CCAD The Advert - Digital Production

Today we had to do loads of juggling around but we actually managed to get a lot done. Sadly, I didn't get any production stills as we were just to busy (and I may have forgot :S ) We quickly got all the paperwork done so we could book out equipment and start filming. We filmed most of the interior shots today (stalls, seminar room, editing suite) apart from the studio and gallery which we will be filming on Thursday as that's when the level 5's will be rehearsing their live stream (we want to observe them). 

Meeting minutes, risk assessments, etc. are all on the Moodle.

On Wednesday we are also looking to film some of the building site of where the new build will be and also some of the exterior of the Uni. Forecast looks good for this time of year too which is a plus. 

Richard also wanted to film for his Me, Myself and I today. But things got really confusing when he wanted Andrew to film me and Andy filming Richard doing his Me, Myself and I. I (strongly) suggested to not do this as it would complicate booking forms and just us in general, plus we will be filming the level 5's doing their project so it's a bit redundant. After a while arguing, he realised and agreed with me. 

Overall, today was a successful day's filming. Got quite a lot done. AND OUR FILM CREW HOODIES CAME!!! We could have really done with them earlier for my Me, Myself and I with a few curious caravan people looking at us on the beach, but at least we have them now! 

MM&I - The Fig Rig

For some of my shots in my Me, Myself and I, I used Richard's fig rig so I could get stable tracking shots without the tripod and also for ease (e.g. carrying a tripod to difficult locations). The fig rig was really simple to use (but also hurt a bit when holding it for a while) but adds extra stability to tracking shots rather than using a tracking dolly (didn't really fancy using that on the beach with all the sand). Special thanks to Richard for letting me use it!

Richard's Shoot

Saturday 28th November

Today we filmed some of Richard's MM&I. I was sound and Richard wanted two microphones, so we gaffer taped them in an x formation. Richard also wanted me to use the Fostex but Richard forgot the headphones with the jack that fit in it. The weather wasn't amazing, with very strong winds on the beach/pier. We also had to cancel the Blackhall Caves scene as the stairs were closed and the tide was in. But we did do the Blackhall tunnel. 

Was a semi successful day but also a cold day. I just hope the sound on the beach turned out ok. :S

Production Skills #10

Today we looked at the Super 8 cameras, as it is suggested we use a bit of them in our MM&I's. It's fairly straight forward to load and work. Make sure you do a light reader reading (on the right settings (25fps and the type of film you have!) to adjust the aperture on the camera so it looks good! 

Thanks Jamie J for the pic

We then went on Avid where Lee showed us how to hand in. It's all straight forward again. Click export, make sure it's Quicktime movie (or go on the preset Untitled) and ALWAYS watch back the film. Make sure you set an in and out point. Make sure it's on 'H.264' on settings so the Uni can see the footage. Render should be the highest or best. 

Beth and Jamie's Shoot #2

Today I helped out with Jamie and Beth's shoot. It was mostly Beth's shoot for her outside and final shots. I was an actor again (a bandit and a friend). I also took a few production stills. We filmed at Norton (really nice place) with a really nice woodland location (that apparently belongs to no one and anyone can film/use it!) All of Beth's filming is now done and Jamie's is soooo close to finishing! Had a really fun time today and glad I could be of help!

Visual Culture #10

Since Malcolm wasn't in last week, we are missing out this weeks lecture as last weeks was more important (if that made any sense). 

This week we looked at 'The Age of Reason' and neo-classicism, also known as the 'true style'. Britain used this to show their growing power and Britishness. It revisited the ancient world and echoed the Roman empire. It looked at the classical world (like the Renaissance) but was also modern and used as a basis for a new style.

The Roman style to neo-classicism brought logic, proportion and restraint. Young men of the era were sent on a Grand Tour of the world to be inspired by the arts. 

http://www.terraclicks.com/watch?key=0cdb16b7667982280fbb05007a35eb39

The discovery of Pompeii also added to the style and challenged Rome's paintings: Pompeii had very colourful interiors. The style was not just Roman inspired, it was Pompeiian inspired.

http://rebloggy.com/post/mygifs-doctor-who-dw-donna-noble-tenth-doctor-mygifs-dw-dwedit-shrugs-brotp-p/72517585565

Neo-classicism uses space, not just decoration like the Rococo era. Robert Adam was one of the people who did this as well as adding symmetry to his work, which a fondness of blue, and a Wedgewood feel.

