Moving Image Glossary

Moving Image Glossary from MissCTurner

Key media roles and areas

Key media roles and areas

Development - This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources; they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.

Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.

Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straightforward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of filmmakers are using digital cameras to save money.

Post-production - During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, and any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.

Key Roles and Areas:

Screenwriter – Someone who researches and develops story ideas. They also write screenplays on which mass media such as films, television programs, comics or video games are based. The screenwriters of captain America: The Winter Soldier is Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

Producer - Film producers prepare and then supervise the making of a film before presenting the product to a financing entity or a film distributor. They help the creative people as well as the accounting personnel. The producer of Captain America: The Winter Soldier is Kevin Feige. Alongside the producer, there are also executive producers, associate producers and a co-producer. An executive producer is a producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. Typically an executive producer handles business and legal issues. There were six executive producers of the new Captain America film: Victoria Alonso, Louis D’Espoit, Alan Fine, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee. The role of an associate producer is an individual who performs a limited number of producing functions delegated to her/him by a producer, under the direct supervision and control of that producer. The two associate producers of Captain America: The Winter Soldier is Mitchell Bell and Lars P. Winther.

Casting Director -The person who auditions and helps to select all of the speaking role actors in film, television shows or plays. The CD must possess a vast knowledge of the actor pool and be able to match a variety of actors with just the right role. Directors and producers rely on the Casting Director to assist them with assembling the perfect cast for their production. Casting Directors are also responsible for serving as the liason between the director, and the actors and their agents. The casting of Captain America: The Winter Soldier is Sarah Finn.

Director - Directors are the driving creative force in a film's production - visualising and defining the style and structure of the film, then bringing it to life. Directors often also carry out the tasks of casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing. Anthony Russo and Joe Russo directed the second Captain America film. There are also other roles that contain the name of ‘Director’ but the job entails different roles within TV and Film. These are jobs such as Lighting Director, Art Director, Director of Photography and Casting Director.

Film Finance - Film finance is an aspect of film production that occurs during the development stage prior to pre-production, and is concerned with determining the potential value of a proposed film.

Camera operators - Camera Operators prepare and operate the camera and all its equipment, working with the Director and Director of Photography. They also manage other camera department staff and communicate with actors. As well as the camera operator, there are also assistant and second assistant cameras.

Editor - Editors are one of the key Heads of Department on feature films, responsible for First Assistant Editors, and on bigger productions, Second Assistants and Trainee. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into a series of scenes, which are in turn assembled to create the finished film.

Production designer - Production Designers designe and manage every visual aspect of a film. They work with the director and producer to produce and schedule. They also direct the team responsible for producing the visual elements. Peter Wenham was the production designer for Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Marketing - The action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising.

Exhibition - A public display of works of art or items of interest. It is also a demonstration of skill.

7 areas of representation

7 areas of representation and 4 areas of textual analysis

7 areas of representation

• Gender


• Age


• Ethnicity


• Sexuality


• Class and status


• Physical ability/disability


• Regional identity

4 areas of textual analysis

Camera shots, angle, movement, composition

•   Shots: establishing shot, master shot, close-up, mid-shot, long shot, wide show, two-shot, aerial shot, point of view shot, over the should shot, and variations of these.

•   Angle: high angle, low angle, canted angle.

•   Movement: pan, tilt, track, dolly, crane, steadicam, hand-held, zoom, reverse zoom.

•   Composition: framing, rule of thirds, depth of field - deep and shallow focus, focus pulls.

Editing

Includes transition of image and sound - continuity and non-continuity systems.

•   Cutting: shot/reverse shot, eyeline match, graphic match, action match, jump cut, crosscutting, parallel editing, cutaway; insert.

•   Other transitions: dissolve, fade-in, fade-out, wipe, superimposition, long take, short take, slow motion, ellipsis and expansion of time, post-production, visual effects.

Sound

•   Soundtrack: score, incidental music, themes and stings, ambient sound.

•   Diegetic and non-diegetic sound, synchronous/asynchronous sound, sound effects, sound motif, sound bridge, dialogue, voiceover, mode of address/direct address, sound mixing, sound perspective.

Mise-en-Scène

•   Production design: location, studio, set design, costume and makeup, properties.

•   Lighting: colour design.

