knowing both sides capturing the true emotion as anything can happen. The POV shot used by the killer, shows that he is in power and therefore uses another convention of a thriller as the antagonist is kept a mystery as it is never given a full shot, but only a face or body shot and when the mask is slowly removed, the camera changes to the parents which shows the fact that the victim cannot escape emphasizing the true horror of the film. Editing has been used in a way to add to the genre as it increases the pace though the use of cross cutting between the parents and the antagonist verses protagonist. As the action increases so does the music. This is effective as it is running parallel with the lack of time left in the girls life. All of these things I have discussed are the typical codes and conventions that are used in a horror thriller which are able to meet the expectations of the target audience.

Photos from lesson. 26/11/09

From front: Natalie, Catherine, Bridget, Ellie

From left: Natalie, Catherine, Bridget, Ellie

From left: Bridget, Ellie

Adventure: Catherine Dalton

Adventure Opening sequences- Catherine Dalton

Generic codes and conventions

The codes and conventions for an adventure films include, an exciting storyline in which the characters have new experiences. The narrative is usually action filled. Also in the narrative there is an emphasis on violence, usually caused by a struggle of difficult situations.

There is also stereotypical characters involved in these exciting action filled plots, the stereotypical characters include heroes and villains. In addition to this the setting can also be seen as very typical as most adventure films are set in the jungle or desert.

Adventure films generally follow the typical narrative structure, this narrative structure is has the following, an event that breaks normality, then a attempt to restore, then some sort of battle and to end the film a restore to the norm.

Adventure films, can be seen as very similar to Action films, as they both contain some of the same codes and conventions, they both have exciting and thrilling story lines.

Indiana Jones Chronicles Part 1: Opening sequence

The opening sequence of the film begins with the title sequence, the title is portrayed as colourful, this shows the audience that the film is exciting and the music used for this portrays this further. The music is typical of adventure conventions as it is upbeat and relates to the narrative. Behind the title there is a book being opened, the book looks old and interesting showing that it has some importance to the film as the book is shown in the middle of the screen. Then a someone opens the book, showing further importance as the person goes through some of the pages which have drawings and writing, maybe suggesting that the images and writing have something to do with the plot. Also we can make assumptions that the character opening the book is the main character, the upbeat music also helps to suggest this.

Then there is a clip where we see lots of images (photographs) put together, the music here is important as it changes several times throughout first of all it changes, when we have a desert setting and then changes again when the setting and photographs change to the setting of London (city setting) this may portray that the film uses both the London and the desert setting. This also shows contrast, and also demonstrates and gives away some of the plot. The credits take place over these shots.

Following this we have two images one of a young boy on the left and one of a man on the right, these two images are the only images in the frame, showing that they maybe the main characters. Then to finish we see at hat. This image shows the audience that maybe the hero wears the hat, and this hat gives away something about his character. Therefore the music and the mise-en-scene used relates directly to the conventions of an adventure film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP1XQK8cUrg

The Shawshank Redemption opening sequence analysis. Natalie

Drama:

Codes and conventions of dramas:

These are serious plots of serious life and represent a realistic view of life. They focus on serious and complex plots as opposed to eccentric or exaggerated settings or effects. The drama genre includes so many subgenres such as Crime, melo-dramas, romantics and epics.

Dramatic themes often include current issues problems, concerns or injustices including religious intolerance or drug addiction, poverty, the corruption of power, alcoholism, mental illness, domestic violence or other explosive issues of the times. These films have successfully drawn attention to the issues by taking advantage of the topical interest of the subject. Although dramatic films have often deal with realistic social problems, the tendency has been for Hollywood, to excuse society and institutions and to blame problems on an individual, who more often than not, would be punished for their transgressions.

An opening sequence of a Drama (The Shawshank Redemption)

This film directed by Frank Darabont stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and was released in 1994. The opening sequence of this movie begins with a black background with white writing, this represents the hope of the entire film. There is hope throughout as we see as an audience which is reflected in the first few seconds. It begins with an establishing shot of an isolated hut, this isn’t the main setting of the film but begins the plot to come. We know that this is an opening sequence as there are credits throughout the opening. There is music playing from a car radio and it is operatic and serene and sounds very sad and depressing like the mood. There is a range of shots to show the development of the scene and gives the audience hints of what is about to happen. The lighting is dark and it is dark establishing that it is at night and that the people don’t want to be disturbed. The hook of the opening sequence is the murder that takes place, is it who we think? Or is that too obvious for the audience? There is cross cutting between the court room and the event that takes place, it keeps our attention on the sequence and we as an audience do not get bored. The opening continues and is quite dramatic, we are drawn in as an audience.

