Monday 31 October 2016

2.1.1 7 weeks to go - Locations and Recces (contacts and places links)

Textures & Locations

http://chroniclepictures.weebly.com/shooting-script--location-recce.html 


http://nightoutinc.weebly.com/shooting-script--location-recce.html

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Location 1;
Outside Entrance
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Location 2;
Balcony​
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Location 3;
Car Park
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Location 4;
Corridor
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Location 5;
Stairs
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Location 6;
Gates
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Location 7;
​Lifts

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1. Establishing shot - Introducing the Location of the Penarth Centre
POSITIVES;
  • A positive of filming here would be the natural lighting of this location, this would enhance the quality of our footage 
  • This area is very spacious allowing us to use different types of shots such as panning and tracking
NEGATIVES;
  • A negative would be that because we would be filming the location from across the road cars and people walking past may interfere in our filming
  • There aren't any power sockets available outside
SUMMARY; 

LIGHTING:
 
The lighting in this area is really good as we would be outside so the natural outside lighting would be high key. This will enhance the quality of our footage as good lighting will help get the full extent of the camera's quality.


SPACE: The outside area of the Penarth centre was very spacious which was a benefit to us especially as we would be doing panning and tracking shots of the building. Also, as the shots that we will be filming here do not require vast amounts of movements, spacing won't be an issue for us when we are filming.

POWER: Whilst visiting the location there isn't many options for power as it is outside, however lighting wouldn't be a problem.
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 The movie Insidious and the possession inspired us as one of their first few shots is of the location which is a house. We wanted to replicate this to introduce our audience to the location so they can familiarise themselves with it.

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ukfilmlocation.com/derelict-house-london

shootfactory.co.uk/uk-location-category/commercial-industrial

derelictlondon.com/publicbuildings

filmlondon.org.uk

london-collective.co.uk

hirespace.com/Top/London/7178/Asylum/The-Chapel

creativelocation.co.uk

theoldpolicestation.org 

Sunday 30 October 2016

2.1.2 Exam Q1a Creativity

http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/51-intro-to-hands-exam-creativity.html





AS Preliminary > AS Magazine > AS Evaluation > A2 Horror Trailer > A2 Poster > A2 Magazine > A2 Evaluation

(D) Define what is CREATIVITY and how it is impacted in a Post Modern age
(C) Discuss HOW your CREATIVE production skills have developed across the AS and A2 years and give reasons with examples
(B) Explain HOW your work demonstrates a development in CREATIVITY and explain WHY this is - what has developed in your skills - give examples
(A) Evaluate the EXTENT of your CREATIVE development with reasons linked to definition in a Post Modern age













Tuesday 18 October 2016

1.6 Homework & Prep for Half Term (Due 31st October)

Prep: http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/51-intro-to-hands-exam-creativity.html

Make notes on what do we mean by creativity, rewrite 3 of the quotes IN YOUR OWN WORDS.

Homework: Final R&P Deadline 4th October - Final Grades submitted to moderator (all work MUST be posted to Weebly by this date)

Task: Production Section


Student 1:



11.costume & makeup_guidance from ctkmedia

Task 1: 
Create annotated mood boards and shopping lists - where you will source your costumes and make up from? Budget required.
Compare your resources to existing examples from films you are drawing inspiration from and embed the images and trailer

Task 2:
Make Up tests - for wounds and monsters, video this and speed up to create a 'Youtube Tutorial' style video. 
Research existing ones that show you the effects you want and reference films you are drawing inspiration from and embed the images and trailer


Student 2: (1st week back you will need to collect MP3 royalty free sounds and soundtrack for your animatic to build your sound design)




Example from last year http://snatchproductions.weebly.com/sound-design.html

Example of what you must produce



Student 3: Storyboard & Shot List & Animatic



Task 1:
Complete a Shot List including detail on SHOT TYPE, ANGLE, MOVEMENT and DURATION. Write this along a Timeline of your Trailer from 0:00 - 1:00

Task 2:
In Pencil, complete a 30 - shot Storyboard for your Teaser Trailer of shots including detail on SHOT TYPE, ANGLE, MOVEMENT and DURATION.
NO STICKMEN, Use the Rule of 3rds, Textures, Correct framing - ie looks like a CU. Do not storyboard Titles