Portraiture also echoes the Roman empire with subjects like statues and posing. Women were also pictured leaning on columns to show patriarchy. However, there was not much allegorical meanings in their paintings as the age was more about knowledge and education. 

Napoleon was also portrayed often as Caesar to show that France was th new Roman empire. France portrayed more the spirit of neo-classicism, England portrayed the emotion of neo-classicism.

Neo-classicism was influenced by social change. Hence the name 'Age of Reason' and 'Enlightenment', reason and individualism was supported more than tradition with scientific thought opposing superstition (often being the Catholic Church). Breakthroughs in science and medicine made people question the world, including the church, slavery and the power of kings.

https://annoyingrambles.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/game-of-thrones-drinking-game/

'The savage' was also explored to show how life would be without materialism. Not quite sure how- Malcolm didn't go into much detail.

When Hitler adopted the neo-classicism style to show his power, the art became negative. The era was often called the 'language of oppression', or was it more about democracy and values?

In Diane's session, we looked at Ethical and Moral issues in storytelling. I decided to look at the documentary The Bridge (Eric Steel, 2006). This is a film about the number of suicide jumps each year on the Golden Gate Bridge. Mary Currie described this as an 'invasion of privacy' and was controversial to the viewer, seeing someone's death documented on camera and seeing friends and relatives talk about them later in the film. It's very upsetting and challenges the viewer.

Furthermore, the director lied about his intentions of the film, saying it was "to capture the powerful, spectacular intersection of monument and nature that takes place every day at the Golden Gate Bridge.", but failing to mention what exactly what happened everyday. 

The film not only challenged the morals of a viewer, but also the filmmakers, with Steel saying the rail of the bridge is so low 'a 7 year old can climb over it'. 

Scunci #2

We finished filming the rest of the Scunchi advert today (I didn't really want to miss any more of Digital Production but I signed a form saying they needed me and I owe Jamie a favour for being my narrator (thanks Mike for letting me go)). 

Today ran much smoother than last week. I wrapped up a bit warmer and we started shooting pretty much as soon as we got there which was great. 

I was talking to Dan (the camera op) for most of it so I could see the 16mm in action. I learnt that it was veryyyy sensitive; one drop of water on the lens could effect everything. It's also very heavy and fragile. I love the sound it makes when it starts recording. 

After getting everyone who needed to go done first, I stuck around till the afternoon for my bit. And of course, it started to rain for my acting début. We all persevered and froze (a few sound worries but hopefully nothing too major!)

Production takes it's toll on this small hedgehog

Special mention to all the level 5's (especially Mikey who never stopped smiling once) who kept all out spirits up, playing Christmas songs and dancing and just generally fooling around. It was fab working with you all.

MM&I - Andy's Shoot

Friday 20th November

After a few strange looks carrying a cool lamp tripod on two buses (Andy left it at the Uni), one person thought it was a trombone?! And a grumpy bus driver who challenged my age and didn't tell me when to get off (thanks to the kind stranger telling me where the bus stop was!), we met up and had breakfast in Wetherspoons, discussing the plans for the day.

Today we did all the shots at Andy's house. We wanted to do some establishing shots of the woods but we rapidly lost daylight and had an incident with the camera, which set us back quite a bit. 

The men decided to take over and set up the lights while I died (started sneezing and sniffing all morning. I was worried it was a cold but Andy's miracle peppermint tea set me right). However, while Richard was plugging in his headphones, he leaned on the camera and made it go out of focus, and we couldn't correct it. After phoning Mike and Lee, we were told it was a broken camera. We hang up and Andy decided to take it off the tripod to look at it and it suddenly corrected itself! So we rang up again saying we fixed it. 

We then did some outside shots of Andy doing archery which I was really proud of. I then got to have a go of Andy's bow, which had a bigger poundage than mine (which also messed up my draw back technique), but my grouping is still spot on. 

