Documentary written task (6)

  • Accuracy – the quality or state of being correct or precise
  • Balance/biasFalse balance. False balance is a media bias in which journalists present an issue as being more balanced between opposing viewpoints than the evidence supports. Journalists may present evidence and arguments out of proportion to the actual evidence for each side, or may omit information that would establish one side’s claims as baseless.
  • Impartiality – equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness.
  • Objectively – in a way that is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
  • Subjectively – based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions Contrasted with objectively.
  • Opinion – view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

Expository – documentaries speak directly to the viewer, often in the form of an authoritative commentary employing voiceover or titles, proposing a strong argument and point of view. These films are rhetorical, and try to persuade the viewer. Examples – TV shows and films like A&E Biography; America’s Most Wanted.

Observational – documentaries attempt to simply and spontaneously observe lived life with a minimum of intervention. Filmmakers who worked in this sub-genre often saw the poetic mode as too abstract and the expository mode as too didactic. The first observational docs date back to the 1960’s; the technological developments which made them possible include mobile lighweight cameras and portable sound recording equipment for synchronized sound. Often, this mode of film eschewed voice-over commentary, post-synchronized dialogue and music, or re-enactments. The films aimed for immediacy, intimacy, and revelation of individual human character in ordinary life situations. Examples: Frederick Wiseman’s films, e.g. High School (1968)

Performative – documentaries stress subjective experience and emotional response to the world. They are strongly personal, unconventional, perhaps poetic and/or experimental, and might include hypothetical enactments of events designed to make us experience what it might be like for us to possess a certain specific perspective on the world that is not our own. Often, a battery of techniques, many borrowed from fiction or avant-garde films, are used. Performative docs often link up personal accounts or experiences with larger political or historical realities. Examples: Alain Resnais’ Night And Fog (1955), with a commentary by Holocaust survivior Jean Cayrol,

Reflective – documentaries don’t see themselves as a transparent window on the world; instead they draw attention to their own constructedness, and the fact that they are representations. How does the world get represented by documentary films? This question is central to this sub-genre of films. They prompt us to “question the authenticity of documentary in general.” It is the most self-conscious of all the modes, and is highly skeptical of ‘realism.’ It may use Brechtian alienation strategies to jar us, in order to ‘defamiliarize’ what we are seeing and how we are seeing it. Examples: (Again) Vertov’s The Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

 

 

 

Job Roles 750x3Words (3)

Role 1 – Photographer

What are the main duties and responsibilities of the role? –

The photographer has many roles and responsibilities, from picking suitable locations to updating its equipment to latest and learning the new techniques. Here is the list of the main duties of the photographer –

  • •Camera gear maintenance
    •Camera gear updating as technology requires to stay competitive
    •Lighting setup
    •Product/model preparation and placement
    •Negotiating with art directors, stylists, and other professionals involved
    •Maintaining project and ongoing budgets
    •Model selection
    •Keeping updated on newest technology and method in the industry
    •Knowledge of all types of photography equipment
    •Location selection and setup
    •Acquiring and positioning props for shoots
    •Planning and implementation of background/backdrop
    •Maintaining all administrative aspects-billing and accounting
    •Supervision of assistants
    •Negotiation with clients and customer service
    •Advertising and promoting for new client work
    •Editing and developing photos online or in a dark room
    •Renting space for photo shoots
    •Hiring models and assistants

Of course, all of these responsibilities are general and certainly do not include everything that a photographer may be responsible for on a daily basis. Depending on the industry that a photographer is in, they may very well be responsible for traveling to various locations for shoots, getting more industry specific technology, and lots of research.

 

How much will they earn? –

In the United States, on average, a photographer will make about $55,000 per year. This highlights an individual’s gross salary. Typically, most photographers are incentivized to do a great job. The incentives come in the form of bonuses and tips. On average, you can expect to make anywhere between $1000 and $2000 per year on happy customers! If you work for a studio and you are not working for yourself, you likely will get additional benefits. These can range from 401K benefits, to health benefits, time off and pensions. These last components entirely depend on the firm or organization that employs you.

