EVE'S AS MEDIA BLOG

Friday, 4 October 2013

Practice Filming and Editing

This is the first film we have made in order to get to know the camera. By doing this, we learnt about the different types of shots and how to film them. Our task was to film 3 different scenarios around the school using the question “What are you doing?” We did this by filming lots of different short clips and then editing them together in order to help develop our skills and get to know the software.

In this short clip we started by using a long shot, however we didn’t really change the type of shot, Charlotte just got closer to the camera. As it was so short it didn't really matter, however we learnt that if it was any longer, we need to use a range of different types of shot otherwise it would get boring. We zoomed in significantly to have a close up of her finger on the buzzer, making it clear what she was doing. In retrospect, it would have been better to film this all in one shot, or have filmed it with longer clips more than once in order to avoid the unnecessary jumpy cut as we'd be able to cut it down allowing continuity . A point of view shot is also shown, allowing the audience to see what is happening as Charlotte is walking towards them. Looking back at this, we should have filmed in twice and then edited it together as Charlotte disappears from the shot, so it is unclear where she came from. When editing this, we learnt how to cut, render and add titles which will be helpful for our future film making.

Thursday, 3 October 2013

Sound Terminology Definitions

Key Sound Terminology

Diegetic sound - Sound whose source is visible on the screen or whose source is implied to be present by the action of the film, for example the voice of characters. It is any sound presented as originated from source within the film's world. Diegetic sound can be either on screen or off screen depending on whatever its source is within the frame or outside the frame.
Non-diegetic sound - Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action, for example sound effects of a narrator's commentary. Non-diegetic sound is represented as coming from a source outside story space.
Synchronous sound - Synchronous sounds are those sounds which are synchronized or matched with what is viewed. For example if the film portrays a character playing the piano, the sounds of the piano are projected. Synchronous sounds contribute to the realism of film and also help to create a particular atmosphere. For example, the “click” of a door being opened may simply serve to convince the audience that the image portrayed is real and the audience may only subconsciously note the expected sound. However, if the “click” of an opening door is part of an ominous action such as a burglary, the sound mixer may call attention to the “click” with an increase in volume; this helps to engage the audience in a moment of suspense.
Asynchronous sound - Asynchronous sound effects are not matched with a visible source of the sound on screen. Such sounds are included so as to provide an appropriate emotional nuance, and they may also add to the realism of the film. For example, a film maker might opt to include the background sound of an ambulance's siren while the foreground sound and image portrays an arguing couple. The asynchronous ambulance siren underscores the psychic injury incurred in the argument; at the same time the noise of the siren adds to the realism of the film by acknowledging the film's (avowed) city setting.
Sound effects - Sound effects or audio effects are artificially created or enhanced sounds, or sound processes used to emphasize artistic or other content of films, television shows, live performance, animation, video games, music, or other media. In television production, a sound effect is a sound recorded and presented to make a specific storytelling or creative point without the use of dialogue or music. The term often refers to a process applied to a recording, without necessarily referring to the recording itself. In television production, dialogue, music, and sound effects recordings are treated as separate elements. Dialogue and music recordings are never referred to as sound effects.
Sound motif - A sound effect or combination of sound effects that are associated with a particular character, setting, situation or idea through the film. The sound motifs condition the audience emotionally for the intervention, arrival, or actions of a particular character. The sound motifs can be very useful in the rough cut, where they help clarify the narrative functions of the characters and provide a sound association for those characters as we move through the story, for example Darth Vader in Star Wars. The use of sound motifs can help shape a story that requires many characters and many locations and help unify the film and sustain its narrative and thematic development.
Sound Bridge - Adding to continuity through sound, by running sound (narration, dialogue or music) from one shot across a cut to another shot to make the action seem uninterrupted.
Voice-over - The term voice-over refers to a production technique where a non-diegetic voice is broadcast live or pre-recorded in radio, television, film, theatre and/or presentation. The voice-over may be spoken by someone who also appears on-screen in other segments or it may be performed by a specialist voice actor. Voice-over is also commonly referred to as "off camera" commentary. The term voice-over can also refer to the actual voice actor who performed the recording. The terms voice actor, narrator, voice artist, announcer are all similarly used.
Ambient sound - Ambient sound pertains to the pervading atmosphere of a place. (Often more of a psychological, rather than technical description). Ambient sound consists of noises present in the environment. In film and video sound production term Ambience usually means the background sound accompanying a scene. Ambience is used for background sounds, for example, it may have been present in the original production recording (a better term for it is presence) or deliberately added in sound-effects editing in order to provide an acoustic space around the rest of the dialogue and sound effects. An example of this is in Silence of the Lambs, when Agent Starling (Jodie Foster) is down with Lecter in the dungeon, there were animal screams and noises built into the ambience. (One element of the ambience is a guy screaming in pain. The screaming was processed, slowed down and played in reverse).

