Steven Spielberg: Opening Shots 1971-1991

Interesting video collection of Steven Spielberg's opening shots from 1971-1991.

Useful for A2 Short Film and Trailer students and AS Opening students.

Under the Influence: Barry Jenkins on Wong Kar-Wai

It is always interesting to see how one director influences another...

In this video, Barry Jenkins discusses the influence that Wong Kar-Wai had on his work.

Here is a side by side comparison of shots from 'Moonlight' and various Wong Kar-Wai films.

Wong Kar-Wai is one of my favourite directors. Every film student must watch 'In the Mood for Love'. It is a masterpiece of cinematography, mise-en-scene, sound and editing working in unison to make a true work of art.

Both videos were found via: FilmSchoolRejects, which is a fantastic site that regularly shares interesting articles and videos about film. Consider following them on Twitter or Facebook.

Art of the Title: Stranger Things

Another fantastic breakdown and analysis from 'Art of the Title'; this time for 'Stranger Things' (my fave show of 2016).

As you continue your coursework research, you must make use of the site 'Art of the Title'. They have covered some of the most iconic title sequences in significant detail, including:

• Dial M for Murder
• Alien
• Twin Peaks
• Blade Runner
• Fargo
• Se7en
• Trainspotting
• This is England
• Moon
• Oblivion

Kubrick

A look at the cinematic experience of Stanley Kubrick. His work is a tour-de-force of symbolism, narrative exposition and cinematography. His attention to detail may only be matched by Wes Anderson and his editing is without a doubt meticulous.

Much can be learned here, both in terms of your own production work but also in terms of Postmodern Media. Enjoy!

Martin Scorsese - The Art of Silence

AS: Group Writing on Editing / Sound

Currently working on analysis and quality of writing, here are the paragraphs that you wrote in small groups... please use them to critique and reflect on your own writing.

Some key points:

• Ensure that you open paragraphs with a clear point, referring back to the area of representation that you have been asked to write about
• Avoid run on sentences - clear grammar and punctuation adds to the clarity of your analysis
• Avoid description; ensure that there is evidence of technical analysis in every sentence
• Use key terms frequently and accurately
• Make sure you know the difference between 'dentotation' and 'connotation'
• Try to make links between the different technical features. This demonstrates a deeper level of understanding.

Media Language - Huge 30 Page Resource

The document below is 30 pages of useful material (Courtesy of Mr Wallis at Ringwood) that will help all AS and A2 students with your exam preparations. I hope that most of you know the material within but I recommend downloading and printing it to kick start your revision which should be happening now. Don't wait until May!

AS: Key Concepts and the Language of the Moving Image

Thanks to our friends at Ringwood School for the following excellent resources about the key concepts of Media Studies and Moving Image Language.

Key Concepts: http://mediastudiesringwood.blogspot.com/2010/11/key-concepts-basics.html

Language of the Moving Image: http://mediastudiesringwood.blogspot.com/2010/11/film-terms-techniques-shots-lighting.html

Enjoy!

Year 12 Homework - Small Island

In your pairs write up your response to the following question... 

"Discuss the way race is represented in Small Island" 

Click to view / download the Mind Map from the lesson.

• Charlie & James - Camera
• Louise & Daniel - Sound
• Maraid & Steve - Editing
• Lewis & Graham - Mise-en-scene

Please bring your response with you to Monday's lesson (26.04.10)

AS: Wong Kar-Wai - In The Mood For Love

Here is the clip from "In The Mood For Love" that I used to demonstrate the importance of colour, lighting and sound.  This scene is so powerful.  Please try to see the whole film and its sequel "2046" if you can.   

Wong Kar-Wai is an amazingly talented director.  There is an interesting essay about the film "In The Mood For Love" here!



Here is another example of colour used effectively, this time from the film "Hero" directed by Yimou Zhang.