Introduction to Audience

 

Research

 

 

Moral Panics theory-

 

Theorist Stanley Cohen suggested in his book 'Folk Devil and Moral Panics', in 1972, that a moral panic occurs when a "condition, episode, person or group of persons emerges to become defined as a threat societal value and interests".

In other words, the moral panic in society represented in the media fuels further socially unacceptable behaviour.

A moral panic causes society to have mass hysteria, causing them to believe that whatever is occurring in the news is also happening everywhere. For example, some moral panics in Britain are:

 

• HIV/AIDs in the 1980's  
• Asylum seekers in 2000's
• A fear of Nazi spies during world war two
• A clash between mods and rockers in the 1960's

Hypodermic needle theory-

 

The "Magic Bullet" or "Hypodermic Needle Theory" of direct influence effects was based on early observations of the effect of mass media, as used by Nazi propaganda and the effects of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. The theory suggests that passive audience has no choice but to be influenced by the media and therefore give in to buying products. This can happen all across the world.

 

Camera shots and angles

In class we experimented with various camera shots and angles. I found it challenging to master the precise close up shots as there were many different types. However, I feel as though we exceeded the task of creating the right shot angles.

Dancing animal premiere

In this music video, I used different effects such as changing the brightness and contrast so I could develop different effects on each scene. I also used the cutting feature to fit the music better to the scenes. Furthermore, I also used various audio and video transitions such as zoom and fade to make the scenes flow.

Mise En Scene- Media Language

Positioning of characters & objects within a frame:

Task 3: What does the positioning in the following images say about the characters/film?

Image 1- The horizontal position of the camera across from the male and female on the sofa allows the viewer to gain a look upon their setting which suggests they are at home and may be living together. The fact that the two characters are sitting away from each other suggests that they are in an argument.

Image 2- This image of an axe stuck in a piece of wood tells the viewer that some dangerous event may have occurred. The fact that we can see the axe upon beams above maybe a warehouse, suggests some character has found themselves in a positon where they would have to climb away someone or something.

Image 3- This lowered angle of the two men holding guns makes the viewer feel as if these characters have authority and power.

How does MES convey period?

Through looking at a certain image or video, the colouring, props, costumes and angles used allow the viewer to acknowledge a certain time period. For example, the characters of a period production will be costumed in long heavy dresses depending on the era. To demonstrate the ancient atmosphere of a period, the colouring of a shot may be gloomy and dark or even a sepia effect may be used. Certain props will also be used. For example, in an old London Victorian period, horse and carriages, top hats, smoking pipes, quills and feathers may be used to expand the scene of a Victorian scene.


Types of lighting in different productions:

• Image A- The lighting is bright, however the shadows have been darkened to create a shadowing effect. This distinguishes the light from dark and good from bad within the characters.
• Image B- The lighting is in Black and white with a bright spotlight on a character. This black and white feature suggests that the film is maybe old or sad.
• Image C- This image has a bright and natural lighting which causes the viewer to believe its a realistic.
• Image D- This image has a major contrast of lights. The background light causes the figure to be in a shadow. This causes an almost sinister and mysterious atmosphere.

Different types of lighting and their significance:

Task: 3 questions- For each image answer the following questions.

1. What type of lighting is used in each image? (high or low key)
2. where are the filler lights, back lights and key lights in the image?
3. What meaning does the lighting suggest?

Image 1-

1. The lighting is low key and dark.
2. the back are lights are where the window is covered with blinds, the key light is the lamp next to the mirror and the filler lights is also the window behind him.
3. The lighting suggests that it is late at night and the man has only bothered to turn one lamp on due rushing to clean his nose. This also suggest there is danger present.

Image 2-

1. The lighting is low key in this image.
2. The back lights are the lights on the field next to the man, the key light is the lamppost and the filler lights in also the light upon the fields.
3. This low lighting suggests that the man is in despair and lost in the dark with only a lamppost to help him see.

Image 3-

1. The lighting is low key.
2. The key light is the light coming from the open door. The filler light is the mans white jacket.
3. This focus of one key light with no back light causes the viewer to see a contrast of light and dark and maybe good and bad between the characters.

