Ratatouille and Flushed Away

Flushed Away is a computer animated British film that was released in December 2006. It was directed by David Bowers and Sam Fell. The film had a partneship between Aardman Animations and Dreamworks Animation. It was distributed by Paramount Pictures in cinemas. Flushed away was released on dvd in the UK on the 2nd of April 2007. The box office perfomance collected $64,488,856 in the United States, which was below the average of other CGI films from Dreamworks Animation, but a healthy $111,814,663 from international markets for a worldwide total of $176,319,242. Flushed Away was Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. It also gained another 6 wins and 10 nominations. The certificate of the film is PG as it contains some crude humour and mild language. The plot summary is as follows “The story of an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life.”
Ratatouille is a 2007 computer-animated film produced by Pixar and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was the eighth movie produced by Pixar, and was directed by Brad Bird, who took over from Jan Pinkava in 2005. The title refers to a French dish which is served late in the film, and is also a play on words on the species of the main character. In its domestic opening weekend, Ratatouille opened in 3,940 theaters and debuted at #1 with $47 million, the lowest Pixar opening since A Bug's Life. However, in France, where the film is set, the film broke the record for the biggest debut for an animated film. In the UK, the film debuted at #1 with sales over £4million. As of January 13, 2008 the film has grossed $206,445,654 in North America and a total of $624,445,654 worldwide, making it the third highest grossing Pixar film of all time, just behind Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. The film Won an Oscar and had another 43 wins & 20 nominations.
Both of the films share similar assets. For example, both films use computer-generate imagery (CGI). Both films use animorphism, which is where animals act like humans and can speak. The use of animorphism is a typical convention of animation/feature films and particularly pleases a younger audience. Both films have also released merchandise, making the film even more successful in terms of advertising and revenue.

Cutting It

Cutting It follows the traumatic life of hairdresser Allie Henshall, alongside her lovers, her rivals and her dysfunctional family. Allie Henshall and Gavin Ferraday run a successful hairdressing salon called Henshall Ferraday. Their plans to expand the business are dashed when a rival company called Blade Runner opens a salon right across the road from their premises. Blade Runner is owned by Mia and her husband Finn, and to complicate matters Finn used to be the love of Allie's life. It was a popular BBC television programme set in Manchester, England, which ran for four series between 2002 and 2005.

Production Tips

Diegesis.

Sound in movies play an important role in creating meaning and understanding for the audience. Sound comes across in two forms; diegetic sound, and non-diegetic sound.
Diegetic sound is sound that is present in the scene and where characters are aware of it. Diegetic sound is any sound presented from a source within the film's world. Examples of non- diegetic sound include dialogue, sound effects which are heard by characters, (for example gun shots, thunder, or explosions) background music which is heard by characters (for example the radio or CD players).
Non- diegetic sound is sound that is only there for the audiences viewing experience. It is added in after the shooting and can come in forms or soundtracks, atmospheric music, voice-overs or narration. Non-diegetic sound is sound that source
Is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action.
Some types of sound are both diegetic and non-diegetic. An example of that is a characters voice-over. It is diegetic because the character is aware of the sound, as he/she are saying creating it. It is non-diegetic because other characters will not hear it.

Micro and macro origination

When aiming a film at a target audience, you need to take into account the micro-macro strategy. This will enable you to include conventions of a particular genre or style of film. The microelements would include types of camera angles, music, style of titles, dialogue, setting and pace of the film. All of these elements will add up to a macro theme and set of representations that will help you accomplish a particular genre of your film. For this reason, pre-production tasks are very important so you can develop your ideas and make sure that your approach to filming is not out of step with the conventions of the type of film you are making.

