Film Noir - Lighting and Its Effects..

"Film Noir" is primarily used to describe Hollywood crime dramas, and is french for "Black film". It emphasises the moral ambiguity and sexual motivation. The creation of film noir stretched form the early 1940's to the late 1950's, and was associated with low key lighting and shades of black and white.

Although film noir can be seen as a genre if its own, it can embrace a variety of genres all the same. An obvious example being Gangster films. Film noir is often asscociated with urban settings, small towns and rural areas, which allows the specific lighting to compliment the mise-en-scene. Another key convention of film noir which highly relies on lighting to emhasise certain elements are "femme fatal".

One of the techniques used in film noir's are high contrasts of high key and low key lighting, emphasising light and dark. This has been deeply influenced by German Expressionism. The lighting techniques portray yet again an expressive approach to the mise-en-scene.

This image illustrates film noir very well as the contrast between light and dark is explicit, whilst the effect it has on the audience explains alot about their characters and the mise-en-scene perhaps explains the situation they're in. For example, the top lighting above the woman, accentuates her figure and visual beauty. The fact that the light is shining above her could also perhaps connote that she holds a good character and juxtaposes to the convention of femme fatal. The man in the foreground looks more of the evil villain type character as he is more or less under low key lighting, which to the audience connotes that there is something quite dark, secretive and mysterious about him, creating an enigma within this shot. Moreover, the positioning of the characters connotes that the man is more dominant than the woman as she is in the background, whereas the man is highly emphasised being in the foreground. However this also contrasts with the lighting as he is kept under low key lighting, which shows that the woman may have more importance or significance in the film, as she is under high key lighting.

Furthermore, it seems as though the filler light has come to an effective use in this shot as it has eliminated and softened any shadows which decreases the dramatic effect, and could connote that this scene may not be as dangerous as initially percieved and the situation might not be that important in this film.

How Is Harry Potter Promoted By Text?

CBBC - Newsround promotes Harry Potter to Harry Potter's initial target audience. One of the presenters interviewed the cast before the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD. He asked them about the movie's success, the latest filming and the actress who plays Ron's girlfriend, Lavender Brown.

What do you feel about the success of the fifth movie?
Daniel (Harry): "The way you have to look at the money it made is that it's not lots and lots of people going to see it once, it's lots and lots of people going to see it again and again. And that's incredibly flattering and a real compliment."
Emma (Hermione): "I'm really pleased how well this fifth one has done because you know normally with franchises the first one is pretty big and it gradually sinks downhill from then. But Harry Potter just seems to be getting more and more successful."

How is filming going on the Half-Blood Prince?
Daniel: "It's going very well. So far we've been doing a lot of work with Slughorn, who is being played brilliantly by Jim Broadbent."

What's the actress who plays Lavender Brown like?
Rupert (Ron): "I was involved with the Lavender Brown audition and the whole Lavender thing. Her name's Jessie and she is really cool and it's going to be really funny."
Emma: "She seems really sweet and perfect for the role of Lavender. The casting is so good and I am looking forward to her scenes with Ron. I think it's going to be quite a comic film.

Movie posters were also released and posted around cinema's to advertise the Harry Potter film. The reason for the posters mainly being around cinema's is so that it targets the prime audience for the film, so they are aware of the new release and can promote the movie within that specific age group.

Poster Analysis

The film poster "Are we there yet?" portrays three characters, one of which [Ice Cube] is sitting slightly more infront of the children, connoting he is probably the main character of the film, and plays quite a significant part in the film overall. The facial expression of the main character shows quite a desperate and hopeful look, which could portray that he may be the protagonist in this film, as he will probably encounter many events which are unexpected and therefore illustrates how this film could be a mixture of satire and slapstick comedy. More over, the type of clothes the main character is wearing resembles an athletic look, connoting that he's very much into his sport, and quite independant, which may be one of the reasons as to why he is inexperienced with children.

