Clare Martin A2 Media Coursework

Ancillary Task two: Poster

2010-04-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

In order to create a high level of synergy throughout all of my three texts, it was vital for me to look at other existing secondary pieces. Therefore, I decided to look at the posters "Flightplan" and "Avatar". Through looking at both of these posters it gave me a clear idea of how I was going to present my poster. I highlighted various codes and conventions. I found that my text would be beneficial to obtain a large close up photograph of Katie so that her face is recognisable throughout the main part of the short film. As well as this, I kept the features of the font and the layout the same so that I could adopt similar conventions already seen in real media texts.

Ancillary Task one: Magazine review

2010-04-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

One of the main ancillary tasks that I was asked to do was to "design a magazine review" for my short film. Through conducting secondary research into other existing magazine reviews, it enabled me to identify the key codes and conventions upon designing a magazine review. I looked at reviews within various magazines such as "Heat", "Flipside" and "Glamour". This was extremely beneficial for me to look at because it meant that I had a basis for the planning of my review. In order to be more specific to the subject matter of my review that being "body image" and "anorexia", I looked at an online review of "The Truth behind Size Zero: Louise Redknapp". This review was found on the "IMDB" website, this was beneficial for me to use because it specialises in reviewing films. Thus, meaning that I could depict the primary codes and conventions intergrated within it.

One particular convention that I noted within the "IMDB" review was the style of writing used. Throughout the whole of the review, there was a mixture of positive and negative comments to help balance the review. Thus, meaning that the review remained engaging through the critical nature of the text. Through identifying this, I looked at my review to form a comparison. In order to improve my review -and thus, make it more engaging- I will form more of a balanced review providing both positive and negative comments.

Nevertheless, from gaining the primary research (towards the end of my evaluation) it meant that I had a good interpretation as to how my target market percieved the level of synergy between all three texts.

Evaluation of Advanced Portfolio

2010-04-30T08:34:00.001-07:00

/Volumes/martinc/final media evaluation with additional notes

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March Development

2010-03-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

Coming up so close to the deadline I began the finishing touches to my final project. I started editing the "doctors" scenes so that I merge previous footage with it to make it more "documentary esquee". This enabled me to obtain a realistic piece to do with an eating disorder. Thus, meaning that my audience members were able to keep engaged through the realism of the text.

Recent development in editing and filming

2010-03-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

Most recently, I have been editing quite alot in order to make the short film into a proper narrative. I have found that intergrating the different layers has helped me to make the narrative flow better. This has helped me to design the opening based on the multiple filming sessions that I have done.

Furthermore, I have filmed the third section of my narrative so that I can piece all of the sections of my work together. Thus, meaning that I can concentrate on finishing the short film so its effective in getting the message across, that being that you don't need to be skinny to be beautiful.

Ancillary tasks: Using Photoshop

2010-02-11T04:34:00.000-08:00

This is an example of the task we conducted whereby we got into partners and took photos to upload and as shown above re-adjust colour styles, levels and positioning.

In order for me to design my own poster for the short film I am doing, it is important that I am able to identify with the tools and features that is included in Adobe Photoshop. In the previous three lessons we have taken the time to go through the basics and more advanced features of this programme. Through doing this, it has significantly helped me in preparing for the making of my actual poster. Thus, meaning that I will be to have a better understanding of how to make my poster look a certain way.

We progressed within class from taking an image of a celebrity from the internet and cropping it to only show their face and then find an animal body to place it on. Through doing this in lesson one I was able to merge the two images together to make it look natural. By lesson two and three we were getting into partners of two and taking pictures so that we could upload them onto Photoshop to then edit and re-adjust. By the end of the three Photoshop lessons I feel that I have learnt a variety of skills that will aid me in making my own poster.

Short film review: Film three

2010-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

I felt it was necessary to compare two magazine reviews based on the same film, through doing this it means that I will be able to identify the different literary techniques within both articles and how they try and manipulate readers into a particular opinion.

The emphasis of the pictures all over the article emphasises the reviewer has pinpointed the best parts of the film. Due to the fact that I want to try and encourage as many audience members as possible I will use a variety of shots around my review. Thus, helping me to emphasise the most effective parts of the narrative, therefore further enticing my target consumers.

Another important aspect that I was able to identify with, within the review is the fact that the review has been split down into separate headings so that the readers are guided through the review as much as possible. Therefore, within the article I will include friendly -sometimes colloquial- language, lots of images, headings, titles and quotes from my actors. Thus, helping to increase the success of the marketing for the film.

Short film review: Film two

2010-02-11T03:45:00.001-08:00

I found this magazine review in "Flipside" within this I was able to identify various articles and reviews. The most poignant convention that I noted was the large image that was presented above the article. Thus, helping to show that many readers will identify with the review if they are given large visual imagery to help back up the points that are made within the review. This review most definately expresses some form of a biased opinion as when the review gets to the "silly stuff" the reviewer has claimed that none of it is. Thus, meaning that the readers are made to side with the reviewer automatically as they clearly favour one opinion over the other. Therefore, within my article I will make the effort to ultimately choose one side of the argument over the other in order to establish the same opinion from my readers. Also, allowing me to identify whether I have the literary techniques to manipulate the readers opinion.

Short film review: Film one

2010-02-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

In order to establish the codes and conventions of a magazine review I looked at a large variety of reviews and identified the ones that would help me most upon conducting my own magazine review. I looked at the magazine "Flipside" and found a review about the film "Casino Royale".

Through reading the review I was able to establish the various conventions that are necessary within a magazine review. One vital connection that I was able to identify was the way in which the magazine review was written. The review established both ideas of the film being good and also the parts that were accordingly "silly". Thus referring to it within the review as "good stuff" and "silly stuff". Through this colloquial manner of speaking it helps to establish a wider audience as more people can engage with it. Thus, helping to influence the review on a much larger demographic.

The review is split into three sections, two of the above "stuff"and the "story" section. Throughout each point that is made there is some form of critical understanding that is also established. Whereby, the readers are able to understand the parts of the story that will be most engaging. Nevertheless, to some extent it could be said that the review is slightly biased as the readers are made to express one predominant opinion over the other.

Back to planning

2010-01-28T04:20:00.000-08:00

After careful consideration I have decided that the genre of my short film will change from entertaining my audience to informing my audience.

The documentary esquee style change has evolved from watching the likes of Louise Rednapp's "About Size 0" and Kevin Mccloud's "Slumming It". This means that the following changes will be made:

- Two voice overs will be used to reinforce the idea of the importance of the disorder and how it affects more than one person
- The documentary will be less scripted and my actress Katie will be involved in the more generic places that are associated with this disorder:

= more detailed shots
= rapid opening
= talking directly to the camera
= more symbolic messages of size 0 dresses, shops, magazines, effects from the media etc.

Another significant change will be that of expert advice, I will gather five actors to act as professionals giving advice directly to the camera. Thus, making the documentary more important and realistic to what should really be expected from the disorder.

Therefore, through looking back to my original and new research I was able to find a clear direction for my shots, editing, camera style and narrative.

Short film magazine reviews

2010-01-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

In order for me to establish the literary techniques that I will need to include in my short film magazine review I looked at various online examples to aid me in achieving this effectively.

http://www.filmguru.net/shorts/2007/070618.html : I found this particular website useful for identifying short film reviews and posters.

"Cyn"

I recognised various writing techniques throughout the review that will provide ample support for me when developing my own review. One predominant technique I identified was that upon writing, the reviewer needs to identify their own opinion about the short film before hand. The review is biased -not a counter argument-, the writer clearly find the short film enticing, engaging and interesting to watching. This is evident in the use of certain quotes, for example "he puts forward a film that perfectly showcases his style as a director","For director Alex Ferarri, the outcome is a powerful short film called Cyn" and "a touch of humor that is so often missing from young directors". Thus, emphasising that the reviewer feels so powerful about the film that he is willing to critise other directors -who are seemingly younger- in their bid to try and obtain audience members throughout a short film. Consequently, making the director of the film Cyn (Ferarri) more observant in the way in which he strives to engage his audience members unlike others.

Another technique that I identified was the mixture of quotes from Ferarri imbedded throughout the review. This makes the review more interesting to read as consumers are kept engaged with not just the evaluation of the plot but also the directors obeservation of it. Therefore, meaning that the review of the film is made more realistic as the reviewer has gained a different take on the film from not just watching it but getting evidence for the inspiration from Ferarri behind the six day shooting for the five minute short film.

As well as this website and review I also found the website:

http://moviepatron.com/blog/category/short-film/

To which I was able to identify other short films, one that I looked at was called "Now you see me, Now you don't" by Andrew James:

The film review began with background information about how the film came to be watched and the meaning behind the front cover of the DVD. I also recognised that above the review was a star rating, assessing how successful the film is. From this I was able to guarantee that I would be reading a good review. The reviewer emphasised the diverse narrative throughout, however also commented on the use of camera angles and shots within the film. " Every angle is different and interesting", thus emphasising the reviwer is going beyond assessing the quality of the plot. "Quite honestly I can’t really think of anything negative to say about the picture (and that’s RARE!). I can’t wait to see more from Szász". This emphasises the argument is not balanced, another technique that I recognised from the previous article whereby the reviwer will take one opposing side. This is used to convince the reader of the review into thinking the same thing. If this is achieved, then the reviwer has written a successful review.

