Diary of lesson

During todays lesson we looked into a semiotic analysis of trailers. We were using this so that we could then interpret what we had learn into our own trailer. It was also useful as this meant that we could go on to analyse movies within the same genre as our chosen story line and analyse them.

As an example, we used the trailer of the Da Vinci Code. This is a film made in 2006 by the institutes of Columbia Pictures and Imagine entertainment. The institution that will be funding this is featured at the start of the trailer. It helps to establish who was involved in the creation of the film.

It was directed by Ron Hammond which led to more people being interested in watching the film. It also involved a famous actor who is Tom Hanks. This would lead to a larger fan base being interested in watching the film and seeing what the trailer has to offer.

Why was Blair Witch made?

During the creation of the second Blair witch film, they decided that it was a risk to announce they were creating a sequel to the film. This is because they could face backlash as to why they didn't create a original film or why they were trying to recreate a film which was already good.A statement by the director stated that they planned to keep it a secret. There was also at one point a discussion at Lionsgate whether the entire film should be kept a secret. 

Their original plan was to release the film as 'The Woods' and hope that people decided to watch it. However they then decided that they would reveal it at Comic-Con to a positive reaction.

They wanted to re frame the idea that every sequel could never be as good as the original. Therefore they did this by updating the way in which the film was made. they modernised different aspects to give it a contemporary film whilst still linking to the same idea of the original with a group of vulnerable young teens. 

With the publicity of the new film, the director released a statement explaining the reason for a remake of the original successful film.

“Talking about it in 2013, it was very clear to me that the right approach was to use all the chronological changes and updates,” Barrett said. “Even of just like the camping experience. In the first film, they’re arguing over maps. It’s pre-GPS devices, cellphones, and all those other things. It’s changed a lot in those 20 years. So it definitely was part of the creative approach to take advantage of that. But [I also] don’t know how else we would have done it.”

This statement makes it clear that the remake was created with the idea that the film would give an updated idea of a horror film which had already been successful in its first release. By releasing a horror film which already had a fan base from years previous. They had a good chance of creating a box office success.

Why was 'Sket' made?

Sket is another film which fits into the category of capturing society’s underworld, in this films case that society is in London. The film displays another dimension of everyday life tat is uncommonly seen by the rest of England. This type of living is still quite apparent to those aware of it making the film intriguing to watch.


By reading statements released by the director, I can see that the reason for creating a film is to raise awareness to the growth of female gangs and what their lives may be like.


Nirpal Bhogal, the film’s director, explains his reasons for working on this project in the press pack for the film:

"There is a distinct lack of public knowledge about female gang culture, which results in a high level of fascination – yet not one film has dared to explore it – until now.
I met with various members of male and female gangs in order to learn why young women were now, more than ever, adopting aggressive male behaviour. The more I immersed myself in their ideologies the more I realised that their shift in behaviour could be explained as progressive adaptation, a theme that is at the very heart of ‘Sket’: society is changing, and girls and women must change with it in order to survive."

From reading this, it is clear that the director had a clear vision on how he wanted the film to be interpreted by its viewers. It shines a light on the different areas of life in London that are unseen by most people. This coverage shown in the film gives it an exciting edge.

Why was 'Me before you' made?

"Me before you" follows a tragic storyline seen in a few major films that have become popular films. The film me before you portrays a disabled man who has a live in carer. This film has given an insight of what its like to live with a disability and the daily struggles and unhappiness it can bring. However, it has been seen to glamorize the reality, this has caused a backlash from viewers as the man choses euthanasia over living as a quadriplegic. The film has caused controversy and has brought the topic to light in the media
The director of the film released a statement, She adds, “This is a brave ending. It’s too easy to do it the other way. We could all tell that story tomorrow. But this way… this is the more interesting way.”
But “more interesting” has also resulted in an outcry from disability advocacy groups offended the main character would take his life rather than live as a quadriplegic.
By creating a film with controversy such as this, the producers has allowed the topic to be brought up for discussion.
Another statement released shows that the film was made to be a tear jerker an provoke reaction from people.  Despite the mixed reaction to the movie, the fact that people are out there talking about it and sharing it is an accomplishment to her.
“There is something wonderful about knowing that the person next to you is also bawling their eyes out and you’re sharing that with them,” says Sharrock. “I think that’s a hugely cathartic thing. That side of it, I’m really proud of.”
This is clearly a reason as to why the film was made as it has meant people can share views on such a controversial topic.

Interview found on-
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/05/me-before-you-ending-director-responds

Diary- Film Trailers

During one of our first lessons. We took a look at film trailers. This is the first insight we've had into what the upcoming year will involve. It was interesting to look into major films that I've watched multiple times and see the ay in which the trailer was put together. An interesting fact that I learnt first of all was that the trailer doesn't get made by the production company. This was interesting as I had always assumed it was.
Music is used so that the trailer can entice the audience. The dramatic music can grab attention to go and watch the film.
We then took a closer look at the 3 different stages of the production of the trailer. These are known as 'Acts'.
The first act involves the story and it lays out the plotline.
The second act accelerates the story and gives a dramatic climax which then leads onto the third act. This usually involves a montage of key aspects of the film. These are designed to intrigue the audience and give an overall view of the key moments in the film.

Blair Witch