Friday 16 October 2015

Consolidation


The 100 (Season 1) -
"Its been nearly 100 years since Earth was devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, with the only survivors being the inhabitants of 12 international space stations that were in orbit at the time. Three generations later, the survivors number 4,000 - and resources are running out on their dying "Ark" (the 12 stations now linked together and purposed to keep the survivors alive). Capital punishment and population control are the order of the day, as the leaders of the Ark take ruthless steps to ensure their future - including secretly exiling a group of 100 juvenile prisoners to the Earth's surface to test whether its habitable. No one has set foot on the planet in nearly a century - until now"
Language - 
In the moving image media text which I have used covers different areas of language. The colours used in this trailer are mainly dark greens and blues. This is used to present features of mystery and adventure. The light flashes create a futuristic theme contrasting with the darker colours.

Audience - 
Demographic - The target audience for "The 100" is mainly young adults (16-25). This is mainly because of the shows concept of a mysterious and futuristic theme. The audience which this is mainly targeted at is similar to the well know film series "The Hunger Games", as "The 100" has similar futuristic plots and character personalities. 

Monday 12 October 2015

Camera Angles and Movement

Use of Camera Angles and Movement in a film clip
"The Shining - Typewriter scene"



1) What camera angles and shots are used when Wendy is reading at the typewriter?
When Wendy is looking over at the typewriter, different camera angles and shots were used. The different shots used are:
- Low Angle shot (looking up) is used as Wendy is looking over the top of the typewriter to see what her husband had written
- POV / Medium Close up (Characters / audiences point of view) is used to look at the sheets of papers, showing it in her perspective for the audience to see, (zoom is also introduced here)
- Over the shoulder (views the back of Wendy whilst looking over the typewriter) is used right at the start of the scene.
- Tracking shot (camera that moves along tracks) is used when Jack enters the room, focusing on him both entering and the effect that it will have on Wendy.

2) How do they make us feel?

The Over the shoulder shot is used to set the scene right at the start. Although we cannot see Wendy's face, the combination of music and camera angles creates the suspense as the camera is drawing closer to Wendy and the typewriter. This shot puts an effect on the reader by setting the scene, although in the clip we don't know how it is linked to the rest of the film, it clearly sets the scene and builds tension to the audience as she begins to look over at the typewriter.
The low angle shot is used as Wendy is looking over the top of the typewriter. Not only does it create suspicion of what Jack has written, it also creates the effect of suspense to find out why he has written 'All work no play makes jack a dull boy' so many times. This shot puts an effect on the audience as it makes us curious of what will happen next.
The POV / Medium Close up is used to look at the sheets of paper which jack has written on, showing it in both the audiences and Wendy's perspective. This shot puts an effect on the audience, as it brings them into the scene, and creates emotion with Wendy's reaction after he finds the typewriter. Before we can even see the typewriter, all we see is Wendy's emotions as she reads the paper, although we haven't yet seen what is written, the expression on Wendy's face shows exactly what she's thinking and how she feels (horror and shock)
The Tracking shot is then used when Jack enters the room which Wendy is in, the camera slowly focuses on him and gets closer up to Wendy. This shot puts an effect on the audience as jack witnesses Wendy looking through his 'work'. It creates empathy from the audience to Wendy as she does not realise that he is there.

3) Where does the zoom take place, and what is its effect?

The zoom takes place toward the end of the scene, as Jack makes his way into the room which Wendy is in. The zoom use is important as it helps to show us her attention. When Jack enters, Wendy fails to notice him because of how much she is focused on the typewriter. This is used to create sympathy towards Wendy as she doesn't know what is about to happen and that Jack is actually there. The zoom  implies that only the paper is important, as Wendy isn't aware of anything else in the room like she originally was.

4) What camera shots are used as jack moves into the room?
*POV and then later into an Over the shoulder shot*
When Jack first moves into the room, a POV (Point of View) shot is used. This shot is used to show Jacks perspective of the room when he first enters, seeing his wife stood over by his typewriter.


