ITS CHRISTMAS TOMORROW!!
link to media being that the television shows loads of christmasssy films like elf and Home alone, magazines have festive colours printed onto them and overall everyones in a good mood :)
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
COME ON ENGLAND!!
Been feeling patriotic recently as weve been doing a lot of work with Mrs Francis on British films.. so i thought id jot down some notes about one of the two britsh film companies weve been studying...
Working Title
Working Title Films is a British film production company, based in London, England. The company was founded by Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe in 1984. It produces feature films and some television productions. Eric Fellner and Bevan are the co-owners of the company now.
The company gained mainstream traction after the unexpected global box-office success of Hugh Grant-starrer, Four Weddings and a Funeral. Among the company's films are Richard Curtis-scripted romantic comedies, which usually star Grant, and Coen Brothers' films, but has in recent times moved into many other types of film, such as United 93.
In 2004 it made a profit of £17.8 million pounds sterling. As of 2007, all its films are distributed by Universal Pictures, which owns a 67% stake in the company, and many of its recent films are co-productions with StudioCanal. The remaining shares are owned by the company's founders, BBC Films, and private investors.
The company gained mainstream traction after the unexpected global box-office success of Hugh Grant-starrer, Four Weddings and a Funeral. Among the company's films are Richard Curtis-scripted romantic comedies, which usually star Grant, and Coen Brothers' films, but has in recent times moved into many other types of film, such as United 93.
In 2004 it made a profit of £17.8 million pounds sterling. As of 2007, all its films are distributed by Universal Pictures, which owns a 67% stake in the company, and many of its recent films are co-productions with StudioCanal. The remaining shares are owned by the company's founders, BBC Films, and private investors.
The film company also has a smaller low-budget film brand, WT2 (Working Title 2) which has produced films such as Billy Elliot (2000) and Shaun of the Dead (2004).
Recently the company produced Burn After Reading, a comedy starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
My favourite Working Title films are ...
Bridget Jones' Diary 
Billy Elliot
Billy Elliot
Shaun of the Dead
Love Actually
Notting Hill
And my favourite film, Pride and Prejudice!
Look on this link for more information about Working Title - http://www.workingtitlefilms.co.uk/ecards/index.htm
Monday, 1 December 2008
magazines.. addictive .. i think so!!
WERE GOING TO LONDON TO BUY A HEAT MAGAZINE!!
After spending a good £12 on magazines last week it got me thinking.. what is the wierd obsession with reading about celebrities in magazines?!?! .. you dont know them! most of the time the magazines twist stories so what your reading is infact a big fat lie!! and it makes you feel like poo and insanely jealous when you read about celebrities with their out of this world singing voices or their incredibly hot bodies!! not to mention seeing pictures of them in their ridiculously overprised evening gowns and living in incredibly insane houses with gigantic swimming pools!! .. so why bother wasting your time reading them??
and then it hit me ...
BECAUSE THEIR ADDICTIVE!!!
So i decided to have a browse through the internet and see what i could dig up on the linkage between celebrities and media!
A celebrity is a widely-recognized or famous person who commands a high degree of public and media attention.
Many people see that Celebrities often have fame comparable to that of royalty and as a result, there is a strong public curiosity about their private affairs. Celebrities may be resented for their accolades, and the public may have a love/hate relationship with celebrities.
Due to the high visibility of celebrities' private lives, their successes and shortcomings are often made very public.
Celebrities are alternately portrayed as glowing examples of perfection, when they garner awards, or as decadent or immoral if they become associated with a scandal.
Tabloid magazines and talk TV shows bestow a great deal of attention on celebrities. To stay in the public eye and to make money, more celebrities are participating in business ventures such as celebrity-branded items including books, clothing lines, perfume, and household items.
Tabloid magazines and talk TV shows bestow a great deal of attention on celebrities. To stay in the public eye and to make money, more celebrities are participating in business ventures such as celebrity-branded items including books, clothing lines, perfume, and household items.
Celebrity Media spinning out of control? -
Have a look at this website! .. i found it interesting as it pin points certain recent stories involving celebrities as examples of how the media may be loosing control over whats right and wrong in the magazine world and other types of media coverage!
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
SKINS!!!
