Monday, 30 December 2013
Friday, 27 December 2013
Human Traffic
Synopsis
Human Traffic is a British independent film written and directed by Welsh film-maker Justin Kerrigan. The film explores themes of coming of age, drug and club cultures, as well as relationships. It includes scenes provoking social commentary and the use of archive footage to provide political commentary. The plot of the film revolves around five twenty-something friends and their wider work and social circle, the latter devotees of the club scene, taking place over the course of a drug-fueled weekend in Cardiff, Wales.
A central feature is the avoidance of moralising about the impact of the 1990's dance lifestyle; instead the film concentrates on recreating the 'vibe, the venues and the mood' of the dance movement from the 1991 'summer of love' to the films release in 1999.
Questions
1. How can Human Traffic be considered a social realist film?
Consider how the film makers technically communicate social realism, what issues are raised and how they might affect the audience.
The definition of social realism is the realistic depiction in art of contemporary life, as a means of social or political comment. This applies directly to this film as it follows a real part of British youth culture history. The 90's rave era was something that really happened, and since the film depicts it so accurately it is certifiably a social realist film.
Social realism also can suggest the 'real world' of working class people, as social realist films e.g. the selfish giant often follow the story of those who come across many toils and difficulties in their world of deprivation. This comes across within this film as we witness the characters ongoing struggle against 'the norm' and those more 'upper class' and richer than themselves. However this film offers a complex web of character profiles and backgrounds- although the characters share a love for the weekend and a general opposition of society- they all differ in their social and economic backgrounds, bringing viewpoints of their own to add to the mix of social realism. Despite this complexity I feel it only enhances the effect of social realism, as in real life our society throughout history has and always is mixed.
2. How does the youth culture depicted resist or subvert to mainstream society?
Within the film Human Traffic the characters are all resisting mainstream society. Despite the fact they have all subverted already to the mainstream drug culture that grew at the time, they feel they must be united against a different culture. The culture of the working adult world. It is clear these characters have a reluctance to grow older and become part of 'the machine' within the world of work and no play. This is highlighted by the characters crave for the weekend which their lives seem to revolve around, and their rejection of their parents. From the audiences point of view we witness one characters process in resistance to this culture- Nina's younger brother .We also see Moff grow to steadily become more frustrated with society and his parents, to the point in which he completely submerges himself in drugs and the weekend, goes too far and ends up reconsidering his actions. Another character who makes a point of actively quitting their small part in the great social cog is Nina, who comes to loathe her awful job in a fast food joint and leaves for a life of unemployment.
The very nature of the characters way of having fun is also opposing against the rest of the world. By taking drugs as they are seen doing throughout the film they are opposing the law- especially since they mostly take 'E's (Ecstasy) which is seen as a class A drug. Although Ecstasy is not one of the most harmful drugs within this class it is still very illegal. It also causes paranoia within the group and for the characters to create a false personality or alter ego that isn't really themselves. This is again crossing the theme of identity, something that internationally young people and youth cultures struggle to come to terms with- hence the desperate need for a sense of fitting in at the same time as standing out. The characters use this sub culture to be different just like each other.
3. What values or morals are present in the film?
The main values for the characters consist again as revolving around having fun with drugs, each other, clubs and the weekend. This is a high priority for each character and a value they treasure within their youth culture. The value of friendship is also seen as a key aspect within the film for the characters. Strong and close relationships are seen throughout especially between Jip and Koop, and Nina and Lulu. Another value that the characters hold within their youth culture has to be the value of music. As we see within Koop's record store scene it is your musical preference that defines you, therefore music and the artists become a large value for the characters. Music is also what helps to fuel their glorified weekends and it unites them together.
The morals of the film could be seen from certain viewpoints as slightly twisted as the characters use drugs in a recreational way and see them as an entirely positive thing. However within this film I feel the drug of ecstacy is represented fairly, as it shows the high points and the great positives of this drug- but also the consequences of taking it too far in the form of Moff. Therefore the film could be teaching the lesson that recreational use of Ecstacy is allot of fun, but only for those who can use it wisely. The film does also present the important morals to have as being friendship, unity and enjoyment which is a positive representation.
4. How can you consider the film to be British?
This film is British in many ways. The director Justin Kerrigan was born in Cardiff, Wales where the film is also set. The actos are also all British, John Simm who plays Jipp is from Leeds, Lorraine Pilkington is from Dublin, Shaun Parkes who plays Koop is from London, Nicola Reynolds who plays Nina is from Wales and Danny Dyer who plays Moff is from London. Therefore the writer, director, set and cast are all British which I feel makes this film British. The film also follows a period of time and a youth culture/scene that appeared in Britain. The ideas, script, and subject matter are all focused around the British nature. British ideals and political or social attitudes of the time are also shown particularly within the interview in the club scene.
5. Analysis of one scene from the film; Koop's Jungle Record Store
The shot types are something that stood out for me within this scene. The scene revolves around the music savvy character of Koop. Koop is filmed as slightly leaning in to the camera, perhaps with a slight low angle from the camera which gives a point of view from the other character and involves the audience as if the character is speaking directly to them. The director has used camera angles to good effect within the scene to show the different characters also.
He has provided a slight comic aspect to the scene as some of the characters seem to glide across the room and burst into spontaneous dancing. These camera angles allow a playful and involving atmosphere for the audience to connect to and enjoy within the film.
This scene shows the wider issue within film and the society at the time- one which is carried on throughout time wherever youth cultures develop. This is the distinction of the music creating and carrying different connotations that create an individual. What you like or dislike in the music world decides your youth culture or sub youth culture. As we can see within this scene the different musical preferences create contrasting characters who act, dress, speak and even dance differently. The character of Koop is able to suss out each character and change his persona and record choice to suit them. This again shows the theme of identity cropping up, and how easily members of youth cultures change or manipulate their identity to fit in/rebel.
However this scene also presents a main character as being successful and enjoying the world of work- a representation contrasting to that of other characters such as Nina. Koop is good at his job and is shown to be actively participating within society at the same time as enjoying the music that is so important to him. Therefore this scene portrays youth cultures in a positive light, despite showing the somewhat fickle nature of them .