Websites used :

www.imdb.com

www.filmsite.org

www.youtube.com

Review of Lesson 19/11/2009 - Ellie Mannix

Today in lesson, we started by choosing and researching a genre. As a group we chose ‘western’ as a starter genre as we thought it would be an interesting and a different genre to familiarize ourselves with as it was totally unknown to all of us in the group. Bridget and I spent time researching the conventions, cinematography and various western films, evidently familiarising ourselves with this specific genre. I enjoyed finding different conventions from different websites such as www.filmsite.org/genre to learn more about this genre. We also used www.youtube.com to associate ourselves with these conventions, finally learningand portraying our theory work into a production from youtube.

Natalie and Catherine also researched Western films, they researched the film: Stagecoach, Directed by John Ford in 1939. As a pair they analysed a chase sequence and an opening sequence from the movie which founded on www.youtube.com. By analysing these sequences, we as a group can now understand and reinforce what should or shouldn't be done.

Review of todays lesson. Natalie Murray

Today in Media we, as a group, had to research a genre of film using www.filmsite.org/genre. We then had to create a new blog post containing the typical conventions of a genre of our choice. We chose Western. Two of the group (Ellie and Bridget) researched the typical conventions of the Western genre and they added photos and an example of an actress from the western Genre. The other two of us (Catherine and I) researched Western films, We decided as a pair to do the Western film: Stagecoach, Directed by John Ford in 1939. Me and Catherine as a pair analysed a chase sequence from the movie which we found on www.youtube.com. Together we found the conventions of Westerns which was found in this extract and we also briefly recognised positive and negative representations of the characters within the sequence. We also analysed the opening sequence of the same film and recognised the typical conventions found in opening sequence.

This really helped me as I now have a deeper understanding of another genre i didn't know a lot about before, and i also have widened my knowledge. As well as this, analysing another opening sequence and extract from the film Stagecoach, has helped me realise what i have to put into our practical and will help me contribute to make it better.

I will hopefully be able to do this again individually to help contribute further in my group.

Review of today's lesson: - Catherine Dalton

Analysis

The analysis we completed today will aid me as it clearly identified what a opening sequence of any film features and more specifically the genre Western. Researching the genre and looking closely at the detail involved in it e.g. the conventions, showed me that within an opening sequence there are many expectations that an audience will have. These expectations included mise-en-scene, camerawork and more generally the characters involved. All of these conventions show the audience the type of genre that it is and what the narrative structure will be like. Knowing this we researched the Western genre and found out typical conventions involved in it, some of these included a typical narrative structure, a typical isolated setting, costumes and sound that relates to the western theme. Following this we looked at the film Stagecoach directed by John Ford. This film included many conventions at we already researched, therefore this was useful as it put what we have researched into place. Doing this also helped as when we come to select the film genre, we will know how to research the film genre and how to look up films that will aid us when producing the actual film. In doing this task we used many websites such as www.youtube.com we used this site to look up films to help with reference to the genre conventions

Overall this task therefore helped me to have a better idea and understanding of conventions of different film genres, how to research them and relate them certain film opening sequences.

Western Genre. Ellie, Bridget, Catherine & Natalie

The History of Western Conventions

The Western was the first genre established

• Devoted to storytelling
• Often involves conflict
• Contains negative representations of Native Americans
• Conflict between Natives & American Settlers
• Set in the Old West – desert like landscape

