AS Media Studies Archive
Updated: 6 days ago
Role
Student
Produced
SEP 2015
Project Type
Coursework and Research
Location
Dover Grammar School for Boys
Description
An archived version of my AS Level Media Studies coursework and research, conducted at DGSB.
INTRODUCTION
I've decided to bring my AS level media studies work into my main portfolioas a way of preserving a body of work that documents a much earlier stage of my creative journey.
This content was originally housed on my old Weebly website, bringing together my research into film and media, a series of vlogs and my and my peers' productions.
This blog post / archive serves as a preservation of the work conducted as it was originally created. I have only placed it within my wider creative portfolio.
note: some content is unfortunately lost to time and is non longer accessible. The original Weebly website can be found with the link below:
RESEARCH
PRE-LIMINARY VIDEOS
(Task 1.1)
Western Shootout | 180 Degree Rule | Expressive Cinematography |
|---|---|---|
A Pre-Liminary Video consisting of a generic Western Shootout. Ethen Dent, Kayley Harris, Sam Walkling. | A Pre-Liminary Video consisting of a video where a specific rule was set in stone for the duration of the task. This rule consisted of the 180 degree rule. With a chosen setting, we also had to plan a scene around a specific prop chosen by chance. This prop consisting of a pack of teabags. Ethen Dent, Charlie Carter, Maksymilian Waldoch | A Pre-Liminary Video consisting of an adapated scene ripped from a chosen movie we were required to act out. The scene consisted of the Interrogation scene in the movie: Dark Knight. Ethen Dent, Charlie Carter, Maksymilian Waldoch |
PRE-LIMINARY VLOGS
(Task 1.2)
Western Vlog
180 Degree Rule Vlog
Cinematography Vlog
GENRE RESEARCH
(Task 1.3)
The Non-Diagetic sounds are extremely suggestive of some of the themes that take place in the movie. The intentions to portray these themes such as; justice and class, take place during the start of the opening sequence during the iconic logos' of the filming production company and the parent organisation is shown.
The Silhouetted character at the start of the opening sequence conveys a character that can be interpreted that this dark figure has pure intentions as he is surrounded by contrasting light, almost golden light. This can be interpreted as a contrasting idea to The Great Gatsby when Domenikos Theotokopolous has his painting referenced (a night scene by El Greco) where something white with purity is surrounded by darkness. In this case, a symbol representing justice is portrayed as darkness surrounded by light.
Upon the point at which a silhouetted character is shown, there is a smooth transition from an extreme long shot to and extreme close up. As the dark figure moves toward the camera, the interpretation that the close-ups within the opening sequence are predominantly used to reveal facial expression.
ANALYTICAL SCREENR
GENRE MAPPING
(Task 1.4)
ACTION
Top 5 Highest grossing action movies:
-Avatar (2009), $2,787,965,087
-Jurassic World (2015), $1,668,891,572
-The Avengers (2012), $1,519,557,910
-Fast and Furious 7 (2015), $1,514,827,481
-Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), $1,405,035,767
John Wick Dracula Untold The Avengers Expendables Lord of War Chappie
Typical Narrative
-The Opening: The establishment of the setting and the introduction to the character(s).
-The Build Up: Relationships are established and identified within the narrative. The narrative begins to develop the characters and their world.
The Problem: A dilemma or a series of complications occur and the characters are faced with obstacles they're required to overcome, often more than one.
-Events: A series of events occur as the characters attempt to overcome obstacles. Further complications may arise in the process
-The Resolution: The Protagonist(s) have become victorious in their goals and the problem has been solved.
-The Ending: Characters reflect on the events that have occurred. Relationships are reinstated and the characters begin to look forward.