Human Traffic is a British independent film written and directed by Welsh film-maker Justin Kerrigan. The film explores themes of coming of age, drug and club cultures, as well as relationships. It includes scenes provoking social commentary and the use of archive footage to provide political commentary. The plot of the film revolves around five twenty-something friends and their wider work and social circle, the latter devotees of the club scene, taking place over the course of a drug-fueled weekend in Cardiff, Wales.
A central feature is the avoidance of moralising about the impact of the 1990's dance lifestyle; instead the film concentrates on recreating the 'vibe, the venues and the mood' of the dance movement from the 1991 'summer of love' to the films release in 1999.
Questions
1. How can Human Traffic be considered a social realist film?
Consider how the film makers technically communicate social realism, what issues are raised and how they might affect the audience.
The definition of social realism is the realistic depiction in art of contemporary life, as a means of social or political comment. This applies directly to this film as it follows a real part of British youth culture history. The 90's rave era was something that really happened, and since the film depicts it so accurately it is certifiably a social realist film.
Social realism also can suggest the 'real world' of working class people, as social realist films e.g. the selfish giant often follow the story of those who come across many toils and difficulties in their world of deprivation. This comes across within this film as we witness the characters ongoing struggle against 'the norm' and those more 'upper class' and richer than themselves. However this film offers a complex web of character profiles and backgrounds- although the characters share a love for the weekend and a general opposition of society- they all differ in their social and economic backgrounds, bringing viewpoints of their own to add to the mix of social realism. Despite this complexity I feel it only enhances the effect of social realism, as in real life our society throughout history has and always is mixed.
2. How does the youth culture depicted resist or subvert to mainstream society?
Within the film Human Traffic the characters are all resisting mainstream society. Despite the fact they have all subverted already to the mainstream drug culture that grew at the time, they feel they must be united against a different culture. The culture of the working adult world. It is clear these characters have a reluctance to grow older and become part of 'the machine' within the world of work and no play. This is highlighted by the characters crave for the weekend which their lives seem to revolve around, and their rejection of their parents. From the audiences point of view we witness one characters process in resistance to this culture- Nina's younger brother .We also see Moff grow to steadily become more frustrated with society and his parents, to the point in which he completely submerges himself in drugs and the weekend, goes too far and ends up reconsidering his actions. Another character who makes a point of actively quitting their small part in the great social cog is Nina, who comes to loathe her awful job in a fast food joint and leaves for a life of unemployment.
The very nature of the characters way of having fun is also opposing against the rest of the world. By taking drugs as they are seen doing throughout the film they are opposing the law- especially since they mostly take 'E's (Ecstasy) which is seen as a class A drug. Although Ecstasy is not one of the most harmful drugs within this class it is still very illegal. It also causes paranoia within the group and for the characters to create a false personality or alter ego that isn't really themselves. This is again crossing the theme of identity, something that internationally young people and youth cultures struggle to come to terms with- hence the desperate need for a sense of fitting in at the same time as standing out. The characters use this sub culture to be different just like each other.
3. What values or morals are present in the film?
The main values for the characters consist again as revolving around having fun with drugs, each other, clubs and the weekend. This is a high priority for each character and a value they treasure within their youth culture. The value of friendship is also seen as a key aspect within the film for the characters. Strong and close relationships are seen throughout especially between Jip and Koop, and Nina and Lulu. Another value that the characters hold within their youth culture has to be the value of music. As we see within Koop's record store scene it is your musical preference that defines you, therefore music and the artists become a large value for the characters. Music is also what helps to fuel their glorified weekends and it unites them together.
The morals of the film could be seen from certain viewpoints as slightly twisted as the characters use drugs in a recreational way and see them as an entirely positive thing. However within this film I feel the drug of ecstacy is represented fairly, as it shows the high points and the great positives of this drug- but also the consequences of taking it too far in the form of Moff. Therefore the film could be teaching the lesson that recreational use of Ecstacy is allot of fun, but only for those who can use it wisely. The film does also present the important morals to have as being friendship, unity and enjoyment which is a positive representation.
4. How can you consider the film to be British?
This film is British in many ways. The director Justin Kerrigan was born in Cardiff, Wales where the film is also set. The actos are also all British, John Simm who plays Jipp is from Leeds, Lorraine Pilkington is from Dublin, Shaun Parkes who plays Koop is from London, Nicola Reynolds who plays Nina is from Wales and Danny Dyer who plays Moff is from London. Therefore the writer, director, set and cast are all British which I feel makes this film British. The film also follows a period of time and a youth culture/scene that appeared in Britain. The ideas, script, and subject matter are all focused around the British nature. British ideals and political or social attitudes of the time are also shown particularly within the interview in the club scene.
5. Analysis of one scene from the film; Koop's Jungle Record Store
The shot types are something that stood out for me within this scene. The scene revolves around the music savvy character of Koop. Koop is filmed as slightly leaning in to the camera, perhaps with a slight low angle from the camera which gives a point of view from the other character and involves the audience as if the character is speaking directly to them. The director has used camera angles to good effect within the scene to show the different characters also.
He has provided a slight comic aspect to the scene as some of the characters seem to glide across the room and burst into spontaneous dancing. These camera angles allow a playful and involving atmosphere for the audience to connect to and enjoy within the film.
This scene shows the wider issue within film and the society at the time- one which is carried on throughout time wherever youth cultures develop. This is the distinction of the music creating and carrying different connotations that create an individual. What you like or dislike in the music world decides your youth culture or sub youth culture. As we can see within this scene the different musical preferences create contrasting characters who act, dress, speak and even dance differently. The character of Koop is able to suss out each character and change his persona and record choice to suit them. This again shows the theme of identity cropping up, and how easily members of youth cultures change or manipulate their identity to fit in/rebel.
However this scene also presents a main character as being successful and enjoying the world of work- a representation contrasting to that of other characters such as Nina. Koop is good at his job and is shown to be actively participating within society at the same time as enjoying the music that is so important to him. Therefore this scene portrays youth cultures in a positive light, despite showing the somewhat fickle nature of them .
Friday, 20 December 2013
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
First review of feedback from screening questionnaires
ROUGH CUT- UNFINISHED MUSIC VIDEO SCREENING- FIRST VIEWING-QUESTIONNARIE RESULTS
I have
collected in my questionnaires and read thoroughly through the feedback I have received.
