Saturday, 10 May 2014

Great way to form a section c question

  • The names of the film’s directors and the year of the release is mentioned early on
  • The question is addressed in the opening paragraph
  • The keywords in the question are referred to throughout the essay
  • Good detailed reference to the film has to be at the core of any answer. Try to use sequences.
  • This must have some indications of the use of film language – mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound and music
  • If you don’t do this many examiners will view your information as mere description.
  • If the question has the word narrative in the title – you must refer to narrative. Use the language to underpin this – i.e. resolution, closure, structure, cause and effect, pace, linear/non-linear. An understanding of narrative and the way it functions should be at the centre of your response.
  • Representation is also an issue that should be employed in your answers. This could focus on individuals, groups, location, America or gender
  • If necessary also refer to genre; in terms of conventions, iconography and expectations.
  • Wider contexts need to be employed in your answer. How are these films American? What influence does the time in which they were made have on these films? What events are they based upon?
  • You must compare and contrast these films directly. Look for points where these films share distinctive elements and also if possible where they differ.
  • Give your own opinions of the films – linked to what needs to be discussed in terms of the question. Support with reference to the films. 
  • Try to ‘think outside the box’. Candidates who offer more thought provoking responses tend to get higher marks. 
  • Write a short conclusion that draws you and the examiner back to the terms of the question. Remember that this is the last thing that they will read before they put a mark down.
  • Three to five sides should assure quality and quantity.
http://kecasfilm.blogspot.co.uk/p/badlandsnbk-messages-values.html

WEEK 27 HOW FILMS GET TO THE THEATER


Monday, 5 May 2014

Dreamworks Boss thinks in the future people will be charged for a film on how big the screen of the media device is.

I don't think this would work as people who have 51 inch screen tvs have already paid a high price for the tv and will not want to continue to invest in such high prices. People would be forced to watch on smaller screen such as their phones which he claims could cost around $1.99


http://www.techradar.com/us/news/television/can-screen-size-payments-really-save-the-film-industry--1246839

Sunday, 20 April 2014

Goonies 2: Goonies Sequel In the Works for 2014; Corey Feldman Wants To See The Script First; Josh Brolin Isn't Holding His Breath

Goonies Sequel 2014http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/88502/20140418/goonies-2-sequel-works-2014-corey-feldman-see-script-first.htm

WEEK 26 These are the movie quotes everyone gets wrong

'The Wizard of Oz' Though most people say 'Looks like we're not in Kansas anymore,' or 'Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore,' those quotes aren't quite right.

Dorothy actually says 'Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.'







'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'The Queen says 'Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?' Most people think it's 'Mirror, mirror on the wall' ... and most people are incorrect.









http://www.aol.com/article/2014/02/06/these-are-the-movie-quotes-everyone-gets-wrong/20824679/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_136976

Monday, 31 March 2014

Around the world in 80 actors...

STARS 
A list of famous and successful actors from around the world.
We can apply Christine Gledhill key points for film stars to the actors.
Stars as capital value

Stars as constructs

Stars as deviants

Stars as cultural value

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Styria, Austria

Best known in America for:
Terminator

Other films
Predator
Commando
True Lies
James McAvoy
Port Glasgow, Scotland

Best known in America for:
Robbie Turner
Atonement

Other films:
The Last King of Scotland
Wanted
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe


http://www.listal.com/list/around-world-80-actors

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

What is FindAnyFilm.com ?

While reading articles on piracy I keep reading a website FindAnyFilm.com and wanted to know more about it.I went to their website and found out about them.


"FindAnyFilm.com is one of the UK's leading websites for film fans looking to watch, buy, download or rent great films.

Think of us as your nerdy film friend, so whatever film you're looking for, in whatever format suits you, we aim to show where you can find it (and how much it costs), from cinema, Blu-ray, DVD and TV, to totally legit download and streaming services.
In true film nerd style, here at FindAnyFilm, we're committed to becoming the UK's most comprehensive film-watching search engine. That means we're increasing the number of titles and choice of reputable retailers all the time. So if a film is not listed, you can be sure we'll be working behind the scenes to make sure it will be soon.
And because, like you, we're film fans who love film for its capacity to blow us away / scare us senseless / make our jaws hit the floor (delete as appropriate). Every single film on here is totally official. As it should be. Hence the strap line…
All films. All in one place. All above board."

I think this is a great way to tackle piracy as people know they are getting the best price for a film and its all legal.

