Case Study: Broken

March 27th - Producer Dixie Linders came in to talk to us about British Film Broken

Broken Overview:
Director: Rufus Norris
Producers: Dixie Linders, Tally Garner, Nick Marston, Bill Kenwright
Screenplay: Mark O'Rowe
Cast: 
Tim Roth
Eloise Laurence
Cillian Murphy
Roray Kinnear
Zana Marjanovic,
Robert Emms
Bill Milner
Media Ownership:
BBC Films, BFI, Lipsync, Tax Credit and Bill 

Cross Media Convergence and Synergy:
Soundtrack - Damon Albarn worked on the music and the lead actress Eloise sung most of the songs in the film as she wants to become more of a singer then actress and her singing them gave a more personal touch to her character in the film, which set a more intermit tone between the audience and the character.  

Technology: 
Broken was shot in 35mm and then was ran through DCP so can be distributed digitally. Because the budget was small they shot on dated film which was close to expire to save money and was then ran through a DCP.   

Proliferation of Hardware and Content:
Broken is a small film and it can't really compete with the big block busters as much. To be honest I have never heard on the film until we had the talk. To compete with other films it is given a short run in cinemas and then see if it is worth to keep running. Actors like Tim Roth, help bring in a target audience and money. 

Technological Convergence
Broken was publicised through social networking sites, mainly Twitter. Stephen Fry is the biggest UK follower and he mentioned the film Broken on Twitter which had a big impact for its marketing. Damon Albarn helped with the music and on a opening at the Cannes festival the lead actress Eloise and Damon performed it, which created quite a crowd. Also using Blur's name it attracted attention from their fan base.



Targeting of Local and Global Audiences:
The target audience ended up being women in their 30's, because Tim Roth had one of the lead star role and was the biggest actor in the film. To promote the film globally it was announced on the Jonathan Ross Show, which gets a range of people within the audience. Performing a song which is in the film at Cannes with Damon pulling in crowds with the main star Eloise made a spectacle and definitely had an impact on the audience awareness.

Analysing camera work in TV Documentary

Camera shots found:

- Mid Shot

- Extreme close up

- Wide

- Close up

- Wide

- Tracking

- Aerial 

- Panning

- Tilt

The wide shots are used to show the whole herd, suggesting a sense of togetherness and a community among the elephants. All of the interviewing sections are shot in mid shots. Extreme close ups of Echo the elephant near her eye shows the animal's emotion and the audience has empathy for her. The aerial shot sets the scene of the subject being documented and allows you to follow the elephants on their journey which sets up the story line of the documentary. Panning shots used to show a large amount of scenery and it also follows the action. Camera tilts upwards from Echo's feet to her head, this emphasised her size and how she is important to her family. 

Does the camera work add to the authenticity of the documentary?

The camera shot does enhance the documentary's authenticity, because you are able to see nature at different angles and interpret and receive them in a different way. It makes the documentary less tedious because it arranges and mixes up the footage of the animal and the interview. This creates more of a mood, because if the interviewer says something heart warming and then cuts to sad footage consisting of close ups it has more of a impact. 

Does the documentary draw your attention to the presence of the camera operator or does it attempt to conceal it?

The shots are smooth and you don't notice the camera man because you are fixated on the footage of the elephants and the music which sets the tone in turn. You are too focused on the documentary to notice the camera man, it is the last thing on your mind.  

Analysing camerawork in TV Drama

 

Merlin (BBC)

Different shots found in sequence:
- Close up
- Mid Shot
- Two Person Shot
- High Angle (half wide)
- Overshoulder
- Wide
- Tracking





How is the importance of the setting and action emphasised by the camera movement?

At the beginning we are shown the antagonist in a mid shot who then throws down the swords and the two male protagonists have to fight eachother. The two characters (Arthur and Qwaine) are shown in a two person shot which symbolises they are friends and are together. When they talk to eachother it cuts to close ups of them talking. This establishes who is who and what they feel about the situation just by their eye contact. Without using dialogue in that shot is very powerful, because it is all said by body language and the camera shot. 