Homework for this week was to write a short essay on how youth is represented in a clip from the series skins...
After studying this clip several times, I feel that youth are being presented as slightly foolish, reckless, and carefree.
The clip is set at a teen house party, which is instantly introduced using an establishing shot of a crowd of youths dancing. The footage taken shows a mixture of teens: drinking, smoking, taking drugs, dancing and frequently undergoing sexual activity. Altogether this sends a message to the audience that youths are irresponsible and often irrational.
The music in the background of the clip is a famous indie rock band called the arctic monkeys, whose music mimics the atmosphere of the party as being loud and chaotic. Their song also features a number of colloquial terms which links to the careless representation of youth.
Cinematography in the trailer often uses close ups on the kids using drugs and other youths damaging the property of the house. Camera angles also use close ups on a lot of individual kids at the party to enphasise their drunkenness and the fact that they are out of control.
The editing of the trailer also links to the chaotic atmosphere of the party as most of the footage is edited using montage sequences and quick shots to emphasise the atmosphere and the drunkenness of the kids featured at the party. Also, cross cutting is used to show some people at the party dealing out drugs and at the same time different couples kissing on beds in their underwear. This editing technique not only suggests that youth is carefree but also adds to the atmosphere of the party as it highlights the numerous amounts of activity happening at one time.
The trailer also creates a number of mise en scene, such as a boy riding a tricycle, a group of naked boys dancing in a crowd, a boy drawing on an expensive painting etc, which emphasises the idea that youth are negligent and foolish.
The clip is set at a teen house party, which is instantly introduced using an establishing shot of a crowd of youths dancing. The footage taken shows a mixture of teens: drinking, smoking, taking drugs, dancing and frequently undergoing sexual activity. Altogether this sends a message to the audience that youths are irresponsible and often irrational.
The music in the background of the clip is a famous indie rock band called the arctic monkeys, whose music mimics the atmosphere of the party as being loud and chaotic. Their song also features a number of colloquial terms which links to the careless representation of youth.
Cinematography in the trailer often uses close ups on the kids using drugs and other youths damaging the property of the house. Camera angles also use close ups on a lot of individual kids at the party to enphasise their drunkenness and the fact that they are out of control.
The editing of the trailer also links to the chaotic atmosphere of the party as most of the footage is edited using montage sequences and quick shots to emphasise the atmosphere and the drunkenness of the kids featured at the party. Also, cross cutting is used to show some people at the party dealing out drugs and at the same time different couples kissing on beds in their underwear. This editing technique not only suggests that youth is carefree but also adds to the atmosphere of the party as it highlights the numerous amounts of activity happening at one time.
The trailer also creates a number of mise en scene, such as a boy riding a tricycle, a group of naked boys dancing in a crowd, a boy drawing on an expensive painting etc, which emphasises the idea that youth are negligent and foolish.
Altogether the trailer creates an atmosphere which implies that youth are out of control and idiotic but at the same time makes it a must see series!
Monday, 17 November 2008
THRILLLER!!!!!
Today in the wonderful world of media, we got into groups in preparation for producing 2 minutes of our very own films.. hehe excitingggg!!! Im working with some lovely chaps called Danny, Grace and Tom.. im really looking forward to this project as i have a great group and it looks like a fun challenge. We decided that we would like to focus on doing a thriller film because we already have some great ideas for that theme.
Was browsing through youtube, like you do, looking for some ideas and came across a few clips from beginnings of some rather scary movies which i thought might provide some helpful ideas..
On of the films i searched was creep..
I love scary movies but have to say that this film did scare me quite a bit.. it will put you off the underground for life!! In this clip there is a lot of unfocused footage shot by the camera which creates tension and an uneasy atmosphere. The music encorporated in the bakground also contributes to the thriller effect.
After discussing our topic further we decided that we wanted to produce something different and came up with the idea of having a horror bath scene. After nosing through youtube for days and days and days here are some clips we have looked at more closely as they could include some good ideas for our own short film...
What lies beneath
A nightmare on elm street
In class recently weve been focussing a lot on editing.. so i thought i might just jot down a few notes ive taken in lessons.
Film editing is an art of storytelling practiced by connecting two or more shots together to form a sequence, and the subsequent connecting of sequences to form an entire movie. It is often reffered to as the ;invisible art' since when it is well practiced, the viewer becomes so engaged that he or she is not even aware of the work of the editor.
