Monday, 7 November 2016

Ex_Machina Research

producer
DNA Films and Film4
director
Alex Garland
distributor
Universal Films
cast
Alicia Vikander, Oscar Issac, Domhnall Gleeson, Sonoya Mizuno
budget
$15 million
locations
Norway and England
technology
No green screens, a costume made of grey mesh
number of screen - opening weekend
1255 (USA)
number of screens - peak number
2004 (USA)
box office figures
$36.9 million



the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;
Ex Machina was produced by two British production companies. These are both well established, but they are not as popular as others. Also, some people believe that British companies do not make films as good as American production companies (such as Paramount and Warner Brothers). Another issue is that the film had a very low budget compared to other films. People may be put off to watch a film with a low budget because they think it will not be as good as a higher budget film. An example of this is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This had a budget of $306 million, which exceeds Ex Machinas budget of $15 million. Ex Machina was not able to have a larger budget because it was produced by two smaller companies.
the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;
The two companies that collaborated together were Film4 and DNA Films. This was in hope to make a bigger profit from the budget that they had. They marketed the film in many different ways, the stand out for them was using Tinder. Tinder is an online dating app where you can find people around you. At the SXSW Festival in Austin, users of Tinder had seen a woman called Ava. She is a character in the film, so not actually a real person. The people who swiped right for her started to have conversations with her, thinking as if she was a real person. She asked questions just how she did in the film, but the majority of users did not suspect it was not real. This was used to promote the film and encourage the users to go and see it.

Ex Machina Review

I recently watched the film Ex Machina which I surprisingly enjoyed. I say surprisingly because I was sceptical due to its low budget. The budget was $15 million which is low if you expect the film to be good. The film does not contain many roles as it is a maximum of four people on screen at a time. These characters included actors Domhnall Gleeson (Caleb), Oscar Issac (Nathan), Alicia Vikander (Ava) and Sonoya Mizuno (Kyoko). None of these are A List stars so this lowered my expectations for the film. But, for the budget and cast, this film is outstanding. The box office it gained was $36.9 million, which is huge for a small budget film. 

It is a very futuristic based film which can give viewers an insight of life in the future. It is creative in the making of the robot that is featured throughout the film, her name is Ava. She is sexualised in the film which some viewers may disagree with as she is a robot, but this makes it seem more realistic. A reason why the film is so stunning is due to the fact that it was filmed in Norway. Norway is a beautiful place and really suited the aesthetic to this film. A stand out feature that surprises many viewers is that no green screens were used to create the amazing visual effects. This also adds to the setting as Nathan's house is actually there. Nathan is one of the main characters and he "controls" Ava. He is her creator and has total possession of her. This makes the audience feel a connection with Ava, even though she is only a robot. But this makes you feel emotion for her, and leaves you thinking if robots do actually have feelings. 

The film starts off the action when Caleb arrives at Nathan's luxury house, this is when it really grabs the audiences attention as you do not know what will happen. You will gain different feelings for Nathan as you just don't know whether to trust him or not. He seems like a nice character but you can just tell he has some dark secrets. This is why I enjoyed the film as I started to realise what the characters were like, it made me feel as if I personally knew them and that I was the "lucky winner". It also made me connect with Ava the robot and made me be on her side. This is the beauty of this film. 

Overall I believe that this film is for any ages as the ideas are complex but simple to understand. As soon as the film is over you will be left wondering what life would be like with robots as it is very realistic. Lovers of Sci-Fi and lovers of the complete opposite will be engaged with this film and enjoy it. The way the Garland directed this film is simple yet so effective, this is due to the fact that he can make a whole engaging storyline, with three main characters. He is known for his classics; such as 'Never Let Me Go' and his famous novel 'The Beach'. But I personally believe that this is his top creation so far. I've never seen anything else like it. Also, as it was made in 2015, it can give them audience on a feel for the future in a creative way which is actually believable, I think that this was Garlands aim. 

I give this film 4/5 stars. 





Friday, 4 November 2016

Doc Martin Regional Identity

Editing
The type of editing used throughout this scene is continuity. This is because it helps the audience follow what is happening and make it easier to understand. This helped follow the sequence when the plumbers are fixing the sinks. This showed regional identity by them taking a long time to do a simple task for them. This is a stereotype because people from the Cornish area tend to be "backwards". This means that they are not up to speed with the latest technologies and do not have good skills. Also, one of the workers is shown to be using a telephone with a cord. This shows regional identity because most people use smart phones nowadays because that is the latest technology.