Camera work and framing

In order to obtain a steady shot whilst shooting a film, it is best to use a tripod to maintain a smooth shot. If you are aiming to create an effect of a realist/documentary shot then a handheld camera would work well. Most shots are still shots. This allows the audience to pick up any movement that happens in the scene, whether it being by characters or objects. This allows movement to become an effective exception to the norm. Zooming is rarely used in films as it can come across quite amateur, so unless you are trying to capture the amateur effect, it is best to avoid zooms.
Film uses fewer close ups than TV. This is mainly because the viewing screen in film is a lot bigger. When you are filming, you should make sure to select a wide screen framing. With film, it is recommended to use mainly mid-shots and long shots, with close ups used sparingly.
The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections. It is best to avoid the central square when it comes to positioning objects, as the eye is drawn to off-centre areas. Putting people and objects off-centre will focus the audience’s concentration on the image.
Using a range of shots is essential to the film. Combining a range of shots enable you to capture action, emphasise location and put you in the characters perspective. These shots will allow the audience to get a better understanding of the film and the range of shots will make it a more interesting viewing experience.
Camera angles can give off impressions and connotations of characters. For example a low angle shot would connote that the particular character is big and powerful. A high angle shot would make a character seem small and defenceless. Simple techniques like these give the audience an understanding of the character.
Other tips that will help make your film seem more professional include: make sure that you practice the type of shot you about to take a few times before actually recording. This will make the shot seem of better quality, as you will have learnt how to capture the shot effectively and professionally. Test microphones are working correctly before you start recording so you don’t end up with a silent movie by mistake. Be a perfectionist and re-film a shot if the camera accidentally shakes, or if you are not pleased with the shot you have taken. Try out different camera shots so that you can include a range of different camera shots in your film.

Mise en scéne

Mise en scéne is an expression used in theatre and film to describe the design aspects of a production. It is all about the atmosphere and continuity of the film and essentially is all about detail. Try and choose the correct props, costumes, lighting and locations to create the right kind of vibe you are trying to create in your film. Try to make your mise en scéne consistent. This will make your film flow more and seem more professional. Try to avoid silly mistakes such as costume changes mid sequence as this will make the film seem very unprofessional. Poorly chosen props, along with bad acting will make your film seem very unprofessional and you should try and choose actors and actresses that also take drama so that they are more comfortable.


Lighting

Here are five tips copied from Michael Massey article for Media Magazine about how students can make use of lighting without the use of expensive and professional lights.

1) Use natural light- sunlight, in shadow, in mist, through rain- depending on the effect you need, and bearing in mind that you will have to be flexible about time if you need to wait for the right conditions.
2) Use cheap and cheerful artificial light- as long as you have carried out the risk assessments, you can make use of candles, firelight, torches, car headlights, security lights, neon signs and street lighting.
3) Create colour filters- you can easily shine light through coloured liquids, vases, ornaments.
4) Position the light source for effect- lighting a scene from above, below or in an obscured way will create different kinds of atmosphere (mise en scene), so experiment with this using the kinds of light source listed above.

The grammar of non-linear editing

You will need to observe the rules of grammar that apply when it comes to editing and creating continuity in your film. You also need to choose the right rhythm and pace of the editing. Using effective transitions between clips will make your film seem proffesional and help make your film slow. You should try to use hard cuts for 90 per cent of your editing, this is a simple, but effective editing technique.


Combining sound, image and titles.

When it comes to putting together footage with suitable sounds and titles you need to make very careful decisions. You need to choose items that are suitable for you films genre. Try and choose fonts that are appropriate for you films genre, such as gothic, scary font for a horror film. You should use trial and error when it comes to choosing the best font. Choose a reasonable time for the titles to appear on screen, you don’t want it to be on there for too long, but also you don’t want it to whiz past not allowing the audience enough time to read it. You also need to take into account what effect the titles have on the audience’s understanding of the narrative, genre and representational aspects that you need them to grasp quickly since this is an opening sequence.
You should choose music to add ambience to the start of your film that helps build a lot of tension. You should think about the semiotic function of the music and make sure the music is the same pace and tone of the sequence.

Sommers Town- After Viewing

4) How would you categorise this film in terms of genre? Does it remind you of any other films you have seen? I would class the film summertown as a drama/feel good film. The film includes many aspects of a range of genres including comedy, crime, and to some extent an adventure film. I think the main purpose of Shane Meadows including these sub-genres is to broaden the target audience for the film, and make the film appeal to more people, as there are many different bits that would appeal to different people.

5) What do you think is the film’s appeal for audiences? The main features that would appeal to the audience would be the fact that it is filmed in black and white and created on a low budget like a traditional English film. I think that the setting of the film also reflects on the traditional English film cultures as this films characters are mainly of the working class and show the life of the working class, which is a convention of traditional English films.

