British Film Industry Factsheets

 British Film

1) Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British
What makes a film British is the people making the film who are British, it is funded within Britain and the subject of the film is British culture related.

2) What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?
The Hollywood production context means that most films made by Hollywood studios have high budgets, a heavy reliance on celebrities both in the cast and crew. Whereas, production context of a British film is defined as to having low budgets, character rather than spectacle driven stories and a heavier reliance on word of mouth and viral advertising. The British film production context does not have as many clearly defined characteristics.

3) When did the James Bond franchise start?
The 1960s brought about the start of the James Bond franchise.

4) In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?
The 1970s sees a rise in British Films of sexual content, both the act of sex and sex linked to violence with films like A Clockwork Orange. The 1980s see the rise of videos and the ‘video nasty’s scare where film-making was becoming more accessible and more extreme content. This shows that alot of things as revolutionized since the 1980s. 

5) What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in. 
Groups such as class, politics, social change and education are some of the many issues that British film has explored throughout its history.

6) What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film? 

Actors, British actors tend to be clearly identifiable as British and will often be associated with a particular genre of British film. British locations tend to be a heavily used feature of the film, with London being the most popular, however the overwhelming characteristics that will most appeal to a British audience is the social theme that provides the through line for many British film narratives. 

 British film industry

1) What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?  

The Cultural Test is divided into four sections and a film must score at least 16 out of a possible 31 points to be classified as British. These four sections are: Cultural Context, Cultural Contribution, Cultural Hubs, Cultural Practitioners.

 

2) Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test: Sweeney, Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.

Sweeney-Budget:£3,000,000: The cultural test score got 16/31

Attack The Block: Budget: 13,000,000: The lead characters are from Britain and represents British culture therefore, earned 16/31

The King's Speech: Budget: 15,000,000: The culture test score is 16/31 

We Need To Talk About Kelvin: Budget: 7,000,000:  This movie did not pas the cultural test since some of the lead characters were not all from Britain.  
Skyfall: Budget: 200,000,000: The location is filmed in London, The lead characters are all from Britain therefore, represents British culture. This scored got 16/31 in the culture test.

3) What is the main problem for the British film industry?

the British film industry has been production led rather than distribution led.This means that many UK films are made but, in order to get the film exhibited, the filmmakers have to sacrifice the distribution rights by selling the film to a distribution company. Another problem that the BFI faces is often described as a ‘cottage industry’. This suggests it is small-scale therefore, can never truly compete with the ‘factory industries’ of the Hollywood-based studios.

4) What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?

Britain has had a film industry since well before World War I and several important film studios are British, such as Ealing Studios. Also British films take 5% of world box-office takings, which is extraordinary for such a small nation. Sir Alan Parker believes the british film industry is strong for the following reason:
• outstanding creative skills of practitioners
• outstanding facilities

5) What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

British filmmakers could choose to rely upon co-productions with American studios to keep the industry afloat.

The UK film industry’s second option is to attempt to make low budget films targeted at a niche, British audience.

6) In your opinion, which of these two options would best safeguard the future of the British film industry? 

In my opinion, The British industry should team up with the American Film industry. This will allow the film industry to gain more recognition around the world, not just in Britain. Their revenue for each movie will increase due to the increase in audience. 

MIGRAIN index December 2018

 MIGRAIN index December 2018



Film Poster Analysis

Mise-en-scene star persona 

Mise-en-scene blog tasks 
  
High-Key and Low-Key Lighting

Lighting 

Mise-en-scene makeover: Learner response

parallel and contrapuntal sound video

Sound video feedback and learner response 

Cinematography video task 

Cinematography blog tasks 
  
Cinematography: final blog tasks

Cinematography video feedback/learner response

Editing video: Continuity task

Editing: blog task

Editing video feedback/learner response

Editing video feedback/learner response

Editing video feedback/learner response

Teacher Feedback

WWW 

• Simple, effective titles 
• Powerful opening shot 
• Use of slomo + sound -enigma code 
• Appropriate soundtrack 
• Effective match on action 
• Good use of close ups 
• Narrative structure 

EBI

• Uneven, disorted sound levels 
• Cause of framing - keep the face in frame 
• Lip sync was uneven 
• Use of over-the-shoulder shot

Class Feedback 

WWW

• Good soundtrack 
• Good narrative 
• use of flashback 
• Non-diagetic sound 
• Great use of audio 

EBI

• Quality of the sound
• Camera too shaky during 180 degree shot 
• narrative was difficult to understand 

3) Now reflect on your video. Did you meet the brief and successfully include the three key editing aspects we have learned
During this editing task i have learnt alot of editing techniques but the 3 skills that stood out in my editing video was 

1. i successfully learnt how to the match on action with several editing since i had to cut between the shots.
2. i have learnt how to perfectly construct a flashback using different saturation levels and the editing skill called pro camp
3. i have used jump cuts from one scene to another to create tension and more realism in the conversation between two characters

4)
one weakness is that the camerawork in my editing video was shaky and blurry due to not using a tripod. Next time, to improve, i will use a tripod or get a more professional cameraman to record the scenes 
A strengthens is that i have use a lot of editing skills and included all three editing aspects that was assigned to us. Most of the editing skills were edited perfectly for example, match on action.