Here I have listed each question and given a short summary of the feedback,
including any particular likes/dislikes and suggestions for improvements. This
has been a very valuable activity as I now have many improvements to make to my
music video that will be specifically derived from my audience; I have included
the improvements I intend to make below.
1.
Within the opening sequence, should
the shots of waves be cut down? Or kept the same with text added?
From this question I received a mix
of answers. Most people felt adding text was not a good idea, and though a few
suggested cutting down the shots most did not. From this feedback I intend to
slightly alter my opening sequence so that the shots are smoother and flow
nicely- not dragging out the start.
2.
Do you feel the cuts are timed
correctly to the music?
The majority of answers for this
question consisted simply of ‘yes’ or ‘mostly’. However one answer stated that
the shots were all of a very similar pace, this I have edited purposely to be
in time with the music as the beat is very repetitive- however I may be able to
mix up the editing to hold my audience’s attention more.
3.
Should a filter be applied to scenes
to increase the brightness?
For the third question the answers
came back as ‘yes for some’. There were also suggestions for certain scenes-
for example the scene when my characters emerge from the pinewoods. I am aware
that the scene does look murky and dark as this was due to the very poor
filming conditions and weather on the day. To work from this feedback I intend
to apply a filter to the darker scenes.
4.
Do you think any effects should be
added to the video? Any suggestions?
Suggestions for effects to be added
include; slow motion, vintage filters, a soft edge/blur, black and white for
sections, stop motion and colour overlays. To work from this feedback I will
experiment with the filters I can use within the editing software, and perhaps
get more feedback from classmates to decide on one.
5.
Is there too much focus on nature and
not enough on characters?
From this question I received a
combination of answers; however the overall reaction I received was that there
was not too much of a focus on nature. However some people did suggest that
there was not enough build-up of the characters and that the narrative link to
the lyrics did not really make sense. Despite this, my music video has always
been set out to be a concept based video which has no real strong narrative or
character build up- this could be off putting for my audience if they expect a
story.
6.
Do you think the music video is
fitting for the genre of the song?
This answer came back as 100% yes definitely.
This result I am pleased of as in my target audience survey I asked the
question ‘Should a music video be
fitting to its genre’ and the answer also came back as yes. This means that
ideally my target audience will find my music video fitting to the genre and be
attracted by this.
7.
Should there be any transitions
added? E.g. crossfades?
The majority of answers for this
question came back as ‘no’. Despite this a few answers did suggest soft fades
or blends to make the video flow more. I have used allot of blunt cuts in my
music video and I think that using a blending transition would improve the
flow, therefore I intend to work from this feedback and edit a few transitions
in.
8.
The end includes a few clips which
are re-winded- should this be edited out or do you think it works well?
For the eighth question I have received
feedback that the reverse section does work well to round off the video which I
am pleased with as this was the desired effect. However a few answers did
suggest that some of these clips could be slowed down to let the audience
appreciate the shot. This is something I intend to work on and improve from
this feedback.
9.
Do you feel the end of the music and
fade to black is too abrupt?
The answer for this question came
back as mainly ‘no’ although some people did suggest that the fade could be a
little more gradual to encourage the flow of the music video. This I could
easily adjust to work from this feedback. I also received the feedback that the
audience liked how the music video ended on the final note which was pleasing
to see.
10. Any final improvements?
Final improvements and feedback of
suggestion included varying pace of the clips, including more narrative and a
colour filter to improve the visuals of the scenes. Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Rough cut and screening
Today I will screen my first rough cut to an audience to gather feedback. To do this I have compiled a questionnaire for the audience to fill out whilst watching. Hopefully this will enable me to edit and change my music video further to comply with my audiences preferences and increase appeal for my target audience.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Youth Culture Movies
Written summary of http://www.theguardian.
Period films are aiming to not simply 'look cool' but to contextualise and analyse, to foster or confront nostalgia and even explain why we became the adults we are now. It's a big task and timing is a crucial factor in the chances of success. The 90's rave culture was notoriously difficult to pin down, however it has been attempted within 1999's Human Traffic. It depicts Justin Kerrigans portrayl of a group of 'weekenders' whose clubbing E-enhanced nights show the highs and comedowns of early 90's Cardiff nightlife. The difficulty in producing British youth subculture is that they have to be produced and released within a time that is still relevant to the film. This often means that films have to made with certain haste, in which the quality and content or meaning behind it can slip. It has been said however that if the film has a great script and is beautifully executed it will always work.
Any director who attempts a period film focused on something as fleeting and emotive as youth will go through certain difficulties similar to that of Sid and Nancy director Alex Cox who came to resent his film as he was too close personally and temporally to effectively process what it all meant (a mere eight years). According to Stuart Cosgrove a cultural historian and Channel 4's director of creative diversity the ideal time to leave is around thirteen years. This leaves a significant amount of time to pass between the height of the experience you're seeking to capture and the release of the film. The youth have time to grow up and move on with their lives, yet still be young enough to yearn for their past youth. Our own youth reboots when adult milestones such as marriage, parenthood and mortages first hit us and financial and familial responsibility begins to weigh.
Period films are aiming to not simply 'look cool' but to contextualise and analyse, to foster or confront nostalgia and even explain why we became the adults we are now. It's a big task and timing is a crucial factor in the chances of success. The 90's rave culture was notoriously difficult to pin down, however it has been attempted within 1999's Human Traffic. It depicts Justin Kerrigans portrayl of a group of 'weekenders' whose clubbing E-enhanced nights show the highs and comedowns of early 90's Cardiff nightlife. The difficulty in producing British youth subculture is that they have to be produced and released within a time that is still relevant to the film. This often means that films have to made with certain haste, in which the quality and content or meaning behind it can slip. It has been said however that if the film has a great script and is beautifully executed it will always work. Any director who attempts a period film focused on something as fleeting and emotive as youth will go through certain difficulties similar to that of Sid and Nancy director Alex Cox who came to resent his film as he was too close personally and temporally to effectively process what it all meant (a mere eight years). According to Stuart Cosgrove a cultural historian and Channel 4's director of creative diversity the ideal time to leave is around thirteen years. This leaves a significant amount of time to pass between the height of the experience you're seeking to capture and the release of the film. The youth have time to grow up and move on with their lives, yet still be young enough to yearn for their past youth. Our own youth reboots when adult milestones such as marriage, parenthood and mortages first hit us and financial and familial responsibility begins to weigh.
