BAFTAS

What is BAFTA?The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) supports, promotes and develops the art forms of the moving image - film, television and video games - by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public
Who won what?

Tessa Ross

• Has worked on the production of Slumdog Millionaire, Chris Morris’s Four Lions and Steve McQueen’s Hunger
• Started her career as a literary agent before moving into television, becoming head of Drama at Channel 4 in 2000.
• Controller of Film4 since 2004
• Received the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the BAFTA Film Awards in February 2013
• Received a CBE in 2010 for her services to broadcasting

1. How do you feel knowing Slumdog Millionaire was so big?
2. Who has been your favourite celebrity to work with?
3. How do you feel after winning awards such as a BAFTA?
4. Do you think this will effect your career greatly?
5. Do you think you're going to be working on Hollywood films anytime soon?

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of disability using the following: camera shots, angles, movement and composition, editing, sound & Mise-en-scene

                In this extract from casualty, camera shots, angles, movement and composition, editing,  sound and Mise-en-scene to construct many different representations of disability, such as the stereotype that disabled people are venerable.

                One representations of disability in this clip, is the stereotype that many disabled people just ‘give up’. One way in which this stereotype is shown is through sound. In the toilet scene, the brother in the wheelchair, says “I’ve had enough Adam. This disease is winning”, implying that he has given up and sees no reason to continue fight against his disease. This stereotype could also be shown through camera shots and angles. In the bathroom scene, there is an over the shoulder shot, in the mirror that shows the disabled man to be lower than his brother. This could be used to show that the disabled brother feels inferior to his brother. This is also shown through the use of a wheelchair in the scene, to show that he is cannot walk, and that may also make him feel lower than his brother. Also, the fact that the shot is in a mirror, could be used to represent the idea that after death, people close to that person will often imagine seeing them in certain places, which could also be used to show that the disabled man has given up. It could also be that the brother cannot face each other, as they know what is coming from the brother’s incurable disease and do not want to face it.

                However in this extract you can see a power shift between these two brothers. When they move to scene in the café it is almost as if the brother in the wheelchair has more power over his brother. This is shown through the shot type. The shot type is a wide shot, to show the two brother sat at a table, neither is shown to be higher than the other, but they are both show to be equal. As they are both sitting down, the brother in the wheelchair is not physically lower than anyone else, as they are all sitting. This power shift is also shown through the dialogue. In this scene he says to his brother “fetch me a straw”. There is also quite, Christmas music playing in the background to reflect the light-hearted situation, and the disabled man is relaxed. Although this could also be shown as him giving up, and not trying to do everyday tasks for himself, it also shows that he has power over his brother, as his brother does it straight away. It could also be shown through the Mise-en-scene, in that in the café, the disabled brother knows more people, for example, he knows the waitress by name, showing that he is not seen as inferior or different to anyone else.

                Another representation of disability in this extract is the stereotype that disabled people are vulnerable. One way this representation is shown is though shot types. In the scene where the man is mugged, there are many different shot types used to show this representation. One shot type used is a medium-close up of the disabled man, to show his hesitation about what to do when he is approached by one man on the bike with his hood up. It also shows the fear on his face, in that he is clearly intimated. There is then a wide shot used to show that he is being approached in both directions by two hooded men on bikes. This shot shows him change directions, again showing his hesitation about what to do. In this scene, there are quick cutes between these shots to show the tension building and that the disabled man is getting intimidated and worries that he doesn’t have anywhere to go/doesn’t know what to do, showing his vulnerability. The background noise in this scene, is everyday noise, such as cars, showing that disabled people could be vulnerable in everyday situations.

                In conclusion, this extract shows many representations of disability, such as disabled people having less power, and disabled people having more power, in many ways, using Camera shots, angles, movement and composition, editing, sound & Mise-en-scene.

Who holds the most power in terms of influencing what films get seen and made?

 There are many different stages in the film production cycle. As there are different groups in society, they might have different influences, for example, reviews, which people are in the film, and which studios produce it. It is also down to different groups which determine which films get seen and made, for example, production companies, audiences, and directors.