Task 3:
Photograph and crop each image and edit together to the duration stated to create an Animatic

Examples of last year: http://snatchproductions.weebly.com/storyboard--animatic.html
Shot List http://snatchproductions.weebly.com/shooting-script--location-recce.html

Student 4 (or '2' if in group of 4) Recce and Risk Assessment and Shooting Schedule/Shooting Script




9.shooting script &_location_recce_guidance from ctkmedia

Task 1:
Research and scout (that is visit IN PERSON) the locations you are considering around SE & central London to film your trailer. Complete 2 Recces per scene - you could do this as a video - http://graveyardstudios.weebly.com/location-recce.html
Must include CU images of each of the risks to show you were there
You must demonstrate you have contacted and received permission in writing from the council or the private owner to shoot - search 'shooting licences' on Google 

Task 2:
Complete the Shooting Script/Schedule with dates, times and location addresses IN THE ORDER THE SHOTS WILL BE FILMED

Example of Last years http://snatchproductions.weebly.com/shooting-script--location-recce.html


Templates for you to complete: 
1. Recce Template: http://www.slideshare.net/ctkmedia/9location-recce-template
2 & 3. Shooting schedule & Risk Assessment http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.com/2015/11/shooting-schedule-risk-assessment.html

Thursday 13 October 2016

Prep work: Read over Exemplars and Self Assess your Essays (due middle lesson lesson week)

Prep:
1. Use the sheets given out today to self assess your micro essays against the criteria.

Tic the statement boxes from the different landings and arrive at a grade
Set your 3 main targets for each question.

I will then sample mark your responses using these sheets for your FSA1.2

Each exam essay will be 1/5th of your mark for the FSA 1.2 (An average grade will be arrived at)

2. Read over these exemplars and compare to your essays. 



G325
1b Analyse one of your coursework productions in relation to the concept of narrative.

1 (b) In this essay I am going to discuss the key elements and the concept of narrative for my A2 media production. I will achieve this by using genuine evidence and valid reasoning. I will use examples and quotes from theorists to support my points.
Starting with ‘Todorov’ who is well known for his theory of chain events in the narrative – in my music production I found his theory to contain a similar character and linked them together. His theory follows these chain of events, ‘equilibrium, disruption, possible solutions, climax, resolution.’ In my music production the music starts quite mysterious and silent, before signifying the main narrative feature. At this point, the artist is trying to establish his love for the girl he wants. However the song is disrupted as he finds she does not like him back. This is more linear narrative, as it follows chronologically. I also used inspiration from ‘Roland Barthes’ – his codes theory, in particular ‘enigma code.’ Indie music is hugely renowned for its puzzling nature in which I thought my music video could also play. My video features a lot of fast paced visual effects that are hard to concentrate on and some structural meanings are harder to interpret, making it more intriguing as it is suspicious. I am fond of the enigma style, as it’s less limiting and allows individuals to make their own judgement on what they believe the message is promoting. Roland Barthes aimed for two areas, one in which there was to be an unconventional question, and second, to give the audience a chance to anticipate the resolution. My production used similar concepts to these theorists as they fit most suitably to my music production. The narrative storyline is hard to underline but is conventional for indie music.
These ideas in play worked very well, e.g. – the strobe lighting effect signified the mood of the production which was upbeat and lively. This was also determined by the use of colours. The flashing strobe technology helped give the character the personality of the musician – also a convention of indie music. More examples consisted of close ups to the star image, trying to promote aspects of the ‘male gaze’, a form of voyeurism, the audience can connect with him and start to understand the value and message of the narrative structure. I also considered elements from ‘Levi-Strauss’ who had the theory the structure of meaning depends on binary opposition. The majority of the elements in the video are dominant and emotive, to support sympathy in response to the star icon. Levi-Strauss used conventions such as good -> evil, strong ->weak. I thought this was an interesting technique and considered adapting this to my production e.g. an example of youth could be determined through camera movement, as it’s constantly moving it has connotations of young vibe. This is also supported by the fact the members are young. The music gives a fresh feel and contains many elements supporting Levi-Strauss’s theory. The binary opposition strategy is useful for a band such as Indie; as the messages are always envisaged in a way, that the ideology is twisted and turned against the consumer. With other videos your

