• During the first half of period 5today you need to : Use your phones to capture 5-6 phone interviews people talking about the content of your blog and the pages you have made so far.

     In TV News these are called 'Vox-pops' just little clips of people giving their opinion to camera. If they don't want their faces to appear on camera then just record their voices.

     You will need these clips in the following half of the lesson so its important you do this well.

     Ask them questions that will lead to constructive answers about your work so far and the work you hope to do in the future.


     NOTE: You need to work in places that are away from the corridors as this doesn't give you permission to walk around schools using your phones as you please.


    EXTENSION WORK: 

    If you finish this then try and upload them to your blog and leave 5 comments on other student blogs.
  • Over half term you shoudl be starting to research your Double Page Spreads.

    Find 10 examples you like. There about 5 or 6 in every magazine issue, so this shouldn't be difficult.
    Post them on your blog and underneath


    1: Explain what appeals to you about them.
    2; What do you think are the main conventions used on a DPS?
    3: What, in your opinion, does not work well on a DPS?


    If you want to start doing your sketches and plans for a DPS then fine. But remember we also have to write the article / interview for this, so make sure you read lots of DPSs also !






  • unconditional rebel - siska from Guillaume Panariello on Vimeo.


    Just saw this on vimeo and thought it might provoke some ideas.

    How do you think they made it?
  • THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER


    So we have talked about Andrew Keen before but now he has a new book out about why he still really hates the internet. Its essentially writing your essay counter arguments for you so you could do with buying his book and memorising it !

    Instead here is an article about it:
     Read it !

    http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/09/andrew-keen-internet-not-answer-interview


  • So last week we looked at arguments against the Rise of We Media:

    From THE LAST WORD
    At the 2005 TED Conference, Kevin Kelly told the Silicon Valley crowd that we have a moral obligation to develop technology. “Imagine Mozart before the technology of the piano,” he said. “Imagine Van Gogh before the technology of affordable oil paints. Imagine Hitchcock before the technology of film.”
    But technology doesn’t create human genius. It merely provides new tools for self-expression. And if the democratized chaos of user-generated Web 2.0 content ends up replacing mainstream media, then there may not be a way for the Mozarts, Van Goghs, and Hitchcocks of the future to effectively distribute or sell their creative work.
    Instead of developing technology, I believe that our real moral responsibility is to protect mainstream media against the cult of the amateur. We need to reform
    rather than revolutionize an information and entertainment economy that, over the last two hundred years, has reinforced American values and made our culture the
    envy of the world. Once dismantled, I fear that this professional media—with its rich ecosystem of writers, editors, agents, talent scouts, journalists, publishers, musicians, reporters, and actors—can never again be put back together. We destroy it at our peril.
    So let’s not go down in history as that infamous generation who, intoxicated by the ideal of democratization, killed professional mainstream media. Let’s not be remembered for replacing movies, music, and books with YOU! Instead, let’s use technology in a way that encourages innovation, open communication, and progress, while simultaneously preserving professional standards of truth, decency, and creativity. That’s our moral obligation. It’s our debt to both the past and the future.


    But today we looked at Edward Snowden and the discussion aroudn whistleblowers in a social media democracy:



  • Here you can ifnd ideas, links and resources to help you build up decent arguments against the positive, collaborative, web 2.0 culture :

    http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/306868/

    http://consumerist.com/2009/02/15/facebooks-new-terms-of-service-we-can-do-anything-we-want-with-your-content-forever/


    http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/books/29book.html?_r=0







  • These are a couple of years out of date. Read them so you understand the main arguments but then try and find up to date examples and stats.


    useful link for terminology :





    revision-booklet-film-industry from mrsloan

    You want your essays to be like the one below !!




    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I thought i may as well put the TV drama revision book in again just for good measure !!

  • So using this type of chart for your notes try and analyse this clip in exam conditions


    Here is the vid of me talking you through the exam: 
    Hotel Bablyon analysis from Mr Sloan on Vimeo.





    Here is the clip i want you to try and analyse for homework: 


  • Contents page Must haves ! :
    1.                       5 professional examples with description of why this is useful for you.
    2.                       List of conventions of contents pages
    3.                       Flat plan design sketches (at least 3)
    4.                       Plan of photo shoots for contents images

    5.                       Fonts and house style design choices 

    Try not to rip this idea off too much though as every year people steal this (see below) contents page layout idea. 

    Be creative ! 




  • So as a follow up to the analysis and conversations we had today around different effects in contemporary videos here is another example:



    How have they used :

    Narrative

    Colour ( filters)

    Post production effects

    Lighting

    Performance


    ???

    Could you use any of these techniques?
  • Ancillary Tasks for the Music Video Project:

    Your overall brief is :
    1. A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, together
    with two of the following three options:
    • a website homepage for the band;
    • a digipak for the album’s release;
    • a magazine advertisement for the digipak.

    They are worth 10 marks each (of your overall mark out of 100).