Youtube video analysis

Florence Welch represents her struggles within a relationship throughout this music video. At the beginning of the video we see Florence in a state of despair and regret when waking up from a rough night. This tells the viewer that the mood of the video will be problematic. Throughout the video we gradually see a climax of emotions as Florence dances around her house. The cramped space within her house demonstrates the claustrophobic feeling of her relationship. Another Florence then appears in the video whom she fights with over her partner. The ferocity of their fighting when on the table surrounded by people suggests that she is battling her own emotions, which effect everyone around her. At the end of the video we see an anti-climax as Florence lies on the landing of her house with a jar of tablets spilled next to her. This final image represents how much her emotions have effected her, so much so to the point of release.  

Mise En Scene- Media Language

Setting and props

Task: "What settings and props would you find in..."

1. Science Fiction: The future, alternative timeline, Spaceships, Space guns, Astronauts, Space, Modern interior, other worlds, stars, alternative versions of earth, Buttons, Technical desks.

     2. Romantic comedy: Houses, Streets, Various periods, Beds, Candles, Red props to symbolise 
         love, parks, functions, weddings, children, family members.
 
     3. Horror: Abandoned buildings, forests, haunted houses/hospitals etc., beds, tables & chair etc.,
         lights, blood, knives & guns.


Facial expressions and body language

Task: "what meanings/emotions do the following images convey..."

 

In this image, Watson on the left prevails a facial expression of being surprised yet unimpressed towards something in front of him, this could mean he has found himself in a sticky situation and dreads having to sort this problem out. On the other hand, Sherlock Holmes shows a concerned emotion towards the situation.

 

 

In this image, Brad Pitt shows a determined facial expression. His hunched eyebrows show his focus to the situation before him along with his body language. Morgan freeman almost has a worried expression on his face. it also seems as though Morgan is analysing the situation in front of him and advising Brad.

 

 

In this image, the man in the middle has a strong body language, you can tell he is powerful and in control through this and his pursed lips. However, on either side of him, the men look more vulnerable and hold the emotion of depression through their facial expressions.

 

 

Semiotics

Denotations:

• Two people dancing.
• Formal clothing.
• Bold font.
• Stars in the distance.
• Old-time poster.
• Elegant limbs.
• Glowing rim around the two people.

Connotations:

• The physical act of dancing presents a relationship between the two people.
• Fake stars and chipped edges on the poster show that it is old which could mean the film is perhaps set in a later era or makes references to one.
• The bold title 'La La Land' Creates a happy atmosphere for the film.
• The act of dancing could hint that the film is a musical.
• The caption within the poster stating 'Here's to the fools who dream' suggests that the film may not be as happy as it seems. That a story with obstacles must unfold.
• The glowing rim around the two people suggest they have a true connection and makes them look almost heavenly like. This could mean they share divine love.
• Due to the set scene of a starry night, the two people are insinuated to be a main part of the film along with the struggles they may face alone.

Media vocabulary

Generic Conventions:

• D escribe
• In detail
• S  etting
• T  hemes
• I   cons
• N  arative
• C  haractes
• T  extual analysis

Textual Analysis:

• C ostume design
• L ighting
• A ctors
• M akeup
• P  rops
• S  et

Theorists:

• Steve Neale- Genre theorist 'Genre relies on repetition and difference'.

Other:

• Liar- L anguage, I ndustries, A udience, R epresentation.
• Semiotics- The study of signs.
• Denotation- What we see when we look at an image.
• Connotation- What we understand when we see an image.

        

      

Genres in pictures

Good vs. Evil



Thriller



Documentary

On this post, Molly, Olivia, Oakley and I were given the task to capture three different themes in three different images. To do this, we focused on the different aspects of each theme and how we could clearly portray the meaning within them. We used the setting of grass to portray nature along with using lockers to show the setting of bullies at a school. To make this post better, i would have liked to improve the quality of my pictures and experiment with close-ups. 

What media i like