WEEK 24 Steal or no steal: tackling the changing face of movie piracy

In 2013, the Digital Citizens Alliance, say $227 million was made through pirate sites purely through advertising.
'you wouldn't steal a handbag, you wouldn't steal a car' were happening," said Bales. "The thought was that piracy is a crime and that is what should be communicated."

Many campaigns are in place to stop piracy
FindAnyFilm
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/steal-or-no-steal-tackling-the-changing-face-of-movie-piracy-1230538

Oscars success puts British film industry in limelight


Substantial investment through the National Lottery has funded training of technicians and screenwriting, while Film Four, the movie arm of the independent Channel Four broadcaster, and BBC Films have helped develop productions.

12 Years a Slave: British filmmaker Steve McQueen and starred London-born Chiwetel Ejiofor.

A BFI spokeswoman told AFP “These are British stories being told with a very British sensibility and audiences around the world are responding to that.”

Oscars-1“Philomena”, featuring Judi Dench as an Irish woman searching for her baby son who was given to an American family by nuns, is completely British-funded, while Somali pirates hijack drama “Captain Phillips” was directed by Britain’s Paul Greengrass.

The BFI  points to the studio facilities available at Shepperton — home of “Gravity” — and Pinewood, where the new “Star Wars” films are in production. The natural beauty of locations such as the Scottish Highlands is an obvious draw for filmmakers too.

“Definitely the amazing know-how, quality and sophistication of the British film industry made this film happen,” Cuaron director of Gravity said on the Oscars red carpet.
“I’m talking specifically about companies like Framestore or the amazing crew that I worked with.

One of the biggest factors has been tax relief for productions based in Britain, which has helped attract productions from California.

Info adapted from read more :
http://www.thenewstribe.com/2014/03/04/oscars-success-puts-british-film-industry-in-limelight/

The film industry finally wakes up to what artists have to offer

http://theconversation.com/the-film-industry-finally-wakes-up-to-what-artists-have-to-offer-24246

Steve McQueen’s success at the Oscars has prompted much talk of the connection between art and film.

But gallery artists like Steve McQueen, Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard are standing their ground and proving that they can make great filmmakers on their own terms, and on the terms of the mainstream itself.

Artists are risk-takers. Their artistic decisions are visual-led, rather than being drama-led. This is arguably what led to the success of 12 Years a Slave, a film many consider to be the first to look slavery straight on. It did not cut things up into a more standardised editing thought to be more accessible to a mainstream audience.

Artists are trained in a culture of experimentation – they are taught to not respect boundaries. This means that they are not constrained by technical dos and don’ts.

Most of all, artists have begun to circulate within the celebrity system of the art world since the YBAs began to receive popular mass media attention.

Prestigious showcases such as Locarno and the Venice and the Rotterdam film festivals have been celebrating the work of artist filmmakers now for several years, not to mention the recent Oscars. These previously exclusive places are now showing artist-led films that depart from standard narrative. Change is in the air, and discussion and debate are beginning.

WEEK 23 Hollywood is STILL making silent movies – for women: actresses get just 30 per cent of speaking parts, study finds

 

Cate Blanchett, who won an Oscar for her role in Blue Jasmine, pointed out the male domination in her Oscar speech, saying that women were not at the center of most stories in cinema
  • Women are still taking only minor roles in the majority of top films
  • San Diego State study says women take only 30 per cent of speaking roles
  • This figure of speaking roles is unchanged since cinema in the 40s
  • Women portrayed in films are often younger, and have identified jobs
  • Trend explains popularity and marketability of stars like Jennifer Lawrence
READ MORE

Saturday, 8 March 2014

The British technology behind Gravity's Oscar-winning visual effects

Gravity has been widely recognised for its stunning visual effects and game-changing use of 3D.
Gravity has also been widely recognised for its pioneering use of 3D.
From this:
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To this:


I found it very interesting that this form of technology has not been used since Avatar.
One or two films have been made in this way before, such as James Cameron's Avatar, for example. However, Avatar had the advantage of being set in a fantasy world, whereas Gravity is not fantasy film.
From this:
undefined
To this:
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/oscars/10667457/Gravitys-Oscar-winning-visual-effects.html

Oscars 2014: 12 Years a Slave enjoys post-awards boost

Lupita Nyong'o and Chiwetel Ejiofor (centre) in 12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen's drama will play at more than 1,000 locations in the US and Canada from Friday, up from 411 last weekend, according to Variety.

Solomon Northup's book is now in 16th place, having previously been ranked in 326th place before Sunday's ceremony.

