Representation of Characters

Animated Character - Marlin from Finding Nemo

Mise-en-scene = The lighting is very bright when he is on screen to reflect his bright personality and to reflect that hes friendly and loving. The colours also do this for the same reasons.

The setting is the ocean as hes a fish and its quite a rich place of the ocean so this reflects their love for a good life style for his family.

The sound when marlin is on is both non-diagetic and diagetic sound. The non-diagetic sound used is calm music quietly in the background to reflect his good mood. And then diagetic sound is used to make it as real-life as possible and so that you hear his fatherly voice.

The editing is really simple to make him stand out and be the focus point of the film. Also because its a childrens film so you wouldn't expect the editing to be to complicated as it would have confused the target audience.

There is basic usage of special effects within. For example marlin is created through CGI. This appeals to the target audience as they can use their imagination more with cartoon characters.

So overall Marlin is represented as a friendly and fatherly figure throughout the film.

Back To The Future Analysis

Camera Movement 

Within this clip there are a range of camera movement techniques used. For example at the beginning of the sequence a pan is used in order to pan the clocks around the room. After this it then moves on to panning the whole entire room so you can see all the props within. 

Story board and shot list.

Below is our storyboard for our 2 minute opening sequence of our film 'Be happy Charlie'.

Plan for filming

Plan for the three filming lessons. 

For the filming stage we will have three lessons in which to do all the filming. Because of this we need to be aware of time and make sure we allow ourselves enough time to upload the footage too.

So for the first lesson we will have to create the characters and the set and after that we will film as much as we can. And make sure we upload all the footage we have completed at the end of the lesson. As its an animation film we will just have to work in the classroom so therefore don't have to worry about moving locations each time or depend on the weather at all.

For the 2nd lesson we will film as much as we can and again leave enough time to upload our footage.

For the 3rd lesson we will film the remaining scenes and then again upload the footage.

As animations take quite along time to film we will probably create two sets one for the happy scenes and then another set for the sad scenes. Because of this it means that we will be able to have the two set up and be able to have more than one person filming a scene at the same time which means that it gives us more time to film the opening sequence and make sure everything gets complete and done.

Analysis of the credits in the opening scene of Inspector Gadget

The credits in the opening of Inspector gadget are presented mechanically to fit in with the characteristics of the main character. Inspector gadget is unpredictable and has many tricks up his sleeve which is mimicked in the opening, this is used to familiarise us with what the film with contain and to what genre Inspector Gadget is. Inspector gadget uses his extend able arm to save/ aid people and in the clip the arm helps to build the credits, this is a subtle addition from the arm that enables us to acknowledge the traits of the main character. The credits make us believe Inspector Gadget is in the opening credits without actually being in them. When the extend able arm wipes the credits it shows that Inspector Gadget is a perfectionist which builds more on his personality/traits. The sounds of the sirens add to the genre (Action). The target audience will understand all of the mechanical elements because they know he can produce contraptions out of himself. The police sirens are there as a reminder that he starts off as a police officer.

The Lion King - Analysis of sound

The Lion King has a certificate U.

The Sound in the opening sequence of The Lion King is empathetic sound, this means it fits what is going on in the scene. The music has a happy and majestic mood, which suggests that the genre fits these moods as well. The music also suggests that the film is aimed at children but will also appeal to adults.

The music represents characters by changing speed and volume to show the different classes between characters. For example when the King and his family are shown the music is slightly louder to emphasise their presence, but also becomes more gentle to represent their royalty. The when the other animals are shown, the music is slightly quieter to show that the Lions are superior to them. The music is also slightly more upbeat when the other animals are shown to show the chaos of their lives compared to the King and his family being relaxed and living in luxury.

The lyrics in the song suggests the narrative. The circle of life is the song used. The lyrics sort of contrast with the scene because the scene is happy and bright. However, the lyrics suggest that eventually the animals will die and this sequence will continue forever in a circle.

