Editing

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) -

The movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was released in 2008 and is a film associated with following the lifestyle of a Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums and later participates in the Indian version of the show ‘Who Want To Be A Millionaire.’

Many editing effects have been used throughout the film, especially during this clip, to give an insight into Indian culture. This clip in particular is versatile and the main feature it uses is continuity editing. The shots together show the two young boys sneaking on a train to find ways to make money wherever possible. The shots first show them both getting onto the train, followed by their selling methods and then a shot of one of the boys counting the money made. There is a continuous flow of action which helps illustrate the busy standard of living in India. Another method that editing has been employed is through the style of editing. Throughout the majority of the clip the only shot used is a straight cut – this have been done to indicate a regular routine of lifestyle that these two young boys live through to get by everyday. In my opinion, if this movie used a dissolve/wipe this would’ve looked odd and wouldn’t relate to the reality of this movie as it represents genuine lifestyle. ‍Through the utilization of continuity editing, the shot of the children’s long and fast chasing scenes are well portrayed. Various use of camera height at a bird’s eye view in between the continuity editing helps develops the running scenes further, building more tension and establishing the lifestyle in a place seeking for hope.

Also, non-diegetic sound has been used over the shots to help relate the action to the lyrics. The song ‘Paper Planes’ by M.I.A. has been used as a significant source in the movie to indicate the need of money – this interlinks with the narrative as it demonstrates two young boys trying to earn money to large extents. The sound of the music is parallel as money is the dominant and central force for the overall objective for what the characters strive to achieve for.

The mise-en-scene is a vital feature as the setting of this particular clip is filmed in the poorer, less developed part of India (near the slums). The director has clearly linked the setting to the title accurately, which makes the audience engage more – not only are the audience entertained, they are also educated about how people struggle to live in the poorer parts of India. In addition, the props (items the boys were selling) on the train such as balloons, lighters and food reinforces the willingness the characters both feel to be able to survive.

A more essential method the editing is used to create a more realistic feel is through the camera framing and camera movement. Camera framing is vital as the clip shows many close-up shots, these close-ups are of one of the boys counting coins. This shot implies the determination these boys feel to be able to survive. At 19 secs, there is a low-angle shot – this emphasises the enthusiasm and keenness the actors feel to earn money as they are practically putting there lives in danger by running across the top of a moving train. Camera movement connects with the framing as a steadicam sequence has been used. This builds a sense of realism and helps further exemplify the lifestyles led in a less developed area of town. The paces of the camera shots are generally fast to exploit quick movement of making money. Moreover, a busy atmosphere is created from this and represents everyday life. Lighting is also important as light that is diffused from the sunset is often used for lighting. This effectively enhances characterization of India’s atmosphere (where the movie takes place the whole time).‍ ‍

Overall, the director uses editing as a main source to establish a variety of themes throughout the movie – the most significant theme is to have the ability/motivation to strive for success. Many factors such as the lighting, sound and mise-en-scene all combine together to create a sensational feel for the editing and helps contribute to help the editing be distinctive and unique. 

Narrative

1)  Takers - Chris Brown chase scene - FILM

Barthes' action and enigma codes - the action code used in this scene is Chris Brown suddenly starts running and the audience wonders whether he'll be able to escape from the police to a safer place. The enigma code used in this clip are the guns, both the police and Chris Brown use, which represents danger and an element of violence. This makes the reader question if everyone will be able to survive.

Todorov's equilibrium - the equilibrium at the start of the clip is when Chris Brown in casually walking, the disequilibrium is when he starts to rush and run away from the police. The new equilibrium is yet to be restored. 

Propp's stock characters - Chris Brown is represented at the dispatcher, someone who is sent on a mission. The police are represented as villains. 

2) Eastenders (2014) - Phil Shot - TV

Barthes' action and enigma codes - the action code used here is when the clip starts out with the characters all in tears, this makes the audience curious as to what caused this? Then Shirley, the villain, waves a gun about increasing the danger - this is an enigma code. 

Todorov's equilibrium - the equilibrium isn't revealed but the disequilibrium is shown when Shirley Carter shoots Phil Mitchell. Tension starts from here onwards as the police arrive and increases fear for this certain point in the climax. 

