Classwork

These are the techniques of media that I learnt mostly during the beginning of the year. It includes editing, camera angles and movements and essays and analysing film opening and adverts.

First Lesson - Analysing an advertisement

In our first lesson in Media Studies, we looked at the outline of the AS course. We were also introduced to 'Denotation' and 'Connotation' whilst analysing an advert for Calvin Klein.

I have attached the picture and as you can see the advertisement is black and white which maybe reflects a memory, the background is countryside representing freedom, escapism. The foreground is two females with very different ages. One an adult, maybe a mother, the other a child. They appear to be holding hands which brings the idea that they're family, loving and caring. Also the glare coming through the shot on the right hand side appears to be sunlight, warmth and happy. All these positive feelings coming from the picture could reflect the product, the perfume. It is a summery smell, a lovely, warm comfortable smell.

The font is all the same so you know where the product belongs. The font is tall, slim, subtle and quite feminine which relates to the two females in the advertisement and also echoes that the product is designed for females, target audience. Also with the two different generations this gives the idea that the perfume is not for one specific age group, it can be used by all ages and even passed down the family, again relating the black and white memory.

Denonatation and Connontation

Denotation is an explicit or a direct meaning rather than a suggestion. Saying exactly what you see, which means denotation isn't an analysis or evaluation. For example, the background uses very dull colours which makes the colourful and vibrant woman stand out.

However, connotation is an analysis. It's the idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a word or thing. For example, that countryside background was put there maybe to reflect the idea of freedom.

Semiotics

Semiotics is showing different moods, emotions or themes through different colours or images.

The representational level examines the meaning of the text. What is the relationship between the elements of the text e.g. camera angles, mise en scene, font, colour, sound etc. How have these been deliberately linked?

The symbolic level looks at the hidden meaning in terms of ideology and institution:

• The content of consumption
• cultural history of the institution (1950's western viewed differently by George Bush or Native American
• Identify connotations and target audiences

The Foundations of Media Studies

Why were they made? PURPOSE

How were they made? PROCESS

Who were they made for? AUDIENCE

Who made them? INSTITUTION

What rules were followed when making them? CONVENTIONS AND GENRE

Genres

RomCom - boy and girl, don't know they like each other, fall in love, happy ending.

Sci-Fi - aliens, spaceships, battles

• Such conventions are repeated sufficiently from film to film to make an audience familiar with them.
• Simple repetition of generic conventions create a dull movie.
• At the same time genre films alter and develop.

Ideology and Gramsci
Ideology

Ideology refers to a system of belief that is constructed and presented by media text.

Examples:

American Flag           -capitalist

                                    -nation

                                    -pride/proud

                                    -patriotic

                                    -liberation

                                    -freedom

                                    -determination

                                    -stars ‘n’ stripes

Chinas Flag                -industry

                                    -culture

                                    -chinese food!

                                    -kung fu

                                    -clever

                                    -strange beliefs

                                    -one child policy

                                    -biggest economy

                                    -communist

                                    -oppressed

Gramsci

Gramsci defined hegemony as the way in which those in power maintain power. Dominant ideologies are considered hegemonic.

What is accepted hegemony in our society?

-The police are trustworthy and support/help us

-Hoodies = feral youth – crime

-Travellers – thieves

-Premiership footballers = sleep around/ rich/ greedy/ players?

Sounds

 

Most audiences take sounds for granted however it is very important to establish the context and atmosphere.

Different Sounds

Diagetic - Sound made in the set and you can see it in the frame (e.g. footsteps).

Non-diagetic - Not made in the shot, can't see where the sound is coming from (e.g. howling of a dog).

Parallel - A sound that matches the scene.

Contrapuntal - Sound opposes with the image.
Sound bridge - Sometimes the sound will continue through the transition of one scene to another.
Dialogue and Voiceover - Dialogue is the voice of a character speaking, voiceover is when the character's voice is recorded and put over the scene but the character in the shot doesn't speak.
Synchronous sound - Sound that appears to be matched to certain movements (e.g. when footsteps match the feet walking).
Asynchronous sound - Sound that is not matched with the source of the sound on screen. It builds tension and curiousity for the audience.
Sound Motif -A sound effect that is associated with a particular character, setting, situation or idea throughout the film.


Editing

The purpose of continuity editing is so that the transitions are smooth and therefore smooth over the discontinuity of the editing process.

