Reconstruction of a Media Text Evaluation

To prepare for the main task of developing my own media text for my advanced portfolio, as a group we have reconstructed an existing media text. This task enabled us to understand what is required when we finally begin our main work.

The video we had decided to do was ‘Sliver by Nirvana.’ The reason being was because out of the choices available this video was the most practical. Other choices were the music video ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved by The Script’ and two film trailers that were ‘127 Hours’ and ‘The Lucky One.’ The reason our choice was the most practical is because it could have been done in college hours and the requirements, such as setting and props, was easier to reconstruct. Examples of why the other media texts were too difficult are, in ‘The Lucky One’ the opening scene is situated in a warzone, with bullets and explosions happening. That would have been a struggle to recreate. As for ‘127 Hours’ although some shots would have been simple to shoot others such as riding the bike through a dirt land would have been difficult to recreate, especially with the high angle shot being so high up.

Before beginning filming, we needed to organise times in which we were able to get to together and film, as well as in the meantime get props. As it turned out, it was much easier to film within lesson time and use props from around the college. Although they weren’t exact replicas of the original music video, it is clear what we were trying to portray. There was never any problem with attendance, maybe sometimes would be distracted and waste the time we had organised for our production, however we got the best part of the filming done in only a couple of days. However, after finishing filming and preparing for editing, the camera had dated our videos wrongly making us believe that the footage on the camera was two years old. Therefore thinking it was not our footage, it got deleted. This now meant we had lost a little part of our project and had to reorganise our time in order to save our music video. This was done at a lunch time, but, yet again getting distracted we decided to take the reconstruction to another level. This is when we created the reconstruction of the Dairy Milk Advertisement.

In all fairness the advertisement was not a bad idea, because we had to learn and adapt from the original to recreate the camera shots, movements and sync it with the song. Since the footage we had taken was for fun, the syncing was not perfect. Not bad, just not perfect. This required me to edit a fair bit in order to make it look realistic and on time. Although we were proud of what we had done, it was not what we had intentionally set out to do; therefore we still needed to work on the original Nirvana piece.

Editing this was fairly simple. However when playing back some of the footage we realise that there were objects in the way, ideas that seemed good at the time were not when played back and the idea of the green screen really didn’t seem to work out. The only positive thing I can say about it is that the camera angles are not that bad. Lip syncing was fairly easy considering you never really saw the mouth of the singer within the video and when you did for a decent amount of time the only lyrics sang were “Grandma take me home.” Harley who had decided on this song was willing to do the lip sync; this made it a lot easier rather than making someone that doesn’t want to do it have to sing a song they don’t know/like.

The green screen was meant to appear as a cluttered bedroom in which the band were playing in, however, when using  an image from the internet, all that seemed to happen was that the room stayed still and the band floated around. This obviously didn’t look very good. On top of that, the lighting was not great, meaning when using the ‘chroma key’ effect to place the background it came up fuzzy and affected the edge of the actors. Another flaw in our project.

As for costumes, no planning was put into it, except for the monkey outfit. This was not a major problem in our production, but it would have helped a little more in the reconstruction rather than just dressing as we were. This is something I will have to think of when I am created my main production piece.

After everything it turned out that our best work, and most favourable, was the reconstruction of the dairy milk advertisement.  We learnt a lot from both of the pieces such as time management. Organisation and planning is key to making a good media text. Since we filmed within college hours and put no time outside of lesson into it, I believe it does show compared to other students work.  On top of that, not gathered the necessary props and requirements and finding a good enough location really shows as well. Personally, I did not like what we were doing/did. I would not have chosen the song it had been up to me and other group members would agree, which is something else I have learnt. Working in a group although is fun, decisions have to be made together and with something like this I believe it is better to work with less people, if not alone.