7 Key Concept Areas

• the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;
• the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;
• the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange;
• the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences;
• the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences;
• the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international or global institutions;
• the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour.

• The issues raised by media ownership in contemporary (current) media practice

The depth and range of ownership across a range of media and the consequences of this ownership for audiences in terms of the genres and budgets for films. How for instance, can Channel4's Film4 survive in the British market place against the high concept, big-budget films made by Newcorp's FOX, Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, etc.? What kinds of niche audiences are left for Film4 to attract? Are mass audiences out of reach given the genres of films Film4 have the budgets to make? How successful have they been in reaching mass audiences with their films? How healthy is it that just a few mega media groups can own such a range of media and can decide what the public may see, and, perhaps, shape audience's tastes?

• The importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing

 Digital technology is enabling various media to converge in hubs, platforms and devices. For instance, mobiles phones do a lot more than act as hand held telephones: you can download and watch films and TV programmes, use them as alarm clocks, watches, play music on them, take photos and short films, text, go online, use GPS functions, a range of apps, and a whole lot more. New HD TVs, Playstations, X-Boxes, iPads, Notebooks, MacBooks, etc. are also examples of hubs which in which a variety of media technologies can converge for convenience for users. Media convergence is having an enormous impact on the film industry because of the ways in which institutions can produce and market for audiences/users on a widening range of platforms, capable of receiving their films.

Synergies can come out of an organisation's size; smaller media organisations such as Channel4 can-cross promote their films, etc. but the scale of cross-media promotion is nowhere near as great as that which can be gained by massive media organisations. Film4 is therefore unable to promote their lower budget films on a level playing field.

• the technologies that have been introduced in recent years at the levels of production, distribution, marketing and exchange

The audience's ability to interact with films by, for instance, using digital technology to put extracts on You Tube and overlay new sound tracks on them, etc. and make answering videos has been greatly enhanced by Web 2.0; Film studios can make films using CGI, greenscreen and other special effects that were impossible to make only a few years ago. The ways of filming and editing films have changed, too, with the introduction of digital film and film cameras, editing software, laptops, digital projectors, etc. Distributors market films using the latest software for designing high-concept film posters and trailers. They can use phone apps, online marketing, Twitter, etc. File-sharing and piracy are growing issues because the software exists to take the protective encryption of DVDs, etc and WEB 2.0 enables people to make and share copies of films easily. One way in which film companies are trying to get around this is by releasing films soon after theatrical release by selling them on video-on-demand, premium TV channels and downloads. US and UK cinemas chains are not happy about this, especially after all the investment some have made on digital equipment, projectors, etc. which unfortunately quickly goes very quickly out of date!

• the significance of proliferation in hardware and content for institutions and audiences

This means the increase of something: i.e. digital cameras, software, CGI, 3D films, film genres, etc. which are part of current trends; how significant is this for See Saw Films or Film4? Or are they still able to be successful without it by making films with genres that do not need the latest breakthroughs in digital technology? Research the film company's use of cameras, special effects, software, posters, digital distribution of films, etc.

• the importance of technological convergence for institutions and audiences

This is a WEB 2.0 issue and how technology is coming together in hubs like laptops is one of the features of our age; the mobile phone in your pocket is a great example of technological convergence: it can do so much more than a simple phone call; think how this is affecting film making at the production, marketing and exhibition stages? The Internet is acting as a hub for many aspects of film: you will find film posters, YouTube videos on films, interviews, trailers, official film and blog websites, etc. on it.  Audiences can also remake their own films by creating extracts and running new scores over them and then posting them on YouTube. This often leads to answering videos, never mind the comments, etc. that people make on such sites. The internet, film and videos games seem to be converging in so many ways. People can watch films in a range of ways, using an astonishing range of hardware and software. They can also find audiences of their own. This amounts to free publicity for film institutions for their films and "A Long Tail" sales into the future through endless exchange.

• the issues raised in the targeting of national and local audiences (specifically, British) by international or global institutions

"Slumdog Millionaire" was originally aimed at Asian audiences living in various parts of the UK and also at Danny Boyle fans. The film's unexpected success at film festivals and being nominated for the Oscars led to another theatrical release and a crossover from the "indy" art-house into the mainstream. British film makers often make social realism films and aim them at local and regional audiences whereas this would never be enough for the major media players who tend to make high budget, high concept films. They have boutique offshoots that make and often distribute lower budget films, aimed at more highbrow audiences. Disney's Mirimax and Fox's Fox Searchlight are examples of such boutique, art-house film distribution.