When they both pick up their swords and face eachother it cuts to a high angle shot, showing them in the 'arena' which highlights they are alone and must fight because there is no way out. High angle is very effective in making them look small and helpless, because you are positioned below you which emphasises they are at their last resort. Overshoulder shots and close ups flick back and forth in the fight scene. The overshoulder allows you to see more sword action and the opponents reaction. The tracking of the characters is hand held so the shot is shakey and sudden, this emphasises the situation and the fast pace action within it. The cuts between the shots are quick and keeps up with the speed of the fighting. 

Through camera movement you can establish the emotion the characters are feeling through the close up shots which make you intimite with the characters (there are no close ups of the antagonist because you are supposed to feel distant from them) and keeping in close to the action. The high angle and wide shots set the location and the situation of where the action sequence is taking place.      

What is the effect of the choice of camera shots?

The choice in camera shots are more effective then if you were to go with several mid, wide and extreme wide shots, because you wouldn't have the same reaction. You'd be far away from the action and it would be boring to watch. With the camera shots they have used you are close to the action and in some areas its hard to make out what happened which gives it that sense of mystery, but at the same time you get to see some action. If it was all in wide shots then the action would be slow and have no exciting edge, it would look fake and unrealistic.   

3D Films and High Frame Rate

3D

What are the benefits of 3D films for audiences and producers?

There have been more 3D screen instalments in theatres. In 2005 there was 98 and in 2012 there was 43,000. This means audiences have easier access to 3D theatres. Some of the highest grossing films of 2012 ("The Avengers", "The Hobbit", "The Amazing Spider-man") were all available in 3D. In 2012, 9/15 of the top films were in 3D, making the box office produce the biggest projection yet with $10.8 million earning worldwide. 3D films are making money and it attracts people because its a different format to experience films. When 3D first came out it was revolutionary.   

What are the negatives?
1) Prices of tickets have gone up - $8.12 to $18.50 for a 3D ticket. People are less likely to go see a 3D film if it is expensive. 
2) 3D earnings has been on a slow decline since 2010, despite the earnings, although 50% of the films earnings are made on the opening weekend. 
3) Some people just don't like the 3D experience and think it's just a fad and prefer 2D.





HFR

What are the benefits of HFR films for audiences and producers?

 3D HFR creates new possibilities in content creation, which is of interest to those who make/distribute content content. Individuals and companies wanting to create content in HFR will need specialised equipment, and this will result in a new market opportunities. Theatres committed to projecting HFR productions will attract audiences not simply because of novelty, but because HFR is the highest quality digital projection available. There are distinct benefits to consumers providing feedback on how they wish to view content, and researchers improving the variety of viewing methods available.

The Reception from audience members on early HFR content has been mixed. The introduction of a new standard often needs a period of acclimation. At first, curiosity about what HFR looks like will drive audience numbers. If indeed HFR creates a more comfortable viewing experience. The film is more realistic when it is shot in 48 frames (twice as many as normal). You can also see things in the background in more detail when panning then just a hazy blur.

What are the negatives?
1) It's like being on a film set in person and all the magic is lost.
2) It's like being on a 4D ride where everything is seemingly fake
3) It looks like you are watching a soap drama like Eastenders, which looses the films flare.


HFR  & 3D film according to Working title Films?
Working Title have set to produce a 3D or HFR film. The idea of both have mixed views because there is a clash between technology and the artistic drive of directors who like to keep things classic. Still now some of their films like Anna Karenina was shot on film, so they still have a long way to go although some have been done via digital.

Cinema Exhibtors' Association Report

Why have attendances increased in cinemas?

"...first two months of the previous year had benefited 

from the extraordinary box office of Avatar, the increased level of cinema 

admissions during the same period in 2011 was all the more remarkable, 

with the UK film The King’s Speech enjoying exceptional success and going 

on to become the second largest film of the year. The months immediately 

following however saw a significant tailing off in audiences as they 

responded to good weather and a generally downbeat slate of films." - CEA Annual Report

The cinema attendance increased due to big blockbusters such as Avatar which was a new type of film of its kind, this boosted the admissions because it was unique and had such a good review and publicity. The Kings Speech also had the same affect, but it was because it was based on a true story and had a big impact on British people and their tradition. The quality has increased dramatically. The reason for attendances to go down it because of the spring and summer months where there is good weather and people decide to go outside instead. Even then, big blockbusters are released in the summer because children aren't at school.   