When it comes to filming my trailer I now know I have to be a lot more organised than I was now as well as doing something I enjoy. The Dairy Milk advert was great and we enjoyed doing it, which is why afterwards more time has been put into ‘perfecting it’ rather than somehow trying to improve our original idea. Other aspects are getting together a cast that want to be a part of the production. No-one from our group was particularly keen on getting in front of the camera and acting. This is highly important when creating a film trailer especially because the actor will have to speak in front of the camera as well as act.

Luckily this was just practise, so when it does come to my actual piece, I will be a lot more prepared. 

Problems that may occur

After uploading my Media Reconstruction 2, I received an email. This is a problem that may occur when uploading my main production piece. Luckily I am still able to hear the soundtrack however, it may occur that the sound is completely blocked altogether. As the soundtrack to a film trailer is an important aspect I must be prepared in case this is to happen in the future.

Main Production Piece, pre-production ideas.

As stated previously, I want to create a film trailer within the drama genre. This means I need a good, gripping story line that will make the audience into wanting to see my film. 

Plot:
A typical teenage boy, with no particular zest for life, spends most of his time at home doing nothing. Despite being pushed by his parents to get a job he has no real luck finding one. When the jackpot for the lottery hits a new high everyone in town is buying a ticket, however the person to actually win the jackpot is the boys Grandad. Unfortunately though, the Grandad passes away the next day meaning that the main protagonist inherits all this money and despite promising his girlfriend and family, he lets it go to his head.

Actors/Cast/Team members:
The main character will be played by me, the reason being is because I feel as though I will be able to get the best out of my project when I know what I want rather than relying on someone else. This means I will need to find someone else to work the camera, however this is an easier task than having to act in front of it. Other cast members will involve family and friends that are willing to act for me as a small part. 

Setting: 
I will be filming at home to begin with before finally going out into my local area and busy locations. I try and portray it as a hectic place, similar to a party scene of some sort. 

Props/Costume: 
To begin with, the main protagonist will be wearing fairly casual clothes (i.e a hoody and jeans.) This will portray an average teen as well as one that doesn't care too much for the latest trends. However, throughout the movie after inheriting all the money the outfit will change from casual to more stylish and smart (i.e a shirt, possibly a tie/ blazer.) This more formal attire is stereotypical to the richer way of life. Other cast members will be seen in their normal clothes in order to keep that sense of realism. 

Reconstruction of a media text 2

Although our main assignment that we agreed on was to reconstruct 'Sliver' during one of our sessions we had also decided that it would be a good idea, whilst we had the chance, to reconstruct something else that is not only different but also can contribute to our aim.

What we chose to recreate was the Dairy Milk advertisement featuring a Gorilla playing the drums along to the song 'In the air tonight - Phil Collins.'

Using the monkey outfit and the 'drum-kit' we required for the Nirvana reconstruction, we was able to replicate this media text. 

Analysis of Forrest Gump Trailer

The film is based on the life of Forrest Gump, a naive and slow-witted yet athletically prodigious man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the latter half of the 20th century; more specifically, the period between Forrest's birth in 1945 and 1982.

