Film Trailer Analysis – Assignment 3*

In this assignment i will be writing a semiotic analysis of two different trailers. With these two trailers i will compare the signs conveyed from each trailer whilst taking into account the target audience. I will also be revealing and explaining the complications behind two of the most famous and known theories in film.

The two theories are the Hypodermic needle theory and the Uses and Gratifications theory. The Hypodermic Needle Theory, also known as the Magic Bullet Theory was the first major theory that had a major effect on the general society when it came to mass media. Originating in the 1920s, the theory was based on the premise of an all-powerful media with uniform and direct effects on the viewer or audience. The main idea of the hypodermic needle theory is the idea that film makers can have the ability to “inject” the audience directly with mass media.  The Gratifications Theory assumes actively seek out media to satisfy individual needs. The uses and Gratifications Theory looks to answer three questions:

• What to do people do with the media?
• What are their underlying motives for using said media?
• What are the pros cons of individual media use?

The two film trailers that i have chose are

• The Sitter
• Project X

The first trailer i will be analyzing is “The Sitter”

This film is about a college student who is suspended being pushed into babysitting the children who live next door. Due to a tempting offer placed by his desired girlfriend at a house party he is pressured into bringing drugs to a house party where she is. This is where his night turns drastic. The trailer reveals the main checkpoints in the film enabling the audience to successfully map out where the story is going without revealing the film in detail. This means that the audience watching the trailer can get enough information to want to go and see the film but not too much information that they feel they already know what and where the film is going.

I feel that this trailer makes the film look comical due to the mix of humor and action. The action is where the main character is seen being chased by gunmen and where he is seen getting into fights. The mix of humor and action makes this film seem very appealing to the general audience as it contains two or more sources of entertainment. These are action and Comedy. Unlike where in an action film the target audience for the film would be draw in by the trailer due to fast cars, guns and chases. With this trailer, due to its comical background the audience watching the trailer would be drawn in by the funny side of the film and the adventure. This is because people enjoy twists in stories and also enjoy when mixes of genre are applied.

In my opinion this is a good film trailer as it reveals the main exiting parts in the film without revealing all of them. For example the producers of this trailer have taken sections from the actual film and placed it into the trailer. However they have been carefully chosen to make sure that the trailer makes sense. Also if a trailer contained all the best parts of this film in it then the audience would not feel the need to watch the film as with too much information it is easy to see how a film is put together and where the plot is going without actually going to see the full movie.

The second Trailer i will be analyzing will be “Project X”

The synopsis of this film is as follows: “A group of high school buddies try to throw, what will go down as, the most epic 17th birthday party ever. Shot from the perspective of their handheld digital cameras, the party slowly goes from normal to way out of control” – This film trailer is full of adrenaline and excitement. The target audience for this film would be (15 – 18) due to the strong language,sexual references and violence. This film trailer represents a film that includes a party that all teenagers would love to be involved in. Party’s are something that relates too many people, therefore this trailer makes that work with its audience. For example the trailer is created in such a way that it makes the audience of the trailer feel as if they are apart of what is going on, on screen. This is done by the way the actual film is filmed. (Filmed with a handheld Camera) By including this footage into the trailer it makes the audience feel as if the film is real.

This trailer uses on screen quotes of the party that is in the film. These imply that the party will be the best party ever. When the audience for this trailer see a mix of fun realistic footage and quotes it makes them want to see what the film is all about. The trailer starts out how they are preparing for the “small” party but then shows how it quickly becomes out of control. For the entire audience of the film the rush that is shown in the trailer where the party becomes out of control relates to everybody in the target audiences worst nightmare.

In my opinion this is a great film trailer as it shows a small part of what happens in the film however does not show how it got from a small party to an out of control nightmare. This is what the audience want to see. They also want to see the details of everything that occur. This is why this trailer is so effective in drawing the audience in as it shows a small part of the great film but then drops the audience indicating to them that they must watch the full film to really experience it.

