Friday 21 January 2011

Song Permission 2

After deliberation we have decided upon another song; Coldplay- The scientist (Acoustic verion performed by 'Reuben'). Isaac took upon himself to write a letter to this specific person and within a day he recieved a reply in regards to permission. Here is a copy of both the letter sent and recieved.

Thursday 13 January 2011

Introductionary filming (Final Piece)

In regards of our final production, we have been advised to do a test run using the schools basic cameras to give us additional information in terms of location, shot, props and actors. Myself, Isaac and Luke went in a free period to our designated location; Cuckoos Hollow and filmed the shots we had previously drawn on our story board.

After finishing filming we have decided that the location is perfect for the atmosphere and audience response we hope to induce which is sympathy. We also found out that some shots couldn't be filmed to the standards we require simply because of the specification of the camera, this problem obviously with be rectified with the high tech camera we intend to purchase for approximately 3 days.

Monday 3 January 2011

Letter Justification

Here is a copy of the letter I will be sending to 'loop hole' the copyright law;

3rd January 2011

Dear Mat Kearney,

My name is Joseph and I am an A level student studying Media Studies at Ken Stimpson Community School in Peterborough. In our final project we aim to induce a sympathetic feel from our audience and in order to do this we would love to use one of your songs; 'Where do we go from here'.

If there is any problems with us using this piece of music in our production then obviously we will refrain from using the piece. If we do not hear from you back we assume that we have your permission and your support

in this matter.
Yours Sincerely,

JOSEPH WRIGHT
A Level Media Student.



(Click on picture for enlarged view)

Camera Hire

As a team we are very passionate about films, and we are all very keen to get started making our own intro. This is a piece of work that we want to be proud of, however we feel that the quality of the cameras our school can provide are not of sufficient quality to make a professional looking piece.

We intend to hire out a camera for approximately 3 days and this will cost us around £60, including a £150 deposit. As we only have the professional camera available for 3 days, we must make sure that our production is planned down to every detail so that we can go to the locations, shoot as few takes as possible and then move on to the next location.

Target Audience

Our specified target audience is teenagers to adults. We are aiming to meet a 15 rated guideline as this does not limit us as much as a PG 12 would do. Also limiting ourselves to a 12 would elimate many ideas that have been discussed so far. Some scenes are not suitable for young children.

Risk assessment

Injury to us or actors
Pre prepare family on our whereabouts and arrange scheduled times in which we will ring/check into make sure we're fine. Obtain emergency numbers and contact details. Constantly have a mobile telephone on at least two of our members on scene incase of severe injury and an ambulance is needed.   
Severe weather
Delay filming. Check weather forcast and update all members of the group on next scheduled date of filming.   
Weather changes
Once again, we will have to delay filming as we will want to have good continuity as it is a very important media technique.   
Illness
Physically, if the actor can continue as there are no dialogue except a small bit of singing, then we will continue to shoot our opening. If for any reason the little girl's vocal voice is inadequate due to a cold or other illness then we will have no other choice than delaying filming. As her scene is indoors the weather will not be a problem.   
Camera is late arriving
Ring the company immediately and get a progress report. Make adjustments to planning and notify actors. Re-schedule dates due to weather report.   
The camera brakes
For a small fee, we will be taking out the insurance as by a freak accident the camera does break, we would be very much inconvenienced as the price to replace it would be collosal.
Copyright music
In order to use a specific piece of music and not conflict the copyright law, we have to compose a letter asking Mat Kearney's permission to his piece 'Where do we go from here'. We don't expect a reply from him so we will put a clause into the letter saying 'If we're don't here back from you we assume we have your permission to use this piece of music'. If Mat himself does right back saying we can't use his music, we have another soundtrack ready and copyright free.

Codes and Conventions

Media students identify three categories of codes that may be used to
convey meanings in media messages: technical codes, which include
camera techniques, framing, depth of field, lighting and exposure and
juxtaposition; symbolic codes, which refer to objects, setting, body
language, clothing and colour; and written codes in the form of
headlines, captions, speech bubbles and language style.

By the term 'code' we mean a communication system which contains
elements which have an agreed meaning and which can be combined
according to agreed rules. This could be the English language, Morse Code, a
traffic policeman's hand signals, film etc.

A code must consist of:
• a set of signs which carry meaning
• a set of agreed rules for combining those signs together

The main conventions of a thriller/horror opening sequence is enigma to keep the viewer interested, set the scene (where and when the events in the film are happening), Identify the main characters and a brief view of there personality the final main convention of a horror/thriller opening sequence is the narrative.

The codes of a thriller/horror are extensive there are a huge amount to choose from. The main ones i believe to have an impact on the opening sequence are the lighting (low key and mysterious), the music (tense and unsettling) and quick cut transitions between shots to portray subconsiously the intensity of the film to come.