Mean Girls Opening Scene Analysis

http://viooz.co/movies/2650-mean-girls-2004.html

Paramount Pictures is shown to represent the film. Paramount’ this is a huge film corporation who are famous for making many high quality films such as, ‘Forrest Gump’,‘Titanic’, and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ this shows the audience that this film will be of a very high standard and therefore a worthwhile viewing. The paramount logo at the beginning shows the audience that the film will be as authentic and realistic as possible, despite the institution primarily making money from the film. The credits in the opening scene are effective as they display well-known actors/actresses such as Lindsay Lohan, again helping to attract the audience’s attention as well as suggesting that the film is good. The lack of organisation shown by the way the credits are distributed across the screen gives the impression they have just been thrown there in a rush, suggesting a comedy genre. The titles of Mean Girls are a very good representation of its genre. A juxtaposition of font is used, with MEAN being in large, bold, rounded font and GIRLS being in a thinner, darker font. Not only is this eye catching, it unveils much about the film itself. The word ‘girls’ appears to be much more feminine than the world‘mean’ because of its colour and also considerably smaller, suggesting that the film will evolve around the girl’s behaviour towards each other. The audience are also able to connote from the titles that the film is of a ‘chick flick’genre.

Immediately, the audience are introduced to the main characters and their background by the use of narrative. The narrative is effective as it reinforces the chick flick/comedy genre making the film light hearted and an easy watch. The non-diegetic voice over allows the main character – Cady, to introduce herself to the audience, providing background information and creating an interest. The colloquial tone of her voice makes the audience feel as though they already know her, making the connection between the audience and the film more successful. Slightly sinister, soft piano music is played as the credits role, representing Cady’s unfortunate high school experience, adding to the comedy theme. A soundtrack is played in the background with pop music as Cady walks into school, reflecting the implied music taste of the characters and of the general time period, appealing to the targeted audience.

Cady as a character is portrayed as lost and fragile in the opening scene as she is not at all aware or used to the surroundings around her. She is dressed casually in normal clothes, which causes the audience to expect her to fit in. The play on the stereotypical expectations of an American High School adds to the comedy aspect of the film as cliques are taken to an extreme, showing how in fact, Cady does not fit in at all. The authentic mise en scene is effective as it portrays everything expected, such as the yellow American school bus, as well as contributing to Cady’s misfortune which in turn contributes to the audience’s enjoyment. The mise en scene together with the diegetic sound of the loud school bus sounding its horn as Cady is nearly run over effectively builds a humorous opening enticing the audience to watch more.

A variety of different shot types are used in the opening sequence. The scene opens with point-of-view shots through Cady’s eyes, looking up at her parents giving the audience the impression that Cady is young and naïve. This is then enforced as the parents are shown through a low angle shot looking at Cady, making her look weak and at a disadvantage, or suggesting that they are very protective over her. When we come to learn that Cady is actually a 16 year old girl starting high school, not her first day at school this shocks and amuses the audience, suggesting Cady comes from a very over protective family which typically leads to an amusing watch. Before Cady enters school, a number of close up shots are used to portray her emotions clearly to the audience, making them feel sorry for her.

Despite the close ups the editing pace begins to get faster, emphasising her nervousness. The editing techniques used add to the connection that the audience feel between them and the main character. Freeze frames are used to create the effect that a photo is being taken; this is used to make the audience feel as though they are witness to a memorable moment of the family’s. It also adds to the humour of the situation as Cady is shown to be feeling exasperated as her Mother begins to cry, helping to make the audience warm to her and her family. The editing is slow when Cady is at home suggesting she feels calm and relaxed, however the audience’s attention is grasped by the narrative, ensuring they do not get bored.