Archetypes Majority of Action Films have a strongly recognisable heroic central character(s). The protagonist driving the narrative forward consisting of a hero or heroine who is capable to overcome obstacles in the plot. Most action films with narrative generically are organised around the traditional gender roles. Often an antagonist is present to prevent the narrative driving forward as well as the protagonist. The antagonist is significantly known as the villain(s). | Themes 1. Good vs Evil 2. Love Conquers All 3. Triumph over Adversity 4. Individual vs Society 5. The Battle 6. Death as a Part of Life 7. Revenge 8. Loss of Innocence 9. Man vs Himself 10. Man vs Nature |
ANIMATION
Top 5 grossing Animated films: -Frozen (2013), $1,279,852,693 -Minions (2015), $1,156,017,054 -Toy Story 3 (2010), $1.063,171,911 -The Lion King (1994), $987,483,777 -Despicable Me 2 (2013), $970,761,885 | Top 5 grossing Anime films: -Spirited Away (2001), $330,000,000 -Howl's Moving Castle (2004), $235,184,110 -Ponyo (2008), $201,750,937 -Stand by me Doraemon (2014), $170,000,000 -Pokemon: The First Movie (1998), $163,644,662 | Top 5 Grossing Traditional animated films: -The Lion King (1994), $987,483,777 -The Simpson's Movie (2007), $527,021,022 -Aladin (1992), $504,050,219 -Tarzan (1999), $448,191,819 -Beauty and the Beast (1991), $443,001,576 |
Metropolis Wolf Children Finding Nemo Spirited Away The Iron Giant Mulan
Typical Narrative:
-The Introduction: The establishment of the setting and the narrative as well as the main characters are introduced. Other animations may start with a cinematic introduction for suspense.
-An Explanation of a state of affairs: There is an understanding of the characters that a conflict may arise soon.
-Initiating event: The conflict begins to arise
-Emotional response or statement of a goal by the protagonist(s): The protagonist(s) is (generically) directly confronted with the conflict and becomes motivated to prevent the issue with response.
-Complicating Actions: After the protagonist has confronted the conflict/issue once again, they fail to prevent the issue from resolving.
-Outcome: The protagonist(s) has succeeded to prevent the antagonist from his/her/their goal and the issue has been resolved.
-Reaction to the Outcome: The characters react to the events that have occurred and the viewer tends to see the conclusion and/or the events after the issue was resolved.
Archetypes The Everyman/Regular Person - The Everyman archetype is embodied with a sincere personality, empathetic and with a lack of pretence as well as distinctive virtues. The Innocent - Also known as the romantic/mystic/naïve or the dreamer. The Innocent role plays a personality unscathed by life’s knowledge and is generically characterized by his/her optimism, simplicity, goodness or faith. The Innocent is to be believed to be pure in the narrative sense and appears to be driven by their enthusiasm and positive energy. The Hero - Generically known as the Soldier/Warrior/Crusader/Super Hero or the Dragon Slayer. The Hero archetype appears in the narrative as a rescuer or a crusader to a cause. He is consistently quick to fight for what he is believed to be morally right. | Themes 1. Identity Crisis 2. Friendship 3. Don't Give Up 4. Believe In Yourself 5. Death 6. Look beyond the norm of Society 7. Hope for the Future 8. Good vs Evil 9. Love 10. Humanity |
COMEDY
Top 5 grossing comedy movies:
-Hangover (2009), $277,322,503
-Hangover Part II (2011), $254,464,305
-Wedding Crashes (2005), $209,255,921
-22 Jump Street (2014), $191,719,337
-There's Something About Mary (1998), $176,484,651
Ted Shaun of the Dead The Interview Bruce Almighty Paul A Million Ways to Die in the West
Typical Narrative:
- The Exposition: Provides the representations of themes and an insight to the early material. The exposition sets the scene, introduces the main characters to the plot as well as hints to early stages of conflict.
- Confusion: An event occurs providing an obstacle for the protagonist to prevent the hero's desire.
-Rising Action: The occurrence of where conflict becomes obvious to both viewer and character. An increase in tension occurs while developing the conflict for the protagonist.
- The Climax: The representation of when the tension and drama has achieved it's peak.
- The Reversal: The instance of when the protagonist's fortune changes for the worst. Frequently occurs from the protagonists' most admirable trait.
- The Anagnorisis: The protagonist will recognise his/her/their mistake and often verbalise this with other characters.
- Falling Action: An earlier event of force will further fail the protagonist even further, culminating in their final catastrophe.
- Moment of Last Suspense: The denouement unwinds the tension and provides closure to the narrative
Archetypes The Anchor - Often perceived as an intelligent and grounded character. This character often acts as the pillar of the group and consistently uses sarcasm as their preference of comedy. The Dreamer - An eternal optimist using self-deprecating humour. Others may portray their desires within the narrative, but the dreamer is defined by desire. The Innocent - Conveyed as sweet and lovable. They consistently have no negative aspects about them and are often portrayed as naïve. | Themes 1. Laziness 2. Stupidity 3. Revenge 4. Love 5. Friendship 6. Family 7. Wild 8. Winning 9. Positive Resolution 10. Education |
HORROR
Top 5 grossing horror movies:
-The Sixth Sense (1999), $293,500,000
-Jaws (1975), $260,000,000
-Ghostbusters (1984), $242,000,000
-The Exorcist (1973), $232,000,000
-Scary Movie (2000), $157,000,000
Aliens Texas Chainsaw Cabin in the Woods Krampus As Above So Below Would you Rather
Typical Narrative
- Onset Phase: The viewer is introduced to the cause of the conflict by perceiving the antagonist and an early example of the events that take place.