Many nostalgia films about youth focus on mythologised movements that are easily identifiable through music, fashion and haircuts. There is an importance of establishing a link between the era covered in the movie and the social concerns nagging at its present-day audience. "This is England did have a clear resonance with the time it came out" "This is England has so much truth and so much wit those kids could have been wearing bin-liners and it would have hit home" - Carlton. Jobson saw first-hand the undying embers of punk passion by reforming his band The Skids in 2007. He believes a sedentary middle age merely fuels the desire to recapture that brief moment of freedom and invention that youth once provided. he says "It's not the legacy of the music or the work that's important, it's the frienships, the joy that we experienced together when we were really fucking happy, that moment in our lives when we suddenly found out who we were- that's what people want to return to, and you can't blame them for that" As it is in this case, sometimes the film is about the writer or director looking back for meaning to explain or justify the person they are now"
Nostalgia and period films can help us remember both the highs and lows of our history. An example of a particular low would be Good Vibrations a film about the Undertones manager and Northern Irish punk scene. Nostalgia works differently here. No one wants to look back and be fond of that dark tortured time of Belfast in the seventies. But this film shows how youth transcends everything, these bands (The Clash, The Undertones) lived through a terrible time and yet "what did they write about? Girls. Because despite everything they were still young"
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Representation of youths- London Riots
The London Riots did cause a great deal of devastation for many businesses, homes and innocent Londoners present in August 2011- and the media made sure this as known. Shocking and horrific images were hurriedly splashed around all forms of media communication. A photograph can speak a thousand words and some iconic and powerful images were captured in the few weeks the riots raged within. The use of these images which show a carpet store during and after it was burned down are particularly effective in shocking the viewer.
The BBC is a well known broadcasting service so will be trusted by many to deliver the news 'as it really is'. Many of the older generation have a great deal of belief in what the BBC will tell them is genuine and not blown out of proportion. Here is a link to a panorama BBC broadcast that shows young people being protrayed as a "danger" and a threat to society, there is a real sense of urgency, panic and fear from the older generation towards the younger within the opening scenes. A representative of the older generation - a white haired gentleman in a suit says "we were witnessing a complete breakdown in law and order in our country" Victims (a young family with young daughter states " we were under siege they were out to murder us" Dramatic music builds tension and the BBC voice informs us they will "reveal just how the police lost control of OUR streets to THE MOB" This quote I find particularly demonstrates the divide between the authority and 'the rest'. The fact that these young people are reffered to as "the mob" clearly demonstrates the attitude towards them and their representation within the media. The referral to the streets as "our streets" also shows the youths as not being part of these streets, as if they have invaded our streets to claim as their own.
Friday, 29 November 2013
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Editing- Pace of editing
I have analysed a song similar to that of my chosen song. Ritual Union by Little Dragon has around 15 cuts within the first 0:30 seconds. The shots start of as being slow and long but they gradually build to be of a fast pace, with many shots being only a second long. It is all part of the mood and tone within the start of the music video. My track for my own music video has a beat of four- so I should aim for my shots to either last for four seconds, or to have four one second shots dependant on the style and editing point in my music video. As I am currently in the editing process I will keeep this in mind when cutting my film into shots.
Monday, 11 November 2013
Ephebiphobia - fear of young people
Summary of Guardian Article (http://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/mar/17/ephebiphobia-young-people-mosquito)
Throughout history young people have been represented to be 'disrespectful of their elders' ' have no self-control' 'decaying morals' 'inflamed with wild notions' 'impatient of all restraint' 'immodest and selfish'. This overall representation of youth is that they are to be feared, therefore leading to ephebiphobia- the fear of young people. Psychologist and TV presenter Tanya Byron says that children are being so easily labelled as troublemakers or failures because, as a society, we often fail to se their potential. This distorted perception self fulfilling prophecy: why bother to try when you are told you are a failure? They are made to feel worthless and so they become destructive, making them incredibly vulnerable.
This has created a block to many young people who want to make something of their lives. They are blocked by an education system that narrows the very definition of acheivement because it is built around testing and targets. Systems are only elitest and have narrowly defined definitions of academic competence. From this the adult world has created a learning envrionment in which those who misbehave are struggling, causing us to label them from an early age. Schools need more input from child development specialists, to try and reduce the pressure on staff and students.
This will also aid the misdiagnosed children with sensory integration difficulties as having ADHD. Children labelled as failures in primary and secondary school have no hope of higher education given the limited and mostly elitist way we asses their abilities. A small minority are causing the vast majority to be unfailry and cruelly judged. We are an ephebiphobic society and we should be ashamed of ourselves.
I have been researching this area and found an article which supports this theory http://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/oct/12/pressandpublishing.broadcasting
and an example of an article which shows the youth represented as a force to be feared (whilst covering the London Riots)
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/aug/09/london-riots-kids-parents-police
Throughout history young people have been represented to be 'disrespectful of their elders' ' have no self-control' 'decaying morals' 'inflamed with wild notions' 'impatient of all restraint' 'immodest and selfish'. This overall representation of youth is that they are to be feared, therefore leading to ephebiphobia- the fear of young people. Psychologist and TV presenter Tanya Byron says that children are being so easily labelled as troublemakers or failures because, as a society, we often fail to se their potential. This distorted perception self fulfilling prophecy: why bother to try when you are told you are a failure? They are made to feel worthless and so they become destructive, making them incredibly vulnerable. 
This has created a block to many young people who want to make something of their lives. They are blocked by an education system that narrows the very definition of acheivement because it is built around testing and targets. Systems are only elitest and have narrowly defined definitions of academic competence. From this the adult world has created a learning envrionment in which those who misbehave are struggling, causing us to label them from an early age. Schools need more input from child development specialists, to try and reduce the pressure on staff and students.
