MEST 2 Progress Report

• Work completed since 6 January:

Research and planning for print brief

• Any incomplete pre-production tasks:

All completed

• Next steps/Action plan:

-Photoshoot

-Start filming 

-Start designing print brief brochure 

• Date filming will be complete:

Friday 12th Feb

• Requirements for photoshoot next week:

-White gown

-Make-up

-White contact lenses

-Lab coat

-The drug

MEST2 Print Brief

Research

1.

• How many of the 12 key conventions of magazine covers can you see? 

-Title of publication: "BFI FILM LONDON FESTIVAL" 

-Central Image: Image of a face which takes up the whole front cover.

-Flash/Cover/Sell line: "In partnership with..."

-Colour scheme: The colour scheme is bright and draws your attention to the title as the title is the only thing on the front cover that consists of colour. The colour tone is very cool since there's more blues/purples however you can also see some reds/oranges which catches your attention right in the centre of the cover.

-Name checks: The BFI logo may account as a name check as it is a clearly showing the territory and nature of the festival.

-Date: the date of the festival is written right below the title.

• In what way does this print product differ from a traditional magazine cover and how have the designers made this programme visually interesting?

This print product differs from a traditional magazine cover because the title is placed in the middle rather than right at the top and there isn't much writing or 'flash lines' to divert the readers attention. It is concise and gives the most important information, e.g. the date of the film festival. Furthermore, the designers have made this programme visually interesting by making the central image cover the whole front cover. However it is black and white but by making the title transparent to the image in colour they've made it original and modern.

2.

• Find 5 arts centre or cinema programmes/brochures aimed at a similar target audience to your project (arthouse cinema), For each one, pick out one design idea that you could use in your own print work.

   

The use of the image at the top and the title/writing at the bottom is something different and I'd like to try it out for my own print work.

The colour scheme on this front cover is something I'd like to have on my print work because the central image consists of cool tones and dark colours whereas the title is in red which makes it stand out.

The whole front cover consists of the central image which is also the main character, I'd like to use this design on my print work as its concise, furthermore the title is in the middle which is also a visually appealing design I may consider.

The slogan is at the top of the front cover which makes it visually interesting and the layout looks simple yet unique. The layout of this front cover is what I hope my print work resembles in some aspects.

The colour scheme on this is also like the one I mentioned above however this time the whole cover is in black and white but the dress the character is wearing stands out and draws our attention. I would like to use this idea to get a 'pop' of colour.

•  Find at least 5 contents pages from arts programmes or magazines. How are contents pages designed? How do they use a combination of text and images to create an effective design?
  

This contents page consists of many pictures, the images are bolder and more visible than the writing. This is a clever technique as people tend to go with what is more visually appealing. Therefore making the images from the different productions more apparent will help the reader of the brochure know what type of film they'd like to read about.

This contents page focuses on four main images rather than including them all in, this helps prevent the page from being overcrowded and confusing. By choosing a few images rather than them all makes the design more simple and easy to understand for the reader.

This contents page follows a similar design as the one above, however, the page numbers and titles are made more visible since they are in bright colours and bigger font. This is also crucial as it helps the reader find the thing they want to read about without any hassle.

This contents page catches your attention due to the use of bright colours, this is important as bright colours help to make the page stand out and intrigue readers.

This contents page doesn't follow the traditional contents page layout, it is modernised and once again colourful which helps draw attention. Furthermore, the different characters from different productions are put into bubbles with the page number detailing the film they're in next to them on one side whereas titles an brief summaries are on the other side. This technique helps make the contents page easy to follow.

Photoshoot

1) Which of your main characters will appear on the front cover of your programme?

The main protagonist Amelia will appear on the front cover of our programme.
2) What image or images do you need for the contents page?

We want the front covers of all the productions on our contents page, however, we may only choose our favourite ones rather than them all to prevent the contents page from being overcrowded.

3) What image or images will you use for the double-page spread?

• Amelia at the graveyard
• Amelia and Mr. Reynolds at the office
• Mental Hospital
• The drug

4) Write a shot list for the photoshoot. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.

• Long shot of Amelia in white gown holding cup with the drug inside it fizzing
• Close-up of the drug
• Wide shot of the hospital
• Over-the-shoulder shot of Amelia at the office with Mr.Reynolds

5) What costume, props or make-up will you require for the photoshoot?

