Studio Workshop - Camera Lesson 1

During our classes first studio lesson we have been taught how to manually set up three different types of cameras, a tripod, as well as the importance of setting up a camera manually. Effectively all cameras can be set to function on an automatic shooting mode, allowing people to easily shoot various types of media pieces. This however possesses a number of disadvantages which all relay to the same issue, which is that a camera cannot recognise footage the same way a person can. In other words only a person can identify whether the focus, white balance, ISO and etc. are appropriate for what it is that they are shooting.

One of the most significant features of every camera is its white balance function. This utility allows the camera operator to identify what it is that either he or she would like the camera to perceive as white within the current shooting setting. By doing so the camera adjusts the way in which it receives every colour in accordance to what you set to be white. For instance a camera placed outside may perceive everything with a tint of blue, although after its white balance is set using a white piece of paper all the colours lose their blue tint and thus become more naturalistic. Together with our studio tutor we have explored this function using the Sony FS100 by placing it inside, and than outside, whilst adjusting the white balance.

Another crucial function of a decent camera is its focus. The function allows the camera operator to set what will the camera see as focused and out of focus. Through the use of different lenses the area in front of the camera that is either in or out of focus can be adjusted to great measures. Furthermore even though it may seem that the camera is capable of automatically setting about the focus, digitally zooming in and manually adjusting the focus contributes towards a more crystal clear image. I explored the various ways in which focus can be used and adjusted in the 5D Mark III Canon, which we have been provided with throughout our lesson.

Another feature worth mentioning is the ISO, which is the cameras sensitivity to light. Increasing the ISO increases the cameras sensitivity to light, which in turn causes the camera to display a brighter image/video. Decreasing the ISO does exactly the opposite, and dims the image/video. By adjusting the camera sensitivity to light the camera operator can portray a mood within a shot. For instance most comedies are filmed with a high ISO setting to relate to their comedic mood. At the same time most thriller are filmed with low ISO settings to built upon the tension and suspense present within them. The Sony NX5 is the third camera, which I have operated within our first studio lesson and used to test out the different capabilities and techniques of using the ISO function that the camera provided.

Finally we have also been taught how to operate a tripod. Our teacher slowly went through how to set up the tripod and mount the camera on top of the tripod, which due to my previous experience with cameras it was knowledge that I was able to quickly grasp and apply throughout the lesson. In my opinion the first studio lesson was a successful period of time, throughout which I learned how to operate different cameras, tripods and the functions present within does and other cameras.

Film Poster Analysis - Speed

A huge amount of information about a film can be derived from a poster or an advertisement. This essay will examine what information can be obtained from the following movie poster through its analysis.The title of the film presented on the poster is Speed. This suggests that the main theme of the piece has something to do with a fast moving object, considerably a car, boat or airplane. Furthermore the letters of the title are slanted, which in a connotative manner presents speed and drag, usually associated with a vehicle. Also the title is written in red, a colour that a wide range of audiences associates with adrenaline, danger, and fire.

On the right hand side of the poster a long-shot of the bus coming out of an explosion in addition to the title suggests more danger and speed in the movie. From a different point of view it could be inferred that is is actually the back part of the bus that is exploding. Adding up all of the information so far analysed in the poster, it seems possible that there might be a problem associated with the speed of the bus, which at one point causes it to experience an explosion.

Another interesting aspect is the character represented in a close up shot on the left hand side of the poster is most likely the protagonist of the film, linking to the other ideas, perhaps a passenger or the driver of the bus. The actors face is represented in a tint of red and with a look of concern on his face meaning that in the film he will likely face threatening challenges that bring about adrenaline and fear.

It could also be mentioned that the sign at the centre of the poster, “Get Ready For Rush Hour.”, clearly indicates that a dangerous challenge is presented to the protagonist on the street. Through the combination of all of the following ideas, it could be suggested that the movies theme is that of a man struggling with a speeding bus on the road. In combination with further analysis of the explosion it could maybe have something to do with a terrorist attack. Perhaps the main Mise-en-scene of the movie is a bomb is planted on the pass, which is what disallows it from stopping, and allows the terrorist to make a claim, while the protagonist of the film saves the day.

The genre that combines all of the above is either an action-thriller or an action film. The iconography of the poster would fit that presumption, as clear indications of an action film, such as explosions, red, and a strong main character can be seen on the poster. That means that the most probable target audiences are teenagers and man, audiences that especially enjoy this type of spectacles. The studio might have chosen to make this type of film knowing that there is a wide range of audiences that will go see their production and hopefully for them, enjoy it.

In general the film is most probably an action film focused on attracting a male audience. It is also worth mentioning that the main protagonist of the film is Keanu Reeves who at the time was beginning his career as an actor, but was already widely known.

Tension - Submerged

In this extract of the film Submerged tension is built upon through the use of sounds, mise-en-scene, editing, and camera shots/angles. The actor’s outfits within the piece together with the submarine apparatus and the insignificant use of lightning disallow the audience from perceiving everything that is happening within the frame presented. To the audiences knowledge this gives way to the chance of something lurking in the darkness, although because that is unknown and remains unknown tension keeps on building throughout the piece. The non-diegetic sinister music that builds up throughout the opening sequence further tenses the atmosphere of the film by leading up to an event for an extended period of time. This builds tension because the music gives way to a reveal that comes at an undetermined time. The camera shots/angles, which go about abruptly and in random patterns, whilst presented outside of the submarine, build tension in a similar way to the non-diegetic sound track, even more so that the soundtrack accompanies them. The quick style of editing, and prolonged scenes gives way to the other aspects of the media piece to build tension. In other words the long scenes separated by quick cuts allow the audience to dive into the tension full thriller that is made up of the mise-en-scene combined with the camera angles/shots and the sinister soundtrack. In conclusion the different aspects that together contribute towards the successful creation of a media piece can be formulated in a way that builds effectively builds tension throughout a sequence.

Se7en - Opening Sequence

Se7en’s opening sequence is partially what makes it one of the most inventive and well-written films that I had the opportunity to see. The opening is a montage of irregular homely activities and opening credits that hook the attention of the viewer by foreshadowing some of the criminal techniques used by the main antagonist of the film. Although it is unknown to the viewer who it is that is completing all of the irregular homely activities. However, as stated before the odd activities do prompt the viewer to keep on watching. The camera shots, although vivid, are short and interrupted by opening credits requiring the undivided attention of the viewer to transcend to him or her what they mean. In that instance it can be inferred that the mystery-thriller Se7en is a type of film, which requires the viewer to think thoroughly and analyse the different aspects of scenes and the things said throughout the movie. In other words the opening sequence says a lot about what the film is going to be. Continuing some of the irregular activities, such as the cutting of finger tips, censoring words in books in order to make sensible sentences, and developing photographs allows the viewer to see that the rest of the film will most likely have something to do with detective work and perhaps a type of brilliant criminal. In the end although the opening sequence reveals a small amount of information about the rest of the movie and how it will play out, this allows the viewer to come to a conclusion whether Se7en is the type of movie he/she wishes or does not wish to see towards the end. I must say that it is my opinion an ingenious introduction to a film, and although it may seem quit simple at first, through rough examination it can be seen that that is not the case.