Audience and Institution Essay

Prompt: In relation to the media area you have studied, discuss the ways audience consumption has changed over time.    


If one were to examine the ways in which audience consumption has changed over time, in the film industry in particular, they would find that there are many. Looking back at the late 19^th century, the very first motion picture films were projected. In today’s age, there are so many different ways films can be consumed. These changes in consumption are due to many factors that include developments in technology, a broader range in marketing and distribution of the films, and many new and accessible ways to view films.

     One of the primary ways film consumption has changed overtime is through technological advances over the years. The very first form of technology used to project and show films was the projector. As time passed, the television was invented. More years passed and computers, smart phones, tablets, and other technology was invented. These new technologies have not only changed the way in which viewers watch films, but has allowed for the production of movies that would have never been possible before. Cameras have developed from only filming in black and white, to filming in color, to shooting in way higher definition allowing for the audiences to take in the complete and amazing set designs of the films. In the article, “How Is Digital Technology Reshaping the Film Industry,” another technological advancement in the film industry is discussed. Algorithmic video editing is a type of film editing that creates remarkable features that will blow a person’s mind. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, high definition films and advanced editing features were not possible. These new advances have created films that are far more unique and fascinating to the public, and for that reason the interests of audiences have spiked drastically and caused an increase in the demand of movies for entertainment. This, technological advancements have played a key role in the change in audience consumption over these years. 

     Out of all the ways audience consumption of films has changed, the way in which movies have been viewed plays the largest role in the change. Many years ago, people could only view movies when they appeared on screen in movie theaters. Now, they are almost endless ways people can watch movies. These include, but are certainly not limited to: DVDs, Blu-Ray, video on demand, streaming sites, television, and of course, movie theaters. As the years have passed and more ways to view movies have come along, audience consumption of films have without a doubt increased drastically. Movies are so accessible to viewers, it is as simple as clicking a button on ones phone. Entertainment is at an all time high and with the streaming sites and technology available, movies are definitely watched more than they were many years ago. My family and I pay for a monthly subscription of the streaming service Netflix, and we also have cable that comes with Video On Demand. With these services, we have watched an endless amount of movies from the comfort of our home. We were able to watch some of these movies while they were still in the theater. Some of these movies include the Marvel movie “Black Panther,” “Jurassic World,” “Spider-Man Homecoming,” and “Ugly Dolls.” Shortly after these movies were released to the movie theaters, they were available to rent on Video On Demand for our cable company and on Netflix. In the article, “How Comcast and NBCUniversal Used Minions to Fuse an Empire,” it was expressed how the era we live in has become an era where people increasingly watch what they want when and how they want to. This is proven true by my personal example of the way my family and I tend to view movies in the comfort of our home, and by all the many ways people can watch movies nowadays. Because of the increase in ways people can access films over the years, audience consumption has most definitely increased. 

     Aside from technology and different ways to view, marketing has also played a large role in the way audience consumption has changed throughout the years. Marketing of films has always played a main role in the success of a film because it generates popularity and exposure to the films before they are released. That way, the hype for the films have been built up so that when they are released people rush to watch them out of anticipation. When motion picture films first started to become popular, they were promoted to the public in the ways that were around at the time. These include through the radio, newspaper, and even posters around the cities. Similar strategies of marketing are still used, but more ways of advertisement for films have definitely developed over the years. As television became popular, commercials and movie trailers were used to promote new movies that would be coming out. During those times, not everyone had access to television, so while commercials and trailers were effective in increasing awareness for the movies, they didn’t have the same impact that marketing has now. Today we live in a world where mainstream social networking is the biggest it has ever been. There are so many more different platforms that movies are advertised on now, such as social media, the internet, television, radio, and so many more. It can be said that almost everyone has access to these platforms, or can be exposed to them, so marketing of films is so effective in today’s world and really has an impact on audience consumption of films. Cross-media ownerships, such as Disney for instance, have an advantage of promoting films because they own so many platforms that they can promote the films on. This is one of the reasons certain movies make more money than others and become bigger than others. Cross promotion, among many, is a really big marketing strategy. Production companies develop campaign partners that promote films so they can reach more people. An example of this would be with the movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Marvel Studios and Walt Disney were partnered with many companies including Hasbro, Lego, Dairy Queen, LB Kids, Wrigley Company. These companies advertised the movie by putting the characters on chip bags, board games, water bottles, and other items available for purchase. This was for the purpose of gaining more exposure for the movie before and as it was released to gain more views for it. One more marketing strategy production companies tend to use is getting they trailers played on television. This helps a lot in audience consumption because when viewers see an interesting movie trailer on television, they remember that they would like to watch the movie when it comes out. 

