Friday 24 October 2014

Media awards

Ammar's Music video
His was a single shot of his view cycling around London with a Boris Bike. The footage was edited with it being sped up the effect of this is that the busyness of the city is accentuated with the fast pace. The fast pace could also represent the fast pace of life that people living in the city live. The video produced was mesmerising because the scenery were really beautiful and the audience could really get a glimpse of life in London.

Insincere 
The opening of this film was made black and white which indicated to the audience that it is a flashback. This is clever because the narrative doesn't follow a linear narrative as its starts in the past. The use of tracking shot was really effective in the forest scene because it built suspense and tension amongst the reader. Furthermore, the use of the tracking shot also created enigma as well as action codes. There was an obvious binary opposition in the narrative which appeals to their target audience of youth. Also, the binary opposition fascinated the audience. The use of non diagetic sound was used very effectively as the voice over made the narrative more sinister and somewhat evil.

F Block 
This movie used one continuous shot at the start which made it feel very natural to the reader as well as setting the scene very effectively in an interesting way. Furthermore, the one continuous shot made the narrative flow very well. But when the characters were featured and introduced, the shot slowed down, this made the introduction of the characters more personal as the pace slowed down. Also, the props of the musical instruments makes the narrative appeal to people who have an interest in music.  


Narrative



There is scene when the protagonist see's a girl in the hospital. This creates enigma code as we wonder what happened to her and who hurt her. Another enigma code is when the protagonist is cleaning a hammer and looking suspicious, the audience wonders why is he cleaning the hammer. This enigma/action code is Roland Barthes theory. Todorov's theory of equilibrium could also be used here as the equilibrium is seen when the guy and girl are in the cafe but then the disequilibrium is seen when the girl is seen in the emergency room howver, because this is a movie trailer, the new quilibrium isn't shown. Propp's character theory can also be included here as the villain is seen to be the Mexican thugs and also the robber in the store. The hero role is played by Densel Washington as the montage of clips in the trailer all include and seem to be surrounding him. Moreover, he gets the most dialogue. and the princess, person who need saving, is the girl but, he could be fighting those thugs for revenge.





As there are many references to breaking out of prison, an enigma code is created as the reader questions whether they're going to break out the prison successfully or not. Action codes are also seen in this season trailer because there was a scene of many police cars speeding down the road which could show that there is bound to be action. Also, an enigma code is seen whether it's true that convicted was really framed for killing as said in the trailer or did he actually kill him. In this trailer, Todorov's theory of equilibrium can be used as we, the audience, only see the disequilibrium as the brother is already jailed. Prop's character theory can be used as the hero is the guy breaking his brother out of prison this can also be seen as majority of the footage was on him. The princess in this case is his brother in prison facing a death sentence. The helper is seen to be the Mexican guy with the hat as there is a scene of them two scheming in the yard.




Roland Barthe's theory of action and enigma codes can be implicated throughout this movie trailer. An enigma code is whether the Ninja Turtles can save the hostages in time, before the criminals kill them. The action codes are all the fight scenes because from those scenes, the audience see's that there will be action and that the narrative is developing. Also Todorov's theory of equilibrium can also be implicated in this movie trailer. However, we only see the disequilibrium which grips the audience as they want to find out whether the narrative will resolve or not. Prop's character theory can also be connected here because the heroes are the Ninja Turtles as we see that they are trying to save the hostages and also protect the city. The princess, people in need, are the hostages and the city. The villain in this movie is the secret weapons developers because they have created an armour that is powerful and that can cause damage.

Monday 20 October 2014

CoolBrands


Spotify: Something I like about this brand is that it's a really convenient application that is available to anyone. Also, as I can download Spotify on my smartphone, I am able to listen to music on the go. Furthermore, the unbelievable amount of music and albums available on the app, you're bound to find the music you're looking for. I think that a line of appeal that Spotify incorporate is art and culture. This is because on their dashboard, they advertise music that isn't mainstream, to encourage people to listen to different music. This appeals to people as being immersed in diverse music is something people are interested in.  

itsu: Why I like this brand is because they offer healthy oriental food on the go. I think that this brand appeals to people because it offers healthy alternative food on the go. This appeals to the people who are looking for a meal that is delicious that doesn't compromise their health. I think this brand made it into CoolBrands because as it provides quality products that is on the go. 

