Audience and Institutions Essay

5. In relation to the media area you have studied, discuss the ways audience consumption has changed over time.

            Through my AICE Media Studies class this year, we have focused on studying and practicing film. This brings to attention the question of why, and how, audience consumption of film has changed over time. Where people used to pay to view movies live in theaters, they are now staying at home to rent them or to wait to watch on a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. But why this shift in preference?

The transition from movie theaters to streaming services is one of the most obvious in the industry. In 2018, the highest grossing movie, Black Panther, produced $12 billion. Just one year before, Spider-Man: Homecoming was released, totalling only $880 million. Why the extreme difference in sales between two movies of the same franchise? What Marvel fan paid to see Black Panther that chose not to see Spider-Man: Homecoming? The answer is in not marketing itself, but the actual content of each film.

            Movies today, despite there being some representation for certain minorities, have become flooded with repetition. Viewers don’t want to pay for a film that, prior to viewing, could easily be confused with the own shown before or shown after. The energy it takes to visit a theater and pay to see a film is seen as only worth it in certain circumstances to many, and Spider-Man: Homecoming did not check that box for many fans.

            Black Panther has a predominately Black cast. This is a welcome change to many Marvel fans, who have long wished for a POC superhero movie. Black fans especially celebrated, evident by the total box office sales, the new representation in film. Major franchises often overlook the importance of this representation, believing that including a single minority character (usually shown in distressing situations, or killed off altogether) counts as progress, but the company seems to have hit the nail on the head with Black Panther.

            Spider-Man: Homecoming, while still not featuring an all-white cast, didn’t appeal to many in the way that Black Panther did. It centered on a white teen male, albeit with a supporting cast of minority characters. This was not what the film needed to gain as much popularity as Black Panther did, but it was still massively popular and raked in millions of dollars in box-office sales.

            Even with the movies being as popular as they are, though, theaters still see a smaller customer base. Streaming services are now widely affordable and popular among nearly all groups of people. Even before the steady decrease in theater use, it was clear that streaming was on the rise and growing quickly. It likely stems from viewers’ knowing that any movie they can see in theaters will also be available at home eventually, coupled with the belief that their home is more comfortable and snacks are not  nearly as expensive as the movie itself. For those on tight budgets, visiting movie theaters is a waste of money and resources that could be better spent on more important items.

            In sum, audience consumption of film has undergone a major shift. Not only in expressing a far larger interest in films featuring diverse casts, but also in the way they prefer to view their entertainment. While this may spell an end to the movie theater business as we know it, the film industry as a whole seems willing to evolve with its audience, which will likely provide a new generation of film and viewing options.

Worksheets for Practice Extract Essay

Practice Extract Essay

Creative Critical Reflection for Final Task

This is my CCR for my final task. I finished it yesterday, but couldn't figure out how exactly to upload it until now. In it, I answer four different questions about my film. It's a reflection, so I talked about how far I've come from the beginning of the year to now. I also talk about the different kinds of technology that went into making the film. One of the questions is about engagement with the audience and distribution as a real media text. Another is on challenging conventions and representing social groups/issues.

Final Task

Music Video CCR

Music Video

This is my music video project. I worked on it alone, but had two of my friends help as actors. It gave me more experience as a director, filmer, and editor, and I enjoyed the process of choosing a song.

Commercial

This is my commercial project. I was assigned it in the beginning of the year. It helped me get a hang of the filming process. It let me gain experience in storyboarding, filming, and editing. It is a commercial for Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

Creative Critical Reflection for Commercial Project

Peer Review

Today our class did peer reviewing. I had to review another classmate's film. She did a horror film. It had good suspense. It also did a good job of drawing me in. It made me want to watch more. In some parts, the lighting made it slightly difficult to make out the movements. The lighting was fine for the most part, though.

Editing Blog

I finished editing. This is only the first draft of my film. I will definitely have to go back and change some things later. For now, it's ready for peer review. Once I get some critiques back, I will be able to make better choices and changes to it.

I'm fairly comfortable with editing. This is mostly because I have done it twice before now. I had to edit my commercial, in the beginning of the year. I also had to edit my music video project. This one was more recent. I started off bumpy. I was not very sure of myself or my editing skills. While I'm still not a 'master' at it, I am more confident in my ability to edit a film.

Filming Blog: Finished

I have finally finished filming today. I didn't have to go anywhere. Some of the shots were outside. We had to shoot them relatively early. This was so the lighting wasn't too harsh or too dark. First, my mom changed into the outfit I decided on for shooting. There were multiple outfits, but one of them was used for longer than the others. I also had to use a car during filming. We didn't go anywhere, just drove around the block so I could get a shot of her driving. I made sure to take multiple shots of everything. That would help with reshoots and make the process quicker and easier. I followed my storyboard. I tried to line up every shot as I had previously planned it, but a couple didn't look as good as I had thought they would. I adjusted those to what I thought would work better. There were no accidents, but we were near home or inside home for the entire filming process, and I was filming on a phone even when we were out driving. 