• White gown
• Make-up for Amelia to make her look ill
• White contacts
• Drug (fizzing paracetamol)
• Lab coat
• Glasses

6) How will you make sure you have everything prepared for the photoshoot on Wednesday 20 January?

First and foremost we are going to talk to our actors who will be playing the roles and find out when they are free then we are going to make a list and buy the things necessary for the shoot.

Audience Focus Group

The focus group involved each group discussing what their ideas were such as what their 30 minute narrative was along with what the 3 minute extract would consist of and where it would appear in the film. We also briefly covered the genre of our films, locations and characters etc. Each group then received feedback from everyone else in the room. 

Feedback

• Good story line. 
• Consider getting a lot of actors for the church scene.
• Consider accessing locations (permission) , such as church, mental hospital. 
• Seems like a classic horror film - "positive way". 
• "Try and have an original twist to your film". 
• Be careful when filming outdoor scenes - wind noises.  
• Make sure everyone is wearing similar costumes.
• Use of drug possessing character - positive influence in reality as it may prevent people from actually doing drugs. 

 Learner Response 

From this focus group activity we have learnt that we need to consider quite a lot of factors for our film. The main factor would be having a good story line in order to captivate our audience and keep them intrigued at all times. Furthermore, as our film genre is horror, from the feedback we got back, we need to consider having a twist in the film in order to make it stand out from other horror films. One other main thing we have learnt from this focus group is recognizing whether we would be able to get access to public places such as the church and the hospital and thinking realistically when it comes to shooting the scenes and getting the number of characters we need. Therefore, we have decided to take all these things into consideration and clearly plan out and research whether the shoots/scenes we wish to include in our production can be filmed without any issues.

Target Audience

The target audience for our film will be 60% females and 40% males. The majority will be females due to the fact that the main protagonist “Amelia” is a girl. Furthermore, females enjoy horror movies in comparison to males. Also, the film has an aspect of drama linked to it which also intrigues females far more than males. However, since the story is based around a teenage girl and the ‘teenage life’ some males (particularly teenage boys) may enjoy the film due to the involvement of parties, drugs etc. In addition to that, the age range for the film would be 15-25+, we believe that due to the fact the film mildly explores family life combined with teenage life this may appeal to some parents, maybe even 20-25 year olds who may be starting their own family so may want an insight into how teenagers are. Additionally, since the brief was to attract a different audience compared to what arthouse cinemas usually attract we thought that horror would be the best genre to go for since that’s what teenagers and young adults enjoy the most. Whereas the older generation wouldn’t be as impressed by it or wouldn’t enjoy it as much, considering it involves drugs. However, the film does follow a drama aspect too with a plot twist as mentioned before therefore it may appeal to older people hence the ‘25+’. Furthermore, arthouse cinemas usually attract middle-class audiences therefore we chose to make our film based around a working-class girl to not only attract working-class people but to also give middle-class people an insight into the working-class life. Additionally, the education level therefore does not have to be of high standards neither do they have to be employed in a high status job. This film is widely aimed at normal part-time working-class families and their teenage kids since that is not the norm at an arthouse cinema. Our film sends an important message to our audience about taking drugs and the consequences of taking them in which may prevent the younger generation in taking them.  Also, the concept of being raped after a party will also help teenagers realise the implications/consequences linked with trusting a stranger and girls would be the core target audience since they would emotionally engage with the film due to scenes like the rape scene. On the other hand, when looking at psychographics groups we came to conclude that the film would not appeal to the resigned group since they follow a strict lifestyle and would not enjoy watching a film based around a teenage girl and they definitely wouldn't be pleased by the horror genre due to their chauvinist values oriented to the past and their Resigned roles. Furthermore, the film would greatly attract mainstreamers since horror is a popular genre and they tend to follow the mass. The film would mildly appeal to succeeders and aspirers but only a minority since they care about their image and status quo therefore wouldn't want to go out of their way to watch a film based around a working-class teenage girl. Finally, the film would appeal to explorers, strugglers and reformers because the explorers enjoy to explore different things which means they would enjoy to follow the journey of a girl and learn new things through a film. Whereas strugglers would relate with the character Amelia since she goes through a great ordeal of struggles throughout the film.

BBFC Institution Research

What is BBFC?

The BBFC is an independent, non-governmental body which classifies cinema films. It's a not for profit organisation, it's income is from the fees it charges for its services.

How are films rated?