            The large Hollywood companies could be seen to have all the power in terms of influencing what films get seen and made because the productions companies, a lot of the time make similar films, if the films do well, which means they will get a reputation for having good films, and people will go to see them films if they have previously enjoyed the company’s films, for example, Pixar make cartoons, which are enjoyable for the family, such as ‘Monsters Inc’, which is very similar to other films they have made such as ‘The Incredibles’ and ‘Toy Story’. They also have a lot of power over what films get seen and made, as big production companies have the funds to promote their films using all different types of media and advertising, such as magazines, TV stations or internet platforms. As they have the funds, they are also able to hire the best script writers/crews/celebrities to take part in these films/directors, to make their films the most successful, and most likely to get seen.

            However, many people may argue that it is not the production companies, but it is the audiences and consumers who have the most influence over what films get seen/made. It is simply that, if a majority of the audiences, give bag reviews, or don’t like the films, sequels or similar films, will not get made. For example, in 2010, ‘Grown Ups’ got a lot of bad reviews, with a box office of only $271,430,189 (which compared to other films is very low), and since then, there has been no sequel/rumoured sequel, and those actors have not appeared together in a film. Also, the audiences, choose which films they go to see, so they have a lot of influence over what films get seen, for example, a friend might recommend it to another friends, so they go to see it, and so on. Although, some may argue that audiences actually have little control over which films they decide to watch, as we are a passive society and are easily influenced by mass media., such as posters at bus stops, or toys/themes in McDonalds happy meals, which could lead to pester power from children, ,meaning films are more likely to get seen. Also, audiences could have power over what films get seen/made, as many people are now finding ways to watch films without paying  which might means that stats about the film are not as high, which could result in less films that are similar/sequels getting made.

            It could also be argued that it is the celebrities/stars of the films that have the most influence over what films get seen/made. Many people have favourite actors/actresses, which could mean that if those celebrities are in certain films, audience may be more likely to go and see them.

            One last argument could be that it is actually the writers that have the most influence over what films get seen/made. If audience have seen previous films written by a certain writer, that they enjoyed the style of, they might be more inclined to go and view other films written by them writers. This might lead to them writers becoming more in demand and more films written by them getting made. It could also be that before the film was produces, it was a book, and audiences enjoyed the book, so decided the film would also be good, or wanted to go and see it.

            In conclusion, there are a lot of different groups which have different influences, but production companies and audiences together have the most influence over what films get seen and made, as if audiences do not enjoy films that get made, they simply will not go and see them, and if production companies have a good reputations and advertise their films well, audiences will be more likely to go and watch their film, meaning more films are made by that company.

Film Distribution Research HWK

Camden:

Kensington:

Leicester Square:

 

Covent Garden:

 

Tottenham Court Road:

 

1. Over one weekend, in these 5 cinemas, there are 315 separate screenings.

2.      In total, over one weekend, in these 5 cinemas, 16 different films are being shown.

3.      In total, over one weekend, in these 5 cinemas, 16 different films are being screened several times.

4.      In total, over one weekend, in these 5 cinemas, 16 different films are being screened several times at the same cinema.

5.      Over the weekend, in these 5 cinemas, there will be 16 different films being screened in relations to the total number screenings which is 315.

6.      From this, I can draw that film distribution in the UK is very important. There are a lot of different films, being played at different times to account for all different groups, for example, teenagers, working adults. There are also a lot of different cinema’s playing the same films so they are promoted all over cities and are accessible for most.

The Fear

The TV drama clip ‘The Fear’ can be used to construct representation of social class using the following components: camera shots, editing, Mise-en-scene and sound.

           One way in which social class is represented in this clip is through the use of camera shots, angles and movements. One shot that is used a lot in this scene is a wide shot. This shot could be used to show class as it shows the setting for the scene, which is obviously an upper class doctor’s office. The room looks clean, with lots of furniture like large couches and computers which shows that place obviously has money. The room has large windows that go from top to bottoms and light up the room to show that it is normally a calm and relaxed place. Another show which could be used to show class are close ups/medium close ups. There are close ups or medium close ups of each of the three characters involved in the scene. The receptionist looks well kept with her hair and makeup down neatly, the doctor also looks well kept with his hair styled, and you can see his suit and tie all neat which shows his upper class positions. Compare these to the close up of Richie, where he looks scruffy, with overgrown facial hair and his top button undone showing a more relaxed/scruffy look. Also, when Ritchie is talking to the receptionist, the camera is tilted down to her, and up to him to show him as more powerful, however when the doctor walks in, Ritchie is shot straight on, to show the shift in power.

