In our latest Production Practice lesson we had a workshop teaching the whole class how to use the editing Suite 'Avid'. The is the editing suite that we are going to be using for our first year as MPS students. After this I believe we will be introduced to Final Cut Pro, which is a more advanced editing suite for second and third years.
My first experience on Avid was in this workshop as I have never used official editing suites before. My experience of editing consists of using basic Microsoft packages for A level work creating trailers. I like how in LJMU we have access to the two screen system as to make using Avid easier. The two screens allows you to see all of the material that you are dealing with and so you can practically do two things at once.
On the whole, I found the workshop pretty boring (sorry lecturers!) but it was just a bit simple, and was dragged out from an activity that could be done in 10 minutes to an hour or more. I thought that the workshop would be more detailed because we only covered the basics (which are pretty easy - I thought a booklet would have been more helpful). This is just my opinion, but hopefully the editing will become more clear in the weeks to come. Just to clarify, I think editing is fun, but workshop at the pace we had - not so much!
Anyway thought I would share my thoughts and feelings, because that's what blogging is, right?
Speak soon!
Friday 28 October 2011
Thursday 27 October 2011
The Medium is the Massage...
Since our last Contemporary Media Issues lesson, I have taken out this book from the library as to study it more in detail. Of course having a look through the book alone is important, but I also wanted the group to have a meeting with the book to discuss its contents together. We had this meeting in the latest CMI lesson, and it was useful to find out each others opinions on the book.
In this lesson we decided to each create a Prezi on the subject of 'The Medium is the Massage'. Each Prezi will soon be added to threads on our Wiki page. My personal Prezi was about imagery that Marshall McLuhan has either created or is the mind behind. This was to look more into the meaning behind some of the riddles that he has left behind since his death.
Other Prezi's that the group created were one being a profile on McLuhan, videos about McLuhan and interviews, and finally quotes from McLuhan and what they could or do mean. I think creating Prezi's to put on the Wiki will make the whole thing a bit more interesting because I think that a simple Wiki with written threads is boring to look at. For others to learn about our subject we want it to hold attention and be more adventurous.
I found some images on the internet just to show you what the book looks like on the inside, I was going to scan the book but its extremely fragile! Literally, some pages are not even in the book and some are just clinging on for dear life.
These are some of the pages, as you can see some are all over the place and no page is the same as another. This graphic design look is due to the collaboration Marshall McLuhan had with Quentin Fiore; each page layout is different and many fonts and images are used which do make the book somewhat confusing but exciting.
Here is the link to the Prezi that I have created, and again a link to our Wiki, which is a working progress so be nice if you comment :)
http://prezi.com/w1_cxyuqj1xa/marshall-mcluhan-the-medium-is-the-massage/
http://contemporarymediaissues.wetpaint.com/page/Marshall+McLuhan+-+The+medium+is+the+massage
Speak soon!
In this lesson we decided to each create a Prezi on the subject of 'The Medium is the Massage'. Each Prezi will soon be added to threads on our Wiki page. My personal Prezi was about imagery that Marshall McLuhan has either created or is the mind behind. This was to look more into the meaning behind some of the riddles that he has left behind since his death.
Other Prezi's that the group created were one being a profile on McLuhan, videos about McLuhan and interviews, and finally quotes from McLuhan and what they could or do mean. I think creating Prezi's to put on the Wiki will make the whole thing a bit more interesting because I think that a simple Wiki with written threads is boring to look at. For others to learn about our subject we want it to hold attention and be more adventurous.
I found some images on the internet just to show you what the book looks like on the inside, I was going to scan the book but its extremely fragile! Literally, some pages are not even in the book and some are just clinging on for dear life.
Here is the link to the Prezi that I have created, and again a link to our Wiki, which is a working progress so be nice if you comment :)
http://prezi.com/w1_cxyuqj1xa/marshall-mcluhan-the-medium-is-the-massage/
http://contemporarymediaissues.wetpaint.com/page/Marshall+McLuhan+-+The+medium+is+the+massage
Speak soon!
Image credits: melbournecityuncovered.wordpress.com
Sunday 23 October 2011
Scott McCloud - Understanding Comics
Okay so this book got mentioned in out last Digital Media Tools lesson, and I wanted to know more. I made a fair few notes in the lesson and here they are:
Scott believes that the gutters in a comic book (or the space between images) can tell a story. Images are used so that they follow on from the last, but of course comics are not frame by frame, because this would be too tedious. And so, the readers sees two images, say of an action sequence of two men fighting, and they fill in the gap between themselves. This is how sequential imagery works, with the viewer making assumptions of what happens between each shot.
There are 6 sections to how this sequential comic art works, and they are as follows:
- Moment to moment - frame by frame images, associated with establishment, less closure from these images.
- Action to action - distinct progression through shots, e.g. action sequences.
- Subject to subject - staying within a scene or idea. Degree of reader involvement renders transitions meaningful.
- Scene to scene - detective reasoning is often required. Transporting across significant time and/or space.
- Aspect to aspect - bypass time - drawing attention to a particular area. Zooming or wide shot to close ups/close ups to establishing shots.
- Non-sequential - no logical relationship so leaves room for the reader to make their own links.
This segment of the lesson interested me because I do like to read comic books/graphic novels in my spare time. The idea that this much thought is behind creating each page is fascinating to me and I would like to learn more, hopefully through McCloud's website or maybe even buying this book for some light reading.
Anyway, just thought I would pop this blog in as another item of interest!