Research into my secondary tasks

2010-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

As part of the short film task that I am undertaking, it is crucial for me to also develop the marketing of the film. The predominant reason for this being that in modern day society the marketing of a product is just as important as the actual medium itself.

I have been given the brief of making:
a poster for the film
a film magazine review page featuring the film

In order to effectively identify the key codes and conventions of both briefs I have researched both tasks in order to get the most realistic marketing briefs for my film.

I began through looking at posters for short films, one short film I looked at was Krotki film o milosci:

Analysis

Through looking at the image, it is apparent that the boy is in the centre of the frame. Thus, making the character more significant to the narrative of the film. The cover is rustic looking and the boy appears to have been drawn on the cover rather than taken from a photograph. Therefore, emphasising the theme of the plot to which social class becomes reinforced throughout parts of the narrative. Upon identifying what this film was about it was apparent to me that it linked in ideas of love and hatred. Therefore, the use of the two key holes covering the boy's eyes shows that he is being exposed to things in the narrative that he does not wish to be exposed to. The significance of the red tears is a symbol feature for the idea of blood. Therefore, meaning that consumers of the film are made to feel sorry for the boy on the cover as the symbols on the cover identify that he is being hurt. not neccesarily physically but internally through his emotions. Therefore, the key symbols and the tears of blood are used as a shock factor to emphasise the tragic pace of emotions that the boy is experiencing, however unable to show without physical representations. The use of the bold red title makes the genre of the short film more horrific, even more so reinforced with the white titled description to the right of it. Thus, emphasising that the short film is coming from the boy's perspective as he is affected by others and finds it hard to express this.

As well as this I also looked at the short film "Sick":

"New short film, 'SICK', dealing with the sensitive subject of depression, has linked up with Samaritans. Through seeing the film it is hoped that people will come forward to the charity earlier for help and support".

Analysis

The significance of two characters on the cover shows that they have a relationship together. After researching the film it is apparent that "The 15 minute film depicts the experience of depression and alcoholism which have left Brian’s daughter, Amanda, relying on him for her son’s welfare". The lighting within the image highlights the dark nature of the narrative, that being depression. The fact that the father's image is darker emphasises that he maybe the cause of his daughter's anxiety. Her lighting is much brighter, thus emphasising that her condition is brough to life throughout the narrative. Consequently, making the plot more centralised around her. The use of the black cover acts as a symbol for the darkness of the narrative. The white font is distinctive on the cover because it detracts from the predominant darkness of the cover. The use of the words "How often can you hurt... before you lose all feeling?" is used as a shock tactic for the consumer. Consequently, meaning that the only way that consumers can find out the ill feeling in the narrative is through actually watching it. Moreover, the facial expressions of both characters highlight the darkness of the narrative as neither character is smiling. This darkness is only emphasised even more so, upon the use of the hospital like outfit that the female character is presented with. Thus, emphasising the severity of her condition with the use of the facial expressions it helps to reinforce this.

Lastly I looked at the film "The Storm":

General Plot:

"During one of the worst thunderstorms in recent memory, workaholic businesswoman Sarah is left with no electricity and no one to keep her company. The only person able to help her out is her flat mate from downstairs, the loner Dennis".

"During the night, she slowly begins to loose her sanity as strange events happen around her. But is everything real, or is the stress of her job finally taking its toll and making her imagination run riot? The police are unable to help her. And what of her only real friend downstairs? Can he help?"

More information on http://www.walrusfilms.co.uk/the-storm.html

Analysis

The emphasis of the poster is centralised around the facial expressions of the female character on the cover. The significance of the raised eyebrows within the image emphasises the curiosity within the narrative. Thus, meaning that there is a certain level of ambiguity within the plot in order to keep the audience members engaged with what is happening. The background choice of blue emphasises that the genre of the short film is less horrific -unlike "Sick"- and more adventurous and exhilirating. The fact that the female character has her mouth open shows she is in shock of an event that has occured within the narrative. This emphasises her innocence as strange events happen throughout the night that make her question whether "the stress of her job finally taking its toll and making her imagination run riot? The police are unable to help her. And what of her only real friend downstairs? Can he help?". The title is on the top of the poster and the actors names beneath it, with the additional titles at the bottom of the poster. Thus, making the poster more formal as everything appears more organised unlike the previous two posters in which I have looked at. The character is made more centralised and the consumers are made to question more as to what the narrative is about and how it will end. The lighting has been used to create a significant effect, half of the females face is dark and the other half is light. Thus, emphasising the two sides of her life that she currently obtains, that being one of the stressful working light where she has high demands and expectations and the other where she is at home and is made to feel inferior of her social/ personal life.
Consequently, making the poster an effective piece of marketing as it intrigues consumers into the film and its simplicity makes it all the more interesting to watch for the first time.

Anorexia facts

2010-01-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

In order for me to further the development of my short film I have found a variation of quotes that can be used when I record the voice over for my text. Thus, meaning that the text is made more documentary esquee instead of a form of entertainment. These are the quotes I found most effective and appropriate for me medium:

The person suffering from anorexia will eat very little, they may sit at the table pushing the food around there plate more than they actually eat it, often excuses will be made for taking the food to there room and eating in private where in actual fact they will dispose of it.

The person suffering from anorexia may be tired and listless due to lack of protein and nutrients and the amount of exercise they do. The anorexic may have trouble concentrating and can be very forgetful; they may become depressed and withdraw into themselves.

Anorexia can arise from several different factors, young girls mimicking there idols brings increasing pressure to gain the ideal weight, a less than perfect family life often abuse within the family is thought to play a part in the onset of Anorexia. Genetic factors also seem to play a role with some documentation of anorexia being hereditary to some extent. Another reason thought to be a cause is depression, exam results as we all know can be daunting and at some time or other we have all lost our appetite a little when under pressure or worried.

http://www.anorexiasurvivalguide.com/anorexia_facts.htm

Anorexia can affect anyone. It is much more common in developed countries such as the UK than developing countries.

Anorexia is more common in women and girls. It can also affect men and boys, and some experts think that this is increasing.

Anorexia usually develops over time. It most commonly starts in the mid-teens. In teenagers and young adults, the condition affects about 1 in 250 females and 1 in 2000 males.

If you have anorexia, your family and friends are likely to be very concerned about you already. It can be very difficult to understand why someone close to you has problems with eating.

Anorexia can be very upsetting, both for the person affected and everyone close to them. Supporting each other is very important. It can play a key part in helping the person to recover.

We live in a very 'beautiful people' kind of world where television, magazines and newspapers continually bombard us with images of extremely slim people. This is undoubtedly a bad thing, because it makes women and girls feel deep down, that slimness equates with success. Small wonder then that there is an increasing number of children as young as 11 who are on some sort of diet.

It has also been hypothesized that certain sports could attract people anorexic "attraction of sport." In these cases, it appears that people try to use exercise to "burn" extra calories, justify or hide their abnormal eating disease. Sports that may attract these individuals are those who stress the magreza and include high volumes of training such as skiing, running, etc

http://bulimia-nervosa.blogspot.com/2010/01/eating-disorders-anorexia-sports-or.html

The direction of my short film

2010-01-23T02:08:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I have been re-filming and editing my short film. Through the use of my shots that I currently obtain I have decided that I want to make it into a documentary esquee style film. The predominant reason for this being that I am handling such a delicate matter (that of an eating disorder) to which affects thousands of men and women all over the UK. Thus, meaning that instead of showing it as a form of entertainment I am going to use it to inform my audience members. I hoping that by giving them the hard facts of the terrible disorder I will be able to engage my audience so that they are made more aware of what happens, how it happens and how it can be stopped.

The primary inspiration for my Documentary esquee idea was from watching Kevin Mccloud's Slumming it from episode one, series one.
As the clip is fairly long I have decided to only include the link to which I can refer back to within my evaluation of real media texts against my own individual text: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYHoXY4qPIc

Upon playing the clip the action began straight away -in other words, credits weren't introduced or the title of the documentary- Mccloud was having an injection within a doctor's office. A voiceover was used to establish the direction of the short film and what he was trying to achieve through not only visiting the Indian Slum but also through filming it as well. This made me realise that in order to fulfill the conventions of a documentary esquee style film I would need to include my voice within the text. Thus, making it more realistic to show the effects of the disorder if I undergo this convention.

Another convention that I identified was that before the title of the documentary came a wide spread variety of shots. Thus, noting that quick editing was used so that the audience members were immediately engaged with what the text was about. This is due to the fact that they developed a wider understanding of the context of the film. Thus, meaning that I will apply this convention within my texts whereby I will use a variety of shots of Katie protraying her thinness, innocence and overall negativety of her disease. Furthermore, after watching more of the text I also recognised that the film used quick editing then slow then quick again. Therefore, the last quick editing was used to sum up what the whole medium was about and what Mccloud was trying to achieve through doing this (something which I found considerably effective).

Development over the holidays

2010-01-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

Most recently, I have concentrated on the latter part of the production process, thus concentrating on the audio and editing. Nevertheless, this week I am going to fully concentrate on completely re-shooting particular shots and scenes. Through completing all of my shots and re-shoots it will enable to edit and insert audio according to each shot. Consequently, meaning that I can begin to add the finishing touches to my piece. In order to help achieve this objective I am going to lengthen each one of my shots so that it will enable me to cut effectively without the shot happening too rapidly, this is something that is particularly dominating a variety of my shots at the moment. Therefore, meaning that I will make a conscious effort to increase the length of variety of each of my shots to allow me with more choice within the editing stages of production.

