A short film is a media product that is a film that is not long enough to be classified as a feature film; short films usually have a running time of up to 40 minutes. Short films tend to be used as a form of presentation or a demonstration of a film-maker's skills.Short films are usually produced by independent film-makers with very little or no budget in order gain experience or practice their skills ; with the intentions to present their media product to an audience through festivals, YouTube or vimeo.All with the goals and ambitions to prove to investors or film studios of their worthy talent in order to gain funding for future projects or a potential feature film.
The evolution of short film
Short films began in 1910s which this media form had a single intension was to make it's audience laugh. During the early history of short films, they were primarily comedies; short films were either live-action or animated. During the 1950s, the art form grew in popularity due to the introduction of Charlie Chaplin infusing his style of comedic relief. Now within the present day, short films are merely part of a niche audience typically within the film community where short films are a way of gaining attention for aspiring creative talent. The art form now has the ability to reach a mass market as it is widely open on the internet through various platforms such as Vimeo.
As apart of my research to plan for my short-film, I must expand my knowledge and understanding of media studies. An area which my knowledge must be broadened is in the concept of genre and the theory behind the idea. This is a theory that refers to how in which products of film are constructed based on particular narrative elements, these particular elements are what then define a genre.Audiences can refer any given film product and classify it under a genre based on it's codes and conventions. Ultimately meaning that within every genre there are conventional aspects of a film's theme,setting or structure that are shared within every other film belonging to the same genre; which is why they fall under the same category.Never the less, genre is a very important factor to both film-makers and audiences.
Why is genre important to film-makers?
During the process of creating a story, genre is a essential tool throughout this entire process as genre provides them the fundamental parts to producing a story; as genre will offer a structure in which film-makers can apply and manipulate to the own intentions whilst incorporating characters that must participate in the fixed narrative in order to follow with the outlines cast for them. This is ultimately why genre is important to film-makers as it fundamentally offers them a guide to produce a story that incorporates all of the factors such as themes,style and structure to create a story of a particular genre.
When it comes to the audience, genre is a tool that the viewer can use to determine whether or not to watch a particular film based their interests and what they find visually appealing. This is where the concept of audience expectation comes in; this idea that revolves around the audience have already got assumptions on what they expect to see within any given genre. This idea is to help them decide whether or not to see this film based on their assumptions on what the story is like but also the sense of pleasure when expectations are met when time have been invested to view the product.
Final Verdict
This media theory of genre is a vital part of the development of my short-film as this will shape how I must approach my story in relation to what I must include regarding characters and structure, in order to achieve the intended style and theme.This all with help my media product meet the expectations of it's audience in order to lure their attention.
To summarise my week of commencing my journey into A2 media, I have learnt what will be expected from me throughout this course as well as the various task briefs that I can choose from. I have ultimately decided to select the 3rd brief that requires me to produce a 5-10 minutes short-film of whatever genre I desire. I believe that I am most suited for this task as I am keen to produce an engaging story that will provide a some what meaningful undertone within the story.Regardless that this could be applied to other briefs such as the music video; I intend on utilising the additional minutes to grasp the attention of my target audience and immerse them in the story.
However in order to achieve this, I must study the various media theories regarding text and story-telling; as these will help provide me with the knowledge and understanding of how to execute an engaging story to the best of my ability. Now over the coming weeks, I will begin development on my short-film. During development is where I will delve more into the theories behind film text as well as understanding film structure. Regarding my short-film, I will begin to outline potential ideas as well as what genre I intend on molding the story around. This will then lead to further search into codes and conventions within genres to help my understanding of audience's level of expectation for certain genres. Overall, I am very excited about this project not only to produce a media product that will help expend my knowledge and understanding of media studies; but I will learn a great deal of responsibility and independence as I will be responsible for the entire project.
As apart of our coursework, we had refreshed our knowledge on key media theorists along with their theories, which offers us insightful information that will be a beneficial tool in regards to the development of our briefs. Particularly with short-films, these theorists will provide me with content that will surely benefit my research and planning for my project as I will be meeting a level of expectations regarding the codes and conventions associated with text and story telling. As I am aware of the fixed conventions of text, it may also offer me the opportunity to manipulate the conventions of text to produce a media product with a unique style and take on the platform of text.
Propp’s Theory
Vladimir Propp studied Russian fairytales and is where he discovered that in every story; there are 8 main character types present. According to Propp, these character types helps offer stories a structure for text.
The Hero - the one who embarks on a journey to seek something.
The Villain - an individual who opposes all actions committed by the hero and blocks his/her quest.
The Donor - Prepares the hero by providing them with tools to aid their quest.
The Dispatcher - Who sends the hero on their quest.
The False Hero - Someone who claims the hero’s success.
The Helper - Who aids the hero on their quest.
The Princess/prize - an individual/item that acts as a reward for the hero’s accomplishments.
Her Father - An individual who rewards the hero for their effort.
Within this theory comes certain conventions that must occur with these character:
Hero’s are branded
Good overcomes evil
There is a form of struggle between two relations.