Speak soon!
Image credits: www.pencilink.blogspot.com/2010/12
My new DSLR camera (Finally!)
So I finally got my new camera that I have been planning on getting for the past few weeks. It took a lot of researching and price searching as well to find the right one for me but I got it!
It is the Canon EOS 1100D DSLR and it is beautiful (if I do say so myself!). Here are 2 pictures that my boyfriend took when I was playing around with it, it was like an early Christmas!
As you can see its the grey version of the camera, and I got it in a package deal with an extra lense (which is massive!), 2 UV filters, a bag and a memory card. Was a really good price and I'm happy I looked around as much as I did.
Here's a picture of the camera from the Jessop's website to show you it properly:
I am so happy with my purchase and it will come in very handy for University, because it also videos in HD! You will see me displaying a lot of content soon using this camera.
Speak soon!
It is the Canon EOS 1100D DSLR and it is beautiful (if I do say so myself!). Here are 2 pictures that my boyfriend took when I was playing around with it, it was like an early Christmas!
Here's a picture of the camera from the Jessop's website to show you it properly:
Speak soon!
Image credits: www.Jessops.com
Fear X and Chaos Cinema
So in our Film Language lesson we watched Fear X by director Nicolas Winding Refn, it is a Scandinavian Psychological Thriller. Throughout the screening we focused on the editing of the film as this was the lecture that we had in the morning beforehand. I find focusing on a particular aspect of a film when watching allows me to make more notes than I normally would because I have a specific point to work with.
After the screening we then went to our seminars and David shown our group 'Chaos Cinema' by Matthias Stork. The video (1 of 2) looks at film editing in great detail. Here is the link to his Vimeo site:
http://vimeo.com/user8212958
I found watching his video very informative because it elaborated in the lecture that we had about editing. Editing is something that allows film makers to create a story, rather than just a sequence of images.
Thought I would share this with you guys, because I really liked today's Film Language, I learnt a lot and as usual made a ridiculous amount of notes! Anyway...
Speak soon!
After the screening we then went to our seminars and David shown our group 'Chaos Cinema' by Matthias Stork. The video (1 of 2) looks at film editing in great detail. Here is the link to his Vimeo site:
http://vimeo.com/user8212958
I found watching his video very informative because it elaborated in the lecture that we had about editing. Editing is something that allows film makers to create a story, rather than just a sequence of images.
Thought I would share this with you guys, because I really liked today's Film Language, I learnt a lot and as usual made a ridiculous amount of notes! Anyway...
Speak soon!
Mofilm!
So instead of having our normal lecture on Thursday, we instead had a workshop for Mofilm. We were given a brief to do with the Hindustan Times (an Indian/English newspaper). The idea was to create a short advert for the Newspaper that is related to their current campaign. The adverts are about people doing something that could be seen as wrong, and then someone gives them a sharp whack on the head with a copy of the paper to make them realise what they are doing!
Here are some examples that Mofilm introduced us to:
http://www.mofilm.com/std/ec745d
http://www.mofilm.com/std/9190f7
Of course we were excited to start as we only had the day to come up with the idea and at least have all of the footage, edited or not. The submission date is in November so we have more time to edit the sequences that we create.
The adverts that we submit will be posted on the site under the Kathmandu 2011 competition and we could win a trip to Kathmandu, Nepal! This would be an amazing opportunity so I really wanted to create something amazing with our group!
Our finished product is not quite there so I will do another post about our final film, edited and finished for you all to see!
Speak soon!
Image credits: www.mofilm.com
Red State Review
I'm a bit late writing this review as I have been fairly busy with work, but its here now!
I went to see Red State the other day; it is the new feature from Director Kevin Smith (formally known for Jay and Silent Bob and Zack and Miri Make a Porno).
The dramatic change in genre that Smith has taken is pretty unbelievable, fans of his will probably be surprised to find out that Red State is his. I for one wasn't aware the piece was his until I arrived at the cinema. In this review I am going to talk about details of the film and also themes throughout, so if you haven't seen the film you may wish to look away now (I'll try not to give to much away!).
First of all I would like to mention the cast of Red State, because the performances throughout are very convincing. John Goodman, or my first reaction 'It's Fred Flinstone!', is Joseph Keenan an ATF agent in the US. He is known for being the voice in many animations for Pixar and the likes, but also films such as The Big Lebowski and series such as Roseanne. His performance in the film is superb, with the story being pretty mundane from his characters point of view, the realisation of the bigger picture is portrayed wonderfully. Still, he brings an element of comedy through the role, with crude comments following the killing of his colleague.
Goodman isn't the main character, but he levels with the lead of Michael Parks who plays Abin Cooper.
The insanely disturbed Abin Cooper is a fundamentalist believing in God's ways, a bit too extremely. Parks allows himself to become this figure at the forefront of an inbred family church, and has power over all of his family and followers. The torturing and tormenting throughout the film are results of 'wrong doing' on the victims parts. Basically they are against homosexuality, sex, drugs and rock and roll by the sounds of things. He encourages mutilation to show what will happen to you if you do these criminalities. I was actually disturbed by his character, because it makes you think, in the south of the USA, are there still people who do such things? And then the reality of the story hits home.
