Introducing Postmodernism - A Graphic Guide

Have just found the Postmodernism Graphic Guide book to download. It is just like the book, with the same content but in a digital format that takes you through each page, like a keynote. 

Here are the links for both versions of the e-book for iPhone and android both costs £1.99.

iPhone

Android

Know Your Camera

Just found this website Fuel Your Motionography which is a great place to find new videos but also to find explanations for the terms that are associated with cinematography.

If you want to broaden your understanding or are a little confused with some of the terms, this website gives fantastic examples and good descriptions for each term relating to cinematography.

Check out the following links:

Know Your Camera, Part I: Shot Lengths & Angles

Know Your Camera, Part II: Movement

Sandwich Video

Adam Lisagor fell in to video-based viral marketing... his company 'Sandwich Video' produces some of the most engaging ads for apps and services. Go check 'em out!

Link: http://sandwichvideo.com/

School Magazine

Josh and Toria are launching a School Magazine. This is an exciting endeavour and they are looking for students in Year's 10-13 to get involved. There are roles for students who are interested in:

• Writing
• Photography
• Design

The team is meeting every Wednesday in Media 1. If you're interested, come along and find out more.

Here is a sample of what the magazine might look like...

The First Days of Spring

Short Film? Music Video?

The Suburbs by Spike Jonze

Music Video? Short Film?

A Dictionary of Media and Film Studies

There is a great book that contains all the key terms and definitions for "Media and Communication" and also "Film Studies".

However there is also free supporting material online for both, that supplies you with the reference sources for further study, understanding and investigation. Definitely worth a look, if not a read.

Film Studies

Media & Communication

Further notes on blogging...

First, make sure that you have read this post...

I have seen some excellent work on your blogs so far, but there is always room for improvement, particularly when you are developing new practices.

Here are a few additional bits of advice, based on what I have seen so far.

• Don't copy up (or worse - copy & paste) your notes verbatim on to your blog. There is no point to this. Instead, do one or a combination of the following:
• Summarise what you have learned in to short, precise, manageable chunks;
• Use key terms but also write in your own voice;
• Apply what you have learned to new examples to check/demonstrate your understanding;
• Make links between work with Mr. Ford and I (This is really important as it will help you to develop a more cogent understanding of the key concepts);
• Reflect on what, how and why you learned something? How has it helped you to better understand a particular concept or idea?

• Don't write everything up. If you are set an essay, there is no need to write your notes up. Instead, complete the essay and publish it on your blog.

• With regards to homework... please publish it on your blog. While we will discuss it in class, it allows us to assess your progress individually.

• You need to log into your blog regularly to check for comments. If Mr Ford or I comment and ask you to do something, then please do it. Do not view this as extra work! This is us, doing our job, helping you to improve your skills and understanding.

If you have any further questions about your blog, please come and talk to me or send me a tweet.

Tripod Trix

Cinematography is one of the most, if not the most important aspect of production. Apart from getting a range of shot types, a range of movements is also critical to the success of your product. Creating a steady camera shot while successfully achieving pans, tilts and tracking shots is a challenge in itself, but one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in production is the tripod. Here is a quick tutorial showing you how to achieve a clean and steady range of camera movements:

For more information about how to use tripods successfully check out these videos

• Basic step-by-step knowledge of how to attach a camera to a tripod "Tripods, an Exposè!"
• How to achieve a dramatic "Hitchcock zoom "Zoom vs. Moving Camera"
• Why use a tripod when you got a monopod "Monopod Mania"

Go forth and have fun with tripods and experiment with different shot types and movements.

How to… Green Screen

We now have a new green (and white) screen in media for you all to use. Just a quick tutorial on how to use the green screen in production and post-production.

For any other tutorials on pre-production, production and post-production I would highly recommend the Vimeo Video School, a great place to start.

A note on blogging...

A brief guide for AS student's who have begun blogging...

1. Check out previous students blogs to develop an understanding of what to include/write about; expectations in terms of post length/quality; and how to use/embed media including video, audio and documents.

The following blogs are a good place to start...

• Serena Moriarty
• Heather Casey
• Lucy Taylor
• Joshua Gray

2. Blog regularly - a minimum of once a week.

3. Your blog is your 'Foundation Portfolio in Media'. It is a record of the stages of your coursework: Research, Planning, (Post)Production, Evaluation. Therefore, it needs to be detailed and well written. Proof read your posts. Your blog will be marked and will be sent for moderation.

4. All of your posts should demonstrate learning and understanding. And where appropriate, given the purpose of the post, include evidence of analysis, reflection and evaluation. This may also include work done with me as there are direct links between the two sides of the course.

5. Evaluation is one of the most important skills at AS Level. See this document for additional guidance on what 'evaluation' is.

6. Finally, post rather than draft. You can edit/add to posts, even if they have been published. Mr Ford and I can only help you if we can see where you are at on your blog. If you keep lots of drafts we can not help you and will likely draw the conclusion that you are behind with your work.

Remember, you can get in touch with us via email or Twitter. And don't forget to ask your A2 peers. Josh, Hannah, Lucy, Danni, Avvy, Alice & Alice will be more than happy to help you.

Happy blogging...

Mr. M.

Semiotics (Homework)

Just a reminder for AS students to work through the pages of this resource on Semiotics:

• Semiotics: "The Science of Signs"

Make notes as you go and come to tomorrow's lessons with any questions that you might have.

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If you want to push yourself, you could also begin reading through this resource:

• 'Semiotics for Beginners' by David Chandler

It is a degree level text covering the basics of semiotics and beyond, including 'Encoding/Decoding' and 'Intertextuality'.

See you tomorrow...

Mr. M.