INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING: Chatroom/Teaser Trailer Deconstruction

Time Lapse- (One Person Static)

Time Lapse- One Person Static

(Close up of the time lapse shot on our storyboard)

 

One of the clips in our trailer is what is called a One Person Static Time Lapse. To effectively achieve this I researched into how and we practised the technique of time lapse videography. I found out that actually no advanced or super high technology is necessary but rather just a good digital SLR camera, which we already have and a reasonable amount of shooting time.

I also found some useful tips:

Tripod is a vital piece of equipment because considering the camera needs to remain in the same position for a prolonged period of time, the tripod prevents shakes or rolling- essentially avoiding shaky takes.

Framing is also very important. This helps to visualise the scene and the best composition for the camera.

Another tip is that it's best and advised to leave the camera in use, a basic setting because changing the settings beforehand enables the camera to automatically try to correct every little detail and change the light or colour temperature; which wont give us much control in post production.

(www.enriguepacheco.com/10-tips-for-shooting-time-lapse)

(An example of a street time lapse)

(An example of a One Person Time Laspe)

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CULTRAL LINK/INITIAL RESEARCH: Anonymity of the internet

 Anonymity of the internet

(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Report-the-group-cancer-is-funny-cause-people-die/416334345090031)

This is an example of how easily the internet can be utilized for abusive and cruel opinions or topics made and expressed by internet users who typically hide behind the facade of anonymity that internet presumably allows.

This facebook group ‘Cancer is funny because people die’ is simply one of many alike facebook groups that tend to draw on issues that are widely sensitive and plain hurtful BUT yet viral.

The creator of this page, I’m sure isn’t likely to express this particular view about cancer patients to someone who perhaps actually has cancer; that’s where the power of the internet is emphasised because it’s an opportunity for the element of ‘hidden identity’ to really come into play.

(Another exmaple)

Internet Anonymity

Through research I have collected a range of different opinions, ideologies and attitudes towards the battle over identity on the World Wide Web.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/apr/20/online-anonymity-death-threats

“A combination of a false sense of anonymity and the idea that everything digital is "not authentic" makes creating abusive groups, sending hate mail and commenting abusive messages etc that much easier.”

“Internet users are familiar with forming a single public identity that's a collective version of their offline past, the online present and their combined future...”

"Before Facebook and Google became the giants of the web, the most famous online adage was, "on the internet, no one knows you're a dog". It seems the days when people were allowed to be dogs are coming to a close.”

“The old web, a place where identity could remain separate from real life, is rapidly disappearing from the computer screen. According to Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer, and Richard Allan, its director of policy in Europe, a critical mass of people only want online interactions supported by "authentic" identity. And this, say critics, will have irrevocable effects on the openness of the web.”

“The pursuit of authenticity is creeping into the heart of most social media models and in the current internet landscape is playing an important role in how we engage with one another and with web content. For many people, Facebook and Google products are the sum total of their web interaction, and the value in creating a platform that provides confidence that a person is who they say they are, rather someone pretending to be them, is critical to a social network's success.”

“Within this model, authentic identity is non-anonymous. Facebook profiles and Google IDs are tied to a person's real name and real connections, and increasingly to their activities across cyberspace. Users are familiar with logging into other services using Facebook or Google IDs, forming a single public identity that's a collective version of their offline past, the online present and their combined future.”

“Facebook also believes authenticity is linked to a person's photo stream, which is why it has just paid $1bn for the photo-sharing service Instagram. "Pictures speak a thousand words””

"We went from a web that was interest-driven, and then we transitioned into a web where the connections were in-person, real-life friendship relationships,"."

The millions who have gone online over the past decade want a safe place where they won't experience bad behaviour, have their identities stolen or be duped by impostors.

Nicknames and pseudonyms, regardless of their longevity – and some have been in use for decades – are considered breaches of terms of service.