Apple: I admire Apple because they are a trendy brand that manufactures innovative products. The distinctive feature of each Apple product is its ease of use and elegant design. A line of appeal that they incorporate is rich, luxurious lifestyle - this is because Apple is associated with people who lead luxurious lifestyles. Furthermore, it makes people aspire to work hard to enable themselves to lead that desirable lifestyle. I think that Apple made CoolBrands because they are arguably the best smartphone at the moment.  


Mercedes Benz: Mercedes Benz made it into CoolBrands because they create exciting, innovative products packed with advanced technology, and presented with effortless and ever-evolving design. A line of appeal that this brand uses is successful careers. This appeals to consumers because the brand is seen to be exclusive to those who work hard so people want to own their product to enable them to stand out from the crowd as well as to seem wealthy. However, the distinctive design of Mercedes Benz also attracts consumers because it is aesthetically very slick.  Mercedes Benz made it into CoolBrands because they are one of the leading brands in manufacturing cars.

The 02: O2 made into CoolBrands because they infamous for facilitating the biggest events in the UK and worldwide. They create unforgettable memories because of the high level quality of service that they provide. As well as their proficient service, the facilities that they have are of the highest quality which further adds to the indelible experience.    

  

Friday 17 October 2014

Shot Types...



Close-up: This allows the audience to see the characters facial expression. Also, as it is a close up on the villain, it creates tension and an anticipation because it makes the see how  the antagonist is feeling because of we are able to see his facial expression.

 

Extreme close-up: This extreme close up really shows the fear in the characters expression. This is as we, the audience, can see that the character's pupil has dilated. This implicates fear in the character. This also an action code because it shows the audience that something is going to happen right there and then.


Medium shot: This medium shot is used here to show the reaction of the character as medium shots are mainly used for dialogue. So the medium show is used to show what the character is going to say or do. Also, as the audience is able to see that he is surrounded by men, its could generate a sense of tension as he seems vulnerable.  


Long shot: The long shot used in this still image allows the reader to see the whereabouts of the protagonist. As he seems to be walking down a deserted road, it shows how lonely this character is. Also, this generates enigma codes because the audience wonder where is he going or maybe even where did he come from.  


Point-of-view shot: The point of view shot of this character being held at gun point really creates an atmosphere of tension and unease. This is because we, the audience, are transported to the view of the character which also allows us to create some sort of identification with the character. 


High angle shot: The uses of the high angle shot gives the reader a sense of authority. As the character is seeming to look up, it seems that the audience is in charge of that character. 


Low angle shot: The long angle shot used here make the character seem more menacing and have more dominance. Also, as the character seen is very muscular, it really presents him as a character with authority. 












Thursday 16 October 2014

Brand Values 100-10-1




Nike uses branding very effectively to generate interest amongst the consumers. Their brand values are about quality, innovation and creativity. The lines of appeal Nike would fit into would be: Elite people or experts - Nike endorses sporting icons to generate interest, Successful careers - Nike is worn by top (successful) athletes. Also, rich and luxurious lifestyle could be one of their lines of appeal as Nike is seen as a company who create quality and innovative products. Finally, self-importance and pride connects to Nike as their products are meant to be performance enhancing which draws a link towards pride.    


Nike is a brand that's about innovation and creativity.

Innovation.  


Samsung's brand of being about quality, creativity and luxury has been established using Gillian Dyer's lines of appeal. Samsung uses rich, luxurious lifestyles to develop their brand because the Samsung handset are usually associated with the people that are leading a luxurious lifestyle. By using this line of appeal it makes people aspire to also lead a similar lifestyle. Another line of appeal used is Successful careers - Samsung is associated with hard-working people because of their premium prices.

Samsung's brand is about luxury and success.

Success.




Sony uses branding to come across to the consumers as a reliable and hi-tech brand. This is achieved as they uses the following lines of appeal. Rich, luxurious lifestyles - Sony is known for releasing high quality products, so people aspire to have Sony products to feel that they’re leading a luxurious lifestyle because of the luxury of having high quality gadgets. Another line of appeal is successful careers - Sony is infamous for having reliable products at a premium price. So Sony is created to be a brand for successful people which appeals to people because people aspire for a successful career. 

Sony's brand is about innovation and luxury.

Luxury.