Filming Blog: Starting

I filmed this past weekend. I used my mom as the main protagonist. She was also the only character. We started filming on Saturday. I got most of the shots done then. Some of it needed to be shot outside, though. For these, we waited until Sunday. It was already too dark to shoot them Saturday. Filming was fairly easy. I had to figure out how to choose some positions. In some, I had to make sure that my shadow didn't fall in front of the camera. I think I managed it though. I'll be able to get another opinion when we do peer reviews.

Pre-Filming

Filming will start this weekend. Today we filled out our Cambridge forms. I had to put my elevator pitch for my film on it. It was two sentences. During class, I worked more on my storyboard. It's basically finished. I just wanted to look over it some more. This way, I can make sure it's clear. This will help when filming. It will make it faster and more efficient, since I will already know what angles and movements to use.

Pre-Filming: Delayed Filming

My timeline has been postponed for filming. This is due to my being sick. I will now film this weekend instead. I was previously planning on filming this past weekend. I have asked my friend Isabella if she will be able to. She will be available this weekend. Until then, I will put more work into my storyboard and plan. Today, I will look over it and see what I can improve. I can think more about technical details. These include lighting, specific locations, background noise, and outfits. These are important for forming settings and mood in the film.
For today, I will be in class. I will look over my storyboard. I will be looking for anything I could make better or more clear. The outfits are also undecided. I will be thinking about those. The colors and styles will need to be chosen. The clothes will help provide the mood of the film. So do the lighting, noises, and where I plan to shoot. These will all contribute to the film.

Pre-Filming Blog

I couldn't film this week because I was sick. I had a fever. I also had a bad cough. I think I had the flu. My plan was to film this past weekend. This plan was ruined because I was sick. I was going to have my friend Isabella over to film. It didn't work out. I couldn't go to school, either. I was stuck at home for a week. I missed class as well as filming time. I have been to the doctor and they cleared me for school, though.
This delayed my timeline for the project. I was initially going to have most, if not all, of my filming completed by this week. Now that I'm behind, I will have to film this weekend instead. It's not that bad. Unfortunately I will also have less time to edit. This will give me less time to make sure I like the finished project before peer editing. All in all, it isn't too bad. I will still be able to film, edit, and complete a draft before turning in the opening.

Planning Blog: Location, Participants, Health/Safety, and Schedule

I finished my schedule and decided on the locations, participants, and safety precautions for my film. I had to do it on a Google Slide, since that's what we were instructed to do. It allows us to embed the file directly in the blog, rather than insert screenshots of powerpoint slides. It also provides an easy way to put together plans and different aspects of my project. Choosing locations was easy, as the whole film will be shot on one location, likely one of my parent's houses. The exact location will be one of two, depending on who is available to film and where they live (so that the commute won't be too inconvenient for them or their parents). My final actors haven't been determined yet, simply because not everyone I'm considering knows if they would be available for shooting. It won't be an issue either way though, since I could just use my mom, sister, or even myself (if absolutely necessary). I will be using one of my little brothers as well, but the part only requires a voiceover of laughter, which shouldn't be too difficult. My health/safety plan is very simple, but thorough, since safety is my top priority in the production of this project.

Planning Blog: Sound Script

This is my sound script for my final task. It will cover all music, dialogue, diegetic, and non-diegetic sounds that occur in the movie. Each scene is titled by number, in the order in which they will appear. The sound script includes everything that is heard within the two minute opening of my film. The shooting script for the title sequence has already been completed. While the majority of the film will likely remain true to the script, the main character and her relationship to the boy may have to change based on who is available while I'm filming. For example, if my mom isn't able to act in it but the friends who I would ask to help are, then the relationship would change from mother/son to sister/brother, and vice versa.

Planning Blog: Shooting Script

This is my shooting script for my final task. It is the script for my final project, about a woman who goes after her son's killers. It will cover all camera movements, angles, edits, and actions that occur in the movie. Each scene is titled by number, in the order in which they will appear. The shooting script includes everything that happens within the two minute opening of my film. It does not include sounds or dialogue. Next, I will do the sound script for the title sequence. While the majority of the film will likely remain true to the script, the main character and her relationship to the boy may have to change based on who is available while I'm filming. For example, if my mom isn't able to act in it but the friends who I would ask to help are, then the relationship would change from mother/son to sister/brother, and vice versa.

Title Research: Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?

There were 15 title screens, with 28 total titles displayed.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
Digitally generated sequences, special effects, and action scenes.