     There are so many factors that have played a role in the change of audience consumption of film as the years have passed. As far as technology, there have been so many advancements that have allowed for more unique and appealing films to be produced. New ways to view movies have been developed that have made it far more easy for people to access movies whenever they want, increasing the consumption of films drastically. Marketing has also been a key role in this change of audience consumption, creating much exposure for many films. Audience consumption of films has definitely come a long way, and it will definitely go further as more years pass. 

     

Component II-Question 1

In this extract, “24,” the director strives to create intensity and suspense. In this extract, an interrogation is taking place. The intensity builds as the interrogator digs for answers from the woman, and she does not give any. The issue at hand is very important and delicate, causing the interrogator to become frustrated as a result of the suspect’s lack of cooperation. The intensity and suspense is built throughout this extract through the camera angles, movements, shots, sounds, editing, and mis en scene. 

The intensity and suspense is introduced right at the start of the extract. The set design reveals what will be occurring the next few minutes, seeing as an interrogation room is shown. Interrogations are known to occur for cases that are very serious, so through this set design the viewer can get a sense of the seriousness of the issue before anything else happens. The incidental music that plays as the suspect is shown sitting alone in the room, and as the interrogator walks into the room, builds the suspense and intensifies the scene before any dialogue begins. As the interrogator walks in, an eyeline match occurs. The eyeline match  shows that the interrogation is a serious one, because the interrogator looks up and a camera is shown, which reveals that the interrogation is being viewed, possibly by higher powers. This brings even more seriousness to the issue. 

As the interrogation begins, the intensity and suspense is built even further. The dialogue shared between the interrogator and the woman reveal the issue at hand and reason for interrogation. The two speak of a bomb that needs to be disabled, which is a very serious issue. The shot reverse shot throughout the conversation intensifies the scene because it shows how the interrogator continuously pushes to receive answers from the woman. Furthermore, the interrogator becomes frustrated because of the suspects lack of cooperation in this serious matter, and the close up of his face demonstrates his frustrated facial expression. His apparent frustration clarifies that the matter at hand is very serious and needs to be handled. 

The director uses a two-shot to build even more tension of the interrogation. The two-shot reveals the interrogator screaming in the woman’s face. Clearly, since he is screaming at her to give answers, the issue must be serious. Throughout this entire extract, the low key lighting also plays such a large role in building and maintaining the suspense and intensity. The dimness of the room sets the mood of seriousness. Interrogation rooms tend to usually be dim, and the director made sure to do just that. 

Throughout this extract, it was the director’s goal to establish a sense of intensity and suspense. Through the many elements, this goal was accomplished. Everything from the set design of the interrogation room, to the dim suspenseful lighting, to the dialogue, and to the incidental music, all built the suspense of the extract and brought attention to the seriousness of the issue and reason for the interrogation. 

Final Task CCR

In addition to completing my Final task film, I made a video for my Creative Critical Reflection, or CCR. In this video, I am interviewing myself asking myself questions that show my journey throughout this particular project based on my responses. I discuss how my production skills have developed, which conventions I used and challenged in this project, how I integrated technologies, and a few other topics. I made sure to give elaborate responses that would really showcase my abilities and progress, and I also made sure I made the video creative. My final project and this CCR go hand in hand to show my development in this course over this school year. This will be a good and prime resource Cambridge can use to assess me in this course and give me a final grade. So, down below is my Creative Critical Reflection to go along with my Final Task.

FINAL TASK!

My final project is complete! Working on this opening scene was difficult due to the crisis that so suddenly erupted, but we got it done successfully and on time! Our film is called "De-Simulated" and it is a science fiction film. This project shows our production skills and portrays how they have developed over the course of this course. I am very pleased with my final project and Cambridge will use this as evidence of how well I've been doing in Aice Media! Down below is my final project.

Music Video Project: To Show Progress

As previously discussed in the blog prior to this one, this pandemic of COVID-19 has been the cause of all Cambridge exams being cancelled. We understand as students that we are not going to simply pass without anything to show of ourselves. So, for that reason, I am uploading the two other projects I've completed this year, in addition to my Final Task, for the purpose of giving Cambridge ample evidence that I have progressed throughout this course. In the blog prior I uploaded my first project, and now I am uploading my second project. Down below is the music video my group and I produced.  