The Western Conventions

• Set in the 19^th century
• Often focuses on the life of a cowboy or gunfighter and often a lone wanderer
• Settings include isolated forts, ranches, saloon, ranches
• Show the spectacular scenery of the American West
• Often uses an extreme long shot to represent the isolation of the ‘Old West’
• Shows the progression of technology – guns, dynamite, the railroad
• It is normally rooted in archetypal conflict - good vs. bad, virtue vs. evil, white hat vs. black hat, man vs. man, new arrivals vs. Native Americans, Settlers vs. Indians, humanity vs. nature,
• Often the hero of a western meets his opposite "double," a mirror of his own evil side that he has to destroy.
• Typical elements in westerns include hostile elements (often Native Americans), guns and gun fights (sometimes on horseback), violence and human massacres, horses, trains (and train robberies), bank robberies and holdups, runaway stage coach’s, shoot-outs and showdowns, outlaws and sheriffs,
• Breathtaking settings and open landscapes
• Distinctive western clothing (denim, jeans, boots, etc.).
• Western heroes are often local lawmen or enforcement officers, ranchers, army officers, cowboys, territorial marshals, or a skilled, fast-draw gunfighter
• They are normally masculine persons of integrity and principle - courageous, moral, tough, solid and self-sufficient,
• The main men often have trusty sidekicks
• They possess an independent and honorable attitude
• The Western hero could usually stand alone and face danger on his own, against the forces of lawlessness

This website helped us to associate ourselves with the Western Genre; http://www.filmsite.org/westernfilms.html

Joanna Hearne

• Popular film and television shows have shaped the way Americans view American history – especially the frontier encounters between settlers and Native Americans
• Joanna Hearne thinks that attitudes are changing towards Native Americans and how they are being represented.
• Some examples of films, including animated texts, are helping promote Native-American stories and languages.
• "When non-Native audiences see Native-Americans in Westerns, they often view them as part of the background, as if the actors are not really acting"
• "Westerns rarely portray Native Americans as having families or children, presenting images of dying or 'vanishing' Indians instead of Native family continuity”
• This can have a negative impact on Native children who watch the films, because these popular images are hostile to Native families."

Western Extract

Stagecoach Analysis

Director: John Ford

Year: 1939

Brief description of sequence (Stagecoach Part 7 Youtube 7:00-9:00 mins):

This extract is a chase fight scene between native Americans and American Settlers, it is a chase sequence beginning with an American settler being shot by a native.

The sequence begins with a long shot of the Native Americans on horses with bows and arrows as props. The music is dramatic and quite deep. Then there is an establishing shot of the setting where the chase will take place. There is close up of the leader of the group. Then the music changes from dramatic music to slow and peaceful, showing the setting as uninterrupted. The panning shot continues then the music changes back to the previous when the Native Americans are framed again. Then we have cross cutting to the American settlers, they are dressed in formal suits and are in a comfortable carriage being pulled by horses. This contrasts to the Native Americans who are in typical native dress of brown clothes with headbands and scarves, they also have long hair and look very informal. The music when we see the American Settlers is very similar to the panning shot of the setting like previous, it is peaceful and rhythmic. Therefore the American Settlers are positively represented and the Native Americans are represented negatively due to music and costume. As the American settlers are speaking, one says “Good health”, straight after we see a man being shot with an Arrow. After this there is cross cutting to the drivers of the American setters carriage they are shown speeding up and this is where the chase beings. After this there is constant movement of cuts and shots between the Native and Settlers. The American settlers have guns whereas the native Americans have bows and arrows. The sequence is edited continually, there are no fades or different transitions, only quick cuts to keep the movement of the scene fast paced for its audience. During this sequence the music begins a faster pace involving the audience and keeping up with the fast paced cuts.

Generic conventions within the sequence (Filmsite.org):

We see in this sequence very typical conventions, one is the conflict shown within the sequence. Another main convention is a conflict between the Native Americans and American settlers, the native Americans are generally portrayed in a negative light, an example from this sequence is the music used in the establishing shot. Another convention of Western films is the theme or setting of isolation. The surroundings within the sequence above was isolated showing that a conflict would take place and there would be no escape or help. There is use of stereotypical characters: the main Native American was standing up,he was the oldest and seemed the wisest of the group as he is holding a large staff . The plot is predictable as we see because of the isolated settings and the two cuts between the two groups, we assume a conflict will most likely take place. The plot is also recognisable, as its narrative structure is regular, with a conflict in the middle of the film. There is typical use of cowboy settings, props and costumes, everyone within the sequence is traveling by horse.