Examiners watch films for cinema release in the BBFC's cinema, in order to accurately reproduce the effect that sound levels and special effects will have on the cinema audience. DVDs are viewed in the BBFC's viewing rooms on plasma screens, to recreate the 'home viewing' experience. Where the work is in a language not spoken by any of the Examiners and there are no subtitles, the BBFC will use an interpreter who will sit alongside the Examiner or team. Examiners log details of what they watch, including: general context - plot, characters, outline of individual scenes, timings of key moments, including camera angles, type of shots, on- and off-screen moments, bad language, sex and drug references etc.

The issues faced when categorising a film?

They need to consider:

• conflict with the law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• harmful to the viewer
• unacceptable to appear to a wider audience 
• acceptably portraying the dominant issue 
• problematic within its tone

Alongside considering the relevant legislation, the main age rating issues that need to be taken into account include:

• Violence

• Sex

• Sexual Violence

• Drugs

• Horror

• Imitable Behaviour

• Discrimination

• Language

Controversial Decisions- The Dark Knight

The main classification issues in The Dark Knight are violence and threat. BBFC Guidelines for 12A at the time stated ‘Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries and blood’ and ‘Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only. The examiners who classified the film agreed it met the Guidelines criteria, however, there were a significant numbers of complaints about the 12A rating from members of the public. The rating was given due to the identification with Batman and the fact that the previous Batman was also rated a 12A. Although the antagonist, the villain, The Joker, uses a knife, the use of the weapon is not accentuated or glamorised to encourage the use of the violence. The BBFC received 364 complaints about the age rating. Parents and viewers thought that the tone of the film was too dark to show to younger audiences without making them feel uncomfortable or scared.

Guidelines for a 15 Certificate

15 Certificate - 'There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest terms may be acceptable if justified by context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable'. 

• strong violence
• frequent strong language
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking

Juno Classification

12A Uncut- It was submitted to the BBFC with a PG request. The key classification issues in the work are infrequent strong language, moderate sex references and brief sight of a gory scene from an old horror movie The Wizard Of Gore (rated 18). When making their recommendations examiners also discussed the film’s tone, likely appeal and audience, and the treatment of the theme of teenage pregnancy.

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation Feedback 

Evaluation mark: 6/10

Grade: C

WWW: A solid evaluation that uses some media terminology effectively and picks out some key strengths and weaknesses in the production. You’ve clearly reflected on the process too – this will help with the real MEST2 coursework.

EBI: Your written English is a little informal – this is something to consider for academic writing over the next 18 months as your A Levels progress. For the top grades, you lack the detailed analysis of key shots, edits, sounds etc. and the possible interpretations for the audience. You do consider the audience which is good to see but I’d like more detailed and specific discussion of certain shots, transitions etc. 

LR: 

1. Include detailed analysis of the key shots, editing, sounds ect. and go into more detail when evaluating possible interpretations for the audience.
2. Make sure that my English is more formal and go into more depth.
3. Analyse transitions and shots.

Arthouse Film Institution Research

Production: Independent film studios

1.

• Donnie Darko- this film was made by the production 'Flower Films'.
• The Falling- this film was made by the productions 'BBC Films' and 'British Film Institute (BFI)'.
• iLL Manors- this film was also made by the production  'BBC Films' along with 'Film London Microwave' and 'Aimimage'.
• It Follows- this film was made by the productions 'Animal Kingdom', 'Northern Lights Film' and 'Two Flints'.
• Appropriate Behaviour- this film was made by the production 'Parkville Pictures'.

2.

• Flower Films:Whip It, He's Just Not That Into You and Happy Camp.
• BBC Films: The Woman In Gold, Philomena and The Awakening.
• British Film Institute (BFI): Under The Skin, The Lobster and Robinson In Ruins.
• Film London Microwave: Strawberry Fields, Shifty and Cubs 
• Aimimage: The White Darkness, My London and Leaving Baghdad.
• Animal Kingdom: Short Term 12 and It Follows.
• Northern Lights Film: This Is Where We Take Our Stand and Killer Poet.
• Two Flints: And Then I Go and I'll See You In My Dreams 
• Parkville Pictures: Borrowed Time, Part Of Me and Madame Ida.

3. 