..............................................................................................
This is going to be my little film editing glossary.. (when i researched film editing i found that there are lots of techniques to learn):
Cut - A visual transition created in editing in which one shot is instantaneously replaced on screen by another.
Continuity editing - Editing that creates action that flows smoothly across shots and scenes without jarring visual inconsistencies. Establishes a sense of story for the viewer.
Cross cutting - Cutting back and forth quickly between two or more lines of action, indicating they are happening simultaneously.
Dissolve - A gradual scene transition. The editor overlaps the end of one shot with the beginning of the next one.
Editing - The work of selecting and joining together shots to create a finished film.
Errors of continuity - Disruptions in the flow of a scene, such as a failure to match action or the placement of props across shots.
Establishing shot - A shot, normally taken from a great distance or from a "bird's eye view," that establishes where the action is about to occur.
Eyeline match - The matching of eyelines between two or more characters. For example, if Sam looks to the right in shot A, Jean will look to the left in shot B. This establishes a relationship of proximity and continuity.
Fade - A visual transition between shots or scenes that appears on screen as a brief interval with no picture. The editor fades one shot to black and then fades in the next. Often used to indicate a change in time and place.
Final cut - The finished edit of a film, approved by the director and the producer. This is what the audience sees.
Iris - Visible on screen as a circle closing down over or opening up on a shot. Seldom used in contemporary film, but common during the silent era of Hollywood films.
Jump cut - A cut that creates a lack of continuity by leaving out parts of the action.
Matched cut - A cut joining two shots whose compositional elements match, helping to establish strong continuity of action.
Montage - Scenes whose emotional impact and visual design are achieved through the editing together of many brief shots. The shower scene from Psycho is an example of montage editing.
Rough cut - The editor's first pass at assembling the shots into a film, before tightening and polishing occurs.
Sequence shot - A long take that extends for an entire scene or sequence. It is composed of only one shot with no editing.
Shot reverse shot cutting - Usually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking.
Wipe - Visible on screen as a bar travelling across the frame pushing one shot off and pulling the next shot into place. Rarely used in contemporary film, but common in films from the 1930s and 1940s.
Sequence shot - A long take that extends for an entire scene or sequence. It is composed of only one shot with no editing.
Shot reverse shot cutting - Usually used for conversation scenes, this technique alternates between over-the-shoulder shots showing each character speaking.
Wipe - Visible on screen as a bar travelling across the frame pushing one shot off and pulling the next shot into place. Rarely used in contemporary film, but common in films from the 1930s and 1940s.
Monday, 6 October 2008
Sony!
Il be honest and say that this wasnt the most thrilling work that ive done in media studies but i have to admit that before doing the research i wasnt at all aware of how much power Sony has over so much of the media!!
About Sony and its companies...
It is headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communication, video game consoles and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Sony Corporation is the electronics business unit and the parent company of the Sony Group, which is engaged in business through its five operating segments—electronics, games, entertainment (motion pictures and music), financial services and other. These make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony's principal business operations include Sony Corporation (Sony Electronics in the U.S.), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony Ericsson and Sony Financial Holdings.
What are the historical origins of Sony? How has it diversified?
Sony has historically been notable for creating its own in-house standards for new recording and storage technologies instead of adopting those of other manufacturers and standards bodies.
In 1945, after World War II, Masaru Ibuka started a radio repair shop in a bombed-out building in Tokyo.[ The next year, he was joined by his colleague Akio Morita and they founded a company called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., which translates in English to Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation.
The most infamous of the Sony technologies was the videotape format war of the early 1980s, when Sony marketed the Betamax system for video cassette recorders against the VHS format developed by JVC.
In August 1955, Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering released the Sony TR-55, Japan's first commercially produced transistor radio. In May 1956, the company released the TR-6, which featured an innovative slim design and sound quality capable of rivaling portable tube radios.
The huge growth in portable transistor radio sales that saw Sony rise to be the dominant player in the consumer electronics field was not because of the consumers who had bought the earlier generation of tube radio consoles, but was driven by a distinctly new American phenomenon at the time called rock and roll.
Two of Sony's main companies..