A cut is used to join to the next scene. This is when Doc Martin is walking the dog in an angry matter. It uses cuts to follow where he is pacing to. Continuity editing is used once again to follow the conversation of the policeman and Doc Martin when he enters. It then cuts to Doc Martin walking down the street while a lady approaches him. The street is very narrow and has lots of small buildings surrounding it.


It then cuts to him walking down the street where continuity editing is used. When Martin is shown walking down the street and stops, reverse shots are used. This is to show him and the lady staring at each other.


Camera
The camera is firstly placed at a low angle so the viewer can see what the plumbers are doing. It also shows them a bigger picture of the room they are working on. The room is very dark and dull with no stand out features. This is because they live in an area where nothing is unique and everyone is stilling living in the past. This is because they have no modern features or brightness like other parts of the regions. The camera shot is a mid shot so the viewer can see all three of the characters talking. The camera then zooms onto the larger man so the audience can focus on him, but then turns to Doc Martin to see his response. The audience can tell that Doc Martin is not from around here because he is not interested in the area that they are talking about. But, the two workers from the area are interested because they live there.


While Doc is taking the dog to the police, a tracking shot is used to follow where he is going. It also shows the audience the small village town that they live in. This is a typical Somerset area where everything is slightly outdated. When Doc Martin appears in the police station, an establishing shot is used to show the policeman cleaning the floor and then to see what he looks like. The station is outdated just like the house and is full of dull colours. This is because they are from the Cornish area where it is not very modern.


When Doc Martin has left the station and walking down the street, a tracking shot is used to follow him. Shallow focused is used to focus on the lady that approaches him. This shows the viewer that she is the focus on the next scene. While they have the conversation a tracking shot is used to show her closing her car door. The car is very old, so it once again shows that they live "backwards". The tracking shot follows the conversation that they are having and to once again show the area. The walls are cobbled like an old English village which is not modern, this shows regional identity as a stereotype.


A wide shot is used while Doc is walking down the long slanted street next to the school. The camera then zooms to a close-up of a teacher in the school window. It then keeps zooming onto to her. This signifies that she is important in this scene. Depth of field is used while the old lady and Martin communicate. This represents regional identity because they are placing fresh vegetables in boxes. The stereotype of the Somerset area is that they are rural and are "backwards". This shows that because most modern areas do not grow their own crops. A mid shot in then used to show them entering the building.


Sound
Throughout the scene, diegetic sound is mainly used (dialogue). It represents regional identity by the two plumbers talking in a Cornish accent. They are very talkative and it is not relevant to what they are supposed to be doing. They are all very calm while Martin is showed as angry. Synchronous sound is used at this point because the dog in the scene is barking and Martin is shouting.


When it cuts to the next scene, non diegetic sound appears. This is because music plays in the back. This is used to build tension while he is taking the dog away. This is because the audience doesn't know where the dog is being taken to. The policeman who is cleaning stops the non diegetic sound by using a non-modern hoover. This fits in with the regional identity because they do not have the newest technology. The music then plays quitter in the background, which has added more tension. When Martin is walking down the street, you can hear the sound of seagulls and the waves which represents that it is a seaside village.


The music starts again once it cuts to the next scene. The music is used to be tension which it succeeds this and hints that Martin may encounter a problem. It then changes once he has spotted the lady in the window, this creates more tension as it fades in and becomes louder. It then stops when the lady calls him over, which signifies he has lost his attention to the lady.


Mise-en-scene
The dark room with the sink shows that the building is old, just like the village. The room is dull and not functional, this is because the plumbers are trying to fix it. This location does not have much character to it as it is colourless and empty, it is also dirty. Doc Martin is shown to be wearing a suit which is not the regional identity to this area. This is because no one dresses up smart around there. This makes him stand out. The larger plumber is impractical as he messes up the job and all he does is eat. While the other is not doing the job to the best standard so is also impractical. This is because the regional identity of the area is that they are not up to date with modern jobs etc.


The location of the village is very dated as the cobbled streets are very small and windy which signifies that it is an old town. The shops are narrow just like the houses. Also, all the buildings are attached and look extremely similar. This shows that people from this region are not up to date with the modern world and are living an outdated standard of living. This is different from regions such as South England as they are known to be very classy and modern. 