The camera work used within the beginning of the Forrest Gump trailer consists of a rule of third to begin with, showing Forrest offer chocolate to some pensioners on the bench and two shots of him with his mother and good friend Jenny. Already it is bringing in the protagonist of the film interacting with a variety of other characters. Due to the camera zooming into the shots it is clear that Forrest Gump is different to most beings, as further reinforced by the close-up of the professional, head teacher of a public school as he states “Your boy’s different” contradicting the statement in the previous shot of his mother saying “You are no different.” When introducing the character ‘Jenny’ the use of camera techniques and shot reverse shot editing shows Jenny and Forrest interacting before a two shot shows them shaking hands. This emphasises how fast these two became friends and a few more two shots show them being together on multiple occasions as children before returning to the present day with a close-up of Forrest saying “my only friend.” As Forrest continues to narrate, flashback show long shots of him and Jenny in the past walking through a meadow, therefore showing the setting of the movie. On top of all this there are a variety of close up that convey characters emotions in the movie. A low angle shot of men in a crowd watching Forrest run creates an illusion of them being bigger beings, this maybe because they are of a normal mind whereas Forrest is quite obviously different. Within this shot dialogue between character further introduce Forrest Gump with the question “Who in the hell is that?” and with a close up on Forrest’s face and the response “That’s Forrest Gump coach” acting as a voice-over works well in stating the protagonist of the movie. Establishing shots show Forrest Gump in a variety of settings such as an American Football stadium, a cut to a close up of him in his American Football kit shows that he was of a sporty nature as well as being fairly successful as further shown by another establishing shot showing signs in the crowd reading ‘GO FORREST.’ Following this is a panning shot showing multiple empty bottles and behind them is Forrest in a suit. This is yet again putting him in another situation and a long shot of Forrest behind a close of hands shaking show that he is in a fairly sophisticated environment, eventually we understand why because another two shot shows him and President John F Kennedy interacting. More medium shots show Forrest Gump in college attire and two shots of him and Jenny at a young show that the movie trailer is showing many parts of his life. Forrest Gump eventually joins the Army and yet again Forrest is meeting more and more new character such as his Drill Sergeant and his friend Bubba in a variety of two shots. Two shots are very effective in drama movies in order to show the character interacting in a variety of different situations, this gives the audience a much more accurate inside look into the life of Forrest Gump or any other protagonist. A lot of the same camera techniques are repeated in the trailer, more establishing shots show him in a war zone and more two shots show him with more people. All of these techniques work effectively in illustrating the basic story line of the movie and giving enough detail about Forrest Gump for the audience to get to grips with him.

As stated many times previously, the character within a drama is a very important aspect and within the Forrest Gump trailer it is clear that a main priority was to promote his character and show him in every scenario possible. He is not of a normal nature and it is made clear throughout the trailer, which is really important as it is the unique quality of Forrest Gump that makes this story line and character much more interesting.

There are many locations with the trailer, but to begin with it shows where Forrest had been brought up, in Alabama. It shows a fairly quiet a country scene which is why it is so impressive when Forrest makes it into a large, crowded and loud environment such as a Football Stadium and a life threatening location such as a war zone  These contrasts in locations really highlight the journey of the protagonist.

As for mise-en scene within the trailer, there are a variety of costumes that Forrest wears. As he begins life he is wearing his leg braces that enable him to walk. This already distinguishes him from other character of his age. As he grows older he wears the same sort of outfit, such as a blue shirt, which conveys how he still hasn't changed much since he was a child until eventually he is in a American football costume and then in an army uniform. Like the contrast in locations, the costumes have the same effects. By placing Forrest in different scenarios and environments it highlights his journey through life. As for props in the film there are varieties that coincide with the scenario. Whilst sat on the bench Forrest in holding a box of chocolates, this becomes a key part of his character when he relates back to what his mother use to say to him. “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

A main part of sound techniques within the trailer is the dialogue being used as a voice-over  The plot of the story is Forrest sat on a bench talking about his life and dialogue from this overlaps scenes with the movie. For example, in the scene when Forrest is running from a car Jenny shouts “Run Forrest Run!” which becomes quite the catchphrase for the movie. However, in the scene Forrest states “I run like the wind blows” as well as “I never thought that it would take me anywhere.” This is obviously contradicted when we see him in the stadium when he was put “on a thing called the all American team.” He then introduces another scene by saying “Where you get to meet the President of the United States.” The dialogue is very effective in showing the narrative of the film. In the background of the trailer is an orchestral soundtrack which conveys a celebratory situation, which would relate to the life of Forrest Gump, something that is worth celebrating.

Altogether this film uses specific techniques effectively in order to promote the film as well as introduce the character Forrest Gump, these are techniques such as close-ups, two-shots and voice-overs. 

