Liam James' AS Media Thriller Idea

Thriller Initial Ideas

Luther: TV Series

Believe it or not, Luther has more than one director. Sam Miller has done 8 episodes, Brian Kirk has done 2 episodes just as Stephan Schwartz and Farren Blackburn have. I think the reason for this is because each episode is a different story and different techniques of directing help keep the audience interested.

 

Luther was released on the 4th of may 2010, and the series continues to be extremely successful.

 

Awards - Golden Globe for best performance by an actor in a mini-series or a motion picture made for television (Idris Elba). Edgar in best television episode teleplay (episode 1, series 1). Royal television society, UK won in best drama series.

 

This series is truly amazing to me as it allows the viewer to see it as a reality instead of a typical Hollywood movie. We, as the audience, get to see what the character Luther really is and we get to understand his character more than other characters in the series. To us, Luther is portrayed as doing the right things but in the wrong ways, by the law that is. Because we see this rebellious detective do all these things he seems to be a bit of a hero. One of my favourite parts of the series is when Luther is trapped inside the back of a truck with a killer, and he pours gasoline over himself to make it seem he is surrendering to the killer, whereas he is waiting for the right time to tell the SQUAT team outside where to shoot on the side of the truck, and we witness a slow motion viewing of the killer getting penetrated by bullets coming from the side of the truck. When Luther gives the order to shoot at a particular part of the truck, and the man in charge of Luther says "well you heard the man" my blood pressure dropped. This is when you know a thriller is amazing.

"And the last few minutes of tonight's episode will grab you, force you to the end of your seat, give you about 12 consecutive heart attacks and then drop you at precisely the right time." Quote on the first episode of series 3 from The Guardian. This quote cannot be more perfect. This is what Luther does to you. The choreography, acting and storyline allows the audience to feel as though they are in the show and allows them to have the same emotions as the characters. When there is a suspense moment the locations chosen are spectacular. You see Luther move house from a lovely house to a run down flat. When there is a murderer threatening to kill their victim, it is in a widely spaced pure white shopping-mall looking building. They film in the middle of London when Luther thinks he sees the murderer, and starts chasing him. The camera angles and perfect lighting choices (e.g. noire lighting when Luther first confronts a murderer) represent to the audience, subconsciously, who is in power. The best part is, you can never guess the outcome. Luther usually survives, yes, but you never know what could happen in the show. It always takes a different direction to what you expect, and sometimes a direction you didn't think was valid. This is why I chose this quote - because it does put you on the edge of your seat. When you are watching this show, you can't think of anything you would rather be doing at that moment.

  It says on page 6 of my coursework booklet "the tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menecing situation or mystery, or an escape or dangerous mission from which escape seems impossible." Luther is constantly in a bad situation. When he isn't in a situation as such you feel a sense of relief. Luther has so many generic conventions, for example; excitement, suspense, uncertainty and nerve-wrecking tenssion. A lot of the time, Luther is unaware of things the audience is aware of which creates suspence as you feel you know what the outcome will most probably be, but the show almost always takes a different path. Luther's life is his job, and you see as the show progresses, the effect it has on him. He seems broken, and seems such an intelligent individual that it keeps the audience interested just because he is broken but still brilliant.

 

 

 

Evaluation of Preliminary Task

Evaluation of Preliminary Task

  We did a simple story board and drew a map of places around the school to decide where to shoot in which part of the school. We changed many ideas as filming went on and changed our minds about which shot was best in which situation. I suggested we should do the video on the topic of bullying, knowing I should be the bully because I am quite tall with a large build. I knew there would be many shots to show the bullying taking place, and that there would be a good conversation at the end. We decided the conversation was going to be my colleague confronting me in a classroom. At first, it was going to be the victim of the bullying walking in on me and a friend talking, and making my friend leave, but we decided this did not suit the video, and just had me in the room. I made the mistake of changing my jacket the second day of filming, so we had to re-shoot the first shots on the same day to make it look professional and as though all the events happened in the same day. We did not mess up any shot reverse shot scenes. However, we did re-take many shots due to disagreement.

  The 180 degree rule is very important. Not for the producers, but for the audience. This is because they will get confused if the camera changes the sides of the characters. The 180 degree rule basically means that if two people are having a conversation, the camera must stay on a certain side of the two people, or the audience gets confused. This rule was only important at the end of the task, when I, the bully, was having a conversation with the victim. We did not break this rule.

The shots we used and the effects of this shot, in chronological order of the film.

Panning shot -  We used this shot as the first shot to show the surroundings and to show the victim of the bullying (Jamie) walking into the school. It showed the motion of the shot.

Low angle shot - We used this to demonstrate the victims power early in the film because we could use shots after the bullying took place to show his change in mood.

