General Media Stuff

So, recently in class we have been doing some interesting stuff on the Media industry. With Mrs Francis we have been doing about Working Title Films, a company that I produce many films that I like, and also Channel four films who I also enjoy films from. I was surprised to find out about Working title films being funded (67% of its shares are owned by) Universal Pictures, and also the fact they work quite a lot with Studio Canal, who generally produce european made films. Channel four seem a lot more interested in purely British films, and usually only puts its name on such films, such as Slumdog Millionaire and This is England.

With Mr Van Straten, we have started work on our coursework, which is to do a two minute intro to a film of any genre. In my group with Grace, Georgia and Danni we have decided to do the opening scene of a Thriller/Horror film, as we all know quite a lot about this particular style of Film and we have taken a look at two films in particular. We looked at the Film 'Them', that Georgia suggested as we wanted to not let the audience know who is watching the victim, and that was what was conveyed in the opening of the film. The Second, was "What Lies Beneath" that i had just watched and when we mentioned the word bathroom, i thought for us to take a look at it. Both films have proved useful so far, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the project!

Oh Dear

That was my first thought when i looked at my hastily edited continuity film earlier, which overall looked very scrappy. Cue Kia, Morgan, A Camcorder, and the tape entitled Awesome Crew. I Have shot some new footage, and I am planning to edit it a home using Final Cut, and add to the footage i have already got, and hope that it works! I included over the shoulder shots from both sides of the conversation, which took several takes again because of the nature of the conversation (about Kia not having and limbs!) Anyway, it's all good now, and I am thinking up ideas for my Thriller film. I am thinking of a chase sequence, but not by some hideous three headed monster, or a chainsaw wielding, hockey mask wearing maniac, but the viewer of the film doesn't know what is chasing the person being chased. I am not sure of the whereabouts of this sequence yet, but i was in Hammersmith the other day, and i found a particuarly dark and dingy looking area that was very atmospheric for this sort of thing. However, when i first had the idea, i wanted to do it in a multi storey car park, and I haven't given up trying to find one i can use yet, but it is fairly unlikely. In terms of actors, I have asked James Sherrard to be the unfortunate one being chased, and I am going to get in contact with one of my more intimidating friends to be the person chasing, if I am actually going to use one. But yer anyway, that's basically it in terms of my ideas.

I have recently been reading into the  controversy caused by the highly amusing book 'Should you be laughing at This?' by Hugleikur Dagsson, which was a book released a couple of years, and one which i forgot about, and have now rediscovered. It shows how people's personal tastes on this controversial subject can affect their better judgement, as I think it's quite funny if you don't take it to seriously, which I think some people are. Have a look at this article:

http://bifsniff.com/wp-content/files/2006/12/banthisbook-1. jpg 

Sorry about the small text, but that's the best i can find at the moment. Also, if you like that very blunt humor, check out the book 'Modern Toss' which is very similar and has an accompanying tv show! 

Half Term Media Report

Well it's sunday night, and i can finally fill you in on my media troubles and strives over half term. I hope i am not alone in saying this, but i'm aware that the amount of time that i have spent watching tv and using the internet and my computer is hugely excessive, but to be honest, if i haven't got better things to do then why not? I have spent an average of 3 hours a day on my computer and 2 hours watching television. To be honest, I could've been a lot worse, but i tried to busy myself with other things. This average was taken over my 15 days on half term, and for 10 of those days i spent an hour playing my playstation 2. Is it worth buying a next generation console? I have got the money but which one etc.? 

Over half term i have also done other media related things. I went and bought two 7" singles after seeing them advertised on television and online. One was Bloc Party's new single 'Talons', which i would recommend to anybody who is a fan of Bloc party or just like strange sounds, fusing rock with a hint of electronica mixed in. The Other one was the new Bond theme 'Another Way to Die' by Jack White and Alicia Keys. After hearing this on Radio 1 a while back, and not liking it, i found myself listening to it continually using youtube. I think it's a good and interesting Bond Theme, and really gives new listeners to the great Jack White a sample of his creative, garage-blues sound, and i think he has written a classic and retro sounding bond theme. However, this is just my opinion and I would like to hear other bloggers opinions on this issue. On Youtube, it has had mixed feedback as you can see here:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=suXkdsftsVU

In other news, The Black Lights, the band that i am in have just recorded their second demo, which is due to be mixed and ready to be released later next week. I will fill you all in on details when the time comes. Also the original Demo that was recorded on the 21st June earlier on this year has found its way into the hands of The Last Shadow Puppets, the side project of Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, and Miles Kane from The Rascals after it was handed to them by Jamie and I as we were fortunate to meet these legends and are awaiting some form of feedback on the demo soon. I think thats about it, but i'm also writing articles on Music accompanying Films and also on The Rating of Video games. Tata for now...