This will also aid the misdiagnosed children with sensory integration difficulties as having ADHD. Children labelled as failures in primary and secondary school have no hope of higher education given the limited and mostly elitist way we asses their abilities. A small minority are causing the vast majority to be unfailry and cruelly judged. We are an ephebiphobic society and we should be ashamed of ourselves. I have been researching this area and found an article which supports this theory http://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/oct/12/pressandpublishing.broadcasting
and an example of an article which shows the youth represented as a force to be feared (whilst covering the London Riots)
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/aug/09/london-riots-kids-parents-police
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
First View of Footage
I viewed my footage I had shot for the first time today. I have spent some time trying to organise the seperate shots within the software of Final Cut. I have been firstly cutting them into sections which are usable, and secondly renaming them to distinguish between them . There are many to rename and cut so this has taken a fair while. However I hope that once all of my shots have been renamed it will be very beneficial to my editing process in the way that I will be able to pick and choose the shots without playing them all. I am aware that my editing process is going to take a long time as I plan to have a large number of shots which will make the editing complex, however I feel this is needed to make my music video effective and smooth looking.
Friday, 1 November 2013
Review of Filming day 2
The second day of filming I completed today was alongside my artists who were acting within the shots. I didn't ask them to go to any extreme lengths in acting, but they proved to be confident and relaxed on screen. My idea behind my music video features two friends on a journey of discovery and friendship. I have found that allot of student made music videos end up looking unrealistic and unproffesional if the acting becomes too involved. I aimed to keep my music video mostly concept based so this does not include much character involvement within a narrative. I am aiming for a stylistic look to my music video that fits well within the genre.
Here are a few stills from the second day of filming. My favourite shots were probably of Zoe and Gemma in mid shots with the waves in the background, these shots look effortless and care free which is the effect I was aiming for. The only downside to this day of filming was the weather, it turned out to be very gloomy and heavily covered with clouds. I am worried about there being a large continuity error when I compile together the footage from both days. However I may be able to brighten these shots from this day to avoid this and avoid loosing the 'happy' atmosphere I intended.
Here are a few stills from the second day of filming. My favourite shots were probably of Zoe and Gemma in mid shots with the waves in the background, these shots look effortless and care free which is the effect I was aiming for. The only downside to this day of filming was the weather, it turned out to be very gloomy and heavily covered with clouds. I am worried about there being a large continuity error when I compile together the footage from both days. However I may be able to brighten these shots from this day to avoid this and avoid loosing the 'happy' atmosphere I intended.
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Review of Filming day 1
On the first day of filming I have been experimenting with filming the nature focused shots I have planned. This day was meant to encompass all of my filming but due to complications with my artists I have been forced to split the filming over two days to get all the shots I need. The weather was ideal today and I managed to aqquire allot of warm looking shots to intersperse with the footage of my artists. I mainly filmed leaves, trees and waves in macro shots which pull the focus onto these aspects of nature. I hope that if edit these to be in a quick succesion of cuts and look effective in time to the chords of the music.
Here are a few stills from the first day of filming. My favourite shots of the day were the shots that focused on the waves. I hope to also keep some of the audio from these shots to use as an intro. If I faded from black into a shot of the waves, keeping the crashing water sound and then fading into the music it could look very proffesional and effective.
Here are a few stills from the first day of filming. My favourite shots of the day were the shots that focused on the waves. I hope to also keep some of the audio from these shots to use as an intro. If I faded from black into a shot of the waves, keeping the crashing water sound and then fading into the music it could look very proffesional and effective.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Casting
My artists have accepted to feature in my music video so I will not need to cast actors for filming. However I have provided a short background information on each of them and the role I aim for.
Zoe Able
Zoe is 17 and study's Drama, Art and at A level in sixth form college. She has a strong interest in singing and going further in the music industry. Her viewpoints and opinions could be very useful in the process of making a music video. Since Zoe also study's drama she has experience in acting and performance which provides her to be an excellent casting choice for my music video. Her light colouring of blonde hair and blue eyes provides her with a bold standout image that will look effective within an outdoor scene which could provide harsh lighting. I aim for Zoe to play one of the two friends within the music video, and to be excitable and care free.
Gemma Walsingham
Gemma is 17 and study's Geography, Drama and English at A level in sixth form college. Gemma has performed in several plays and theater productions playing main and supporting roles. Her acting skills and experience will aid the confident and relaxed nature I aim for the feel of the music video. If my chosen actresses had never been on screen/performed before they may act unnaturally, and since I want to keep a relaxed and realistic feel it is ideal for them to have experience. Gemma has strong auburn colouring that contrasts well to Zoe's, which will help create a good distinction between the two and be effective on screen. I aim for Gemma to play the other close friend who is discovering the journey alongside Zoe, also with an relaxed, happy and care free nature.
Zoe Able
Zoe is 17 and study's Drama, Art and at A level in sixth form college. She has a strong interest in singing and going further in the music industry. Her viewpoints and opinions could be very useful in the process of making a music video. Since Zoe also study's drama she has experience in acting and performance which provides her to be an excellent casting choice for my music video. Her light colouring of blonde hair and blue eyes provides her with a bold standout image that will look effective within an outdoor scene which could provide harsh lighting. I aim for Zoe to play one of the two friends within the music video, and to be excitable and care free.
Gemma Walsingham
Gemma is 17 and study's Geography, Drama and English at A level in sixth form college. Gemma has performed in several plays and theater productions playing main and supporting roles. Her acting skills and experience will aid the confident and relaxed nature I aim for the feel of the music video. If my chosen actresses had never been on screen/performed before they may act unnaturally, and since I want to keep a relaxed and realistic feel it is ideal for them to have experience. Gemma has strong auburn colouring that contrasts well to Zoe's, which will help create a good distinction between the two and be effective on screen. I aim for Gemma to play the other close friend who is discovering the journey alongside Zoe, also with an relaxed, happy and care free nature.
Weather Check
I aim to shoot my music video on the Tuesday or Wednesday as the forcast depicts that these will be the clearest and sunniest days that would be beneficial for filming. The shots I'm aiming for include nature themed scenes that would provide warmth and colour within a sunny day. I hope to complete all of my filming in this day, however I will have to check with the avaliability of my artists. The wind speed is also a factor of the weather I am looking in to. This will effect what kind of shots I can get and how much movement will be within these shots. Evidently if there are gale force winds I will not be able to complete my music video how I initally intended, however it could provide some interesting shots. A third factor I have to consider is cloud coverage. Cloud coverage is very important as if the sky is too blank and gloomy my shots will become very dull and dark which will change the mood and tone of the music video. If this is the case, there may be some post shooting digital editing and manipulation or filters I can add to 'brighten' the scene. 