Within the upcoming weeks I am going to be :

- Re-shooting my shots
- Editing each shot
- Adapt the audio to suit the newer scenes

Recent progression

2009-12-07T02:10:00.000-08:00

In order to develop my short film I went back to my original storyboard and developed a shot list that I could work from. This proved extremely beneficial for me as it meant that I had a clear understanding of what it was I had to achieve each time I went out and filmed. Therefore, meaning that I was able visualise what the final product would look like, along with all the necessary aspects of camera, mise en scene, editing and sound.

Once I began filming I realised that it was crucial for me to include symbolic signifiers throughout the text so that it gave hidden meanings throughout. This meant that the audience were able to recognise the ambiguity of the text and make assumptions about the feelings of the dominant characters. Through including this symbolic aspect it meant that I was able to introduce specific representations within my text, for example what it means to be beautiful in today's society.

I decided that it would be beneficial for me and to the narrative of the text to include another actress to make it more engaging and increase the current amount of time which I am currently working from.

2009-11-09T01:56:00.000-08:00

Shot 1
After lying in bed= quiet/ serene
Music- non-diegetic nursery rhyme, reinforces innocence of protagonist
Editing- quick editing
Symbol- Katie frantically splashing water over her face, nightmare/ fear
CU/ MS

Shot 2
Violently being sick
Black and white editing to show that it has happened before
CU of facial expressions
Handheld camera
Non-diegetic music- darker, completely opposing music shown in shot 1

Lots of heavy breathing/ panic/ distress

Shot 3

GYM
Fast editing from last shot
Diegetic music, whatever Katie is listening to on her ipod (Unsigned band) when she takes it out of her ear, music volume decreases, heavy breathing kicks in
CU facial expressions
MS of Katie on the running machine
CU of Katie in the mirror
CU/ over the shoulder shot of Katie filling out her diary of how much weight she has lost

MS/ CU of Katie weighing herself on the scales

NARRATION/ VOICE OVER OF THE DIARY, SPEECH WRITTEN WITHIN DIARY TO CARRY ONTO SHOT 5

Shot 4

Katie coming home from gym
LS
CU of trainers on machine

Shot 5
Conversation around Denham
Steady shots talking
No music
Diegetic nature sounds
Medium paced editing- realistic

Shot 6
Katies facial expressions- fear of Becky's interrogation
CU
Shot reverse shot

Shot 7
Coming towards the shop
LS
Non-diegetic music- sad music
Diegetic music- door handle, door swinging open/ close, motorway traffic.

Shot 8
Walking into the shop
MS/LS
Medium paced editing

Shot 9
Katie looking at magazines
CU of what she is looking at
CU of facial expressions and the way she reacts to it

Shot 10
Becky encouraging Katie to stop looking at the magazines
CU of Becky's frustration

Shot 11
Katie getting annoyed
Shaking, gritting her teeth, almost crying

Shot 12
Walking out of shop in anger
LS/ CU of facial expressions
Non- diegetic sad music

Shot 13
Katie running off
LS- to isolate character, make her vunerable
sad music continued...
editing medium paced

Shot 14
CU of both Katie and Becky talking on the phone
Non- diegetic talking

Shot 15
Katie crying

Shot 16
Katie look of shock

SMOOTHER TRANSITION

Shot 17
Identical look of shock at the dinner table with a table full of food
CU of Katie and mothers facial expressions

Shot 18

Cutting through one item of food
Inside Katie's head= non-diegetic screaming pain, crying/ weeping
Black and white edited shot of her being sick

Shot 19
Argument with Mum, 'you don't understand'
CU walking up stairs, "I am going out"

Shot 20
Now focus on family, not Katie
Family do into her room LS
Looking in drawers for food CU/MS
Fast editing

Shot 21
sees her mum holding the food
Katie walks in "I came back to apologise and look at you"
mother 'I am so sorry darling, please don't be upset i just want the best for you'
Katie "You don't understand anything"

Shot 22
Katie laying on bed
CU of her with mum in background so that the audience get to see what the mum is doing

Shot 23
Mum taking diary out of bag, looking through whilst her mum is on the bed

Shot 24 = TWO OPTIONS
either filming the mum taking it out of Katie's room saying 'i will give you some alone time darling'

OR

katie turning around on the bed and seeing what her mum is looking at
CU anger
LS taking the diary from her, it rips
LS pushing her mum out of the room
Fast paced editing to reinforce momentum of argument

Shot 25

CU shot of her on the phone downstairs (change of scenery)
talking about Katie 'i thought it was about her breaking up with Daniel and exam stress, I just had no idea'
Transition fade to black

Shot 26

Mother dropping katie off at school
CU shots, awkard

Shot 27
Bell rings
in cafe, Katie and Emily in the cafe

Secondary footage to use in opening of short film

2009-11-04T02:42:00.000-08:00

In order to fulfill the requirements of the type of genre in which I wish to present to my targeted audience members, it was crucial that I obtained some form of secondary material that would contribute to the opening of the short film. Through, searching on the internet I found this appropriate footage of London Fashion Week for Topshop. Nevertheless, after discovering this footage it became apparent that I was unable to use it within my short film due to the copyright laws attached to the material in which I had intentionally chosen to use in my media text.

Therefore in order to continue to match the ideas of my storyboard to the actual text

First Filming session

2009-11-02T05:49:00.000-08:00

Upon designing and making changes to my storyboard it was important for me to carry out the shots that had been distinguished in the pre-production stages of the project.

Therefore I took out a camera and tripod and began filming in a quiet area within a village. This enabled me to collect each shot to the standard that it should be. Whilst making it realistic with the familiar features and surroundings.

Firstly, I began filming shots in a quiet area of the village in which most of the location revolved around greenery and natural surroundings like the small river with the bridge in the first few shots. This natural location reinforced the girls innocence as her condition becomes much worse throughout the course of the narrative. The use of the river helped to show how the teenage girl can take different paths in order to overcome her disease. Nevertheless, the use of her friend in these shots helps to reinforce a barrier preventing the girl from dealing with the disease by herself.

It was crucial for me to continually reinforce the eating disorder through the use of symbolising objects, variation and significance of shots, editing, speed but most importantly the visual presentation of what the characters are wearing. I decided that my main character (Katie) should be wearing a long blazer to create a straight silhoutte with the help of tight leggings to reinforce the figure of her. My other character was wearing a black hoody with leggings and a shirt. The use of black helped to show her empowering domineerance over her friend in trying to help her overcome the disease. Nevertheless, it also helped to enforce the "darkness" of the narrative.

After filming the shots in the natural serene surroundings I moved onto filming with a small shop close to the village. This enabled me to show the protagonists fear of food and need to establish herself around lots of magazines in order to help sustain her idea of the "perfect body image".

Once taking a variety of shots within the shop I filmed an intense argument between the two friends. Thus, helping to show the eating disorder is affecting the girl not just physically but also externally in her life as well.

The last shots of the day involved filming shots of the main protagonist throwing up. I used many sound effects through the video camera to keep it realistic when put together in the editing stages of post- production.

Class Animatic evaluation

2009-10-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

Upon doing the animatic, each student had to present to the class. I found this a very rewarding exercise because it allowed me to gain valid feedback from other people. Through gaining this feedback it meant that I could make alterations to the current state of the animatic so that it conformed to the standards aquired to make the desired outcome.

Two aspects of evaluation that I had to consider when looking at others work was:

- Quality of production
- Are we informed of the real narrative of the text through each sketch/ shot.

Other aspects to consider were:

- Does the text feel generically correct?
- Have you storyboarded enough or too much?
- How effective was the use of sound?
- Was there a variation in editing styles, i.e. fades/ dissolves/ speed/ cuts.
- Was each shot length/ cut appropriate for the text?

Overall, the people doing the short film task presented a good animatic. There was a good use of non-diegetic and diegetic sound to reinforce parts of the narrative. Clear sketches were used and it was visible to see that the editing ran parallel with the action and sound within the text. Furthermore, there was a good selection of ambient sound used to reinforce vital parts of the narrative.

Students doing the music video gave a very engaging piece. This was due to the good use of editing and sketches that meant it was easier for audience members to interact with the predominant characters/ singers in the text. Furthermore, the variation in shots meant that the meaning of the lyrics within the song were reinforced to their full effect. Moreover, the use of movement of certain characters was most effective because it brought the audience members closer to what was actually happening within the text.

Both the teaser trailer and the opening of a children's television programme were well-presented and engaging. Witholding, conventions like variation of shots, good use of sound and appropriate content for targeting audiences. The advertising task that was carried out was appropriate for the targeted audience -that being, predominately men interested in sports- as it kept with the codes of a typical ad. There was a good use of shot reverse shot and alot of focus on the product being advertised. Therefore, meaning that the concept of the product remained and the student kept within that particular context.

For my evaluation of my animatic, most people said that it was overall a good presentation of the narrative of the text. I used a good variation of shots, however I needed to include sound to complete the full piece and develop audience members with a better understanding of the narrative. Furthermore, I need to cut some of the original transitions and use less. Therefore, meaning that when they are used they are used with a big effect. Thus, helping audience members to engage with the narrative of the text is changing. Also, I should try to avoid "cube" or "shape" transitions as it will completely change the dark tone of the narrative (which is something I do not want to change).