Of course, religion is the biggest theme in this film, visible from the repetition of subliminal and sometimes obvious crosses. I mean they are everywhere in this film! Again the obvious lies in the church in which these fundamentalists practice. I do like how religious Abin Cooper's speeches are and how he quotes the bible and other notable texts. The way in which he uses hard facts of what Christians believe in makes the film seem more like a documentary. I know this sounds crazy, but even in the way it is shot, there is a voyeuristic aspect of the film much like a documentary. Again, how the film portrays the 'bible belt' country of America is unnervingly realistic. Toward the end of the film of course, Smith resorts to his usual tricks of comedy and allows the agents to eventually joke about the situation that the Christians got themselves into. This could be tongue and cheek to some people, but being a non-believer I thought it was pretty funny!
I want to talk more about camera work. Knowingly, Smith has used low angle shots of the priest (Michael Parks) to suggest the power that he has over his followers. And also the area in which he places the camera allows us as an audience become part of the following and viewing Parks from that point of view. He also has the camera angles looking down upon the victims of the church. For example, when two of the teens that they capture are in the basement, the view we have is down through the hatch in the floor, this to me connotes that these 'criminals' are below the church. In a sense that they do not deserve to be on the same level that the believers are. Finally, an interesting bit of camera work is used when Goodman is sitting in the back of his van on the phone, we can see him but then we can also see all of the chaos going on behind him. I liked this shot because it related the two scenes without having to cut from one to the other.
An underlying theme in the film that I picked up on was the relation to the US government, it may be unintentional, however very interesting. The US government is renowned for covering up stories to make things run smoother in the country, whether it be small incidents or more prominent issues (e.g. Twin Towers alleged cover ups). Not to spoil the film, but another cover up occurs whereby the government needs to dispose of wrong doers without going through the courts. This 'war on terror' still occurs on their home turf, and so the US government uses this device to cover up such incidents to do with firearms, etc. Post 9/11 theory comes in to mind when talking about terrorism in the US. Of course we all know the country has become very high alert since the incidents on 9/11 and this theory supports the idea that American government is paranoid, to say the least.
Shall we skip to the verdict? Well for me this film was a refreshing change, as it wasn't your typical action/thriller, I felt it brought more to the table. The way in which Smith used his previous experience to create a film he says was inspired by Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ was awe inspiring. If you are interested in films that have deeper meaning, make you think and allow you to become immersed, then I suggest you watch Red State. I give the film 10/10, for amazing camera work and acting performance. Not to mention the disturbing but interesting story plot!
Speak soon!
First of all I would like to mention the cast of Red State, because the performances throughout are very convincing. John Goodman, or my first reaction 'It's Fred Flinstone!', is Joseph Keenan an ATF agent in the US. He is known for being the voice in many animations for Pixar and the likes, but also films such as The Big Lebowski and series such as Roseanne. His performance in the film is superb, with the story being pretty mundane from his characters point of view, the realisation of the bigger picture is portrayed wonderfully. Still, he brings an element of comedy through the role, with crude comments following the killing of his colleague.
Goodman isn't the main character, but he levels with the lead of Michael Parks who plays Abin Cooper.
The insanely disturbed Abin Cooper is a fundamentalist believing in God's ways, a bit too extremely. Parks allows himself to become this figure at the forefront of an inbred family church, and has power over all of his family and followers. The torturing and tormenting throughout the film are results of 'wrong doing' on the victims parts. Basically they are against homosexuality, sex, drugs and rock and roll by the sounds of things. He encourages mutilation to show what will happen to you if you do these criminalities. I was actually disturbed by his character, because it makes you think, in the south of the USA, are there still people who do such things? And then the reality of the story hits home.
Of course, religion is the biggest theme in this film, visible from the repetition of subliminal and sometimes obvious crosses. I mean they are everywhere in this film! Again the obvious lies in the church in which these fundamentalists practice. I do like how religious Abin Cooper's speeches are and how he quotes the bible and other notable texts. The way in which he uses hard facts of what Christians believe in makes the film seem more like a documentary. I know this sounds crazy, but even in the way it is shot, there is a voyeuristic aspect of the film much like a documentary. Again, how the film portrays the 'bible belt' country of America is unnervingly realistic. Toward the end of the film of course, Smith resorts to his usual tricks of comedy and allows the agents to eventually joke about the situation that the Christians got themselves into. This could be tongue and cheek to some people, but being a non-believer I thought it was pretty funny!
I want to talk more about camera work. Knowingly, Smith has used low angle shots of the priest (Michael Parks) to suggest the power that he has over his followers. And also the area in which he places the camera allows us as an audience become part of the following and viewing Parks from that point of view. He also has the camera angles looking down upon the victims of the church. For example, when two of the teens that they capture are in the basement, the view we have is down through the hatch in the floor, this to me connotes that these 'criminals' are below the church. In a sense that they do not deserve to be on the same level that the believers are. Finally, an interesting bit of camera work is used when Goodman is sitting in the back of his van on the phone, we can see him but then we can also see all of the chaos going on behind him. I liked this shot because it related the two scenes without having to cut from one to the other.
An underlying theme in the film that I picked up on was the relation to the US government, it may be unintentional, however very interesting. The US government is renowned for covering up stories to make things run smoother in the country, whether it be small incidents or more prominent issues (e.g. Twin Towers alleged cover ups). Not to spoil the film, but another cover up occurs whereby the government needs to dispose of wrong doers without going through the courts. This 'war on terror' still occurs on their home turf, and so the US government uses this device to cover up such incidents to do with firearms, etc. Post 9/11 theory comes in to mind when talking about terrorism in the US. Of course we all know the country has become very high alert since the incidents on 9/11 and this theory supports the idea that American government is paranoid, to say the least.