Monday, 21 October 2013
Selfish Giant- a film that tackles social realism
"The Selfish Giant directed by clio banard portrays the lives of "people who are otherwise airbrushed from the picture of contemporary society. They do pop up in the media once in a while but are soon removed by more appealing images, such as royal wedding or London Olympics. As if afterwards everyone in the UK reverts back to five o'clock tea and watching football games at a local pub.
In order to see similar living conditions we don't need to leave the European Union. Therefore, it is questionable why would The Selfish Giant have more artistic merit than a docudrama about immigrants in France, jobless Spaniards, rural Poland, Gypsies in Romania or any other environment "reformed" towards free market and liberal capitalism.
The selfish Giant basically shows how captialism works; not by making an academic movie with statistical figures but by telling the highly capturing dramatic story of two teenagers in an English community who need to collect scrap to make ends meet. They are no longer motivated in studying, because the bills need to be payed by the end of the month. At school they are expelled because of their frustrated behaviour. Their family is in ruin due to the stress caused by not earning enough money. In their quest for scrap they see how the best theif's also gain the most money. So eventually they turn to criminal behaviour. Not by choice, but by neccesity. Making money becomes seperated from "doing the right thing" to do."- IMBD
The Selfish Giant is described as being "An intensely felt piece of social realism" within The Guardians review found here http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/may/17/the-selfish-giant-cannes-2013-review
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Friday, 18 October 2013
Media Scare- End of The World
One in 10 people were anxious that 21 December marked the end of the world. This panic had stemmed from the Ancient Mayans predictions of doomsday within their calendar. Thanks to the press and Hollywood this predicted doomsday had become one of the most widely-disseminated tale in human history. According to the naive and the impressionable recent hurricanes, unrest in the Middle East, solar flares, mystery planets about to collide with us and the inevitable invasion of green slimey men - are all "proof" of what the ancient Mayans knew would come to pass on the 21st. However ridiculous this may seem the panic spread worldwide, causing nitwits everywhere to run out and buy £32,000 one person bunkers which are both asteroid proof and somehow impregnable to nuclear war. 
The only place in the world which was claimed to survive this forthcoming blood bath and reenactment of Armageddon was the small french village of Bugarach. However it seems the only fortune brought to this area was the large tourism boom with fanatics flocking to the mountains in the hope they will be transported up by aliens and saved. Sky news has been looking in to the origins of the Mayan predictions; Professor Mark Van Stone, the author of 2012: Science And Prophecy Of The Ancient Maya, traces the start of the 2012 apocalypse prophecy back to 1904, when German scholars said a Mayan picture of a sky dragon pouring water from above proved they were predicting a great flood. Other predictions then made it into subsequent academic books on the Maya and soon became enshrined in popular mythology.
NASA had been receiving many thousands of worried call and had to post upon their website: Some advocates for the 2012 catastrophe say that what will actually cause the devastation is an alignment of planets. There is no planet alignment on the winter solstice 2012. Nonetheless, advocates of doom connect the fictional alignment to astrological predictions or groundless claims about a reversal of Earth's magnetic field and unprecedented solar storms. Many internet postings and guests on all-night apocalyptic radio have elaborated on these themes but there is yet to be any real proof.
Props
I have made the decision not to include props in my music video as I do not feel I need them. All shots I have planned include only aspects from the natural world and nature in my location. I have no shots in mind which will focus on anything I need to bring or create, if I wish to focus on an object I will find and make use of my location to achieve this (e.g a stone to throw into the waves). Since my music video is mostly concept based with no strong narrative I have no real need for props to aid the flow or storyline.
Thursday, 17 October 2013
How are youth cultures represented in Quadrophenia?
Youth cultures are formed from a criteria consisting of dress/fashion, music influences, rebellion against "the norm", having a collective identity and being marginalized. Teenagers are the age group which stereotypically fall into such cultures, in fact the word teenager means "constructed social group". The cultures were in part made by marketers to sell products and services. In the 1960's and 1970's there was an uprising and rebellion against consumerism which led to the forming of "counter culture". The trend has continued by formation of user generated cultures online. Ketleys theory of 2007 states that- "Among young people themselves, a wide range of colourful labels such as "Goths, Skaters, Greebos and Surfers" are often used to make distinctions between the behaviours of specific friendship groups"
The two main youth cultures we witness in the film Quadrophenia are the rival groups of the "Mods" and the "Rockers". These social groups differ in music taste, dress sense and vehicle design but are similar in many more ways- they are a collective who become alike to be different. The film follows the life of a young Mod Jimmy who lives in London in 1965. Like many others of his time, Jimmy hates the mundane life, especially his parents and his job in a company's mailing division. Only when he's together with his friends, a 'Mod' clique, takes a trip to Brighton on his motor-scooter and hears music such as that of 'The Who' he feels free and accepted. However, it's a flight into an illusionary world that in the end only leads to his downfall. This film clearly shows his youth culture as meaning everything to him, it is what fuels and leads his life. Jimmy sums up his feeling towards his culture in the line " I don't wanna be the same as everybody else. That's why I'm a Mod, see? I mean, you gotta be somebody, ain't ya, or you might as well jump in the sea and drown."
The representation of youth cultures can be clearly seen from the DVD cover. The colour scheme of the cover is red, white and blue which shows the British setting as well as incooperating The Who's band artwork. These colours also follow the theme of strong contrasts and could represent the contrast between the rival groups within the film. The Who's logo an also be seen within the "Q" of the word Quadrophenia, written in strong capitals across the top. The other text on the cover consists of a quote from Pete Townshend who is a member of The Who; "Quadropehenia tells a universal story 'Mod' is a shorter word for 'Young, Beautiful and Stupid'- we've all been there". As well as summarising the youth culture here the language also gives the viewer an insight into Mod life. The word 'Universal' is used to represent how youth cultures are not just a British 1960's feature, but something that features throughout time and across the globe. The use of the collective pronoun 'we' also suggests the speaker has personal experience and involvement within this culture. The final piece of text on the cover is a bold white against the blue mod figures and reads "A WAY OF LIFE". This tag line condenses what it means to be part of a youth culture- it is in all senses a religion.