Commercial Project: To Show Progress

Due to this entire pandemic, our final AICE exams are unfortunately all cancelled. Not being able to complete the final component for Media, it is necessary that we provide Cambridge with as much evidence of our progress throughout this course as we can. Thus, it is in my best interest to upload the two other projects I have completed this year. They definitely portray the development of my production skills from the beginning of this year to now. I will first post my first project, which was a commercial for the Nike brand, on this blog. On the blog after this one, I will upload the second project I completed, which was a music video. So, down below is the commercial project I did earlier this year.

Changing our entire plot! COVID-19 Crisis

Because of Corona virus, we had to change our whole plot.

Re-editing, Despite Coronavirus!

The virus is spreading even further day by day. There are more and more positive cases being discovered. Luckily, my family and I have stayed safe from it thus far. We have been staying mostly in our home, away from social interaction with others who may be infected. This virus is very serious. I feel as though we will be off from attending physical school for longer than projected as of right now. I pray that the spreading slows or comes to a complete stop. It is affecting not only people, but governments, economies, and so many other entities. We are seeing tremendous measures being taken nationwide, as well as globally

It has been difficult to stay completely calm under all of this commotion. With my focus on keeping good health , it has been hard to focus on my school work. My group members and I have not been able to meet up to re-film the scenes that need re-filming due to the social distancing that is so heavily being encouraged, and the policies being put in place in our state. I have, however, done other things to continue to work on this project. One of these had been continuing to edit the footage we already have, and beginning to re-edit certain things. I had my group member Jada email me what we have of the project thus far, and on my computer I have been able to do some editing. I downloaded an editing software program that allows me to make edits to the clips. Looking back at when I got my project peer reviewed, I fixed some things that were suggested for me to fix. I went back to some of the transitions that we had in between certain scenes and changed them. I slowed certain transitions down and sped others up. Doing this allowed for the project to flow more smoothly overall. I also turned down the music throughout the film, as was suggested. The dialogue is able to be heard more clearly now that that has been done. I plan to do more editing so long as I am at home during this virus.

How Can We Possibly Re-Film?

The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus has been so sudden. As I discussed in my previous blog, the state of Florida, in which I live, has been having many positive cases of this virus. It has cast so much chaos, anxiety, and fear upon our society. Due to fear and anxiety, this pandemic has become a race for survival. Stores and supermarkets are running low, and even completely out of, basic survival supplies. People have rushed to and from stores in efforts to rack up on supplies. This rush is out of panic. The media - including social media platforms, television, and the news - has played a huge role on placing fear on individuals during this time of crisis. While it is no doubt a serious issue we are facing, information is being blown out of proportion and causing people to become scared. We are becoming the cause of our own suffering. Soon enough should this virus get even worse than it already is, we will be placed on lock-down. This is already being seen in other states and countries, all in hopes to stop the spread of this virus. So, should this become the case for our state, it will be bad for us all. There will be limited to no supplies for people to use because we would have already bought it all. We must slow down and ration our supplies. We must come together and have hope that this will end soon in order to stay calm and act logically.

Our state is not on lock-down just yet. There have, however, been many policies implemented in the hopes to slow and stop the spread of this virus. The governor of the state of Florida, Governor DeSantis, has spoken to the people of Florida many times within the past week, one time being shown in the picture below. In each of these times he has spoken, he has addressed many policies and actions that are being taken. He has announced that many restaurants, stores, and other things must close at certain times if not completely. Movie theaters have been shutting down in all of Broward County. Not only is this harming the economy, but the movie industry completely. Many new movies that have been released pr are being released around this time will not be able to be viewed, thus causing the productions to lose value and money. The policies being put in place are also greatly hindering students' abilities to move forward with school work. It is very difficult during this time to meet up with the members of my group to re-film the scenes that need re-filming. We must take measures to ensure our health and stay away from this virus, and social distancing has been one of the main things leaders in power have been encouraging. Our health and safety is the main priority during times like this. Should we go on complete lock-down, we would not be able to re-film whatsoever. This will not stop us, though. We will continue to work our best towards completely this project in the best manner possible, despite the horrible issue at hand. We will work with what we have and result with the best outcome considering the circumstances we are under.

Major Setback to Our Entire Project

The outbreak of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, has been sudden and very insane. We have been unable to attend school because of this outbreak in hopes that the spread of it can decrease. As of today, our county announced that we will not be going back until April 15. That date is subject to change depending on how badly this virus becomes in our state, nationwide, and globally.