Long shot - We used this to show Jamie walking into the building. The audience has no idea what is in the building so this adds suspense.

Close up - This was on Jamie's hand as he opened the door to the building to give the audience a sense of danger.

Tracking shot - We used this to show Jamie's movements clearly. The audience still does not know where he is going and gives the indication anything could happen.

Tilt shot - This was used to give the indication that not everything is straight and may be abnormal to a usual day for Jamie.

Over-the-shoulder shot - This was used to show Jamie's perspective and because you could see there was a corner he had to walk round, it gave the indication of suspense as anything could be round the corner, or anything could come out of it, which is exactly what my character did. After my character shoulder barges Jamie's character, the shot turns into a mid shot as the camera stops moving with Jamie, even though he carries on walking.

Birds eye view shot - This was used to show his surroundings, but not all of them as the audience could not see where he was walking to create suspense.

Long shot - Used to show Jamie's body language and to show he is alone, anything could happen.

Over-the-shoulder shot - This is to show my characters dominance as I walk up to the Jamie's character who is alone and not expecting me.

Long shot - The camera goes back to the same position as the previous long shot, but the camera switches as I push Jamie's character into the wall. This shot indicates a change of atmosphere.

Worm's eye view - The victims shoe is in this shot to show he cannot move, maybe from shock, or helplessness. It shows my characters dominance as I leave the scene.

Close-up - This is to show Jamie's emotions before confronting my character.

Mid shot - To clearly show Jamie's actions as he opens the door to the room I am sitting in.

Panning shot - Follows Jamie's actions as he walks into the room.

Low-angle shot - Used to show Jamie's character sit down to confront me and to show his dominance and how he feels about the situation.

many shots within the conversation. Close up, md-shot, over-the-shoulder shot. All not breaking the 180 degree rule. - This was used to show body and facial expressions throughout the conversation. We used the 180 degree rule to not confuse the audience.

Panning mid-shot - We used this to show the distance between each character and to show their body expressions.

Panning long shot - This was to show Jamie's actions as he gets up and walks to where the next shot is.

Low-angle shot - Shows Jamie's new found confidence and dominance as he is leaving after confronting my character.

Close up - This is used to show Jamie's emotions as he says the punch line. He is angry but confidant. Shown through volume of his voice.

Mid-shot, long shot - Used to show Jamie leaving. He walks away from the camera suggesting the film is over.

  I am now much more confident with editing. I have done editing before, but not on software as good as what the school has. I developed the skill of slowing down the images and changing the light of the shot. Putting the shots together and editing parts of shots out was easy, and very similar to other software's. There is much I still have to learn as Oli did a lot of the editing, whilst me and Jamie assisted. I lack confidence in adding correct effect when scenes change. There are many more things this software has to offer, and I am excited to find out what they are and can do to improve film.

 

 

 

 

 

Preliminary Task Storyboard

 

 

Summer Task

Example Camera Shots

High Angle Shot

This shot suggests vulnerability to the character and promotes emotion for the character in the audience. This usually happens when someone is alone and the camera does not show much of the surroundings, suggesting anything can happen at this moment of time.

Low Angle Shot

I used an oil painting my aunt drew as a background in these examples of camera angles, however I feel this is the best camera angle for it. It shows the scenery really well. It makes the elephant figure look powerful, and as though he owns all the land.

Over The Shoulder

This allows the audience to see things from the characters prospective. This could also give the audience the emotion of fright as there could be someone/something behind the character.

Tilt Shot

This creates confusion in the audience. The character this angle is focused on is usually in intimidating character and gives the impression of a nightmare.

Long Shot

This allows the audience to see where the characters are and whether they are under threat or not. This can promote the audience as being relieved or scared. The camera can be level with the heights of the characters for this shot but I thought a higher shot was better for wildlife.

Medium Close Up

This allows the audience to see past the main focus of the camera. This is usually to ease tension and to bring focus to the characters.

Close Up

This allows the audience to see the expressions on the characters face and allows them to establish their emotions.

Extreme Close Up

This is usually used in horrors. Mainly used on intimidating characters so the audience feel the same feelings as the characters looking at the intimidating character.

Bird's eye view

This gives the audience a different view of the action and allows them to allocate any threats.

 

Worm's Eye View

This indicates fear on the audience as the camera is usually placed in the position of another character that may have fallen to the character in the shot, like this example.

 I would like to inform you I have completed the summer task but I am having difficulty uploading it to the blog, apologies for the delay.

 





Liam James

GCSE Results:

English Literature: B

English Language: B

Mathematics: B

Science (single): C

Resistant materials: C

Economics: C

Hobbies:

Young Enterprise

Writing Poetry
Making short videos

Media Interests:

The film industry has always been a huge part of my life as i have grown up with film, adverts, music videos, TV programmes and loads more. It is a topic that is always brought up with people my age group, always talking about the latest movie or episode. Although I love 3D, graphics and a great plot in a film, I always seem to be more touched by a really good, capturing music video.

