Children Of Men Wednesday 24th October

• What is the setting for the story? What genre is it?
• Who is the key character?
• What do we learn in the opening scene?
• What are the key themes?
• Who are the main groups of people? How are they depicted?
• Comment on the use of the camera in the action scenes
• Are there any recurring visual themes (motifs) that you recall? Were you reminded of anything?

Have a read of the Guardian review here.

Here's a good study document for Children of Men.

Other films to watch that have a dystopian view of the future:

Full Metal Jacket Wednesday 24th

Now you have seen the whole film, ask yourself these questions (you can comment after):

• The film is in two halves. What is the story of the first half and what is the story of the second?
• What are the themes of the story?
• Can you comment on the use of colour?
• And the use of sound/music?
• Who is the main character in the story?
• What do we learn about him?
• What scenes/events can you recall and why?
• What attitudes to war are represented in the story and whose are they?
• Comment on the characters' attitude to race, sex and death. Why do you think this is so?
• What do you think Kubrick intended you to feel throughout this story?

Have a read of this article: Cameras, Truth, and War Stories: Full Metal Jacket and Apocalypse Now.

Four Lions - interview with Chris Morris

Have a read of this short interview with Chris Morris (director).

Now you've seen the film, think about representation. How does the film introduce us to the characters? Are they believable? What are the themes of the story? How are these themes presented to us and from whose viewpoint/s?

Read the Four Lions articles on the Guardian website.

How would you describe this film in terms of genre/s?

Kubrick perspective... (Full Metal Jacket)

Have a look at this compilation of shots from Kubrick films demonstrating his use of perspective and static framing. Why would Kubrick frame shots this way?

Kubrick // One-Point Perspective from kogonada on Vimeo.

You can also view a sample of Matthew Modine's (Joker) diary that he kept during the shooting of Full Metal Jacket here.

Wednesday 17th Film Club Menu

Choose a film, or bring something of your own. Tell everyone why you think your choice is worth watching ...

Wednesday 17th Film Club choices

Monday 15th October CIQ

Please post comments, thanks...

Wednesday film club

I'm still here posting...just. Only about 5 hours to go.

I've spoken to Chris Beech (Programme Area Manager for Digital Media) and he agrees that the film screenings should continue on Wednesday morning.

Therefore, we need one for this Wednesday and the next, and so on.

Any offers?

What I suggest is that you agree between yourself who is showing what when.

First come first served. Respond in the comments section on this post - try to vary the genre as much as possible.

17th October -
24th October -
7th November
14th November
21st November
28th November
5th December
12th December
19th December

It would be great if everyone has a go and can we try to at least look at 1 non-English language film, Rom-Com, Musical, War, Sci Fi, Animation, Epic and a Western?

Once again, a Bonus Point to win no bonus: Whats the film? 

Clue: It's not an animation

Good luck and enjoy it!

Assignment for After Half Term

I've attached the next brief for after half term.

The brief is for TV advertisement. Have a look through so you are familiar with it and when you return after half term you will be given further instruction on the context of the subject by your new lecturers.

LINK HERE

Good luck everyone! Keep going/making and I wish you all the best...even Taher...that's if he reads this post.

Thanks for your enthusiasm!

Paul

CIQ Wednesday 10th October 2012

We got 13 responses yesterday, which is nearly everyone. Can we get a full house today?

Congratulations to anonymous who was correct with their answers. You will receive absolutely nothing for taking part - who was the bright spark that dropped the image into google? Cheating but inventive.

So, 3 more pictures - no cheating please.


1)

2)

3)

Bonus point to win no bonus - which state in America is the large mountain you see in picture 3 located?

Put your answers at the end of your CIQ post.

CIQ Tuesday 9th October 2012

Please could you post your comments here. Only 8 yesterday? Can we try and get 16 responses today please.







Bonus point (there is no bonus as your at Burton and South Derbyshire College), what are the films? Put your answers at the end of your CIQ.


1)

2)

3)

CIQ Monday 8th October 2012

Please Post Here

Monday 8th October 2012 - Todays Lesson

Your deadline for this first Practical Assignment is Friday 19th October 2012. Therefore, you have 2 editing days left!!!!!!

By the end of todays lesson you should have at least edited 2 of your productions and then this should just leave you to finish editing the last film and conduct any tidying up issues.

Agenda

Short presentation on colour grading: Colour Grading is one of the newest and most important post-production components of the last few years. However, it is time consuming and is not something that can be done without thought.

1) Why colour Grade?

Watch these 3 short videos on the colour grading of "Lord of the Rings", it might provide you with and insight into how important it is.

