Sunday, 23 October 2011

The classifications

Every single film made has a classification which gives the film audience an idea about the types of things that might happen in the film. The classifications are shown as letters and numbers, they are; U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18. Below gives a brief description of the type of content found in each certification film.

In a U certification, everything is based on the outcome of positive morals. Nothing in the film should imitable or just as little violent behavior as possible. Any discrimination or violence must be at a minimum and must be heavily frowned upon. Any language must be mild and nudity (if any) must be natural. References to sex is limited to just kissing and mild references.






In a PG certification, morals also have a very high place. Any violence used must be frowned upon unless it's being used for historical or comedic purposes. Any bad language used must be mild and infrequent. No imitable dangerous behavior must be shown with unrealistic and the unglamorisatrion of easily accessible weapons. Any sexual activity must be discreetly implied.





Along with 12A, in a 12 certificate film, anything like violence or weapons should not be glamorised in any way and imitable behavior (such as self harming and suicide) should not dwell on the detail which could be imitated and portrayed as not being pain and harm free. Language can be mild with one or two uses of strong language. Any sexual activity and nudity must be brief and discreet whilst being suitable for young teenagers.





In a 15 certificate film, the theme of it is not prohibited as long as it's suitable for teenagers. language may be strong in some places, for the strongest words, to be acceptable, they have to be justified in meaning. Imitable behavior must not be glamorised. Sexual activity and nudity may be allowed but not in strong detail.







In an 18 certificate film, everything is stronger and more content is allowed. Sexual content is still restricted to what can be shown in detail though. Any sexual content must be justifed.











In an R18 film, more content is allowed except for that anything that can portray abusive behavior, 'lack of consent', or infliction of lasting pain as acceptable is not allowed. These sorts of films can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas and sold in licensed sex shops.

Friday, 21 October 2011

Preliminary Task


Perliminary Task from Matt Watson on Vimeo.

The video above is the preliminary task that I did to learn about different aspects of filming such as match-on-action, the 180 degree rule and over the shoulder filming. This helped us work out how my group and I are going to film our actual piece and what is possible with the equipment that we have to hand.

Friday, 14 October 2011

Research into Action/Adventure films








In the research done for Action/Adventure films, my group and I discussed other genres to attatch to it to make a sub-genre. One of the choices discussed for it was the theme of Disaster e.g. a new poisonous element.

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Research into Romantic Comedy/Drama








These slides are the research i did into the film genre of Romantic Comedy/Dramas. I looked into the different ares of film including characters, plot, story line and the various films that fit into the genre itself.

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Regulation Research

Every single film that is made needs to be regulated so that a certification can be fitted to it. The certification gives an indication of the age the viewer needs to be to be able to watch the film. The content varies in films but are all based around the BBFC classification system. This is to help regulate the way parts of a film are portrayed e.g. drugs, violence and sex. The different classifications are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18. Some of the times that need to be regulated are:

Discrimination ~ Race, gender, religion, disability and sexuality
All of these can change the out come of the films classification. It takes into account the strength of the discriminatory action and the impact it has. the context in which it is used can sway the classification of the film as well. It depends whether it is used implicitly or explicitly which can change the fate of the films category. A film with more implicit criticism will get a lower classification than a film with more explicit criticism.

Drugs
The shown use of drugs in films are very strict. If there is any part of a film which looks as if it is glamorising or promoting the use of drugs, it may be cut out of the film. If the film shows drugs being used but also shows the negative consequences of it happening, then it is likely that it would be OK to show it. Only if it seems to be shown in a positive or neutral manner does the film have a good chance of having the scene taken away.

Horror
The use of horror to frighten an audience has been a big part of film for a very long time but it still has regulations especially for younger audiences. Younger audiences like to be scared for the excitement, but there are some regulations for how long it can appear on screen and the detail that can go into it. There are also the factors of the frequency of the scary happening, how many times will it crop up. Plus the length and detail already mentioned. What are you able to see and how long will it be on the screen, this also includes sound effects and music. There is also the situation of a swift and positive outcome. Children will want a morally right outcome.

Imitable behavior
A films classification can also be determined by the behavior it shows in the screen such as criminal or violent behavior. Things like this have to looked over thoroughly in case there is anything that could be imitated or copied by younger viewers. Films with lower classifications won't have behavior such as this whereas films with a higher classification might, because the is less susceptible to copying such behavior due to a more developed sense of right and wrong. Films with a lower classification will not have any scenes with criminal activity.