Shall we skip to the verdict? Well for me this film was a refreshing change, as it wasn't your typical action/thriller, I felt it brought more to the table. The way in which Smith used his previous experience to create a film he says was inspired by Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ was awe inspiring. If you are interested in films that have deeper meaning, make you think and allow you to become immersed, then I suggest you watch Red State. I give the film 10/10, for amazing camera work and acting performance. Not to mention the disturbing but interesting story plot!
Speak soon!
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Digital Media Tools - Sequential Imagery
In today's Digital Media Tool's lesson we spoke about sequential imagery and how images can link together. We talked about how comic books and graphic novels use the dead space or 'gutters' to allow the audience to make their own decisions of what happens in between.
The layout in which images are put together on a page is crucial to the way in which the reader visualises the story. The gutter allows the creator to leave information out of the story, then allows the audience to make their own conclusions about what happens within it.
The first instance that we were given of telling a story by using a small amount of information (in this case words) was Ernest Hemingway's flash fiction story; 'For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.' The piece is evocative in its own right, and only using 6 words is extremely impressive. The more you read between the lines, the more you get from the short story.The variety that we have in our photographs, the more interested the viewer will be and so it will evoke more thought. Examples of this are:
'Mystery on the street' - Otto Umbehr (1928). The camera angle and the use of shadows gives a multitude of stories for the audience to choose from.
'New Brighton' - Martin Parr (1986). The busy scene has various points of focus which makes the single image a lot more interesting.
These images are of course real life photography, but we also discussed cartoon images. This is when we spoke about the arrangement of images on the page and the spaces in between. Example of this is:
Graphic novels - example I chose is a page out of 'Nemesis' by Mark Miller. The gutter which lines the action allows the audience to fill in the missing parts and in their mind create a moving image based on what they are given.
The classic comic book knows how to display action through illustration. This isn't so simple in photography so we have to find ways around this. Using post production editing such as Photoshop.
Once we had the discussions about sequential imagery, we were asked to create our own sequence of 5 images portraying a story (in pairs). This was so we could experience having to convey a story very fast and to the point. This link with out current society of fast past advertisements and the likes.
Me and my partner decided on the story of someone getting into a lift and becoming stuck, then eventually being freed. This gave us the beginning, middle and ending in which all stories are based around (even Hemingway's 6 word flash fiction).
Here are the 5 final images that we chose:
Its a simple story, I will admit, but none the less I hope we have conveyed a story you all understand! Anyway I am very tired now so I will do another blog which will focus on the work of Scott McCloud - American comic book artist and theorist.
Speak soon!
The layout in which images are put together on a page is crucial to the way in which the reader visualises the story. The gutter allows the creator to leave information out of the story, then allows the audience to make their own conclusions about what happens within it.
The first instance that we were given of telling a story by using a small amount of information (in this case words) was Ernest Hemingway's flash fiction story; 'For sale: Baby shoes, never worn.' The piece is evocative in its own right, and only using 6 words is extremely impressive. The more you read between the lines, the more you get from the short story.The variety that we have in our photographs, the more interested the viewer will be and so it will evoke more thought. Examples of this are:
These images are of course real life photography, but we also discussed cartoon images. This is when we spoke about the arrangement of images on the page and the spaces in between. Example of this is:
Once we had the discussions about sequential imagery, we were asked to create our own sequence of 5 images portraying a story (in pairs). This was so we could experience having to convey a story very fast and to the point. This link with out current society of fast past advertisements and the likes.
Me and my partner decided on the story of someone getting into a lift and becoming stuck, then eventually being freed. This gave us the beginning, middle and ending in which all stories are based around (even Hemingway's 6 word flash fiction).
Here are the 5 final images that we chose:
Speak soon!
Image Credits: www.metmuseum.org
news.bbc.co.uk
www.thebooksmugglers.com
ranterbanter.wordpress.com
Contemporary Media Issues Assignment 1
Our first assignment in this lesson is to create a Wiki (through Wetpaint.com) about a book that we have been given and a specific question that goes along with the book. The idea is to answer the question and make the information accesable to everyone else on the course. This allows all of the class to learn from each other and simplifies information down so that we can see things clearer.
In my group we recieved the text 'The medium is the massage' by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore (1967). I am familiar with Marshall McLuhans work through 6th form and using him in my research for Media Studies theories.
Last week we were introduced to using Wiki's and I wasn't totally convinced that this is something that i would like to use. However, because we have been given this as the first assignement, I suppose I am going to have to get used to it! We are allowed to include a multitude of media within the Wiki so as a group we thought that it would be a good idea to make the Wiki look a bit more exciting rather than just an essay.
We have decided to include sound bites of eachother speaking about or given subject and our own personal thoughts and feeling about the book and MacLuhan. We will also research for YouTube content related to the subject and talk about the videos underneath in a discussion format. I personally really like using Prezi and so we are going to include a Prezi to illustrate how the things that we are talking about link together. This will link in with the whole theme of wanting our Wiki to resemble that of the book. Because the book is very graphic based so it is full of images and text combined to interest the reader.
We will either download the book off the internet or get a hard copy from the LJMU Learning Resource Centre. I think that having the hard copy will be much better because it is very image based. If we get one hard copy between the group we have then discuss as a whole what we all think. We could also download a copy each to refer to at home when doing individual threads for the Wiki.