Other aspects to consider upon improving my animatic were:
- Use darker lighting to reinforce tone.
- Develop a clarified understanding as to why the main protagonist is behaving in a certain way.
- Good use of shot types, however use CU's more so that the audience members are drawn in closer to the main protagonist.

Second Draft of Animatic

2009-10-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

First draft of Animatic

2009-10-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Changes from my animatic

2009-10-07T02:31:00.000-07:00

After looking at the shots in my animatic, it became apparent that the narrative was to generic (a traditional linear narrative as described by Todorov - http://sismedia.wetpaint.com/page/Narrative+theory) and too expected for my targted audience. Therefore, I feel that I will need to alter certain shots to create an "air of mystery", so that enough ambiguity is created for my audience members to suggest things about the main character instead of the narrative directly saying it (here I will be using Barthes’ Enigma Code – Barthes suggests that a narrative should offer a series of mysteries to the audience to be unraveled as the text develops - http://sismedia.wetpaint.com/page/Narrative+theory).

-Audience to be unraveled as the text develops- sismedia.wetpaint.com/page/narrative+theory

As the main protagonist is suffering from an eating disorder, I will alter certain aspects within the narrative to reinforce the need to have the perfect body image without out right getting the character to say it.

One prop that I will use is photo frames:
- this is good because that way the audience members can see how the girl used to look before she had the disease.
- it also shows the girl's reflection in the frame, thus reinforcing her importance of body image.

Narrative structure and theory is something that I could have given greater consideration to during my AS production therefore here I am attempting to make it an integral part of my pre-production in the hope that it will lead to less problems and changes at the post production stage. Moreover, I have given far more time to pre-production realizing that I had done so at the AS production process would have been far smoother resulting in an even more accomplished product.

Instead of just spoken dialouge between the few characters, I will also use a shooting method whereby the audience members get to listen to the protagonists thoughts and feelings. Thus, meaning that they are drawn closer to the main protagonist. Not only this, but I will use all of the characters voices in the girls head as if they are pressuring her inside. To reinforce this pressure, I will use an echoed or blurred voice so that it is apprent that the characters are not directly speaking to her. This will also suggest that the eating disorder is at a low point as the signs and symptoms begin to occur in the text.

I will also alter the shot list so that the ending is more coherent to what the actual disease is really like. In other words, someone suffering from anorexia would deny that they still have it to fool the other characters. Therefore, I will change the ending to show that her issues are still not resolved. After her friends ask about her welfare at the restaurant and she replies with "Im fine", the non-diegetic sound of her being sick will enter so that the audience members know that her issues are still apparent even at the end of the text.

Timeline

2009-09-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hunting for location choices= August 2009

Images of location choices= September 2009

1st to the 15th (October)= Shots within the gym and the house

15th to 20th (October)= Editing

20th to 9th (October to November)= Street shots, shop shots, high school shots and all other remaining editing stages.

Re-shoots= 9th November 2009

Character Profile

2009-09-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

As the teenage girl is isolating herself from the rest of her surroundings, it is important to reinforce this through using minimal characters. Therefore characters within the text will include:

Female Protagonist= Emily

This is the girl suffering from anorexia and bulimia who is arguing with her mother and sister in order to defend herself from the truth. She has a fear of food and an ambition to be "stick- thin" like the idols on her bedroom wall. The help of her loved ones brings about a happy ending for Emily as she overcomes her battle over a significant period of time.

Mother= Kate

Kate is the mother of the female protagonist -Emily- who is oblivious to her daughter's habits, but when the symptoms and signs begin to occur her concerns grow for her daughter. This results in a large argument with Emily.

Friend= Chloe

Chloe is the best friend of Emily who shows concern for Emily at the very early stages of the narrative. Again, this concern results in Emily falling out with another person. Nevertheless, Chloe and Emily's mother fight to get Emily back to her original state of mind.

Sister= Lauren

Lauren is the sister of Emily and again falls out with Emily. However, she is predominately there to show the reactions and facial expressions of her family's disagreements.

Other characters involve school children, leisure staff, gym members and people on the road or in the shop. Thus, helping to reinforce the realistic nature of the short story which is something from my primary research that most audience members wanted from the text.

Plot

2009-09-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

The opening scenes of the narrative involve the introduction to the subject matter of the text, that being the 'need to be thin' and the importance of having the 'look'. Therefore, I will use a piece of existing material from the internet that involves a petite-sized model going down a catwalk. Once doing this the titles will begin to creep into the shots.

The main base of the plot will involve a 17 year old teenage girl fighting her battle against an eating disorder and bulimia. The audience will see her at her lowest points in the narrative, this involves fighting with her loved ones. All of whom are oblivious of the girls fear of food at the beginning of the narrative apart from her best friend who shows concern throughout. After the fights and arguments, the teenage girl begins to rely on her friend for support but begins to lie to her when she realises that the friend doesn't want to help her become 'stick-thin'.

This lie means that the protagonist's mother arrives at her high school to pick her up but discovers that she didn't turn up. The mother and best friend return home from school and find the protagonist throwing up her 'food'.

To show the transition in time, I will use a laptop to show how time has moved forward. Not only this but I found from my primary research that a short story would typically appeal to younger audiences therefore I want to represent a modern- technological era that has helped shaped the narrative of the story as most 'model' or 'fashion' stories are found on the internet.

Location

2009-09-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I will vary the location as much as possible so that I can keep my audience members engaged throughout the very early stages of the text.

From looking at my storyboard I have made various location choices that would suit the action in which I am trying to portray on screen.

I will use some of the shots within a typical average-sized house so that I can create verilisimilitude as effectively as possible for the representation of a teenage girl. Within the house, I will film in a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom to link all the ideas of the narrative together, i.e. bathroom= vomiting, kitchen= fear of food and bedroom= teenage surroundings.

Within the beginning shots of text I will also use a gym so that I can reinforce the 'need to be thin'. Through doing this, it means that the whole scene will be realistic as gym equipment surrounds it. Furthermore, it will create continuity in the text and keep audience engaged with diverse location choices.

In the middle of the text, I will use shots outside walking to a supermarket, this helps to allow the audience members to experience the 'life' of the teenage girl outside the house as well as in. Therefore, in order to continue the continuity of the text I will have the teenager arriving with her friend at the supermarket looking at magazines and food on sale. Thus, creating inferior or questionning from friend and nourishment of the magazines but fear of food for the protagonist.

I will also use a brief long shot of a high school that would be attended by the teenage protagonist. This helps to keep the momentum of the narrative flowing.

In the very end scene, I will have a shot in a pizza restaurant with the teenage protagonist and her friends/ family showing the main protagonists recovery after a significant amount of time from the last scene.

Results from my questionnaire

2009-09-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

In order to have a variation of feedback for my short story project, it was important to not only view existing material but also to gain resourceful information from the general public.

In order to find out information about my chosen genre (short films), I asked 9 questions so that I could gain an overall understanding as to what people thought about watching short films and how they were presented in modern-day society.

1. How old are you?

It was important for my understanding that I targeted the questionnaire at a wide range of people. Therefore I asked people from the ages of 10- 60+, through doing this it meant that I could gain a wider knowledge on who I should be targeting.

2. Do you like watching short films?

Out of the thirty people in which I asked, 17 of them said that they liked watching short films and 13 of them said that they did not like watching them. From looking at the previous question, it became apparent that younger audiences in the range of 10- 29 watched and had a preferance of short films. This maybe the result of the younger generation being more intuned with the internet. Thus, showing that they are able to find things on the internet- i.e. short films- that older audiences would not be able to find as easy. Not only this, but the social networks like Facebook, Bebo and Myspace tend to be used by those of a younger generation. Thus, meaning that information is passed on quicker and short film companies can advertise through this particular medium.

3. If answer to question 2 is no, then why do you choose not to watch short films?

With the people that said "no" to not watching short films, it was vital to gain an understanding as to why they don't. Most people said that they preferred watching longer films, thus showing that people are more intuned with a film when they can connect with the characters from beginning to end. Therefore, showing that within my short story I will need to focus my main protagonist more so that it is evident-
to people that watch short films- who has good intentions and who doesn't. Furthermore, people also said that they preferred giong to the cinema. Thus, showing that people like the idea of actually going outside of their homes to watch a film. Furthermore, a selection of people said that they got easily bored of watching short films, the reason behind this maybe the fact that the audience members know that they are not to become to interested in the text as it will end after a short amount of time.

4. If answer to question 2 is yes, then what would you expect from a short film extract?
People that said "yes" to watching short films gave some form of response as to why they watch them. Half of the people that said yes said that they would like to see lots of characters, nevertheless the other half of people that said yes said that they would want to see fewer characters. Therefore, in order to try and satisfy the needs of more than one market segment I will include one main protagonist with minor characters to help build and develop the narrative to make it as realistic as possible.

Not only this, but most people said that they would expect a voice-over and a relatable narrative with lots of music instead of spoken dialouge. Thus, showing that people want the typical features that they would expect from a large cinema film. Therefore I will include techniques like voiceover to create a larger effect on the audience but also allow them to become more intuned with the protagonist and their thoughts and feelings. Therefore, helping to satisfy the needs and wants people wanting to watch the short story.