According to Screen Daily, film distributor Lionsgate is also planning to increase the number of screens that Dallas Buyers Club is playing on in the US and Canada.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26431595

Monday, 3 March 2014

WEEK 22 Stereotypical Roles of Women in Films

Amazing explanation of female stereotypes in films. Follow the link to see examples and learn more about the stereo type of women.

"In the 1940s the production code, a way of censoring movies to make them more appropriate, kept the sexuality of women out of many films. At this time, women were shown as competitors to men in the workplace, such as many Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn films."


"Sexuality reemerged in the 1950s, when women were shown as blatantly sexual and seductive threats, such as Lana Turner or Ava Gardner"


"This stereotyping of women’s roles in films is nothing new, and will not go away unless women, who make up half of the film audience, voice their opinions of what types of films, and what types of leading ladies they want to watch."
Totally agree !!!


info from
http://ksmith-hollywoodwomen.blogspot.co.uk/2008/12/stereotypical-roles-of-women-in-films.html

Women, gay and black people still shown as stereotypes in film, says study

Interesting article on some stereotypes in film and what audiences think
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/mar/18/women-gay-ethnic-stereotypes-in-film

The Oscars 2014 Winners and the selfie that broke down Twitter

Best Picture12 Years A Slave
  
12YAS 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group hug: The entire group huddled up close as they all tried to get themselves into the picture on the phone
Star Selfies
Best Director Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)

Best Animated Feature

Frozen

Best Live Action Short Film

Helium (Anders Walter, Kim Magnusson)

Best Visual Effects

Gravity (Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk, Neil Corbould)

Best Film Editing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón, Mark Sanger)

Gravity 

Best Sound EditingGravity (Glenn Freemantle)

Best Original Score
Gravity (Steven Price)

Best Original Screenplay

Her (Spike Jonze)

Best Sound Mixing
Skip Lievsay, Niv Adirj, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro (Gravity)
Foreign Language Film
The Great Beauty, Italy

Best Costume Design
Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby
 

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) Best Actress in a Leading Role Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine) Best Actor in a Supporting RoleJared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) Best Actress in a Supporting Role Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years A Slave)
Best Make-up and Hairstyling

Dallas Buyers Club (Adruitha Lee, Robin Mathews)

Dallas Buyers Club

Best Animated Short Film
Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz, Alexandre Espigares)


Best Documentary Feature
20 Feet from Stardom

Best Cinematography
Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki)

Best Production Design

The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin, Beverley Dunn)

Blue Jasmine
Best Documentary Short Subject
The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life


Best Original Song
Let It Go (Frozen)

Best Adapted Screenplay

12 Years a Slave (John Ridley)
 
 
Pizza for everyone: Ellen handed out pizza to the assembled stars before trying to get them to chip in
Oscars presenter of 2014 Ellen handed out pizza to the stars

The selfie that broke Twitter: Ellen DeGeneres' selfie with stars Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Meryl Streep (using her Oscars sponsor Samsung Galaxy phone) crashed the social networking site after it was retweeted 2 million times
Ellen's selfie that broke down Twitter and had 1.7 million retweets in less than an hour
Including Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Meryl Streep 
Get it together; Ellen worked to get all of the celebrities together for the sot and they were all eager to get involvedGroup hug: The entire group huddled up close as they all tried to get themselves into the picture on the phone

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2571848/Ellen-DeGeneres-wins-A-List-Oscars-crowd-gentle-teasing-Liza-Minnelli-not-impressed-mistaken-male-impersonator.html#ixzz2uvlaVeW0
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Jennifer Lawrence repeats last year's Oscars fall as she trips over gown on red carpet Looking Beautiful !!!!

Gorgeous: The star stunned in her figure-hugging floor-length gown, that featured a slight mermaid-train and swaths of material at the hipsNot again! Jennifer Lawrence recreated last year's Oscars fall on Sunday night as she tripped over her gown on the red carpet outside the Dolby Theatre in LA
The Oscars , Jennifer Lawrence didn't win any awards but didn't fail to make it in the papers
1) she has fell over again
2) She looked absolutely stunning

Gorgeous: The star stunned in her figure-hugging floor-length gown, that featured a slight mermaid-train and swaths of material at the hips
Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning in her orange dress and silver necklace back piece


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2571723/Jennifer-Lawrence-repeats-years-Oscars-fall-trips-gown-red-carpet-prince-Nicholas-Hoult-comes-rescue.html

Saturday, 1 March 2014

WEEK 21 How the Role of Women Has Changed in Movies

undefinedI am currently studying the Male Gaze Theory in film studies and in my independent research have found an interesting article that analyses how female roles have changed. There is also a great bit on horror films and the Final Girl theory.