"Four of the top ten films at the UK box office were available in digital 3D, 

and while there were increasing signs during 2011 that audiences were 

becoming more discerning in which films they chose to see in that format, 

3D income still contributed almost a quarter of UK box office." - CEA Annual Report

The increase in audience is also affected by the definition. 3D has mixed views from audience goers but it still rakes in 1/4 of the box office. This suggests people want to see film in a different format, so HD, IMAX, HFR and 3D, because you can't get all these formats within your living room. Also screening TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing to make a event out of that.  

What is the DFP and the VPF?

 

DFP - Digital Funding Partnership

Established by the CEA to support small/medium sized cinema operators who wish to go digital and get off film. It costs 50k per screen to change it to DFP. Major distributors are unwilling to accept any lower standard, so the cinemas will lose the different types of films. There is no public support for them to help fund it. 

VPF - Virtual Print Fee

For the DFP to happen, you need to conclude a virtual print fee based funding agreement with XDC Digital Cinema. It is a sum of money paid to the cinema when a film is played on a VPF supported system on the release date of the film, (a 'tun'). The VPF is complex and it is very difficult to access for small, individual operators. So if a cinema plays enough first run films over the funding period, say 10 years, then it covers off about 75-80% of the equipment and finance costs. It is a good proposition for major, commercial operators e.g a national circuit. But what about second runs which are played in small cinemas? - they can't access it, so there are 'co-operative' of some 400 screens covering all types of independent owned cinemas. They are then collectively and in aggregate have sufficient first run programming (turns) to enter into the VPF deals on the same basis as major circuits. The DFP acts as a 'quasi circuit' and has fully financed deal with a third party whereby that party will receive sufficient VPFs to pay back all relevant costs. The strategic beauty is that all cinemas benefits no one loses. The scheme is supported and backed by all studios, major UK circuits, BFI and Minister of Culture.   

What may happen to those who don't use the DFP?

If a small cinema doesn't have the money to go digitally and if the plan is to go fully digitally by 2012, then those cinemas will not be able to get any of the new films, therefore loose money and eventually go bankrupt. You loose small independent cinemas who can't afford to get DFP, so you are left with the mainstream chain cinemas. 

Issues: 

- Competition for equipment and technical expertise for physical installations

- Space and facilities required in projection booth (e.g air con)

- Training and Mind set issues (I don't like digital)

- Loading and playing out content

- Security, unlock keys for encrypted content etc.

- Basically a complete new way of operating

What problems face 'alternative content'?

It would be expensive to rent screen rooms for other purposes and there would need to have forms filled in liability. I personally think the main problem would be that people/public would find it odd to adjust to the idea of using the cinema for more than just watching a film. I would assume that it wouldn't have that much of a impact straight away, because people are unaware you can do that and it hasn't been given it's own section in the cinema like films have. For example, we know what films are going on where but we don't know whether they are screenings of concerts, games or public work. One example which I have only now been aware of is Cinema City's renting of rooms for people to use to their own accord (This has been made free for BFI Academy members such as myself only recently, which is a rare opportunity). Any other content the BBFC must verify it so cinemas are reluctant to do it because of the cost. 

In the Flesh

Show Name: In the Flesh
Channel: BBC Three
Method of Watching: TV/BBC Iplayer
Season/Series: British TV Series

Genre: Zombie Drama

 

In the Flesh is a new 3 part BBC Supernatural drama series which began airing on BBC Three on 17 March 2013 at 10pm. The show was created and written by Dominic Mitchell. It is set after the zombie apocalypse and focuses on zombie teenager Kieren Walker as he reintegrates back into the local community.

