Assignment #1: Still Photo Project
8/31/16
Our first project was the still photo project. The basis of this project was to shoot
15 different camera angles in order to tell the viewer a story. In class, we learned
of the 15 different camera angles and the effect they create upon the audience.
Through out the course of this assignment, I became familiar with how different
movies utilize different angles in order to progress the plot. These shots also give
the viewer inside look into different characters' perspectives which are essential
to a quality film. I struggled finding different angles that would tell the story in
a way that didn't seem repetitive, but eventually I got the hang of it, and it was
actually a fun project!
Our first project was the still photo project. The basis of this project was to shoot
15 different camera angles in order to tell the viewer a story. In class, we learned
of the 15 different camera angles and the effect they create upon the audience.
Through out the course of this assignment, I became familiar with how different
movies utilize different angles in order to progress the plot. These shots also give
the viewer inside look into different characters' perspectives which are essential
to a quality film. I struggled finding different angles that would tell the story in
a way that didn't seem repetitive, but eventually I got the hang of it, and it was
actually a fun project!
Assignment #2: Case Study #1
9/20/16
I recently completed my case study on Warner Bros. this past week. It was quite the
learning experience. In terms of the work load, this assignment is definitely one that
you would want to take your time out and efficiently plan out, otherwise you'll be
stuck with an incredible amount of work. My case study included two movies that
were produced by Warner Bros., American Sniper and Horrible Bosses 2. I encountered
difficulties at first finding an adequate amount of information for each movie, as
well as the company as a whole, but I eventually came up across some valuable
resources. I was surprised to find out how many movies Warner Bros. produces a year
and the fact they pull in billions of dollars a year in revenue!
I recently completed my case study on Warner Bros. this past week. It was quite the
learning experience. In terms of the work load, this assignment is definitely one that
you would want to take your time out and efficiently plan out, otherwise you'll be
stuck with an incredible amount of work. My case study included two movies that
were produced by Warner Bros., American Sniper and Horrible Bosses 2. I encountered
difficulties at first finding an adequate amount of information for each movie, as
well as the company as a whole, but I eventually came up across some valuable
resources. I was surprised to find out how many movies Warner Bros. produces a year
and the fact they pull in billions of dollars a year in revenue!
Assignment #3: 180 Degree Rule
10/3/16
This was our first video project, and the third big assignment that I have submitted for
AICE Media Studies. We used different aspects that we have studied in the class such as
match on match, eye-line match, 180 degree rule, and shot-reverse shot. This was by far
the most enjoyable project, but it also provided a foundation for the true editing techniques
and how to compose a short film clip that flows nicely while simultaneously telling
a story. I experienced a bit of difficulty of audio, because I was outdoors in a windy park,
but I ended up using my phone for the audio which solved all of my issues. The script was
rather on the simpler side, but I intended to focus more on the different camera angles
and shots rather than the dialogue itself. Once I had completed my script though, filming
was a breeze and actually very enternaining. I can't wait for the upcoming projects as I
can see a huge amount of growth in my skills and expertise.
This was our first video project, and the third big assignment that I have submitted for
AICE Media Studies. We used different aspects that we have studied in the class such as
match on match, eye-line match, 180 degree rule, and shot-reverse shot. This was by far
the most enjoyable project, but it also provided a foundation for the true editing techniques
and how to compose a short film clip that flows nicely while simultaneously telling
a story. I experienced a bit of difficulty of audio, because I was outdoors in a windy park,
but I ended up using my phone for the audio which solved all of my issues. The script was
rather on the simpler side, but I intended to focus more on the different camera angles
and shots rather than the dialogue itself. Once I had completed my script though, filming
was a breeze and actually very enternaining. I can't wait for the upcoming projects as I
can see a huge amount of growth in my skills and expertise.
Assignment #4: Fingersmith Textual Analysis
10/7/16
This project was our first true attempt at an in depth analysis of a film opening. We
watched a four minute clip in class that showed a variety of camera angles, sounds,
and mis-en-scene. I took an extensive amount of notes and used them to formulate
an essay on the different textual codes and how they changed the viewer's perspective.
This was a tough assignment, because I really had to think about what each detail meant
and why the director had used it. Writing this essay really made me think about everything
that occurred in the clip. I analyzed different details to contribute to my essay. Never
have I ever put that much thought into a movie, but it proved to be quite intriguing when
I began to uncover more meaning.
This project was our first true attempt at an in depth analysis of a film opening. We
watched a four minute clip in class that showed a variety of camera angles, sounds,
and mis-en-scene. I took an extensive amount of notes and used them to formulate
an essay on the different textual codes and how they changed the viewer's perspective.
This was a tough assignment, because I really had to think about what each detail meant
and why the director had used it. Writing this essay really made me think about everything
that occurred in the clip. I analyzed different details to contribute to my essay. Never
have I ever put that much thought into a movie, but it proved to be quite intriguing when
I began to uncover more meaning.
Assignment #5: Opening Scene Analysis of 21 Jump Street
10/21/16
This project has been the most enjoyable one yet. I get to watch one of my favorite
movies of all time: 21 Jump Street. We proceeded to break down and analyze
different aspects of the opening scene like camerawork, mis-en-scene, etc. It wasn't
very tedious because it was quite fun watching the clip. I typicall made powerpoint,
but this time around I decided to get out of my comfort zone and make a prezi. I have no
previous experience with Prezi and it was quite confusing at first, but I quickly got the
hang of it. My prezi was very simple yet concise which is what I was aiming for. I also love
that the more the class continues, the more information we learn about film making
which makes it so much easier to weave back into essays and things of that nature
lately. Overall this assigment was a breeze and I'm looking forward to the next!