This virus has been a major setback for many people. It has had an impact on nearly every aspect of our lives, and it will only get worse before it gets better. Aside from being restricted from attending school, many limitations have been put in place here locally, as well as nationwide. Many places are closing down and have restrictions on closing and opening times. Certain areas in our country are being placed on lock-downs, where individuals are only allowed to go to and from certain places. Many people are taking precautions to avoid social interaction so that they do not contract the virus. It is becoming a very serious matter, because if not taken seriously, it can become detrimental. With the restrictions being put in place, I have concluded that completing this project will be very difficult. Should the virus spread further and get ultimately worse, my group as well as others, will have a very difficult time re-shooting certain scenes. This is because we could possibly be under lock-downs and many places will be shut down entirely. As far as editing and re-editing, there is hope for that. Thankfully, we are in an age of advanced technology. Internet and all of the technology we have has made it possible for everyone to stay connected and in contact. If we are not able to re-shoot the scenes we need to re-shoot, then we will have to work with what we have. We can continue to edit the footage we do have and discuss over the phone and email, etc. any changes we feel need to be made. Aside from completing the final task film, we also need to complete the CCR. The good thing is that it can be done all at home. Once my group and I finish the film, I will start working on that final task for this project. I really hope and pray that this virus can come to an end quickly. It is causing major chaos and turmoil within our society and our lives.

Finally Getting My Project Reviewed!

As I wrote about in my previous blog post, the day of peer editing did not go as planned for my group and I. My group member Jada was absent, and she had our project on her laptop. I contacted her during class to se did she could send it to me so that I could have it peer reviewed, but unfortunately it wasn’t sending over through email. So, on the day of peer reviews I was not able to have my group’s project reviewed and critiqued.

However, I thought of a way I could at least get some feedback on what we have compiled thus far. Over the weekend, my friend came over to my house to hang out. I asked her if she could sit with me for a few minutes to help me with this, and she agreed. First I had her watch what we have of the project so far. Then, I had her discuss her thoughts on it with me. Prior to letting her watch it I asked that she take note of anything she thought we could improve or change to make the film better.

As she was watching it, I noticed and took note of her facial expressions. When she finished watching I asked her what she thought. She told me that overall she really liked what we had so far. I asked her if there was anything she thought we should change, fix, or rearrange and she said that there were a few things she noticed we could do to make it better. There was one scene she pointed out, seen in the picture below, that she claimed was a little shaky. She suggested that we reshoot that scene when we do reshoots and re-edits. Another thing she mentioned was that the song that we have playing in the entirety of the film could be turned down a bit more, especially in scenes that contain dialogue among the characters. Moreover, she also pointed out that some of the transitions could be a bit more smooth. I took note to go back and change certain transitions to make them more smooth when we do re-edits. Overall, she told me that what we have so far is looking good. Aside from having her watch and critique it, I also asked my mother to do the same. She enjoyed what we have also, and she pointed out some of the same things that my friend did. I will be sure to make those changes when we re-shoot and re-edit!

Peer Review: A Difficult Day

Tuesday in class was the first day to do peer reviews of our projects thus far. Our teacher assigned each of our groups another group or individual to meet with. We would sit with them and watch what they have for their project so far. They would do the same for us. There was a peer review sheet that had a checklist of the elements in the film so far. When reviewing the film, we were to check the elements that were present in the other group’s film.

On Tuesday, I faced some casualties. These casualties disabled me to have a successful peer review. First off, my group member Jada was not present and neither was my group member Derek. The main issue was that Jada was not present. Our film so far is on the iMovie editing program on her laptop. Since she was not present with the laptop, I had nothing and no way way of presenting our project to another group/individual for peer reviewing. Regardless of that I figured I could still review the film of the group we were assigned to because I could just do it myself. So, I looked on the board with the list of names assigned to each group. I read the name of the individual that my group was paired with and I didn’t know who it was. I went around the room asking who it was and no one was of much help to me. I called out the name pronouncing it as best I could and I received no answer. I came to the conclusion that the student may have been absent. So, unfortunately I was not able to have my project reviewed nor review someone else’s project on Tuesday. I plan to have it reviewed soon though. I contacted Jada and she expressed to me her reason for being absent and said she would be present the next class. So I hope to get our film reviewed very soon in order to have insight about what we can fix or change. That way we will make our film the best it can be. The checklist includes some necessary camera angels and shots we will need in our film. The picture uploaded below is of the common camera angles, movements, and shots that are good to have in the film.

Filming and Editing Journey Thus Far

Thus far, we are about two weeks into our final project. We have had only one day of filming, but that day was productive. My group members and I filmed a total of about 9 scenes. All of these scenes were filmed at one of our group member’s houses. Her house is the first location of our film. The second location will be the library we choose to film at. When following at her house, I handled most of the camera work. I adjusted the tripod for the different angles we needed to film. I also moved the camera and tripod around. I gained a lot of experience using the camera and tripod during this time. We have to film some scenes so many times because the actors either kept laughing or messed up. It was a fun time. We plan to film the second half of the scenes very soon, probably this weekend.