The question that we were given alongside the title of the book was to find out exactly what The medium is the massage means, and also refer to other books by Marshall MacLuhan such as 'Understading Media'. We are also allowed to refer to other texts that could link in with our key text.
Anyway, I think that using all of the different media forms will allow the Wiki to become enjoyable for everyone, so hopefully we can work well as a team! :)
Speak soon!
In my group we recieved the text 'The medium is the massage' by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore (1967). I am familiar with Marshall McLuhans work through 6th form and using him in my research for Media Studies theories.
We have decided to include sound bites of eachother speaking about or given subject and our own personal thoughts and feeling about the book and MacLuhan. We will also research for YouTube content related to the subject and talk about the videos underneath in a discussion format. I personally really like using Prezi and so we are going to include a Prezi to illustrate how the things that we are talking about link together. This will link in with the whole theme of wanting our Wiki to resemble that of the book. Because the book is very graphic based so it is full of images and text combined to interest the reader.
We will either download the book off the internet or get a hard copy from the LJMU Learning Resource Centre. I think that having the hard copy will be much better because it is very image based. If we get one hard copy between the group we have then discuss as a whole what we all think. We could also download a copy each to refer to at home when doing individual threads for the Wiki.
The question that we were given alongside the title of the book was to find out exactly what The medium is the massage means, and also refer to other books by Marshall MacLuhan such as 'Understading Media'. We are also allowed to refer to other texts that could link in with our key text.
Anyway, I think that using all of the different media forms will allow the Wiki to become enjoyable for everyone, so hopefully we can work well as a team! :)
Speak soon!
Image Credits: www.bnet.com
People on the move - Continued.
We had another meeting about our People on the move project, and we came up with a more detailed overview of out plot, characters and details of locations, etc. This was useful because we collaborated our ideas rather than going away and thinking of our own. I decided to take photographs of the notes I made just to put them on my blog with ease. So here they are:
This is a brief plot line and then moving onto details of the 6 different sections we will have in the film. It is broken down from person to person to give a clearer view of transitions to various characters.
This is the following page showing the next few sections of the film. Each shows details of what the character is doing and the camera will be from their point of view of that person.
Then we have a list of locations in order of the times we shoot them. We have also listed the locations that we may have to get permission to film at and have chosen someone in the group to be in charge of this. We also have listed the types of shoes that the characters will be wearing (because ours is all about the feet!).
Finally we have a list of props that we are going to need for the shoot. This will allow us to collect the items prior to filming. We also have a job list of what jobs we have divided between the group so far. My main responsibilty is to type out all of the notes that we have made such as locations and props, and also to create a full script/plot of what will happen in our 2 minute film.
I am enjoying this project because I have never used the cameras before and so I feel this will allow me to learn as I go, from the teachers and also from my group members. Creating the film is going to be a fun process and I cant wait to start!
Speak soon!
I am enjoying this project because I have never used the cameras before and so I feel this will allow me to learn as I go, from the teachers and also from my group members. Creating the film is going to be a fun process and I cant wait to start!
Speak soon!
Monday 17 October 2011
Personal interests... THE YOGSCAST!
They originally started with Podcast's and their internet sensation just expanded from here. At the moment they are in America playing video games and documenting a convention.
Their channel is called the 'Yogscast' and they play new game releases single player and co-op. They also love Minecraft (I don't fancy the game but the videos are hilarious!)
This is one of their videos that you will find on YouTube:
Speak soon!
Image Credits: www.facebook.com/SimonHoneydew?ref=ts
Camera Workshop (well needed!)
So so glad that someone finally decided to tell me how to use these big high tech cameras at the Screen School, I've been itching to get my hands on one! I have only used small camcorders in previous work and so this was exciting for me!
The camera that we were working with is the Sony Z1E, and we went through all of the basic work first. Even going through how to correctly set up the tripod (which was very useful).
We then went though items such as zoom, focus, iris, white balance, gain and shutter speed. All of these tutorials helped me tremendously because I have never used one of these cameras before and so of course I need to know the basics.
The reason for this workshop is because we are starting out first short film these coming weeks and so we need to know our way around the equipment.
Anyway, a very informative day this way.
Speak soon!
Image Credits: www.DSvideo.tv
Ellen Perry comes to visit!
Ellen allowed us to ask questions about the film, her job, the making of films and much more in this lecture. After watching the trailer for the film, many questions arose and were answered delightfully by the American. She also spoke about Liverpool as if we come from a mystical land, she said 'its like your not even English! Can I say that? What I mean is, Liverpool has something magic about it'. Being from Liverpool I found this a fantastic comment and was then sitting proud for the rest of the lecture!
I found her visit extremely beneficial because having someone from the industry come in and talk about their experience in the field (much like the BBC visit) allowed me to have more of an insight into the world behind the camera.
Things Ellen spoke about that interested me (facts and figures):
- The industry usually ask for 2.30minute trailers for the big screen, but they also expect a shorter version (about 1 minute long). They are always trying to cut trailer time.
- UK child film hours is only 4 a day! Which means shooting such a film like 'Will' is difficult, having the lead as a child. Ellen shot the film in 42 days in 3 different countries!
- CGI was only used for the stadium scenes, for the crowd. This was because organising 2000 extras is trouble, never mind 80,000!
- Detailed research into the area that the film is covering is essential. Ellen researched constantly throughout the process working alongside LFC to acquire as much information as possible. She even went to as many Liverpool games as she could whilst she was in the city!
