Camerawork: Blog Task

 1) Three camera shots:

- The opening medium shot clearly shows the woman holding up her ID. This already sets the scene for the action coming after it and conveys the fact that she has a high authority, and is a very important person. It also implies to the audience that she is looked up to as a person.

- The long shot at 0:52 establishes the setting the woman is sitting in, inside her house facing a number of screens. This perhaps indicates to the audience that what she does is to remain unknown by others including people of the public, and that she may have a secret identity or alter ego given the out of place computer screens in spite of the somewhat regular setting. This helps the audience understand the character a bit more and have an insight in both of her lives, the one known by everyone and the one that is kept a secret.

- The two shot at 3:52 portrays two characters frantically speaking into a phone, with shocked or worried expressions on both their faces. From this, the audience can infer that they are trying to send a message back, which signals to the audience that the man may be the doctor that the other characters were trying to contact the whole time. Like many two shots, it also includes a medium close-up that focuses on the characters' faces which makes the audience understand the situation and the seriousness of the scene, following the quick movements and concerned facial expressions which enhances a certain level of mystery.

2) Camera angles:

The action going on within this scene is portrayed clearly by the many camera angles used throughout. One of these angles in particular, the high angle at 3:31 of the character gazing up at the rapid surge of electricity shooting up the building, communicates to the audience that the machine being used is very powerful in comparison to the people which creates a contrasting effect; with the machine being much more dominant. The character has a stunned look on his face, as if he is amazed about what he has just accomplished by activating it, and that he is shocked by what he or what the machine is capable of. This is then followed by an establishing shot of power signals being sent to space, which further emphasizes the pivotal role of the machine, and its importance in this particular scene. It causes the audience to feel astonished by this, making them fully immersed within the quick pace of the show.

3) Mise-en-scene:

The lab setting distinctly highlights the fact that this is a sci-fi show which communicates to the audience that the characters are all apart of a community that is intent on saving or protecting the world. It also implies that they are all quick-witted people, with high intelligence, seeing as how all their tech is very advanced. It shows the audience that they are a group of sharp-minded people who are much ahead of our time. The different costumes worn by these characters are mostly regular, every-day clothes. This is perhaps so that they blend in more with the real world rather than standing out, especially if it is supposed to be a secret organization. The clothes such as the t-shirts, jeans, suits and cardigans create a sense of normality to these characters despite the extraordinary amount of knowledge they possess and their purpose.

Extension [Stranger Things]:

The opening establishing shot of the dark lab already sets a mysterious tone to the scene. This would be perceived by the audience as sci-fi, as labs are usually seen in more scientific based shows for being the place where most authentic things are made- like cures for example. It also connotates to horror, given the way it focuses on an eerie and dismal setting to open with and the fact that it looks completely deserted. The high angles shown at both 1:37 and 8:07 suggests that both these characters are vulnerable and completely inferior to the audibly large creature that is heard before both victims met their somewhat demise. It maybe implies that they have nowhere to escape or run to and are completely helpless in that situation, which shows the audience that the creature has a much more powerful hold on the victims, and makes them worried for what may happen to the characters.

Mise-en-scene: Stranger Things analysis

Lighting:

The lighting used within this series changes dramatically as the scene switches. The opening scene shows a dark night sky and rolls down to present a lab; the eerie lighting already gives off an unsettling and scary effect. The camera then switches to another scene, of which is a scientist running away from what sounds like to be a terrifying creature. The lighting is gloomy and ominous, with a dim light flickering on and off throughout as he runs through a labyrinth of endless hallways. The scene comes to an abrupt end, and changes to show a house with a sprinkler going off outside. The lighting is dark at first, pitch-black even because of the night sky, in contrast to the homely and bright light of the inside of the house; this gives off a sense of comfort to the audience. It connotates to warmth and coziness, compared to the scene before which had connotations to horror, and it immediately lifts the panicked feeling off of the audience. It may even lead them to believe that the opening scene was just a story being told by the children and not exactly real, but as the boys leave to ride home, the garage lights flicker for a second- perhaps somehow foreshadowing that something dreadful is about to happen and that what was believed to be just a story inspired by a game actually happened. From my own personal interpretation, the illuminating light is a sign that the monster's presence is near, which breaks the certain stereotype of darkness connotating to fear or dread and lights being associated with joy and purity. The next scene shows the three other boys biking home on an unlit road, with woods surrounding them, engulfed in a creepy, shadow-like darkness. This associates with terror, as opposed to the mellowness and safety of the house, which indicates to the audience that a tragedy may strike. In the very last scene, the light bulb from the shed radiates a glaring glow, again emphasizing the fact that the monster is near and as it begins to weaken (which suggests that the monster has left), the boy is then nowhere to be seen.

