Narrative

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1YbOMDI59k

Insidious:

Barthes enigma code is expressed here is the window the main character is talking to then the action code briefly follows by showing a scary looking woman at the other side of the window holding a candle. This is then interlinked with Propps seven spheres of action on analysing the different types of characters. The hero is the one standing opposite the old woman Thai is because there is more top angled lighting making him appear dominate and powerful, where as 'the villain' has less lighting making her appear more dangerous and evil. The donor and the princess is both expressed by his wife the donor being her voice leading him back to his body, this also makes her the princess in need of rescuing because the lost souls are crowding around her. The equilibrium is when the man is closer to his body then there is an in equilibrium when he sees the old woman at the other-side of the window, causing him to waste time so he doesn't make it to his body, the new equilibrium is when he starts hearing his wife's voice eventually making his way to his body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_n906psXoA

Notorious (The Movie):

Barthes' action and enigma codes - the action code is discovered first in this clip when Notorious B.I.G. (protagonist) and his crew stop at the traffic light and another car pulls up beside them - this makes the audience wonder if there will be any tension created or a violent outbreak possibly. This is confirmed through the enigma code when the driver in the car next to Notorious pulls out a gun with an intimidating look - this confirms that somebody is about to be shot.

Todorov's equilibrium - the equilibrium is created when Notorious leaves the club with his entourage (the audience assume everybody is safe at this point). Then the disequilibrium is constructed when the unknown driver in the other car pulls the trigger. The new equilibrium hasn't been restored yet as it ends on a cliff hanger. The movie overall has a documentary type narrative and in reality the death of rapper 'Notorious B.I.G' was caused by an unknown drive-by shooting. The murderer is yet to be discovered.

Propp's stock characters - the villain is the unknown person who shot Notorious B.I.G. - Notorious could be viewed at the central protagonist, despite the fact that the equilibrium isn't restored.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spInJbJyIp8

Criminal Minds:

Barthes enigma code is highlighted when all the computers and lights go off after a few seconds of the characters planking as to the source of their computers breaking down, the action code follows which is a woman dressed all black and a lot of attitude (with a click of her fingers the light comes back on everything is normally again).  In this clip Propps character profiling may suggest that the mysterious woman that walked through the door is the villain because she turned off all of those bystanders’ computers, the donor was that young boy she kissed to make her ex-boyfriend jealous, and finally the hero is the other man that was in charge of the computers. Todorovs equilibrium theory is expressed here ; at the beginning everything's normal everyone is doing their own thing and then the disequilibrium when everything turns off, then the source to the equilibrium is revealed, which then leads to a new equilibrium being created (order is restored).

Brands

1. Apple - For their advance technology, design and the connectivity it brings to the world as it started in 1970's and updated throughout time.
2. Nike- Bringing sport clothing and making it look fashionable and for making it use for sports as well such as the Nike fuel is fit in the technology factor as it measures the users activity and I personally admire this as they are trying make themselves better for the customers.
3. The O2 is big and I admire this as it is used for Mobile Phone Company and is used for so much as it has a big arena where they get singers and performers. The o2 is very admired by millions as its done so much and is still moving forward such as deals. 
4. Sony is personally my favourite for music, movies and technology such as phones and headphones. They focus on making the best everything. They own productions like spider-man and make movies instead of just owning them and doing anything this is I like about them and the use how they were the first brand name to proudly said to they make first waterproof android phone.
5.  Toni and Guy - I personally admire for style and caring for how customer looks they will try their best to give you best experience and feel relaxed. I like them because to me they are the number one hairdresser's who give care and warmth and also give real professionals that will know what looks good on you.

Brand Values

Audi

1. The Audi brand comes across its audience to be a very classy, rich and luxurious. it is a German brand which is world wide business uses these luxurious lifestyles to inspire its audience and make them feel they can live that kind of lifestyle. Audi could fit into several of Dyer's lines of appeal: luxurious lifestyles - using expensive factors to show the audience can be a part of it. it could also fit into successful career - their slogan is "Vorsprung Durch Technik" which means 'Advancement Through technology' this immediately gives its audience a futuristic feeling and shows how successful it is through technology. finally self-importance can also link to Audi taking its brand seriously and making it desirable for others.
2. The Audi brand is about the future using luxury and technology.
3. Audi in one word: Design