Discontinuity can be expressed by the deliberate use of ellipses (missing bits out).

Cutting

Cross cutting - To establish actions happening at the same time but in different locations

Jump cut - It appears to be an interruption of a single shot usually used when suggesting time has gone past

Shot reverse shot - Good for conversation scenes, usually used with over the shoulder shots to show each character speaking

Eyeline match -This is using used within two or more characters or objects. It allows the audience to see exactly what the character can see/ is looking at

Other editing techniques include dissolve, fade-in, fade-out, wipe, superimposition, slow motion, long take, short take and iris.

180 Degree Rule

This is a guideline given to filmmakers that says that if there are two characters (or objects), then they should keep their left/right relationship. If the camera passes the imaginary line that connects the subjects of the shot, this is called crossing the line. The new shot which is shot from the opposite side, is called the reverse shot.

Camera Angles and Movements
Camera angles
Aerial Shot - A camera shot filmed from a helicopter or a high building.
Establishing shot - A long shot, often the first in a scene, which establishes the setting
Extreme Closeup - The extreme close up is used to reveal very small details in the scene.
Close Up - If you are shooting just the head and shoulders of a character then you are using a close up. It is usually used to reveal detail.
Medium Shot - This shot is taken from just below the waist to above the head.
Medium Long Shot - A shot in which a largish object fits easily within the frame. With this shot you get the expression from the characters face whilst also getting a more information about what is going on behind or around the character.
Long Shot - A shot in which a large object fits within a frame.
Extra Long Shot - Very similar to the establishing shot; gives the viewer some perspective as to where the subject is.
Two Shot - This shot is composed when two people are in the scene and their interaction is important. This is a good way to introduce a conversation.
Over the Shoulder Shot - This shot reveals one subject as seen from over the shoulder of another subject. It stimulates a view of the other subject as seen form the second person's eyes.
Point of View Shot - A shot which is understood to be seen from the point of view of a character within the scene.


Camera Movements
Panning - When a camera is moved from side to side. Here the lens scans the scene to provide the viewer with elements of the scene which could not be captured in a wide angle shot.
Tilt - The movement of the camera head up or down is known as tilting. Tilting the camera up can show height, or down can show depth.
Tracking Shot - A shot which the camera is pushed horizontally along the ground on a dolly.
Dolly - Refers to a type of shot achieved when a camera is mounted on a cart and pushed along a track.
Crane - A shot in which the camera rises above the ground on a mobile support.
Handheld - When a person holds the camera in hand while shooting.
Zoom - A single shot which moves towards a particular subject. 
Reverse zoom - A single shot which moves away a particular subject. 

Analysing Camera Angles

This photo is taken from the film Matilda (2006). The angle that the shot is taken from is a high angle which make the little girl look weak and vunerable. The fact that she's looking up also illustrates that she is talking or looking at someone and it's clear that that someone has a higher class than she does or more authority so we can assume that it would be an adult.


Raising the flag of Iwo Jima

These pictures are based on an historical photo taken in 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

The first picture is the original photo of American soldiers victoriously raising the US flag. You can easily spot the fact that they are soldiers by looking at their uniform and spotting their helmets protecting their heads and weapons around their waist.

The fact that there are several soldiers raising the flag represents how their country was not saved by just one person; there was not one hero but it was a multiple effort that saved their country. Also, the flag is being placed on some rubble and this shows that they did not want to put it somewhere where everyone can admire it, they chose to raise it on the land where they were fighting and where many men had sacrificed their lives to save their country which makes this moment so poignant.

The background is very dark, grey and cloudy enhancing the miserable and sad setting that they are in, reminding the viewer that men did die there. However, behind the flag is brighter and you can see that perhaps the sun is shining through the clouds which makes the flag stand out in contrast and it is almost in silhouette to represent the power of America. Also, the fact that the light is shining on the flag reflects the happiness and pride that America shares because they are proud of their soldiers fighting and sacrificing themselves to save their country, and the end of war itself.

The second photo is taken on Ground Zero on the day of the 9/11 attacks. Again, the men in the photo are wearing uniforms and therefore are easily recognisable as firemen. Firemen are trained to save lives similarly to the soldiers in the Iwo Jima photo.