Sunday 22nd November

Today was paint balling day! Me and Richard got a lift from Andy's very kind friend Ryan who was also an extra in his film. Touchdown in Thirsk and so glad I wore multiple layers. I also brought a flask and coffee but we didn't have time to stop and sit down, plus we finished earlier than expected.

Weather was on and off all day, but we had shelter from the trees. We tried to put the waterproof cover on the camera but couldn't with the fig rig on, so we improvised and used Andy's hoodie. 

After falling over once and nearly again on some nettles, we got most of the shots done. We then needed to fire some paint from the paint ball guns. Andy, well thought through, had a spare piece of glass to put over the lens to stop any paint. I still ended up with some on me (and the camera but it all came off). 

I really enjoyed being camera op for Andy's shoot and thinking of creative camera angles. I'm seriously thinking camera op is the path I should take, not directing. I really enjoyed it and apparently I have a good eye for shots.

Production Skills #9

We were going to film a little bit with the Super 8 cameras this week, however, the level 5's had most of the cameras and light metre out so we are now doing it next week. Note to self: dress nice.

We did a bit more editing techniques today including more about transitions, audio and key frames.

Key frames are key points of action in the film (which originated from animation where one frame was drawn an other animators drew what went in between). The 'k' key on the keyboard puts a new key frame in the clip, which appears as a black triangle in the audio. Hold the alt key to move it forward or backwards. Just clicking on it without the alt moves it up and down but not back or forward as a safety measure. 

If I ever select the pan option in the audio menu, the left headphone/speaker is the top of the audio track, the right is the bottom. The clip gain option increases the volume. Be sure to bring up the audio tool (should be in the tool drop down menu) to check levels! Audio should be in the 6-12 but NEVER go in the red. The cinema will break (Lee told us this actually happened, so it is a fact.)

http://imgur.com/gallery/cUITkxn

When dragging more than one effect on, be sure to double click the visual on the timeline until the original one is not left (it's like layers).

http://www.gardenoflittlemonsters.com/?p=136

Also make sure to check that the clip is in green (green for good). But if it is blue, you will have to render it (go to the clip drop down menu). 

Helping Hand

Today I was an actor for Beth's MM&I and an extra pair of hands (to take pictures) of Jamie's MM&I. Beth did want to shoot some more with me (I have three parts in her film!) but the rest were outside shots and it was raining really heavily so I'm helping out again next Wednesday. 




I also helped out Jamie S's with his MM&I on Thursday as an actor. Janice bless her, had to stand on some steps to match mine and Jamie's height.

I'm starting to collect acting credits on everyone's MM&I now.

Professional Studies - Report Ideas

I've just had a quick brainstorm of topics I would be interested in for my Professional Studies report:

• The 'male gaze' and masculinity in the media. Mike said something about contextualising this one. Not quite sure what he meant (surely masculinity is a context?) Just thought it would be interesting to apply it to Noir films and whether the male gaze is being replaced by the female gaze. If not, I could do being a female in a mostly dominated male industry.
• Digitalisation in Film. and whether cinema is being replaced by DVDs and VOD. I still have some statistics from a Lord David Putnam lecture I went to about this. 
• Female directors. I'm aware some other people want to do this in the class and questionnaires maybe difficult for this one. It might be interesting for me to do next year since I have a female director for the BBC as one of my contacts (Annie Griffin). 
• Movie remakes. I thought it would be interesting to look at why classic movies are being remade and what their appeal is. Questionnaires for this topic would also be easy and I would get loads of good responses. Here's a list of recent movie remakes: notice how many are classics. http://www.imdb.com/list/ls052091214/ 

I'm still having a think about ideas and I will update this post with any further developments. 

Professional Studies #4

Today we looked at Writing a Report. Sue and Liam also do a Study Skill session on report writing on the 27th January which might be helpful to go to, but what I learnt today with Mike seemed pretty straight forward. I'm pretty sure I've even written part of a report before. (it all came back to me)

Reports are not essays. They are based purely on facts with no opinions (you could recommend something though). The VLE has most of the report layout and what to include. I'm going to write some of it here anyway.