The atmosphere created by the music is initially happy as it is upbeat and because what the audience are seeing on screen is happy, the music fits with it.

Initial Ideas

What classification will you use and why?
The classification in which we are thinking about using is to make our film a 'U' classified film. We have chose this because a wider audience can watch the film without having to get there parents consent so therefore potenially it would be more popular and get more views. Also children relate more to animated characters as they can use their imaginations more.

Will you use live action or animation + why?
We have decided to do animation throughout our film. As it's easier to make a 'U' film within animation and make it stick to the frame work. Also by creating the characters it means that we can be more imaginative and creative with the characters and make them more exciting and also it means that we can have a better range of settings as they don't have to be real-life based so it means we can have broader story lines.

What is the outline of your story? (what is the moral)
Set on a tree mainly. There is a male caterpillar called Charlie who is really weak and has no friends and gets bullied a lot. There is a female caterpillar in which charlie falls in love with called Chloe however she can't announce her feelings as she is the leader of the caterpillars. However the ladybirds try to invade their tree. So Charlie the caterpilar changes into a butterfly and saves the day so everyone adores him and charlie and chloe fly away together. So the moral of the story is to never judge someone and to have faith in yourself.

What role will each group member have?
We are all going to make the characters together, we will also take turns to create the sets and do the filming. We will decide nearer the time who's going to mainly edit and then who is going to make the soundtrack whilst the other edits.

A film in which contradicts the BBFC Statement

Even though there are films in which agree and fit with the British Board of film classifcations statements. There are also many films in which contradict this statement.

For example Toy Story 3. This contradicts their statement because teenagers and adults are also strong fans/viewers of this film despite the fact its classified as a U film. There is also a lot adult humour within the film so therefore this contradicts the statement as they have included a special effort to make the film appeal to adults too.

Also the showing times contradict the statement as if it was only aimed at children and there were no special efforts to appeal to a different audience then they wouldn't have later viewings in which children would be asleep at home in. So therefore they must have wanted to have later viewings too in order appeal to adults/teenagers and make it possible for the film to fit into their lifestyles and work.

Controversial film - Up

The children's film up was given a U certificate. However, there is a scene where the bad character sets fire to the good characters house. This is suggesting to children that violence is okay and that the children can mimic the action and have no consequences. More violence is shown when the dogs attack each other, and bite the bird, and try to attack the other characters. This is telling children that violence has no consequences. It could also upset some children to see animals hurt, and the good characters in danger.

The U certificate is controversial as the film does make a special effort to appeal to a wider audience than the children, like their parents. For example, some adult humor is used, also adult relationships and difficulties, for example when the good character found out she couldn't have children, and many of the children watching the film wouldn't understand.

BBFC - British Board of Film Classification

Definition of a childrens film 'no special effort is made to make the film appeal to different audiences.' 


Children = Under the age of 12. Teenagers have different interests.

U Certificate = Universal -> Suitable for all all over the age of 5.
+ FIlm must have a positive moral frame work. 
+ Offer reassuring counter balances to any threat/horror.
+ Suitable for children to view alone.
+ No bad language or discrimination.
+ No drugs
+ No emphasis on real or accessible weapons
+ No sexual content - Only Love

PG = Parental Guidance = Suitable for 8+. Parents decide if their kids can handle it. They have to consider if it's suitable. 

+ Discrimination - But only for educational purposes. 
+ Drugs must carry on anti drug message. 
+ Horror - Short but not intense.
+ More grown up themes, e.g. Domestic violence - strongly portrayed as negative. 


However despite this there are still many controversial films for example:


In Babe it features a dog being hung. And then in water ship down there are lots of death + violence - but it's a U certificate and lots of dark colours are used. 

Children's action film - The incredibles

The clip meets the opening genre expectations by the mise-en-scene.

The costume is obviously superhero, and the costume has to be obvious to appeal to children, this also tells the target audience that it is an action film.