Opening sequence conventions (part one Youtube):

The first shot that we see consists of the main character played by John Wayne, this is a medium long shot. We know he is the main character as he is holding a gun and is dressed in a cowboy outfit, also the setting is typical as it is an isolated setting we know this because there is no one else in the shot accept him and a few props. In addition to this, the props such as the carriage in the background make it typical further. Therefore the mise-en-scene is typical of a Western film. We are then introduced to the setting and genre by a shot of horses moving on a sunset desert. The music throughout these shots is upbeat and positive. Throughout the sequence there are credits that include the actors and directors, this also establishes that it is an opening scene.

We know that the setting is isolated as there is no buildings or obstacles around suggesting that the setting is inaccessible, this stereotypical. The cinematography consists simple establishing shot were the people travel into the frames, therefore these shots have little variation. Simple shots therefore are typical of Western films as there is no use of different camera angles.

There are changes in setting throughout the sequence to represent a journey for the setting of the main film. Within the sequence we also have a very patriotic view of the American country because of the flag used. There is also a hook, or enigma, this entices the audience into watching more. In this sequence it is n interruption of the norm which is a telegram to the American Settlers.

This is the opening extract:

This is the other extract we analysed:

Websites used:

www.youtube.com

www.filmsite.org

www.IMDB.com

Se7en.Ellie & Natalie

In today's lesson we studied and analysed the opening sequence of the thriller movie Se7en staring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman & Directed by DAvid Fincher. This opening sequence included a pre credit sequence and credit sequence. I will be analysing the Credit sequence, the main characters and enigma code or the hook that captures the audience.

This is the opening credit sequence of the opening sequence.

The Credit sequence of the opening is very dramatic. The music is heavily beated with a scratchy tone, it sounds similar to a heart beat. The music is dramatic, disoreintating, discordant and unpleasant, all of these make the audience feel a mix of emotions and make them feel uncomfortable. There is also use of dark, disturbing images; these introduce the genre of the film giving its audience knowledge of that they are letting themelves in for. The title sequence also uses flashing and montage images, they confuse and disturb the audience. They could also be a way of hooking the audience into wanting to see more. The credit sequence could be seen as a way of questioning the audience making them want to watch on. The techniques of how the images are put together is really clever, there are flashes between images and they don't flow. The discording images may worry its audience and keep them wondering what will happen. They all create a sinister portrait for its audience and evoke emotions and a reaction from them. The credit sequence also uses flashes or red throughout the black and white images, the red represents danger or death and the colour stands out on the black and white.

The two main characters in the sequence are Morgan Freeman who plays Detective Somerset and Brad Pitt who plays Detective Mills. The two represent very stereotypical characters: The older, wiser detective and the younger, cocky and less experienced character who looks up to the older of the two. Detective Somerset is represented as a very tidy, precise character: his home is set out in a very particular way, everything lined up on his desk. He also represents a lonely lifestyle as he is alone in his apartment and reads himself to sleep. He shows a compassionate side when questioning another detective "did the kid see?", asking if a child saw the murdered body of his father, this is significant as it shows him as caring. The other character is Detective Mills, He is a young and less conventional character. He is shown less in the sequence but he appears to look up to Somerset as he moved to that city to work with him. He seems ahead of himself, walking into a crime scene,chewing gum. It also represents how he can be considered cocky.

The enigma code of the opening sequence could be seen in the credit sequence. The montage and questioning images confuse the audience and hook them into wanting to see more from the killer or stalker in the rest of the film.

Seven used all the mise-en-scene factors to not only create effect and meaning, but to establish the appropriate genre. Firstly, we see the crime scene. Although it is not a conventional gloomy and mysterious setting, we - as the audience are still capable of establishing why the characters are there. Inspector Summerset, is a lonely, pernickety professional man who does not only do his job well, shown by the typical inspector clothes (long drench coat, hard hat and a immaculate suit)but though his caring nature ‘’did the boys see?’’ shows he is a loving, kind man. Subverting the usual stereotypes of a cold, hard brutal inspector.

The setting is a significant convention in an all time American crime scene, a family orientated apartment where the murder takes place. This shows that the audience can also establish with the story line as it is a home setting, proving that there must have been a home murder.

When the characters are outside, the dramatic effect of the rain reinforces the idea that something bad has happened - pathetic fallacy. The dull, rainy yet busy street in America reinforces that the movie isn't planning on getting better.