Props:

One of the props used in this show includes an old-fashioned rotary telephone. From this, the audience can infer that the year the show is set in was a long time before smart phones were made- given by the way people communicated with each other through dial telephones, like the character Nancy Wheeler. Also, her bedroom is portrayed to the audience in a way that gives them a somewhat idea of the average teenage girl living in the 1980s. The designs of the different props, such as the tartan tablecloth and floral duvet, and the portrait of her with a friend on her bedside table conveys that seeing as smart phones were not invented back then, people used polaroid cameras instead of just taking pictures on a phone which is what people in our day and age are used to doing. One of the other props seen in this scene is an old box tv. This clearly implies that it's an extremely old model due to the fact that the screen looks grainy and not as "clear" as televisions today. Also, it had to be tapped a few times for it to work unlike the smart televisions we are used to using now, which are much more modernized. From what we could see, the television wasn't working that well which could mean that there was a problem with the electricity, linking back to the flicker of the garage light; chilling aspects like these have many connotations to a horror show. Another prop that gives off the 80s vibe is the bikes that the boys used to cycle home. Although cars did exist in that time, bike-riding was much more common back then compared to now- especially with children or teenagers. Certain aspects like these ones make it obvious to the people watching just how many years ago the show is supposed to be set in.

Setting:

The setting shown at first appears to be a completely deserted lab in a remote forest surrounded by trees. There seem to be no living beings inside except for two- a scientist and what seems to be a horrific monster. This connotes to a horror show, given the neglected setting and the unearthly creature inside, which could be perceived by the audience as supernatural. The lab that the opening scene is set in looks ghostly and creates a sense of mystery to the audience, seeing as there was nobody else inside it. This could make the audience wonder many different questions, for instance what made this catastrophe happen in the first place and what happened to the rest of the scientists? The scene then shifts to show four young boys playing a story game in what looks like a downstairs basement, designed to be a makeshift hangout place for the kids. This is implied by the amount of items being stored all around the room and the worktable with tools on top mixed with empty pizza boxes, coke cans and a Dungeons & Dragons game set. This relieves the stress off the audience, following the transition into a more regular setting. It brings a feeling of comfort to see a group of children enjoying an innocent game in a pleasant setting, messing about and laughing. The next scene is of the three other boys cycling home on a dark path surrounded by gloomy woods. The quick change in tone between this setting and the one prior to this, of the downstairs basement, makes the audience feel a sense of trepidation, and dreading what comes next as it surely can't be good given the situation. The next scene then shows Will Byers rushing around his house, and into his shed in an attempt to escape from the monster, which creates tension and suspense leaving the audience immersed in the plot and concerned for Will's safety. The shed being located near the abandoned woods associates with extreme danger, especially within the somber darkness and the fact that nobody is around to protect him. The scene then concludes with the shed completely empty, leaving no sign of Will or the monster that abducted him in his wake.

Extension:

The opening sequence suggests that this series will be related to supernatural beings and alternate universes co-existing in one. It could also involve people trying to find out what creature took Will and what its intentions are; along with trying to figure out where he is. The genre may be sci-fi and horror as shown by the frightening monstrosities that took place. In terms of characters, it could include a whole army of monsters plotting to take over the human world, and the group of kids along with several others trying to prevent it to do so and saving their reality from disaster.

Out of everything talked about in the article, hair & clothing and set design links the most to mise-en-scene, as it talks about the different styles shown within the show- along with the variation of settings portrayed in each scene and the effect it gave on the audience.

Denotation and connotation

 

Denotation:

There is a child sitting on a chair with a solemn expression on their face, with white-coloured text beside them. The background is a blurred image of what seems to be a shack or a slum house.

Connotation:

The advert conveys the phrase 'Dig toilets, Not graves'. The colour of the text is plain white which shows that the focus of this advert is a serious matter, and for the audience to learn about and raise awareness on. The background shows the state that some people in poorer areas of the world have to live in, sheds light on this topic that desperately needs to be spoken on, and portrays the hardships people in developing countries have to undergo.

