Studio Lesson 2: Sequences and 180 degree rule

In our lesson today we were successfully taught about more concepts of individual camera work and we gained many more skills from completing this. For instance, we were firstly introduced to a technique involving the ‘180 degree rule’. This rule was educated to us as this is used as a guideline based on the relationship of the surroundings, objects and characters in the scene. There's an imaginary line called "The Axis" to keep the camera on the other side so the characters can connect on the other side. This rule helps to provide a clear understanding about the positions and layout out of the scene to achieve a successful shot without portraying careless skills. I notably accepted to not go beyond the ‘180 degree line’ as this directs us to seek disorientated aspects to members of the audience and similarly the characters will automatically look inaccurate. This sense of a consistent space is sustained by the use of techniques, for example, the eye line match or match on action.

 

Progressing from this, we were taught about key aspects of how to build successful sequences. For instance, we gained a stimulus of focusing on one particular object, my group chose a torch as it was easy to see and manageable to work with.  We primarily started out by discussing important, compulsory, relevant shots needed. Initially I processed the idea to start with a wide shot to allow the audience to become familiar with the location and the scene set. We produced a short sequence, starting with a wide, mid shot and smoothly transitioning to a close up shot of the characters faces to appreciate their facial reactions and apply a connection. Our aim was to produce an extreme close up shot of the main focus of the torch being placed in the hands. We included an extreme close up shot of the characters hands and feet to highlight the main subject and to create an original effective shot. Progressing, we also used an ‘over the shoulder shot’ to appreciate the facial reactions portrayed and to observe the scene from different perspectives.

Alongside filming the sequence, we were taught how to direct a scene by using a correct appropriate series of standard dialogue and language. This was established to give us a feel of directing a sequence and feeling confident within our shoot. However I was not the director or the camera operator but I carefully watched the way it worked and reassured myself I understood each process thoroughly. For example, the director shouted “Standby” meaning “attention and “quiet” on set, the command is normally given 15-30 seconds before “rolling tape” is called. Secondly, “Standby to Roll Tape” underlines the set to get ready to start the videotape. Closely behind “Roll tape” highlights the tape is being rolled. "Action" is shouted to allow the cast the shoot is about to begin. Finally “Cut” is used to let everyone know the shoot has stop. Fortunately if the ‘studio lingo’ works successfully and the directors are pleased with the outcome, “That’s a wrap” is quoted to allow the cast the day has finished.

After viewing the lesson, I enjoyed learning about new aspects of the camera and the process of filming. I will practice the directors dialogue and continue to research subjects we’ve learnt in more detail.

Studio Lesson 1: Cameras

In the lesson, we were introduced to the basics of camera work and how to individually set up all different elements of a camera. The three cameras we worked with included, Sony NX5, a Canon DS and a Sony FS 100. Firstly we were allocated into small groups and picked our specific cameras we wanted to learn on. For example, I personally chose Sony FS 100, as this was one of the few that did have zoom access. Essentially we were taught how to clearly understand how to alleviate the tripod so we could prevent the camera from falling. In order to achieve this, we were trained to always have the tripod positioned upright by making sure the bubble was exactly in the middle of the black circle, before starting any form of filming. When I practiced this I comfortably felt in control of the camera equipment and was able to learn quickly. 

Secondly the aim was to attempt to confidently place the camera onto the tripod with ease; by successfully achieving this we had to hold down the button, which was set on the left of the tripod, and then confidently slide the camera until it reaches a stop; continuing from this process you turn the lever on the right side to guarantee a secure hold. Progressing from this, we were taught how to zoom on our chosen cameras (Sony FS 100) by adjusting the dials. In order to compose a fully focused image I learnt you have to firstly zoom into the main focus and then adjust the dials so the camera is familiar with its main focus.

Following through we had a short discussion about how to easily adapt your camera according to the atmospheric lighting; this process is completed by using the method, white balance, which is found on the side of the camera. White balance helped us to understand how to get all the aspects of your image to match the correct colour. We managed to successfully achieve this by using a white object and using an extreme zoom to confidently press the ‘white balance’ button which will lead you to a correct number.

I found this lesson thoroughly helped me to understand basic aspects of how to use cameras and apply original, creative elements within filming. It helped to realise how many different methods and techniques, which I’m longing to learn about. I will continue to practice these newly learnt skills and apply them properly to future work.

Analysis of the film poster ‘The Holiday’

This film poster includes various successful elements of media. This is very important as many audience members observe the film according to the poster, as this simply portrays first impressions.

The audience primarily captures the bold, strong text in the center of the poster. For example ‘the Holiday’, this is effective as it allows the viewers to have a clear understanding of the name of the film and to notably remember it. Similarly above the title, the important use of actors and actress’s names highlight high standard acting. Normally the audience recognises names and this enables them to want to watch the film and it allows them to feel an immediate connection. For instance, we clearly see this through the effective use of two essential images.

The use of cinematography is very effective, although this only shows a microcosm of two still images of the film, similarly we can clearly guess the mood or genre set through these creations. The close up of the two separate people, whom the audience assume are couples both use uplifting positive facial expressions and heightened posture, implying this film could be a comedy or seek happiness at sometime in ‘the Holiday’. The two couples are positioned close together suggesting to the audience that there might be two romances included in the film. We notably seek the two different personalities between each couple through the simple device of eye contact. For instance, in the first image the actor is looking down showing no direct eye contact towards his partner, however the actress is looking at him; personally, this could show a complicated or confused relationship as they are not looking into each other’s eyes lovingly but we can only assume ideas at this point. However, in the second image, both characters are using direct eye contact and we feel a strong connection between the couple underlining a happier, healthier relationship.