Language 
Some language is found very offensive by some which is why it's used very carefully films. The offensiveness of a word is generally defined by the usage of it and the context it is being used in such as against someone discriminantly. The level of offence would differ with race, religion and age and the context in which the word (or even gesture) used will also differ. With all of these different variables and opinions on the meaning of words, it is almost impossible;e to create a list of all the words and gestures acceptable for each film classification.

Nudity
Nudity is acceptable in all classifications as long as there is no sexual implications to it. In the lowest classification, this is only allowed to happen very occasionally. Any nudity that has been shown in any sexual manner will be restricted to the higher classifications and if there is any strong detail portrayed then the film has to be restricted to the adult classifications.

Sex
Sex in a film can be portrayed from just kissing to a detailed references. The stronger the theme gets, the higher the classification is needed. Any film that depicts clear images of 'real sex' or any other sexual imagery, it will be confined to the classification of 'R18'. These types of films can only be sold in licensed sex shops and only shown in specially-licensed cinemas.

Theme
The theme of a film will have a major influence on the classification of it. themes such as drugs and violence will have have higher ratings to those who have themes of marriage or racing but it also depends on how they depict the theme chosen. Some themes though are simple to classify as the theme would never be able to classify as a lower classification e.g. violence whether it be domestic or racial, drug abuse or anything children.

Violence
Violence in films has been part of both children's and adult film for a long time although the extent of violence will differ considerably in all categories. The sections of violence most likely to be given a high certification are people who use violence as a solution often, people who take pleasure in the pain and humiliation of others and also people use sexual violence. Films which contain sexual violence or have a glamorised view of violence will have a very restricted classification or will be have that scene cut.

As the film that I am making has been given a 12 certificate, it will have:

  • No references to drugs or horror (possible use of paracetamol or aspirin although not mentioned in script or synopsis).
  • No discrimination scenes.
  • Imitable behavior may consist of things like the driving and any beverages and food substances consumed within the film.
  • Swearing will not be strong and few and far between.
  • There will be no sex or nudity in the film. Any references will be mild.
  • The theme has nothing that could offend in it. It just follows the typical 'boy meets girl' storyline.
  • There will be no violence in the film. if there is any, it will be mild e.g. slapping someone to pull themselves together or in frustration.

Sunday, 9 October 2011

Target Audience Research

For research into film target audiences, I made a questionnaire with questions on it about peoples opinions on Rom-Coms. It includes questions which can help formulate a film that more people can enjoy. The questionnaire goes as following:


1. What is your gender?
Male__      Female__


2. What is your age?
Under 16__    17-21__    22-30__    31-50__     51 and over__


3. What is your occupation?
Student__    Employed__    Unemployed__   Stay at home parent__

4. Do you watch romantic dramas?
(a) Yes__      No__
        (b) If no why not? How could they be improved so they would interest you?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________


5. What do you find interesting about romantic dramas?
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


6. How often do you watch romantic dramas?
            Everyday__    Once a week__    twice a week__   monthly__   never__

7. What would you say is your favourite romantic drama?
_____________________________________________

Do you prefer a slow paced storyline or a fast paced storyline?
(a) Slow paced__       Fast paced__
(b)Why?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

8. List your top 3 favourite Rom Coms/Dramas and what aspects of these films make them your favourites?
- ____________________
- ____________________
- ____________________         Reasons: __________________________________
                                                                    _________________________________
                                                                    _________________________________
 

Friday, 7 October 2011

Audience Targeting.

The target audience for the Romantic Drama film that I am making will be women between the ages of  15 and 30. It could also target younger males as they may be watching it with their families, most likely their mothers and sisters.

The traditional (and more typical) target audience for a film of my genre is women, of all age as females are stereotpyically knows for being obssessed with the idea of love. For example, true love. Though my film will be more based on love from the younger generation's ( teenagers ) view, it'll capture their take on "falling in love".

The Socio-economic classification of my target audience will be C1 and C2 which is 54% of the population therefore i am targeting the biggest target audience with my film.

The general interest of my chosen target audience will be the hope for a happily ever after relationship or ending in life. People who are optimistic about love concuring all odds and people who are currently in the "perfect happily ever after" relationship.

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

Textual Analysis of a Film - Australia

·         Picture 1 - Completely black background as writing scrolls up onto the page. The writing tells the history of Japan and Australia in the last few years of World War Two.
·         Background sounds and music consist of diagetic sounds of insects and other Australian wildlife. Music consists of violins/violas. The music sets the scene for the film and gives the audience an impression of what kind of atmosphere the film will have.