How much money photographers make depends on their skills, any commission or bonuses offered, type of position, work environment and years worked. As of March 2018, your salary (including profit sharing, commission and bonuses) as a photographer may change from when you first start out until you’re late in your career like below:

  • Entry-level: $20,394 – $82,284
  • Mid-career: $23,586 – $100,615
  • Experienced: $27,727 – $120,042
  • Late career: $29,299 – $120,313

 

Types of photographers –

  • Aerial Photography.Aerial photography refers to photos taken from an elevated position. When you first consider aerial types of photography, you may think of airplanes or perhaps helicopters. While many aerial photos are taken from planes and helicopters, there are many other options as well. Aerial photography can be taken from tall buildings, hot air balloons, parachutes, blimps and even using kites.
  • Architectural Photography – If types of photography involving structures such as houses, churches and buildings interest you, architectural photography may be your niche. You can practice architectural photography practically anywhere. Simply find a structure that attracts you in some manner and use your camera to capture the appeal
  • Aura Photography. – Perhaps you are interested in paranormal and would like to learn about related types of photography. One such type is aura photography, also called Kirlian photography. Aura or Kirlian photography is used to capture images of auras, which are thought by some to be a radiant, colorful manifestation of a person or object’s health – including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
  • Boudoir Photography. – Picures are taken in a woman’s “boudoir,” which is her bedroom, or in a studio that is styled to look like a bedroom. Boudoir photos are not the same as nude photography or pornography. Rather, they are tasteful, sensual pictures focusing on the aspects and features that make a woman delicate and feminine. Boudoir photography incorporates soft lighting, sensual clothing and strategically placed props or shadows. There is a market for these types of photography, particularly with womenwho are seeking a special, intimate gift for their husbands, fiances or boyfriends.
  • Event Photography.- If you live near several venues where Special events are frequently held, you may consider getting into types of photography that cover concerts, social, sports or corporate events. Since there are so many different kinds of events, likewise there are many different types of photography needed for them. For instance, concerts are often held in locations that are dimly lit and crowded. Therefore, the techniques and equipment used for concert photography would be quite different from those needed in sports photography.

 

 

 

What experience do they need to get this role?

Photographers take pictures of people, landscapes or things. There are a number of different areas you could be working in to become a photographer:

  • press and PR photographer – taking news pictures of people and events as they happen.
  • wedding or event photographer – taking pictures of weddings and other events.
  • portrait photographer – taking pictures of people.
  • landscape photographer – taking pictures of landscapes.
  • art photographer – taking artistic pictures of people, places or things.
  • product photographer – taking pictures of items which are for sale.
Key skills for photographers
  • Creativity.
  • Technical photography skills.
  • Patience and concentration.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong networking skills.
  • Team working skills.

 

What role could they undertake after they have been successful in this role?

Successful photographers can become a cinematographers – A cinematographer or Director of Photography, is responsible for all the visual elements of a film; in other words, this professional is literally, the eye behind the camera. Under the guidance of the film’s director, the cinematographer makes creative decisions affecting the picture’s lighting, camera motion, shot colour, depth of field; as well as scene composition with regards to actor positioning, zoom, lens usage and techniques. A successful cinematographer must be trained and knowledgeable regarding all aspects of photography, including special effects, filmography, modern equipment; as well as possess a marked talent for communication with film directors. To find out how to enter the field and become a career cinematographer, read our comprehensive, educational guide below.

 

Role 2 – Film Director

Film director –

A film director is a person who directs the making of a film. A film director controls a film’s artistic and dramatic aspects and visualizes the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of filmmaking. Under European Union law, the director is viewed as the author of the film.

The film director gives direction to the cast and crew and creates an overall vision through which a film eventually becomes realized, or noticed. Directors need to be able to mediate differences in creative visions and stay within the boundaries of the film’s budget.

There are many pathways to becoming a film director. Some film directors started as screenwriters, cinematographers, film editors or actors. Other film directors have attended a film school. Directors use different approaches. Some outline a general plotline and let the actors improvise dialogue, while others control every aspect, and demand that the actors and crew follow instructions precisely. Some directors also write their own screenplays or collaborate on screenplays with long-standing writing partners. Some directors edit or appear in their films, or compose the music score for their films.

 

What are the main duties and responsibilities of the role? –

A film director is responsible for developing a creative vision, which leads film to success. He is responsible for changing the scripts into wonderful shots. The responsibility of film director is to give direction to the actor and actress so that the look of film will be amazing. He is responsible for managing tone of movie.