    “Within the section of the main task, centres should consider the relationship between the tasks and ensure that a sense of brand identity across the package is evident”

    Level 4 (9 – 10 marks)
    The candidate is expected to demonstrate excellence in the creative use of most of the following technical skills:
    • shooting material appropriate to the task set; including controlled use of the camera, attention to framing, variety of shot sizes and close attention to mise en scene
    • editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer and making selective and appropriate use of shot transitions, captions and other effects
    • recording and editing sound with images appropriately.


    Where a candidate has worked in a group, an excellent contribution to construction is evident.

    There are some examples of student work below, although not necessarily level 4 stuff ! 





  • Probably the most ysueful resource available for students of AS media preparing for a film industry essay

    Go through this and pick out 10- 20 statistics and facts that you can use to wow the examiner!




    If you cant view what you need to here you can use this link to acces the pdf:

    http://www.emagcloud.com/incorporatedesign/BFI_StatisticalYearBook_2014/pubData/source/BFI%20StatisticalYearBook_2014.pdf


    I have also put here a really useful overview of teh course from another school which you could lok through at your leisure as it explains most elements of the course quite nicely (their case study of shifty though is outdated so we need another:





  • Its clear that that Film Distribution is an area you guys are struggling with:

    Sloan is here to help... here are some links.. again to find this information what i did was an incredibly difficult series of challenges..

    1. type in google : 'Film Distribution'
    2. Done

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/filmmaking/guide/distribution/distribution
    THE BEST INSIGHT INTO WHAT DISTRIBUTION ACTUALLY  IS . READ THIS


    http://www.indiewire.com/article/a2e-at-the-2013-san-francisco-international-film-festival


    Is Direct Distribution the Future for Indie Film? Notes From A2E at the 2013 San Francisco International Film Festival



    How to distribute independent films internationally

    An industry insider perspective of how to get the best deal for your film

    The 'nitty-gritty' of how distribution actually works





    OK, so there is no reason now for you to ever complain that you dont know what film distribution is.
    What you need to do know is ...

    Can you explain how your case study films were distributed?
    Can you show a difference between how hollywood films and independent films are distributed?
    Can you find interesting and unique examples of any films that have been distributed in interesting new ways ?
    Can you explain any problems in distribution film companies are having ?


    This website is excellent for up to date case studies :
    http://www.launchingfilms.com/


  • So for all of you who couldnt be bothered to research a single independent film for your recent exam here is my attempt. Can i just also make you aware that this took me less than 10 minutes and all i did was type in :
    'Selfish Giant case study' into google. Its not exactly rocket science and you are expected, as an A level student. to be able to 'research' as opposed to 'copy what you teacher gives you' !!

    The Selfish Giant came out in 2013, here is the trailer:

    You can actually watch the film on youtube for £1.99 if you go here : its brilliant and well worth the money
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kQ9GwBGTEY

    There is a good prezi here  too:
    https://prezi.com/kpls_fdsd-g2/the-selfish-giant/#

    The Selfish Giant Case Study

    1. UK release date? 25th October 2013
    2. Institutions behind the film’s production and distribution?

    Production Companies

    BFI Film Fund
    Film4 (Funding)
    Moonspun Films

    Distributors

    Cinéart (2014) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
    Pyramide Distribution (2013) (France) (theatrical)
    Sundance Selects (2013) (USA) (theatrical)
    Front Row Filmed Entertainment (2014) (United Arab Emirates) (all media) (Middle East, North Africa & Iran)
    Kurmaca Film (2013) (Turkey) (all media)
    Rialto Distribution (2013) (Australia) (all media)
    Rialto Distribution (2013) (New Zealand) (all media)
    3. What’s the film’s production budget? £1.4 Million
    4. Nationality of the film? British
    5. What kind of production is it? Indie Film
    6. Any connection with other films? None
    7. Who’s the director? Clio Barnard
    8. Any star names in the cast? No well known names
    9. What’s the film about? A contemporary fable about two scrappy 13-year-old working-class friends in the UK who seek fortune by getting involved with a local scrap dealer and criminal, leading to tragic consequences.   

    What marketing techniques does the Selfish Giant film use? Posters, social media, website etc.
    Facebook




    Twitter



    Official Website


    Posters



    Which cinemas was this film exhibited in?

    The first exhibition was on the 16thMay 2013 Cannes Film Festival in France. These are the current plays to watch the film in the UK.



    What is the release pattern for this film i.e. when did it open in the countries it was shown?

    The release date in the UKand Irelandis 25 October 2013. Other than the showing at film festivals it is also is being released in France (18thDecember 2013) Netherlands(30th January 2014) and Sweden (14th March 2014). 

    Find examples of some positive quotes from film reviews.

    The Selfish Giant is a stunning film, almost literally so in the sense that it leaves you dazed with its forensic and uncompromising depiction of Britain on the breadline, as well as it’s achingly sad ending- Daily MailThe Selfish Giant is one of the great modern British films- Finical Times


    A terrific human drama about two boys about to be consigned to the scrapheap, with standout performances from its young leads-Empire Magazine



    What is the budget?    The budget for the film was£1.4million.