           Mise-en-scene could also be used to represent class, as the props used in the scene show that the scene is set in a wealthy place such as the computers and big chairs. It also looks like there is some art on the walls which shows that the people have an upper class lifestyle. The prop of the computer could also be used to show lower class because although Ritchie used the keyboard as a threat because he is angry, it could also show that he sees it disposable, ad though he doesn’t have an idea of the money spent on it, which could indicate his class. The styling in the scene also shows the difference in class, as the doctor and receptionist both look very professional and neat, him in a suit and tie, showing his class, and her with neat hair and makeup and a classy dress, compared to Ritchie who is in mismatching clothes, with his top button undone showing that he is a bit more relaxed about his appearance, again suggesting his lower class.

          Sound is also used to represent class in this clip. The dialogue in the scene shows the difference in class between the characters. Ritchie’s voice sounds aggressive from the start, talking down to her (which could be because he thinks he holds more power over her because of her gender and the stereotypical female secretary role). The woman replies in a softer tone but also assertive, which could show that she thinks she is from a higher class and is trying to belittle him. Ritchie also swears a lot from the start of the clip maybe showing that he lacks manners and social etiquette.

         Lastly, editing can also be used to show class in this clip as the scene shows a lot of cutting from wide shots, to show their upper class surroundings, to close ups of Ritchie to show his aggressive manner.

        Overall, camera shots and angles, editing, Mise-en-scene and sound are used in this clip in different ways to show the difference of class between all three characters, for example, their styling, the language/tone used and the props in the scene, all show Ritchie to be of a lower class then the doctor and the receptionist.

Notes

Textual analysis

The Representing Text
Representation is linked and shaped by: 

1. Technological (fragmented audience, can now watch programmes at whatever times audience wants thanks to new technology, might not appeal to all)
2. Economic (TV is expensive to create, has to be in line with predicted sales)
3. Cultural (relates to tastes, identity and interests that are shaped by the culture we inhabit)
4. Regulation (People have legal means to respond to representations that they consider harmful or inaccurate)

Textual analysis allows us to analyse details in the scenes (micro, e.g. camera angles and movement, lighting, character styling...). This then allows you to see the representations being created in the scene.

Have to think about how viewers will interpret the scene

Representation

Everything, even real life TV is constructed through TV, re-representation

Some objects have become representations of things, and carries cultural meaning, for examples, some men wear ties to seem more formal/professional

Metaphor

Gauntlett (2007) did research using Lego in that he asked people to make metaphorical models of their identity, he didn't expect them to make models that actually resemble what they are representing. through this he could get a better sense of how people see themselves

Verisimilitude

Verisimilitude is the construction of a realistic world. 

May have its own knowledge with little similarity to our world (Doctor who) or share logic with our world and attempt to show reality (Coronation Street)

To explore representations think about, what realism is being attempted? Who/who isn't being represented? Any stereotypical characters? Dominant view of the world? what different responses could viewers have to representations?

Representational Codes

The drama depends on the juxtaposition. 

Without the audiences complicity in understand the contrast the text is meaningless

With 'codes' in place, viewers can have a variety of responses

Representation in Crisis

As it is now more accessible for people to put videos on the Internet, representations of people in the media is changing because of the representations people give of themselves

Television Dramas

British TV still attracts huge viewing audiences and many of the shows are watched as one off peak time broadcasts but British TV drama is no longer as big as it was

Background to TV Drama

Understanding of how serious fictional television engages its viewers by representing real world events is expected

Sub-genres such as teen drams, soap operas, costume dramas, medical/hospital dramas, etc. have different conventions, typical scheduling patters, target audiences and expectations

Teen Dramas

Broad sub-culture, but do not set out to appeal to such a broad audience

Generally a balance between social issues concerning target audience (alcohol and drug abuse, sexuality...) and creating and attractive representational range of recognisable character types

Soap Operas

Have a range of conventions such as cliff hangers, coverage of current social issues, interweaving story lines, and partial closure of story lines to add up to an overall representations of 'real life' that tries to be both realistic and melodramatic