Conclusion 

In conclusion i personally feel that the best and most appealing film trailer out of the two is project X. The reason for this is due to its simplicity yet sophistication of its topic. The meaning behind this is that the film trailer shows excitable footage which gets a sense of excitement and adrenaline in its audience but then effectively drops the trailer to indicate to the audience that they need to watch the full film to really experience the film. I asked 10 people in the class which trailer they think is more appealing in terms of subject and technique and the response i got was that they all preferred the project X trailer due to its subject and its feeling that it gives the audience that they do not know what is going to happen next in terms of consequence.

Classification 

This symbol is the “U” classification. The “U” classification means Universal Suitable for all. A “U” film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. “U” films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence or threat e.g. Monsters Inc uses monsters which would normally scare young children, but instead there seen as loveable children’s characters.

This is the icon for a “PG” rated film. “PG” stands for Parental Guidance. A “PG” film should not disturb a child aged around 8 or older. However parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. e.g. Cars and Home alone.

This is the “12A” classification. “12A” means that any child under the age of 12 can see a 12A film, when accompanied by an adult. Any child over the age of 12 can see a 12A rated film with out the need of an adult.

This is the “15”-classification logo. The “15” classifications means that anyone aged 15 or over can view the rated film. However 15 rated films may not be appropriate for anyone under the age of 15 as it may upset some children and may show material which parents may find unsuitable for their children.

This is the “18” classification logo. A film that is rated “18” is for people aged 18 or over and is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, as the film may feature violence, bad language, sexual content and horror.

Film analysis assignment 4 ( A Better Life )

The film i am going to be writing about is “A Better Life”. During this assignment i will be explaining:

• Codes And Conventions – These are the rules that govern how you write or shoot a media piece. They talk about the techniques, angles, language, patters, colors and others that go into the making of a Media Piece.

• Audience – This is the target audience for the film, Who Would enjoy watching this film and why.

• Genre – This is simply about the films genre and why the film has been set to the chosen genre. 

• Personal Responses – This is what I personally feel about the film and includes my personal opinion of this. 

• Narrative – This defines what the story is about and what the story relates too.

• Structuralism  – This is what ties the film together as a story. This is also how the film is structured in terms of high and low points in a film.   

Narrative 

This film tells a story in the eyes of a mexican immigrant (Carlos) trying to create a life for him and his son. He does this by accepting a loan from his married daughter to purchasing a small gardening business from his boss which included a work truck and professional tools. Carlos then finds himself back at the corner ready to hire himself a work partner like his previous boss did for him. This heartfelt moment causes carlos to trust his new worker however he soon realizes that this is a mistake. Carlos is betrayed by his employee when his truck is stolen from him whilst he is up in a tree by his employee. This is where the story progresses from bad to worse for Carlos and his son. Trying to keep his son out of trouble with gangs carlos struggles with knowing he is in debt with his daughter and he has nothing to show for it.

Codes And Conventions

The codes and conventions of any media piece is often referred to  as the unwritten rules. These “Unwritten Rules” apply mainly for the colors and the lighting. For example a horror film relies highly on codes and conventions in terms of being dark and alone. If a horror film had high lighting and bright colors then it would be considered less of a horror. The reason for this is because like any other genre , a horror relies greatly on the mood and atmosphere of the audience. Therefore showing bright colors and high level lighting on screen will get the audience in a happy lively mood and will not prepare them for the main horror scares. When a horror sticks to the traditional codes and conventions of being dark, alone and secluded it gets the audience in a fearful frame of mind to experience the horrors that lie ahead in a film. Codes and conventions are also used to build up to climaxes in a film. For example there are not many horrors that simply jump straight to the scary part, instead there is a build up of events that all include codes and conventions, For example low lighting, mysterious P.O.V camera angles and dark, dingy conditions. These will all be present in the build up to a horrific event in the film. Codes and conventions applies greatly in “A Better Life” due to the contrast that fades from the beginning to the ending of the film. For example at the beginning of the film it shows a stable but bearable lifestyle. However as the film progresses from bad to worse the lighting begins to change from a light , hot working atmosphere to a dark atmosphere that suggests that carlos has problems. Also throughout the film the lighting is seen to change throughout different scenes. For example when there is a scene showing carlos’s son being exposed to gang violence there is a drop in lighting indicating that there is a illegal secret activity present. This is perceived by the audience with a mix of codes and conventions, sound and visuals. Overall A better life uses codes and conventions in an effective way to add to the effect given to the audience. This is done by using these unwritten rules to successfully create the correct atmosphere in which to draw the audience into the film even further.