• Flower Films: in 2005 Flower Films signed a two-year deal with Warner Bros. Pictures. Flower Films has become one of the most successful film companies to produce low budget independent films for the pleasures of the Arthouse audience. 
• BBC Films: the two most successful films they have made are 'A Cock And Bull Story' and 'Africa United'. 
• British Film Institute (BFI): Sight & Sound, published by the British Film Institute, has conducted a poll of the greatest films every 10 years since 1952.
• Film London Microwave: their most successful films are iLL Manors, Shifty and Lilting which are all low-budget independent films.
• Northern Lights Film, Aimimage and Two Flints: these three production companies are best known for their participation in the film 'It Follows'.
• Parkville Pictures: Parkville Pictures is a BAFTA-nominated and multi award-winning independent film production company based in London. Parkville Pictures’s feature credits include 'Borrowed Time'.

Distribution: Independent film distributors

10 Steps Of Film Distribution:

1. Films can be conceived in a variety of ways. Sparked by a unique moment of inspiration, maybe an adaptation of a carefully chosen book, a true life story, an historical figure, an event, a moment in time. The labour to create a film, the greater the desire to ensure it finds exposure beyond those immediately connected with it. Film is about shared experiences, about letting everyone in to enjoy a time of escapism, be it through drama and excitement, comedy or tragedy. Films have the power to inspire, to convey strong emotions, to express what people want to say, but cannot necessarily find the words themselves. 
2. Films influence the games we enjoy, the music we play, and they inspire the fashions and advertising images that spring up all around us however films can have an impact, both commercial and social. It is the task of distributors to identify and deliver the largest possible audience for every film. Tailor-made, audience-focused distribution is, and will remain, vital to the prospects of individual films. 
3. Distribution is the highly competitive business of launching and sustaining films in the market place.The distributor's challenge is to bring each one to market by:
• identifying its audience
• considering why they'd go and see it
• estimating the revenue potential across all the formats of its release
• persuading exhibitors (cinema operators) to play the film
• developing plans and partnerships to build awareness of and interest in the film
• aiming to convert as much interest as possible into cinema visits                                                         
4. The UK has six major distributors and many independent distributors who tend to handle films made outside the major studios.
5. When considering acquiring a new film, distributors normally look for distinguishable features in order for the film to sell and become a success. They would also need to consider the target audience. They will need to put together a detailed marketing spend and organise film festivals to make a wider audience aware of the film's release. Distributors recognise the importance of local product. Distributors sometimes choose to launch films at a suitable international festival, where critics and insiders may discover them and go on to champion them in early reviews and columns.
6. Distributors sign a formal contract with the producer, sales agent or studio, specifying the rights they hold in respect of the title.These normally include the right to release it in UK cinemas and promote it in all media before and during its release. Distributors normally seek to acquire all available rights in their particular territory, spreading the risk and opportunity across multiple platforms. 
7. A distribution plan needs to be prepared.
   The distributor will develop this in consultation with the producers and/or studio as appropriate.
8. The most important strategic decisions a distributor makes are when and how to release a film in order to optimise its chances. Through a combination of market knowledge, commercial experience, statistical research and professional judgement, distributors gauge the audience for each film.When distributors have estimated what a film may earn, they prepare a budget to release it. As with every business plan, the goal is to recoup the costs and turn a profit.As distributors review what kind of film they have, they will begin to form assumptions as to the type of release they need. 
9. The job of a distributor is to create visibility and to raise enough awareness and interest in a film to persuade potential audiences to buy tickets to go and see it at the nearest cinema at the earliest opportunity. The marketing plan – produced to complement the overall distribution plan – is designed to navigate a route to market that allows interest to peak as the film opens in cinemas. This will take into account the competitive environment, to ensure that the opportunities to raise interest and awareness are not lost under the weight of other films or entertainment on release.
10. A key consideration in any distribution plan is where the film should play. Every theatrical release is effectively a joint-venture: the distributor supplies the film, the exhibitors provide the screens, and the arrangements are reviewed week by week.The distributor's sales and marketing strategies go hand in glove, with the film's target audience kept front of mind. 

• Donnie Darko- this film was distributed by 'Pandora Cinema' and 'Newmarket Films', the first screening was at 'Sundace Film Festival' and it was only shown on 58 screens nationwide, it had a budget of $3.8 million and made $7.6 million.
• The Falling- this film was distributed by 'Metrodome UK', The Falling premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2014 and it had a limited release in the United Kingdom, it had a budget of £750,000 but only managed to make £368,378.
• iLL Manors- this film was distributed by 'Revolver Entertainment', The film was given a wide release to 191 cinemas in both Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, it had a budget of £100,000 and made an amazing profit of £453,570.
• It Follows- this film was distributed by 'RADiUS-TWC' and 'Dimension Films', The film was given a wide release to 191 cinemas in both Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, it had a budget of $2 million but made an outstanding profit by making $19.4 million.
• Appropriate Behaviour- this film was distributed by 'Gravitas Ventures'.