5. Which type of short film genre do you prefer?

After asking people what they would expect from a short film extract, it was important to gain information about the type of genre that would be a preferance. Most people said that they would like to see a fictional piece or documentation, thus meaning that people are wanting a realistic approach to film instead of the usual "hollywood" texts that are generically scene in cinemas or on the television. As there is quite a niche want for this type of film -i.e. short films are less attractive to most consumers than a large box office film- I will closely identify with all of the aspects of my feedback so that I can continually insure that I meet with the demands and suggestions that are being made. Nevertheless, as well as the genres of fiction and documentations, people also said that they liked non-fiction, romantic and comedy. As most people ticked more than one box for this question, it shows that they don't neccessarily want the generic codes and conventions that would be expected from one particular genre. Instead, they wish to see a variety of conventions that resemble diverse aspects of the chosen narrative.

6. Do you feel more engaged whilst sound is used throughout the short film, if yes then why?

After asking people this question, 22 people said that they felt more engaged upon sound being used. This is good for the development of my short story because it means that I can focus on sound as one of the key elements of the narrative presentation. Therefore, I can use sound throughout the whole of the text to create different effects not just on the characters, but on the audience members watching it. Therefore, through parts of the text I can try and reinforce feelings of sadness, sympathy, happiness and joy through the use of sound within the text.

7. Where do you tend to watch short films?

As mentioned in question 1 and 2, it became apparent that there was a relationship between the younger audience and the likeness upon watching a short film. This again is reinforced in the following question as many people tended to say that they watched short story's on the internet on websites like the BBC and Youtube. Consequently, showing that I should reinforce the advance in technology within my short story and try and link this within the narrative. Through, showing this modern era it will again encourage a younger audience to view the text as it is evident that short stories are not that appealing to an older generation.

8. How could Short films be most effectively promoted?

Most people said that as Short stories are already dominating the internet, it would be effective to promote on other alternative medias.Most people said that magazines and billboards would be the most effective as they target a large variety of people and are big enough promotional techniques to be recognised by a wider selection of market segments. Nevertheless, using television to promote short stories would not be effective as it aquires a large investment without the promise of a large response from audiences.

9. Do you find short films?

- Realistic
- Entertaining
- Informative
- Fictional

The large majority of people said they thought that short films were realistic, entertaining and informative. Thus, showing that they are wishing for a collaboration of ideas and conventions. This is good to know from the early stages of production because it means that alterations can be specifically made in order to meet with these demands made by the majority of people that responded in this way. Most people said that they didn't think short films were fictional, thus showing that as the film is over a short period of time it is important to choose a topic or area that is most effective from the very early stages of the film. Therefore a relatable subject works best for this to be correctly achieved.

Ofcom

2009-09-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

Ofcom is the regulatory body that decides the content to which is viewed by the British public. They have a responsibility to consumers to provide a professional service whilst following the rules set out by the UK communications act of 2003.

Types of genre: Film Noir

2009-09-07T02:45:00.000-07:00

In order to establish the ways in which my medium will be structured it is important to look at various media types. One media type that I looked at, was that of Film Noir. This was a significant genre compared to others like Action, Thriller, Romance or Sci-fi. This is because there are many types of generic conventions that often appear within it, for example the excessive use of black and white lighting and shadows to mask certain characters within the narrative. This helps to reinforce the 'darkness' of this type of genre that helps contribute to the diverse significance of the conventions that follow with it.

Another typical convention that is often seen in Film Noir is the honesty and sinisism of the characters within the narrative. This means that they speak bluntly so that there is no ambiguity for audience members trying to comprehend what the characters motives are within the text.

"Power women" are seen throughout the majority of all film noir pieces. This is reinforced through the tilting shots of the females starting from feet to head. Thus, meaning that the audience members can see through the eyes of the "male gaze" (another typical convention). Consequently showing that females are "playing the heroin but also the victim", in other words they are using "crocodile tears". This is suitable for this particular genre because it shows females to be a more dominant fixture which helps to steer away from the typical stereotypes that males have more power than their opposing gender.

Another convention seen in "Film Noir" is noted in the framing of the scene. It became apparent after watching a selection of film noir extracts that the male is on the left and the female is on the right. This again reinforces the subverted attitudes of power within gender types. Consequently, showing that females have the 'right' attitude or purpose within the narrative, in comparison to the male gender.

An obvious convention that seems to appear regularly in Film Noir extracts is the fact that there is never a happy ending. This is reinforced as most of the films end in a dark and unhappy atmosphere, instead of in sun/daylight. This also links to the convention that occurs when two 'lovers' within the text are unable to connect, instead typically one of them ends up getting hurt as the result of something that has happened earlier on in the narrative.

Whilst understanding some of the generic codes and conventions that appear in Film Noir, certain people within the documentary of the genre said the following things:

- "It promises suspense".
(Examples of this include "Kiss Me Deadly", "Out of the past", "Double Indemity", "Spell Check" and "The Killers").
- "It is a transitional genre that has become more graphic and violent in recent years".

From looking at the excessive codes and conventions that appear in the Film Noir genre I have decided that I will use ideas from this particular medium, however I will not copy them nor will I completely subvert them as I feel it is important to create a unique piece to represent the narrative that I am creating.

One particular feature that I feel would be appropriate for my short film is the idea of the "male gaze" as I felt that it helped show a diverse camera angle to keep the audience members engaged throughout the course of the text. Nevertheless, as my protagonist is female it is most likely that I will use a "female gaze" to help show this particular camera shot/ angle.

Another feature that I feel will help embody the issue of my short film is voiceover. Due to the fact that I am using an issue that is common in society, it means that the person giving the voiceover will be directing the issue at multiple people. Through using a female voiceover it will also reinforce the connotations of certain conventions that have been created in Film Noir extracts which is that of "Power Women" (i.e. women are dominant in comparison to men who appear to have less power).

Nevertheless, I also want to create a happy ending within my narrative as I feel that the underlying issue is already quite dark and troubling. Therefore, giving me an opportunity to really develop the narrative to create a much happier ending to a dark storyline.

Lastly, I will try to incorporate some element of black and white within my short film as I feel that it complements well with the dark storyline in which I am creating. However, I will not use this throughout the whole of the text as I want to show the development of time and thus happiness for the predominant character.

Research into main idea

2009-07-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hollyoaks: Anorexia Storyline

Short film: Planning

• Idea: Pressure to be thin in modern-day society.

• Purpose/ message of the short film: beauty being skin deep/ you can be beautiful whatever shape or size you are.

• Genre: Non-fiction

• Plot:

- A girl between 15-17 years of age
- Importance of image and reputation
- Peer pressure
- P.E.= low confidence/ self esteem
- Extreme lengths to alter image
- Ambitions to be glamorous, e
- e.g. looking up to celebrities
- Magazines
- Continual reminder of what it means to be slim or beautiful

• Potential endings

- Hospital, by bedside
- Rehab
- Giving a speech to a group of women about overcoming anorexia (SATC style)
- “Weight loss is viewed as a way to achieve happiness”.

• Characters

- Main character= teenage girl
- Mother= in denial
- Friends= obsessed with image
- Family= concerned

• Quotes from short films about the issue of anorexia

- “I feel like I’ve been kidnapped”- Hannah/ Hollyoaks
- “Looking at bony models in magazines”.

• Camera

- Long shot/ extreme long shots used to isolate character
- Close ups used to highlight painful facial expressions

• Props

- Old family pictures
- Computer
- Camera
- Typical settings in a house/ school environment

• Setting

- Shops
- London
- School
- Party

• Potential openings

- Pre- recorded catwalks
- Montage of magazine images/ photoshoots
- Voice over of main character,
- childhood voice

Research into the actual disease, anorexia

Eating and food behaviour signs and symptoms

• Dieting despite being thin – Follows a severely restricted diet. Eats only certain low-calorie foods. Bans “bad” foods such as carbohydrates and fats.
• Obsession with calories, fat grams, and nutrition – Reads food labels, measures and weighs portions, keeps a food diary, reads diet books.
• Pretending to eat or lying about eating – Hides, plays with, or throws away food to avoid eating. Makes excuses to get out of meals (“I had a huge lunch” or “My stomach isn’t feeling good.”).
• Preoccupation with food – Eats very little, but constantly thinks about food. May cook for others, collect recipes, read food magazines, or make meal plans.
• Strange or secretive food rituals – Often refuses to eat around others or in public places. May eat in rigid, ritualistic ways (e.g. cutting food “just so”, chewing food and spitting it out, using a specific plate).
Appearance and body image signs and symptoms
• Dramatic weight loss – Rapid, drastic weight loss with no medical cause.
• Feeling fat, despite being underweight – May complain about being overweight in general or just “too fat” in certain places such as the stomach, hips, or thighs.
• Fixation on body image – Obsessed with weight, body shape, or clothing size. Frequent weigh-ins and concern over tiny fluctuations in weight.
• Harshly critical of appearance – Spends a lot of time in front of the mirror checking for flaws. There’s always something to criticize. They’re never thin enough.
• Denies being too thin – Refuses to believe that his or her low body weight is a problem, but may try to conceal it (drinking a lot of water before being weighed, wearing baggy or oversized clothes).

Purging signs and symptoms

• Using diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics – Abuses water pills, herbal appetite suppressants, prescription stimulants, ipecac syrup, and other drugs for weight loss.
• Throwing up after eating – Frequently disappears after meals or goes to the bathroom. May run the water to disguise sounds of vomiting or reappear smelling like mouthwash or mints.
• Compulsive exercising – Follows a punishing exercise regimen aimed at burning calories. Will exercise through injuries, illness, and bad weather. Works out extra hard after bingeing or eating something “bad.”