Often affected by popular story lines (outside of the TV drama, real life)

Period Dramas

Expensive to produce because of demands of authenticity, which usually makes them more 'filmic' in quality

Time period context could be changed or some characters changed to suit drama and give a different set of potential meanings

As well as deconstructing representations in a period drama, should also look at contemporary view on the time period portrayed

Hospital Dramas

Balance two different narrative themes; public health and the treatment of illness and workplace interactions and relationship, this shares many conventions with soap operas

Range of characters with different occupations and ideals about the public which can sometimes be stereotypes

'Recurring types' in this form of drama could be, surgeons, consultants, social workers, children, parents, elderly, religious groups...

Crime Dramas

Two types, one-off crime drams, which tend to focus on the kinds of crimes that cause most anxiety (in particular, murder) and long-running crime dramas which will have a variety of sub-plots and show relationships between characters

Dunne (2006) suggests that media representations of crime set up five key areas:

• Crime/police
• Criminals/criminal justice system
• Lawyers vs. courts
• Social workers vs. police
• Victims vs. the public

Ethnography

Concerned with resisting large-scale assumptions about groups, asses limitations 

Often concerned with social class but not exclusive to that focus

Cutting It

Discuss the ways in which the extract uses camera shots, editing, sound and Mise-en-scene to constructs representations of relationships

In the extracts from the TV drama ‘cutting it’, the couples’ relationship is represented in two obvious ways, as them being in a loving and close relationship and also as them being in a deceitful relationship, and these representations are constructed through the use of camera shots, editing, Mise-en-scene and sound.

The closeness of their relationship is shown throughout the whole of the clip. One way in which the closeness is shown is through camera shots. The main shot that shows this closeness is a two-shot of both the characters when they are in the cab. This shot just shows the couple as the focus of the scene, and you can see her resting her head on his shoulder. This intimate gesture shows the nature of their relationship as being relaxed, and happy. Another shot which shows the closeness of this couple is a cut-in, of the couples’ hands. It shows that they are holding hands, and their wedding rings are on show, symbolising their commitment to each other. Another way in which the couples’ closeness is also shown is through sound. When the woman gets hit by the bus, the only sound you can hear is his heartbeat. Although this sound is used to build tensions because you don’t know what has happened to her, it could also be used to show his emotions in that, everything around him has stopped, and that he is panicking about his wife. The non-diegetic sound that is used before doctor’s office scene played out was an upbeat, happy music which could also have been used to show the nature of their relationship. Another way in which the closeness of their relationship is shown is through the Mise-en-scene. The main one being the wedding rings, obviously symbolising their commitment and love for one another.

Another representation of relationships shown in this extract is secrecy and deceit. Camera shots are used to show this through over-the-shoulder shots. These shots are typically used to show confrontations, and in this scene, they are having a row because she took him to the hospital without him knowing. Another shot which could be used to show secrecy in their relationship is the cut in on the man’s ring, when she is in the doctor’s office. In this scene, he is fiddling with his ring and taking it off, which could be used to show that he is having second thoughts about their marriage. Another shot, could be the close up of the woman in the doctor’s office, because her face shows no obvious emotions, except that she is upset, which could be interpreted either way. This could be used to show that the audience is in the same position as her husband, in that we don’t know what she was at the hospital for and that we also don’t know whether it was good or bad news. Another way in which secrecy is shown in this extract is through Mise-en-scene. In the scene in the cab, the woman says “I would want you to love again”, to which the man looks confused, implying that he doesn't know what she is referring to. Also when they are in the cab, they both talk about being unfaithful, indicating that they have both been deceitful in the past in their relationship. Sound represents secrecy in their relationship, as when she is in the doctor’s office, non-diegetic sound of an upbeat piece of music, which changes to a rather depressing piece of music is played over the scene, so the audience does not what has been said, and also as he is not in the room, neither does he, meaning that she could either choose to tell the truth or lie to him.

In conclusion, relationships are presented in two main ways in this extracts, them being closeness and secrecy. These representations are shown through the editing, sound, camera shots and Mise-en-scene. However Mise-en-scene is the most important because it sets the scene, and it can also be used to show the contemplations of characters (him playing with his rings), but also the intimacy of their relationship (them holding hands, both wearing their rings).