Continuity Editing

Continuity Editing




Continuity Editing is the process of creating a smooth and seamless narrative experience for the audience. Also it retains a source of realistic chronology and generates the feeling that time is moving forward. Filmmakers may also use flashbacks or flashes forward, but the narrative will still be seen to be progressing forward in an expected or realistic way. The key techniques they use is Eye line match. This is when we see a character looking at something off screen and then we cut it to a shot of what they are looking at. Also they use Match-on-action is when we see a character start an action in one shot and then see them continue it in the next shot. For example in the Eastenders, when a character walks into the pub is on  shot, but then it will switch inside as they are two different shots.
Furthermore, the graphic match is when we two are linked with a similar shape or composition of a image. For example, when two consecutive shots are matched in terms of the way they look.  The filmmaker can choose to place shots in a certain order to create a smooth visual transfer from one frame to the next. For example in the Space Odyssey, there was a smooth transition between the bone and the spaceship in space. The 180 degree rue is a basic guideline that states the two characters ( a other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects , it is called crossing the line.  However, there have been cases were films have deliberately broke the 180 degree rule. For example The Hunger Games deliberately broke the 180 degree rule when the bed has moved from left to right.

Mise-en Scene

This our project on the Mise-en-Scene. A Mise-en-Scene is the french term meaning "in the scene of frame. The elements of an mise-en-scene is the costume, hair, make-up, the settings, props, facial expression, body language, lighting, colour, positioning of characters and objects in the frame. The setting in our scene is a classroom and a young boy is showing all the types of facial expressions you would see in a classroom. The props we used was a chair for when Patrick was relaxing and a window for Stefan to look at, when he was disappointed. There was many facial expressions and body language shown throughout the video. These were: disappointed, relaxed, happy, crying, angry and exhausted. We can all communicate through facial expressions. This is important due to the media texts with the close up and extreme close- up.

Analysis of Rope

Rope is a psychological thriller. It was changed in a Patrick Hamilton's Play which appeared in 1929. The play is based upon real life murderers Leopold and Leob who killed an innocent man to see how it felt. The case became very famous in America. It was linked to the ideas of Nietzsche and his notion of Superman a morally superior being. Nietzsche's ideas influenced Hitler and the rise of the Nazis. This film was made in 1948 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The best aspect about this film is the editing. Hitchcock wanted to film story as one continuous take so that it would be like watching a play. However, before digital, film came in 10 minutes rolls. Hitchcock had to compromise and each unedited scene was 10 minutes long. Using this editing technique creates a feeling of claustrophobia. The actors and audience are both "trapped" in the film. The trunk with the body present throughout the scene add tension. Most thrillers use devices such as Suspense. This is when we constantly wait for the body to be discovered. Finally a cliffhanger was used at the end of the film with Rupert Cadell as we dont know if he would killed by Brandon and Phillip.

North by Northwest

North by Northwest

Background of the film 

 Roger O. Thornhill is mistaken for a fictional US government agent named George Kaplan by a gang of spies, headed by  Phillip Vandamm (James Mason) and his mistress Eve Kendall. Kidnapped and then framed for the murder of a United Nations diplomat, Thornhill goes on the run across America in order to clear his name and to expose the activities of the foreign spies. After surviving an encounter with a sinister crop-duster plane and an exploding gasoline tank truck, the film climaxes with a memorable chase across Mount Rushmore. The film was made in 1959 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Devices used is suspense, in the Share Cropper Scene. Also a red herring is used when we think that Thornhill is dead when Eve Kendall shoots him. Finally, cliff hangers is used when Thornhill and Kendall are literally hanging on to the edge of a cliff in  the Mount Rushmore finale.  

Camera Angles

North by Northwest use many types of Camera angles such as: shot, movement, position; high or low tilt; long, medium or close up; wide shot, over the shoulder, zoom, reverse shot, point of view. Firstly, they use short, medium and long shot. They use a short shot when Roger and Eve had an intimate scene together in the train carriage. This is to create a romantic feeling to the audience.    Secondly, they use a long shot to show the historic landmark of America, Mount Rushmore. North by Northwest also use many types of camera work such as: tracking, pan, steady cam, rolling, hand held, deep focus and so on. For example they used a rolling shot when the recorded the train going past a station.  They also use speed and style to perfect their editing skills. Examples of styles could be straight cut, dissolve, fade, wipe and jump cut, to maybe change from scene to scene. 

Hitchcock’s Ideas

The women in Hitchcock films are often coded by hair colour.  Blondes are icy, reserved, emotionally damaged and distant, but still serve as an obsession for the male protagonist.  Brunettes are more maternal, more emotionally present, more willing to serve the male protagonist's needs, but are often ignored by the male protagonist.