The lighting in the apartment emphasizes the idea that a murder has taken place, dark, cream, brown colors are used with the blinds half shut portrays secrecy and therefore the chance to commit murder- reinforcing the chance to actually commit murder.

Natalie Murray and Ellie Mannix

Lesson Evaluation. Bridget

Bridget Long 12.11.09

In Today's lesson we were introduced to the coursework of our AS media. We were told what our portfolio needed to obtain and what action we need to take to reach the best grade possible. The coursework totals to 50% of our entire grade and that is why it is so crucial that it is done correctly and to a high standard.

The coursework consists of two parts. Firstly the preliminary task which will not be assessed however must be included in our portfolio. This will consist of us filming two people having a conversation in a room, showing we can use the 180 degree rule and crosscutting. The preliminary task will also include an evaluation.

The second part of the coursework is to produce a two minute opening sequence for a new fiction film. Each participant will be marked individually, and all their work will be assessed from the beginning included how well they work within a group. This is the main part of the coursework which is worth 50%. Genre conventions will be extremely important throughout the production and we will be assessed on the following aspects of our production:

Introducing the genre – using genetic convention
Introducing the main characters
Introducing the plot and the themes that surround the film
An establishing shot which identifies the place
Also, there must be a ‘hook’ or ‘enigma’ which will make the audience want to be involved and continually watching

We also watched and assessed students coursework for ideas and to help us produce our coursework to the highest of standards. By doing this I feel as though I am now much clearer in how to reach a higher grade and what a good production consists of. We considered such things when watching the productions, camera angles, mis en scene, costume, sound, lighting etc. Some groups did certain things better than others and from recognising this we will be able to take their mistakes and use them to make ours better.

From our group so far I feel as though we will work hard to achieve good results and we will work well as a group. We also set up our blogs and Google mail accounts which will help us record our coursework along its development process.

Media Lesson, 12^th November 2009

Ellie Mannix

Today’s lesson consisted of the introduction of our AS Media studies foundation portfolio, we were introduced to the tasks that we will have to endure over the coming months. The 50% of our AS level is separated into two different media projects.

The preliminary task is one which is not marked, however necessary to be part of the blog. This short film should consist of two people having a conversation in a room. The filming to this should consist of cross cutting, 180 degree rule and a variety of shots to ensure that it complies with the specification.

In addition, the other media film that is needed in order to receive 50% of the grade is to produce a two minute opening sequence for a new fiction film in groups of 4. the fact that each participant will be marked individually, so that everyone will contribute according to how well they want to do in their AS level.

We found that we will be marked on being able to use and portray the conventions of the genre and how well we were able to use and submit the conventions of an opening sequence into our films.

The genre conventions are specific to the genre that is not yet chosen, but the conventions for an opening sequence consist of:

¨ Introducing the genre – using genetic convention

¨ Introducing the main characters

¨ Introducing the plot and the themes that surround the film

¨ An establishing shot which identifies the place

¨ Also, there must be a ‘hook’ or ‘enigma’ which will make the audience want to be involved and continually watching

As a starting block, we will also have to research and to plan our media products to make sure they are specific and of a good standard before wasting time producing a film that does not meet the requirements. We will have to research and identify the target audience and the genre to ensure that the requirements will be met, so the audience will continue to watch it and stay focused. We would also need to provide enough evidence of planning the organisation of actors, locations, costumes and props, scripting and storyboarding. All this planning and research will have to be put onto the blog in order for it to be able to be marked. The type of research that could be presented on the blog is website links, youtube clips, still images from the film, visual references in order to attract audiences instead of boring writing.

Technical skills are expected when we creatively produce our product. The use of camera shots, angles, positions are appropriate and are used of a high standard to avoid a bad quality film. Also the use of mise-en-scne is of upmost importance as it portrays effect and meaning which is effectively the objective in the film.

Pen ultimately, the introduction to the coursework is the evaluation , in which we would type on this blog, containing audience feedback which integrates with research and planning. It will require questions reguarding social groups, media institutions.

To differentiate between successful and poor quality products, as a class we watched the previous year 12 groups performances, we noted down positive and negatives about their final piece. Although the criticisms were mainly positive, as a class we managed to distinguish what our projects should contain instead of those who went wrong and achieved a lower grade from doing the wrong things. From this we are learning from others misfortunes in order to achieve a better film product.