http://voices.yahoo.com/how-role-women-has-changed-movies-108342.html

Male Gaze Theory Explained

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3lB5XEZXig

Saturday, 22 February 2014

Female Actors Paid Less than men

Angelina Jolie was the top earning actress last year after taking home a pay packet of just under $20m

TOP 10 FEMALE HOLLYWOOD STARS BY 2013 EARNINGS

Angelina Jolie, 38 - $33 million 
Jennifer Lawrence, 23 - $26 million
Kristen Stewart, 23 - $21.5 million
Jennifer Aniston, 45 - $20 million
Emma Stone, 25 - $16 million
Charlize Theron, 38 - $15 million
Sandra Bullock, 49 - $14 million
Natalie Portman, 32 – $14 million
Mila Kunis, 30 - $11 million
Julia Roberts, 46 - $11 million

TOP 10 MALE HOLLYWOOD STARS BY 2013 EARNINGS

That figure was dwarfed however by the highest-earning man ¿ Robert Downey Jr ¿ who earned £45 million
 
Robert Downey Jr, 48 - $75 million
Channing Tatum, 33 - $60 million
Hugh Jackman, 45 - $55 million
Mark Wahlberg, 42 - $51 million
Dwayne Johnson, 41, $46 million
Leonardo DiCaprio, 39 - $38 million
Adam Sandler, 47 - $36.5 million
Tom Cruise, 51 - $35 million
Denzel Washington, 59 - $33 million
Liam Neeson, 61 - $31.5 million

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2564925/Hollywood-mans-world-stuck-1950s-Angelina-Jolie-woman-break-list-10-highest-paid-actors.html#ixzz2u65Vbkkq
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

I love male actors but think that more strong female characters should be portrayed in films. Personally as someone who wants to enter this industry I want a shack up in peoples opinions and although money is not the main thing it is proof that actresses do not get treated equally as actors.

Monday, 3 February 2014

Week 20 Jack's back! 24: Live Another Day shows the return of Bauer and his trusty sidekick Chloe in Super Bowl advert

Jack is back: Kiefer Sutherland reprises his role as Agent Bauer in the real-time Fox drama series 24: Live Another Day
The 12 episode 'event' series, which debuts May 5, revives action hero Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, from the groundbreaking series that ran on Fox for eight seasons beginning in 2001.
Interest in 24 had to post and there is a trailer!!!!!!!
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2550795/Trailer-24-Live-Another-Day-teases-fans-chaotic-return-Jack-Bauer-trusty-sidekick-Chloe-London.html#ixzz2sFz7XriB
Follow us:
@MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2550795/Trailer-24-Live-Another-Day-teases-fans-chaotic-return-Jack-Bauer-trusty-sidekick-Chloe-London.html

Philip Seymour Hoffman had 'seven days of filming left to complete for Hunger Games franchise' but his death WON'T affect release date for final two movies

Waste of talent: Hoffman, pictured with the Best Actor Oscar for Capote in 2006, died in his prime from a suspected overdose
Star: Philip Seymour Hoffman played games-master Plutarch Heavensbee, alongside Donald Sutherland as President Snow in the Hunger Games franchise but his death is not expected to affect the release dates of the final two movies



Tragedy: Lionsgate, which makes the Hunger Games movies, called the death of Hoffman, pictured alongside co-stars Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence, Donald Sutherland, Josh Hutcherson and Stanley Tucci, a 'tragedy'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2550723/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman-seven-days-filming-left-complete-Hunger-Games-franchise-death-WONT-affect-release-date-final-two-movies.html

Philip Seymour Hoffman dead: What is the future for The Hunger Games Mockingjay movies?

So, what does Hoffman's sad passing mean for the future of the much-anticipated Mocking jay movies?
Hoffman in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I follow The Hunger Games franchise and was sad to hear that actor Philip Seymour Hoffman had dies. He starred briefly in the second part of the franchise Catching Fire and was wondering what would happen to the film he was currently filming in.


Shooting has been taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, however IMDB has Mockingjay: Part 1 listed as being in post-production, with Part 2 currently filming.

Lionsgate said in a statement: "Philip Seymour Hoffman was a singular talent and one of the most gifted actors of our generation. We're very fortunate that he graced our Hunger Games family.