BMW's is uses branding very well as they present themselves as a brand about success and luxury. One line of appeal they use is rich and luxurious lifestyles. This is as BMW is seen as a deluxe car so people would want to buy as people who own BMW's seem to be leading rich and luxurious lifestyles. Successful lifestyle is another line of appeal used. This appeals to people as like Sony, BMW are recognised for dealing high quality products at a high price. So people aspire for success as BMW shows themselves to be for hard workers.

BMW's brand is about success and luxury.

Success.

© Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's demonstrate themselves as a branding catering for families as well as being a supermarket that is affordable. The line of appeal they use to achieve this is family. This appeals to people because it makes people feel belonged. As well as being a supermarket, Sainsbury's offer a programme called 'Active Kids' which encourages kids to lead healthier lifestyle and are involved in local charity work. These programmes Sainsbury's provide all make people feel belonged. 

Sainsbury's brand is about family and affordable.

Family






















Friday 10 October 2014

Blog Feedback

Blitz
WWW: A very good, detailed blog with some impressive analysis of media texts. Your 50 Cent advert analysis contains some thoughtful, relevant points. Excellent use of media language.

EBI: Think about paragraphing - it will help you add detail to your analysis and make sure you are exploring each aspect of the media text in enough detail. I'd also like to see more reflection on your Institution lesson. Are you using Twitter to keep up with news and media? It'll help you massively over the next couple of years.


LR: Reflect on your first month of AS Media. What is your strongest piece of work so far? What is your weakest? What specific skills or knowledge do you need to develop over the rest of the course?

Learner Response: One of the skills that I need to develop is further explaining my ideas. This will help me as it would ensure that I would produce in-depth, perceptive and detailed answers. Also, I have to develop how I write my answers and the syntax of my sentences. This will allow the examiner to be able to read and understand my writing as by improving this skill, it will increase the clarity in my answer(s). I also think that ensuring that I use keywords is an essential skill that I need to develop as it will make my answer more sophisticated as well as more easier to mark.

 In my opinion my best piece of work is the 50 Cent RBK advert analysis. This is because I incorporated keywords in my answer analysis. This also allowed my answer to be more clearer as the marker knows what I am talking about. Furthermore, I made sure that my answer was clear to read, ensuring that I included paragraphs which made the answer flow as well as easier to read because of the clarity in the answer. Also, I think the analysis was to a good level of detail which is a necessity in developing a good answer.

I think that the weakest work that I have produced is my personal advert (Nike). This is because the use of keyword were very limited. This didn't make my answer precise as without keywords, the answer lacks a focus as well as clarity. Also, I don't think that my response was very detailed. I think that an answer that isn't well developed is a weak answer.


Tuesday 7 October 2014

Film Noir

                                     Film Noir- This genre's distinctive lighting style.

A common technique used when creating a film noir style film is low-key lighting which often creates a chiaroscuro effect. Chiaroscuro is an effect which emphasises the contrast between shadows and light; the harsh lights that are often used help to create depth and volume in the images. The fundamental light used in this particular film genre is called a 'key-light'. Commonly, the key light is the brightest and most dominant light of the set-up. The second most fundamental light used is called a fill light. This light complements the key light because it fills in some of the shadows left by the key light. Finally, the last, but not the least, is called a back-light. This light creates an outline in order to separate the subject from the background.

Generally, Film Noir uses hard lights. Hard lights create a sharp image with the shadows with very visible edges resulting in a sharper looking image. However, soft lights are used occasionally. The use of soft lights result in images having fuzzier shadows. Furthermore, directors of Film Noir movies often use a technique of the eye light. This technique allows the light to reflect in characters eye. This is created through the light only illuminating the characters eye thus creating a more dramatic image.

Still Image 



The lights used in this still image is key lights and back lights. These two lights combined create a more harsh image. This is because there is a very visible contrast between light and shadow, chiaroscuro. Moreover, the traditional use of low-key lighting is used in this image which creates a sense of mystery surrounding these characters seen in the image. Also, as not everything in the image is illuminated it further creates a mystery as the audience begin to ask questions as to what they are doing. Furthermore, an uncertainty is creates because of the gaps created through the low-key lighting. 