The entire poster overall is under high key lighting, connoting that the film will be quite lightening, even though there may be some features of the film which will provoke the audience to sympathise with the main character, the film will still have a pleasing outcome, suitable for the target audience.
According to the image displayed on the poster, it emphasises youth, as the 2 children beside the main character represent youth very well, as their costumes relate to what their age group would initially wear, for example wooly hats etc. Therefore, the target audience would probably be young children, however, it can also be seen as a family film, as a wide range of people could relate to the content of the film. Furthermore, as the characters are slightly in different positions, they are positioned quite close to each other all the same, representing the bond between them, and how close they may actually be. The expression's on the childrens face also represent to the audience that they are quite cheeky, as they have huge smiles on their faces as if they're mischevious and troublemakers, again emphasising youth culture.
The colours used in the poster are distinctively vibrant, again connoting youth, and perhaps happiness at the same time. When observing the poster, there are not many dull colours involved, symbolising a fairly up-lifting movie, again suitable for the range of audience, and also illustrating the mood of the film.
The props also offer clues to the audience as the suitcases connote that they may be travelling which subsequently illustrates adventure, and also the slogan; "coming soon..by plane..by train..by car", again shows how they will be on an unexpected adventure. All these clues allow the audience to come to the conclusion that the genre of this film is comedy.

The background colour of the poster for "Halloween" is black connoting evil, death, and perhaps even danger. The colour itself sets the mood of the film, as it's represented as a dark and dangerous colour, or a colour which isnt very pleasant. It mirrors a dull atmosphere which could also resemble mystery.The fact that it's called Halloween emphasises the genre of the film will be horror, as halloween signifies death and evil. The fact that they have also used a key prop, a pumpkin, as the mask again is very effective as it disguises the face/head, which when refering to halloween, is seen to be the most powerful and significant part of the body. The fcat that it disguised connotes mystery, as the audience have to watch the film in order for it to be revealed. The knife also connotes danger and death, as it follows the shape of the mask, making it in proportion to each other. This illustrates that the weapon will be used to a significant advantage. The silver lining at the edge pf the knife also emphasises how sharp it is, therefore adding even more horror to the film.

"The night he came home" adds a thrill to the poster as it mirrors the conventions of a horro/thrillermovie. The fact that the main character returns home, whether for a cause or not, always represents danger.

Overall, the colours are used very effectively as the oranges and yellows merged together outstand within the poster especially against the black background. Even though the colours are quite bright, they are dimmed down so it;s also under low key lighting, resulting in a very shady environment.

The two central characters in this poster, the mum and daughter portay very unusual images of the normal teenager and mum. For example, the costumes they are wearing effectively give away the genre of this film; which is comedy, as the costumes juxtapose to the clothes they would normally wear. The lighting is high key connoting that this film may be quite lively, which sets the mood of the film. Green and Purple which are the two main colours used, represent youth and adults, as even though they are dressed unusually, vibrant green tends to represent youth more, whereas purple is more sophisticated, therfore representing the older side of the audience. This also shows that even though the main character is the teen, connoting the targeted audience is for teens, other slightly more older audiences are able to watch it too, and be able to relate to it. Also, as the colours are very bordered and separate to each other may emphasise how much their lifestyles may actually be separate.

More over, the props used such as the guitar and the bag, again juxtapose to what they would actually be holding in reality, again emphasisng that the normality of the situation isn't very high. Aside this, the title again emphasises the same meaning, as "Freaky Friday" connotes that something unusual will occur, and the costumes and props offer big clues to the audience.

Furthermore, the tagline at the top, "Every teenager's nightmare.. turning into her mother" gives away alot as it displays how the content may have something to do with a switch of character, or something along those lines. Also the word "nightmare" emphasises that this problem may occur over night, and actually mirrors what a teenager's nightmare would be.
The facial and body language of both characters portrays quite horrified looks, especially from the teenager, as if it is typically a nightmare. They both seem quite confused and shocked at the scenario, however the actual mother portrays quite a calm and casual look as the body language only, fits into the stereotypical role of a teenager.

Case Study 2

PATHE

3,500 Hours Of Video...