The 3^rd photograph is of a statue which stands outside Arlington National Cemetery and is more of a permanent attraction which anyone can go and see. The miserable weather around the statue resembles the original photo so it shows the depressing and sad part about these soldiers fighting in the war but the flag flying high shows the pride that Americans felt and feel to this present day too in the efforts of their war heroes.

The statue is looks like its made out of a dark material such as bronze rather than white marble reflects the darkness of the war and strength that the soldiers had.

The final image is a lego version of the Iwo Jima photograph. Lego is very square and modern pieces which do not show any emotion. Unlike the other images which show a lot of emotion. For example you can see the firemen are distressed and are raising the flag to show their honour to their fellow workmen. The fact that it shows no emotion and that it is a lego replica indicates that perhaps it was aimed at children and has been put it a way in which children can understand or relate to it easily. It is teaching children teamwork and history of their country or another country in a way in which they can understand.

Terminator 2 Notes
Beginning Scene (Mental Institution)

Mise En Scene Location Costume Props Lighting	Camera Angles
The small window in the cell – trapped	Establishing shot – sets the scene (in a mental institution)
Window in cell – can’t see anything clearly (no influence, inspiration)	Extreme Close Up of muscles before we actually see the gender – strength before gender
Window outside cell – trees, nature -happy/free
Natural light from window shining behind Sarah Connor – outlines her hair, halo (she’ll save the day in the end)
She’s wearing a white vest top – she’s the innocent, good person in this film

 Final Scene (Factory)

Mise En Scene Location Costume Props Lighting	Camera Angles
Factory – where machines are created, possible birthplace for Terminator, irony that he dies here as well	High angle of T-1000 walking up the stairs, supposed to look vulnerable however he looks intimidating because the audience are put in a position where it’s as if we are looking over the staircase and being chased by him
Sarah Connor gets stabbed, red light behind her – danger, anger, blood	P.O.V. shot when John looks at the chip, audience know he’s thinking about it
T-1000 walks into factory, low lighting behind him creates shadows and silhouettes (makes him look powerful and scary)	Long shot when T-1000 falls in the lava. They have authority because he’s dead and they’re above him (literally). Sarah, John and Terminator are all side by side – we are looking at them front on – powerful (also clear that Sarah needs some male aid, both genders are working together)
	T-1000 walks into factory – boxes in corner of shot, puts the audience in a place where we’re hiding from him and looking on (audience feels uncomfortable

Terminator 2 Essay

In the beginning scene we see an establishing shot of the metal institution so we can see where the story is based.

The fact that when we see Sarah Connor for the first time we see a close up of her muscles before we notice her gender so we see her strength before her gender.

The long shot of the men walking down the long corridors also has the women in the background being controlled by men which signifies the fact that men have higher authority then women according to this film.

Furthermore all the women are wearing white top and trousers showing that they are prisoners in the institution the fact that their wearing white symbolises their innocence but because maybe their women the men think their delusion.

Following that long shot there is an extreme close up of Sarah Connor’s face and you can see the sweat and hear her heavy panting implying that she is tough and strong and determined to be stronger. This is a contrast of what men assume females are supposed to be.

When she finishes her chin ups the sunlight is shining through the window is glowing on her hair symbolising a possible halo and how she is a saviour, a heroin  and that she will save the world in the end.

Skipping to the final scene it shows Sarah has gone from being a strong independent woman to destroy the ‘T 1000’ with the help of the Terminator and her son. This represents how the genderism has turned/changed.

When the ‘T 1000’ enters the factory, the use of synchronous sound with his footsteps matches when he’s walking which makes him seem powerful and in control.

In addition to this the light is shining behind him as he walks in making him a silhouette which, again, makes him seem in power and fearful.

The camera angle used in this shot is a long shot and the camera seems to be hiding beneath boxes and it is placed to the side of the ‘T 1000’ so that makes the audience feel uncomfortable because it is as if we are hiding from him or watching him.

When the ‘T 1000’ is walking up the stairs he is shown in a high angle which usually makes the actors look vulnerable and innocent however this shot makes him look intimating.

Furthermore, when he dies he falls into the hot lava and the fact that he falls makes Sarah and John Connor literally above him which changes the status’ of them; Sarah and John and the Terminator have gone from vulnerable weaker characters however when the ‘T 1000’ dies, they win back their authority because they’ve saved the world by killing this monster.