ideology is maintained safely, but ‘indie’ is unique in assuring that is hard for you to follow.
In conclusion, narrative is a factor that is hard to achieve in indie productions as it’s not entirely defined. It is always trying to put the consumer off their original thoughts. It’s conventional to use this approach but it’s a clever marketing feet to pull the consumer in. I enjoyed building the narrative to this production as it was challenging, however it bought new opportunities to try new ideas as I had taken into account these theorist’s approaches. It was hard to define what fits to my narrative beat, but I was able to counter act this concept. Narrative is one of the key motivations in the music video and it was essential that we interpreted this to the audience in an accurate manner.
This response attempts to apply the concept of narrative through reference to Todorov, Levi-Strauss and Barthes. It offers some contrast in theoretical positions and makes an effort to show the relevance of each to the production, but does not offer enough specific textual evidence to justify level 4. There is some good understanding shown, but not quite enough application.
Overall a good level 3 



Sunday 9 October 2016

1.5.1 Treatments and Subtext

http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/wk-5-pitch-prep-treatment-ideas-briefing.htmlhttp://playfamilyfortunes.com/play/xoupre?lives=3&showLetterHints=true&playStarPrize=true&showIntro=true 




Objective: To improve development final treatment to conform content to expectations of a successful A2 Horror Trailer for final pitch next week.

C: Apply some of the stock scenes, recommended locations and symbolic codes to your treatment

B: Analyse your treatment for aspects of sub-text and infer meaning in how you will use recommended locations and stock scenes to express this

A: Embed sub-text, meaning and social commentary fully into your idea, and explain how this will be constructed through locations and stock scenes 






















1.5.2 Exam 5: Media Language

http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/3-weeks-until-exams-media-language.html



Thursday 6 October 2016

1.4 Prep Work 4/5th October

1. Read over Media Language 
http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/81-media-language.html 

Identify the 5 Codes

Examine your trailers for the use of Semiotics - Demotation & Connotation

Answer in writing the Summary Assessment Question:  How does Media Language relate to Genre as evidenced by your Horror trailer?


2. Prep work for Monday - Magazine/Posters & Mood Boards students - summarise and identify conventions of horror posters

https://youtu.be/VXJiBkFgprQ

Make notes - these will accompany your Weebly post

Class project on photoshop remake next lesson



3. Colour Schemes for Vintage Horror Movies - read over and evidence this on your Weebly annotation accompanying your Colour Schemes http://buildinternet.com/2009/03/color-scheme-inspiration-vintage-horror-movie-posters/ 

Use Pinterest to create your Mood Boards so you can embed them

4. Camera Team Prep 

http://ctkmedial3shortfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/composition-tasks-resources-to-look-at.html

http://ctkmedial3shortfilm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/21-cinematography-practical.html

As a group (that is all the students doing camera) Watch the Videos and summarise and identify how you control the camera - this will be your annotation on your Weebly for the videos. Make sure you share this information together before 1st lesson next week.

  • Depth of Field
  • Composition & Framing
  • Rule of 3rds
  • Head Room and Lead Room
  • Continuity - 180 degree rule
  • Exposure & Focus





Monday 3 October 2016

1.4.3 Camerawork Lesson (Pre-production Student 3 & 4)

http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/51-preproduction-practical-workshop.html

Basic Camera Techniques Video 1




Horror Cinematography - stock shots:


Objective: To create a portfolio of conventional camera shots appropriate to a Horror film trailer, and analyse meaning and effect


C - Complete and Competent planning of concept drafting, audience research and storyboards (complete and purposeful)

B - Complete and Proficient planning of concept drafting, audience research and storyboards (detailed and clear development of ideas, well presented interactive)

A - Complete and Excellent planning of concept drafting, audience research and storyboards (creatively presented, thorough and fully considered decisions with annotations)

Task 1: Basic Cinematography - film, upload to Youtube and use 'annotations' to analyse purpose and meaning.