As far as editing goes, I personally have not began to edit the footage we have taken. All the equipment we have been using belongs to my group member Jada. We are using her camera, tripod, and laptop to edit. After filming we ran out of time and we all had to go home. We did not have any time to edit. However, Jada has been able to begin the process of filming our footage. She informed us that she imported the clips we recorded and has began to set them in the order they will go in. We plan to meet again to film the second half. Then, we will also edit as a group. That way we will be able to put our ideas together on the transitions we will use. We will also create the titles. We plan to do much this weekend so that we will have something substantial to present when we do peer reviews next week.

Filming 2: As Many Takes to Get Perfection!

Today we finally accomplished filming the first few scenes of our film! We decided over the weekend that since we were not able to film, we would do it today after school. We all met up once the bell rang and headed to our group member Jada’s car. When we arrived at the house, we began to set up the equipment. I grabbed the tripod and bang to pull down the poles. I adjusted the poles to the height for needed for the first scene. The first scene I filmed was an ariel shot above the actor laying in the bed. I placed and locked the camera onto the tripod. Then, I stood on top of the bed, bringing the tripod onto the bed with me. I pushed the camera so that it was facing downward and it became an ariel shot. We shot this scene multiple times until Derek opened his eyes and looked at the camera the  way we wanted him to. After a few takes, we finally got the right take.

Next, we moved on to the next scene. After we filmed the next few scenes, it was time to move into the final scene of the day. I took the tripod and camera downstairs to the living room. I readjusted the poles to the height needed. Then, I told Derek where to be and what to say for the take. I also told our other actor what his lines would be. I pressed the recording button and said “Action!” We had to film that scene about 15 times. It was really funny because our actors kept laughing and forgetting their lines. I gave them some advice on how to say their lines to make them more effective. I also told them what gestures to do. We finally got some good takes. Our first official day of filming was a success. I got better at handling the camera and creating effective tilts and pans with the camera on the tripod.

Filming 1: Influenza Got The Best of Us!

This weekend my group and I planned to film. Seeing as we had a three day weekend thanks to Presidents Day, it was the perfect opportunity. When we discussed on Saturday about which day we would meet to film the first few scenes, we got bad news from our group member Derek. He expressed to Jada and I that he had waken up feeling terrible. He felt very sick. We suggested he go to the doctor to see if everything was okay. He did so and found out that he had cane down with the flu. So, we were unfortunately not able to film because of this reason. Derek is our main actor, and with him feeling terrible because of the flu we just could not expect him to be up to filming multiple takes under that feeling.

The next day, on Sunday, I woke up feeling terrible also. I was in bed all day with the flu. Even if Derek has started feeling better, I was now sick and not able to film. So, it seemed as though everything had worked out. Two people out of our group had come down with the flu causing us to not be able to film. Because this happened, we knew we had to discuss a day we would come together to film. We went in the group chat to discuss what we would do since we were not able to film this past weekend. We decided that this Friday, tomorrow, after school is when we will film the first half. It works best for everyone’s schedule. This also includes the other actors who will be in it. After school, we will go with one of our group members to her house. That will be the location of the first half of our scenes. Derek along with the other actors will be acting, and Jada and I will be directing and dealing with the set. We hope that nothing occurs that will disable us to film. Time is speeding up and we must get this done. We will by all means!

Planning 5: Storyboard of Film

 Down below is a google slides presentation uploaded. This slide presentation is of the storyboard of our project. The storyboard is only of the first two minutes of the film. In it, we included each of the 20 scenes we have. We also included the titles and names that correspond to the titles within the scenes. For each box that was of a scene, we briefly described what was occurring in the scene. It shows the character(s) and the action(s) they will be doing in each scene. The sound present in each scene was also stated, such as diegetic or non-diegetic. This also includes any dialogue that may occur within the scenes, it was written under the boxes. Creating this storyboard is really beneficial to my group and I as it gives us an exact outline of each scene, and title sequence. When we begin to film, we will film with ease as we film the scenes with a clear plan of what to film. We will do this by continuously referring to our storyboard for guidance. 