The blue figures along the base of the cover feature the main characters and 'friends' of Jimmy within the Mod group. Their stances are relaxed and they look like a close group, however Jimmy stands apart, above and infront of them. He is the only part of the cover that does not fit the colour scheme for he is coloured in black and white, providing a stark contrast to the others. At the same time as being evidently apart from the others his stance is somewhat saddened and he has a vacant facial expression, representing his lost and alone situation within the film. His size and placing shows the viewer his importance within the film as the main character, but also the irony in the fact he is seperating himself to try and fit in.
The title of the film is Quadrophenia. The first part of the word "Quad" which means four, could represent the four personalities of Jimmy. Jimmy within the complex relationships of his family, Jimmy as part of the working world rebelling against consumerism, Jimmy as part of the Mod culture, and Jimmy as a renewed man pre Mod stage. The film centres around Jimmy trying to find who he really is, at the start he strives to be a leader within the culture- "Steph: Going to be one of the faces? Jimmy: What do you mean going to be? I AM one of the faces!". However Jimmy eventually learns of the fickilty within this lifestyle once he reaches an equilibrium after coming back from the Brighton riots. The soundtrack however really drives the narrative, as the film was originally written as a rock opera. The music is by the 60's band The Who, who wrote the music before the film- influenced by their many "Mod" follwers. The endorsement of The Who can be seen throughout the film, within the soundtrack which features throughout, as well as the artwork.
The lyrics of songs within Quadrophenia do in most cases link directly to what happens or the feelings of the characters within the film.For example when Jimmy discovers the idolised 'Ace Face' is merely a Bell Boy, the song 'Bell Boy' plays featuring the lyrics "Ain't you the guy who used to set the paces Riding up in front of a hundred faces, I don't suppose you would remember me, But I used to follow you back in '63." [...] "Some nights I still sleep on the beach. Remember when stars were in reach. I wander in early to work, Spend my day licking boots for my perks" These lyrics accuratley describe Jimmys frustration to find his idol is in reality just part of the norm and his hatred of consumerism. Another example is found within the opening scene when the song 'The Real Me' plays which features the lyrics "Can you see the real me, doctor? I went back to my motherI said, "I'm crazy ma, help me." This describes Jimmys situation within Quadrophenia, with his struggle to find the real him alongside his family turmoil. Later on in the film at a particular low point the song 'Im one' plays which features the lyrics "But I can't get that even tanned look on my face.Ill fitting clothes I blend in the crowd, Fingers so clumsy Voice too loud. But I'm one." These lyrics represent Jimmys sense of loss within his social group and culture, he feels again individual but not as a collective, as "one".
I have chosen to analyse this section of the film in closer detail, from 1:05-2:50.
The sequence begins with a dark road scene, the only light sources are from soft streetlights and the prominent headlights of the bike that illuminates Jimmys face in the foreground. The colours seen here are limited within the shadowy night time scene, a few of the colours within the background come from the streetlamps but they are mainly out of focus, creating a soft bokeh like effect. The shots focus on firstly the bike as a whole as it journeys along the dark road. The fact that this gang member is out at night aids to the representation of youth cultures, the scene is dark and therefore carrys conotations of evil, wrong doing, deception and mischief. However at this point the editing then quickens in cut pace as shots appear which feauture Jimmys expression- one of happiness and hope. The headlight from Jimmys bike is the most prominent light source within the scene, it acts as a leading light for the character and also an spherical eye like glow, guiding the character through the streets. The number of headlights on a bike also show the viewer whether the rider is a Mod or a Rocker, and how the youth cultures are very appearance driven.
As Jimmy travels through the street he us suddenly surrounded by a group of single lighted bikes who are evidently the rival group, they heckle and even kick at Jimmy, but drive on after a few seconds. Within this moment of panic the constant front shots switch to one of Jimmy looking behind at the camera to show his worry. When 'danger' presents itself the music builds in volume and pace, creating tension and a build up of the dark shapes surrounding the protagonist. However after this point the editing slows, the scene lightens and tense music fades as the character reaches safety of the mods. At this point Jimmy drives his bike into a collection of very similar looking models, he is now amongst a group again and no longer an individual. When Jimmy arrives he pays another character a large quantity of money for "blues" or amphetamines most commonly known as Speed. The extended amount of money shows the importance of the youth culture to this character as he tries to fit in. It also aids the negative representation of youth cultures as negative with the feature of drug abuse.
Throughout this sequence the viewer witnesses Todorors' theory of equilibrium and disequilibrium. The character of Jimmy reaches an equilibrium when he is cruising along towards the dance halls upon his Mod scooter. However this equilibrium is disrupted when he sees the rockers and the character faces a disequilibrium. Once the disruption passes the character is able to find a new equilibrium within the arrival at the dancehall. In conclusion the representation of youth cultures within this film is overall negative. Despite the protagonist feeling most at home happy and at home within the culture it also provides his downfall and a large amount of turmoil. As members of the audience I feel we do sympathise with youth cultures and the protagonist within the film however the presentation is overall negative so we dont sympathise completely. Our views are constructed by the negative actions we see throughout the film, however the viewpoint from an insider within these youth cultures allows the viewer to feel some compassion for the situations and the members.
The two main youth cultures we witness in the film Quadrophenia are the rival groups of the "Mods" and the "Rockers". These social groups differ in music taste, dress sense and vehicle design but are similar in many more ways- they are a collective who become alike to be different. The film follows the life of a young Mod Jimmy who lives in London in 1965. Like many others of his time, Jimmy hates the mundane life, especially his parents and his job in a company's mailing division. Only when he's together with his friends, a 'Mod' clique, takes a trip to Brighton on his motor-scooter and hears music such as that of 'The Who' he feels free and accepted. However, it's a flight into an illusionary world that in the end only leads to his downfall. This film clearly shows his youth culture as meaning everything to him, it is what fuels and leads his life. Jimmy sums up his feeling towards his culture in the line " I don't wanna be the same as everybody else. That's why I'm a Mod, see? I mean, you gotta be somebody, ain't ya, or you might as well jump in the sea and drown."