Monday, 24 October 2016

Class and Status: Downton Abbey

Editing
In this clip, continuity editing is used throughout. This is so the audience can follow what is going on in a simple way. This means that cuts are used to continue with the editing. This can be used to show the different classes. Because the camera starts off in the rich area where the upper class residents stay. It then pans around to the lower class area. You can then see the workers frantically rushing around to do their job. This is because they have been ordered to make breakfast for the upper class. Continuity editing is good to show the audience what can happen in two places at once. Fast paced editing is also used at this point to emphasise the speed that the workers are working at. This is showing that they are lower class and need to work fast to please the owners. 


Camera
There are some different camera angles used in this scene. First off, a tracking shot is used. This is used to follow the man on the bicycle. This automatically shows status as he does not have a car. Only the upper class had the privilege to drive and own cars. An over the shoulder shot is used when a person with higher status is shown talking to the worker. This could signify that that the worker has lower status because he is shown to be looked down on from the camera view. An establishing shot is used to present the house as how large it is. This shows that everyone living their is very wealthy and are high class. 

Sound
Throughout this scene, diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used. For diegetic sound, dialogue is continually used throughout the whole scene. It is used to show the characters talking and expressing their feelings/views. Music is used in the background, this is non-diegetic sound. It is used while the upper class, owner of the house is walking down the stairs. The music includes violins and sounds very royal. This is used to show that he is important while he is walking downing the grand large stairs. The music fades out as he is lowering himself downstairs. This could represent that on the lower floor, the lower class people live and work their. 

General
In the house, lots of fancy and rich furnishings are placed throughout. This includes large chandeliers which are clearly worth a lot of money. 

Monday, 3 October 2016

Ethnicity Textual Analysis: Hotel Babylon


Ethnicity is represented as a common stereotype in this clip from Hotel Babylon. Anyone who is not white British is treated with little respect.

Overview
Firstly, the Immigration team storm through the hotel as lack politeness. The word gets spread around the hotel and the immigrants are forced to hide in a small cupboard, this is so they do not get found. This immediately shows that they have very little power and have to try their best to not get caught. Because if they do get caught they will get taken away against their will. In this clip they are shown as hardworking because they are all doing their job. But the stereotype is that other ethnicities are lazy and do not want to work. This counteracts that stereotype but some people do not agree. This also easily makes the audience be on the immigrants side as they feel sympathy to them.

Editing
The editing used in this scene is very simple but effective. The first scene includes a short reverse shot; this is because the first character is shown to be looking back at the two police when they appear onscreen. This builds up suspense for the viewer as they don't know who it is at the start. Fast paced editing is also used in this clip. This is when the lady is frantically trying to gather all the immigrants together so they can be safe. This is used to show the viewer how big of a deal this is and to reflect the emotions they are feeling. It builds a lot of tension. This also shows the stereotype and how different ethnicities are seen as the protagonists. This is because they have to hide themselves and they are not accepted by certain people just because of their ethnicity.   

Camera
The use of the establishing shot in the first 30 seconds is used to show the viewer whereabouts the characters are going, this build suspense. Also, while the workers are in panic about the Immigration a tracking shot is used to follow the action. The action is the immigrants frantically pacing around; trying to hide from the immigration team so they don't get caught. This clearly shows that all the immigrants do not have high power in society. This has caused conflict between different ethnicities. The close up shot of the immigrants crammed in the room brings together a sense of community as everyone is helping each other.

Sound
Non-diegetic sound is used to create tension by using music in the background. This represents the emotions that the characters are feeling. The music also fits in with the scene because it is fast paced, just like the character’s heartbeats. Synchronous sounds such as panting and shouting are used because they fit in with the scene and the emotions. These emotions show that the immigrants are very worried for what will happen and once again show that they are not the antagonists. Dialogue is used for diegetic sound. This represents ethnicity as one of the immigrants addresses that he "wasn't always a cleaner" while he is saving another worker. This shows that he is very skilled but will not be accepted just because he is black.



General
The immigration team suddenly appear in the lobby and they storm through dressed up with stern faces, this can signify that they are the antagonist and they are a danger towards the immigrants. This shows that they have a lot more status than the immigrants, and that they want to challenge them. The viewer can then clearly see who the protagonist is. This is the lady who gathers all the immigrants to keep them safe and you can see that she does her best. You can also see that none of the immigrants mean any harm because they all help each other out, but can sadly not save the cleaner. 