The lighting is bright and there are lots of bright colours to appeal to the target audience.

 Not much is given away from the set at the beginning to fit the mysteriousness of the superhero's and secrecy. 

This clip meets the opening criteria by introducing the main characters at the very beginning of the film, and good and bad characters are established.

The music is empathetic sound which fits with the mood of the scene. 

Wall-e - anaylsis within the sci-fi genre

Wall-e 

The opening credits/title feature music to still entice the children when they are watching the beginning of the film so that it appeals to them from the very start. 


The setting is also shown straight away and very clearly shown as it has to be obvious for the kids to be able to tell where the locations are going to be: wall-es home/work place. Also as its a sci-fi genre this is clear to the viewers because of the locations being shown.


The main character is shown from the very beginning so that the children will be able to see who is going to be the main focus point. Also by having a character which is cartoon always appeals to the younger generation. The fact the main character is a robot will appeal to the sci-fi genre as this is what the viewers will expect to feature in the film. 


Bright colours are used in order to reflect the mood throughout. However to fit the sci-fi genre the most common colours are used which you relate to the sci-fi genre- (blue,black,yellow,grey).


The basic plot/content is shown from the very start of the clip in a very obvious way so that the children will know whats going on/ may happen. However not to much is given away which means the kids won't be able to guess what will happen straight away. 


Music is used throughout the opening sequence which is empathetic sounds. So this will make the target audience empathise and realise how the character is feeling so therefore the kids will find wall-e cute/ sympathise with how he is acting. Also the type of music used again fits to the genre by the type of sounds which are put together to make the song. 


Again as a common convention the moral of the story is starting to develop but again because its a sci-fi film the moral fits to the genre. 


The lighting is contrasted throughout the clip to build tension but not portray to much fear of the character because of the fact its an opening sequence so the children wouldn't want it to develop to soon as it would confuse them. 

Animation - Rocco

The animation is effective because it appeals to it's target audience of children. This is because the text is simple and the main character is an animal which allows the children to use their imagination. The music is traditional and empathetic sound. It also has a happy feel to it.
The animation is typical of a children's genre because the main character is introduced at the beginning and is the main focus throughout the scene. The name of the main character is simple so it is easy for the children to know and pronounce.
The lighting is quite dark when the mouse is struggling and brighter when his difficulties are overcome.


We think we might do animation. The problems that we might have is that it takes a lot of time, which is going to be hard since we have to do the project during lesson time. Finding the right materials to do the animation may also be tricky. It may be hard to create the character's and images out of clay. Finding an appropriate set may be a challenge.We will need to make the right music to target our target audience which might be difficult. Getting the lighting in the classroom or set right to fit the mood of the scene could be hard to do.

Jumanji - How it fits the conventions of an adventure film

Jumanji

Jumanji fits mostly all of the conventions in which an adventure film features. For example at the start you are introduced to the board game. So this creates the tensions with diagetic sounds. This fits the convention as the board game is the main feature of the film and in childrens adventures films you are always shown the main plot line at the beginning which this does. Again as is its a childrens film when it moves to the next scene there is a massive contrast. This is as it changes the time period so therefore it will make it easier for the children to realise this.

A general convention is that you always get shown the main characters, both good and bad. So this also happens within this film as you are shown both the boy and the group of boys which are classed as the bad characters within this clip. 


We are also shown a range of settings. So this fits the convention of being shown the settings very early on in the film.


Moving on there is bright + colourful scenes which fits the conventions of an adventure film always being like this and also natural light is used to make it more realisitic and genuine. 


The opening title was shown with music so the music is used to entice the children as they wouldn't really be that attracted to just watching the title of the film appear on the screen in a unique way. 


A popular convention of an adventures childrens' film is always to include a moral within the storyline and to have resolved it by the end of the film. So therefore again in this opening sequence the bullying is shown in a way in which you can relate to the boy as the actors age will be the same as the target audiences age. 