Task 2: Horror Cinematography portfolio
10 most eerily disturbing shots and cinematography techniques to include in your horror


Task 3: Storyboard 1 minute Teaser using Pre-Production: Storyboard Template


Prep Reading:

Atmosphere
A good horror film is not a steady stream of jump scares (more on those in a moment). A good horror film has an underlying atmosphere, a moody visual undertone that creates a sense of dread, wonder and mystique and leaves us with snapshots of unforgettable imagery. This is well exemplified by foreign-language films like The Devil’s BackboneThe Orphanage, andTale of Two Sisters (the original Korean version). These films rely more on isolation — both literally (through creative use of location) and figuratively (in the mind of the characters) — coupled with evocative cinematography and production design. They create an ominous, brooding tone without being overt in their use of horror. You get the idea, atmosphere, it’s more about haunting foreplay than bang, bang, and you’re dead.
Suspense
While atmosphere is tonal and visual, suspense is the unnerving feeling that something bad is going to happen. It should be a natural byproduct of your narrative (the tense situation at hand) but there’s a few classic ways to amp it up.
Darkness and dramatic shadow are often used to elicit suspense, like when we hear something and can’t see what it is, or catch a glimpse of something moving in the background but can’t quite make it out. The sense of blindness increases tension. It’s creepy to hear something and not know where it’s coming from. 
Other techniques that keep the suspense level up: The Dark Voyeur perspective is a framing device used to imply a character is being watched (or hunted) by a malevolent other. This includes shooting through branches, window curtains, or from within a darkened closet. 
Seeing someone (or something!) behind the protagonist, in the same shot, without our hero knowing he’s in danger. This doesn’t have to be executed as a jump scare; it can be a subtle reveal, a slow dolly move, just enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck.
How about having someone trespass the boogeyman’s realm, being somewhere they shouldn’t, with the possibility of being found? That always works. It’s like playing a game of hide and seek with your own worst enemy. Tag and you’re dead.
Jump Scares. There are different types of jump scares, and you’ve probably seen them all. They can either add to the thrill ride or just come across as a series of annoying bangs. Some may think they’re cheats but when done right, they’re a vital part of horror filmmaking.
First there’s the basic Jump Scare, when we suddenly see something creepy and punctuate it with sound design (an orchestral swell or a percussive hit). These moments work best when preceded by a steady stream of suspense or the extreme opposite, a passage of mundane activity. It’s important that the frightening imagery be out of place, something odd or monstrous. J-Horror films make great use of jump scares, often inverting an eye, mouth, or appendage or using backwards choreography which is later reversed in post (think the way Samara crawls inThe Ring). It’s subliminal but it sure looks weird, if even for a second, and that’s key. You can argue that these have been overused, but there’s always a way to put a new spin on something good.?? One of my favorite jump scares is from The Exorcist III, the “Nurse Station Scene.”

1.4.1 Assignment 2: Pre-production Deadline Friday 14.10.16

Objective - To apply audience feedback to further your creative ideas from Development to your Pre-production

C - Complete and Competent planning of concept drafting, audience research and storyboards (complete and purposeful)

B - Complete and Proficient planning of concept drafting, audience research and storyboards (detailed and clear development of ideas, well presented interactive)


A - Complete and Excellent planning of concept drafting, audience research and storyboards (creatively presented, thorough and fully considered decisions with annotations)


http://ctkmediaa2horror.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/assignment-pre-production-tasks.html





Student 1: Audience Res & Mood Boards/Art Design







  1. Audience expectations vox pops
  2. Mood Board (Art Designs of Character, Costume, Set Design, Prop Design) 





Student 2: Drawn Drafts & Print Design




  1. 4 x Drafts of Poster Design - (2 x paper, 2 x digital mock up)
  2. 4 x Drafts of Magazine Cover design - (2 x paper, 2 x digital mock up)








Student 3: Basic Cinematography, Stock Horror Shots, Walkthrough, Storyboard & Animatic 






  1. Scene walkthrough map (Using Visuals from existing films)
  2. Storyboard (post Its)
  3. Animatic 1-2 mins