 

Planning 4: Detailing our Title Design

      Uploaded below is our google slide presentation. This slide presentation entails of a detailed overview of our title design. Within it, we described the fonts we chose, as well as the colors. We also discussed the spacing between the titles and the letters in the titles. Moreover, we expressed what we believe we will name the film, this far into the project. The final title of the film is subject to change but as of now we have a pretty good general idea. In another slide we also referred to the ways we will edit the titles entering and leaving the scenes when they appear. We agreed on simple fade-ins and fade-outs for them. Lastly, we touched on the duration that the titles will appear on the screen for when they pop up. The best amount of time would be two to three seconds for each. This will ensure that we fit every required title into the first two minutes. That concluded our overview of our title design.



 

Planning 3: Our Location, Schedule, Health & Safety, and Participants

Down below is our google slide presentation. We developed an outline of the locations of our film, the participants, how we will remain good health and safety, and the schedule for the rest of the project. For the location slide, we expressed what the two locations are going to be. One will be the home of one of our group members, and the other will be a library. We also uploaded pictures of the locations to give a visual representation of them. On the participants slide, we listed every character that will appear in the two minutes, and who they will be played by. Next, we detailed the safety precautions we will take throughout the filming process to ensure we remain safe and healthy. A few of these include having constant adult supervision, as well as staying hydrated. Finally, the last slide was of our schedule for filming and the rest of this project. We detailed the first few days of filming and where it will take place. We also included when we will begin to edit the footage, and when we should be submitting the final piece to Cambridge for evaluation. 

Planning Blog: Shooting Script

Down below is our google slide presentation. We developed a shooting script for our film. In total, there are 19 slides. Each slide represents a different scene. Within the slides, we discussed the actions and events that will be taking place in each scene. Moreover, we also expanded on certain elements in the scenes, such as camera angles and movements. The characters that appear in the scenes are also introduced. The purpose of this slideshow is to give a written representation of our storyboard. It essentially maps out of each of our scenes. Having this will make it easier for us to draw out our storyboard because we will have already planned out each scene. The slides simply tell what is going on in each scene. No sounds are included because they will be included in the sounds and and dialogue script. 

Planning Blog: Sound & Dialogue Script

Down below is our google slide presentation. We developed a sounds and dialogue script for our film. In total, there are 7 slides. In this doc there are multiple scenes combined into slides. Within the slides, we discussed the sound effects and dialogue that will occur in each scene. For scenes with dialogue, we emphasized the exact words the characters will be saying in those scenes. The most common sounds present in these scenes are diegetic and score. The purpose of this slideshow is to give a clear outline of the types of sounds that will be present in each scene. It essentially maps out of the sounds and dialogue in the scenes. Having this will make it easier for us to follow through with creating and implementing those sounds into our footage. The slides simply tell what sounds, music, and dialogue will be occurring in each scene. Nothing else is included into this presentation because every other element was included in the shooting script. 

Title Research: Gentlemen Broncos

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

In the opening sequences of the film there were twenty three titles displayed within the first two minutes of the film.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images prioritized in the opening sequence were many different books atop of regular household items. Many of these books happened to be science fiction books. The covers displayed images of aliens, astronauts, and other images.

What connotations do the images carry?

These images carry a connotation that the movie will most likely have something to do with aliens and space exploration considering the cover pages were of books regarding those science fiction ideas.

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?
The genre is reinforced  through symbolic and technical codes by displaying aspects of the genre on the cover pages of the books such as Aliens, extraterrestrial lifeforms, and mutants. The outset portrayed an ordinary home but these aspects previewed on the book foreshadow that something along those lines will emerge in the plot.


How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
The outset from the film establishes enigma by displaying different scientific yet fictional images on the book covers such as the creatures, aliens, and astronauts. This foreshadows and leaves the audience pondering whether those aspects will play a key role in the plot later on.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to it's target audience?

Some strategies used to ensure the film's appeal to the target audience are the use of the images portrayed on the cover photos of the books. These catch the audience's attention along with the use of the background music by making them consider the plot having to do with what they have already been shown. The ideas shown on the covers of the books foreshadow the idea of what the movie may later consist of.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

The main camera angle in the opening scene was Ariel shot because the camera was directly above the books as they were being shown. Once every book is shown, there becomes a mid shot. The transitions between each showing of the books were effective because they were smooth and made the scenes flow well together. The same can be said for the editing techniques. The main edits used in the title sequence were fade ins and fade outs.

Title Research: Copelia

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

.  During the opening sequences of this film there were fifteen titles displayed during the first two minutes. 

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

. The images that were prioritized during the opening sequence include pictures of different flowing cells and other microscopic materials traveling through some type of plant based system.  

What connotations do the images carry? 