 

My favourite music genres are metal, rock and acoustic music, and these genres seem to make music that illustrates real life a lot more than others. Musicians usually touch the hearts of their listeners easier because they write about what has happened in their lifetime. Emotion is used a lot more in these genres, and general slow songs. 3 examples of good, capturing music videos and songs in these genres are;

 

Johnny Cash - Hurt

Avenged Sevenfold - So Far Away

Bullet For My Valentine - Bittersweet memories

 

Print Media:

I genuinely do not read the newspaper unless I am in a situation where I am waiting to be called in to a dentist for an appointment, or I'm waiting for my kebab. I genuinely pick up a sport newspaper because I am a huge Manchester United fan and always enjoy gossip on what's happening with players in the premier league. I do not read gossip magazines because I believe they are a waste of time and full of lies.

I prefer going onto the Internet because my phone is always with me, so I can look at articles on my phone whenever I want. The Internet is also much faster to use and it is free.

Radio Media:

I genuinely only listen to the radio when I am in the car with my parents, and even then I usually put headphones on. I know this is a stereotypical teenager thing to do, but I enjoy my music more than what most radio stations play. However, if the news is on in the car then I will listen to it, because I enjoy knowing what happens in the wider world.  

Music Industry:

Favourite genres are metal, rock and acoustic music. Unfortunately, I have never learnt an instrument. I have tried learning guitar but that didn't turn out too well, and I certainly can't sing. So, I do not belong in a band.
I do access my music through the Internet, I use You Tube all the time when I am at home. I usually download music from iTunes, but if I have no money, I will download music illegally. I prefer to not do this because the music usually isn't in good quality and I hate not giving artists their well earned money, even if they are already millionaires. I think illegally downloading music off the Internet is wrong. However, some people can't afford to pay money to people (who are already extremal well off) for 3 minutes of sound.
Music, along with television, is one of the biggest factors effecting the clothing industry. I always see people wearing dark clothes, who clearly listen to heavy metal/metal core/death metal etc. Music clearly influenced these people into buying these clothes, and it can inspire people into being unique. In public, you also see "indie" people. This is a new term. These people listen to people and bands that are quite different to normal music, such as Mumford and Sons, Bastille and more.  They dress in a unique way, each one of them trying to be different, which is quite funny because they all look the same. They wear brighter, baggy clothes and usually wear a beanie hat.
Another influence on clothing is bands. I have T-shirts with my favourite bands on. Music influenced me into buying these cloths, because I have a love for my genres.

 

Video Games:

I am a video game fanatic. I enjoy strategy games that take a long time to complete, and I enjoy working as a team. My favourite video game of all time is Age of Empires III. I started playing Age of Empires when i was 7 years old, and have had a love for it since. In this game you start off with no army and very little resources, and you build up your resources to build your economy and army. You focus on either army or economy, and if you are good, you can focus on both.
Most video games are violent. This can have a massive effect on some people if they engage in violent video games too much. An example of this is when a man in America stole a truck and almost killed a few people because he "wanted to see what it was like to play Grand Theft Auto in real life". Because some people spend a lot of time playing Call of Duty and Battlefield, they can be influenced into thinking war is brilliant and exciting, especially if the person playing it is a lot younger.

New Technologies:

Modern technology is expanding dramatically. You can literally find anything out whenever you want and wherever you are, if you have 3G or FIFI. This has changed the whole idea of research and developing ideas. This has not only benefited me, but most people in my generation. Modern technology allows people like me to witness and understand things that are happening half way across the globe, with news on TV, newspapers and much more. Poverty is so widely known now because the media have gained a way to let the public know about it.
Social networking is special. You can add people you were friends with 15 years ago and have a conversation with them. People meet on websites like Face book and end up getting married. I can talk to over 300 people whenever I want just by sending them a message. The app on my phone allows me to see a message whenever I get it. I have an iPhone, and this allows me to use iMessage to people with other iphones. IMessage is basically free texting, making it a lot cheaper to stay in contact with people.
Finding out information about films, television programmes, the music industry etc is extremely easy. All you do is type into google the name of the film or song and it will give you information on it. If you are looking for release dates, the you literally type that in after the name of the film and you will have what you need.
My ability to create my own media texts is so much easier today, than it was 30 years ago. I can use a computer and the software on the computer to create my own media text, and make it look professional.