The struggle is banished
This is a theory that will play as a useful tool through the development of my short-film as this theory will provide me with a basic structure to follow by using the listed types of characters in order to then incorporate the codes and conventions that follow along side the characters.
Barthes Narrative Codes
Roland Bathes suggested that all text can be open or closed; ‘open’ states that there is more than one way of interpreting the meaning behind the text, where as ‘closed’ is just one meaning behind the text. Barthes suggested that there are five different meanings behind text.
Hermeneutic/ Enigma code : This code refers to a mystery behind the text; clues are given but not clearly stated. This is designed to make the audience want to know more, as unanswered questions may frustrate them.
Proairetic/ Action code : This code element of action within the text in order to add the element of suspense and tension.
Semantic Code : This code refers to parts of the text that alludes to possible alternative meanings within the text.
Symbolic Code : This code is referring to symbolism within the text in order to show greater meaning and to create tension or conflict which will result in character development.
Referential Code :This code addresses themes of morality and ideology; which is essentially anything within the text that refers to external knowledge regarding cultural, religious, scientific or historical content.
Todorov’s Theory of equilibrium
Todorov’s theory essentially states that most stories and plots follow a structural pattern, which are based on five steps:
Equilibrium : The first part is the opening to the story, where it will commence happily with the major characters demonstrating what is meant to be known about them.
A disruption : The second partof the story is where a problem arises and affects the happiness of the major characters.
Realisation : The third part of the story is the moment when the problem develops into a crisis which everyone soon realises and causes chaos.
Restored Order : Within the fourth part of the story, is where the major character attempt to repair the damages caused by the problem in order to restore happiness to their lives.
Equilibrium again : By the final part of the story, the problem is resolved and everything is restored back to normality and the characters are happy once again.
Levi Strauss’ theory of binary opposition
Strauss’ theory is based upon his belief that we understood certain words based on our understanding of the word and it’s opposite, rather than understanding it through it’s meaning. The led to Strauss producing the theory of binary opposites. An example most frequently used in film/TV is good/evil; binary opposites are usually incorporated to help our understanding of a story as the conventions of good vs evil helps aid narrative and enables an equilibrium.
For the 3rd brief, you are asked to produce a short film of any genre. This can be live-action, animated or an fusion of both. In this task, will be expected to produce...
A poster for the film
A short film (5-10 minutes)
A magazine review
When approaching this project, things to consider on what makes a good and effective short film:
A good script
Engaging opening
Exciting story
High production value
Past work
An example of work from a past a-level is Connor Barbor who directed a short-film for his A2 coursework called "Narco". This was a well made short-film that was successfully executed as it met the criteria for what makes a good short film; it was well written and directed. A film that has a lot of inspiration from directors "Guy Richie" and "Matthew Vaughn" two directors who are best known for producing British crime films of a similar nature to "Narco".
Poster for "Narco"
Example of Short-films
These are a few examples of short films that fit under the criteria in regards to that brief and some are to provide a taste to what is expected in a short film; these are short films that are each of different genres and have different styles in relation to the techniques used through camera work, sounds and editing. All still being successful in relevance to their execution in to the world of short-films.
'Real Gone' is a short-film within the genre of drama/comedy about a man's journey to kill himself in order to enter heaven; an entertaining film that has very little dialogue but through it's interesting concept and inventive direction, allowing clever opportunities for comedic moments all delivered through the performance and the direction throughout various scenes.
'Proximity' is a short-film within the genre of sci-fi about a dystopian future where humans participate in a continuous cycle where they fit for survival. A short-film that uses timing to it's advantage as it keeps it's audience thrilled through the run-time as they are filled with tension through the film-maker's clever use of cross-cutting and direction.
'The Candidate' is a short-film within the genre of a phycological thriller; it's a project that is driven by dialogue as it offers it's audience such engaging and lures them with interest as it addresses some intriguing notions about hidden underworlds within our society. This provides the viewers with an exciting story that leaves the audience seeking more from the story.
Final Verdict
Within this brief and by choosing to produce a short film; I am being given more of a creative freedom to produce a product that will cater towards my established skills in relation to film-making but also provides me with a great opportunity to develop new skills regarding how I execute a story as well as how I present it. However this task does ask a lot of responsibility on my behalf as I must helm all duties myself.
Within this task brief, you are asked to produce an advertising package for a new service of product.In this promotional package, it must contain two promotional adverts.
TV programme sponsorship
Radio advertisement
As apart of the sponsorship advert, the clip can promote the good or service. This can be done by either telling a story or simply present the item.In order to successfully complete this task, it will ask you to be creative to find a way to lure the attention of potential buyers within a fixed time frame through an engaging and inventive advert.
Example of TV adverts
This is an advert for the fruit drink company "Robinson's" that tells a story about a relationship between a father and his son;which then utilises the brand's product as a device that brings the two characters together. This ultimately provides a heart-warming message that empathises with viewer and helps connect them with the brand and therefore has their attention towards "Robinson's" products.