The representation of youth cultures can be clearly seen from the DVD cover. The colour scheme of the cover is red, white and blue which shows the British setting as well as incooperating The Who's band artwork. These colours also follow the theme of strong contrasts and could represent the contrast between the rival groups within the film. The Who's logo an also be seen within the "Q" of the word Quadrophenia, written in strong capitals across the top. The other text on the cover consists of a quote from Pete Townshend who is a member of The Who; "Quadropehenia tells a universal story 'Mod' is a shorter word for 'Young, Beautiful and Stupid'- we've all been there". As well as summarising the youth culture here the language also gives the viewer an insight into Mod life. The word 'Universal' is used to represent how youth cultures are not just a British 1960's feature, but something that features throughout time and across the globe. The use of the collective pronoun 'we' also suggests the speaker has personal experience and involvement within this culture. The final piece of text on the cover is a bold white against the blue mod figures and reads "A WAY OF LIFE". This tag line condenses what it means to be part of a youth culture- it is in all senses a religion.
The blue figures along the base of the cover feature the main characters and 'friends' of Jimmy within the Mod group. Their stances are relaxed and they look like a close group, however Jimmy stands apart, above and infront of them. He is the only part of the cover that does not fit the colour scheme for he is coloured in black and white, providing a stark contrast to the others. At the same time as being evidently apart from the others his stance is somewhat saddened and he has a vacant facial expression, representing his lost and alone situation within the film. His size and placing shows the viewer his importance within the film as the main character, but also the irony in the fact he is seperating himself to try and fit in.
The title of the film is Quadrophenia. The first part of the word "Quad" which means four, could represent the four personalities of Jimmy. Jimmy within the complex relationships of his family, Jimmy as part of the working world rebelling against consumerism, Jimmy as part of the Mod culture, and Jimmy as a renewed man pre Mod stage. The film centres around Jimmy trying to find who he really is, at the start he strives to be a leader within the culture- "Steph: Going to be one of the faces? Jimmy: What do you mean going to be? I AM one of the faces!". However Jimmy eventually learns of the fickilty within this lifestyle once he reaches an equilibrium after coming back from the Brighton riots. The soundtrack however really drives the narrative, as the film was originally written as a rock opera. The music is by the 60's band The Who, who wrote the music before the film- influenced by their many "Mod" follwers. The endorsement of The Who can be seen throughout the film, within the soundtrack which features throughout, as well as the artwork.
The lyrics of songs within Quadrophenia do in most cases link directly to what happens or the feelings of the characters within the film.For example when Jimmy discovers the idolised 'Ace Face' is merely a Bell Boy, the song 'Bell Boy' plays featuring the lyrics "Ain't you the guy who used to set the paces Riding up in front of a hundred faces, I don't suppose you would remember me, But I used to follow you back in '63." [...] "Some nights I still sleep on the beach. Remember when stars were in reach. I wander in early to work, Spend my day licking boots for my perks" These lyrics accuratley describe Jimmys frustration to find his idol is in reality just part of the norm and his hatred of consumerism. Another example is found within the opening scene when the song 'The Real Me' plays which features the lyrics "Can you see the real me, doctor? I went back to my motherI said, "I'm crazy ma, help me." This describes Jimmys situation within Quadrophenia, with his struggle to find the real him alongside his family turmoil. Later on in the film at a particular low point the song 'Im one' plays which features the lyrics "But I can't get that even tanned look on my face.Ill fitting clothes I blend in the crowd, Fingers so clumsy Voice too loud. But I'm one." These lyrics represent Jimmys sense of loss within his social group and culture, he feels again individual but not as a collective, as "one".
I have chosen to analyse this section of the film in closer detail, from 1:05-2:50.
The sequence begins with a dark road scene, the only light sources are from soft streetlights and the prominent headlights of the bike that illuminates Jimmys face in the foreground. The colours seen here are limited within the shadowy night time scene, a few of the colours within the background come from the streetlamps but they are mainly out of focus, creating a soft bokeh like effect. The shots focus on firstly the bike as a whole as it journeys along the dark road. The fact that this gang member is out at night aids to the representation of youth cultures, the scene is dark and therefore carrys conotations of evil, wrong doing, deception and mischief. However at this point the editing then quickens in cut pace as shots appear which feauture Jimmys expression- one of happiness and hope. The headlight from Jimmys bike is the most prominent light source within the scene, it acts as a leading light for the character and also an spherical eye like glow, guiding the character through the streets. The number of headlights on a bike also show the viewer whether the rider is a Mod or a Rocker, and how the youth cultures are very appearance driven.
As Jimmy travels through the street he us suddenly surrounded by a group of single lighted bikes who are evidently the rival group, they heckle and even kick at Jimmy, but drive on after a few seconds. Within this moment of panic the constant front shots switch to one of Jimmy looking behind at the camera to show his worry. When 'danger' presents itself the music builds in volume and pace, creating tension and a build up of the dark shapes surrounding the protagonist. However after this point the editing slows, the scene lightens and tense music fades as the character reaches safety of the mods. At this point Jimmy drives his bike into a collection of very similar looking models, he is now amongst a group again and no longer an individual. When Jimmy arrives he pays another character a large quantity of money for "blues" or amphetamines most commonly known as Speed. The extended amount of money shows the importance of the youth culture to this character as he tries to fit in. It also aids the negative representation of youth cultures as negative with the feature of drug abuse.
Throughout this sequence the viewer witnesses Todorors' theory of equilibrium and disequilibrium. The character of Jimmy reaches an equilibrium when he is cruising along towards the dance halls upon his Mod scooter. However this equilibrium is disrupted when he sees the rockers and the character faces a disequilibrium. Once the disruption passes the character is able to find a new equilibrium within the arrival at the dancehall. In conclusion the representation of youth cultures within this film is overall negative. Despite the protagonist feeling most at home happy and at home within the culture it also provides his downfall and a large amount of turmoil. As members of the audience I feel we do sympathise with youth cultures and the protagonist within the film however the presentation is overall negative so we dont sympathise completely. Our views are constructed by the negative actions we see throughout the film, however the viewpoint from an insider within these youth cultures allows the viewer to feel some compassion for the situations and the members.
Monday, 14 October 2013
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Quantative Research -Research into Target Audience
I have conducted a survey using www.surveymonkey.co.uk it can be found online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCH9RHT
Here is the analysis of my results!
Here is the analysis of my results!
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