    Who are the distributors of The Selfish Giant and what other types of films have they distributed?The production companies are BFI Film Fund, Film 4(The main Funders) Moonspun Films. The distributors are Cinéart (Netherlands) Pyramide Distribution (France) Sundance Selects (USA) Front Row Filmed Entertainment (United Arab Emirates) Rialto Distribution (Australia) Rialto Distribution (New Zealand). Genuinely the distributors are for short films, they showcase new directors and actors for film festivals. Most of the distributors were theatrical specialising in dramatic pieces.


    What awards has it won?

    Cannes Film Festival 2013




    Won
    Label Europa Cinemas

    Clio Barnard


    London Film Festival 2013


    Nominated
    Best British Newcomer
    Actor
    Conner Chapman
    Actor
    Shaun Thomas
    Nominated
    Best Film
    Clio Barnard


    Warsaw International Film Festival 2013


    Nominated
    Competition 1-2 Award
    Clio Barnard


    there are some very useful links to slides below: 


    This one below in the link looks good although its blocked in school for some reason. :

    http://www.slideshare.net/Katrinabrookes/selfish-giant-production-notes?related=1





  •  This is a shark trying to eat a man . Its not real... its a film .. your exams however are real... very real and they are coming for you  !
    To help here are some examples of student who did well.. read them and do what they did !!


    Look and learn !

















  • Hi chaps, so this is some help for you in preparing for the section 1 part of the exam.

    Remember in the exam:

    §Section A- Theoretical Evaluation of Production
    ú2 compulsory questions
    úQ1a – about YOU – reflective evaluation of your skill development – AS & A2
    úQ1b – about THE WORK – concept analysis of either AS or A2 projects
    ú30 mins to write each answer – at least 2 sides per answer – write fast!
    §Section B – Contemporary Media Issues - Postmodern Media
    úChoice of 2 questions on WeMedia
    úAnswer 1 only
    ú1 hour to write answer – at least 4 sides
    úAnswers must focus on at least 2 media e.g. film and music video
    úAnswers must refer to the past, the present and predict for the future


    Below is a specimen paper from Question 1a and b and an example answer from a student who did fairly well. I have also put a slideshow that explains the basics of the exam (its from another school but its all the same information really).

    Remember the different categories of things that could come up are as follows :


    1a ) how have your skills developed in relation to :
    Digital Technology / Creativity / Planning + Research / Post production / Using conventions of real media texts

    1b) How has your product demonstrated use of :
    Genre  / Narrative / Representation / Audience / Media Language




  • So whilst all this practical filming is going on it could be easy forget you also  need to be doing theoretical research and preparing notes for an essay based exam.

    our topic is 'WE-MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY' although i have been teaching you large parts of the media in the online age part of the course , as they are very closely linked and you need to know the context of the internet background stuff before you can go on to the democratic power of it.

    Some key themes you will need to discuss are:

    How big is the impact of the internet:
    How are people collaborating more?
    The change from consumer to 'pro-sumer'
    Theories such as wikinomics  and the long tail.
    What is democracy?
    How is the interent and new media more democratic than old media.
    The rise of Web 2.0
    Has the internet brought about more democratic changes (Lots of examples of this)
    The problem with this view point. I.e why the internet hasnt changed anything
    etc etc


    So look down that list and think about writing a paragraph for eahc. What do you know leats about? What is proving a challenge ? This is where you need to go and research and find out facts and statistics, theories eveidence to give you things to talk about in the exam.

    Questions could be something like this : (you only choose one though !)

    We Media’ and Democracy

    “The media have become more democratic in recent years”. Using specific examples of mediaactivity from two media to support your answer, evaluate the accuracy of this statement.
    [50]
     
    How new is the concept of ‘We Media’ ? Refer to at least two media in your answer.
    [50]
     
    Section B Total [50]

    And to help you , from the markscheme for those questions the exam board said (as a very rough guide)...

    Indicative Content
    Candidates might explore web-logging and digital film uploading andsharing, or social networking. At a higher level, a critique of the notion of‘We Media’ is expected
     
    Indicative Content

    Candidates are likely to focus mainly upon contemporary examples suchas web-logging and digital film uploading and sharing, or social networking;however, the question demands some sense of the history of the idea ofthe democratic potential of the media, so may reference fanzines, pirateradio, pamphlets, etc. A high level response would be expected to beaccurate, detailed and show a sense of debate



    Ok so the previous post on this blog is a place to add good case study links. If you need any more guidance, help etc then let me know

    Good luck (i have emebedded an example essay below to help )


  • So my hopes for this post is that this turns into a long list of internet links from a whole range of sources that help you find useful case studies to talk about in your We media essays in the exam.

    We are looking for things that use the power of the internet and social media to make more democratic changes across the world for ordinary people.

     If you find anything can you leave it as a comment on this post and i will put it up rpoerly as a link
    . Lets aim for 50!!


    Glossary :
    http://beauchampcollegemedia.com/2011/06/16/section-b-glossary-g325-online-age-and-we-media/

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/23/erdogancaricature-cartoonists-hit-back-at-turkish-leaders-clampdown


    http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/protests-mark-beginning-of-coup-plot-case-against-turkish-fan-group-carsi.aspx?pageID=238&nID=75682&NewsCatID=341

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