I decided to write about Sony electronics and Sony Music because they are the two companies owned by Sony that most appeal to me...
1. Electronics
Sony Electronics Inc. Is headquartered in San Diego, California and is the largest component of Sony Corporation of America which is the U.S. holding company for Sony's U.S.-based electronics and entertainment businesses. It Engineers, manufactures, sells and markets consumer and professional audio and video equipment, computer and peripheral products, recording media and energy products, semiconductors, and other electronic components. It is also comprised of business units that are supported by a sales platform targeting consumer sales, consumer systems and applications, commercial IT sales, corporate, education and A/V reseller channels.
Sony electronics consists of seven main consumer and Product Marketing Divisions, which are:
· Home Products Division
· Digital Imaging and Audio Division
· Information Technology Products Division
· Business Solutions Division
· Broadcast and Production Systems Division
· Media Applications Solution Division
· Component Solutions Business Division
Sony electronics’ corporate marketing is responsible for developing marketing strategies that cross leverage Sony's brand name including marketing platform development, corporate research, tradeshows and exhibits and marketing project administration. This unit also manages direct marketing and web services.
2. Music
Sony Music Entertainment is a major global record label controlled by the Sony Corporation of America, being one of the most successful record companies.
The large amount of labels that the company own shows how much success this part of the Sony Company has achieved. These labels cover all different types and styles of music which appeals to people all over the world, expanding the success of the company throughout many countries.
About Sony and its companies...
It is headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communication, video game consoles and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Sony Corporation is the electronics business unit and the parent company of the Sony Group, which is engaged in business through its five operating segments—electronics, games, entertainment (motion pictures and music), financial services and other. These make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony's principal business operations include Sony Corporation (Sony Electronics in the U.S.), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony Ericsson and Sony Financial Holdings.
What are the historical origins of Sony? How has it diversified?
Sony has historically been notable for creating its own in-house standards for new recording and storage technologies instead of adopting those of other manufacturers and standards bodies.
In 1945, after World War II, Masaru Ibuka started a radio repair shop in a bombed-out building in Tokyo.[ The next year, he was joined by his colleague Akio Morita and they founded a company called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., which translates in English to Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation.
The most infamous of the Sony technologies was the videotape format war of the early 1980s, when Sony marketed the Betamax system for video cassette recorders against the VHS format developed by JVC.
In August 1955, Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering released the Sony TR-55, Japan's first commercially produced transistor radio. In May 1956, the company released the TR-6, which featured an innovative slim design and sound quality capable of rivaling portable tube radios.
The huge growth in portable transistor radio sales that saw Sony rise to be the dominant player in the consumer electronics field was not because of the consumers who had bought the earlier generation of tube radio consoles, but was driven by a distinctly new American phenomenon at the time called rock and roll.
Two of Sony's main companies..
I decided to write about Sony electronics and Sony Music because they are the two companies owned by Sony that most appeal to me...
1. Electronics
Sony Electronics Inc. Is headquartered in San Diego, California and is the largest component of Sony Corporation of America which is the U.S. holding company for Sony's U.S.-based electronics and entertainment businesses. It Engineers, manufactures, sells and markets consumer and professional audio and video equipment, computer and peripheral products, recording media and energy products, semiconductors, and other electronic components. It is also comprised of business units that are supported by a sales platform targeting consumer sales, consumer systems and applications, commercial IT sales, corporate, education and A/V reseller channels.
Sony electronics consists of seven main consumer and Product Marketing Divisions, which are:
· Home Products Division
· Digital Imaging and Audio Division
· Information Technology Products Division
· Business Solutions Division
· Broadcast and Production Systems Division
· Media Applications Solution Division
· Component Solutions Business Division
Sony electronics’ corporate marketing is responsible for developing marketing strategies that cross leverage Sony's brand name including marketing platform development, corporate research, tradeshows and exhibits and marketing project administration. This unit also manages direct marketing and web services.
2. Music
Sony Music Entertainment is a major global record label controlled by the Sony Corporation of America, being one of the most successful record companies.
The large amount of labels that the company own shows how much success this part of the Sony Company has achieved. These labels cover all different types and styles of music which appeals to people all over the world, expanding the success of the company throughout many countries.
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