Genre 

The genre of this film is Drama. In my opinion the reason this film is a drama is because of the family struggle that is presented throughout the entire film. Carlos is an illegal immigrant living in the USA and is trying to support himself and his son. His ultimate aim in life is to create a better life for him and his son, Hence the title (A better Life). I think the genre is well fitting towards the film because of the family,social and legal issues that are presented throughout this film. The genre is clear when watching the film as it shows the lifestyle and the struggle a mexican man faces in terms of jobs and legal work in the USA.

Audience 

Due to the genre of the film, it is clear that the target audience varies. The most obvious target audience would be men and women over the age of 20. The reason i say this is because people must have a certain mindset to watch drama genre’s and this includes patience. Often if a film does not have violence or some sort of interesting incline then the majority of film viewers may get bored. However people interested in Drama will enjoy this film as it contains some action when carlos and his son steal there truck back. Also throughout the entire film there is a set amount of anxiety to know what happens next. This film goes into detail of there life and gives of vibes that could relate to some audience members as this film is about racial views, struggle and more importantly tells a story about a man trying to create a better life for him and his son. Overall the audience for this film could include anybody who enjoys Drama. However this specific film can relate to a more broad audience. This is because the film relates to gang violence, Racial victimisation which falls into country politics and family struggle. Therefore people who take an interest in these types of films may be attracted to this film. Personally i was attracted to this film due to the interesting and potentially brilliant story line.

Structuralism

Structure is key in any film however is vital in a Drama. The reason structuralism is so important is because it is what makes the film what it is. For example in a better life if Carlos did not take his daughters loan and attempt to create a better life for him and his son it would simply be a film about a mexican men working for another man whilst his son gets involved with violent gang members. We have now established that structure in a film is key in terms of having everything in place. However structuralism is also vital as it determines the structure of the film in terms of how things occur at the times they occur. For example a better life has a structure that is clear. This structure is a mexican man buys a business of his boss, his truck that is the main caterer for the business is stolen by his new found trustee. Him and his son then begin to hunt for the man only to realise he has sold the truck. they then steal there truck and get caught by the police, the man is then deported back to mexico and his son is left to fend for himself with his sister while his father promises his return. This is the basic storyline. If the scene where carlos is seen accepting a loan of his daughter never existed the storyline and general thoughts of the film by its audience would change completely. The reason for this is because there would be no sense of dilemma or anxiety in the film as there would be no interesting heartfelt reason for carlos to rampage about his truck. Overall structuralism is very important in a film as it determines how a film is going to turn out and also adds to the storyline if the structure is chosen carefully and correctly.

Personal Responses

My personal response to this film is as follows. After watching and analysing this film i felt that it was well put together and had a deep meaning behind it. For example it shows an single father trying to raise his son in the correct way. He does his all to give him and his son a better life which is then shown to be a complete fail. This failure can be upsetting for the audience due to the way the film is presented and how the deep emotional issues are addressed in the film. Overall i felt that this was a brilliant film to watch and was a great example of a drama in my opinion.