6) As well as being in black and white, the film is subtitled during a conversations in Polish between Marek and his farther; there are also sections in French. In what ways do these factors affect your responses to the film, the situation and the characters? I think the way that the film is in black and white helps the audience get involved more with the film. It really helps to set the scene of the film, and the effect makes it seem like a traditional English film. I think the subtitles have been put in place so that Marek and his father can still retain their original language, which has a nice effect to the film.

7)To what extent do you think the audience is expected to be ‘comfortable’ with this portrait of two teenagers? I think that the audience start of quite surprised at the fact that Tommo is so young, but living on the streets without any friends, family or money. As the film goes on and the plot unravels the audience may take a liking to the teenagers witty and pleasant character and become involved in the film by becoming happy when he meets Marek. The two teenagers come amongst each other in a café, but don’t get off to the best of starts, which could be to do with the fact that they are only teenagers and can be immature. The film portrays teenagers as occasionally trouble makers, but mainly out to please, which is why the film has a pleasant feel about it.

8) A sign on the estate reads “ children playing on these grounds is prohibited”. In what different ways do Tomo and Marek seek to amuse themselves within this enviroment? Do you think the film encourages us to judge any of their actions? In such an enviroment, you might think that the two teenagers would find it hard to have fun without causing trouble. However, they find a wheelchair and decide to treat the French waitress (who they both have crush’s on) to an escort home. I think the two boys make the most out of the enviroment they are living in. It comes across that Tommo is the more outgoing one of the two, and Marek is still finding his feet, however this still does not stop him enjoying themselves.

9)What message of childhood adolescence do you, or could you, take away from the film? A key theme of the film is friendship. Both of the boys have such a strong friendship towards the end of the film as they have been through some quite hard times together. Both being new to London, they needed each other and it was good for them to have someone there for them.

10)Do your reactions towards the boys change at different pionts in the film? Which moments in particular?
a) Encourage you to sympathise with the boys: I think throughout the film the audience sympathise the two boys simply because of the fact that they are so young. Both boys are new to London and the fact that Tommo got his only possessions stolen of him makes the audience feel sympathetic towards him.
b) Make you unsympathetic towards them: One scene In the film where I felt unsympathetic towards the boys is when they steal the bag of laudry and the clothes turn out to be woman clothes. I think this particular scene is quite comical and adds a spark to the film and prevents it from being serious but lighthearted.

11)some of the other characters include marek’s father, Mariusz, Graham the cockney neighbour, and a French waitress, maria. To what extent would you agree that Meadows is playing with stereotypes in his representation of these characters? The sterotype of Marek’s father is a polish labourer who is muscular and very hard working, (according to his boss, one of the best workmen he has ever had!). Maria sterotypes the typical character of a French woman, as she is pretty and very friendly to the two boys. Graham plays the typical cockney neighbour who is willing to sell anything to make some money. He is very friendly and has a keen interest for football, which is a typical convention of someone of his character.

Sommers Town

As part of national film week, my media group and I went to watch the film called Sommers Town. The film was directed by Shane Meadows and made in 2008, however the film is in black and white (until the last few scenes where it changes to colour). Sommers town is Even though the film was made in 2008, I think the purpose of choosing to shoot in black and white is to make the film seem like it was in the 1950’s which is the time period in which the story was set. In 1950’s they wouldn’t of had colour in films, so maybe Meadows was trying to recreate the same effect as original black and white films did. Some people may say that they don’t like the fact that it’s in black and white, others do like it, but after the first five minutes you completely forget the fact that it is colourless as the film is really interesting.
Sin City was directed by Frank Millar/Robert Rodriguez and was released in 2005. The genre of the film is action/crime/thriller. The film received many awards, 16 wins & 29 nominations. s an Robert Rodriguez is amercian filmmaker, writer, producer, cinematographer, editor and musician. He is best know for making profitable and crowd pleasing independent and studio films with low budgets and fast schedules by HollyWood standards.
The Man Who Wasn’t There was directed by the Coen brothers. The release date of the film was 26Th October 2001. The film was Nominated for Oscar and another 19 wins & 32 nominations. The genre of the film is crime/drama. They are known in the film business as "the two-headed director", as they share a similar vision of their films.
Rumble Fish was released on the 21st October 1983 and was directed by Francs Ford Coppola. The genre of the film is drama and was nominated for Golden Globe and had another 2 wins & 1 nomination. Francis Ford Coppola (born April 7, 1939) is an Italian-American film director, producer and screenwriter. Away from showbusiness, Coppola is also a vintner, magazine publisher and hotelier. He is a graduate of Hofstra University where he studied theatre. He earned anM.F.A. in film directing from the UCLA Film School. He is most renowned for directing the Godfather films, The Conversation and Apocalypse Now.
All of the above films are share themes of drama/crime. This could be linked to the use of black and white footage as the colour black connotes dark thoughts and maybe could relate to the film.