• Title page 
• Acknowledgements 
• Contents 
• Abstract or summary 
• Introduction 
• Methodology 
• Results or findings - include different primary data; pie charts, questionnaires, tables, etc.
• Discussion 
• Conclusion and recommendations 
• References 
• Appendices - do not count as word count! Information related to the report but not essential. 

I have started brainstorming what topic I would want to do my report on, which I will include in another post.

Visual Culture #9

So Malcolm was ill today so I made the most of my time by organising my blog and adding new posts (mostly of my MM&I shoots, which are still drafts so expect them up soon!). Just wondering what will happen to the session timetable- will he do this weeks lecture next week, which seems logical? Will we be behind? 

Di's session however was still on. Today we looked at The Origins of Documentary. 

• empirical knowledge - knowledge acquired by means of the senses. 

There are three models of realism; Critical, Direct and Representational. 

• Critical- takes into account independent reality and also perception. Basically this means you look at the options of what you know and what you have been told and evaluate the two to create a reality.
• Direct - what you see is what you get. Also known as 'naive realism', this does not take into account what you have been told. You judge on what you see only.
• Representational - can't perceive it as it really is. Only know ideas you have been told. Basically this is our relationship with the news. We aren't actually on the other side of the world. We trust the newsreaders to tell us the truth and realism.

http://www.zingzoo.com/2015/04/13/an-australian-newsreader-has-perfectly-shut-down-the-ice-bucket-challenge/

• content analysis - see if news people say the same thing. See what is true.

Realism acts as a ripple effect. 

Original truth → Documentarist → Editing → Audience

Each one gets filtered and changed. The documentarist chooses what to film. The editor chooses what to include. All for the biggest impact. 

Charles Baudelaire was one of the first people to paint the underclass for a reason. He said to paint them rather than something historical or biblical.

https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/biblical-gif

"The life of our city is rich in poetic and marvellous subjects. We are enveloped and steeped as though in an atmosphere of the marvellous; but we do not notice it." - Charles Baudelaire

His images were used to campaign to the upper classes for change to the lower class. 

Metropolis does this perfectly with it's allegory of the 'thinkers and the workers', portraying the divide in classes. And also how the machine 'eats' the workers showing how much they are overworked and the influence of the upper class.

http://so-dishy.com/2013/06/10/920/

Documentary in France used to mean any non-fiction film including travelogues and instructional films. The term 'documentary' as first applied to Moana (Robert Fatherty). 

Documentaries according to Griesson are "aesthetically innovative and socially instructive". They are mostly made to inform, educate, question, challenge and provoke. But who says they can't entertain? Or be visually pleasing?

Triumph of the Will was originally made to be a documentary but ended up being one of the most famous propaganda films ever made. We also looked briefly at March of the Penguins which was a hit, having similar emotions and morals to human beings; the nuclear family, monogamy as well as the darker side of prostitution and killing off eggs/babies.

http://www.sopawsome.com/12-hilarious-penguin-gifs/

Scunci Insta-Twist

Today the Level 5's got me out of Digital Production to help them out on set of their live brief- Scunci Insta-Twist (a hair braiding tool like the ones you get in the 90s). 

I was told to be in for 9am but we didn't set off till over 10am (off to a great start) to Summerhill. The producer, Jamie then bought everyone coffee's which lifted everyone's spirits.

With the director and 16mm camera no where to be seen, people were getting restless. They appeared four hours late as the camera kept getting jammed. Would have made sense to test the camera out before the actual shoot to avoid this scenario from happening. We then went to McDonalds to warm ourselves up and to pass the time before the director came.

Eventually, we got started. Glenn (the director) wanted an establishing shot of people jamming and moshing in a field to show it's a festival. However, rapidly losing daylight, it took ages to get that one shot. I suggested to do the shots of the hired actors first as you could do the establishing shot of anyone anyday- they only have the actors today. Totally ignoring me, they continued the establishing shot. 