Research Proposal – Auteur Assignment

This blog post will include a brief explanation of what i am going to be doing for my auteur assignment, how i am going to achieve an outcome and what i hope to achieve at the end of my assignment. I hope to use multiple sources in answering the question that revolves around my Auteur (steven spielberg) . This question is “How is Steven spielberg considered an Auteur”. I aim to use resources such as questionnaires, common knowledge and the internet to answer this question. I aim to answer this question in detail and answer any other branching questions that relate to this.

Purpose,styles and conventions of music videos

In this assignment i will be comprehensively explaining the purpose,styles and conventions of music videos to this date.

History 

The history of music videos has yet been short lived however the revolution of music videos is growing at a rapid rate. The first music video that was ever aired on the Music Television Program  “MTV” was ” The Buggles – Video Killed The Radio Star” in 1981.

This music video shows that even in 1989 the music videos still had a purpose. For example back then music videos where created mainly to publicize the Song recording rather than the music video itself. The reasoning for this was that there was no real convenient way of the public cheaply storing music videos. This also clearly shows how to purpose of music videos have changed since 1989 to the present day, From simply wanted to advertise the success of an artists music and the artist themselves to wanting to specifically make sales on music videos and use music videos to create often a false image of the artist. The following video can be used to compare music videos back in 1989 to the more recent music videos.

This music video shows how the concept of the music video has changed over the last 3 decades. Musicvideos to this date have the ability to more graphic due to great art of editing. Also due to the ever expanding technology that is available to us in this day and age, Making a music video is much easier and efficient due to the abilities people on a music video production have. 

Purpose 

The main purpose of creating a music video to comply with a new or recently existing song is to create more of a fan base for that particular production. This being said a music video allows more of a production to be seen for people to like or dislike the song even more than the did before the music video. For example a famous well known song may be extremely popular with the public already however by making a music video to comply the song it will draw more fans, attention and popularity to the song as people who may not be too keen on the song itself may feel that the music video is greatly put together. From past experience i can acknowledge that music videos are often popular if they contain something that relates to the viewer. For example a song that reminisces about love or romance will relate well to viewers who have had experience with love and romance. If a music video had been created for a song about love and romance it is likely that it too will relate well with the audience as the song and video will create more of an experience for the viewer.

Another main reason music videos are created apart from more popularity and acknowledgment towards them is ultimately money. When a song is created and released there is chance that the song will become popular with the public and therefore make it a hit song overall producing more sales and inevitably more money for the artist and record label. The artist and record label may then make a mutual agreement to create a music video for the specific song that may be popular with the public. This is done not only as a promotional tool to advertise music, artists and the records label but is also used as a commercial product to make more profit for the artist and record label. This is done by giving the viewers opportunities to purchase a copy of the music video for around double the price of a song. The music video may be sold on Itunes or other music/music video download softwares. This being said a music video also adds more general popularity towards the artist,song and record label. All of this results in more profitability and popularity. (BASICLY THEY PROMOTE THE MUSIC RECORDINGS)

Steven Spielberg Auteur Assignment

In this assignment i will be explaining in detail the successes that has lead up to the current day from steven spielberg. I will also be explaining why he is an auteur  along with many other points that relate to him and his career. The known idea of an auteur  is that a directors films reflects the directors personal creative vision. Steven Spielberg is known for being an auteur as many of his films have magic and expertise that is created in his films. Steven spielberg is commonly know for the following films:

• Jaws (Directed)
• Twister (produced)
• Goonies (Wrote Story)