1. The film is named after Somers Town, the part of London in which it is set. Most of the filming also took place on location in that area.
a) Given the London location, what iconographic sights and sounds might you expect from the film?
As it is in London you would expect to see quite a lot of the famous landmarks, such as Big Ben and the houses of parliament. Also the film is set in the 1950's when the chanel tunnel was being made so you would expect to see clips of that. Marek and his dad comes over to England from Poland in order for his dad to be able to work on the crossing. I would expect to hear quite a lot of non diegetic sounds that reflect on the busyness of London and in particular the trafic congestions. There may be sounds car engines and buses.
b) What are you expectations about character and narrative based on this setting?
The setting of this film seems like quite a poor area of london, and you might expect to see people living in cramped and uncomfatable places. The main character Tommo plays a typical teenage boy character, but he still retains the fact that he is still young as throughout the film he finds himself in many bad situations.

No Country For Old Men

No Country For Old Men is a thriller film that was released in 2007, directed by the Coen brothers. We watched the ten minutes in class and looked out for typical conventions of thriller films included in the film.
The film is set in United States–Mexico border in 1980. The opening scene features a voice over of Sherriff Ed Tom Bell, and lots of shots of open landscape. This creates a quite eerie feel to the film already, as it is very quite and builds a lot of tension. The shot of the open scenery gives off the theme of isolation, which is a typical feature in thriller films. There is sound of wind in the background, which again promotes the theme of openness and also gives a spooky effect to the film. Apart from the outside noises, there is no non-deigetic sound in the first few scenes. This creats tension for the audience and allows them to focus on the storyline and it also makes the outside noises more noticable.
We are later introduced to the psychopathic murderer when he gets arrested by the sheriff. The look of the character gives the audience the impression that he has no feelings at all, and he shows no remorse after murdering people. The outfit the character shown in the mis en scene is all black. The connotations of black are dark character, and usually a bad person, in this case a murderer. The man does not really say very much, which arises suspicion and mystery about his character.
The first murder scene takes place in the police station. The sheriff has just come off the phone to another sheriff, raising questions about the oxygen tank occupying the man. Whilst the sheriff is doing this, in the background we see an unfocused image of the man untangling himself from the handcuffs. He successfully does this and then moves over to the sheriff. As soon as the sheriff puts the phone down, the man is strangling the sheriff with his handcuffs. There is a lot of blood spurting out of the sheriff’s body, which is another typical feature of thriller films.
A few scenes later, we are introduced to another character, a hunter who is shooting deer. He is dressed similarly to a cowboy. He shoots one deer in the back, but it does not die instantly so the man has to trace the deer’s steps and find the it. Whilst doing this he comes across another trail of blood and follows it above a rock face. Bellow the rock he sees three trucks and dead bodies with guns on the floor. This tells us that there has obviously been a gun fight which is a typical feature of a thriller film. The man goes down to get a better look. He searches the vans, possibly for goods, or for clues of what exactly happened. He cp,es across an injured, but alive man in one of the trucks. The injured man begs for water, but the other man practically ignores him and searches the rest of his truck. He finds a large amount of what appears to be drugs in the back of the injured mans van. This hints to the audience that the gun fight could related to drug incidents. The man then just leaves the injured man to die, which shows he is quite heartless. Another thing noticeable in this scene is that the man doesn’t really seemed to be shocked at all at the scenario in front of him, suggesting that he has scene death before, and he is not effected by it.