- They had about 200/250 crew members for the film, but when they shot in different countries they could only take a limited about along because of the cost, so each executive of department had to choose wisely.
- 600 children were tested for the lead of Will, but Ellen went with her gut in the end and chose Perry Eggleton, who had very little experience. She said going with her gut is what she always does and to never listen to those around you, listen to yourself.
- The casting director was Daniel Hubbard who has cast for films such as King King (2005) and the Bourne series. Ellen stated 'casting is 90% of the production, without it you would have nothing'.
- It took her and her partners 3 months to storyboard the film and also do the technical reccying of the locations, etc.
Speak soon!
Image Credits: www.IMDB.com
People on the move...
So the next assignment that we have is 'People on the move'. We have to create a 1.30 to 2 minute film about a journey of someone, something or multiple someones and somethings!
We are just coming up with ideas individually at the minute, but this is my first sort of draft of a pitch to show my group when we have our next meeting:
Here are some (awful) sketches of ideas for the way in which I think we should film the short film. I have written anecdotes next to each image explaining what I mean. I want to shoot all of the film from the point of view of the person 'on the move'.
Again more sketches of the initial ideas that I have came up with. I would like any establishing shots to tilt up from the feet in focus to show the relevance and location.
This final page shows ideas of what we should do in terms of plot line - who we are following and what will be the outcome. I have also noted down a few songs (from personal choice) which I feel are good walking/moving/travelling songs. We could use any of these (or some others!) over the film as we are not yet using the audio side of things.
Anyway, these are just some small ideas that I have had, hopefully we as a group can expand on these to come up with more detailed plans next meeting.
Speak soon!
We are just coming up with ideas individually at the minute, but this is my first sort of draft of a pitch to show my group when we have our next meeting:
Anyway, these are just some small ideas that I have had, hopefully we as a group can expand on these to come up with more detailed plans next meeting.
Speak soon!
Another creativity and concept lesson :)
I'm going to have to be a Media nerd and say this, but I actually enjoy our lessons! Especially these because we are constantly being introduced to something new each lesson. Obviously the name of the module gives the content away slightly; our lessons mainly focus on ways of improving our idea output, creativity and generally getting to know ourselves and others more through the course.
Before we actually 'got down to business', our lecturers decided to show us 'The Automatic'. This is the room as a whole, a relaxing space to work and learn. However, the main feature of the room is a giant projection board which is 3 large boards put together to become one. We had a go of the board by each having a keyboard which allowed us individually to type what we wanted on the board anonymously. We were asked 'what is the meaning of life?' and of course some precarious answers, and of course the number 42 came about as well. The point of this quick exercise was to show us all that we had a space in which we could come and discuss ideas a group and visualise how these ideas all spout and connect.
From this, the lesson was all about Edward De Bono and his ways of thinking. We used various methods that he has created to access ideas and creations in our minds for a new product to have in the Liverpool Screen School. One exercise involved two images, and we had to think of words to do with the object on these images. Our first, for example, was a hot air balloon and wheelbarrow. We came up with many ideas but finally voiced one, which was (strange as it sounds) little hot air balloons that carried your mail above everyone's heads through the corridor instead of boring emails. This shows how using divergent thinking and then convergent thinking allows the human brain to think of completely new ideas from something so simple.
Another exercise that we took part in (which I intend to use in my own time) was the 'Brain Box'. In groups we were given a box full of scraps and cuttings that had been collected. we were asked to come up with ideas from these things. It could be anything related to one or multiple items in the box, and the further away from the original ideas the better because this shows development. I like this brain box idea because I could keep everything that interests me such as magazine cuttings or leaflets I have picked up. This box would allow me to store everything I see for future reference rather than forgetting about them.
This lesson allowed me to see all the ideas that I could come up with when given a word or object to work from. The exercises were useful to me personally and so with the research that we have looked at about Edward De Bono I am going to take this further and put it into action when I need to think of ideas. I think I will buy one or two of his books as well as his work does interest me.
Here are some photographs of the work that we produced and also a photograph of 'The Automatic' and the big screen we used to work out the meaning of life :)
Speak soon!
Before we actually 'got down to business', our lecturers decided to show us 'The Automatic'. This is the room as a whole, a relaxing space to work and learn. However, the main feature of the room is a giant projection board which is 3 large boards put together to become one. We had a go of the board by each having a keyboard which allowed us individually to type what we wanted on the board anonymously. We were asked 'what is the meaning of life?' and of course some precarious answers, and of course the number 42 came about as well. The point of this quick exercise was to show us all that we had a space in which we could come and discuss ideas a group and visualise how these ideas all spout and connect.
From this, the lesson was all about Edward De Bono and his ways of thinking. We used various methods that he has created to access ideas and creations in our minds for a new product to have in the Liverpool Screen School. One exercise involved two images, and we had to think of words to do with the object on these images. Our first, for example, was a hot air balloon and wheelbarrow. We came up with many ideas but finally voiced one, which was (strange as it sounds) little hot air balloons that carried your mail above everyone's heads through the corridor instead of boring emails. This shows how using divergent thinking and then convergent thinking allows the human brain to think of completely new ideas from something so simple.
Another exercise that we took part in (which I intend to use in my own time) was the 'Brain Box'. In groups we were given a box full of scraps and cuttings that had been collected. we were asked to come up with ideas from these things. It could be anything related to one or multiple items in the box, and the further away from the original ideas the better because this shows development. I like this brain box idea because I could keep everything that interests me such as magazine cuttings or leaflets I have picked up. This box would allow me to store everything I see for future reference rather than forgetting about them.