Steven Spielberg is commonly known for Directing the world wide known film “Jaws”. This film was released in 1975 but is still a high adrenalin film to watch in the present day. Judging by the dialogue and characters reactions in the film it is obvious to see how film has changed over the past 37 years in terms of the Story line of films and mostly how they are acted out. For example the film “Jaws” has many voice overs in its film trailers that are a traditional old school movie voice overs. In the present day films are much more dependent on high levels of graphical activity in addition to sound where as the film “Jaws” relies highly on sound rather than intense visual content. For example when a shark is about to attack in “Jaws” there is a classic intense heartbeat like music to let the audience know something bad is going to happen. This is also done to add to the drama of the film. Steven spielberg did a very good job at directing this film as it is still very popular with modern sequences and he is well know for directing this film even to the present day due to its classical integrity. Jaws is a film that nearly everybody has seen and is an all time classic from Spielbergs  list of directed films. This Film shows many signs of how Steven Spielberg is an auteur  due to the fact that it is very classic and blended well with its time. Also by watching some of his films it is clear to see how many of his films have a particular feel to them to let the audience know that the magic of the film came from the legendary and well know Steven Spielberg.

Steven Spielberg is commonly known for being one of the Executive producers of the following film “Twister”. Releasing in 1996 this was one of Spielbergs big hits in terms of production. Due to its high intensity graphics this film was and still is a much loved classic around the world. It is obvious when comparing the two films Twister And Jaws that Twister had far better graphical activity however both films where brilliantly made for there time. When looking in depth at the film Twister it is clear to see that there is high graphical content. There are also many shots included in the film that give the audience the tension that is required to emphasize the graphical and sound content. The film was arguably the best film of its current time due to its gripping story-line, classical shots and its much trusted producers. One of which being Steven Spielberg.

Steven Spielberg is also known for Writing the Goonies. Released in 1985. This was an extremely popular family comedy. Even with children and young adults in the present day the goonies is still a much watch classic. Due to its Fantastically adventurous story line and its hilarious traditional 80’s kids actors it makes this film a blast from the past for some. Due to its laid back

family and adventure genre it is very easy to sit down, watch and enjoy. Steven Spielberg really expressed talent when writing this script. The story line simply flows and relates to the imagination of children and young adults watching this. This is a film that was well written from the start in the pre production stage, well Pursued in the production stage, and well edited in the post production stage. All of this made an all time classic family film that is great for all ages and is still simply enjoyable in the day and age.

In Conclusion i think that Steven Spielberg has expressed great talent and expressed some of his own vision in all aspects of the films he has participated in. For example he has Directed jaws which turned out to be an all time classic due to its simplicity in thriller and great use of sound rather that extreme visual content due to its time period. He Produced twister which again turned out to be a popular and still talked about and referred to all time classic. Finally he Wrote the goonies which again turned out to be a classic and extremely popular film with many ages even in the present day. These three examples of steven spielberg acting different roles in films have all turned out to be long lived classics. However there are many more that Spielberg has directed,produced and written that have bought great success to him. These include:

• E.T
• raiders of the lost ark
• Jarrasic park

These are just a few more of his films that have been a huge inspirational success and contain a common streak in all of his films. These are the reasons i believe Steven Spielberg is one of the most popular Auteurs Alive.

Evaluation Of Soundtracks (Late Shift) Project

The following Link Bellow is our project which contains self constructed sound mixed with self constructed video:

(INCLUDE LINK HERE)

I think this production went very well and was a great experience. I learnt how to effectively create sound to tell a story without including visuals. When we included visuals it was a great deal of hardship as it was difficult to match up the sound to the visual files. However once this was overcome it turned out to be a good story about how a man who is living in the college unauthorized has to get ready and leave the college before any students spotted him. I think this a great story-line  as it is humorous as well as realistic in this current day and age.

If I was to do this again i would defiantly spend more time editing and getting more sounds that are more precisely matched with the visuals side of this project. Also if we had more time it would be good practice to expand on the story line and possibly show the mans day life. A great feature that could have been added to the film if it was able to be longer etc could be a time lapse in the studio to show the day time students using the facilities then the man living there come back to him unwelcome living. The role i played in this production was recording and putting together the sounds that where used and filming the visuals. Other members of my group added the sound to the visuals.

Development And Principals Of Parallel Editing

What Is Parallel Editing? 