- Discovery Phase: The characters within the narrative come to the realisation of what the antagonist is and either runs away or heads toward the conflict, depending on the archetype.
- Disruption Phase: The antagonist is either killed or all the protagonists is killed. There are exceptions where one protagonist survives for the conclusion.
Archetypes - The Jock: Doesn't necessarily have to play sports but does have to have recognisable traits. The Jock is often attractive, narcissistic and generally not bright. - The Cheerleader: A female representation as the jock. She is perceived as attractive yet interpreted as harsh or mean. - The Nerd: Severely ridiculed by the Jock and the Cheerleader. Usually less attractive and fit, yet more intelligent. - The Nice Guy: Usually the main male or female character within the narrative. He/she is often perceived as weak but in reality just simply acts nicer contrasting with the other characters. - The Virgin: Consistently the survivor at the end of the film. She is subtly perceived to be pretty, is often intelligent and is liked by everyone. | Themes 1. Fear 2. Death 3. Psychology 4. Mischief 5. Murder 6. Super-natural 7. The Unknown 8. Hope 9. Illusion 10. Women |
ALTERNATIVES TO GENRE
(Task 1.5)
Clerks - Kevin Smith
Ghost World - Terry Zwigoff
Nebraska - Alexandre Payne
Clerks - Micro Analysis
Within one of the scenes of Clerks, there is a montage that effectively captures the various kinds of customers, that Randal has to serve on a daily basis, as well as how obnoxious they are capable of being towards this category of service. This film, in particular; this montage, is significantly relatable to anyone in employment that is required to have customer interaction. The acting of the customers perfectly portray what the intentions of the director are meant to be, which may be interpreted that the only competent character within the independent film is Randal. Intentions being to show how arrogant and obnoxious the people, as customers, can be. This interpretation strongly suggests the American stereotype considering their lack of educational integrity and creating possible connotation about how
broken the educational system is in America.
The occasional movement of the camera may be interpretative as the connotation of realisation. Twice, this occurs within the scene composed around the exact same customer supporting the stereotype of blondes and how they may be interpreted to have a lack of intelligence or their lack of common sense. The movement consists of a short "zoom out" giving a slightly comical mood to the scene.
The props within the scene act as the channel towards the intelligence of the customers such as asking for ice in their coffee and asking if the service sells fuel for a specific model of vehicle.
Ghost World - Micro Analysis
Within one of the scenes of Ghost World takes place within a convenience store where the audience is presented a collage of different characters ranging in age, stereotype and even ethnicity.
The setting, consisting of the convenience store provides an aspect of the migrant status in America as within this setting is one of few instances where someone of different ethnicity or nationality is considered as a character that provides a performance.
The uniform that the manager and the employee wear connotes into an object of control and possession of the two characters.
The store manager develops and portrays two different stereotypes consisting of the stereotype of age and ethnicity. His personality is presented to be considerably strict which can be interpreted to be represented from his age. His ethnicity can be linked to the current setting of the scene and the migration status in America.
The collage of different characters help portray multiple stereotypes within one scene. The elders seem to be quite strict. Adults range quite extensively, however, within this scene, they can be interpreted to be significantly arrogant. The stereotype of teenagers action against society is partly supported for subtly harassing one of the servers at the convenience store.
Gender roles are clearly expressive within the scene as the Male characters seem to more aggressive with their behaviour and the female characters are significantly more passive with their actions.
Nebraska - Micro Analysis
One of the most powerful scenes I have ever perceived takes place at the end of the movie Nebraska, between the lines of dialogue. The facial expressions of the acting perfectly depicts the emotions of the characters and the themes that these represent. Themes such as friendship and exploitation is shown through the anger in Woody's eyes when passing his 'once friend' in his newly owned truck. Yet, it may be interpreted that you can see despair in his eyes when passing a woman exiting a convenience store, suggesting a theme of regret and/or love.
The truck in itself acts as a representation of a bond between father and son using a materialistic yet sentimental item to help enforce the friendship. The sentimentality of the item is emphasized through the father's desires and intentions of the money even though what the father desires isn't that excessive.
The two act performance within the truck initiates a strongly emotional and sentimental theme as the end goal to the movie, theoretically, has been reached. Even though the it wasn't the resolution the audience was hoping for, there is still a presence of satisfaction that the elder man, whom in which had been extensively exploited, finally gets something he desires.