Especially film director is responsible for directing camera man to set camera at right angle.

Responsibilities and duties –

  • To give direction to an actor and actress, modify script and financing is also a part of film director responsibility.
  • The responsibility of film director is to encourage the crew member to work efficiently.
  • The responsibilities of film director include several activities like search superb location, select casting, arrange lightening.
  • The responsibility of film director is to conduct rehearsals before film production.
  • He is responsible for managing the shots according his own storyboard.
  • The responsibility of film director is to make his movie success by directing photographer, choreographer, and fashion designer.
  • He is responsible for coordinating producer so that appropriate scene would be taken.
  • Film director is responsible for choosing actor, actress and other stage member for his movie.
  • He is responsible for coordinating editor so that real touch could be given to movie.

How much will they earn? –Film directors working a week on a high-budget film earned a minimum of $19,143 in 2018, while a week on a short or documentary paid $13,672. … The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2016 that directors working in the motion picture and video industries earned an annual mean wage of $111,320.

What experience do they need to get this role? – Aspiring directors may pursue a bachelor’s degree program in fine arts, film, or a related field. These programs typically last four years and offer directingconcentrations, which help students develop skills such as casting, rehearsal procedures, text analysis, acting techniques, and camera application.

 

Role 3 – Editor

Film editor – On its most fundamental level, film editing is the art, technique and practice of assembling shots into a coherent sequence. The job of an editor is not simply to mechanically put pieces of a film together, cut off film slates or edit dialogue scenes.

What are the main duties and responsibilities of the role? – As a film or video editor, you’ll be responsible for assembling recorded raw material into a finished product that’s suitable for broadcasting. The material may include camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects.

Types of film/video editor-

  • commercials
  • corporate training videos
  • feature films
  • music videos
  • television programmes.

Responsibilities –

  • receiving a brief, and maybe an outline of footage and/or a shot list, script, or screenplay
  • assembling all raw footage, with camera shots either recorded or transferred onto video tape in preparation for inputting into the computer
  • inputting uncut rushes and sound, and synchronising and storing them into files on the computer
  • digitally cutting files to put together the sequence of the film and deciding what’s usable
  • creating a ‘rough cut’ (or assembly edit) of the programme/film and determining the exact cutting for the next and final stages
  • reordering and fine-tuning the content to ensure the logical sequencing and smooth running of the film/video.

Additional tasks may include:

  • overseeing the quality and progress of audio and video engineering and editing
  • experimenting with styles and techniques including the design of graphic elements
  • writing voiceover/commentary
  • suggesting or selecting music.

How much will they earn? –

  • Starting salaries for assistant editors employed by a television or post-production studio are in the region of £18,000 to £25,000.
  • With experience as a film or video editor, you could earn £21,000 to £35,000.
  • At a senior level, your earnings could potentially reach £37,000 to £70,000, but the higher end of this scale is only available to senior editors working on big-budget projects.

A film/video editor is not an entry-level job. You’d usually start at a lower-paid level, possibly as a runner where salaries could be around the national minimum wage. You may then progress to assistant editor where you could expect to earn more, before reaching the full editor position.

What experience do they need to get this role?

  • a keen eye for detail and a critical mind
  • creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing
  • patience and concentration
  • the ability to listen to others and to work well as part of a team
  • a high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication
  • organisational and time management skills
  • the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • communication skills, both written and oral.

 

 

300 words treatment – staff awards (3)

Our staff awards project is going to be a short nomination video in which we will nominate any staff who have been in City Of Westminister college for a long period of time. The tribute to celebrating the services of these staff has to be special, as we are very greatful for their service, and therefore alot of effort will be put in the nomination video. In order to show the appretiation we will have to put alot of thought and effort in the video, which means that we will have to go back and find some clips from the past – showing the staff helping the students or just being around the college in general. In addition we will be trying to get pictures from the staff and its first couple of years in college and then compare the pictures to presesent ones to show how far the staff-person has come in the journey of City Of Westminster college. Nevertheless a classic or emotional background-music will be added to the slides/video, which will create an emotional atmosphere. Lauren will be interviewing the staff, Shaan will be responsible for lighting and equipment as well as directing with me, and I will be a camera-man. We will be asking questions such as “What is your most memorable thing that happened in this college” or “what do you love about this college”. The whole idea is simple, but effective, we aim to make the nominations emotional, possitive create a good atmosphere, and thank all the staff for serving us. We could also ask a students opinions about the staff to show the nominees what other people think about them. The biggest problem we will face is timing, as the we only got 2 minutes to nominee all the staff, therefore we may need more time. Overall the main idea we are going for is – reminding the staff of their time and service at this college, by showing their past and comparing it to presence, showing their achievements and people thoughts about them, showing that they are really important to us.