Parallel Editing is when two scenes of the same narrative construction are displayed and presented in the same manor simultaneously. In simple terms this is when an editor edits a film in a way to show multiple clips of the same conception but filmed in different locations simultaneously. This often gives the audience a false sense of what is going on. Sometimes it simply adds more drama,suspense and anticipation to what may be a boring scene. The video below is an Example of Parallel Editing:

This video shows a false perception of how scenes can be put together to dramatically increase intensity and interest in a scene. Another example of Parallel Editing

Why Use Parallel Editing? 

The main reason for using Parallel Editing is to ultimately make a scene more interesting and add drama and intensity to it. Also it can often help to tell more of a story in more detail ultimately in one scene. Parallel Editing adds interest and excitement to an otherwise boring scene. Parallel editing is often applied to create suspense. Imagine the following scenario:

A Man who is in great financial debt goes to one of a well known mafia boss’s nightclub to steal money in desperation to pay this man back from an arrangement. He successfully gets into  the empty office area and locates the safe. As he cracks the safe he takes his required amount, shuts the safe back up to make it unnoticed break in. As he turns around to leave the office area he glances at the mafia boss only to be shot and killed on the spot.

This scene is fairly exiting, however how can we improve this scene? With parallel editing. Now image this scenario:

A Man who is in great financial debt goes to one of a well known mafia boss’s nightclub to steal money in desperation to pay this man back from an arrangement. As He is breaking into the safe the mafia boss receives information that he has entered the premises and is now nowhere to be seen in the public eye of the nightclub. As the man cracks the safe and takes the required amount the mafia man is shown pacing to the office area. As the man shuts the safe to make it an unnoticed break in he glances at the mafia boss who is standing at the door only to be shot and killed on the spot

Think of visual interest. The first version is only exciting at its conclusion when the woman is stabbed. This second version is suspenseful throughout, especially with music. To a savvy filmmaker and cinephile, it’s obvious that the two storylines are going to intersect in a major plot point.

When To use it?

Implement cross cutting when you’re confident it’s going to work and you have the budget for it. Notice that in the two versions above the plot point is: the woman is stabbed. Everything else is potentially superfluous.

So if you have the budget, shoot both scenes and apply parallel editing. If you don’t have the budget, abridge the shower scene and move as quick as you can to the bedroom and the stabbing.

As an overall summary, Parallel Editing is a clever technique sometimes used by the editor to trick the audience into matching the film from its pieces but by giving a false sense of what is going on.

Development And Principles Of Parallel Editing *

What Is Parallel Editing? 

Parallel Editing is when a device of narrative construction in which the development of two pieces of action are presented simultaneously. In simple terms this is when an editor edits a film in a way to show multiple clips of the same conception but filmed in different locations simultaneously. This often gives the audience a false sense of what is going on. Sometimes it simply adds more drama,suspense and anticipation to what may be a boring scene. The video below is an Example of Parallel Editing:

This video shows a false perception of how scenes can be put together to dramatically increase intensity and interest in a scene. Another example of Parallel Editing

Why Use Parallel Editing? 

The main reason for using Parallel Editing is to ultimately make a scene more interesting and add drama and intensity to it. Also it can often help to tell more of a story in more detail ultimately in one scene. Parallel Editing adds interest and excitement to an otherwise boring scene. Parallel editing is often applied to create suspense. Imagine the following scenario:

A woman takes a shower while singing. Steam fills up the bathroom. Once finished she turns off the water. She puts on her bathrobe and enters her bedroom. As she opens the closet, a masked assailant stabs her on the stomach. What’s wrong with the scene?

A woman taking a shower, singing, and dressing up are not particularly exciting. How can we improve this scene? With parallel editing. Now image this scenario:

A woman takes a shower. A van pulls over in a dark alley. The woman sings gaily. Steam fills up the bathroom. Two masked assailants are in her kitchen. The window behind them is broken – their entrance. The woman turns of the water. One of the assailants yanks a knife out of the holder. The woman puts on her bathrobe. The two assailants venture on the second-floor hallway. One of them enters the bedroom, hides in the closet. The woman leaves her bathroom into the room. She opens her closet and is stabbed in the stomach.