This lesson allowed me to see all the ideas that I could come up with when given a word or object to work from. The exercises were useful to me personally and so with the research that we have looked at about Edward De Bono I am going to take this further and put it into action when I need to think of ideas. I think I will buy one or two of his books as well as his work does interest me.
Here are some photographs of the work that we produced and also a photograph of 'The Automatic' and the big screen we used to work out the meaning of life :)
Quick item of interest!
I have recently came across a young artist called Rajacenna, she creates realistic pencil portraits that are mind blowing! I thought that I should share this with you because she has inspired me a lot to work harder because I want to be to film making what she is to drawing!
She is 18 years old and is already one of the most amazing artists I have seen; heres the link to her site:
http://www.rajacenna.com/
Enjoy her site, she has so many peices to look at.
Speak soon!
She is 18 years old and is already one of the most amazing artists I have seen; heres the link to her site:
http://www.rajacenna.com/
Enjoy her site, she has so many peices to look at.
Speak soon!
Friday 14 October 2011
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Forgot to mention!
How did I forget that the BBC came into Liverpool Screen School yesterday and gave a talk about their college of production. The talk was useful because they shown their new site which allows people who are involved or on the outside of the BBC to access videos, articles and a multitude of other things involved in the media today. Podcasts are constantly being uploaded to the site of interviews and informative videos allowing viewers to have an insight into the BBC.
I liked the talk that the BBC did because they also gave information about things that we should know before applying for a media related job. They suggested reading up on the BBC editorial guidelines to know the do's and don'ts of the business. It was also mentioned that we should look up the unit list website which is full of jobs in the industry.
I will take what they told me and hopefully put it in to practice to allow myself to get work experience or even paid work!
Links for this post:
http://www.theunitlist.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofproduction/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/
Speak soon!
I liked the talk that the BBC did because they also gave information about things that we should know before applying for a media related job. They suggested reading up on the BBC editorial guidelines to know the do's and don'ts of the business. It was also mentioned that we should look up the unit list website which is full of jobs in the industry.
I will take what they told me and hopefully put it in to practice to allow myself to get work experience or even paid work!
Links for this post:
http://www.theunitlist.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofproduction/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines/
Speak soon!
Item of interest.
Just saw this advert on TV, and I was like 'what's this for?'. Turns out it is the new Hollyoaks advert (obviously revealing some sort of plot line in the future). As I don't watch Hollyoaks it isn't relevant to me at all, but I was very interested in the contrast to the program that it has. I love the scene and the way that it is shot. And to top it off the song is just sublime; a bit of Billy Idol - White Wedding can't go amiss!
Anyway take a look and enjoy, its only about a minute long!
Speak soon!
Anyway take a look and enjoy, its only about a minute long!
Speak soon!
Video credits: youtube.com
Anything Harry Potter = AMAZING!
http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Speak soon!
Image credits: logos.wikia.com
Chosen photograph and outcomes: Digital Media Tools
I finally decided what photograph to use and put into Photoshop to edit, and this is it:
This edit is the one with the most intense change, but I feel that it enhances the image none the less. I used the Dark Stroke filter to lighten the reflections but also darken the shading around the statue. This makes the Buddha look more rustic and worn down. I like this change because in the original he does look very clean and perfect. Criticism I had was that the dark tones do not suit his expression, but the reason I used these tones was because I was focusing more on the actual texture and exterior of the sculpture rather than his feelings.
Okay, so these two images look practically identical, however they are not. I used the Contrast to brighten the original and let the light reflections shine. I also liked how it made the photograph have an even happier feel than the original. The different between the two images is how I have smoothed out the distortion or 'noise' in the image. The top image only has the contrast changed, but then because of this the fuzzy texture appeared. So I then enhanced this image by using the blur and smudge tools to reduce this distortion. The end result being the second image. A very slight change but in the better quality images you can see the difference.
I liked doing the exercise because it encouraged me to take more photographs of my surroundings, this is something that I have been meaning to push myself to do. I also liked using Photoshop because it refreshed my memory from previous years and allowed me to ease back in to the programme.
To see all of my photographs in better quality and all of my classmates too, visit this link to Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljmu_lss/
Speak soon!
This is the original image that I photographed myself. This is before any editing in Photoshop. I personally think that the photo hold its own without any editing, but maybe that's just me!
I decided to do a couple of edits to have a play around with Photoshop; I am fairly familiar with Adobe suites as I used them throughout my A level courses in 6th form. I didn't want to do anything dramatic because this would then take away from the original image. For example, our tutors mentioned the use of filters; there are some crazy ones on Photoshop like accented edges which gives objects a psychedelic glow to them.
This is the first edit that I created. As you will see, some of the changes are not dramatic because I wanted simple effects added to the photograph to enhance the original and not make a whole new image. I used the Lighting Effects tool on filters and used 'omni' which is one of the settings in this. I decided that because the foreground Buddha is the focus of the image, that the spotlight focus should span from his face. This suggest him and the other are seeking spiritual guidance in the direction that they are looking.
I liked doing the exercise because it encouraged me to take more photographs of my surroundings, this is something that I have been meaning to push myself to do. I also liked using Photoshop because it refreshed my memory from previous years and allowed me to ease back in to the programme.
To see all of my photographs in better quality and all of my classmates too, visit this link to Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljmu_lss/
Speak soon!