Propp's stock characters - Shirley Carter - represents the villain and she's the one with the intention of shooting Phil Mitchell. Phil Mitchell is symbolised as the 'hero' and central protagonist. However, the multi-strand narrative means that the characters experiment in the different types of the seven spheres of action. 

3) Notorious (The Movie) - FILM

Barthes' action and enigma codes - the action code is discovered first in this clip when Notorious B.I.G. (protagonist) and his crew stop at the traffic light and another car pulls up beside them - this makes the audience wonder if there will be any tension created or a violent outbreak possibly. This is confirmed through the enigma code when the driver in the car next to Notorious pulls out a gun with an intimidating look - this confirms that somebody is about to be shot. 

Todorov's equilibrium - the equilibrium is created when Notorious leaves the club with his entourage (the audience assume everybody is safe at this point). Then the disequilibrium is constructed when the unknown driver in the other car pulls the trigger. The new equilibrium hasn't been restored yet as it ends on a cliff hanger. The movie overall has a documentary type narrative and in reality the death of rapper 'Notorious B.I.G' was caused by an unknown drive-by shooting. The murderer is yet to be discovered. 

Propp's stock characters - the villain is the unknown person who shot Notorious B.I.G. - Notorious could be viewed at the central protagonist, despite the fact that the equilibrium isn't restored.

CoolBrands

Krispy Kreme - a brand which has something to offer to everybody with a variety of delicious doughnuts. The brand itself is a well-established brand and is the heart of the original glazed doughnut. 

The brand itself represents tradition and typically happiness and opportunities to discover a new variety of recipes.

In my opinion, this brand potentially made the CoolBrands list because of its originality of the hot glazed doughnut which was discovered many years ago and there is always an on-going demand for sweet foods.

Spotify - a platform to gain access and stream the new and hottest music. I like this brand in particular as it's a source to gain access to new music constantly and I use the 'Spotify' app daily.

The brand embodies culture and it's diverse in terms of offering a variety of music genres.

This brand my likely made the CoolBrands list as it's popular among teens in particular - statistically it's a popular app across all the app stores.

GHD - delivers a range of market leading professional hair styling tools that deliver a good hair day, every day. 

This brand focuses on reinventing hairstyles to make them longer lasting with their ceramic hair styling tools. Overall, their brand values focuses upon reinvention.

ghd is a brand which is well-established among celebrity hairstylists and ultimately this prompts people to buy products from 'ghd' as they idolise the work of celebrity hairstylists.

Courvoisier - a cognac which has been known for over 100 years. This cognac is popular because of the reputation it's gained from celebrities to promote it (Busta Rhymes released a song named 'Pass the Courvoisier' which featured P. Diddy and Pharrell).

This brand highlights how they are keen on 'creating a blend of perfect aromas' for social occasions - the brand values are focused on creating happiness, this is reflected mainly through their promotion.

The brand made the CoolBrands list probably because it's associated heavily with celebrities and wealth

Kopparberg - a premium cider best known for its fruity variety of flavours; these include: pear, mixed fruits and strawberry etc. I admire this brand because of the quality of their drinks which are refreshing and delicious.

Kopparberg likes to be associated with being known for 'the world's best-selling fruit cider' manufacturer. Through the brands successful marketing and promotion, especially during the world cup, the brand is well-known.

The brand made the CoolBrands list due to the quality of the cider and the variety the brand offers. 

Brand Values

 

1) Mc. Donalds is a well-established worldwide known for their fast-food. This brand represents happy families - everyone wants to belong. Through their successful marketing and promotions, Mc. Donalds is a brand which leaves a majority of customers feeling pleasure and joy. 

Serving quality food that customers can trust is McDonald's number one priority.

Established 

2) Coca-Cola is a soft drin sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machienes throughout the world. It is often referred to simply as Coke. 'Coca-Cola' as a brand symbolises happy families (in reference to Gillian Dyer) as Coke is usually used for family events (parties, christmas and birthdays etc..)

Coca-Cola aspire to inspire moments of optimism - through their brands and actions

 

3)  Moët is a French winery and co-owner of the luxury goods company Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton. Moët et Chandon is one of the world's largest champagne producers and a prominent champagne house. The brand most significantly embodies rich, luxurious lifestyles, successful careers and glamorous places. 