Nike

1. The Nike brand comes across to be a passionate and desirable. it is an American brand which is also world wide business who uses desirability to to appeal to its audience and make them feel apart of their products. One of Dyer's lines of appeal Nike can fit into is: Elite people and experts - using top football players such as Cristiano Ronaldo this brand makes the audience feel apart of the brand and makes their product "A Need To Get" product. Furthermore, this brand also uses the desirability of self and others to make their product inspirational and wanted by the audience.
2. The Nike brand is about design and passion towards sports.
3. Nike in one word: Fashion

British Airways

1. The British Airways brand comes across its audience to be a very prestigious and classy. It is an British Airline Service which uses several of Dyer's lines of appeal: Rich, luxurious lifestyles - using luxurious products always appeal to audiences and make them feel as if they can live that kind of lifestyle. Successful Career can also be linked to BA - their slogan is "To Fly. To Serve" this indicates that their main initiative is to make their customers happy and this shows how successful the brand is. 
2. The British Airways brand is about having class and modernism.
3. BA in one word: Discover

Asda

1. Asda comes across its audience to be a very basic shopping center who mainly targets families. it can fit under several of Dyer's lines of appeal: Happy families - using happy families would attract the audience because everyone wants to belong o a happy family. Successful career - some families already shop from Asda's and this shows its audience that they are quite successful, this would attract its audience. Moreover Asda says that its quality is much better than its prices and this attracts more of its audience because everyone wants something good for cheap.
2. The Asda brand is more about quality rather than quantity.
3. Asda in one word: Cheap

Hollister

1. Hollister is originated from California and comes across its audience to be a very glamorous and successful brand. This brand fits into some of Dyer's lines of appeal - using beautiful women, hence why you need to be looking like a model if you want to work there. This creates the desirability in the audience to look like that woman or man wearing hollister due to this desirability they will go and buy something from this brand. 
2. The Hollister brand is about fashion and looking like a model.
3. Hollister in one word: darkness

Blogger Feedback

WWW: Some good depth to the advert analyses and I like your presentation feedback for the parallel/contrapuntal sound task.

EBI: So much missing work - where is the lighting stills analysis? Film noir research? These need to be posted over the weekend so I can check them on Monday. The work that is there contains some good points but so little depth. One short paragraph for each film poster will never offer enough detail for A Level study. It's a huge step up and you need to offer a lot more than you are currently - in terms of effort, attendance and blog work.

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?

The first month of AS Media has been extremely difficult, its made me realise how different the step between A-level and GCSE is and how the work is harder and also much more time consuming. However now that I'm starting to settle in the course I know I will try my best this year.  In terms of what my strongest piece of work was - I'd say most of my best work has come from the exam side, for example the analysis for my RBK and Nike Adverts as well as my work on the Media Consumption. My weakest piece of work so far would be the Aspects of Film Language which lacked depth and media related key words. A specific skill I need to work on is being punctual and more organised in lessons which would then make me do my work at a higher standard than before.

Film Noir Classics II: Fred MacMurray - Pushover (1954): Money Isn't Dirty

This video clip has top lighting to show that they are glamorous and shows that they are two both main characters. This genre of this film looks like a romance/drama, because of this I think that because of his facial expressions are serious and demanding whereas the woman's facial expressions look like she worries about something. However, in the end of the movie they both start kissing which connotes that the man and woman have both fallen in love. There is under lighting on the girls face to create highlights and shadows, the lady is femme fetal, you can see this by her short tight curls, dark fur coat and dark rouge lipstick. In the end of the clip the woman seems quite seductive towards the man as the leans over and kisses him, the top lighting makes it more realistic as the background is all dark.

In this image, it has low key lighting on the girls face and back lighting on half the girls face and background, this shows that the genre of the movie could be a horror/thriller or drama, by this I think this because there is a man's hand with his veins sticking out - near her face which the lighting is all dark and has oscuro dark shadows. This image if effective because it could suggest that the man has this girl locked away and she is trying to call someone or is being forced to do something by the man show hands are near her face. The hand coming from the side makes it look scary because there is top lighting on the hand as the veins are standing out more, this could imply that the man has power over the girl because she looks frightened. The use of the back light makes the main character in the image stand out more as the lighting is used at the background and is merged slightly onto the girls face. The image is a medium close up to show give emphasis on the facial expressions.

Lighting

This still samples low-key lighting because dark shadows are created to heighten the desired sense of fear expressed by the lady's facial expression. This depicts top-lighting as the female's features are accentuated alongside her fear-filled face. The effect exerted by the lighting helps the audience to empathise the dark emotions felt by the actress in this particular scene.