Choosing a photograph for Digital Media Tools...
IS SO HARD! I have looked through all the photographs that I have taken related the this project, and I am finding it hard to choose one specific photograph, seeing as I have taken over 100!
I think the best option is to wait and see what we will be doing with the images first so that I know my subject will fit well into the editing that we are going to do on Photoshop. This will probably be the best was of deducing which shot to use.
Let you know how I get on and hopefully show you some interesting outcomes...
Speak soon!
I think the best option is to wait and see what we will be doing with the images first so that I know my subject will fit well into the editing that we are going to do on Photoshop. This will probably be the best was of deducing which shot to use.
Let you know how I get on and hopefully show you some interesting outcomes...
Speak soon!
Contemporary Media Issues: Making a Wiki
In this lesson we had to create a Wiki using wetpaint.com. We were asked to all individually bring in an article of our choice related to the media, showing what we are interested in. I brought in the special edition Harry Potter Empire Magazine, particularly focusing on the main article.
We had to then split into groups that related to our articles. My group was cinema (because of the obvious theme). The task was to create a wiki which interlinked all of the articles under this title through key words and explanations of the content.
This activity allowed me to see how everything in the media industry relates. It gave me the opportunity to see how other people in MPS write and also what they are interested in. However, I don't think that I will be using this site again as I personally thought it was a bit bland and lacked the adventurous-ity (new word!) of blogging and the likes.
Obviously this was a learning experience and I did like looking at a new site and using something that I havnt before. I understand better now how threads work and how key words on the internet can be a pathway to absolutely anything and everything!
Here is the link to our Wiki on Cinema, feel free to look at the other articles that people in my class have looked at such as Music, Issues, TV and Web.
Speak soon!
Image credits: www.brit-dan.skyrock.com
Monday 10 October 2011
The House of Annie Lennox
Recently discovered that there is going to be an exhibition of all things Annie Lennox at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its simple really, I HAVE TO GO!
Its on til February and so I think it would be a wonderful family outing for me and my mum and dad. We have always loved this woman, I was even meant to be called Annie when I was born, but they decided on Stevie instead (as in Stevie Nicks).
This would be a beautiful exhibition to go and see, it would also be a great excuse to go to London! Hopefully I can go and have a day out with the family! She is so inspirational and music is a major interest of mine. Viva La Annie!
Speak soon!
Its on til February and so I think it would be a wonderful family outing for me and my mum and dad. We have always loved this woman, I was even meant to be called Annie when I was born, but they decided on Stevie instead (as in Stevie Nicks).
This would be a beautiful exhibition to go and see, it would also be a great excuse to go to London! Hopefully I can go and have a day out with the family! She is so inspirational and music is a major interest of mine. Viva La Annie!
Image credits: www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/the-house-of-annie-lennox
Another non-relevant yet slightly relevant blog
I have taken photographs for one of our smaller projects in LJMU for Digital Media Tools, I took about 100 photographs (I only really need one!). Obviously I will deduce my range of photographs to my favourite for the project, but I thought I would post a few of the images that I am proud of :) I will include a small description of each for you!
The project was pretty specifically based on inanimate objects, so I have taken many photographs around my house! Me and my mum love candles, and so I decided to take a couple of photographs of this set that we have. I like the contrast of the bright coloured glass against the dull tones of the wood and stones.
Our fire in the living room is broke, so for some unknown reason my mum decided to put fairy lights on it. To be fair it looks pretty, so I took a close up of the fireplace with some of the brass detailing included.
I love Buddha statues! And so naturally we have like 20 in the house. These two are the same (bought for my birthday off two different people coincidentally). I think the photograph shows just how happy Buddha statues can be! (I really like the depth of field in this one).
I have soooooooooooooooooooooooo much jewelry, its verging on ridiculous. I took a photograph of this owl ring, I wanted a symmetrical photograph and I this is the closest I could get. However, I think it is very effective especially with how the reflection sits underneath.
Again with the jewelry, but this time I have chosen a vintage item. These are my grandmothers pearls that she gave to me a while back. She loves it when I wear them (which I did on my 18th birthday!). This focuses on the gorgeous clasp at the back of the necklace. The light in the room reflects beautifully off the pearls, I think I love this photo!
My obsession with The Nightmare Before Christmas will probably come apparent to you all if you haven't noticed already. Here are some of my prized possessions, and I thought the photograph was relevant to me as a person. My mum said 'I like this one, because it looks like they are in a room'. Funnily enough, they were mum.
Anyway, hope you like my photography, new camera soon (fingers crossed!)
Speak soon!
A university lesson I particularly enjoyed... :)
This lesson was Creativity and Concept Development. The lesson consisted of the question 'What would you change about this room if you had unlimited money and resources?'. We basically had to think of as many things we would do as possible and just write them individually on post-it notes. Me and my partner came up with about 50 words or phrases. We then were asked to categories them into either 'ideas' or 'concepts'.
Ideas are things that are specific, they can be the words used to describe a final act after much deliberation. A concept, however, is something that will spark many ideas!
After coming up with all of the ideas and concepts and then organising them, we had to then put them on the wall either above or below a line. The above were concepts and the below were ideas! Once this was complete, we added as many ideas on concepts as we could, and this is what mine and Gemma's wall turned out like:
Me and my partner had the most ideas which I was fairly proud of, showing our creativity and also craziness. Hopefully Media Professional Studies is filled with these sort of activities, because I loved it!
Speak soon!
Speak soon!
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