Think of visual interest. The first version is only exciting at its conclusion when the woman is stabbed. This second version is suspenseful throughout, especially with music. To a savvy filmmaker and cinephile, it’s obvious that the two storylines are going to intersect in a major plot point.

When To use it?

Implement cross cutting when you’re confident it’s going to work and you have the budget for it. Notice that in the two versions above the plot point is: the woman is stabbed. Everything else is potentially superfluous.

So if you have the budget, shoot both scenes and apply parallel editing. If you don’t have the budget, abridge the shower scene and move as quick as you can to the bedroom and the stabbing.

As an overall summary, Parallel Editing is a clever technique sometimes used by the editor to trick the audience into matching the film from its pieces but by giving a false sense of what is going on.

Understanding the Film and T.V Industry – Job Roles

 

There are 3 main types of job roles in the Film and T.V industry. These include:

Production Management
Creative
Technical

Production Management 

Many jobs fall under the category “Production Management”. These include:

• Producer – The Production Manager supervises the physical aspects of the production (not the creative aspects) including personnel, technology, budget, and scheduling. It is the Production Manager’s responsibility to make sure the filming stays on schedule and within its budget. The PM also helps manage the day-to-day budget by managing operating costs such as salaries, production costs, and everyday equipment rental costs. The PM often works under the supervision of a Line Producer and directly supervises the Production Coordinator.

• Researcher – Researchers work within any genre of television production, including news, sport, current affairs, documentaries and factual programmes, entertainment, children’s television, comedy, soaps and drama. The researcher may originate or develop programme ideas and will draw on their particular knowledge and understanding of industry requirements. As a researcher, you will also be a fact checkers and ‘brief’ writers for on-screen presenters. You must understand and work with relevant legislation and regulations. You may be employed by production companies or work on a freelance basis.

• Production manager –  A production manager is involved with the planning, coordination and control of manufacturing processes. A production manager also ensures that goods and services are produced efficiently. They ensure the correct amount is produced at the right cost and at the right level of quality. Overall a production manager manages the production of the film or TV making sure that things are in order and that things run smoothly to the producers liking.

• Creative – The creative aspect of a production is as important as the other aspects of production because without good material to broadcast the TV episode or Film will not be popular or will have a much less chance of taking off with people watching it. In the creative aspect there are also many jobs involved to complete the main job role of the creative department. These include:

• Screen writer – The screenwriter is the writer of the script of a film. They create the dialogue, the characters and the story line of a movie script or TV series. The screenwriter is often the most essential person in film production because no movie can start without some form of a script or idea.
  

• Set designer –Designs sets for theatrical productions: Confers with play’s director regarding interpretation and set requirements. A Set Designer also conducts research to determine appropriate architectural and furnishing styles. Integrates requirements, interpretation, research, design concepts, and practical considerations regarding factors, such as mobility, interchangeability, and budget to plan sets. Renders drawing or illustration of design concept, estimates costs, and presents drawing for approval. Prepares working drawings of floor plan, front elevation, scenery, and properties to be constructed. Prepares charts to indicate where items, such as curtains and borders are to be hung. Oversees building of sets, furniture, and properties. May build scale models from cardboard, plaster, or sponge. May design stage lighting to achieve dramatic or decorative effects.

• Director – The main job of the creative director is to direct and look over the crew that are the face of the creative department. Another job of the creative director is to ensure that all the jobs conducted by his/her team is done correctly and safely. Also everything they do much comply with the production directors orders. If there is any error regarding props or script writing the Creative team will have to take full responsibility as a department but the main script writers will take majority of the responsibility for the error.