How Tarzan fits the conventions.

Tarzan the film is a fantasy in which fits the conventions you expect to have within a childrens film.

For example the beginning of the film starts of with a chart music track beneath the opening credits so that the music will entice the children so that they don't get bored straight away.

From the very start you know the film will include danger because of the beginning of the film being the parents in the boat in danger and then having to protect their child. And then straight after the same happens with the gorillas. So therefore you know the theme will link the two different species and bring them together.

You are also straight away introduced to most of the main characters. You can tell they will be a strong part of the film because they have more screen time.

Also as usual the film started off with dark colours which will portray the mood/scene to be fearful and dangerous so may start to worry the children. However as its a childrens film they quickly change the colours to brighter and bolder colours and make it no longer fearful but happy/adventurous.

Again there are a range of characters which therefore means each child can relate to a different character within the film. It also shows the theme clearly because of the fact its a cartoon and they're talking animals etc.

And finally from the very start we are introduced to the two sceneries and settings so its making it clear for the children to see where its going to be set.

Favourite childrens film

When I was a child the film in which I enjoyed the most was Lion King.

1) How does it attract the target audience?

The lion king uses many techniques in order to attract its target audience. For example the opening sequence features bright colour so this makes the mood of the film really happy and fun so therefore this will excite the children and attract them. Also there is music within the background at the beginning of the film so again the fact its a happy and quite an emotional song it will again attract the target audience easily. The image to the right shows the action shown whilst this is happening to attract the target audience. And finally the fact it is a cartoon film with animals in straight away attract children as they always enjoy this sort of film at that age.

2) Why is this film so memorable to you?

The Lion King is so memorable to me for many reasons. For example I enjoyed the music used within the film as it always cheered me up and made me want to sing along with the characters. Also the usage of colour brightened up my day. As well as this I always loved animals so therefore the fact the Lion King had a variety of cartoon animals made it a really good film which I would always enjoy even to this age.

3) What is the moral of the film? 


The moral of the film is to always fight for what you believe in no matter how hard it is. And also to never trust anyone that you don't really know and to never go off on your own with no company or no contact with your family as it can lead to dangerous and life threatning situations.

Evaluation Question 2.

From doing the preliminary task we have learnt many things. Such as how to get the camera angles right during the filming process and how important it is to film the same sequence many times just in case the first one isn't very good. Also we learnt that sound can be a problem when filming as the camera picks up all the diagetic sounds.

In the uploading process we learnt that it takes quite a lot of time so therefore you have to be aware of this when filming.

Finally in the editing section we learnt quite a lot. For example how to slice and cut sections of the footage. Also how to render the footage properly, and we learnt how important it is to be aware of the length of time each section of the film is. And we learnt how to upload a track from garage band into final cut express. And lastly we learnt how to quick time the video so we could upload it to this blog.

Filming Process

The filming process went extremely well and all went to plan. The only part which took some extra work and thoughts was when we were trying to get the camera angles right and to make it look professional and fit in. Also the sound was a small issue as we couldn't hear it on the actual camera we had to wait to hear it on the apple mac. Also it picked up every single sound so therefore was quite a lot of background noise within each clip.

Preliminary Task - Continuity Task

The task is to take out the camera in a small group college and shoot a sequence.

Establishing shot = C block corridor
Close-up shot = Close-up of the C block toilet door
Match on action shot = Inside the C block toilets
Reaction shot =Inside the C block toilets
Long shot = In the C block toilets

Filming a conversation = Inside the C block


Establishing shot(image on the right)- This is effective because it allows the audience to see the setting.

Close up- This allows the audience to see the characters facial expressions so that they can relate to the character.





Match on action- This allows the audience to see the action from a different perspective. This helps the audience to fully understand what is happening.

Reaction shot- This shows the audience what the character is feeling. This is effective becuase it reflects the charcters mood.