Then we finally started on the hired actors script. The director also wanted us to take off our parkers to make it look like the middle of July, but parkers are a festival coat and I refused to take mine off, as mine was the only thing keeping me warm, wearing only tights, shorts and a shirt under it. The sound died, but they kept filming. The next shot they got was someone coming out of a tent with their hair braided. Then we lost daylight. So in 6 hours, we got 2 shots. Fab. But I still had a good time seeing how 16mm worked and how each role works as a whole. Jamie bless his cotton socks, couldn't stop apologising for how late we started and offered us a Spoons to say sorry. Jamie was an amazing producer and made us all feel welcome. It wasn't his fault. I wish them all luck to try and get it in the can!

Digital Production #9

Today the Level 5's got me out of Digital Production to help them out on set of their live brief, which will be a separate post, found here.

Before I went, I did pitch my Digital Production assignment idea which I loved and was very proud of. The pitch of which can be found here:




But Mike turned it down as the Mayor dresses up as the monkey. I was aware of this while making the pitch but it is completely different and not affiliated with the Mayor or the Football Mascot. I thought it was a fab idea with a possibility of going viral online.

So I didn't win basically. Mike went with Andrew's idea with interviewing past CCAD students (and a guy dressed up in a monkey suit please and thank you). I was assigned as producer for it which I'm totally cool with as I am well organised. I just need to find a bit more enthusiasm towards the brief. In all fairness, I'm not totally sure what Andrew's idea is. Hopefully by next week when he has a script, I will be more sure and more enthusiastic. 

MM&I - The House Shoot

Today was mostly coverage shots so I didn't ask my camera and sound op to come as 1) transport on a Sunday is a pain. 2) I didn't want them to spend more money on transport.

So I got my mother to help out again (thanks again) and my friend who took A Level Film to also help out (thanks Melody!). 

We got a lot done. We also got an exterior shot of a kinda gothic house (yayyyy). It's not quite as impressive but it will have to do with such short notice and on the final day of booking with the camera.




Today I learnt to not stress over the small things. My friend was over an hour late due to circumstances and I was panicking thinking I wasn't going to get all the shots done. So I did what I could on my own and realised I didn't actually have much more to do. Stressing over small things is one of my character flaws. I panic when I forget to eat the ready cooked chicken in the fridge that goes out of date tomorrow. Not quite sure how I'd overcome this but today was a step in the right direction. It all turned out well in the end. 

MM&I - The Beach Shoot

After a small panic of a last minute weather change to rain and strong winds, I quickly booked out a rain cover for the camera and a microphone sock (can't remember the professional term for it. Was it a muffler?) to keep the microphone warm (..... as well as shielding it from the wind obviously). 

Everyone on time (yay!), we got started on the shots. 

Again, we nailed each shot. The caterer (my mother) came at dinner with a picnic and warm drinks (thanks again!). I also needed her to film my last, and possibly most complicated shot; the tracking, zoom out, 180 pan of the crew and the ocean, on the fig rig. Turned out well and we were done quicker than expected, just in time as the weather took a turn and started to spit on to rain and the tide was just about coming in. 




I learned to wear more appropriate shoes next time, not just the ones that look more aesthetically pleasing for the footage. I also learned that my last minute organisation skills and time keeping are top notch. 

MM&I - DISASTER

Friday all I needed was two shots (one was quite a while away too) so I didn't get my camera and sound op. I'm very glad I didn't too as it was a total waste of time.

Well, I did get one of the shots I wanted done- a CU of a cat. HOWEVER, I asked permission on Monday from Langham Towers in Sunderland if I could film the exterior of their building for my project as I wanted an establishing shot of a beautiful, big gothic house. They said it was absolutely fine as long as I came after dinner on the Friday. So I did, came with my camera, after a long bus journey. I went to reception to announce myself to just say yup I'm here like we arranged, do not be alarmed. 

Well... That's what I hoped what would happen.

