journal week 3

This lesson we looked at the Saul Bass case study and then had to research for our own case study. We had to choose our own title sequence designer and do a case study presentation on them. This lesson helped us construct ideas for our title sequence. While doing a case study om our chosen designer I was able to explore various title sequences. This helped me to think about the typography and visual images for our title sequence.

We analyzed Dawn of the Dead which made me think and decide how important the title sequence is before the film as it gives you an idea of the storyline and suggests the genre of the film. Also it shows us how to analyze the enigma in the title sequences.

The Saul Bass case study helped me to understand where the designs of title sequences came from and how Saul Bass became a title sequence designer. I really liked watching the title sequences that Saul Bass designed because they showed the story line and the genre of the film, but it didnt give everything away. I think Saul Bass is a very good title designer and has inspired my choice for my title sequence.

journal week 1 and 2

This week we learnt about all the different aspects of title sequences. Also when looking at title sequences you have to analyze the typography and how it is important within the title sequence, also the visual images and what they show, what enigma does the title sequence create, also what it gives away and finally the music and does it contrast with the images.
We looked at various title sequences such as:

• catch me if you can
• seven
• lord of war
• zombieland

As homework and extra research and looked up more title sequences and analyzed them;

• sweeny todd
• step up
• stomp the yard
• honey i shrunk the kids 
• the dreamers
• killing of the mockingbird

All of these title sequences are all very different but all of them give away the genre through looking at the typography and the visual images. I found it difficult to relate the typography and visual images together but really enjoyed analyzing the title sequences as i have never noticed every aspect of a title sequence.

analysing Title sequences- Lord of war

• The music in this title sequence is happy and contrasts with the pictures.
• I find this title sequence interesting because its from the point of the view of the bullet.
• It looks like the title sequence is in 3D.
• The ending of this title sequence is sad and very powerful. It also seems very sudden and happens quickly.
• The bullet seems to be traveling around the world before it reaches its destination.
• This title sequence shows the journey of the bullet and its not how you would expect it to be.
• The whole concept of the title sequence comes across as shocking.

Saul Bass case study

• Born in 1920 in Bronx district of New York.
• He was a graphic designer.
• In 1946 he moved to LA to get away from creative constraints imposed on him in New York.
• In 1950 he opened his own studio- mostly working in advertising.
• In 1954 he designed the poster and title sequence for Carmen Jones.
• Studied at the Arts London league.
• In 1955 he made his first mark on a film.
• Best known for his use of geometric shapes and their symbolism.

Saul Bass Case Study

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How to write a perfect pitch

What your film is about?

• write one short sentence about your film and reference other films.
• 3 second pitch
• Write about the messages and themes of the film
• Use Todorov's theory

Use these questions to outline a perfect pitch

• What genre is your film?
• What other films in this genre have inspired your film?
• Who is your target audience?
• When will your film be released?
• How much money will your film cost?
• How much will your film make?
• Who will star in your film?
• Who will direct your film?

analyzing title sequences- stomp the yard

The typography is plain but it sticks out and becomes part of the visuals. Stomp the yard comes out of the screen with a black background so it stands out more. The visuals in this opening sequence are exciting and suggests the narrative of the film. It doesn't give away everything which means it creates enigma for the audience. You could ask the questions:

• Why are they dancing? 
• How do they feel when they dance?
• Where are they dancing?

The type of dancing in this film could suggest the genre of the film gangs/violence and street dancing. The type of dancing could reflect the personality of the main character. This could relate to our title sequence for 'Change The Beat' because it shows the competitive side of our character. Our title sequence also starts of with a competition taking place ending with a tragedy which effects the main characters life one way or another.

Change the beat !!!!!

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This is the presentation for our coursework to show all the information about our film. In Shaun's lesson we had to present this presentation to the class and made sure we answered all the pitch perfect questions. The feedback we got from Shaun was telling us to tell the audience the overview of the film before we revealed everything else and to explain the film in more detail. I thought our presentation could of used more detail and more references to other films but we did answer all the questions asked.

Analyzing title sequences- step up

The typography in this sequence is not very big and is not interesting. It is white and only appears in the corners of the screen. this then makes you focus on the visual images. The images reveal what type of dance will be shown throughout the title sequence. Also it doesn't reveal the other story lines that may occur within the film.
The two types of dance contrast each other but the music brings both the different types of dances together and they fit together to make something special. This can also suggest the two different types of characters and how they come together to become friends. Also it could show the street dance for the character that is strong willed, open minded and angry whereas the other character is quiet, shy and very kind hearted.
There is a lot of pair work in the dancing which could suggest there will be an element of romance between two of the characters.
In this title sequence there is two different colour schemes; one is very light hearted and girlie whereas the other one is dark and dull. This could represent the personalities of the characters.
The music is very upbeat and sets an exciting tone.
This relates to our title sequence for change the beat because it shows the styles of dance and thats what we will give away in the title sequence. Also it will show the different character types which is also what we want to show in our title sequence.

Audiences and institutions

Aims: To be able to indicate how film distribution works.
           To begin to understand the difference between the US and UK film systems.

Keywords:
Producers
Distributors
Exhibitor
Studios

What is the purpose of a film distributor ?

• Promotes film
• Marketing
• Synergy
• Advertise the film
• Home release
• Delivers the film to the audience
• Tests the film
• Promotes the film to the cinemas
• Premiers 

A film distributor is the link between the producer and the exhibitors (the cinema chains, Tv networks); their aim is to get as many people as possible to see the film.

The distributor markets the film and develops an appropriate advertising campaign.

To market successfully the distributor has to target the appropriate audience.

This can be easy if there is a star, but harder in the case of low- budget independent films.

There are primary and secondary audiences