 

• Technical –The technical aspect during production is vital as without technical support the film or TV serious would not be broadcasted as there would be nobody to specify in technical ishues that may occur. Again there are many jobs that revolve around the title “Technical”. These include:

• Camera Man – The main job role of the camera man is to film and act upon instructions given by the director or given to someone by the director or producer. This is a very tricky job as the fate of the shot relies on the camera men.

• Editor – The main job of the editor is to edit the final piece. There are editors that are scattered in all stages of production simply to neaten and trim shots to make them more visible and usable. However the final editor that takes place in post production has the very important job role of editing the film or T.V series to the producer and directors liking and to how the script reads.

• Lighting Assistant –  The Lighting Assistant is responsible for the creation of the lighting design for a given production. Working in concert with Artistic Staff and Production Personnel, the Lighting Designer becomes part of a collaborative team. This team is led by the Director and strives to create a unified production product.

 

Permanent Vs Temporary Contracts 

 

Temporary 

A temporary worker is someone employed for a limited period whose job is usually expected by both sides to last for only a short time. Temporary workers may be employed directly by the employer or by private agencies. Agencies will recruit, select and sometimes train temporary workers and hire them out to employers. Throughout the filming industry temporary contracts are the most common in terms of films. However with television series and popular regular soaps permanent contracts are more common to form a solid and stable filming regime. Temporary contracts are ideal for big companies hiring as it means that there hired workers will work extra hard in attempt to try and secure a more permanent place in there work place. When working as a temporary contractor in the filming industry it is very tough to find work. This is because the world is not short on freelance staff. Freelance means that a person works for them self and simply offers a service to companies. They are at no point apart of there company but simply offering a service. People who freelance are under much strain to not become unemployed as this means lack of income. Freelancers also are under alot of strain due to the high amount of freelancers around and the limited demand for them. This means that they must be on the ball at all times to ensure quality work and work ethic, this means that they will be recommended to other companies and will most likely be re hired by others. If they do a bad job the chance of them being rehired will be very slim.

Permanent 

Permanent contracts in the film industry are more lenient that temporary. This is because you would have secured a permanent place in that specific area of the industry. However this does not mean that there is slack in the work produced as again there are many freelancers and temporary workers looking for permanent work therefore a replacement of people is easily available if necessary. Both temporary and permanent workers will be expected to work potentially long hours without breaks. this links in with the conditions that are displayed to workers. The conditions for people working in film are potentially bad. This is because big companies along with small productions are all working towards a deadline meaning it is vital to complete projects on time. If this means employees working overtime then this must be done. Most of the time overtime is not payed for but simply requested. This is because people on set may be set a task and will be expected to complete the task however long it may take them. If this means undertaking unpaid hours then it must be done.
Overall freelancers have a tough time getting and maintaining work, Temporary and permanents contracts also have there ups and downs. With the temporary contracts there is a limited time of employment meaning there is not a stable income. With permanent contracts there is a stable income if the contractor works hard as they are often easily replaceable. The reason for long unpaid hours is often because the film industry varies from any other place of employment in terms of how things work. In the film industry people are expected to work hard and to complete there given tasks. This is due to the competitively of the industry. This is why film productions can get away with this.

Steven Spielberg Focus Group Questions

1) How many of you know who Steven Spielberg is?

2) What do you associate Steven Spielberg with?

3) List as many films as you can that Steven Spielberg has DIRECTED

4) To what extent do you think Steven Spielberg is an Auteur?

5) How popular do you think Spielberg is with the younger generation?

– Also would you agree that Steven Spielberg is one of the most popular film directors ever?

6) Name your Favorite Films that have been DIRECTED by Steven Spielberg

7) What are your opinions on the following films and why? :

–       Back to the future III

–       Jaws

–       Jurassic Park

–       Honey I Shrunk the kids

–       Casper

And any other films they have mentioned… Refer back to question *3)*

8) In your opinion how do these films differ?