3. What connotations do the images carry?
Excitement, secrets, pressure, action, danger, impressiveness.

4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes for the outset?
Shots are dramatic and scenes are fast-paced and exciting, and the characters are shown in dangerous situations.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
By already providing an action theme and engaging viewers by showing glimpses of the film without spoiling anything.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The editing and angles of the filming, as well as the digital effects used in the titles is visually pleasing and appeals viewers. Also, the movement and scenes shown have an engaging effect on viewers, piquing their interest and causing them to want to know what happens.

7. How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.
Editing and angles have been utilized to enhance dramatic shots, and provide an enjoyable perspective for viewers.

Title Research: Sky Fighters

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequence to the film?
There were 12 title screens, with 24 total titles displayed.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?
Shots of planes flying and taking off. There were also many digitalized planes coming apart to show the inner mechanics.

3. What connotations do the images carry?
Flight, military, government.

4. How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes for the outset?
It is reinforced through the apparent government involvement and music chosen, as well as the action paced transitions.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?
By showing the importance/relevance of planes and their mechanics, and implying a government or military involvement.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?
The editing and angles of the filming, as well as the digital effects used in the titles is visually pleasing and appeals viewers.

7. How has technology been used effectively? You want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.
Editing techniques were used to follow planes and create the technical images of the inner planes. High angles and low angles are both used to capture flight and take off/ landing of different planes and types of planes in the opening scene. Eye level shots and panning are also used to show the situation/environment and include the people present.

Title Research: Watch the Titles Website

This website is called 'Watch the Titles'. It is the second of two websites that our teachers showed us. I am supposed to look at them to study openings of other films. They will help give me a good idea of how to plan mine. I watched a few opening sequences from each site. I chose action movies, since that's the genre mine will be. The characteristics in the openings I found on each website were often the same, as they were all in the same genre and therefore had many of the same conventions. I noticed that the music for many of them is fast paced, often energetic and loud. The shots are commonly fast/ move on quickly. This gives a tone of action and causes the viewer to know that something exciting is going to happen in the movie. Also, the font used in the title sequences were all the same throughout one film. This gives a sense of uniformity. It helps the film seem professional and visually appealing. The titles were also usually in motion, or were shown in a creative way. This also lends to the aesthetic and excitement of the opening.

Title Research: Art of the Title Website

This website is called 'Art of the Title'. It is one of two websites that our teachers showed us. I am supposed to look at them to study openings of other films. This will help give me a good idea of how to plan mine. I watched a few opening sequences. I chose action movies, since that's the genre mine will be. I noticed that the music for many of them is fast paced, often energetic and loud. The shots are commonly fast/ move on quickly. This gives a tone of action and causes the viewer to know that something exciting is going to happen in the movie. Also, the font used in the title sequences were all the same throughout one film. This gives a sense of uniformity. It helps the film seem professional and visually appealing. The titles were also usually in motion, or were shown in a creative way. This also lends to the aesthetic and excitement of the opening.

What Genre I'm Doing

I have decided on the genre I will be using for my film. I was stuck between using drama and action. I'm going to go with action. I chose action because the film as a whole will be more of an action-filled plot, despite the emotional turmoil and foundation of the story. Though I am not sure that the opening will contain much action, it will still suit the film as a whole better than drama would. My goals with making it an action film will be to keep viewers entertained and interested in the plot.

Genre Research: Action and Drama

Genre: Action

Common Camera Angles (CAMS):

• Low-angle, high-angle.

Common Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS):

• The costumes are usually detailed and expressive of the character.
• The lighting usually enhances mood, often puts emphasis on dramatic scenes.
• The actors are usually portrayed in a serious manner.
• The makeup is minimal.
• The props are usually hand props, like guns and phones.
• The setting is often somewhere recognizable or famous.

Common Editing:

• Most of the editing makes the movie visually appealing and gives a more enticing/interesting appearance.

Elements:

• Some common conventions include fight scenes, two or more opposing sides (in which the protagonist comes out the winner), and a high-stakes plot or conflict.

Examples:

• Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Baby Driver.

Common Sounds:

• Sound effects added to action scenes.
• Energetic/dramatic/suspenseful music.

Elements I Like:

• The fight scenes and editing add an element of excitement and visual appeal that I enjoy about action movies.

Elements I Dislike:

• Action movies often seem all the same, as many do not have original plots and are simply knockoffs of other more popular movies.

Genre: Drama

Common Camera Angles (CAMS):

• Bird's Eye/God's Eye/Aerial shots and Eye Level shots are common.
• Pans and tilts are used often.
• Extreme close ups and medium shots.