The first physical signs and effects of anorexia are:
• Lack of energy and weakness
• Feeling cold all the time
• Dry, yellowish skin • Restlessness and insomnia
• Dizziness, fainting, and headaches
• Growth of fine hair all over the body

Healthy Dieting Anorexia

Weight loss is viewed as a way to improve health and appearance.

Weight loss is viewed as a way to achieve happiness.

Self-esteem is based on more than just weight and body image.

Self-esteem is based entirely on how much you weigh and how thin you are.

Is an attempt to control weight

Is an attempt to control your life and emotions

The goal is to lose weight in a healthy way.

Becoming thin is all that matters; health is not a concern.

Brainstorm of ideas

2009-07-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Brainstorm Of Ideas

View more documents from claremartin.

Primary research: understanding the codes and conventions of a short film

2009-06-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

In order to fully understand the codes and conventions that are established within a short film, it was crucial to share ideas and different perspectives with somebody else conducting the same short film task.

Typical codes and conventions of a short film:

1. Lack of dialouge= story is told through the camera. This is seen in "The First Time It Hits" where CGI is used to express the love and hurt shared between the two characters.

2. Black background with a white font= adds to 'thrillerness' of the text.

3. Simple narrative= only few characters

4. Music reflects narrative/ genre= parrallel music= non-diegetic

5. Title sequence using CGI

6. Majority of Close up shots, especially in the beginning of the text in order to keep the audience members engaged from the very early stages of the short film.

7. Fast paced editing or slow paced editing= two extremes of editing, no medium. This is reinforced through either punchy, fast music or slow, classical music to match the action of the narrative.

8. Mise en scene= helps to establish the mood/ tone of the narrative

9. More than one range of representations throughout the text, so that the audience appeal is more widely spread.

10. Engagement occurs from the very beginning of the text, i.e. pace of editing, music.

11. A voiceover is most commonly used= mainly non- diegetic, but can be diegetic as seen in the short film "About A Girl".

Evaluation from research

2009-06-25T05:18:00.001-07:00

Deciding my brief

From looking at my skills sets for each of the following briefs, I have decided that I will be best suited to conducting the short film task. The predominant reason being that I will only have to use a camera and tripod. I feel that -especially from the last task- I can take a variety of shots in order to represent the narrative in the best way possible.

From my research...

As part of developing my understanding about the key concepts, features and codes and conventions of a short film it was vital to form an analytical and technical opinion about each of the extracts.

From looking at the short film called 'The Plan' I liked the way in which the black and white editing was used in order to create a darkness or mystery to the male protagonist in the narrative. As an audience member I felt engaged with the character from the very beginning of the extract. This was emphasised through the use of the spoken narrative throughout the text; thus meaning that as an audience member I had no option but to listen to what the protagonist had to say. This idea of a spoken narration was also seen in the short film 'LOL' in which the female protagonist informs the audience members on her name, home, relationship status, friends and current events. (This links to Hayden White's theory that narratives address issues of order, desire and law, authority and its legitimation of subversion. The demand for closure in the historical story is a demand, I suggest, for moral meaning... -sismedia.wetpaint.com/page/narrative+theory-)

Throughout the course of the spoken narrative, a variety of scenes are shown to audience members. This is good for presenting each scene in a particular way as it is seen from the 'eyes' of only one character in the form of non-diegetic dialouge. Whereas, the short film 'About a Girl' the audience members become engaged with the female character in a different way as the female protagonist speaks directly to the camera in the form of a monologue or spoken diegetic dialogue. Nevertheless, as the protagonist is just speaking about her life in the backdrop of her home-town, the audience members gradually lose interest and become disengaged with the actual narrative of the text. Thus, meaning that if I were to use this narrative form in my short film I would use non-diegetic engagement as it would allow me to present a variation of shots, angles, characters and mise en scene. This links to the "Auteur" theory, in which the "basic principle was that the film was a work of art; just like a novel or painting, it was essentially the product of an individual's imagination". (Genre and Auteur theory)

I felt that in each short film the use of realism was maintained in different levels, I especially noticed a certain level of realism in the short film 'LOL'. The mise en scene of the text was landscaped around the idea of being a teenager, being at school, hanging out with a mate and going to a party. Each scene was carefully thought out to meet with a particular mindset of being a teenager. For example, the use of the social networking group 'Facebook' and the continual use of the mobile phone stresses the advance in technology in modern day society but it also helps to represent a relatable concept to audience members. This links to the theory put forward by Robert Stam, in which he pointed out "While some genres are based on story content (the war film) others are borrowed from literature (comedy, melodrama) or from other media (the musical). Some are performer-based (the Astaire- Rogers films) or budget-based (blockbusters) while others are based on artistic status (the art film), racial identity (Black cinema), location (the Western), or sexual orientation (Queer cinema)".

This idea of a relatable concept is also seen in the short film 'Accident' in which it becomes apparent that an injury or troubled situation has occurred in a London town. The idea of realism is maintained as no non-diegetic sound is used -i.e. a soundtrack or song- thus helping to create a realistic situation through the use of ambient sound instead. Thus, enabling me to link Aristotles theory from the 4th Century BC "the most important is the plot, the ordering of the incidents; for tragedy is a representation, not of men, but of action and life, of happiness and unhappiness".

As well as this, I also recognised the use of close ups that were used an extensive amount throughout the majority of the short films. This was evident especially in the short film 'Accident' whereby close ups were formed in order to focus the attention of particular characters, facial expressions, props and personal belongings. Through using this particular shot it meant that audience members were given key hints to the climax of the narrative, however they were not giving the complete mystery of the extract. Thus, helping to maintain a sense of realism as in the rush of an accident it is not always apparent to notice all aspects surrounding the scene. This idea of mystery was also seen in the short film 'About a Girl', in which it was recognised that the young girl felt troubled by her family life and background as she was always kept out of the way. This was clearly emphasised upon the use of close ups surrounding the majority of the text. Thus, showing that the girl has something to hide from not just her family but her audience members too; consequently helping to keep audience members enticed to keep watching. Nevertheless, the audience members are given hints to the progression of the narrative through a variety of shots. This is especially noted in the beginning scene where a long shot is used to establish the main protagonist, however her face is 'blacked' out so that the audience members are unable to see the face and features of the girl. From this I feel that it is important for me to create the same effect, therefore I will use close ups in order to distinguish a clear narrative and keep the audience members waiting for a climax within the narrative.

Research into different types of genre for short films

2009-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Main Film Genres : filmsite.org

Action Films

Action films usually include high energy, big-budget physical stunts and chases, possibly with rescues, battles, fights, escapes, destructive crises (floods, explosions, natural disasters, fires, etc.), non-stop motion, spectacular rhythm and pacing, and adventurous, often two-dimensional 'good-guy' heroes (or recently, heroines) battling 'bad guys' - all designed for pure audience escapism. Includes the James Bond 'fantasy' spy/espionage series, martial arts films, and so-called 'blaxploitation' films. A major sub-genre is the disaster film. See also Greatest Disaster and Crowd Film Scenes and Greatest Classic Chase Scenes in Films.

Adventure Films

Adventure films are usually exciting stories, with new experiences or exotic locales, very similar to or often paired with the action film genre. They can include traditional swashbucklers, serialized films, and historical spectacles (similar to the epics film genre), searches or expeditions for lost continents, "jungle" and "desert" epics, treasure hunts, disaster films, or searches for the unknown.

Comedy Films

Comedies are light-hearted plots consistently and deliberately designed to amuse and provoke laughter (with one-liners, jokes, etc.) by exaggerating the situation, the language, action, relationships and characters. This section describes various forms of comedy through cinematic history, including slapstick, screwball, spoofs and parodies, romantic comedies, black comedy (dark satirical comedy), and more. See this site's Funniest Film Moments and Scenes collection - illustrated, and also Premiere Magazine's 50 Greatest Comedies of All Time.

Crime & Gangster Films

Crime (gangster) films are developed around the sinister actions of criminals or mobsters, particularly bankrobbers, underworld figures, or ruthless hoodlums who operate outside the law, stealing and murdering their way through life. Criminal and gangster films are often categorized as film noir or detective-mystery films - because of underlying similarities between these cinematic forms. This category includes a description of various 'serial killer' films.

Drama Films

Dramas are serious, plot-driven presentations, portraying realistic characters, settings, life situations, and stories involving intense character development and interaction. Usually, they are not focused on special-effects, comedy, or action, Dramatic films are probably the largest film genre, with many subsets. See also the melodramas, epics (historical dramas), or romantic genres. Dramatic biographical films (or "biopics") are a major sub-genre, as are 'adult' films (with mature subject content).

Epics/Historical Films

Epics include costume dramas, historical dramas, war films, medieval romps, or 'period pictures' that often cover a large expanse of time set against a vast, panoramic backdrop. Epics often share elements of the elaborate adventure films genre. Epics take an historical or imagined event, mythic, legendary, or heroic figure, and add an extravagant setting and lavish costumes, accompanied by grandeur and spectacle, dramatic scope, high production values, and a sweeping musical score. Epics are often a more spectacular, lavish version of a biopic film. Some 'sword and sandal' films (Biblical epics or films occuring during antiquity) qualify as a sub-genre.