‘An online identity can be as permanent as an offline one: pseudonymous users often identify themselves in different social networks using the same account name. But because their handles aren't based on real names, they can deliberately delineate their identity accordingly, and reassert anonymity if they wish. Psychologists argue that this is valuable for the development of a sense of who one is, who one can be, and how one fits into different contexts.’

"The ability to be anonymous is increasingly important because it gives people control, it lets them be creative, it lets them figure out their identity and explore what they want to do, or to research topics that aren't necessarily 'them' and may not want tied to their real name for perpetuity,"

And so the ideological battle over online identity continues.

Our plot really wants to focus on this ‘online identity battle’ and how the internet is such an easy platform for impostors. Our protagonist in effect will be a victim of this.

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INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING: Hard Candy/Poster Decnstruction

Hard Candy- Poster Deconstruction
Theme: Internet

Hard Candy is a 2005 thriller film focusing on the torture of a sexual predator by a 14-year old vigilante Hayley Stark, portrayed by Ellen Page

The film, an independent production, was directed by David Slade, written by Brian Nelson, and stars Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page.

Hard Candy Poster Deconstructions

·        The poster is pretty plain but very much effective.

·        The triangular metal fox trap was positioned in such a way, it obvious plays on the fact, that the protagonists seems like prey about to be caught.

·        The costume of the character in the centre of the poster, is mostly red and this could be deliberate by the poster designers because they perhaps could have intended to suggest links with the little red riding hood (with the red hoody etc) and the connotations of the well-known character of little riding hood is that she was naive, innocent and prey for the wolf in the story. Although this character on the poster may appear like that, it’s very much the opposite as she is an empowered and unpredictable young girl who carries the movie’s plot well.

·        Even the style and choice of clothes suggests youth; the cut off leggings, school-type side bag, matched with the hoody. But the fact the hoody is up could even still appear sinister and mysterious as it means the protagonists face is hidden deliberately because she isn’t who the audience would expect her to be.

·        The typography is bold and the title ‘Hard Candy’, is, to my understanding, a paedophile term for underage girls. That is very much the premise of the plot; paedophilia.

·        The critics’ comments at the top of the poster ‘Absolutely terrifying...’ creates more of an appeal for the movie and creates anticipation for the audience who may go see this film. Even the word ‘terrifying’ suggests genre. The poster also contains the conventional features of a movie poster, e.g. the actors/producers names/production company etc

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INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING- Black Swan/Poster Deconstruction

In our initial research and planning stage one of our ideas was to focus on the extremeity of beauty, vanity and perfectionism as a theme for our plot and how the media showcase it.
One of the film I looked at for these themes is the 2010 hit movie, Black Swan.

Black Swan- Beauty & Perfectionist Extremity

Black Swan, 2010 stars award-winning actress Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers.

This Darren Aronofsky film is about a young woman coming of age; a possessive and demanding mother; the dark half of a personality and an artist who must sacrifice everything for their art.

Black Swan Poster Deconstructions

·        The mention of respected film festivals adds to the credibility of the positive ratings of the movie and perhaps using the audience knowledge of these festivals allows them to recognise whether of not they will enjoy this film or not.

·        The straight head on shot (equal symmetrical head position) is rather striking and attention-grabbing. Her red filled blood shot eyes and paleness of her whole body appears inhuman. Although the connotations of white are indeed purity and innocence but this character appears to be anything but! Even the dark maroon matte lipstick could be considered sensual and seductive.

·        Her eye-makeup cleverly reflects the film title (Make-up resembles black wings which has links to the black swan)

·        The crown could mean she is Queen? Sovereign? Or the ‘ultimate?

·        The white backdrop could symbolize the bright and blinding power of a stage spotlight perhaps- suggesting the overwhelming nature of performing or better yet, being the star.

·        The poster designers deliberately place the stars names and movie title at the bottom centre; small enough for the audience to want to look a little closer therefore spending more time looking at the poster in general.

·        The typography of the movie title stands out boldly against the white background, which does catch the eye.

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