• the ways in which the candidates’ own experiences of media consumption illustrate wider patterns and trends of audience behaviour
How you consume films whether it is as a social activity after visiting a shopping centre or on an MP4 player or Playstation, is what is at issue here. Visit Pearl and Dean to see how multiplex cinemas are adapting the experience of cinema-going to gain audiences. In an age of falling DVD sales, home cinema and an increase in downloading for both music and film audiences are changing in how they want to consume film. Identify trends and consider where the audience trends are going in the near future.

5x5 Task

5x5 Task

5 Films

1.     Saving Private Ryan – Saving Private Ryan was released on the 24^th of July 1998 and was directed by Steven Spielberg. It stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. It is based upon a true story in which a squad of D-Day survivors were sent behind enemy lines to fined and rescue the last son of a devastated Iowa family, Private Ryan (Matt Damon). This is one of my favourite films for a number of reasons. Firstly I am very interested in this period of history. Also it is a very realistically gritty film but portrays how the war actually was.

2.     Shutter Island – This film was released on the 13^th February 2010 and was directed by Martin Scorsese. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo. It is described as a psychological thriller. Normally I am not a fan of films that are purposely confusing and force you to think about it after the film has ended and in some cases, watch the film again. However, I was enraptured by deep storyline and was kept guessing throughout.

3.     300 – This film was released in 2007 on the 9^th of March. Lena Headey and starred Gerard Butler and Zack Snyder directed the film. It is a war film based on the 1998 comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. Both are fictionalized retellings of the Battle of Thermopylae within the Persian Wars. There are two main reasons to why this is why one of my favorite films. The first is because I am a big fan of history and especially ancient history such as the Spartans. The second reason I really enjoyed this film is because of the action scenes. The film is filled to the brim of violent battle sequences between the Spartans and the Persian Empire.

4.     Longest Yard – Longest Yard was released in 2005 on the 27^th of May and was directed by Peter Segal. The film stars Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds and Chris Rock. Even though this film didn’t receive the greatest reviews, I really enjoyed the film and have watched it multiple times. Of the main reasons I am a fan of the film is because it is based upon American Football, which I am a fan of. It is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. The film I found is a good mixture of comedy and sports.

5.     Scary Movie – This film was released on the 7^th of July 2000. The film was directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and stared Anna Francis and Marlon Wayans. The film is constant silly humour throughout and is a parody of a number of films such as scream. Even though it is not the best production film, it still makes me laugh a lot every time I see it.

       

       5 Albums

1.     The 1975 – The 1975 – This album was The 1975’s debut album and was released on the 2^nd of September 2013. My three favourite songs from this album are ‘Heart Out’, ‘Settle Down’ and ‘She Way Out’. One of the main reasons that this album is one of my favourite is because I like pretty much all of the songs on it. This I find quite rare with albums.

2.     Night Visions – Imagine Dragons – This album by Imagine Dragons was released on the 4^th of September 2012. My three favourite songs of this album are ‘Tiptoe’, ‘The River’ and ‘Cha-Ching’. This is their only album. At is full of a variety of different sounding songs that all combine together to make a good listen for about 78 minutes.

3.     Save Rock and Roll –Fall Out Boy - Fall Out Boy released this album on the 12^th of April 2013. I have only recently started listening to this band but I instantly took a liking to their music. My three favourite songs from this album are ‘Where Did The Party Go’, ‘Death Valley’ and ‘The Phoenix’.

4.     All American – Hoodie Allen – This album was released by Hoodie on the 10^th April 2012. My three favourite songs off of this album are ‘No Interruption’, ‘No Faith in Brooklyn’ and ‘Small Town’. I am a fan of this album because it is a good mixture of singing and rapping.

5.     Demon Days – Gorillaz – This album was released on the 11^th of may 2005. Even though overall Gorillaz are not one of my favourite artists, this is one of my favourite albums. I was introduced to Gorillaz by my brother and he used this album as a taster for their unique but catchy music. My three favourite songs from this album are ‘Feel Good Inc.’, ‘Kids With Guns’ and ‘Dirty Harry'.