From this realisation, I feel that our group will do really well, think outside the box, enjoy and achieve what is deserved in this task.

Next, in our classrooms and made a blog from scratch, firstly making a googlemail account, then going to blogspot.com and this is why we are now making our first blog.

Today's lesson. Catherine

Catherine Dalton

Filming Task:
This whole task is worth 50% of the overall grade, and it consists of two main elements.

• Two paired Media products: Prelimary task: This is a task that is not assessed but does need to be in your portfolio. It includes filming a conversation between two people, showing that you can use the 180 degree rule and cross-cutting.
• It also includes an evaluation.

The main task: -

• Planning and research: analysis of Seven, research of conventions, research typical conventions of a opening sequence. These opening sequence conventions inlcude: Introducing characters, genre, plot/themes and have a enigma code. Also includes a storyboard. (20 marks)
• Contrustion (60 marks)
• Electronic evaulation (20 marks)

The planning and research stage should be represented on a blog. On the blog the following should be researched: Conventions of opening sequences, generic codes, target audiences and the film should be planned in detail.

The films we watched:

Do's: editing needs to be fast, need to be able to identify characters and narrative, camera shots should have variation, length of shot should be short, smooth transitions, mise-en-scene should link to narrative, music should relate, dialogue should be clear, have an establishing shot, have a simple idea but make it effective, frame the shot and make sure that actors props are related.

Dont's: Hold the shot for to long, don't make dialogue unclear, make sure shot is framed and that nothing else is in the scene that should not be there, don't make the narrative unclear, don't use one shot type, be creative don't just use one setting (School) and think clearfully about custome (don't use school uniform), make sure that editing is smooth not jumping, don't use a complex idea or plot and don't not frame the shot.

An opening sequence should: -

• Introduce genre
• Introduce the main characters
• Introduce the plot/themes
• Introduce the setting
• Have a enigma code

Lesson Evaluation 12/11/09 Natalie

Today's lesson gave me a clear insight into what to expect over the next few months in relation to coursework: Creating, researching and blogging our opening sequence and how to go about this.

I enjoyed creating the blog as a group, i feel using interactive and electronic material such as a blog and YouTube is far easier and makes the media task seem more digitally active.

Viewing previous media AS opening sequences gave me an opportunity to see what to do and what not to do. Various opening sequences were very good, they included things such as variety of shot, steady camera movements, appropriate mise-en-scene and a good narrative. By seeing a good example of an opening sequence, i can see what the examiner is looking for. I now realise it isn't all about creating an amazing or complex story, it seemed to me that by using a narrative which could be followed, then detail such as props, locations etc. a good opening sequence could easily be achieved. Other examples of media opening sequences gave me an idea what not to do: shakey camera actions, bad continuity and one shot type were all basic things which shouldn't be done at AS level standard are things i can learn not to do when making my media text within my group. By learning from other previous years mistakes i can see the detail, research and dedication needed for making a successful media product. Another important thing i learnt today was that people are very critical, it was easy for us to judge as a class other peoples work, so this has made me more motivated to have a good opening sequence for my coursework. Being critical can also be a good thing, by critically analysing others work, I've learnt a lot about what our media group should and shouldn't do, and i think we all, as a group learnt the same lessons.

The introduction of coursework was very clearly described with a lot of detail, this was very helpful. The coursework overview gave me a small insight of what my group and i will be doing over the next few months. It also gave me an idea of what we would be doing, firstly, opening the blog and speaking about it gave me a good idea of where all our work could be viewed and where my evaluation would be. Learning about the preliminary task excited me, practicing and using digital technology like the video camera is always exciting and interesting. It will also be a great introduction before our main task so we can all, as a group, learn each others strengths and weaknesses and decide what would be a good path for us for the main task itself. It will also help me decide what i am good and bad at so in the main task, i will, hopefully already corrected the bad, making the task easier to complete and also i would have learnt from the preliminary task.

I am looking forward to the coursework task and feel the introduction and critical analysis has helped me realise what has to be done. I think as a group, there will be a lot of work, but hopefully, our coursework will be successful.