This project has been the most enjoyable one yet. I get to watch one of my favorite
movies of all time: 21 Jump Street. We proceeded to break down and analyze
different aspects of the opening scene like camerawork, mis-en-scene, etc. It wasn't
very tedious because it was quite fun watching the clip. I typicall made powerpoint,
but this time around I decided to get out of my comfort zone and make a prezi. I have no
previous experience with Prezi and it was quite confusing at first, but I quickly got the
hang of it. My prezi was very simple yet concise which is what I was aiming for. I also love
that the more the class continues, the more information we learn about film making
which makes it so much easier to weave back into essays and things of that nature
lately. Overall this assigment was a breeze and I'm looking forward to the next!
Assignment #6: Thriller Deconstruction
10/25/16
The purpose of this assignment was to watch the Thriller music video 2 times, and then
proceed to take notes on the video on the third watch. I initially had difficult with this
because I would be so enveloped in watching the video that it was hard to take accurate
notes. The first time I took notes, I focused too much on the effect of each technical code
and visual code. So, I asked a couple of friends to see their notes for reference and I learned
that it is simply easier to just write down the specific codes, and then go back and break them
down in the textual analysis. This was definitely beneficial to me, cause I rather had learned
that now than at the end of the year. Proceeding the note taking, the actual analysis was
tiresome to write, but I got a solid B+ on it so I am happy. Next time I will focus more on keeping
the information in the essay concise as well as using the P.E.E. technique (Point, Example, Explain).
The purpose of this assignment was to watch the Thriller music video 2 times, and then
proceed to take notes on the video on the third watch. I initially had difficult with this
because I would be so enveloped in watching the video that it was hard to take accurate
notes. The first time I took notes, I focused too much on the effect of each technical code
and visual code. So, I asked a couple of friends to see their notes for reference and I learned
that it is simply easier to just write down the specific codes, and then go back and break them
down in the textual analysis. This was definitely beneficial to me, cause I rather had learned
that now than at the end of the year. Proceeding the note taking, the actual analysis was
tiresome to write, but I got a solid B+ on it so I am happy. Next time I will focus more on keeping
the information in the essay concise as well as using the P.E.E. technique (Point, Example, Explain).
Assignment #7: Art of The Title
10/29/16
For this assignment, we were prompted to visit artofthetitle.com where we were to choose 3 films
and analyze the 9-frames from each one. For each opening scene, I focused on the typical visual
codes, technical codes, and the like. After deconstructing these openings, I listed ways that I
could include and use the different conventions I found in my own opening film. The three
films I used were Drive, The Forbidden Room, and Red Lights. These were all of the drama and
thriller genre, so they served as an excellent example to use during the composition of my
opening film. This assignment was also pretty fun, especially cause I got to analyze a movie
that I hadn't seen in a long time, Drive!
For this assignment, we were prompted to visit artofthetitle.com where we were to choose 3 films
and analyze the 9-frames from each one. For each opening scene, I focused on the typical visual
codes, technical codes, and the like. After deconstructing these openings, I listed ways that I
could include and use the different conventions I found in my own opening film. The three
films I used were Drive, The Forbidden Room, and Red Lights. These were all of the drama and
thriller genre, so they served as an excellent example to use during the composition of my
opening film. This assignment was also pretty fun, especially cause I got to analyze a movie
that I hadn't seen in a long time, Drive!
Assignment #8: Typography / Font Analysis
10/29/16
For this assignment, we were prompted to visit artofthetitle.com where we were to choose 3 films
and analyze the 9-frames from each one. For each opening scene, I focused on the typical visual
codes, technical codes, and the like. After deconstructing these openings, I listed ways that I
could include and use the different conventions I found in my own opening film. The three
films I used were Drive, The Forbidden Room, and Red Lights. These were all of the drama and
thriller genre, so they served as an excellent example to use during the composition of my
opening film. This assignment was also pretty fun, especially cause I got to analyze a movie
that I hadn't seen in a long time, Drive!
For this assignment, we were prompted to visit artofthetitle.com where we were to choose 3 films
and analyze the 9-frames from each one. For each opening scene, I focused on the typical visual
codes, technical codes, and the like. After deconstructing these openings, I listed ways that I
could include and use the different conventions I found in my own opening film. The three
films I used were Drive, The Forbidden Room, and Red Lights. These were all of the drama and
thriller genre, so they served as an excellent example to use during the composition of my
opening film. This assignment was also pretty fun, especially cause I got to analyze a movie
that I hadn't seen in a long time, Drive!
Assignment #9: Audience Questionnaire
11/5/16
We were prompted to compose a questionnaire that will give us a basis of information
for which we could tailor our film openings to. Granted, the thriller genre is not my
favorite film genre, we must follow in this spectrum of film. For this reason, I asked
about 25 students in my school to partake in my quick survey. After receiving and
analyzing the results of the surveys, I quickly realized that most people were fond of
the comedy and action genre. Thus, I made it my goal to compose either of those, under
the action thriller or comedy thriller sub-genre. I made my graphics through piktochart,
in order to display the results in the most interesting way possible for the visitors of my site.
It was also quite fun surpassing the learning curve of piktochart and creating some truly
intriguing infographs.
We were prompted to compose a questionnaire that will give us a basis of information
for which we could tailor our film openings to. Granted, the thriller genre is not my
favorite film genre, we must follow in this spectrum of film. For this reason, I asked
about 25 students in my school to partake in my quick survey. After receiving and
analyzing the results of the surveys, I quickly realized that most people were fond of
the comedy and action genre. Thus, I made it my goal to compose either of those, under
the action thriller or comedy thriller sub-genre. I made my graphics through piktochart,
in order to display the results in the most interesting way possible for the visitors of my site.
It was also quite fun surpassing the learning curve of piktochart and creating some truly
intriguing infographs.