One of their key missions is to ensure that their champagnes are enjoyed responsibly

Refreshing

4) Nike is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing and worldwide marketing and selling of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. It is one of the world's largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel[5] and a major manufacturer of sports equipment. To an extent Nike is associated with self-importance and pride, as well as art, culture and history.

Unleashing innovation to embed sustainability into our approaches to produce and manufacture.

Creative

5) SoundCloud is an audio platform that enables sound creators to upload, record, promote and share their originally-created sounds. The brand interlinks with factors such as: art, culture and history - provinding a range of different sounds and successful careers - by helping people experience the music of other succesful artists.

SoundCloud aims to provide a different variety of music to everybody's expectations.

Diverse

Blog feedback and learner response

WWW: A comprehensive blog that shows you are building on what you've learned in GCSE Media. Good to see regular use of media language - just make sure you are highlighting it in every post.

EBI: My main worry is the depth and detail to your analysis. Across most of your posts, analysis is in the form of bullet points and only one or two sentences. A Level demands much more and if you are to match your fantastic GCSE result you will need to offer a lot more. Write in paragraphs and make sure each paragraph only focuses on one aspect of the text - this will force you to write in much more detail and offer a variety of interpretations (critical for A Level).

LR: Reflect on your first month of AS Media. What is your strongest piece of work so far? What is your weakest? What specific skills or knowledge do you need to develop over the rest of the course?

My strongest piece of work so far would be the 'Beats by Dre' advert analysis and investigating the dominant and oppositional readings within that advert. My weakest piece of work would be the parallel and contrapuntal photo collage analysis - I could've gone into much more depth by exploring different stereotypes and interpretations for the theme of the images. For the rest of the course, I will focus on writing more detailed answers (by writing in paragraphs), especially on my blog posts in order to provide a variety of interpretations. 

I Dare You - New TV Programme

Name: I Dare You

Genre: Game show 

Channel: 5

Audience: ages 16 - 28 year old (50% male and 50% female) - focuses on a B - C demographic - middle class - living in tows/cities

Representation: young adults

Background: the show is a game-show which takes out some elements from 'Celebrity Big Brother' but in a more low-brow and street form. 

Ideology: to entertain - channel 5 is commonly known as 'trash tv'

Scheduling: Friday, at 10pm - after people finish work and can relax to watch tv

Institution facts

BBC - 

• largest broadcasting service
• terrestrial
• broadcast in over 200 countries  

Dreamworks -

• founded in 1994
• Steven Spielburg founded it
• partnered with paramount in previous years

ITV -

• created in 1995
• 2008 itv player app launched
• based in the uk

Twitter - 

• 20 million fake users
• katy perry has the most followers - 51 mill

Disney -

• founded in 1923
• theme park called 'disneyland'
• based in hollywood

Film 4 -

• channel 4's second channel
• previews loads of well-known films such as Titanic
• produces many films e.g. East is east

Filmfour presentation

Film 4 Powerpoint

Institution feedback

Grade: C

WWW - In the filmfour presentation me and my partner (Jasmine) both presented clearly and covered the topic of synergy well. Good interaction with the class.


EBI - There was more background info on filmfour as a whole company. 

Feedback - 

• BBC - the group who presented the BBC were clear and mentioned previous history about the company.
• Time Warner - good starter activity and good background info.
• Twitter - clear facts and statistics. 
• Disney - clear facts. Presented really well.
• Sky - mentioned good facts which were interesting.

Cinematography

Camera shots:

• Wide shot/ establishing shot - establishes the setting
• Long shot - you can see from head to toe
• Medium shot- from the waist up
• Medium close-up - from the shoulders up
• Close-up - a shot of the whole face
• Extreme close -up - shows the features of the face clearly e.g. eyes show emotion
• Over-the-shoulder shot - is a shot that shows the shoulder with a little exposure to the background

Camera angles:

• High angle - birds eye view shows the camera looking down on the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.

• Low angle - This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant. 

Camera movement:

Panning is where the camera moves slowly on its axis from side to side.

Tilt is where the camera moves up and done on its axis.

A crane shot is where the camera moves around at a distance about ground level (on a crane).

A tracking shot is where the camera follows the action along tracks laid for the purpose.

A steadicam sequence is filmed with a camera attached to a shoulder frame that’s strapped to a camera operator. This makes possible extended shots following characters or action.