Episode Summary:

Partially Deceased Syndrome sufferer Kieren Walker returns home to the cauldron of Roarton, but doesn't receive a warm welcome from all. His parents, Steve and Sue, are undoubtedly pleased to see him, but his sister, Jem, isn't so ready to pick up where they left off when Kieren died back in 2009. Meanwhile, the zombie-hating Human Volunteer Force, led by the violent Bill Macy, are ready to take action against any PDS sufferer reintegrated on their patch. A zombie like Kieren was found in Roarton and was shot by Bill Macy.
Was it conventional to it's genre? Yes, it was quite effective putting Zombies with modern day life without making it look cheesy or overall bad. I quite enjoyed it and the reactions of people is quite realistic.

OPEN OR CLOSED?

Open Narratives: Usually with soap operas
- No sense of a ending, could go on forever
- Many more characters, characters shift in and out
- More than one story line
- Time is more chronological  
- Different knowledge to characters then audience

Closed Narratives:
- Audience aware that they are watching a complete story, with a ending in mind.
- Small number of characters, so it goes into more in depth on them
- Characters have a hierarchy of importance
- Audience can make verdicts on the characters
- Time is compressed unlike Open Narratives
- Times and events are usually special to the story line, not linked with real world

Since its a 3 part drama it is a closed narrative because the storyline can only go on for so long and there has to be a resolution and conclusion.

 

Representation:

 

Age:

Teenager Jem came across as rebellious and moody when she made her first appearance, but throughout the episode she showed a softer side. Kieren on the other hand is quiet (mainly because of the change in situation), so is the contrast but he and his sister bond a little bit in the first episode.

Bill Macy was the dominant one in the HVF and comes across fierce and

violent. He is almost portrayed as a stereotypical general in the army like you see in films.

 

Status and Class:

The HVF and PDS are clashing. Human Voluntary Force don't like the Zombies (Partially Deceased Sydrome). They are two different sides, and one side wants to get on with life while the other wants them head. This dislike and hunting them down can be interpreted into serious real life scenarios. One example could be the genocide in Rwanda, but not as extreme.  

 

 

 

 

Case Study: Hollyoaks

 Hollyoaks Extract

Scene 1 - In the first scene a couple are sitting on the bed and the female character has to tell another character about their relationship. Within the scene the shots are close ups and two shots of the characters when they are in conversation. The speaker at the time is focused on and only in the two shot is the other characters reaction to what they are saying are shown. The room is that of a typical blue for boys which suggests they are in his bedroom. After the scene the male character sips his tea and it pan right to the female character looking away with concern before cutting to the opening on scene 2.

Scene 2 (2&3) - It opens with a environment/over shoulder shot, focusing on the character entering. The location is isolated with just those two characters conversing. They are both wearing similar overalls which suggest they work together. The location fits the mood of the conversation as it is isolated and derelict which has negative connotations which fits the topic of murder. As there is a serious confrontation the shots mainly consist of close up and mid shots to capture the characters emotion and the seriousness of the threat in the others. The weaker is focused on towards the end of the scene and their is a over shoulder close up of his face with the threatening character in shot, he looks away with a serious decision to decide upon. It then sharp cuts from him looking down to scene 3.

Scene 3 (4&5) - The previous serious scenario is then overlooked by the opening on scene 3, as the girl drinks her tea/coffee in a local cafe. The cafe is well lit and has many different produce with nice colours, a typical stereotypical coffee cafe. Each characters clothes say different things about them and suggests different social groups for example the girl in the tracksuits is grouped in to the hoodie section of adolescents. In between the beginning and the end their is a confrontation with 'past friends' and spiteful things are said, at the end the character watches one of the character who she was talking to leave and then look into the distance.

SIMILARITY: ALL THREE SHOTS END WITH THE DISTRESSED CHARACTER LOOKING AWAY  

Scene 4 (6) - Scene 4 is then opened with a environment shot showing the location of another character and a new storyline. The location is nice which implies the character is well-off or stable financially and is well kept.

In each scene the sound focuses on the characters dialogue and any background sounds to enhance and allow the audience to relate and understand the environment.