Friday 9 October 2015

Exam Questions past paper practice

1a) Analyse the front covers for both GQ and Saga magazines commenting on:
  • Visual codes - 
  • Layout and Design -
  • Language and Mode of address - 
2a) GQ Magazine audiences:
Demographic: The GQ magazine is mainly targeted towards the age of an adult (25-50), and aimed mainly towards a male audience. This is displayed through the magazine's main image being of Clint Eastwood. The magazine's annual slogan "Men of the year issue" will attract this target audience as implies that the contents are all about the "Men of the year", this appealing to the target audience because of its content and the use of celebrity icons. Furthermore, the word 'year' implies that rather than a small period of time, the "Men of the year" are selected from a large range of people over a longer period time. This implying that only the very best are chosen to be used in the magazine, appealing to the older audience as it appears to be personalised by using only the very best. 
The way that Clint Eastwood is posing on the front of the magazine will also help to attract an older audience. The way that he is posing helps to link the image with the text surrounding, proving that he is "Badass of the year". This would appeal to the older male audience as looking "Badass" may appeal to the audience.

Psychographic: This GQ magazine is also targeted towards an audience of which are fans of Clint Eastwood's work and lifestyle. By choosing a someone who is a well known celebrity figure, the magazines audience can open up to any that are inspired or a fan of any aspect of his work. This is also targeted towards people of which are fans of other male celebrity figures. Some examples of this appear on the front cover, including Tom Brady, Barack Obama and Neil Patrick Harris.

2b) Saga Magazine:
Saga magazine is aimed towards people aged over 50, this is shown on the front cover of the of the magazine. One way that the cover appeals to the audience is through the design. The designers if the magazines have used sophisticated and a simplistic design. This appeals to the older audience as the cover isn't too distractive and is attractive to its audience.
Another connotation of this in the magazine would be through the celebrity figure they have used in this case Michael Caine, both in his celebrity status and appearance. The outfit of which Michael Caine is wearing is both serious yet sophisticated. His glasses show a form of intelligence implying that he is well educated, His facial expressions show a stern, serious but slight smirk, showing that he knows what he's talking about, but can make it interesting in a slightly entertaining way. His stance is also quite serious by having his hands placed in his pockets.
Another connotation of this in the magazine is through the colours used. Along with the sophisticated colour scheme, the colours of which Michael is wearing shows both seriousness and mystery.

2c)


3) Exploring representations of media today..

Friday 2 October 2015

Different target audiences

Sugar Lads Mag-
2a)
Demographic - The 'Sugar Lads Mag' is mainly targeted towards the teenage age and people in their early 20's (16-20), and aimed at mainly girls. This is displayed through the magazine's main image being of Gerard Way, a male rock star in a popular group with a teenage following.  The magazine slogan "It's all about him - for you" will attract this target audience as it implies that the contents of the magazine is about Gerard. Furthermore, the word "you" personalises the contents, making it sound like it is written especially for the reader. The type of language used also attracts the younger audience, "How I beat my bullies" is a way in which the magazine can give an insight into Gerard's past which would attract to the fans of him and his music, But this statement would also attract to the teenage market as a way for advice can be given across about "bullies" to those who need it, making Gerard a teenage idol. The use of informal language in the phrase "I'm a Laydee" implies that the magazine is targeted towards a younger audience.

Psychographic -  The magazine is also targeted at people because of their interests, lifestyle and mindset. Although most of their target audience are around the teenage market, some of the audience will be attracted because of their lifestyle rather than their age or gender. The main celebrity model they have used is a music idol (Gerard Way who use to be in the band My Chemical Romance). The Psychographic audience may have the interest of music or even have 'MCR' as one of their inspirations. Another way that this magazine would be through "I'm a Laydee". The use of language used would link to those who may be from the gay community as "Laydee" and "One lad goes girlie for a week" fits with some similar personality traits for someone who is gay/or acts in a similar way.