Curzon Artificial Eye- They are the UK's leading independent film distributors. Curzon Artificial Eye has been releasing critically acclaimed films to discerning UK audiences by some of the world's greatest directors, including Michael Haneke, Lars von Trier, Abbas Kiarostami and Andrei Tarkovsky. Curzon Mayfair and now has 11 cinemas nationwide. Curzon launched its Curzon Home Cinema service in 2010, making films available to watch at home on the same day as their cinema release.

Still Alice

This trailer has taught me to ensure that the storyline of my production is interesting enough to keep the audience engaged throughout. Also, the shots are visually appealing due to the use of wide/establishing shots which has inspired me to include them into my film.

Lilting

This trailer has inspired me to use foreign language in my production and also the storyline of this film is unique which has helped me to change the narrative of my production to make it original. 

Wild Tales

The use of different locations in the beginning of trailer has inspired me to include the concept of flashbacks in my production. Furthermore, the use of fast pace music which gradually gets louder and then stops creates a dramatic effect which is vital in my film.

Exhibition: Arthouse cinemas

The BFI Southbank: BFI Southbank (from 1951 to 2007 known as the National Film Theatre) is the leading repertory cinema in the UK, specialising in seasons of classic, independent and non-English language films and is operated by the British Film Institute. It is sited below the southern end of Waterloo Bridge, forming part of the cultural complex on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.  Their target audience could be adults more than teenagers since the movies they are screening are not something teenagers would watch; as it isn't as mainstream. They are currently screening: Carol, Steve Jobs, 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her and The Challenging.

Electric Cinema: The Electric Cinema is a movie theatre in Notting Hill, London, and is one of the oldest working cinemas in the country. It is located at 191 Portobello Rd, London. The target audience could be both teenagers and adults (15-35+) due to the fact that they screen mainstream films. They are currently screening: Carol, Star Wars, Big Hero 6 and The dressmaker.

A case study in independent film production: Film London and Microwave Film

Film London: Film London is London's film and media agency - sustaining, promoting and developing London as a major international film-making and film cultural capital. Film London aims to ensure London has a thriving film sector that enriches the capital’s businesses and its people.

Film London’s objectives are to:

• Grow the film industry in London
• Maximise investment in London through film
• Sustain London’s film culture
• Promote London to the world through film

Microwave Film: Microwave funds films, they give development and mentoring support to all of the shortlisted projects, as well as production finance and distribution support to the final commissioned films. Twelve teams are shortlisted for the scheme, and receive concentrated training at Film London Microschool along with mentorship and development funding. From this shortlist, six projects are selected to go on to a second phase of development with further funding. Lastly, two features are appointed and receive additional development, in addition to production funding of £100,000 and distribution funding for finished films.

London Calling: London Calling is open to all new and emerging film-making teams resident in the capital. Run across nine months, highlights of the scheme include: 15 short films are awarded a maximum of £4,000, training and mentoring is provided to all film-making teams, match funding can be sought for any film being produced through London Calling. 

Borrowed Time

 The unique concept reveals that the film is independent. The binary opposition of the characters reveals the conflict and the intriguing narrative. The target audience would predominately be 15-24 year old's due to the narrative being based around a young teenage boy and it relates to many teenagers.

Lilting

This film is a British drama and due to the use of the foreign language we can tell this is a art house film. The narrative involves homosexuality therefore I do not think the target audience would be older because elder people would stereotypically be traditional and set in their ways whilst younger people tend to be more accepting and open to the idea of homosexuality.

Freestyle

The mis-en-scene of the film suggests it is low budget. The target audience would be 50/50 males and females due to the subversion of the stereotype of all girls not being sporty, which would therefore appeal to the female demographic. Overall, this film would mainly appeal to teenagers.

• I need to make sure my script doesn't have too many and locations, instead I need to identify my protagonist and make sure it's a clear narrative. 
• I need to make sure I know exactly who my film is for and I need to stick to that audience and make sure the film will suit their requirements and appeal to them.
• The narrative must be interesting and intriguing in order to engage the audience; I need to include enigma codes and features.