Link Lord of the  Rings Colour Grading

Link Lord of the Rings Colour Grading Part 2

Link Colour Grading Show Reel

2) Cameras are changing - flat images

3) Example of colour grading

Film Theory & Semiotics

Link to Presentation from this morning.

LINK HERE

CIQ Wednesday 3rd October 2012

post here please

CIQ Tuesday 2nd October 2012

Please post here.

I'm especially interested to see what the learners that were involved in the 'impromptu fashion show' thought.

I really appreciate your comments as it help's me to see from your perspective what you think, which in turns assists me in planning/developing the programme delivery.

CIQ Monday 1st October 2012

Please post comments here please.

Rugby Club Meeting

We need to have a meeting on Tuesday morning at 10.30am (UC201) to discuss the way that this project is going to progress, who is doing what and also additional material that could be created.

I also have more information from George about the project that I need to share with you.

Cheers

Rugby Club Filming

This post is intended for the Students who attend the meeting with George Davies on Tuesday.

Could you please provide me with a definite answer as to who can attend the training session next week: Tuesday 7 - 9 or Thursday 7 - 9. Also can you inform me who is able to film on some Saturdays and Sundays?

It was hoped that someone from the potential team would attend this evening but unfortunately nobody can.

I don't want to let George down again.

Please respond in the comment box below - I need to know by Monday morning at the latest.

Theory Assignment!!!!!!!

Assignment LINK HERE


I will go through it today with you so that you are aware of you are required to do.

Big Thank You!

Thanks for filling in the CIQ about Jack Black's lecture. Really useful comments and I will make sure that they all get passed on.

I've got to go again on Thursday...anyone want to come along?

I also need a team to film at least another 2 lectures...any offers or should I just try elsewhere?

CIQ: Declaration and Tuesday 25th September posts

Dear participant/Student

I would like to ask you to participate in the data collection for a work-based study into the use of an electronic Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ). For the purposes of this work-based study the questionnaire will be used to discover how you are experiencing teaching sessions. Its usefulness is underlined by the experience that student responses often differ markedly from what teachers have expected on the basis of their own feelings in the classroom (Brookfield 1995: 95-96).  

The CIQ requires you to answer five questions that describe aspects of teaching sessions, prompting teachers to think about what is helping or hindering their learning so far. Your responses are anonymous and you are encouraged to keep a copy too for review at the end of the course and for your own records. You will be asked to complete the CIQ at the end of each class and are the same every week. 

Brookfield began giving students a voice, in this particular way, in the era of carbon paper! But nowadays the facilities available to us include electronic mail and virtual learning environments. Therefore, we will be asking you to submit your electronic CIQ to the specific CIQ page on the course blog.

Your participation in this work-based study is entirely voluntary. Filling in the survey will take no more than 5 minutes. The information you provide is confidential. All of your CIQ responses are anonymous and therefore no participant’s names will be used. If you request confidentiality, beyond anonymised quotes, information you provide will be treated only as a source of background information, alongside literature-based research and potential interviews with other participants.

Your name or any other personal identifying information will not appear in any publications resulting from this study. The information gained from this interview will only be used for the above objectives, will not be used for any other purpose and will not be recorded in excess of what is required for the research.

Even though the study findings will be published in a Thesis, international conferences and journals, only relevant researchers will have access to the anonymous CIQ responses. These researchers will be bound by the principles outlined above. There are no known or anticipated risks to you as a participant in this work-based study.

If you have any questions regarding this study or would like additional information please contact the work-based study researcher (p.smith7@unimail.derby.ac.uk).

By filling in the CIQ (every occasion) you indicate that you understand its purpose and consent to the use of the data as indicated above. This is a completely voluntary request and should you decide not to complete the CIQ at any point during the work-based study, the data you have already entered up to that point will be used.
Thank you for your cooperation

Paul Smith, University of Derby Research Student

Please post here

How you got here Questionnaire

I have a short questionnaire that I have been asked to provide you with. If you get a few free minutes today could you please do the following.

1) Download the document

2) Answer each question (underneath the answer just like doing the CIQ)

3) Then copy and paste your response to the comments section of this post.

4) Remember to post it as anonymous.


Link HERE

p.s. To be in with a chance of winning nothing, name the film and actor.

Tuesday 25th September lesson

I know you were not with me yesterday due to the Jack Black lecture, but I need you to make sure you are on track with your video productions - editing has been delayed but this doesn't stop you planning/filming your other videos.

Lance will have plenty of work for you so do NOT dismiss this.

Additionally, I need this stuff to be sorted.

Will, I need to get you enrolled today. Fill a new form out, put a course sticker on it from the enrolment point and get it processed.

I still need to see GCSE results from 3 of you - Rosie, Michael and Kaylea.