Info and more from
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/hunger-games-mockingjay-philip-seymour-3106636#ixzz2sFwTUUIK
Follow them @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook


Monday, 20 January 2014

Week 19 The end for film? Paramount becomes the first studio to go all-in on digital

The end for film? Paramount becomes the first studio to go all-in on digital
Read more here http://www.techradar.com/news/video/the-end-for-film-paramount-becomes-the-first-studio-to-go-all-in-on-digital-1216603

I think that this will have a knock on effect ...

Valentine's Day 2014: The North East's 14 favourite romantic films

I love a romantic film here are my favourite from The North East's 14 favourite romantic films for Valentine's Day .

"3. Dirty Dancing (1987, directed by Emile Ardolino)
Ah. I'm being careful not to dismiss too many of these films as predictable, because there is little more predictable than a 35-year-old woman listing this among her favourite films (romantic or not). If you were a schoolgirl in the 1980s you couldn't help but fall for Patrick Swayze's dashing Johnny Castle, a holiday camp summer season dance star who sweeps a young, impressionable but secretly steely Baby (Jennifer Grey) off her feet. The plot has little more than a holiday romance at its heart, but as a coming-of-age movie packed with moments we wish had happened to us, it can't be beaten. It also has the coolest soundtrack of any of my 14 short-listed films, including Swayze's own croon-tastic She's Like the Wind. "
undefined

Why I love Dirty Dancing
1) The music soundtrack to this film is amazing The Drifters Otis Redding and The Contours Do You Love Me
2) Patric Swayze
3) I love the dancing in Dirty Dancing typical as it may seem this film has influenced my life !






"9. Titanic (1997, directed by James Cameron)            
This epic disaster movie swept the board at the Oscars but if there'd been one for chemistry between leads, Kate Winslet and Leo di Caprio would have had a shot at that, too. They star as doomed lovers on the doomed ocean liner in a story which has well over 90 minutes of romance before, well, doom strikes. As a silly 18-year-old I cried buckets at the cinema; my more practical 35-year-old self now watches the ending in annoyance, because there was definitely room on that bit of mirror for the pair of them. "

undefined

I love Titanic as it is based on a real event. Don't worry I don't think that the love story was true but I just cant resist DiCaprio as Jack Dawson in Titanic.

Info and more from
Read all 14 here http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/valentines-day-2014-north-easts-6529867

WEEK 18 The 25th annual PGA Awards: Winners and Nominees 2014

The 25th annual held on January 19th 2014

PGA Producers Guild of America
















Producers Guild of America (PGA) is a trade organization representing television producers, film producers and New Media producers in the United States.


Read the winners and nominees here http://variety.com/2014/film/news/2014-pga-awards-nominees-1201064599/

Pakistan film industry 'comes of age' with rise of multiplexes

Read this short article on the changes in Pakistan film industry http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25745434

Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2014: Full list of winners

undefined I have posted all the winners that interested me. The Great Gatsby won a few awards including best costume design and best art direction. I love this film so was happy to see that it won some awards.
California January 16, 2014.

Sandra Bullock accepts the award for best actress in an action movie for Gravity at the 19th annual Critics Choice Movie Awards at the Barker Hangar on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in Santa Monica, Calif. - Provided courtesy of Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP
Best Picture12 Years A Slave -- WINNER
Best Actor
Matthew McConaughey - "Dallas Buyers Club" -- WINNER
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett - "Blue Jasmine" -- WINNER
undefined

Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto - "Dallas Buyers Club" -- WINNER

Best Supporting Actress
Lupita Nyong'o - "12 Years A Slave" -- WINNER
undefined

Best Young Actor/Actress
Adele Exarchopoulos - "Blue Is the Warmest Color" -- WINNER
Best Acting Ensemble
American Hustle -- WINNER
Best Cinematography
"Gravity" - Emmanuel Lubezki -- WINNER
undefined

Best Art Direction
"The Great Gatsby" - Catherine Martin (Production Designer), Beverley Dunn (Set Decorator) -- WINNER

Best Costume Design
"The Great Gatsby" - Catherine Martin -- WINNER



Best Comedy
"American Hustle" -- WINNER
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Leonardo DiCaprio won best comedy actor for "The Wolf of Wall Street,"


The Disney hit "Frozen" won best animated feature, and "Let It Go" from the same film took the award for best song.

 Info and more from http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/17/us-criticschoice-idUSBREA0G06I20140117?feedType=RSS

Read all the nominees here http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Critics-Choice-Movie-Awards-2014:-Full-list-of-winners/9396650

The prizes were handed out following the Golden Globes, part of the host of awards leading up to the Oscars, Hollywood's all-important honors ceremony to be held on March 2.