12 Million Still Images...

75 Years Of Entertainment

British Pathe are one of the oldest media companies in the world. They were established in London in 1902, and by 1910 they were producing their famous bi-weekly newsreel the Pathe Gazette. By the time Pathe finally stopped producing the cinema newsreel in 1970 they had accumulated 3,500 hours of filmed history amounting to over 90,000 individual items. Over the last 30 years, all this material has been used within home videos, televisin programmes, advertisements, corporate productions, and most recently in Web Publishing.

Through the generosity of the Lottery Funded New Opportunities Fund it was possible to build this web site, and to encode the library for digital distribution.

British Pathe is owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust Group. British Pathe footage sales are now managed by ITN Source.

Revolver Entertainment was formed in 1997, and has recently been listed the 14th largest film distributor and the 20th largest home entertainment publisher in the UK out of 200 hundred active labels.

The company supports various charities by making film premieres available to them as gala fundraisers. For example, in 2005, Revolver Entertainment produced 'The Best Comedy DVD in the World', and all the sales raised from this film went to UNICEF. Overall it raised raised just under £1 million pounds in under 12 months for children affected by the Tsunami disaster.

Revolver Entertainment is one of the UK's leading 'All Rights' distribution comapanies, shaking up the industry with a unique approach to managing its edgy slate of film and DVD releases.

Revolver not only handles large scale but also small scale films, with equal care an attention attending them. 2008 has geared up to be Revolver's most successful year to date with up to 15 theatrical releases and over 50 entertainment titles.

Revolver Entertainment leads a team combining experience from distribution, production, broadcast, PR, journalism, marketing, creative and advertising backgrounds.

The launch of Revolver USA in 2007 has expanded this brand across the Atlantic, commencing with the release of home entertainment titles throughout the country.

Revolver's marketing teams continue to win awards for their creativity, and originality, with the release of the first ever live action Digital 3D movie earlier this year, and tailed at the end with the first ever entirely eco-friendly film release, indicating the distributors dedication to breaking new ground within their industry.

Revolver's expertise in successfully releasing high profile and high quality films has led to an Oscar and BAFTA nominations for films also co-produced by Revolver.

Most noticably the have released Kidulthood, Tell No One, Taxi To The Dark Side, and My Brother Is An Only Child.

The independant film distributor Revolver Entertainment will be releasing their new movie *Mum and Dad* simultaneously in Cinemas, on DVD, on Video on Demand, and through electronic stores, and rental shops.

In order to respond to the 'new media' age, Revolver entertainment will be partnering up with IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT, as their well earned reputation in the UK will help them achieve strong retail success stores, and mirror the same business in North America, with the help of their aggressive and innovative marketing.

IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT -> is a leading independant licensee, producer and distributor of entertainment programming in North America. It has approximately 3000 exclusive DVD titles, 250 exclusive CD titles, and 450 programmes internationally.

<- *Mum and Dad* - latest film by Revolver Entertainment

Evaluations ...

Harvinder...
Throughout this music video the director has carefully used camerawork in a variety of different ways. At 2.44 of this music video a BCU has been used to show the actress playing with her ring this connotes that there is something wrong with her relationship, also it ties in with the music video it self and the lyrics being used throughout. Further more when the actor is looking at the message on the phone, at 0.44… a high angle has been used to engage with the audience so they can see what is actually going on and feels how the actor is feeling. Medium shots are used most within this video, they are used mainly show facial expressions and body language.

WWW -> Good knowledge of camera shots /and connotations of them/Good reference to sound
EBI -> Use more media terminology/Refer more to the effect on audience/Use concept Flow

Throughout this music video, camerwork is considered to be a key factor as there are a variety of camera shots emphasising certain actions. For example, the BCU, has been used to emphasise the playing with the ring, manipulating the audience into thinking a problem has occured within the relationship. Furthermore, this ties in with the non-diagetic sound as the lyrics also carry a meaning, which enables the audience to realise the content of the video. At 0:44, a high angle engages the audience into the emotions of the actor, as the medium shots within this video are used mainly to display body language and facial expressions.