Horror Films

Horror films are designed to frighten and to invoke our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale, while captivating and entertaining us at the same time in a cathartic experience. Horror films feature a wide range of styles, from the earliest silent Nosferatu classic, to today's CGI monsters and deranged humans. They are often combined with science fiction when the menace or monster is related to a corruption of technology, or when Earth is threatened by aliens. The fantasy and supernatural film genres are not usually synonymous with the horror genre. There are many sub-genres of horror: slasher, teen terror, serial killers, satanic, Dracula, Frankenstein, etc. See this site's Scariest Film Moments and Scenes collection - illustrated.

Musicals (Dance)

Musical/dance films are cinematic forms that emphasize full-scale scores or song and dance routines in a significant way (usually with a musical or dance performance integrated as part of the film narrative), or they are films that are centered on combinations of music, dance, song or choreography. Major subgenres include the musical comedy or the concert film. See this site's Greatest Musical Song/Dance Movie Moments and Scenes collection - illustrated.

Science Fiction Films

Sci-fi films are often quasi-scientific, visionary and imaginative - complete with heroes, aliens, distant planets, impossible quests, improbable settings, fantastic places, great dark and shadowy villains, futuristic technology, unknown and unknowable forces, and extraordinary monsters ('things or creatures from space'), either created by mad scientists or by nuclear havoc. They are sometimes an offshoot of fantasy films, or they share some similarities with action/adventure films. Science fiction often expresses the potential of technology to destroy humankind and easily overlaps with horror films, particularly when technology or alien life forms become malevolent, as in the "Atomic Age" of sci-fi films in the 1950s.

War (Anti-War)

War films acknowledge the horror and heartbreak of war, letting the actual combat fighting (against nations or humankind) on land, sea, or in the air provide the primary plot or background for the action of the film. War films are often paired with other genres, such as action, adventure, drama, romance, comedy (black), suspense, and even epics and westerns, and they often take a denunciatory approach toward warfare. They may include POW tales, stories of military operations, and training. See this site's Greatest War Movies (in five parts).

Westerns

Westerns are the major defining genre of the American film industry - a eulogy to the early days of the expansive American frontier. They are one of the oldest, most enduring genres with very recognizable plots, elements, and characters (six-guns, horses, dusty towns and trails, cowboys, Indians, etc.). Over time, westerns have been re-defined, re-invented and expanded, dismissed, re-discovered, and spoofed.

Short film 5: About a girl

2009-06-24T07:04:00.001-07:00

A long shot is used to establish the main protagonist within the text this helps audience members develop a motion towards her as she reoccurs throughout the narrative. Upon seeing the girl the audience members cannot detect all of her features as a black contrast has been used against the light sky backdrop. Thus, highlighting that the girl is not in the ‘centre of attention’ despite thinking that she is a popstar/ singer. Consequently, showing that the girl may have problems at home which means that she cannot fulfil her ambitions. Furthermore, the use of the black editing may also suggest that the girl is unable to express her identity and therefore covers it in front of other people.

A handheld camera is used when the girl speaks directly to audience members giving personal details about her home-life. Upon saying words like “lav” and “Old em”, the audience members distinguish that the girl is from a poor family with a troubled background. Thus, helping to identify with why the director has used a handheld camera as it helps to show the distress, imbalance and inequality of her life. This distress is highlighted through the use of close up shots to express what the character is saying. Whilst also showing that the character maybe hiding something as audience members never see her full silhouette apart from a long shot from the back (1:15).

The effect of spoken diegetic dialogue throughout the narrative makes it apparent that the girl wants help and guidance, despite the lack of help that her family show her. Therefore, by speaking directly into the camera about her ‘life-story’, it makes audience members evoke sympathy for her as it becomes apparent that she is alone. As there is no soundtrack or running diegetic sound it makes her life-story seem more realistic. This idea of sound is also emphasised through the female protagonist singing at the beginning and throughout parts of the narrative, thus showing how she only believes in her voice and uses her personal music selection to express her identity.

The use of the song “Stronger” by Britney Spears shows the struggle to which the girl is going through. However, it is ambiguous to audience members what her struggle actually is. She only sings certain parts of the song one part being “you, I, think that I won’t make it on my own”. The significance of this girl saying she is on her own is reinforced when a long shot of her is used. This isolates the protagonist as it makes her appear smaller than the rest of her surroundings. This may show that the little girl is handling a big problem on her shoulders and feels endangered.

Upon looking at perfume bottles the girl says that her mother is “blind”. As audience members we know that this is not true, however the girl may feel that her mother is blind to what the girl actually does throughout her life. The attitude of her family’s lack of consideration or care is expressed in the shot with the girl and her father. A MS shot is used to show both characters being distant from one another –which is clearly not just in this scene, but in life as well- and the positioning of either character shows the father to be superior than the daughter as he is framed higher. Nevertheless, the use of the father’s newspaper poses as a distraction from what his daughter is actually saying; thus helping to reinforce his disinterest.

A tilt and pan shot is used in the climax of the text in order to show the significance of the scene that is about to occur. This helps to establish her surroundings, that predominately being a river. Thus, showing that the girl is going to wash her problems away by throwing the baby into the river. The use of black and white credits shows the ‘thrillerness’ of the text, which was also briefly introduced in the beginning of the short film.

Short film 4: LOL

2009-06-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

From looking at the text, I was able to determine the ways in which the director has used the key concepts in order to create a particular representation to audience members.

The extract opens with a CGI style title sequence in which a variation of characters are introduced. The effect of CGI shows an increase in the technological advance in society today. This representation of modern society is reinforced through the use of non-diegetic rock music in which it becomes apparent that the narrative of the story will be based around a group of teenagers. Throughout the title sequence, the director uses still images in order to show the relationships formed between characters. This brief introduction makes it easier for audience members to relate to the narrative throughout the course of the text.

The CU of the mother's hand grasping and shaking the bottle of pills emphasises the problem or potential problem within the course of the narrative. The director has used a CU as it focuses on the character as being essential to the development of the main protagonist with other characters. This poignant character (mother) is also made more explicit through the use of black and white editing; which reinforces her significance throughout the text. The director has used black and white editing because it shows an older generation in the narrative. Thus helping to distinguish the rest of the characters who act the 'youth' within the narrative, this is reinforced and highlighted as the director has used colour in their shots instead of black and white. Thus, helping to make certain audience members relate to the differences in age that will affect how something progresses over a significant period of time.

The CU of the main protagonist -Keeley Cooper- focuses the attention of the narrative onto her. This is reinforced when a spoken narration from Keeley is implemented; thus showing her significance. The narrative perspective informs audience members on Keeley's age, network, relationship status and home. This helps audience members to relate to her because of the details that are found on the social networking group 'Facebook' (which is something that is reinforced throughout the text from the mothers point of view).

The director uses a panning shot to show Jazzy and her boyfriend kissing, upon seeing this audience members become engaged with innate disspointment that Keeley shows. Upon saying the word 'single' the non diegetic sound drops and the audience members are made to evoke sympathy for the character.

When the non- diegetic sound is removed, the audience members distinguish that the 'introduction' to the text is over and the real action is about to commence. This is also made evident through the use of colour instead of black and white, which helps to show a clear declaration of time moving on.

The scene moves onto the party to which editing is highly used in order to create the effect to which the director is trying to portray. A selection of images 'flash' to show they have been taken to be uploaded on the social networking group. Not only this but colour is used to show the teenagers at the party, thus helping to show the time passing throughout the night. The use of an over-the-shoulder shot from Keeleys perspective is used in order to match the exact shot that Keeleys mother used when looking at her daughters Facebook. Thus, showing that despite Keeley trying to get away from her mum she still has an instinct that something might go wrong or that she may need to return home sooner than she thought.

Short film 3: Accident

2009-06-23T02:39:00.000-07:00

The extract begins with a selection of panning shots of London buildings, in order to establish the location and setting of the text. The slow paced editing shows the distance of each building and the suspense within the narrative. Upon audience members seeing the opening scene, a white font is used on a black background. As this is something generically seen in thriller films, it entices audience members to become engaged with a hybrid of genres that will be presented in the text; thus showing that the text may obtain‘thrillerness’ to it.

The director uses mid shots to emphasise the differences between the two white males and the Indian male. This is also reinforced through the positioning of either character in which they are facing one another (two whites opposite the Indian male). Thus, helping to show that the theme of race is going to become a predominant focus throughout the text.

Upon the discovery of the victim in the middle of the road a handheld camera is used to emphasise the panic in the situation. This panic is again reinforced when close up shots of strangers/ witnesses are used in order to make audience members informed of the surroundings within the scene. Ambient sound is used to highlight the realism behind the event and the effect of no soundtrack or non-diegetic sound stresses this realism so that audience members can engage to the text.

After the accident takes place the director uses a selection of close up shots in order to show the reaction and facial expressions of the witnesses within the text. This makes audience members build suspense as they are unable to determine who maybe guilty of the accident that has just taken place. The effect of suspense would not be so explicit if a long shot were used because it would mean that the audience members can see all/ the majority of the shot. Therefore using a close up is appropriate for building a particular effect on the audience members; thus helping to further engage them into the narrative as they are made to evoke concern and sympathy for the duration of the scene. This ambiguity and suspense is also built upon the use of the handheld camera because it reinforces the ‘strangers’ within the scene and how they do not really know what they should be doing in order to save the endangered victim.