The receptionist said to me that they hadn't logged such a conversation (basically calling me a liar). I stood my ground, saying I called on Monday and I am a real student. After calling my lecturer to confirm my identity, they still refused me to film the outside just in case I accidentally have a student in shot (even though the receptionist said to me that they are all in exams...) I stood my ground further saying I had a long journey, booked out the equipment for this and I assumed it was all arranged for me to film and the shot of the exterior is a vital shot for my project. They still turned me down as I needed an escort to take footage and they were short staffed. They then tried to have another go at me for not asking who I was speaking to and why I didn't email them. 1) They said they were 'Sunderland High' when they picked up the phone. Well sorry for not establishing a first name relationship basis with them, didn't really think of that. 2) There was no email on the site. Believe me, I wanted to email them more than phone them but I searched for ages trying to find one, but only came up with a phone number (that wasn't even for the right school. Luckily they gave me the right one.) Defeated and fuming, I walked away.

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/disaster-girl 

What could have been...

Production Skills #8

Today we looked at editing in more detail. We were split into the same two groups as last week- one went with Lee to edit and one stayed with Mike for a lecture on editing.

We looked at the different editing techniques in our favourite films, with a main focus on Bond. Editing over time in Bond films have changed due to society. Then, editors had to really drag a shot out to show what their goal is and what they are reaching for. Today, we glimpse it and are used to fast paced action. We also looked at how films can be edited in certain ways to become a whole new genre (a bit like Crimson Peak. My review of this can be found here.) 




We then went with Lee to look at the basics of cutting and transitions. Editing last week, I found it hard to get the audio and video to sync up but I now know where I went wrong. Red and yellow tools are also completely different and I can change which ones I want to see on the toolbar on the timeline. The red tool erases anything in its path and the yellow one makes room for the clip.

On the afternoon, we looked at our blogs. Mine is a good start but I need to separate my weekly posts into subjects so it's easier to find a particular subject. We then had a few hours independent study so I organised my blog here.

MM&I - The Studio Shoot

The studio shoot today went really well. I did want my crew to be there for 12:30pm so we had time to set up. One *not naming names* showed up late. My narrator turned up exactly on time, but the equipment was not set up and ready. After apologising to the narrator, we set up and got started.

We nailed all the shots I wanted and kept the lads happy experimenting with their new toy; the fig rig, for one of my shots, since we had plenty of time at the end. 




Thanks again to Jamie Gibson (my narrator), the level 5's that threw chocolate coins on my head and Ryan Siggers for taking pictures and this video!

Today I furthered my knowledge of the studio lights, importance of setting up early and to never let Richard near chocolate coins. They seem to magically disappear...

AVC Tech Dem

Good news! Finally got all the AVC tech dem edited and exported! Feel like I am still a newbie to Avid as the editing isn't amazing (neither is continuity) but I think I have got the basics down. 

Professional Studies #3

This week we looked at different guilds and unions for each role in the intustry. BECTU is the straight-forward one with many different job roles. I have just signed up to e on their Student Register so I will get emails of possible work experience. 

• broadcast credit - your work is shown on TV in public. Proof you have had a job on it and can be put on your CV.

The other unions I maybe interested in are GFTBE (editors) and DGGB (directors). A list of all the others are on the VLE.

We also looked at our assignment for this module. I have to write a 2000 word report about a role in the industry and how is works as part of a whole industry. Reports are not essays. Reports are based on facts and figures. 

Visual Culture #8

This week we looked at The Eighteenth Century Fantasy (1715-1760), with a particular focus on France and Madame de Pompadour. 

http://s813.photobucket.com/user/JasherX/media/Animated%20Pics/Doctor%20Who/tumblr_lsltukGbAy1r1hdnho1_500.gif.html

• Regence - Louis XV young King. Baroque decline.
• Rococo (Louis XV style) - Fantasy. Comes from the word rece (not sure if I've spelt that right) meaning shell-like, or delicate. 

Rococo was a reaction of a society obsessed with fantasy, with an introduction of emotion over power.

Curves, rocaille and asymmetry was key in paintings to give a sense of movement and (light) drama of the human emotion.

• Rocaille - lighter lines, natural, not arrogant. These wavy lines are a metaphor for flowing water.

http://www.unav.es/ha/002-ORNA/cajas-rocaille.htm

Example of rocaille lines. 

There are huge differences between French and British rococo, with the British using a lot of bright, yellow colours. French was more decadent.

The rococo focused on nature and love as an obsession. It was a celebration of life with little or no deeper meanings in their work (allegory).