Analysis:

The advert helps the audience understand the severities going on in these parts of the world- for example not having enough drinking water and having to consume contaminated water which could lead to many types of diseases, some even life-threatening. Also, the text 'Dig toilets, Not graves' could mean to provide clean toilets and utilities for the people in need of them to help stop the spread of illnesses; especially those of which could lead to death. The advert includes a picture of a helpless child to make the audience sympathize and get involved with this cause, along with aiding children and adults just like him.

Denotation:

There is colourful text shooting out of a chocolate box with an assortment of chocolates revolving around it. The background appears to be a deep red.

Connotation:

The advert displays the phrase 'A selection of the biggest names in chocolate in miniature'. It's in a dark blue colour which compliments the red well, and it's shadowed by a glow effect that makes it stand out more. The connotations of the "Celebrations" text suggests that it's shown as a shooting star, which leads to many different meanings, like the saying "wish upon a shooting star". This implies that these chocolates are a must-have treat, which makes the audience want to purchase and try it more than they would do already. There are a variety of chocolates surrounding the box with sparks shooting out of them, making it look like one big firework. This adds a more exciting and joyful effect to the product.

Analysis:

This advert captivates the audience with the amount of colours and vibrant display, and it causes them to want to have them even more. Additionally, the phrase "A selection of the biggest names in chocolate in miniature" could make the product sell more as it's world-favourite chocolates all sold in one box. As well as its pleasing design, this is also a huge reason that some may buy this. It shows that not only is it a fun product, but it also includes a wide range of selections to choose from which could prove convenient to many.

Blog feedback and Learner Response

 Wajiha GCSE Media blog feedback – October 2022

Work expected:

• First blog questions

• Key Concepts film poster analysis

• Fruit bowl task (Photoshop)

Post this in a new blogpost on your Media blog called ‘October 2022 - Blog feedback and Learner Response’ then complete the LR tasks/questions below.

WWW:

• Wajiha, a brilliant start to Media Studies. Your blog (already) suggests that you have lots of potential to achieve a top grade in this course that you wish to achieve. The key concepts blog demonstrates a lot of detail and your resilience to complete the Photoshop fruit bowl task demonstrates creativity too.

EBI:

• Ensure that you now use media GLoW in your blog work. Always complete the extension work to ensure you achieve a top grade.

LR:

1. Complete the key concepts extension task. See Media Macguffin example to help: https://mediamacguffingcseyear1.blogspot.com/2022/09/gcse-media-key-concepts-blog-task.html

Key concepts extension task:

Language:

This Essence magazine cover is portrayed clearly as a cover as the text is in bold and stands out in the black and white theme, as it is a bright gold colour in contrast to the grey background. The model in this poster (Zendaya) is in the center which draws attention from the person who is reading and it indicates that she is the main focus of the cover. Her name is also big and eye-catching, this was done so that the readers would know who is conveying this message and that she is the model for this cover. Other people involved with the magazine are shown at the side with the main meaning being directly above it, as shown: "BLACK RESILIENCE - 2020: The year that changed everything". It also includes a quote from Zendaya herself- "Seeing black women win, in any form, brings me joy." All aspects of this follow the key connotations and conventions of a magazine cover.

Industries:

"Essence" is a lifestyle magazine which covers fashion, beauty, entertainment and culture. It was first published in 1970 and is owned by Essence Communications which is based in New York City. It has a total circulation of 1,055,117 (2017) and publishes around 6 issues every year. It has been nominated for many awards, including the "GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage". The editor for this magazine is Susan L. Taylor.

Audience:

The main target audience for the "Essence" magazine is African-American women. This could range from early teenagers to adults, specifically those that are female and within the black community. This was done as the founders of Essence saw black women as an "overlooked demographic" and it was an opportunity to raise awareness for people of colour.

Representation:

The Essence magazine is a huge representation of coloured people, which is very important especially in society and the world we live in today. This is because it's vital for all types of people of all skin colours to be appreciated in every way, and Essence truly captures the beauty of that. It gives off an incredibly important meaning which could help many black women across the world and make them feel seen; especially to those who feel they need to look or be a certain way in order to "fit in". As shown on the cover, the model is mixed race, which breaks the stereotype some may believe makes one "perfect", for example the idea that having light skin and blue eyes is the beauty standard. What's amazing about this magazine is that it makes people feel comfortable and safe in their own bodies and appearance, regardless of what society expects them to look like.