The gears changing of the truck starts the non diegetic music which emphasizes the emotion and sentimentality of the atmosphere which is created in the scene. The music represents as an audible indication of the setting with the iconic classical guitar playing in a somewhat country fashion.
The scene predominantly consists of a long 'memory lane' scene as the character goes through his home town giving farewells, good and bad, as he passes in his truck.
GENRE CONCLUSION
(Task 1.6)
What have you understood about the four genres you have researched? Does it help you plan your opening sequence? If so, how?
The four genres that I have researched; Action, Animation, Comedy and Horror.
These four genres all have similar typical narratives in terms of structure and what the components of the structure consist of. There are some similarities with the themes present in the generic Action, Comedy and Animation but Horror has different themes as well as archetypes than the other genres.
The Archetypes of Comedy and Animation are similar to a certain extent such as the Innocent.
PLANNING
INDIVIDUAL STORYBOARD
(Task 2.1)
INDIVIDUAL PHOTO ANIMATIC
(Task 2.2)
OPENING SEQUENCE IDEA
(Task 2.3)
GROUP ANIMATIC
(Task 2.4)
PRE-SHOOTING VLOG
(Task 2.5)
PRE-PRODUCTION
LOCATION PLANNING
(Task 3.1)
1. Western Heights
2. Duke of Yorks
3. Various of Roads within Deal
4. Fowlmead Country Park
5. Betteshanger
6. Northbourne
7. Worth
COSTUME PLANNING
(Task 3.2)
Angel - Predominantly white clothing
Condition of clothing is pristine
Clothes worn with disregard, possibly scruffy.
White long sleeved
No Tie
Devil - Predominantly dark clothing, avoiding black above waist
Dark waist coat
Pocket Watch
Immortal - Shirt and undershirt
Unbuttoned shirt
White undershirt
Christian Necklace
No shoes
PROPS PLANNING
(Task 3.3)
Props:
Pizza boxes
Christian Necklace
Moped
Unique object (?)
Pocket Watch
Ice Cream
Candle
Gun
CASTING PLANNING
(Task 3.4)
Angel - S. Ben
Devil - D. Charlie
Immortal - D. Ethen
Voice of Reason- W. Samuel
Extra - S. Scott
2nd Extra - D. Megan
SHOT PLANNING
(Task 3.5)
Landscape shot (Extreme Long Shot) - Predominantly used to represent location and/or setting
Tracking Shot - Represents as a transition of setting. (Travelling from one location to another)
Close Up - A preview of facial expression used as an influence from various independent American films, specifically Nebraska.
Close up of flowers portraying the elegance and beauty of the Earth
Medium Shot - Of generic use for shots consisting of the development of the narrative. An enigmatic man approaching the camera towards a phone only to reach into his pocket for his mobile.
Extreme Close Up - Three pinecones leaning upon each other could connote to the personification of a relationship of friends and/or family.
CONSTRUCTION
FIRST CUT
(Task 4.1)
FINAL CUT
(Task 4.2)
EVALUATION
MINI-ME ANALYSIS
(Task 5.1)
ANNOTATED SCREENSHOTS
(Task 5.2)
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
For our specific opening sequence, a definitive social group can be very difficult to interpret as the opening sequence challenges many forms and conventions.
The form and structure of the opening sequence automatically suggests that the feature film will result in highly non-generic conventions. The sweet elegant start followed by the distorted and interrupted introduction to the narrative as well as a newly introduced character.
Our opening sequence puts a unique perspective upon religious characters that may attract a more youthful social group as the conventional themes of good and evil has been reversed to that of the references within the Gospel. The conventional changes speak loud in terms of characters and their personality development and how the personalities can be perceived to somewhat surprising.
Because of the references made to extensively aged literature, the social group would range from youthful as well as mature to adults. The risk involved portraying one of the most despised figures in religion to act as a protagonist may attract a more rebellious and youthful social group.
If our product represented a social group, it would most likely be interpreted as teenage males. Most of the characters of the opening sequence only portray male characters in abstract locations. This could support the stereotype of aggressive behaviour from the male gender as well as the questionable actions of teenagers as one in particular is intended to play an act as the Devil
PREZI
(Task 5.3)
CHATBACK
(Task 5.4)
POPPLET
(Task 5.5)
VLOG TASK 5
(Task 5.6)
INFOGRAPHIC
(Task 5.7)
What I’ve been listening to:
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