5) Learner response: what aspect of editing did you find most difficult? What have you learned from this process that will help you when you start the actual coursework later this year?

What i found most difficult was constructing the over the shoulder shot and reverse shot. This was because most of the time the main image was blurred or not in the frame properly. The skills that i have learnt that will help me is the jump cuts and editing to create a realistic flashback. 

Cinematography: final blog tasks

Cinematography: final blog tasks


Watch the following extract from Lawrence of Arabia (1962), directed by David Lean.

1.Discuss how the use of long shots creates tension and suspense in the sequence.
The cinematographer significantly uses Long shots to generate tension and suspense since the audience are unable to identify the character which creates enigma codes. The audience are unaware of the situation as well as the two characters closer to the camera. Furthermore, the frightened and confused look on the main character creates tension since the same emotion is reflected on the audience. 

2. Who are the audience encouraged to identify with
The audience are more engaged with the main character Lawrence due to the numerous of closeups of him. The producer wants the audience to identify and have personal relationship with Lawrence since hes the main image of the movie and determines the decisions made in the storyline.

 
Watch the following extract from Citizen Kane (1940), directed by Orson Welles.

1.Discuss the various shots and camera movements and their effects.
The clip mostly consists of establishing shots however moves closer to median and close up shots. Tracking and pan shots are shown when showing the whole landscape in an establishing shot. The clip is very dull and dark creating an eerie and spooky atmosphere. 

2.How does the cinematography work with other aspects of film language you have studied to create 
 meaning?
The dark and dull atmosphere created by the lighting reinforcing it with long shots, really intimidates and frightens the audience since they do not know what is inside that house.  



Watch the following extract from Moulin Rouge (2001), directed by Baz Luhrmann.

1.Comment on how the various shots and camera movements help to introduce the story.
The various of shots and camera movements shows binary opposition since in the beginning, closeup shot is taken to see the powerful and sad emotions expressed. Whereas, in the other scene, tracking shot is taken to capture everyone dancing full of joy while the man cries.

2.How does the cinematography work with other aspects of film language?
A very dim lighting is used when there is a close up of the man typing. This changes the whole mood and reinforces the emotion the man is exhibiting. Whereas, in the other location, alot of high key lighting is used to express realism while the people dance happily.   

 Watch the following extract from Three Colours: Blue (1993), directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski.


1.How does the use of close-up shots enhance our understanding of the narrative?
The tires moving at a very fast pace foreshadows something terrible in the future as it builds tension and suspense as continues to its destination. The close up of the worried little girl creates enigma codes for the audience to resolve and understand the narrative. 

2.Discuss the emotional impact of the sequence. How do the close-ups contribute to this? 
The close up of the little girl's worried look evokes sympathy from the audience since they are unaware of the reason why shes upset. This creates an emotional atmosphere since the audience are worried for the girl's well being as well as conveying their thought and feelings towards the scenario that is going to happen which they know is inevitable.  

Editing blog task

In the begin of the clip '21 jump street' it starts of with an establishing shot of the school then changes when the the transition moves to focus on what is happening inside the school. A reverse shot is taken place to show the strong chemistry between the two main characters. The sequence draws the audience's attention straight to the two boys using a quick over the shoulder transition between their conversation. This allows the audience to have a firm idea who the protagonists are and who needs to be sympathised when hurt or in danger. Later on in the clip, the editor uses wipe effect from one shot to another to emphasis their history and bond they have created through past experiences. The first 20 seconds of the clip demonstrates a flashback of their memories together at school, this will force the audience to generate vicarious pleasure when watching the clip since friendship and loyalty is shown to their man strive to success. The audience will be intrigued by their past life and relationship and eventually show emotional attraction towards them. The clip moves on from them arguing to a match on action scene of them two wrestling. The smooth and perfect shot movement from two clips convey clever editing skills as two emotions are exhibited when a long shot changes two median/close up. This quickly generates another emotion from getting slammed to showing the facial expressions of the person feeling the outcome of the action.

In addition, at 0:42, there is a long shot of two gang members creating a very negative atmosphere, then shifts to a close up of them holding a cigar. The editor significantly uses dip to black continuous amount of times to create fast pace editing while shots being taken from a low angle. The low angle connotes the character being intimidating and overpowering; the fast pace editing emphasises their superiority over the thugs and depicts that the two men in police uniform oppress any crime breaking the laws of society. Furthermore, the scene located at 1:07 demonstrates a point of view shot shifting from one perspective to another. This fast pace dialogue creates tension and foreshadows a terrible moment where this undercover work they are undergoing is going to end up horribly wrong. This informs the audience that mistakes in this mission will lead to many action codes. This leads on to them preparing for the mission therefore the editor uses jump cuts as soon as one reloads one gun to another at 2:37. This portrays their immense power they now control after being in possession with heavy rifles. The quick jump cuts reinforces their body language as they are starting to become more mature with what the scenario has escalated to.