Thriller Conventions

Thriller Conventions

We have many thrillers in our modern world. There are one of the most popular film genres. Examples of popular thriller films are:

Use of the Camera- Evaluation

My task in this assignment is to effectively and appropriately use a camera. Firstly the story i was trying to tell is that a character known as Clive had been set a bounty on, by a character called Dennis. So firstly we introduced a long and rolling shot in the first clip as Clive was running away from Dennis. We used these types of shot as it was the appropriate shot to use a a character was running from a stimuli, which in our case was Dennis. Therefore our choices were successful as it set scene and setting. Our cameraman, did fortunately hold the shot steady making the clip look very professional. We also did frame our shot appropriately as well, from a window on the 2nd floor of a building.Secondly, in our second clip we used a point of view & close up shot. We used this because it was the in our second clip because it can allow our audience to build up tension as they are looking at man that has injured himself. The choices turned out successful as the audience were also able to identify who was who in this clip. Our cameraman who was Dennis did the point of view shot perfectly as he shake the camera, giving the realism of the point of view shot. We framed this on a small garden. Finally, our last shot was the over the shoulder shot. We used this because it was appropriate as Alexandra was able to help Clive as he found him on the floor, injured. Our choices was not as successful as we thought it would as Alexandra was blocking a bit of the shot with her shoulder, therefore, the audience would not know what is going on, in the shot. To improve this, the cameraman should of taken the shot further away so the audience is able to see everything that is happening in the shot. Overall i think the positive elements in our film was the first and second shot as we used the most appropriate shots for the film. Also all shots were recorded with care, therefore making the shot steady so it looked professional. However to improve our film, i think that we should, improve our last scene by taking the shot further away, making the shot very clear.

Source Code

Source Code

This is an action thriller centred on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. The film flashes backwards and forwards in time,. It raises many philosophical questions that relate to quantum physics and parallel universes. It raises issues about what it means to be alive. There is an enigmatic 'open ended' finale to the film. It is not a closed text. The audience are left wondering whether Colter is alive or dead. As well excitement there are tender moments in the film that relieve tension. For example the ongoing romance and a very emotional scene where Steven phones his father. The film was made in 2011 and was directed by Duncan Jones. The film contained CGI effects and cost a whopping 32 million dollars. This film is an example of an ordinary person, albeit a solider, who had dragged into a situation he doesn't really understand. Thrillers are villain driven plots.  Colter Stevens is not only against the bomber, but he is also against the person who created the source code who refuses to let him die. The film uses many devices such as suspense. This is used when the audience is thinking if Stevens can find the bomber before the time runs out. Each time his time ran out we will never know if which bomber is the guilty one. Also they use a red herring. This is when Stevens dies for the first time he dies the audience thinks that Stevens he is really dead. Finally cliff hanger is used when the audience is thinking can Stevens dismantle the bomb before it goes off.    

Cast:

Director: Duncan Jones

Writer: Ben Ripley

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga

The story line keeps us as the audience, on the edge of your seat and adds enough humour to add a funny and enjoyable experience. There is also amazing chemistry between Jake and Michelle which causes the film to be an excellent one. This film delivers on romance, suspense, mystery and thrills.

Source Code use many different types of camera shots such as: angle, shot, movement, position; high or low tilt; long, medium or close up; wide shot, over the shoulder, zoom, reverse shot, point of view. Firstly, they use short, medium and long shot. They use a short shot when they zoom into Jake face when he just found out he best friend died. Secondly, they use a long shot to show the aftermath of the bomb explosion. the also use many types of camera work such as: tracking, pan, steady cam, rolling, hand held, deep focus and so on. For example they used a rolling shot when the recorded the train going past a station. Another technique they use is editing. They use speed and style to perfect their editing skills. Examples of styles could be straight cut, dissolve, fade, wipe and jump cut. 

Sound Exercise

Sound Exercise 1

This my project of sound exercise. Firstly my group decided to do a Narcos reactment of a scene. We used many different types of equipment such as: Camera, Microphone and a boom stick. We made sure we recorded the sound to make it in sync with the camera. I then edited it it to add background music which is on screen sound and an ambient sound as the background sound suits the music. i also used a sound bridge so it can carry onto the next scene. I also used a police siren which is off screen sound and pleonastic sound as its an exaggeration. I used a dead cat which goes over the microphone so it can minimise other sounds that i do not want to capture. I also did demonstrate the difference between on and off screen sound as the audience knows where the background music is from but do not know where the police siren is from. The positive elements is that  i used all the techniques effectively to create a masterpiece. However the improvements i would make is to use more parallel and contrapuntal sound.

The Brief

The Brief

You have been asked to produce the titles and opening sequence of a new fiction film in the thriller genre.

The sequence should last a maximum of two minutes.
Work in a group of 2-4 students.
As acting is not assessed, you are free to use actors that are not members of your group.
The film is worth 60% of your coursework grade.
The accompanying is worth 40% of your coursework grade.
Together the Foundation Portfolio is worth 50% of the overall AS level

Welcome

Welcome Post

Hello All,

                 my name is Stefan Sarkodie and welcome to my blog. I am 16 years old, with an interest in sports and films, with my favourite film being Narcos. Its an exhilarating and breath-taking film, on the rise and fall infamous Mexican drug lord, called Pablo Escobar, with the Drug Enforcement Agency hunting him down.

I also watch sports themed films with one of my favourites being Creed. This film, is based on a young boy, Adonis, who never knew his father is a boxing champion, Apollo Creed, due to him passing away before Adonis was born. However, as Adonis grew up, he told himself he wanted to become a boxer as he can feel it in his blood.

Apart from films, i also like to listen to music. Music that i enjoy listening to is Grime and Drill music, with my favourite artist being Yxng Bane. This is my favourite as i he can make songs that can make me feel happy about life. But i also like SantanDave as he makes songs about his past and troubles and advises young people not to chose the life that he chose.