Low-key lighting is utilised in the displayed still to suggest ambiguity of thriller yet romance. The effect created is worth speculation as the shadows connote secrecy, reinforced by the handheld gun in the man's possession. Nevertheless, this is a common craft of lighting to show intimacy between a couple as the heads of the characters are shadowed onto a wall behind. Top-lighting is also applied to show the facial expression on the man's face as he caresses the lady.

This is a brilliant still exemplifying high-key lighting during a night-time setting, which could be mistaken for low-key. The depicted back-lighting presents the man as a mysterious semi-silhouette as his other half is shadowed as it is consumed in darkness. The effect of this is brilliant in a visual aspect as the bars on this depicts a stealthy scene and connotes secrecy and discretion of action.  

This still shows high-key lighting as no shadows are created and the subject is entirely in natural daylight. This depicts top and back lighting as the picture is in full light. The effects created are realistic and the character's attire of authority is in full sight as his facial expression also connotes intimidation and superiority. 

This still shows high-key lighting but can be misconceived as low-key due to the chiaroscuro effect of the shadows from the blinds. Behind the blinds however, natural lighting from the daylight is applied into the frame. This mainly depicts non-studio lighting as the only granted exposure to the still is shown through the blinds. The effect of this enhances the intimacy of the scene and could be interpreted in many metaphoric ways, suggesting for instance that the natural light being the only source of light means that their privacy is withheld. 

Low-key lighting is shown in this still to give a dramatic/horror feel to the still of the actress. However, the top-lighting also gives a glamorous look to the lady as her 

facial features are accentuated. This depicts top-lighting. The 
effects created are of glamour, femininity and fear.

High-key lighting is exhibited due to the lack of shadows and the natural look of the actress and her surroundings. This depicts top-lighting as her face is shone upon and her facial features are accentuated in beauty. The effect of this is to exhibit the lady in a glamorous manner.

High-key lighting is crafted as the subject is fully lit, excluding the one shadow which indicates a vertical object; most certainly a weapon; pointed towards the woman, causing her to express such a fearful facial expression.  This mainly depicts top-lighting. The effects exhibit the woman's immense sense of fear as her shadow is reflected against a wall and the faint shadow next to it suggests that she is to be attacked by a vertically held weapon. 

Low-key lighting is manipulated as shadows are created on the top-left part of the actor. The contrast of the lighting is reduced by filler lights and the actor's upper-body is highly exposed. This mainly depicts top lighting because the shadows are created on the lower part of his body. The effects created depict a masculine male who is presumably highly skilled physically and someone who has a fairly arrogant character.

Low-key lighting is exhibited in this still to show the shadow created on one side of the actress' face. The key light's focus on the other side adds emphasis to the smoke which provides the still with dramatic shadows on the other side. This primarily depicts back-lighting as there is a light derived from behind the woman. A dramatic effect is created by the lighting and it connotes seriousness and a sense of intimidation is established by the woman's prominent expression with support of the lighting created. 

Low-key lighting causes the back-lighting to form the silhouettes and the elongated shadows of the four figures. The effect of this includes mystery as well as fear because the audience suspects that the figures may have a grotesque appearance waiting to be unveiled to evoke shock from the audience.

BBC Three TV Show : The Only Way Is Southall (TOWIS)

Scheduling: 

The show would be broadcasted at around 9pm as majority of soaps are broadcasted at this period of time due to the high amount of viewers. This period of time is called the prime time. This would be a good time to put my show on because majority of the flag-ship soaps are watching TV and this will give my show a bigger audience.

Institution:

The show would involve both teens and adults to widen the target audience as BBC Three is mainly watched by a young adult audience due to the channel being much more entertaining and low brow than something that elders would choose to watch.

Representation:

The teenagers in this show would be represented equally with the adults, that being said both of the age groups would have a negative and a positive image due to the controversy that certain characters will create through their interactions throughout the story.

Audience:

The main target audience would range from 14-25 and it would mainly consist of lower to middle class families. 40% Female and 60% male viewers due to this being a soap opera therefore it will involve portions of each gender.

Ideology:

The whole idea behind this show would be to entertain it's audience through the fictional story.

Narrative:

A realistic environment involving a young teen who gets himself mixed with many twists to generate interest through controversy. 

Choose two extracts from different eras (e.g. one from the 1940s and one from 1990s) and analyse the cinematography. What are the key differences?