. The connotations the images carries is the idea that a form of a experiment has gone wrong resulting in a some type of plant based disaster. The constant appearance of plant cell cells flowing inside what seems to be a system of some kind shows that the disaster was a internal problem. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

. The genre is reinforced  through symbolic and technical codes by showing aspects of the genre such as Aliens, extraterrestrial lifeforms, and mutants that was shown in the outset and the equipment used could shows foreshadowing of a major event happening.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

. The outset from the film establishes enigma by displaying different mysterious images such as the flowing cells and other microscopic materials that puts the audience in a paradox wondering what is really going on.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to it's target audience?

. Some strategies used to ensure the film's appeal to the target audience are the use of different back ground designs to catch the audience's attention along with the use of mysterious images from the film. Another strategy used was making a film that was more or less aimed towards a younger audience who are more likely to watch it.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

. The technology in the outset has been used very effectively, the use of high and low angles shows all the different variables that tie into the main motion picture.The transitions and editing techniques were also used very effectively, from the use of fade in/outs, fade in to black and wipes that jumped from different parts of the displayed system the cells were in to another to the use of dramatic and dynamic cutaways. 

Title Research: B1

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

.  In the opening sequences of the film there were eleven titles displayed within the first two minutes of the film.

What images are prioritized in the opening sequence? 

. Some images that were prioritized in the opening sequences include a Microscope, Glass sample lens, Glass flasks in different shapes and sizes, Hazard signs all over a laboratory, A glass tube with a strange alien creature inside, a Electroencephalography machine with active brain activity,and Some type of vault with a fully grown alien creature inside connected to tubes of sorts. 

What connotations do the images carry? 

. The connotations the images carries is the idea that the film will have something to do with a disease of some sort and the creatures shown have something to do with the hazard signs posted all over the laboratory as if some type of disaster happened. 

How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

. The genre is reinforced  through symbolic and technical codes by showing aspects of the genre such as Aliens, extraterrestrial lifeforms, and mutants that was shown in the outset and the equipment used could shows foreshadowing of a major event happening.

How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

. The outset from the film establishes enigma by displaying different mysterious images such as the creatures and the hazardous lab equipment that puts the audience in a paradox wondering what is really going on.

What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to it's target audience?

. Some strategies used to ensure the film's appeal to the target audience are the use of different back ground designs to catch the audience's attention along with the use of mysterious images from the film. Another strategy used was making a film that was more or less aimed towards a younger audience who are more likely to watch it.

How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques. 

. The technology in the outset has been used very effectively, the use of high/low and dutch angles shows all the different variables that tie into the main motion picture.The transitions and editing techniques were also used very effectively, from the use of fade in/outs and wipes that jumped from one part of the laboratory to another to the use of dramatic cutaways. 

Title Research: Splice

Title Research: Splice

How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

In the opening sequences of the film there are sixteen titles displayed witching the first two minutes.


What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The main image prioritized in the opening sequence would be the kind of fluid-filled womb, with the titles coming up on the inner walls. The walls appear to be made of different types of organic matter – mammalian, reptilian, some even plant- a thick field of particles are also focused on.


What connotations do the images carry?

These images of the title sequence connote that the film will have something to do with laboratory events. They set the tone and familiarize the audience with its possible own brand of genetic coding.


How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes by showing aspects of what the movie may consist of as part of the genre such as cells of organisms, and possible mutants. Through these it is foreshadowed that laboratories will play a major role as the setting of the film, a common setting in this genre of film.


How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The outset from the film establishes enigma by displaying different mysterious images such as the cells and muscles all within what seems to be an amniotic sac of some sort. It creates the suspense of what the movie may have to do with genetics and possible mutants.


What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to it's target audience?

Some strategies used to ensure the film's appeal to the target audience are the use of different back ground designs and sounds. The score is mysterious and suspenseful. This music that goes along with the eery images portrayed help to draw the audience in due to their curiosity of the possible plot. The combined aspect of the sound and images put together creates for the audience to want to keep watching to figure out what happens.


How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

The technology in the outset has been used very effectively. Regardless of the slight animation of the opening scene, there were high, low, and dutch angles that helped show the different variables that tie into the main motion picture. The transitions were smooth and editing techniques were also used very effectively, from the use of fade in/outs and wipes that jumped from one part of the amniotic sack to another as it flowed around the inside of it.

Title Research: Watch the Titles!