Moreover, at 2:46 , the action scenes become very intense which is advocated with very fast pace editing. The action scenes then lead to a jump cut to something really loud and explicit. This is shown through match on action where a plate is smashed on a person's head resulting him to fall on the floor. The fast pace editing with all those variety of shots build tension towards the audience then ends the intensity with a huge bang. This will leave the audience with shock and confusion since the audience weren't told the reason for the action therefore, will create enigma codes that the audience will need to resort to by watching the whole movie to find out. Later on in the clip, at 2:55, there's an establishing shot taken place to get everyone's reaction towards the situation. The editor cleverly shows the damaged caused by the violence on the main character however, cuts the shot whenever the character speaks. This builds suspense since audiences are waiting to find out 'what hes feeling' or is 'he going to faint' but the scene shows binary opposition due to the explicit scene being shown and the happy atmosphere being projected when everyone starts jumping.  

Editing video

https://youtu.be/hZwhFbdXxbs

Script

1. At home, girl1 waiting for boy1 to come home . Boy1 walks through the door while girl1 is sitting down with a dirty look on her face.
                                                           Kam
                                        Where the Ouff* have you been
                                                         Carlos
                    None of that matters now, What matters now is you getting out of the country
                                                         Carlos
                                             So take the Ouff* money
                                                          Kam 
                                     What do you mean take this money                   
                                                         Carlos
                               Why don't you understand that your life is in danger
                                                         Carlos
              Ahh i'm running out of time, Take the money and your yourself and Angela out of                                                             the country quick as possible

 2. Boy1 walks out of the room and slams the door behind him.

Shot List

Shot No.	Shot	Filmed?
1	Median shot of boy1 dropping on the floor while boy2 stands behind the victim.	y
2	Point of view shot of boy1 walking towards the door.	y
3	Close-up shot of the handle being opened and boy1 walking past	y
4	Median/close up of girl1 saying “Where the ouff have you been”	y
5	Point of view shot of girl1 facing towards boy1. Boy1 replies saying “none of that matters now”	y
6	Over the shoulder shot of boy1 to see a clear emotional breakdown of girl1	y
7	Long shot of boy1 walking away and a tracking shot follows him while he gets up.	y
8	Close-up of the phone rings and boy1 hesitates to pick up.	y
9	Median/close up of boy1 on the phone.	y
10	Over the shoulder shot of boy2 walking towards boy 1 quietly.	y
11	Close-up shot of boy2 grabbing on to boy1	y
12	Median shot of boy1 dropping to his knees	y
13	Pan shot of boy2 pulling out a knife and using it on boy1	y
14	Closeup of boy1 dropping to the floor	y
15	Median/longshot of a flashback of boy1 punching boy3	y
16	(flashback)Point of view shot of boy2 walking up to his son(boy3)	y
17	Closeup of boy2 crying on boy3’s shoulder	y
18	Closeup shot of boy1 dropping to the floor in slow-motion.	y

Cinematography blog tasks

1) Write an analysis of the cinematography in the opening sequence. Highlight your use of media language and try to cover camera shots, angles and movement using the terminology we have learned in lessons.


The trailer consists of variety of shots at a fast pace due to many intense shots; A lot of long shots are taken since there is numerous of people at a location. This shot fits the genre very well since many iconographies are happening in a large area due to the enormous shark attacking the whole population. Whenever there is a depressing scene or when someone is saying his/her final words, over the shoulder shot or a reverse shot is taken to emphasis both of the character's feelings. Long shot is consistent in this movie since the main villain which is  enormous compared to the victims therefore, the audience must see the whole body of the character and see how much fear is represented not just in the face. 

2) How does the camerawork give the audience clues about the setting, narrative and character?
Different cameraworks exhibit different emotions such as a low angle shot wouldn't be used for a romantic genre film. Furthermore, an establishing shot shows a great view of where the setting will be and for example a big close up only shows the eyes of a character therefore creates suspense since the audience still don't know who the ac

3) Find and analyse four film or TV stills. Embed the images in your blog and analyse the camera shot/angle and what they communicate to the audience. tor is. 

This is a low key angle emphasising his power and authority over the person who's on the floor. This depicts to the audience that this character is terrifying and  oppresses the heroes.


This a medium shot demonstrating the two student's emotions in the scenario. The audience may feel sympathetic towards the two men. A medium shot is used so the producer can show they are in school. This may create personal identity since the audience can relate to the situation.

This is a long shot showing the whole army (all a part of the avengers) The audience will be astonished to see such a huge army to take down one man.

This scene is a high angle shot implying that the girl is vulnerable and fragile The high angle makes the girl look weak in front of the audience's eyes. The audience may believe that the some else is much more superior than her at this scene.