In the image a silhouette of a man is creates using the back lights. As he is a silhouette, it could suggest that he is the antagonist in the story. We, as the audience, are able to conclude this because we aren't able to see his face thus creating a sense of mystery surrounding his character. Also, we don't see what he looks like which allows that character very ambiguous because the identity of that figure is currently unknown. Furthermore, the figure behind the woman generates enigma codes as it allows the reader to start creating questions like, 'who is he?' or 'what is he doing?' In this still image the light is dominantly shone on the woman by the lamp post; it could suggest that something is going to happen to her as the focus of the image is put on her. Moreover, as the woman is stood alone during the night further creates enigma codes as the reader starts to wonder what she is doing there.

Short Extract 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0QL1mrKBk8


The lighting in this extract low-key lighting is used. The effect of the low-key lighting creates a sense of uncertainty. The use of a key light and black light create a very harsh image. The harsh images portray the characters as in the extract, they are seen as very dodgy and untrustworthy. As there is a lot of shadows in the room they are in, it further creates a sense of mystery as their whereabouts is unknown. Also, there is a filler light used to illuminate the characters face. This allows the facial expression of the characters to be seen.

The shadows on the detective's face create a sense of mystery surrounding him as the shadows allow him to look more sinister and evil. Furthermore, enigma codes are created because a sense of untrustworthiness is created surrounding him so the audience will be create a sense of uneasiness around him. The other character on the bed has his whole face illuminated with the use of the fill light which implicates that he is a vulnerable character as we, the audience, are able to see his face as well as his facial expression. Moreover, as his face is lit it could further suggest that he is guilty and that he is to blame because in the scene he is accused of shooting someone in the head. So the brightly lit face could connote that he is the person to blame.  







































Monday 6 October 2014

Cover work

Complete the following tasks/questions:

  1. Research the terms 'high-brow' and 'low-brow'. What do they refer to? How can we apply them to the main TV channels? 
High-brow means being highly cultured or intellectual. Low-brow means having uncultivated or non-intellectual taste. This could be applied to main TV channels to whether they are broadcasting things educational or things for more entertainment.   

2. Research the term 'public service broadcasting'. What does it refer to? How does it influence what appears on the main five channels? 

Public broadcasting may be nationally or locally operated, depending on the country and the station. In some countries, public broadcasting is run by a single organization. Other  countries have multiple public broadcasting organizations operating regionally or in different languages. 


BBC1

  1. Research BBC1. What part of the BBC's remit is covered by BBC1?
BBC One's remit is to be the BBC's most popular mixed-genre television service across the UK, offering a wide range of high-quality programmes. It should be the BBC's primary outlet for major UK and international events and it should reflect the whole of the UK in its output. A very high proportion of its programmes should be original productions.

2. How does it fit into the concept of public service broadcasting?

This fits in the concept because the channel is used to entertain people as well as inform people. 

3. What type of programmes appear on this TV channel? Can you see a common link or theme? 

Panorama, Escape to the country, Antiques road trip, Pointless. All of these shows are shows that have some educational value however these shows are also used for entertainment because they aren't necessarily documentaries.  

4. Who would be a typical audience member for the TV channel? (Age, gender, social class, job/earnings etc.) 

A typical audience for this TV channel are adults that are working class. This is because the shows on this channel give information which means that the audience needs to be somewhat intellectual. However, because this show also contains entertainment, it could also be aimed to the younger generation. 



BBC2

  1. What type of programmes appear on this TV channel? Can you see a common link or theme?
Daily Politics, Great British railway journeys, The life of mammals. These programmes are solely used to educate and to inform. 

2.What do you think is the TV channel’s main aim? (Education, entertainment, appeal to youth, controversy, viewing figures/advertising revenue etc.) 

I think that this channels main aim is to educate because the programmes aired on this channel is educational. 

3. Who would be a typical audience member for the TV channel? (Age, gender, social class, job/earnings etc.)

I think that the main audience is adults that are working class because the shows are most appealing to aged people that are fairly intelligent. However, this channel could be targeted towards students as its educational. 


4. What is the flagship news programme on BBC2?




ITV1
1.What type of programmes appear on this TV channel? Can you see a common link or theme?

Emmerdale, Corrination Street, ITV news. I think that this channel covers a range of types of shows. Shows that inform as well as entertain. 
2.Name some major stars associated with ITV1.

Paddy Mcguiness, Simon Cowell, Keith Lemon 
3.Who would be a typical audience member for the TV channel? (Age, gender, social class, job/earnings etc.)