Codes and Conventions of a Film Trailer

Codes and Conventions of a media text Film trailers each have a variety of different codes and conventions depending on their genre however they still have common conventions used throughout. On average, film trailers last about 2:30 minutes and a substantial amount of codes and conventions are required in order to fit a 1:30 hour movie into such a little time. Cinematography, such as camera angles/shots within a film trailers needs to show enough about the trailer for the audience to get a decent understanding of what is happening but at the same time not giving too much away. To do this, shots such as close-ups are required in order to state who the protagonist(s) is/are. This allows the audience to get to know them as well as the actor. Alongside this they close-ups also allow the audience to see the facial expression and emotion of the character which helps create the scene, if that be a particularly scary scene or a more joyful one. On top of close-ups there is also a variety of establishing shots as well. This states the setting of the movie, creating a better understanding of where and what the movie is about. A good example of these two cinematography techniques is the 127 Hours trailers, featuring close-up shots at the beginning to introduce the character followed by establishing shots to show where he is. 









 If there is more than one character within the trailer, camera angles such as a two shot are then used to either show the relationship between the characters or a conversation. This is also sometimes backed up by an over-the-shoulder shot. On top of camera angles and shots, movement also plays a big factor in film trailers depending on the genre. Within an action movie you would see faster paced camera movement in order to replicate the disorientating and hectic storyline within the movie. Other genres such as dramas depending more on slow moving cameras shots, this allows the audience to take in more of what is going on within the movie and example of this is in the Shawshank Redemption when Andy is being announced his prison sentence. When portraying a more documentary feel to a film trailer, handicam is often used, this is where the camera is being held in a hand rather than being supported by some form of equipment (i.e tripod.) An example of this technique would be the film Cloverfield where an alien attack is being recorded on camera by one of the main characters.

Due to it only being a film trailer a lot of editing techniques such as transitions and montage editing are used. This is to jump from one part of the story to another, allowing the audience to understand different aspects and moments within the movie. As well as montage editing there is also continuity editing in trailers which shows a progression throughout the trailer but shows more of one moment rather than bits of a few moments. This is a great way to attract the audience depending on the section of the film used within the trailer. Often within a trailer you will see jump cuts, which allows the trailer to move from one scene to another giving more information for the audience to dwell on.

Mise-en Scene consists of the props used, the setting and the costumes as well. These are good at portraying or enhanced the emotive the film is going for. Shawshank Redemption uses rather dull colours to portray to poor lifestyle of the prison as well as the costumes to show they are all inmates and convicts. It is a very useful technique due to the connotations and denotations of certain mise-en scene aspects. For example, within a romantic movie there will possibly be some roses in the background or given to one of the characters. The denotation of this is that it is a rose, a flower however the connotation of this is that it is seen as a romantic aspect and this particular code has become a convention of the romantic genre. Other props such as knives can replicate horror or thriller; guns are associated with action etc. As well as props used other background equipment such as posters can also show more information about a character. For example, dark band posters or even negative images can show a different side to a character and therefore create a different atmosphere around them. This can also work in creating stereotypes of a character such as an Xbox and television to show a typical modern teenage boy.

The soundtrack is a major convention within a film trailer as it can create a mood surrounding what is happening within the film. 127 Hours begins with a rather fast paced song along with the voiceover of the main character, it appears to be a rather positive mood before slowing down and really showing what the movie is really like. Genres such as horror would feature more eerie music to create tension. The volume of a soundtrack can differ depending on the genre, for example the music would appear quieter in a horror film in order to enhance other sounds within the trailer where as an action movie the music will be much louder to create that more frantic and exploding action-packed theme. Depending on the target audience, the soundtrack featured could be more mainstream if aiming at a younger audience. Not only does this promotes the music but also attracts the audience due to it being popular at that time. This is a use of synergy by the conglomerates; Sony Pictures would use music from Sony Music which will promote both the movie and the music.

Overall, these conventions will become useful in creating my media product. I wish to create a drama movie showing character emotion as well as a ‘gripping storyline.’ In order to do this I will have to use mostly close-up shots to show the facial expressions of the character. My film trailer will probably consists of mostly jump cuts to show a progression of the character and what he begins and ends like. However as always I would not want to give too much information away.