Nakedness was a new symbol for individual beauty and sexuality, not just used for paintings of Venus.

Case Study - Madame de Pompadour

Madame de Pompadour was an illegitimate daughter and later a mistress to King Louis XV. 

http://rebloggy.com/post/doctor-who-dw-ten-madame-de-pompadour/40659093200

Yes I am aware I have used Doctor Who gifs twice on this post, sorry not sorry.

In paintings, she is always clutching or wearing an open rose, symbolising she is at the height of her beauty and is sexually open.

Even though allegory wasn't used as much in this era, paintings of Pompadour and Louis XV still used it, portraying Louis XV as Apollo- King of the Gods and Pompadour as Venus/Issa- the Goddess of beauty and fidelity. The shepherdess was also a rococo symbol of nature and simplicity of love and emotions. Pompadour was also portrayed as a sultana in some paintings to show her Turkish influences and exotic nature, suggesting her interest in education and how she is perfect for the King. 

However, there was also some images of ridicule of Madame de Pompadour from these paintings by exaggerating them and making her a creature with various lovers, someone who doesn't care and lustful. 

With age, Madame de Pompadour became just a friend to Louis XV shown with friendly imagery in their paintings. 

http://www.blogging4jobs.com/job-search/beware-the-recruiting-friend-zone/

Pompadour was often portrayed with a dog suggesting companionship and her friendship with the King. 

In Diane's session we looked at reason vs. fantasy in Films. There was a discussion on the VLE about this and linking a film to a John Truby article also on the VLE.

I chose to link the article to Beetlejuice (Tim Burton, 1988).

The film could be seen as combining natural settings with the city in this clip:

(0.00-0.52) It is portraying the city or the outside as a Jungle where the outside is not liberating but a source of death (even for ghosts) and enemies lurk all around, with the only safe place being the house.

Technology and tools are also used with the Handbook for the Recently Deceased giving our heroes (Adam and Barbara) a helping hand and abilities. This shows not only how out heroes have magnified their power, but also how well they can manoeuvre through the world.

The narrative itself links to Truby’s ‘slavery to greater slavery to freedom’ and connecting the world to the hero’s development motif, with our heroes both being trapped inside the house, then they are trapped by Beetlejuice, then they are saved and are a community.

Linking film to Malcolm's lecture was difficult but Diane suggested Dangerous Liaisons with links to setting and mise-en-scene to what we had learnt this morning. Even though the costumes are a few decades out, the scenery behind them are still very relevant to The Eighteenth Century Fantasy.

Digital Production #8

Today we looked more at three point lighting but this time, we looked at lighting three characters. We didn't have enough bodies to do three at the same time and also operate camera and sound, so we did two at the same time.

This is a failed project with the lighting continuity being awful- the scene has a red gel then we cut to Ethan with no red tinge. There's a lot of empty space in the second shot. And we had a few technical difficulties with the studio lights.


On the afternoon we were introduced to our Digital Production module brief of CCAD The Advert. Mike then widened the brief to include all of Hartlepool and not just CCAD. It also needs to have that viral feel to the video and that will attract people to CCAD and to be able to market it on YouTube and mobile devices. We have to plan a pitch for next Monday.

We then edited some more with Avid and our AVC tech dem we filmed.

MM&I - Progress

Good news on the narrator front! Managed to find someone who has replied and shown interest to be in my film. We are planning to record Wednesday afternoon in the studio.

The studio has been booked and I have been given the go-ahead to book out equipment and shoot on the beach on Saturday. Risk assessment forms have been signed. Shot lists have been finalised and uploaded onto the group VLE page. 

A few props however have been problematic to find. Went on a hunt in Uni today to find a Graduation cap and gown but turns out they rent theirs in and don't have any. Ebay is too expensive and no one has any spare on Facebook. So I'm making my own.

Made a Graduation cap out of cardboard and I am currently painting it black and I am just using a cloak as a robe. Since the shot is an MCU I should be able to get away with it.

UPDATE: Cap is now fully painted with a tassel on it. Looks quite realistic!

Friday I am recording the Sunderland house exterior.