Saving Private Ryan Opening Scene Analysis

In the opening scene, the audience are immediately introduced to the genre of the film. The use of weaponry in the opening shot portrays the violent nature of the situation, giving the audience an insight into what is to come. The loud diegetic sound of the sea is a gentle and calming juxtaposition to the powerful crashes of the rough sea against the boat and the shouting soldiers, shocking the audience into the real truths of war. This opening scene provides the typical conventions of a war film, acknowledging the horror and heartbreak of war with the actual combat fighting providing the preliminary background for the action of the film. There is no music or titles to distract the audience from the drama, engaging their full attention. The lack of music shows the severity of the situation, and emphasises that lives are at stake, giving the audience a real sense of patriotism. Saving Private Ryan is a stark contrast to the typical action-adventure films. From the opening scene the audience are stunned by the gritty nature of the film - innocent soldiers are ripped apart by bullets and the death count is constantly rising, creating despair amongst the audience as they would not expect such tragedy so early on.

Similarly, the mise en scene of the opening scene follows the same pattern as the lack of music and titles. The use of weaponry, war boats and uniform conforms more to the drama genre, but makes the opening very realistic, causing the audience to respect all of the soldiers despite not having been introduced to them. The simplicity of it is effective, lacking Hollywood glamour its real-life nature really draws in the audience's attention as it is such a sensitive subject. The body language of the soldiers suggests everything about the situation, with their heads down and huddled together resembling a scared child, it emphasises how vulnerable they are, causing the audience to feel empathy towards them. Despite there being so many soldiers, it is made clear who the main character will be by the use of dialogue. Orders are given by a certain solider and they followed by the surrounding soldiers, following the stereotypical view of the discipline within the army but also showing they have respect for him suggesting he may be in charge. The dialogue used is very specific to the genre with terms such as 'starboard' and 'murder holes' creating a very professional environment. Both diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used in the opening sequence for different effects. The non-diegetic sound of explosions and gun shots in the background as they get closer to the action help to build the tension and allow a climax to be created as the increasing sounds act almost as a ticking clock counting down the until the time tragedy will hit. The diegetic sounds of the bullets as they penetrate the soldiers and the sound of the speed of gunshot fire is heart wrenching but also stun the audience as it is such an unusual opening scene.

The editing pace is much slower at the beginning compared to the end, emphasising the danger of the action. A tracking shot is used effectively in order to show the movements of the main character. This helps the audience to identify him as the main character, as well as see an insight into how the war is affecting him, as shown by his hand shaking uncontrollably. The camera is not kept still when focusing on the soldiers, creating the effect that the audience are on the boat too, making it a more visual and realistic experience. The opening scene has been edited so that a shot/reverse shot is used. This displays to the audience the relationship between the soldiers, again emphasising the army-like disciplinary as well as their ability to act under pressure causing the audience to admire them. It is suggested to the audience that Captain Miller - the main character is the main character as he is given more prevalence than the others. Many close up shots are used in order to portray his emotions, however the use of framing means he is not always in the middle of the screen, or the only solider in the shot. This could be to represent that all soldiers have equal respect for each other as they work in a team or to create enigmas for the audience as it makes them wonder if he actually will be the main character.

Jaws Opening Scene Analysis

The opening sequence of Jaws is linear and chronological which means there is a clear sequence of events taking place one after another. This narrative is driven through the communication of characters and the events that unfold. This scene is split up into three different parts - the beginning, the middle and the end. The beginning and ending of the opening are both back to an equilibrium; everything is calm and peaceful. This is effective as it makes the audience wonder what is yet to come, as a big event has already taken place in the first two minutes. The dramatic opening sequence immediately shocks the audience and catches their attention. In the opening scene, Jaws shows a negative representation of teenagers as they are being careless and wild which is presented through the way they act and the setting they are in. This causes the audience to hold an immediate disapproval towards them, and so when the shark attack takes place the audience are left feeling slightly guilty.

Jaws features a lot of stereotypical thriller conventions: this being the tension filled music, the female character being the victim, and having the other character (a male) who could possibly save her being unaware that anything is wrong. Enigma's feature strongly is this scene, due to the perspective being seen from the shark's point of view, but never seeing the shark itself. This partial vision is a typical convention of a thriller which helps to create a fear of the unknown as well as building suspense and tension. Another convention of the thriller genre is transform city, where a safe place is transformed into an unsafe environment. In Jaws, the beach which begins seeming quite safe and friendly turns into a very dangerous place making the audience more scared as it seems so realistic.