·         Picture 2 – this shows us a boy and a man outside doing activities, in this case, you can see that they are throwing boomerangs. The sun is setting (or rising) so you get the silhouettes of the people and tree. The sunset can give a calming feeling to the audience; they will expect that the rest of the film will be this way.
·         At first, you may have to guess what time period the film is set just by looking at the props, the costume and even possibly the language used. There is no need for this as it tells you the year and even the month that the film is set. It will give the audience a good clue into the types of items the characters would be using and the dangers they might be getting into.
·         This scene also shows two of the main characters, considering that they are the very first people to be shown.
·         The music continues with the violins/violas whilst the boy narrates about his walkabout.



·         Picture 3 – In this scene, the bay and the old man are at a billabong. The camera is zoomed right up close to his face to show the boys concentration on spearing the fish that he has seen.
·         The lights and colours used give the scene a serene feel and a calming effect for the viewer. This can also give a good image of Australia, showing it to beautiful and a wonderful place to live.
·         This scene is shown in slow motion. This could be so that we can see everything that they are doing and we can almost be doing it with them. This could also reflect their relaxed and calm lifestyle.
·         The calm violin/viola music still continues, along with the boy’s narration.



·         Picture 4 – We can see the less serene side to Australia. The cattle Droving. It shows them shadowed by the sun. It doesn’t show them in a bad way though, it just shows them as regular people doing their job. Although they could be seen as people who are taking over the native peoples land.
·         Unlike the shot before it, this scene is not filmed in slow motion. This could reflect their hectic lives or to show us that there is nothing special about them to be shown in every detail.
·         The music still continues with the non-diagetic sounds in the background and the narration of the boy.




·         Picture 5 – We can see that the light levels have almost picked up again in this scene and we can also see some flowers in the background including some greenery. Compared with the previous scene, it shows us that these cattle drovers are possibly darkening the landscape and that the aboriginal land is pure. It also shows us that where the cattle drovers are is harsh, with dry, dusty ground and a murky river. The billabong, on the other hand is clear, and calm. This could also show the difference between them. The cattle drover ‘crashing through’ the land and the aboriginals being ‘at one’ with the land.
·         Filming returns to slow motion in this scene. Again it could reflect lifestyle or to just show you every little movement that the boy does.
·         The music stays the same up until a camera angle change when it starts to get faster and more intense with the sound of drums and trumpets/horns. This is when a man falls into the river, speared. This could symbolize the nature between the herders and the aborigines. Peaceful, until out breaks of un-rest.

·         Picture 6 – This shows the boy calming the fallen horse. The ease in which he does it suggest a natural affinity between the boy and the horse. A reason the film makers could have put put in to make you feel sympathy for the Aborigines, knowing that cattle drovers are taking over their land. This could also be to help make you have a connection with the boy, as this could be to make you more angry if something happens to him.
·         Filming also continues in slow motion for this scene. This time, however, it could be just showing us the relationship the boy has with his surroundings and the animals that inhabit them, even if they do not ‘belong’ in it.
·         The music returns to how it was, soft, gentle violin/viola music with just other diagetic sounds in the background.




·         Picture 7 - this scene, just like the others, has bright but natural lighting and is filmed in slow motion. These scenes must be continued like this to show that the lifestyles of these people aren’t hectic but calm and tranquil, living with the landscape.
·         The music still continues with the calming violin/viola chords with natural diagetic sounds in the background.

·         Picture 8 – in this scene it now shows the boy riding the horse across the baron landscape. This could symbolize his journey out of the comfort of his land into the dark and dangerous land of the cattle drovers/”white fellow”.  However, this scene is till in slow motion so you can still see that he is still calm and doesn’t think that there is danger.
·         The music is still the same, calming a gentle although it has picked a little pace and there are drums now.




·         Picture 9 – in this scene the boy has arrived outside a house and has just noticed the owners coming back in a large vehicle. Still in slow motion, it could have a different meaning this time. He has noticed that the owners are coming back so he has little time to get off the horse and hide somewhere. The slow motion emphasises the fact that the vehicle is faster than him.
·         The music has picked up more pace and has more emphasised drums this time. This could indicate the danger that he is in or the hecticness of his decisions/movement.