Common Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS):

• Costumes used to emphasize themes and personalities.
• Lighting is dark, realistic.
• Actors are emotional, serious.
• Makeup is minimal to give a sense of realism.
• Props are fewer in order to direct focus to actors.
• Setting contributes to theme or plot.

Common Editing:

• Editing mainly enhances shot and dramatizes events.

Elements:

• Clear, evident plots to make them easy to understand and follow.
• Emotional scenes and relationships between characters.

Example films:

• Jaws, Titanic, Schindler's List.

Common Sounds:

• Usually diegetic and would naturally belong in the location of the shot.
• Emotional music to add to themes.

Elements I Like:

• Plots are often engaging and easy to follow.

Elements I Dislike:

• Some dramas are overdramatic or cheesy.

Genre Research (Epic)

In the first quarter of this class we had to do this project. We were each assigned a genre and did a PowerPoint on it. The genre I was assigned was Epic. I had to research the elements are commonly found in this genre. For example the common lighting, sounds, camera angles, and so forth. I explored a variety of movies in the Epic genre and found common conventions and standards. The project gave me insight into what makes a genre what it is and how the different elements in a film work together to produce the end result.

My Pitch

My two final pitches are:

1) “When a single mother's only son is killed in what the media deems a "tragic accident", chaos ensues when she goes after his killer.”  I chose this one because I already have a good idea of what I could do with it, and I feel very confident with this pitch. It will provide the right amount of suspense and emotion to draw viewers in. I have an idea of showing how empty and emotionless the woman's life is, without giving away how or why she ended up in this situation. Then, we would show that the missing piece is her passed son. The woman will come to the decision to take revenge on his killer, and the two minutes will leave off on a note of suspense and emotion. The hardest part would probably be making the emotions clear, at least with facial expressions, as there aren't many actual lines. The shots and music will also be a main contributing factor to this. I may use my mother or a friend, depending on when they are available for filming. I would also use my younger brother to play the woman's son.

2) "Two estranged sisters trapped in an elevator together during a family vacation reveal secrets about their alienation that bring the siblings closer than ever before.”. I decided not to film this pitch for a few reasons. One of them is that I don't have the right resources or equipment to make it effectively. I don't have access to an elevator on a regular basis, and while that wouldn't be too much of an issue, I also don't have the ability to film a elevator "break down" without it seeming cheesy and badly done. If I wanted to make this into a good film, I would need more than two minutes to properly express it.

My final decision is the first pitch. I chose this one becauseI think that a lot of people will choose the horror genre, and while mine is somewhat similar (being more of a thriller/action movie), I'm not sure it will be as easy to pull off a film that leaves viewers at the edges of their seats. I also think that this will be much easier, needing only two actors and very few actual lines. Another reason I chose it is because I see myself having a lot of fun making it, and already am enjoying the storyboarding process and coming up with ideas for it.

Starting Our Final Task

On Wednesday, our teacher announced the beginning of our final project. This one will be the opening two minutes of a film. The film will be a completely original one that I will have to come up with. I'm working by myself. This means that there will be more work for me to do on my own. However, it will also be easier for me to coordinate and plan out the different aspects of the project. This project will be more difficult than our previous ones. It will also be more important. This is because we have to come up with an entire movie, not just the two minutes we will be filming. This project will also be worth far more than anything else we've done, and will be part of our final Cambridge grade.

This year, I have grown and learned from both our teachers' lectures and hands-on experience. When we had our commercial project, the first project of the year, I was lost and unfamiliar with the filming and editing processes. Despite the difficulties I encountered, I would say that the tasks we have been given have helped me improve drastically. I've become better at choosing shots and angles, as well as filing in general. I have also gotten better at editing film. Although I absolutely still have plenty of room for improvement, as everyone does, I am proud of myself for how far I've come in just a few months.

For this project, we come up with 3-6 pitch ideas for a movie before planning what will be the opener (the part we shoot). I had a couple of ideas as soon as our teacher explained what we had to do, but after researching I realized that many of them were too similar to preexisting films or concepts, even if I had never heard of them before. Despite this, I managed to think of a few different ideas that I believe could work:

    1) When a single mother's only son is killed in what the media deems a "tragic accident", chaos ensues when she goes after his killer.

    This would be good for the project because it would include grief and conflict that would definitely be possible to show within the first two minutes of the film.

    2) A serial killer who uses victim's axes to kill leaves a note calling himself a demon, and warns that only jazz music could protect them.

    (Based on the true story of the Axeman of New Orleans.)
    This is a good option because it has the horror aspect that engages viewers and makes it easy to create a compelling introduction.

    3) Two estranged sisters trapped in an elevator together during a family vacation reveal secrets about their alienation that bring the siblings closer than ever before.

    This could be good because it has the right combination of tension and slight thriller that could make for a food opener.