Mise en scene is very effective in the Jaws opening. The lighting shows the level of danger as underwater the lighting is dark and the colours are cold and daunting. The dark, dreary, neutral atmosphere remains the same all the way through suggesting how the character has no hope. When the girl strips her clothes away it has no surface value, however it may be symbolic as it suggests that the stripping of her clothes is stripping her defences away making her vulnerable. This dark atmosphere is a typical convention of the thriller genre - if it was in broad daylight the film would not have the same scary effect as it would be obvious as to what would happen and so too unrealistic. Like the story, the music starts and finishes at equilibrium. This silence is a powerful representation of death, and comes as juxtaposition to the prior music and screaming. The build up of music starting slowly and quietly but getting louder and faster builds a huge amount of tension as the audience can see the danger but the girl can't, making it a very uncomfortable watch. As the girls is jolted into a state of shock and she is dragged under water, the diegetic sound of the massive gulps of water she consumes is emphasised, overpowering any other sound she tries to make, creating a feeling of despair. A contrast in sound and shot is shown between the girl fighting for her life and the boy asleep on the sand. This shocks and angers the audience as stereotypically the man is expected to be the hero, however this is very different in the thriller/horror genre, and the audience are forced to watch her gruesome death as he peacefully sleeps only a few metres away.

Camera angles are also used very effectively with the purpose of building tension and suspense, and scaring the audience. A point of view shot is used in the opening sequence in order to create suspense as it is unknown who or what is in the water. The shot following this is a tracking shot using several camera angles to follow them running to the beach. This effectively introduces the characters and introduces the audience to their surroundings. After the girl begins to swim an establishing shot is used, it is a wide angled long take of the ocean showing how alone she is, emphasizing her vulnerability and creating fear in the audience. This is effective as it successfully enables to audience to realise the never ending loneliness of the sea running behind her emphasising her inability to escape.

The use and pace of editing is slowed down dramatically at the point when the girl is attacked by the shark, with shots lasting longer rather than having lots of different shots. This allows us to see what is happening to the girl above water and makes it more clear than having lots of different shots. The change from having restricted vision to being able to see clearly horrifies the audience, creating an almost unbearable climax. As the editing is slowed down so much, it symbolises that the shark is about to attack grasping the audience's full attention. The editing also helps scene flow from one to another. There are cross cut between the girl being attacked and the man asleep on the beach. This is effective in shocking the audience and fulfilling the ugly horrors of the genre. Late night shots are also dissolved into early morning shots effectively showing the passing of time.

Quantum of Solace Opening Scene Analysis/Comparison to Skyfall

Quantum of Solace Opening Scene Analysis

Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Columba are shown to represent the film in the opening scene with the iconic lion roaring and the statue, suggesting Quantum of Solace will be a film of high standard and good quality as they are such well-established, highly thought of companies. The film opens with an establishing shot of an exotic background, following the typical Bond opening structure - shown by the fast paced action sequence. This sets the scene and introduces the characters to the surroundings, implying that this is where the action will take place, as well as establishing the genre. The Bond films are heavily based around wealth and glamour, allowing the audience to escape from their everyday lifestyle for a couple of hours and join Bond in his desirable world of mystery.

The mise en scene of the scene portrays Bond as a well off, sophisticated character shown by the use of expensive cars and the suggestion of the boat. His character is made out to be like 'a rich boy with all the toys' implied by both the location and the props, causing the audience to form a slightly negative opinion of him, however as the scene progresses it becomes hard not to admire him. The mise en scene is very stereotypical to both the Bond films and the general action genre, helping to create an enticing opening scene which draws the audience in. The lack of dialogue is effective as it keeps the audience's attention solely on the action, allowing the fast paced action scene to interest the audience right from the outset.

A noticeable connotation of the genre is the music which sets up the opening scene. The music is very low-pitched and tense, creating suspense and letting the audience know that something is about to happen. The music also has an important role as it is so prominent in the first 20 seconds due to it being in the place of a soundtrack, it has to hold the audiences interest. A way in which this has been done is by the use of synchronous sound; however it has been exaggerated to bring out the main elements of the scene, such as the car engines, sirens and the machine gun fire. There are no titles to distract the audience in the opening scene, nevertheless, following the typical James Bond structure, a long action packed opening scene always comes first.