The typical audience for this channel would be more the younger generation who want to watch more entertaining television.  
4.Would ITV1 be considered high-brow or low-brow?

ITV1 would be considered low-brow due to ITV's main target audience being a younger audience. 

Channel 4
1.What type of programmes appear on this TV channel? Can you see a common link or theme?

Channel 4 news, Jamie's comfort food, Gadget man. The common link here is that these programmes are purely for entertainment. 

2.When Channel 4 was launched, what was its aim?

Channel 4's aim is to make a profit as it is a business. 

3.Channel 4 News is an important part of the channel. What type of news is C4 News famous for?

Provides latest Uk and worldwide news to the public.  

4.Would Channel 4 be considered high-brow or low-brow?

High-Brow because they cover politics, current affairs.  

5.Who would be a typical audience member for the TV channel? (Age, gender, social class, job/earnings etc.) 


Channel 5
1.What type of programmes appear on this TV channel? Can you see a common link or theme?

Big Brother, Benidorm ER, Angry families. These shows are informative as well as entertaining. 

2.How long has Channel 5 existed?

23 years. 

3.What programmes has Channel 5 been famous for?

Big Brother, Fifth gear 

4.Would Channel 5 be considered high-brow or low-brow?

Low-Brow because the majority of programmes they air are mostly aimed to the younger generation.  


5.Who would be a typical audience member for the TV channel? (Age, gender, social class, job/earnings etc.)

The typical audience for this channel is the younger generation. This is because majority of the programmes aired are mostly for entertainment. 

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Lighting




  High or Low - key lighting? Low key lighting is used

Top, back or under lighting? Back and under lighting is used

Effect? The effect of the low key lighting create a sense of mystery within the character seen. The lighting also creates an atmosphere of fear as well as expectancy. The lighting also implicates the genre of the film is an action/drama.



 High or Low - key lighting? High-key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Back and top lighting

Effect? The lighting coming from the top of him asserts his authority and his power. Also, it shows that the time is day so it could mean that something is going to happen. Also the high key lighting contrast the fierce facial expression on the characters face.



High or Low - key lighting? Low key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Top lighting

Effect? This creates an atmosphere of fear and terror. The darkness implicates the genre of horror as the dark lighting that is seen is commonly used in horror films. The lighting from the top allows us to see the woman's facial expression which allows us to see the outcome.


High or Low - key lighting? High key

Top, back or under lighting? Back lighting

Effect? The really high lighting from the back lights create a really sharp image of the character. This sharpness is also shown with the facial expression in the woman's face as she seems to be distressed. The visible contrast between shadows create an atmosphere of fear which could suggest the genre of horror.



High or Low - key lighting? Low key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Back and under

Effect? This creates a sense of mystery surrounding the character. Also the under lighting further reinforces the mystery as shadows on his face creates uncertainty.



High or Low - key lighting? Hight key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Top and back lighting

Effect? The high-key lighting makes the scene very realistic, which further shows the action of love shown between the two characters. The shadows create intimacy as the characters are doing what is done behind closed doors.


High or Low - key lighting? Low-key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Back lighting

Effect? The effect of the back lighting creates the characters to be only seen as silhouettes. This creates a curiosity within the audience. Also, a suspense is built up as a result of just seeing figures not faces.



High or Low - key lighting? Low-key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Under lighting is used

Effect? The under lighting creates a sense of fear. Furthermore, it shows that the protagonist is in danger. The contrast in the shadows further create a sense of horror and fear. The facial expression on the character's face also support the terror that has been created through the lighting.



High or Low - key lighting? High key

Top, back or under lighting? Back lighting

Effect? The high key lighting allows the facial expression of the character shown to be really clear. This allows the audience to sense the importance of the character and also hints that he's a character to watch out for.


High or Low - key lighting? Low-key lighting

Top, back or under lighting? Back and top lighting

Effect? The lighting used in this still image creates a sense of danger as not much of the setting is shown. This creates gaps in the scene which then allows for an atmosphere of mystery and fear. Also by the light reflecting of the blade in the characters hand, its gives us a hint that the character shown is a murderer.


High or Low - key lighting? High key

Top, back or under lighting? Under and top lighting

Effect? The shadows created on the man's face using the lighting allow the reader to feel that he is a character that isn't to be trusted. By the light coming from the direction of the man, it shows that he is the one with power and authority.