The subtle colours used in the images are very appropriate and we appreciate the successful use of mise en scene, resembling ordinary everyday costumes, as many audience members can relate or recognise them, implying they could become more familiar or feel more comfortable within their selves. Although there is no use of bright colours so viewers cant assume assumptions.

The composition of the poster is laid out very simply, showing an effective successful use of proxemics, allowing the audience to gain a clear understanding and have no distractions from key points and events. I appreciate the blank, clean white background as it compliments both the text, creating the text to stand out and the images showing contrast where appropriate.

The lighting used in the poster is very bright and complimentary, and is focused on the characters faces to emphasize their facial expressions as well as maybe suggesting purity or positive effects. The background is darker to highlight the main focus is on the characters, although the director might not want o hint too much about the film or set the scenes.

When viewing the poster, we recognize the small prints. For example, “from the director of What Women Want” and also another familiar film “Something’s Gotta Give.” From portraying these simple key words many members of the audience can relate to these films and the poster shows the successful Director and the credit of what he has achieved. This could easily make viewers want to watch the film and they automatically feel a connection appear.

Overall, I feel the poster includes all essential elements needed and makes members of the audience asking many questions and leave them longing to watch the film. Personally, the effective use of mise en scene helps the audience to figure out the target audience, I feel it is not aimed at young people, although the poster does not show any ratings included. However, I feel they could of varied the camera shots, for instance, they could of used an over the shoulder shot or zoomed out so we could seek more detail within the image. But both the images used are very effective and highlight a clear positive attitude towards the audience.

Denotation and Connotation

Our aim of the lesson was to understand the concepts of denotation and connotation.

At the beginning of the lesson, we were asked to write words associating to a colour, for example, white could represent purity, freshness, innocence or the winter and similarly, green could resemble nature, envy, naturalistic meanings or the army. We had to complete this task portraying red, black, blue and pink as well. From the colour connotation chart I learnt how everyone has stereotypes for a particular colour and cultural upbringing and society influence us to associates words with colours.

I learnt through the lesson, the study if signs and symbols and how they are interpreted.

Human communication is defined as a sign; gestures, facial expressions, poetry, rituals, clothes, food, music, Morse code, marketing, commercials and film.

All media texts have two layers of meaning, for example:·      

       ·    Denotative level – What we actually see.

       ·    Connotative level – What you associate with this image.

·  

            For instance, a denotation would be a word, colour or image, for instance, red, and a connotation would be the concept or meaning or associations of it.

 

Anchorage

This means the fixing of a meaning to a text.

Media texts ‘re-present’ the world to us. The media ‘meditates’ how we view the world and in many ways can dictate if we respond to type or ‘stereotypes’ of things in a positive or negative way.

This lesson reflected positive meanings and helped demonstrate an understanding of signs and particular words. I will be inspired my meanings and will continue to remember these and come across them in everyday life, and consider the reflective lesson when meeting with one.

How Tension is created in 'Detachment'

By viewing ‘Detachment’ I personally found tension was successfully created throughout this thriller and the suspense was strongly built. ‘Detachment’ underlines an argument between a husband and wife to add tension and stress to a violent mans environment. We seek the unknown throughout and this video leaves the audience considering many matters and questioning the story. The directors use many methods to help build tension, for example:

 

The directors firstly introduce the thriller with close up shots of the characters facial expression to allow the audience to see his personality. The character stereotypically wears a hoodie and dark clothing; the audience could associate this with a dangerous or suspicious act. His facial expressions and gestures are powerful and directly intimidating towards the audience. His slow movements imply clear everyday routine, however suspiciously he doesn’t get changed properly and he doesn’t have breakfast. For the character himself, he treats his possession, for instance, the gun as a normal object and is not frightened by it or re thinking a decision. I personally found the audience automatically knows what’s going on inside his head from his strong gestures and facial reactions.

I feel the lighting used in this video is mostly at a low status, however sometimes the light increases, shadowing the characters facial expressions or his few possessions. The lighting implies distinct isolation and coldness to highlight the characters mood and inner emotions. The effect of lack of lighting is to make the thriller more intense and to create a sinister atmosphere.

The director uses many sounds effects throughout the thriller; for example, the argument between the husband and wife increasingly grows as their threatening tones become deeper and stronger, this is effective and builds tension as we can guess the argument is coming from another flat above or below the characters. The effect of the audience hearing police sirens, dog barking and cars driving past can highlights he lives in a noisy, unsettled environment and stress levels can progressively develop within the flat. The use of the low-pitched hip-hop song adds danger and uncomfortable pressure. By the directors demonstrating no sound from the main character, we don’t get distracted and can focus clearly on his movements and reactions.

 The location is very basic and simple, but the props are very beneficial as they could clearly be highlighting his personality or status. For example, as he only has few objects, this could show he doesn’t have much money or is unorganized. His flat is messy and many objects surround him.

From viewing this, I clearly understood the levels of tension and suspense within the atmosphere and the characters. The titles are subtly placed at appropriate times involving clear words but cleverly not distracting us from the main sequence. I felt the directors successfully achieved this and I liked the unknowing after plot as many members of the audience consider crimes. I individually believe he is going to commit a crime involving someone or something on the street. When I come to making my own thriller, I will be inspired by this particular film because of its successful tension.