Friday, 30 September 2016

Luther: Gender Stereotype

In this scene of Luther, the gender stereotype is slightly raised. This is shown by the use of camera angles/shots, the editing, sound and mise en scene.

Firstly, while the shot of Luther and Ian is happening; the cameras are very up close and they use shallow focus to show that they are the only thing the audience should focus on. But, when the women appears on the screen it is not as close up and the man is blocking her slightly. This could represent that she is not as important as the males.

In the editing, while Ian and Luther were debating the cross cutting technique was used. This happened while they were talking and the camera focused on the person talking at the time. But, with the woman it was not continually on her, it went back on the two men even though they did not have much dialogue. This could be used to show that the men have the most power even though they were both injured, and she had possession of a gun.


Although the woman shows up with a gun, she does not use it to her command. She calls in another male and asks for his advice. This could be shown as her not being allowed to use it as she wants to. This should signify that she is the antagonist as she has the gun, but she is asking for advice off the man. This could be a gender stereotype as she is seemed not powerful enough to not to ask.

Throughout this scene, non-diegetic sound is used as music is played in the background. But dialogue is also used. Synchronous sound is used while Ian and Luther are fighting as there is a lot of screaming. But, less of this is heard when Alice enters. This could be interpreted as the men not being afraid of her just because she is a woman.

Thursday, 29 September 2016

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Facts

Who owns Lucasfilm?
Walt Disney
Who formed Lucasfilm?
George Lucas
What year was Lucasfilm formed?
1971
Who is the president of Lucasfilm?
Kathleen Kennedy 
What other major films have they worked on?
Indiana Jones, Labyrinth and all Star Wars
How much was Lucasfilm sold for?
$4.05 billion
Who wrote Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
George Lucas
Who directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
J.J. Abrams
What other major films is the director responsible for?
Star Trek, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Super 8
How many Star Wars films have there been so far (list them)?
Star Wars (1977)
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Phantom Menace (1999)
Attack of the Clones (2002)
Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The Force Awakens (2015)
Episode VIII (2017)

How much money have they all made at the global box office?
Star Wars- $786,598,007
The Empire Strikes Back- $534,171,960
Return of the Jedi- $572,705,079 
The Phantom Menace- $1,027,044,677
Attack of the Clones- $656,695,615
Revenge of the Sith- $848,998,877
The Force Awakens$2,058,662,225
When was the first Star Wars film released?
May 25th 1977
What does ILM stand for?
Industrial Light & Magic
What do ILM do?
Motion Picture Visual Effects company
Who created ILM?
Lucasfilm (George Lucas)
Why did they create ILM?
To create visual effects that had never been seen on film before.
What do casting directors do?
organise and facilitate the casting of actors for all the roles in a film.
Where were the first scenes for Star Wars: The Force Awakens filmed?
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
What format was Star Wars: The Force Awakens shot on?
65mm film
What types of camera were used to film Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
15 IMAX
What studio was used to film a large portion of the film?
Pinewood Studios
Where is the studio?
Buckinghamshire, England
What major franchise is famously filmed at this studio?
James Bond
How does said franchise link to Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
Daniel Craig makes a cameo as a stormtrooper.
Who was the inspiration for the character Maz Kanata?
Abrams English teacher, Rose Gilbert
What technology was used to create Maz Kanata?
CGI
Who played Maz Kanata & what other roles is she famous for?
Lupita Nyong'o
Patsey in 12 Year's a Slave
Who played General Snoke?
Andy Serkis
What is he renowned for in the movie business?
Gollum in Lord of the Rings
Where was the final scene filmed?
Skellig MichaelCounty KerryIreland.
Who composed the film score?
John Williams
How many Star wars films has he composed the music for?
All 7
What other famous films has he created the music for?
Indiana Jones, Fiddler on the Roof
How mant times did John Boyega audition for the film (according to JJ Abrams)?

Over what period of time did these auditions occur?

How many people operated B-B8?

What type of technology was the main version of B-B8?
Uses a gyroscope 
What colour suit did the B-B8 operator wear?

Whay did he have to wear such a suit?

What type of special effects (SFX) were employed on Star Wars: The Force Awakens?

How many people were behind the monitor watching the scene when Han and Chewie returned to the Millenium Falcon?

Why was Simon Pegg thanked in the credits for Star Wars: The Force Awakens?