Functional Skills - I will pop down and speak to Tania about FS. If you are re-sitting GCSE's then you will not have to do it. Also, if you already have GCSE Math, English language and ICT you will not have to do it.

There is also the Rugby meeting today - it will be in UC201 at 10am if your still interested please come along.

There are probably other things but as well but I will let you know if I think of anything else.

Cheers!

Todays Lecture

Can you please post a CIQ regarding todays lecture with Jack Black.

I'm really interested to see what you thought about the day. I have my own opinion but I would like to read ALL of yours please.

You can do this tonight or at the start of Lances' lesson.

Post comments here please

Axe in the Head Time

The plan is simple: directors from all over the globe submit their 5 second short film for an opportunity to become part of 100 Horror Films. 100 Horror Films will be a 13 minute short film that will be submitted to all the prominent Horror festivals around the world. We understand that creating horror films can be an expensive pastime; it takes a lot of time, effort and dedication without much opportunity for exposure. The 5 second running time not only makes it more accessible for aspiring directors, but also sets a challenge for the more established filmmakers. 

100 Horror Films aims to provide a platform for new and established talent to make us all laugh, cry, cringe and cower. 

Definitely worth a go and the deadline gives you plenty of time.

Bonus point...what film is the image from - answer by comment. First person to answer may possibly win nothing.

Filmaka

A cool website that you might want to look at:

A web sight where filmmakers can submit short films for viewing, voting, and selection by a panel which includes well-known Hollywood personalities. Cash prizes are available and the  opportunity to make a feature film as ...............................................................'Filmaka of the Year'....Yeah!

CIQ Wednesday 19th September 2012

Could you post here please. Only 9 comments yesterday...rubbish!

CIQ Tuesday 18th September

Please post your comments here

CIQ Monday 17th September 2012

Please post your CIQ responses here.

What needs to be done on Monday 17th September

As well as working on your Vimeo projects you will need to complete some of the following paperwork and online information.

1) Complete ILP via pro-monitor (this can be completed in class)

2) Learner Results Tabulation (this will be completed in class)

3) Learning Style Questionaire (this can be completed at home and the print out brought into class or completed within the lesson)

Link to online document: http://www.brainboxx.co.uk/a3_aspects/pages/vak_quest.htm

4) BKSB Results

If you have still not submitted your grades to me I need this on Monday.

Obviously we will also be talking about the projects you are currently working on as well.

Paperwork for Assignment 1

If your struggling to decipher what production paperwork you need to submit for assignment 1 (the 3 short Vimeo films) I have put together my suggested (only my thoughts you may decided to submit documents that are more applicable to your production) list for each video.

Film 1:

Shot List (a list of the shots you are going to film)

EDL - Edit Decision List (when looking through the footage you have filmed you need to identify the footage that is usable and unusable)

Review of own edit (evaluate your own edit; use film analysis terminology)

Finished film

Film 2:

Research into related videos (do not just print of web pages! It needs to be annotated and screen grabs +  your own text/dialogue is much better)

Mind-map (mind-map of potential ideas)

Treatment (a document that outlines your intentions for your production)

Storyboards (a document that shows a visual representation of what your shots will look like - this can be drawn, however, recently photo images look more professional. You also need to add text to highlight shot type and a description)

Location Recce (reconnaissance of the location you intend to film)

Kit booking form (you can get a copy of this from Andy when you book kit out)

Schedule (what are you going to do and when over the 6 weeks)

Location Risk Assessment (risk assessment of the location/s you will be filming at)

Finished film

Film 3:

Research into related videos (do not just print of web pages! It needs to be annotated and screen grabs +  your own text/dialogue is much better)

Mind-map (mind-map of potential ideas)

Treatment (a document that outlines your intentions for your production)

Location Recce (reconnaissance of the location you intend to film)

Kit booking form (you can get a copy of this from Andy when you book kit out)

Schedule (what are you going to do and when over the 6 weeks)

Location Risk Assessment (risk assessment of the location/s you will be filming at)

EDL - Edit Decision List (when looking through the footage you have filmed you need to identify the footage that is usable and unusable)

Finished film

If you submit all of this documentation and films then you will achieve the grading criteria of the assignment brief.

GCSE Maths and English Resit

If you want to resit english and maths this year you will need to attend one of the following sessions - Wednesday PM is best as you are here in the morning.

You will need to bring your GCSE results with you when you attend the first lesson. You need to have a D at GCSE level to resit.

The resit's start Week beginning Monday 10th September. I know it is this week but I have only been informed this evening. I will speak to the GCSE team tomorrow.

Timetable for resit's attached HERE

CIQ Wednesday 12th September

Post Comments Here Please

CIQ Tuesday 11th September 2012

Please post your comments here to todays lesson. Thanks for responding to yesterdays post! Remember the section that tells you what not to do/post - there was a bit of that yesterday. However nearly all of them were very useful, Thanks!