City of god (Unit 4)

City of God is The movie took place in slums constructed by Rio to isolate the poor people from the city center. They have grown into places teeming with life, color, music and excitement–and also with danger, for the law is absent and violent gangs rule the streets. Film was directed by Fernando Merelles who was born in a middle class family in São Paulo City, Brazil. He studied architecture at the university of São Paulo. At the same time he developed an interest in filmmaking. With a group of friends he started producing experimental videos. They won a huge number of awards in Brazilian film festivals, he was born – 1955. The movie was also directed by Kátia Lund (born 1966) is a Brazilian film director and Screen-writer. Her most notable work was as co-director of the film City of God.

Initially the movie was released at 2003 with a production budget of 3.3million dollars and achieving a total of box office figures – 34million dollars.

The movie takes place in slums constructed by Rio to isolate the poor people from the city center. They have grown into places teeming with life, color, music and excitement–and also with danger, for the law is absent and violent gangs rule the streets. In the virtuoso sequence opening the picture, a gang is holding a picnic for its members when a chicken escapes. Among those chasing it is Rocket (A.Rodrigues), the narrator. He suddenly finds himself between two armed lines: the gang on one side, the cops on the other.

As the camera whirls around him, the background changes and Rocket shrinks from a teenager into a small boy, playing soccer in a housing development outside Rio. To understand his story, he says, we have to go back to the beginning, when he and his friends formed the Tender Trio and began their lives of what some would call crime and others would call survival.

The technique of that shot–the whirling camera, the flashback, the change in colors from the dark brightness of the slum to the dusty sunny browns of the soccer field–alert us to a movie that is visually alive and inventive as few films are.

In the bene’s club farewell scene there was few mis en scene aspects that caught my eye. One of it was graffiti on the walls, therefore it tells me that in the city of God there is some hint of poverty, roughness, hard life. Nevertheless there is broken glass which once again highlights poverty and gives some hint of violence. Speaking of violence the character Blacky has a gun, therefore he also has power, as gun can take life. Cinematography used in the movie also creates great affects for the audience, for example wide angle lens, portrays outsiders view on Lil Ze terrorising Knockout Ned and Close ups on Ned, shows his inferiority. Also When Rocket is shoved to the ground, there is use of a high angle, this shows how he is being looked down on. He is inferior to Lil Ze, a close up also used to emphasise his facial expressions. And editing in the scene contains fast cuts of shots, which are used to build tension. Also it used disorientated camera pans, which builds suspense, as we occasionally see Blacky hidden within crowds of the club – used to create binary of poor and powerful.

In my second chosen scene (Rape Scene) the Mis end scenes shown through low key lighting which creates a mood of horror, danger. The setting of the scene is dark, with all gang members dressed in dark clothing – antagonists. Moreover Lil Ze stands out as he is shown in brighter lighting. The cinematography used in the scene through close ups on Ned’s face which emphasises his powerlessness and helplessness. Low angles of Ned, shows that he is of little power, increases his vulnerability. And lastly the birds eye camera, looking down on the gang builds the dramatic tension. There is a diegetic sound used in the rape scene in order to increase the verisimilitude of the scene. Ned’s girlfriend is crying out, reinforces her weakness and powerlessness to Ze’s controlling nature. And lastly Ze’s laughing sounds create harsh reality of the suffering which Ned’s girlfriend is having to endure.  The editing I picked out from the scene was the black outs in between scenes, which reinforces the disorientation and chaos.

In conclusion I think that film is super successful as it made insanely huge profit, starting with 3.3 million dollars and finishing with over 30million. Therefore the film has superior narrative and is one of the best movies in the century.