An over-the-shoulder shot looking at the police men is used in order to show how the whole accident is perceived by the general public. Thus, helping to make it seem as if the audience members are also apart of the general public in the scene. Consequently, engaging the audience to build a compassion for the situation that has occurred. As well as this, the audience members also get the opportunity to build a reaction from the police men questioning the witnesses. This helps to keep audience members informed and apart of the investigation.

After the ambulance arrives the editing of the text becomes sharper and the shots are cut at a faster rate. This helps to reinforce the investigation that has occurred as facial expressions, witnesses, weapons and personal belongings are identified. Thus, helping to keep the audience members well informed of the situation that has just occurred and the reasons for it occurring in the first place.

Short film 2: The first time it hits

2009-06-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

First Time It Hits - Watch the best video clips here

Throughout the course of the text the director uses a wide variety of shots in order to create a certain effect to the audience member watching. This technique becomes very apparent in the first opening shots of the extract. (0:04 to 0:35) Within the first shot, the audience members are made to become engaged with the male protagonist. This is reinforced through the shot where the audience members view the scene through the use of the skateboard in which the male is on. This means that audience members just primarily see what is on the ground or in the far distance. Thus, helping to reinforce the length of the narrative and the measurements to finding something.

Each shot that has been taken within the short film is coloured black and white (0:01 to 2:42). This helps to reinforce the ambiguity of the text and keep the audience engaged with the flow of the narrative. This ambiguity is also reinforced through the fast paced editing whereby the audience members only see certain aspects of the scene. Nevertheless, similar to "The Plan" the audience members are given hints to certain points of the narrative in order to create a build up to the entire sequence. An example of this would be how the director has used predominately CU's and MS shots of the two protagonists in order to establish certain features about them. The audience members become intuative with the dynamics of the character. This means that they learn that the characters are teenagers with a relationship or connection between one another.

The audience members never actually hear any spoken dialouge from either character, thus helping to maintain the ambiguity of the text. Nevertheless, it also suggests a certain level of realism as teenagers in this situation tend to be shy and/ lost for words. However, the use of the two different types of sound helps to identify the two different characters and how they are represented. When the boy is on his skateboard, the audience members are engaged with a rock/ punk music. Whereas, when the focus is on the girl the music becomes softer and more of a melody. Thus, helping to represent what it means to be feminine and masculine and a teenager. The distinction between either character is done intentionally so that the narrative can flow, change and develop.

The development of the text is emphasised when the director uses CGI in the formation of a red heart coming from the females head (1:10 to 1:30). This has been used as a point of change within the narrative, which is also reinforced when the sound changes to become a softer melody. Furthermore, the pace of the extract slows down to show the two characters that have finally become united. Thus, helping to direct the audience through the text and maintain a sense of realism that the director cleverly achieves.

Option 2: Short film 1: The Plan

2009-06-17T01:27:00.001-07:00

Short film 1: The Plan (Award winning short film)

From looking at this award winning short film, I distinguished the ways in which the text has been structured to show a clear representation to audience members. The use of black and white editing shows the blatant message/ purpose of the text, that being the differences in gender, class and wealth. As there are two predominant characters in the text, the contrast of the two colours help to identify the opposing ideas that both characters present. The black colour is used to highlight the darkness of the male character and emphasise the distressful narrative. This makes audience members feel as if the character has just come out of a bad experience and is trying to save himself. This is emphasised through the spoken non-diegetic sound at the beginning of the extract, "quit my job, pack the essentials to sustain life". Thus, showing the troubled situation that the male protagonist is trying to overcome. Sympathy is evoked from the very beginning of the text, this is reinforced through the light/ soft melody played. It makes audience members percieve the male as being naieve.

The extract opens with an establishing long shot of an american highway, thus showing the freedom of the male protagonist. Whilst, also showing that the character is unable to decide where he wants to go in life. This is reinforced through the use of ELS's in this particular scene, thus showing the distance of finding something, i.e. love, money, adventure. The audience members become engaged with the character as he narrates the text, thus meaning that the audience members are made to follow the story from the mans perspective.

A shot reverse shot is used, in order to introduce the female character to the text. Thus, helping to increase the continuity of the text and allowing the audience members to engage with the new character through the use of close up and mid shots. Another way in which the director has maintained the continuity of the text is by creating ambient sound. This helps audience members relate to the text and it also makes the whole film appear more realistic to real life. Whereas, if ambient sound were not used -the scene was quiet with just two characters speaking- it would cause audience members to lose interest and make the text devalued.

Upon discovering that the male protagonist has taken a picture of the female the main action of the narrative begins to take place. The director uses straight cuts at a faster rate to emphasise a build-up to the narrative of the text. This helps engage audience members as they are kept waiting for more action but are being given hints that something is going to happen that will alter the flow of the narrative.

Option 1: advertisements

2009-06-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

In order for me to reach a final decision as to which brief I am going to conduct, it is important that I conduct many forms of research. This means looking at existing footage (e.g. adverts and short films) to see how they have presented the media product in order to target a specific audience. By doing this, it means that I can determine which brief I want to continue with as I have closely identified what exactly would be acquired of me in order to correctly achieve the specification being set.

ADVERT 1: IPOD 1,2,3,4...

Company: Apple
Singer: Feist
Made: 2007
Advertising agency: TBWA advertising

From looking at this advert, I liked the ways in which it represented a youthful approach to music and an advance in technology. Thus, helping to represent a 'post modern world' and a high-tech generation. The simple white background helps upon reinforcing the actual purpose of the ad; that being the product. The continual change of the Ipod product helps to also emphasise this, along with the change of colour. The straight cuts have been used quite rapidly, this helps to show how popular the product really is. This is also emphasised through the hand that grabs the Ipod to which a new coloured Ipod is presented. Along with the fast paced editing it again reinforces the popularity of the product in the ever changing technological age. Diegetic sound has been used to show the 'indie' music being presented in the ad. Not only this, but the sound also shows the clarity and quality of the actual Ipod product. This means that as well as engaging audience members with the visual 'music video' on the ipod, the sound also helps to reinforce the youthful, new musical modern era that the business (Apple) intends to promote.

Additional research for the singer Feist:

Prior to the airing of an Apple iPod Nano commercial featuring this song, The Reminder was selling at approximately 6,000 copies per week, and "1234" at 2,000 downloads per week. Following the commercial, the song passed 73,000 total downloads and reached No. 7 on Hot Digital Songs and No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100; The Reminder jumped from No. 36 to No. 28 on the Billboard 200, with sales of 19,000. Following the television advertisement for the iPod nano in the UK, the single beat its original chart position of 102 to become number 8 in the UK charts. Time magazine named "1234" one of The 10 Best Songs of 2007, ranking it at #2.

ADVERT 2: Sky HD

Company: Sky
Advertising agency: WCRS (Named agency of the year)

I felt that this advert best represented an advert that has been created predominately around editing and pace. Straight cuts have been used to separate the different types of genres being presented in the advert. The slow paced editing has been used to emphasise the clarity and definition of each shot. Thus, helping to show the product (that being the Sky box) in the best way possible. The spoken non-diegetic sound shows the simplicity of the product and the advance in technology. Not only this, but it helps Sky target a specific audience that being people who like watching TV in extensive amounts and who have enough disposable income to purchase the expensive product each month. The particular shot (0:22) shows how the advert has used colour and high definition, in order to present the product in the best possible way. The striking blue eyes help engage audience members, which is reinforced with the CU shot of the animal. Not only this but the high definition has also been used to centralise protagonists within a particular shot. Thus, helping to express their facial expressions and make it appear as if they were actually 'here in real life'. Thus, helping to show the sophistication of the product which could not be expressed in any other way apart from the actual advert itself.

AS Media blog

2009-06-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

This is a link to the work which I completed as part of my AS Media project:

AS BLOG

Choosing a brief

2009-06-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

In the lesson we were given six different briefs in which we were to decide which one we would continue to work on throughout the course of the year.
These briefs/ options included:

1. A promotion package for the release of an album, to include a music promo video, no longer than five minutes duration, together with:

a cover for its release on DVD
a magazine advertisement for the DVD

2. A promotion package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer, together with:

a film magazine front cover, featuring the film
a poster for the film

3. An advertising package for a new product or service, to include two TV advertisements, together with

a radio advertisement
a web pop-up

4. A promotion package for a new soap opera, to include a TV trailer, together with:

a listings magazine front cover featuring the new soap
a poster for the soap

5. A selection of materials related to an original children's TV drama, to include the title sequence to the TV programme, together with:

the front cover to a magazine for the series
a DVD cover for the series

6. A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:

a poster for the film
a film magazine review page featuring the film

Upon looking at each option I decided that my best choice would be to opt for the brief that best matched the skill set in which I currently obtain. However, despite looking at the range of options I am now deciding between two options.

One option being the advertising task as I feel that it would allow me to apply my business knowledge to the task. Thus, meaning that not only am I linking in my current knowledge but I can also build and develop a new set of skills for the future. Another option in which I am thinking of doing is the short film, this is predominately due to the fact that I already have experience in making, filming and editing footage to meet with a brief that has been set. For example, for my AS media coursework I had to film the opening of a thriller film with titles, credits and actual footage. Through doing this, it meant that I built a new set of skills. Nevertheless, I am unsure as to whether I should try and challenge myself by building an entire new set of skills.