       5 Comedians

1.     Russell Howard – Russell is a 34 year old stand up comedian from Bristol. He is mostly known for TV shows Mock the Week and Russell Howards Good News. I have been a fan of Howard ever since he was on Mock the Week and love Good News on BBC 3.

2.     Michael McIntyre – Michael is an English comedian of 38 years of age and is form London. McIntyre is most famous for his show: Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Road Show and for being a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for a series.

3.     Jack Whitehall – Jack is a 26-year-old comedian who was born in Westminster. Jack is known for shows such as Bad Education, A League of Their Own and Backchat. He is know for is posh persona and witty humour.

4.     Jimmy Carr – Jimmy is a 41-year-old comedian born in London. Carr is known for shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Jimmy s also known for hosting the Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

5.     Jason Manford – Jason Manford is a 33-year-old comedian from Manchester. He is known for shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and The One Show.

       5 TV Shows

1.     Family Guy – Family Guy is easily one of my favourite TV programmes and always have been since I first watched it. The show is based upon the Griffin family who live in the fictional city of Quahog, Rhode Island. Seth MacFarlane who has produced other shows such as American Dad and the Cleveland Show created the show. He has also created films such as Ted and most recently, A Million Ways to Die In the West. Each episode of the show is unique in its own ways but just as funny.

2.     Game of Thrones - Game of Thrones is an American fantasy drama television series created for HBO by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. It is an adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin's series of fantasy novels, the first of which is titled A Game of Thrones. I am a fan of the show because of the complex yet gripping storyline and the violent action scenes. I haven’t been a fan since the show first came out but once I started watching it I couldn’t help myself but to watch more.

3.     A League of Their Own - A League of Their Own is a sports-based comedy panel game that was first broadcast on Sky1 on 11 March 2010. It is hosted by Gavin and Stacey star James Corden and features Andrew Flintoff and Jamie Redknapp. There are two main reasons to why I am a fan of this show. The main reason is because I find it very, very funny. The other reason to why I really enjoy this show is because it is based on sport, which I am also a fan of. In many ways it’s the perfect combination. 

4.     8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown - 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is a crossover between the panel game 8 Out of 10 Cats and the game show Countdown. The show follows the format of Countdown, but with hosts and contestants from 8 Out of 10 Cats, and an emphasis on humour. It is basically improved version of countdown in my eyes because the contestants do not take it seriously which inevitably makes the show much funnier.  

5.     Match of The Day – Match of the Day is the BBC's main football television programme. Typically, it is shown on BBC One on Saturday evenings during the English football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in English football's top division, the Premier League. It is one of the BBC's longest-running shows, having been on air since 22 August 1964, though it has not always been aired regularly. The main reason that I really like MOTD is because I am a big football fan so this show is very useful to keep up to date with what is happening in the premier league.

       5 Musical Artists

1.     Fall Out Boy - Fall Out Boy is an American rock band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago in 2001. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. I have only very recently become a fan of this band when I first listened to their newest album Save Rock and Roll. My favorite song of Fall Out Boy is ‘Where Did the Party Go’.

2.     The 1975 - The 1975 are an English indie rock band formed based in Manchester. The group consists of Matt Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniel (drums, backing vocals) and Ross MacDonald (bass). As like Fall Out Boy, I have only recently discovered this band after I brought their debut album. I find it is very rare to like every song that an artist has made but I feel these guys are the closest. My favorite song from this band is ‘Hear Out’.

3.     Hoodie Allen - Steven Adam Markowitz, better known by his stage name Hoodie Allen, is an 26 year old independent American rapper. I first became a fan when I listened to his album All American. His mixture between singing and rapping is what like the most; it is a style I love to listen to. My favorite song of Hoodie’s is ‘No Interruption’.

4.     Linkin Park - Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band consists of Chester Bennington, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda. I have been a fan of this band for a few years now. I like their combination of rock, metal and rap. My favorite song from this band is ‘Numb’.

5.     Imagine Dragons - Imagine Dragons are an American alternative rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. The band consists of Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee, Daniel Wayne Sermon and Dave Lemke. My favorite song from this band is ‘Tiptoe’.