This is an advert that is a personal favourite of mine, as this is an advert that is truly a master of it's craft as it is an advert for the perfume brand "Chanel" and within this clip, the film-makers decide to reflect is class and style with this slick and glamorous advert that tells a short but effective story of a celebrity that has grown tired of fame and what the press expects him to be; instead decides to follow his heart and pursues love over fame. This is an example of an effective advert as it makes the audience view the clip in the perspective of the press witnessing this celebrity but as the celebrity himself; showing us the lives of the glamorous and convincing viewer that if they purchase this fragrance then they could live a life like a celebrity.
***The original clip has been put on private, but within this embedded clip I am referring to clip number 1.
This is an advert for a beer brand that has used clever editing to sync motions of the actor with the catchy track to produce a entertaining clip that is unique and gains it's viewer's attention; particularly with it's visually unique set design.
Within this advert, the film-makers chosen to capture a fun and entertaining factor about the brand "Cadbury" to promote the chocolate in a way that makes it seem fun and enjoyable to eat. This idea is emphasised through its inclusion of a catchy song that helps the clip be stuck in the viewer's mind. With these example of adverts, they each are unique and creative as they all don't simply describe their good/service that they are promoting.But instead tell an intriguing and interesting story through the inclusion of a character dealing in some cases simple but yet visually interesting interesting situations. Ultimately luring the attention of their target audience and hopefully gaining their curiosity as to what they offer.
Final Verdict
From what the brief is asking us to do, I am intrigued by the task as I would like to try to focus on luring the attention of my audience whilst making them engaged and informed on the brand I'am promoting. However I believe that I may succeed in a brief that allows more time to build the viewer's curiosity and interest to the project as well as providing me with more of a free space to try new techniques in regards to presentation through mediums of film and television.
As apart of this brief , you are essentially asked to create a promotional package for an album. In order to promote the release of this new album, the promotional package must include the following...
A music video (5 minute limit)
An album cover
An advertisement for a magazine
When deciding to choose this brief, there are many factors to consider as this is an extremely difficult task to complete to a high standard; as a music video must have a high level of production value in order to fully immerse viewers and engage them in the style of film-making.Production value is a term regarding the quality of lighting,sound,props and any other factors needed to improve a project. With a music video, there is a tradition for these type of projects to be large in budget and scope; if not then it may have a unique vision with great direction that fills the void of having a large budget and scope. This is ultimately why this the most difficult brief to select as most who choose it, don't fully understand what is expected from a music video. Therefore most do not execute it properly and not achieve higher than a C.
Past work
An example of work from an previous a-level student is Jade Dockerill,she had chosen to do a music video. Despite the fact that she completed the video; in my opinion her music video lacked production value as it failed to execute a professional look and feel to the project due to it's poor camera work and colour grading.Ultimately causing her work to look amateur and therefore failing to meet the criteria.
Despite Jade Dockerill not correctly executing the music video, she did however did a pronominal job with both the poster and the CD cover for her album. They convey an appealing and engaging representation of her album that will successfully promote her album.
"Jade Dockerill's poster"
"CD cover"
Example of music videos
These are selected music videos that I personally enjoy and am fascinated by the way in which the film-makers have chosen to execute these musical track; by conveying ambiguous and hidden meanings within the video as the character(s) represent metaphors. Instead of choosing to present a traditional music video of the artist simply performing their song;but instead being far more inventive with their direction and camera work. Ultimately presenting a unique and artistic music video.
Final Verdict
From evaluating the criteria for a music video,I believe that it would be a creative opportunity to portray intriguing concepts based on the selected track. However I feel that it is extremely difficult to execute a music video due to all the technical difficulties that may arise when attempting to achieve high production value. This is why I believe I may prefer to select a brief that allows me the more of a chance to experiment with the camera but whilst representing interesting concepts through mediums such as short-films.
This is the media product that I directed for my AS media coursework. This piece of work received an A grade, which our group were most certainly happy to earn.
As we continue our journey through media and now expanding our knowledge of the subject; we have begun by learning about the various options of tasks and briefs that we can choose to do as apart of our coursework to establish our ability to demonstrate skills that we have learnt from AS. Our knowledge and understanding of media products will be tested within this task as we must; plan,execute and evaluate our own media product.Within each media product, they will require us to use a form of video/music editing software such as 'Adobe premier' or 'Garage band' as well as 'Photoshop'; these skills will be asked of you and put to the test in order for us to successfully complete the selected task to achieve the highest grade possible. throughout the first 3 weeks of this course, we have been asked to produce a document on the 3 different briefs that we may choose to produce as our media product. Within this document, we are expected to explain each individual task in regards to what is the given criteria asks of you and evaluate the entire task supported with past work from previous students as well as your overall opinion of the brief; in order to support your judgement on why you may or may not want to choose a particular brief. This is to help us as the students help gain a more in depth understanding of not only what we can expect from the next year in media but most important what is expected from us.
This task will most certainly be a beneficial tool regarding my performance in this course as it will provide me with the chance to mentally prepare myself for the extensive amount of work that will be expected of me throughout the duration of this course.
Short films began in 1910s which this media form had a single intension was to make it's audience laugh. During the early history of short films, they were primarily comedies; short films were either live-action or animated. During the 1950s, the art form grew in popularity due to the introduction of Charlie Chaplin infusing his style of comedic relief.
