Monday 20 December 2010

Holiday Work - TV Drama for AML


Year 12 Xmas Holiday Work

You should complete the following essay on a television drama extract.
The extract is on my youtube site. Search for amlegg (you might have to look down the list a little). When you have found me look in my 'Favourites'. You will see a extract entitled:

prime ocr ext.avi

This is a 5 minute clip from the drama Primeval. This was the exam question last summer.
Watch the clip 4 times. Then write an essay for 45 minutes (plus any additional extra time). Do not just stop after the time; complete the essay but mark the time code in the margin.

The QUESTION:

How is the representation of gender constructed in the extract? You should pay close attention to the following areas:
  1. Camera angle, movement and positioning
  2. Editing
  3. Mise-en-scene
  4. Sound
Instructions
  • 1st viewing : no notes
  • 2nd viewing: you may make notes
  • longer break of 2 minutes
  • 3 viewing : you may make notes
  • break of about 1 minute
  • 4th viewing: you may make notes
Remember the lessons learned from the previous task. Please email me the essays or hand them in on Tuesday 11th January in the lesson. Any questions you can email me - I will check my messages regularly.
Have a good holiday!

Thursday 16 December 2010

Year 12 Research & Planning

The deadline for ALL research & planning is Thursday 13th January 2011.

Each student should have posted on their blog (clearly labelled) AND printed hard copies in colour of their preparatory work under the following headings (not in order of importance):

Narrative / Plot Sequence - this should include a description of the opening 2 minutes AND a further explanation of the arc of your film's narrative using the correct terminology.

Characters / actors - this should explain the reasons behind your casting choices and offer examples of actors you would like to take specific parts in your production.

Audience - this should offer a clear indication of your target audience and any niche audiences as well as showing an understanding of your films likely classification and why you think it should be given that classification.

Location - this should include location photos and, if possible, some recce films. You need to explain how you will gain access to these locations and why you are using them.

Storyboard & shot list - the storyboard needs to be approx 5-6 pages long and must be clearly labelled and annotated. The shot list must be clearly laid out and link carefully and closely with your storyboard.

Shooting schedule - this should clearly explain where and when you plan to complete your filming.

Production Model - you need to decide what production model your film is likely to follow and show examples of films within a similar genre and likely budget.

Sound - soundtrack, narration, ambient sound etc - think through your choices carefully and explain them giving examples from your research.

Graphics - an essential part of any title sequence - examples of font types and title sequences that you have been influenced by with an explanation of your reasoning.

I will be checking my e-mails frequently over the duration of the holiday. If you have any urgent problems then contact me via my school e-mail address.

Happy holidays!

Thursday 2 December 2010

Work for Media classes (during snow interruptions)

We hope you are all busy getting on with your work. Here are a few points on work from AML and MFG. Check your emails and our blog site also. Email us with any questions.

Year 12 Media

For AML
  • Please email me your essay on the represenation of ethnicity in 'Spooks' - ( those of you who have not done so) leggam@alleyns.org.uk
  • Please start watching lots of medical/hospital dramas (if you are stuck at home you should be really able to master this). Look at the represenation of gender and the represenation of power/ status and class. I would advise Holby or Casualty.... You can even look at extracts on our Youtube site.
For MFG
  • Continue preparation for coursework focussing on storyboarding, target audience (based on bbfc guidelines here - http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/) and writing up in neat and posting onto your blogs the work on narrative, characters and location recces.

Year 13 Media:

For AML
  • Please use this time to complete your planning work. The research on sound/ graphics/ idents is still left over. I will be marking this planning next week as there has been plenty of time now to complete it.
  • Please plan and schedule your next filming - those of you who have some construction still to be done.
  • If possible get into School tomorrow and spend time editing your trailer!
For MFG
  • Go to Slideshare here:
And download and read the presentation - making notes as necessary.

We hope to see you all very soon. Keep working hard!