Television:

I do not watch much television anymore. I spend most of my time socialising with my friends and doing homework. However, I do watch football, and i do support Manchester United, so my favourite channels are Sky Sports 1-4.
Although I do not watch television channels, I still watch programmes. My favourite television genre is drama/thriller. I love series' such as Game of Thrones, Dexter and Luther. I love this genre because it adds suspense and you can never wait for the next episode. They generally have better actors in them, and the plot is usually more enjoyable.

Memorable TV programmes:

Game of Thrones

Luther

Dexter

True Blood
Breaking Bad

Feature Films;

Drama/Thriller/Action films are the best genres. They generally produce better actors and unlike series', I prefer action because the plot cannot be as long as a series. High-budget films are usually in these genres and this makes them more enjoyable.

Outstanding films:

Now you see me - This film has amazing graphics and the storyline is just awesome. You don't know who is controlling the main characters until the end and this film is very aesthetically pleasing. There is mind games and action in this film and the director made it outstanding to watch.
 

Forrest Gump - everyone has seen this film. Dramas like this are just amazing. This has one of the best story lines a film could have and the romance throughout the film reaches out to female audiences, whilst the brief war scenes reach out to the men. His story from childhood to adulthood touches all the viewers hearts and as the film goes on, Forest gets a little older and the director allows this to influence the viewers and make them feel so much emotion, it is breathtaking.

The Green Mile - Although I usually do not like films which contain a character with supernatural powers, it really did not matter. John Coffey was presented by the director as loving and caring, but in the film, to most other people, he was a monster. Because of the era this film was set, the audience knows that, in the back of their mind, it won't end well for the loving African-American. He was played my Micheal Duncan extremely well and the storyline of this film is just breathtaking. Me and my dad were in tears.

 

I prefer to watch films at home in my room due to my comfortable chairs and huge TV. I enjoy my own space and can do what I like in it. I usually watch Netflix from my Xbox 360 game console.

My favourite cinema is the cinema in Dubai mall (I used to live in Dubai) due to its gold tickets which are more expensive, but you get a huge comfortable chair and get to order your food before you go in, and they will bring it to you just after the film starts. The cinema was only 10 minutes from my villa when i lived there, which only costed about £4 to get there via taxi.

 

I prefer to watch films with my family because my friends talk too much and watching them on my own is boring because I can't discuss it afterwards.

Media Producer?

I have made a few vines but that's about it. I have edited a few game clips before and uploaded to You Tube, but I took them down afterwards and deleted my channel because I was doing my GCSE's at the time and needed to focus on them. They were also really bad.

 

Conclusion

 

I do not find many things offencive. People have opinions, I accept that, even if I disagree with them. I have never properly been offended by a film, music video or anything like that, but i have however been offended by a few news reports. For example, a while ago, American troops were recorded euranating on fallen Afghan troops. I watched the clip on You tube after seeing a dubbed version on Sky News. I was outraged. Things like this, things that discriminate other cultures or shows lack of common sense towards other human beings really gets under my skin and makes me angry. I do not get offended easily but stories like this enfuriate me. I was offended.

The most exciting media text I have ever heard would most probably be watching a man jump from a hot air balloon and break the dound barrier before pulling his parrashoot. This was an amazing accomplishment and I am glad to have seen it live on YouTube.

Game of Thrones has changed my attitude about many things. Most TV shows and films are all happy these days, and do not illustrate to their audiences what real life is actually about. Game of Thrones is unique because there aren't happy endings. The people you are rooting for to win this epic war just will not win. The person you enjoy watching and becomes your favourite actor, dies. It shows what life is really like. Not everything goes your way and it shows how people react to things that happen. It demonstrates what life was really like 500+ years ago, even if it is set in a different world. Game of Thrones uses amazing acting and quotes to teach the audience. For example “Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”  by George R.R. Martain (Author of Game of Thrones).

 If I were asked to construct a media text, the medium I would choose would be a music video on where I used to live, Great Yarmouth. I would show all the drugs they do there, showing the poor conditions the UK is letting people live in. I would use one of the songs my friend has written (he only writes depressing songs) and I will show why Great Yarmouth has the highest teenage pregancy rate in the whole of Europe.

I chose media studies as an A level because I was never given the option to take it as a GCSE. I never got to take it as a GCSE because I used to live abroad. It was not an option as a GCSE at my old school in Dubai, so when I left Dubai after year 10, I re-did year 10 in Muscat, Oman hoping to take it then, but they also did not do it. I have always been interested in film and producing film, especially the editing side of it. Another reason is that Media opens a lot of doors for where I can go after A levels and I still do not have a clue where I want to go.

My sisters best friend did media A level and she said it was amazing and really interesting. She also said there is a lot of group work, which is what I like so I thought this course was right for me.

(draft 2)

Liam James

 

 

 



Introduction

Hello,

my name is Liam James and this is my AS Media Studies blog.