Rohin...
In Fear Of Fear, there is one primary edit that is used constantly, which is the cut. This is when a series of shots are put together, to create build up and pace. However, there are some scenes which fade into others, but the editing is fairly fast and discreet.

WWW -> Good use of media terminology/straight to the point/Good spelling and punctuation
EBI -> Include more detail/effect on audience/use concept flow/make sure u get the title right.. its "Face of fear".

In "Face of Fear", a primary edit which is constantly used is the cut. The effect of using cut is to dramtically build up the pace of the shots. The editng is very fast and discreet, which significantly engages the audience right to the end of the trailer. The audience view a number of shots in a short space of time, therefore creating an enigma and suspence. However, there are some scenes where they fade into each other, this is to add to the dramatic effect of thriller and suspence, encouraging the audience to watch the whole production.

Sadoon
At the first 20 seconds of the trailer, the music is light hearted and focuses on the bond the protagonist had with his partner. It was filled with scenes of joy as mirrored by the high key lighting, symbolising the part of the beginning part of the film as an innocent time.

WWW -> Good use of media terminology/good structure and flow/good use of vocab.
EBI -> Refer to audience and the effect it has on them.

The first 20 seconds of this trailer has a significant effect on the audience as the light heartening music encourages them to focus particularly on the bond between the protagonist and his partner. The non diagetic sound then increases the joy displayed in the scenes, also mirrored by the high key lighting, which symbolises innocence in the beginning of the film.

Analysis of "Kuch To Hua Hai"..

Firstly, Kuch To Hua Hai is a bollywood trailer with the genre of Romance. It uses all the conventions which a typical bollywood film would include, and have used this in their trailer to add a realistic and significant effect on the audience.

The costumes they have used are typical and obvious indian clothing [ sari's and suits ] and they are all of bright colours to enhance the 'love' in this story. It also brightens up the trailer, encouraging it to look as if it is a happy life and there are no problems, which is how love stories usually begin. The clothing may also be seen as quite casual and therfore perhaps makes it easier for the targeted audience to relate to, as this is probably what they would wear too. However, the light use of colours within their costumes may also connote purity and innocence, which is usually the key feature of one of the characters.

The brighness of colours also links onto the lighting used for this trailer. Again, it's very high key, always set in light environments. This would make the whole scene seem enjoyable to watch as the high key lighting makes it seem so much more pleasant, which is one of the factors making the trailer engaging and attractive.

The actors in this trailer are our age [16/17] which hightens the relatability towards the audience, as many people of our age experience the emotions portrayed in the trailer. I also find that the girls in the trailer show alot more emotions than the boy, as they show tears, happiness, whereas the boy shows mainly only happiness. Again, the female part of the audience will relate to this greatly as we're more likely to experience those emotions at our age. There are many facial expressions which are illustrated during the trailer which then links onto the camera shots as many of them are close ups when referring to facial expressions. The main ,parts of the trailer where the close-up's illustrate facial expressions are at 0:33, 0:38, 1:06 and 1:37 of the trailer. In these clips, the themes of friendship, passion, secrecy, pain, and unhappiness are displayed, and this is hugely noticable to the audience.

The make-up on the 2 girls especially is very natural connoting the youth and the inncoent side of the characters. Again, very relateable to the audience.

The setting of the trailer is mainly in the park, which is first introduced at 0:18, however other scenes of the trailer are set outside classrooms, in corridors etc, first shown at 0:33. These are typical settings of a love story, especially for the age of the actors, and again many viewers will be able to relate to this. Also the setting sets the scene as its usually around decorative props such as flowers, making it even more romantic. This is all enhanced in the mise-en-scene

The editing of this trailer mainly uses cut, which adds sophistication to the trailer. It also zooms in quite alot especially when focusing on certain facial expression as mentioned before. At one particular moment, the camera even pans across the scene [1:01]. This links onto the pace of the trailer. The pace is medium, as it is not too fast, yet not too slow. The cut of the clips also helps it to flow better, as it is not too fussy, so the audience are more likely to watch the whole thing with being discouraged.