In the first half of the opening scene, the lighting is very dark in order to create tension and suspense. The dark lighting produces connotations of mystery, following the genre as well as creating enigmas as the audience are unable to see what is going on. A range of different camera shots are shown as well as a very fast paced editing style to keep the audience’s attention and also to build suspense as it makes the action seem more dangerous. The editing style is so fast it makes the audience feel as if they blink they will miss it, helping to engage and interest them. Bond is shown quickly in a close up shot driving which worries the audience as they learn he has not got a gun in his hand, only the steering wheel, making him seem vulnerable. Another close up shot is used to scare the audience as a magazine is shown being loaded into a rifle, building the suspense even more by showing there is an element of danger and violence.

From the opening scenes of both Skyfall and Quantum of Solace I have learnt a lot about the conventions used in this particular genre. There are many similarities shown in order to successfully grasp the audience’s attention, such as the creation of enigmas. These help to gage the audience’s attention as well as introducing the setting without giving anything away. Bond films are notorious for their opening scenes, and I now know why. They provide action, drama and mystery in the first two minutes, immediately making the audience idolise Bond and his idealistic ways. Through the use of camera shots and editing techniques, Bond is always shown to be in control despite all the stereotypical challenges thrown at him. A specific similarity I noticed was the close up shot of just his eyes, introducing him as the main character, as well as the fast paced build-up of music. The only recognisable difference between the two opening scenes was the lack of the sound motif in Quantum of Solace, however I'm sure it would have definitely been included somewhere in the film.

Skyfall Opening Scene Analysis

The film starts with a long shot, showing a distorted figure in a dark corridor with light seeping in through a window behind. The distorted figure represents his occupation while covering his identity, portraying him as a mysterious character as he shows an element of the unknown. The sunlight is a contrast to the gloomy background, which lights up Bond, quickly introducing him as the main character, making him seem significant but dangerous. Immediately, the film portrays the stereotypical conventions of a spy, implying his life is fast paced and dangerous. This is shown through a variety of shots where a fast editing technique has been used. This excites the audience, drawing them in and making them want to see more as they are intrigued as to what is going to happen next.

In the background, the James Bond sound motif is played. This is immediately recognisable to the audience and so catches their attention. As well as a recognisable theme tune, James Bond films are renowned for their fast paced opening scenes. This opening is symbolic of what people have come to expect of a Bond film in recent years; a euro-villain, glamorous, exotic locations as well as weapons and ever-present danger, and so this opening enables to audience to be engrossed in the dazzling but daring world of Bond. The scene is set in an unconventional location, again following the typical conventions of a James Bond film, creating an enigma. Numerous close ups are shown, revealing Bond's emotionless nature, however we are briefly shown a moment of relapse when he finds one of his agents down and debates disobeying M, making the audience feel a pang of empathy for him. Despite debating leaving his colleague, he reluctantly obeys and this is a massive shock to the audience. It is effective as it sets up the rest of the film, and his relationship with M, but also leaves a cliff-hanger which plays an important role in the rest of the plot.

Bond's silence entrance is effective as it allows the story to be told through his body language. He stands like a man on a mission, punctuated by the iconic sound motif showing his significance - he doesn't need words. This sets him up to be ruthless, showing strength and determination, making the audience believe and put their trust in him. Bond is impeccably dressed despite being on a mission, the suit giving him an air of authority, again emphasising his importance. This is unconventional for a spy film as they are normally dressed either in camouflage or black. This shows a lot about Bond's character as it suggests he is suave, sophisticated and not your average undercover agent, impressing the audience.

Following the first sighting of Bond in the deserted corridor, the hectic street is a surprising juxtaposition for the audience. The diegetic noises of screams from the Istanbul citizens further reiterate the sense of danger. This reminds the audience of the difficulty and importance of his mission, emphasising his acquired set of skills, after all, he is James Bond. The camera is positioned behind Bond as he is leaving, suggesting someone is watching him. This is effective as it continues to build the tension because it suggests he may not be as in control as he seems, which leaves a lot of unanswered questions.