Opening Movie Scene

Our latest media coursework task is a two minute opening scene of a film. I find myself feeling incredibly excited and feel like a child in a sweet shop with so many choices of things i like but really cannot decide which to choose. Our latest ideas involve a criminal-underworld, "RocknRolla"-style theme in which two characters are involved in a revenge-fuelled hunt. At the moment the two other guys in my group and myself are storyboarding and getting to grips with the Macs as well as exploring the effects and gadgets that the world wide web has to offer. I am almost positive that our ideas will change drastically, however, this comes with the excitement of an idea developing and the clip gradually coming together. I often scare myself with how differently my imagination works since starting media as, unlike before, I imagine shots from the viewer's point of view and whether or not the next shot "crosses the line"! The group's aim is to push the boundaries of technology in this video and to follow the guidelines we have been set whilst trying to create a unique style that will appeal to our target audience whilst appealing to a wider audience who will, hopefully, appreciate our efforts of pushing the boundarys of special effects and creating an individual style.

Sachs-Gate

I find myself infront of the television on a friday night, having had an operation yesterday and housebound for the day! After watching hours of MTV to pass the time away, I tune in to ITV news which I never normally watch as I much prefer the BBC set-up and reporters. I was absolutely astonished to see that the Rusell Brand, Jonathan Ross and Andrew Sachs saga is still in the top 3 stories. Not only this, but now ITV are focusing on people who have written in to claim that Jonathan Ross is a victim in the case and that the real culprits are the show's producers and the cameramen for filming the prank calls in the first place. I feel that this case has dragged on far too much. There is a clear generation gap and the general supporters of Andrew Sachs' acting career are those in a completely different generation to Russell Brand in particular. I am in no way condoning the actions of Ross and Brand but feel that the media have made a mountain out of a mole hill. I have generated the opinion, based on the obvious bias held by the ITV in particular, that this case is an excuse to attempt to break down one of the worlds most famous broadcasting companies. Some may argue with me in that my previous comment of favouring BBC news may mean that this post is not entirely two-sided but I am positive that a mutual viewer could see the blatant attack on the BBC and the degree to which this case has been over-hyped. I am not a huge fan of Jonathan Ross but can appreciate how much he contributes to British television and entertainment and certainly feel he should not be stripped of his position in the BBC. Russell Brand, in my opinion, is a quirky, border-line presenter whose intentions are to linger on the boundary of ethical and offensive material but pulls it off more often than not. He adds a certain "spice" to British television and is a clever, opinionated man who I believe would be better specialising in Comedy only. What is our generation coming to if, in a time where Countries all over the world are in some of the worst financial crisis' they have seen for years, the news still concentrates on celebrity culture and a minor story which took place 4 weeks ago?

My favourite Media Pieces

Recently, we have been considering our personal media consumption on a daily basis and this made me consider my personal views and attitudes towards media especially my favourite websites, pictures and videos. Here are a few of them:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pbTFGLdH6fw

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/U11053132

http://www.siberianlight.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/banksy-kissing-policemen.jpg

http://emgfo.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/banksy4.jpg

Shawshank Redemption Review

Most novels turned Films can often be poor and cannot create the imagery and excitement that the human imagination creates by reading the novel itself. Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont, is one in a short list who can claim differently as it conjours a number of fantastic twists and hosts some of the best acting roles of the decade. Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, goes to Shawshank Prison for a crime he did not commit and finds himself sharing a prison with racial hatred and segregation, rapings, tortures and beatings at a level only imaginable in an American film. Dufresne befriends Red, played by Morgan Freeman, who provides anything and everything inside the prison, as well as wisdom and motivation to Dufresne from the outset as their relationship blossoms into true friendship. With more twists than Torville and Dean at an ice rink, Shawshank is certain to have you in awe. Dufresne, who is a mysterious character throughout, sets about hacking the prison's account system as he is given persmission due to his job prior to entering the prison. At some points, you can only sit and wonder where on earth the film is heading, whilst enjoying the uncomparable supporting role played by Morgan Freeman as Red. The film portrays Dufresne's journey through his twenty years in prison, which is a sufficient amount of time to convince you there is no way he is planning escape. However, traps are the theme of the film, and amazingly, Dufresne escapes using a Rita Hayworth posteer and a chisle provided by Red fifteen years previous. The plots then start to unfold as we are shown Dufresne's succesful hacking of the accounts to put the majority of the already corrupt money in Red's name. The ending leaves you in shock, wonder and quietly content. The film has and will stay in the classic list for decades, even if it was a major flop in the states.