·         Picture 10 – this scene shows a woman walking along the sand. The way that she is framed by the tear in the metal shows us that she is important to the film. The boy also mentions that she (and the man who also exited the vehicle) are different from the other people. This shot is the only shot in the first few minutes where the boy hasn’t been put into slow motion. This is when he is running to find cover from them.
·         The music is still picked up. This time it is relatively fast. This could mean that something is going to happen, but in this case it is more likely to be the climaxing scene for the title credits.
·         Picture 11 – in the final scene before the title credits, we are given an establishing shot of the house and land that the man and woman own. This shows us the place where most of the action will be taking place or the place that is Central to the film.
·         The music has now picked up majorly the music is now more upbeat, still with violins/violas but it has more of an exciting nature about it. This shows us that these people are of no danger and could even be helpers/friends of the boy.


The presentation above shows the textual analysis of a romantic drama film that I picked for myself. The film that I picked is 'Australia'. This analysis gave me ideas of how to shoot the film that I will make and the type of camera shots that make up the film. It also helped with the type of editing that is used in the film. All of these things helped me finalise and develope the final piece that i will be creating.

Monday, 3 October 2011

Film Synopsis

After the research into Romantic Comedy/Dramas, I wrote my own film synopsis to fit the genre. It follows beneath:

James is sat at home getting ready to go on a holiday in Devon. We see him looking at a picture of a girl he met there last year. We later learn the girls name is Rachael. As he thinks about her he has a flashback about his time with her last year. His friend, matt, texts him to tell him he is outside ready to go. He then leaves the house to go on holiday. – Film opening

We then see him in the car driving over the moors on the way to Devon.
(pan shot following the car as it drives past) we then cut to James and matt getting out of the car at their destination and they both look at the place where they are staying (We see an establishing shot of the holiday villa). They both go into the villa and get ready for an evening out on the town.

That evening, James and matt go to a party on the beach, they have a BBQ and play games in the sea. Later on in the evening James is allow on the beach thinking about Rachael when a girl walks up to him. He turns around and realises it is Rachael.

Over the next week James and Rachael spend time together getting closer and closer and beginning to fall in love. On the evening before they leave Rachael gets a call, which is from her boyfriend (Jake) and this is when James hopes are shattered.

The next day matt and James leave to head home, James is still feeling heart Brocken from the events of the previous day. On the journey back matt tries his best to make James feel better.

The next day we see James on a bus going to work. When he gets to work he finds out that there is a new girl there that James needs to show around. He sees the girl and realises it is Rachael. There is a silence between them and then James says is a shocked was “Rachael?” 
(This is where the film ends to create a cliff hanger and allow a sequel to follow on if needed)

Saturday, 1 October 2011

Codes and Conventions

There are certain codes and conventions used for different genres of films. Below are the codes and conventions that are used in Romantic Dramas.


The settings usually used for Romantic dramas are :

-Beach towns/beaches or town centres.
-There are a variety of places where the characters can meet by accident throughout the film.
- Places we associate with being romantic like beaches, restaurants and couples homes. Places where the main characters are on  their own/isolated, so they can show affection freely.
-workplaces of the main characters

The props usually used in Romantic dramas :

-Flowers/chocolates
-Presents
-Nice clothes/swimwear
-Car
-Mobile phone
-Photography
-Suitcases

The typical Action usually used in a Romantic Drama :

-Boy meets girl
-Girl meets boy
-Boy and girl grow close
-Boy and girl fall in love or one of them does and has unrequited love for the other
-Boy and girl are pulled apart by a tragedy, betrayal, jealously or a mistake

-A period of time where the boy and girl or just one of them are mourning the loss of the other
-Boy and girl are pulled together by some spontaneous moment/decision
-Boy and girl are reunited (although they may remain apart)



The typical character types usually seen in a Romantic Drama :

-The male lead character
-The female lead character
-The friends of both of the main characters
-The family members of the main characters
-The competitor for one of the main characters affections (usually male)

The typical Storyline usually seen in a Romantic Drama :

-Boy meets girl
-Boy and girl spend lots of time together and soon fall in love
-Boy and girl become separated by a tragedy/problem
-Boy and girl spend most of time mourning the loss of the other
-Boy and girl are drawn back together
-Boy and girl live happily ever after

the typical sound/Music usually heard in a Romantic Drama :

-Piano solos that can moves between melancholy to happiness
-Brief dialogue in parts maybe more in others
-Possibly some narration to help explain scenes
-Songs that are related to love or break ups.

The cinematography/editing usually seen in a Romantic Drama :

-Flash backs of the past. Not used in all romantic dramas but are usually used to help give some background to the characters

-Few editing techniques used as the film is based mainly on reality
-Many different shots of the main characters apart and together



These codes and conventions have shown me the sort of things that i will have to put into my own film. i have the learnt that even though they are mainly based on reality, there are lots to them and involve a lot more work than I originally thought.