After getting a feel with this whole title sequence situation my group members and I figured we should still do more research to really make us knowledgeable in this field. We wanted to do this in order to come to terms with the best way to make the most efficient title sequence we could make. So we did more research and found another great website. The second website that we found was called Watch the Titles. This website was made in 2006 and has continued to be a great source for people interested in title sequences. This website showcases popular title sequences for feature films, tv shows, video games, event titles, student projects, and french Fridays. This website is dedicated to the art and designers of title sequences and it also focuses on the creative process of making title sequences. We chose to look more into this website because it also included student projects, which we felt was something we should definitely look into. This was a great thing to expand research on. We went through all of the student projects, being that there were only a few, and analyzed them in order to help us with our project. Although the first website was very helpful we felt like this website was better for a few reasons. One it was slightly more organized. Also, it includes all the same amenities and more.  For example not only does it include the title sequences, designers, studios, and a search engine it also includes an easy link to all of the social media. Now after researching this website my group members and I feel like we are ready to start this project.

Title Research: Art Of the Title

My group members and I wanted to start getting a feel for how Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) shows/movies are generally introduced through a title sequence. We wanted to do this in order to come to terms with the best way to make the most efficient title sequence we could make. So we decided to research title sequences. The first website that we found was called Art of the Title. This website was made in 2007 and has continued to be a great source for people interested in title sequences. This website showcases popular title sequences to movies, tv shows, games, events, and conferences and explains the creative process that goes into making them. We chose to look more into this website because we felt that it would help us understand, in detail, the creative process of making a Sci-Fi title sequence. It offers a variety of title sequences. From old to knew, low profile to low profile, and classics to low rated movies, etc. This website also offers a variety of articles going into more detail on a specific film(s). Not only does it display sequences and articles, but it also gives background information and descriptions on title sequence designers and production studios. The best thing about this website is it is very easy to find title sequences with our genre. The website has a search engine allowing us to simply search our genre up, giving us Sci-Fi title sequences, designers, studios, articles, and news. This website helped us in many ways. It gave us a general idea of how Sci-Fi title sequences are. It also gave us something we weren't even expecting, which is the creative process behind making a title sequence. We now realize how important the creative background/intent is when making a title sequence. After researching this one website my group members and I already feel more equipped to go into this project.

Genre Research - 4th Movie

The final movie my group and I decided to analyze for inspiration is called Transcendence. This is an American science fiction thriller film which was released in 2014. It is about the world’a foremost authority on artificial intelligence conducting highly controversial experiments to create a sentient machine.

In this movie they were many different camera angles, movements, and shots. Some angles in it included level, over the shoulder, many medium shots, many close ups, and medium long shots. There were also many two shots and three shots. Some camera movements in this movie included tilts, zooms, and tracking shots. Lastly, some shots that I noticed in this movie were crane shots and there were a few stock shots.

As far as the CLAMPS for this movie, the aspects were very pleasing. The costumes in this movie included professional clothing worn by those characters high in power, scientific costumes worn by scientists, and everyday clothing worn by the normal characters. The lighting in this movie included basic three point lighting, hard film lighting, low-key lighting, natural film lighting, and practical site lighting. As I’ve watched the other movies in the science fiction genre, I’ve noticed that they tend to consist of the same types of lighting. Which would make sense because those types of lighting are part of the conventions for the science-fiction film genre. Moving on, the acting in this movie was serious and dramatic. Some scenes required violent acting seeing as they were violent scenes.
The makeup in this movie was not very over-the-top, because the characters in the movie played fairly normal rules compared to rolls and other science fiction movies such as aliens. The props in this movie consisted of normal items ranging from computers to cars. However they were also props such as large scientific machines and other scientific objects. There were also guns for props as well as other weapons. The setting for this movie took place in an average city. The setting changed a few times throughout the movie. The characters were in houses, as well as laboratories.

The editing in this movie was very well structured. The main types of editing I noticed were cross cutting, cutaway, eye-line match, shot reverse shot, and jump cut. I also noticed dissolves, fade ins, fade outs, burn ins, and burn outs. One other edit I noticed was a wipe. As far as the common sign in this movie, there was diegetic sound, dialogue among the characters, voiceovers, sound motifs, and sound bridges. As far as the soundtrack, the score enhanced the movie, as well as the incidental music and ambient sound.

Every element in this particular sci-fi movie enhanced the plot of the movie and made it very intriguing to watch. My group and I enjoyed the lighting in this movie because it went along well with every scene. We also enjoyed the diversity of the different types of angles, movements, and shots. One thing we disliked about this movie and felt could have been better was the acting. Johnny Depp was incredible, as he usually is, but the other actors and actresses could have been better. Watching this movie allowed my group members and I to gain even more insight on the elements we should include in our own sci-fi movie.