• The Searchers (1956): Many of the shots seem like they were done unprofessionally, the pans and the dollies weren't steady and there was jerking in-between movements. Also the actors were over exaggerating their actions and movements making certain scenes 'cringy' to watch. The shooting scenes seemed unrealistic, the actors again over exaggerated and the shots used mainly focused on the person that was shooting and then after a delay showed the other person wither shooting back or falling to death in the most dramatic way they could possibly do. 
• Scar-face (1983): The movie is much more engaging due to the actors being much more natural, the shots also blend in much better so they don't break the momentum of the movie; dollies and pans are also very smooth and add to the movie instead of disturbing. The main differences between the two movies are definitely in the way the director used different types of shot to present different scenes, this movie has much more flow and engagement due to the better use of shots whereas The Searches had many weird choices of shots that ruin the tempo of the film.

Cinematography

Camera Shots

Establishing Shot

 A shot at the very beginning of a scene showing the audience the setting in which the action is about to take place.

Wide Shot

In this shot the character/subject(s) are fully visible and take up the entire frame. It's not as wide and open as an establishing shot. It's used to let the audience clearly see the character and the environment around it. Essentially almost the same to a Long Shot.

Medium Shot

The shot that utilizes the most common framing in movies shows less than a long shot, more than a close-up. Focuses more on the character than environment. They show a general overview of the character and are often used to prepare the audience before using a close up or an extreme close up.

Medium Close-Up

Slightly closer than a medium shot but further away than a close up. Used to show the face but not to the point it's uncomfortably close.

Close Up

Only actors face and head is visible, focuses on facial expressions and is used to generate interest, action, suspense, etc.

Extreme Close-Up

These shots now take the camera even closer to the subject and we are now focussing on a particular feature or detail of interest. These are used for added suspense or to draw your audience’s attention to a specific detail in a scene.

Over the shoulder Shot

Framed behind the person who is looking at a different subject/character. The person facing away from the camera usually takes up about 1/3 of the frame. This shot is used helps to establish the position of each person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.

Presentation Feedback

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxE2iepAaiq7VmxXOFF2d0FFRlU/edit

Teacher feedback:
WWW

• starter interactive
• clearly presented slides
• good use of images
• plenary worksheets - good idea

EBI

• some pauses/lack of pace
• some research needed on more explanation
• no reference to synergy
• needs more research on films/products

NEWS CORP:

• It was an American multinational mass media company who focused on broadcasting before the 1979. They focused on newspapers and publishing. Rupert Murdoch was the founder, he wanted to split the company into 2 sections media and publishing. 

FILM 4:

• It is a British film production owned by a channel four television corporation. Their first production was Walter directed by Stephen Frears, which was released in 1982.  it was a subscription only channel on satellite television via the sky platform, digital terrestrial etc

DISNEY:

• It was founded in the summer of 1923. The company is now 90 years old. The company is best known for the products of its film studio, Walt Disney studio, which is now the largest and best known in Hollywood. They are also known for their famous theme park 'Disney Land'

ITV:

• It was created in 1955, it is a successful commercial television which is based and shown in the United Kingdom. ITV originally had a lot of its own channels, but was then brought and merged into ITV broadcasting limited. It has the highest figures in viewings on the weekdays.

TIME WARNER:

• Global leader and 4th largest entertainment conglomerate. The major industries are: film, Tv and publishing. Its currently competing on GM with players such as: Disney, Viacom ad Sony.

BBC:

• BBC was the worlds first national broadcasting organisation. Controversially alleged to the UK's news monopoly. Predominance in the UK's commerce of news due to highest coverage of Britons radio: The BBC own the largest radio network that operates in the UK, with 59 different stations available in the country.

Presentation Feedback

Song : Skrapz - Mission Impossible
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5dopjuhtgU

Feedback:

• Contrapuntal presentation got a laugh from audience - always a good sign.
• Parallel images work well.
• Remember this is about the feel of the music not just the lyrics.

WWW:

• Used good images for contrapuntal and parallel.
• Presented my specific song to the audience well.
• Interacted with the audience well.

EBI:

• Could have explained how the pictures link to the song.
• Could have used stereotypes.
• Could have spoken about the impact of this song.

Learner Response:

In addition to other presentations I believe that Mansour had the best presentation as he had many contrapuntal and parallel images in both collages and interacted with the audience well. In addition he had conflicting ideas he justified in detail and made it very clear for everyone.