Furthermore for the beach, I have checked tide times and weather which are also on the VLE. I have asked my crew to be there for 10 am (the tide is lowest at 11 but I'm giving them an hours grace to get lost, get on the bus, set up, etc.)

Production Skills #7

This morning we looked at editing and also got introduced to Avid- our video editing software. We split into groups, one would set up their Avid accounts, the other watched a documentary on editing. We just learnt the very basics of Avid- how to put files in, different 'bins' and the layout. I booked in for Friday to get a hands on learning experience myself and to also edit our tech dem for my blog.

In the afternoon, we got to see the smoke machine (again) being tested, but this time, in the studio with lights. If I do ever use it, I need to contact the college saying I'm going to use it and cap the fire alarms, so if there is a fire alarm, it's not me.

So pretty...

Professional Studies #2

This week we focused on our presentation skills, especially our phone skills. Mike split the class into two groups. The story line was basically one group (the other group, not the one I was in) was a supermarket chain selling infected chickens and the other group (the one I was in) was trying to uncover them with evidence of people catching bird flu from them. Mike picked suitable opponents for us in each group but we found out at the end that our opponents were out best mates (thanks Mike) so I was paired up with Beth. I won but I should have revealed my identity as a news reporter but ah well I won. 

MM&I - The Cards

History

The first known documented tarot cards were created between 1430 and 1450 in northern Italy when additional cards with allegorical illustrations were added to the common four-suit pack. These new decks were originally called carte da trionfi, triumph cards, and the additional cards known simply as trionfi, which became "trumps" in English. The first literary evidence of the existence of carte da trionfi is a written statement in the court records in Florence, in 1440. The oldest surviving tarot cards are from fifteen fragmented decks painted in the mid 15th century for the Visconti-Sforza family, the rulers of Milan. -Dummett, Michael (1996). A Wicked Pack Of Cards. p. 25. ISBN 9780312162948. By the nineteenth century, many oculists were working with tarot and it was firmly established around the world by the late twentieth century.

That tarot is the most popular form of divination today. Unlike other methods of divination, which usually requires years of practice, anyone can learn to use the tarot after only a few weeks of practice. It is based on choosing cards randomly from a deck of 78 cards and laying them out in various patterns ('spreads'). An interpretation, called a reading, of the cards in the spread gives answers to the questions that have been asked.


Spreads

For my MM&I I will more than likely use the Past, Present and Future three card spread. It's the most simple and widely known spread and focuses on my past, present and future, just like my MM&I with my various flashbacks and flashforwards. 

When shuffling the cards, cards can be reversed, or the wrong way up. The interpretation for these can vary when reversed. I could list all the card meanings but this blog would go on forever!

My Prediction

X - The Wheel of Fortune (reversed)

You are reaching the end of an easy phase in your life and are about to embark on a more testing time. This will help you to build strength of character and you will be pleased by the way you cope with the challenges that are just around the corner.

VII - The Chariot

A struggle will test your character and stamina, requiring great reserves of energy. Nevertheless, the outcome will be positive and you will gain a great deal, both mentally and spiritually, from the experience. A relationship may be undergoing a testing time, in which firm control and steady nerves are needed. Sometimes this card refers to a financial difficulty, with the questioner trying to defend their position, keep their head above water or reclaim what is rightfully theirs. However, all will be well in the end.

IX - Nine of Cups (reversed)

Be careful because something that seems wonderful on the surface will not live up to expectations. Beware of chasing after impossible dreams or trusting someone who is known to be unreliable.

My Interpretation

The past card seems true, with me just leaving college which is relatively easy compared to the work we have to do at Uni and testing my confidence and skills working in a team (A levels were way more independent). Challenges just around the corner is more than likely my MM&I!

The present card again refers to Uni with it testing my confidence and skills working in a team, but the work we put into it will be worth it. The relationship one is slightly wrong as I am no longer in one but the part about control in my last relationship is true. Financial difficulty speaks for itself (Uni and student finance).

The future card links to my MM&I and the verse in the poem about the future ('darkness, lies') which is really spooky. Trusting someone who is unreliable has happened before so that also rings true. The dreams one I have no idea about.