The sound in Kuch To Hua Hai, is non-diagetic, as there is no dialogue whatsoever, but there is a soundtrack, again which keeps it quite simple, to the point, and not fussy.

Broadcast Fiiction Texts! =D

^ Advert For Top Gear

Analysing The Texts...

The three texts We have chosen are Herbie, Top Gear, and Formula 1. The genre that links these texts are sport; as the film and tv series both link to racing and motoring, and the radio drama, hosted by [David Croft, Morice Hamilton & Holly Samos]brings the latest news and action on motorsport. This is one similarity between the 3 texts. Also, the fact that the texts all relate to racing and cars etc, means that the information within the 3 texts are more or less the same, and also the targeted audience is most likely to be very niche, because even though it is to do with sport, it is narrowed down to a specific type of sport which is racing, and therefore means that they would have to be interested in this to be able to watch and listen to the whole thing. The texts do not just cover sport in general.

However, a more obvious difference between the texts are that the targeted audience are narrowed down even more, as this time it's not just to do with with being interested in this particuar genre of sport, but the texts are aimed at different ages of viewers/audience. For example, the film Herbie, is aimed at a niche audience of teens, perhaps a mix of boys and girls as the leading star is Linsay Lohan, whereas, the t.v series Top Gear, and the radio drama Formula 1, have significantly older audiences ranging from late teens to mid 40's, and mainly males. This could be a result of the depth and detail these two shows go into, whereas Herbie is a Disney film, so obviously targeted at much younger audiences. Also the type of humour in Top Gear is presented as quite a quirky style, as oppose to Herbie, which is more typical innocent type, so all in all, containing certain features suitable for their audience.

More on, the distributor for Herbie is Buena Vista Pictures, for Top Gear the distributor is BBC Worldwide, and for the radio drama, the distributor is Radio 5.

[ P r o m o t i o n ]...

Herbie was mainly promoted by Walt Disney Pictures, adverts in cinema's and posters. The reason why it would be promoted in cinema's especially, is because its trailer would usually be shown before another disney/animated film, and therfore the viewers would probably be the same range as Herbie. The film was also promoted by the consumers itself as the film was successful and popular at the time with its audience, resulting in people buying Herbie related products such as the Herbie game.

Top Gear however is mainly promoted through the BBC, especially advertising on BBC 2 which is its main channel. Its also advertised later in the evening as that is the time when its targeted audeince are most likely to be watching tv etc.

Broadcast Fiiction Texts! =D

Film -> Herbiie Fully Loaded -> Trailer

Radio Drama -> Formula 1 on Radio 5
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f86mt/5_live_Formula_One_02112008/

"Rappers Ambition"

Language: The Language Used In This Trailer Is Very Ghetto Type And Uses Alot Of Colloquial Language. This Compliments The Content Of The Trailer As Its Based In West London And The Setting Displays Quite A Deprived Area. Also The Words They Use Are Very Strong, Explicit, And Carry A Serious Meaning Behind Them .

Sound: The Sound Is Very Up Beat Tempo As It Represents The Content Of The Trailer Well.

Camera Shots: The Main Type Of Camera Shot Used in The Trailer is Close Ups As It Displays The Facial Expressions Clearly For Full Effect, And Everything Which Is Shown Is In Detail So It Emphasises What Is In The Shot

Lighting: The Ligthing Is Mainly Dim Throughout The Production As It Shows The Dark Side Of Working Hard To Get Where You Want To, and What You Have To Sacrifice And Go Through In Order To Achieve. Also, Where They Live Plays A Big Part As It Isnt A Rich And Wealthy Setting, Its Quite Dull.

Timing: The Timing Of The Trailer Is Quite Short As It Is Only 2:06, However, The Shots Are Shown Quickly In Order To Have A Dramatic Effect On The Audience, And So The Viewer Is Encouraged To Watch The Whole Thing.

Institution: The Message The Trailer Brings Is That Nothing Is Possible if U try Hard To Achieve it, And The Fact That Many People Can Relate To This makes The Trailer Even More Successful and Popular.