CIQ: Declaration and First Post - Monday 10th September 2012

Dear participant/student

I would like to ask you to participate in the data collection for a work-based study into the use of an electronic Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ). For the purposes of this work-based study the questionnaire will be used to discover how you are experiencing teaching sessions. Its usefulness is underlined by the experience that student responses often differ markedly from what teachers have expected on the basis of their own feelings in the classroom (Brookfield 1995: 95-96).  

The CIQ requires you to answer five questions that describe aspects of teaching sessions, prompting teachers to think about what is helping or hindering their learning so far. Your responses are anonymous and you are encouraged to keep a copy too for review at the end of the course and for your own records. You will be asked to complete the CIQ at the end of each class and are the same every week. 

Brookfield began giving students a voice, in this particular way, in the era of carbon paper! But nowadays the facilities available to us include electronic mail and virtual learning environments. Therefore, we will be asking you to submit your electronic CIQ to the specific CIQ page on the course blog.

Your participation in this work-based study is entirely voluntary. Filling in the survey will take no more than 5 minutes. The information you provide is confidential. All of your CIQ responses are anonymous and therefore no participant’s names will be used. If you request confidentiality, beyond anonymised quotes, information you provide will be treated only as a source of background information, alongside literature-based research and potential interviews with other participants.

Your name or any other personal identifying information will not appear in any publications resulting from this study. The information gained from this interview will only be used for the above objectives, will not be used for any other purpose and will not be recorded in excess of what is required for the research.

Even though the study findings will be published in a Thesis, international conferences and journals, only relevant researchers will have access to the anonymous CIQ responses. These researchers will be bound by the principles outlined above. There are no known or anticipated risks to you as a participant in this work-based study.

If you have any questions regarding this study or would like additional information please contact the work-based study researcher (p.smith7@unimail.derby.ac.uk).

By filling in the CIQ you indicate that you understand its purpose and consent to the use of the data as indicated above. This is a completely voluntary request and should you decide not to complete the CIQ at any point during the work-based study, the data you have already entered up to that point will be used.
Thank you for your cooperation

Paul Smith, University of Derby Research Student

Please post your CIQ's, anonymously, below...

1. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most engaged with what was happening? 

2. At what moment in the class this week did you feel most distanced from what was happening?

3. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find most affirming and helpful?

4. What action that anyone (teacher or student) took in class this week did you find the most confusing puzzling?

5. What about the class this week surprised you the most? (This could be something about your own reactions to what went on, or something that someone did, or anything else that occurs to you.) 

Confim Following

Please comment below that you are following this blog.

Film Analysis

Here is a good reference guide to use when it comes to analysis of film. Have a look through it to familiarise yourself with it, as you will need to know the information.

Link HERE

Practical Assignments Year Plan

This is the year plan for the practical film making assignments you will be conducting during your first year.

Link HERE

First Assignment Brief

This is your first Assignment Brief.

The assignment is design to provide you with a basic insight into the process of video production.

Whenever a new Assignment Brief is provided the lecturer will always go through the content of the Assignment Brief with you so that you are fully aware of what you need to do. It is an informal process but one which should provide you with all the information you need and also allow you to ask any questions.

LINK HERE

Course Handbook 2012_2013

Here is the course handbook for the academic year. It should provide you with additional information regarding the course and structure. Please be aware that the course handbook covers the whole area of digital Media not just Film and Television.

Link HERE

Initial Timetable

Timetable for the start of the academic year. This is how it currently stands but names of lecturers and rooms may change.

Link HERE

Icebreaker + Quiz

We're going to do a short icebreaker to establish who you are. I know, I know, I know you probably don't want to but I know nothing about you and probably neither do your peers.

Link to Icebreaker HERE

Then after that we've got a short quiz to see what you know about film, TV & media imagery in general. The winner/s also get a prize*

Quiz link HERE

*Might not happen if we get terrible answers and Paul's decision is final. So no arguing!

Schedule for Induction Week

Here are links to each individual day so you know what we're going to be up to.

Monday Link

Tuesday Link

Wednesday Link

Thursday Link

Have a look through and it's a good opportunity to see is you can access documents form the blog. If you're having problems let me know by leaving a comment.

Welcome

Hi & Welcome to the College!

This is the course blog and it will be where all information that is relevant to he course will be stored and located.

Firstly, you will need to create your own blog (your lecturer will assist you in creating one) and then once you have completed this task you can then follow this blog.

Once you are following this blog you will be able to access the documents and posts comments regarding information  supplied to you. Everything you will need to conduct and complete the course can be located here.

"Every time I go to a movie it is magic no matter what the movie is about."