FILM STUDIES COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS:

Coursework is 50% of your overall grade 4 MAIN PIECES OF WORK:

1. Exploring a film of the candidate’s choice (30 marks) An exploration of the micro features of film language in a short extract from a film of the candidate’s choice (350 – 750 words).

2. Pitch and Preproduction (30 marks) Candidates create a pitch for an imaginary film (approximately 150 words) and then use it to form the basis of a pre-production chosen from a range of options.

3. Production (30 marks) Create a production chosen from a range of options.

4. Evaluative Analysis (10 marks) A brief evaluative analysis highlighting what candidates have learnt about the main study areas for film from their preproduction and production work (film language, film organisations and audiences).

THIS BOOKLET WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH PART ONE OF YOUR COURSEWORK

NAME: ____________________________________________

EXPLORING A FILM OF CANDIDATE’S CHOICE

(25MARKS)

This section is made up of 2 parts:

Film Exploration: Industry (10 marks)

This coursework requires you to explore a film that you have particularly enjoyed and do some brief research into how it was produced, distributed and exhibited. This initial piece of work will allow lead into a more detailed consideration of the ways in which the micro features of film language communicate meaning. (The Micro Essay)

Textual (Micro) Analysis (20 marks) In class we have looked at a variety of different film sequences and thought about the way in which the film’s language is used to create certain meanings and how we respond to those meanings. You should now have the analytical tools and terminology needed to succeed. For this piece of coursework you need to show an understanding the ways in which the micro features are used to communicate meaning. For example, lighting and sound (two of the micro features of film language) can combine to create a particular kind of atmosphere. You are required to produce a written analysis of 350 – 750 words which focuses on how TWO of micro feature(s) (e.g. mise-en-scène, editing, camerawork and sound) create meanings and generate responses in a chosen film sequence from the film you researched for industry (maximum length: 5 minutes).

Film Exploration: Industry (10 marks)

Steps to completing this coursework:

1. Choose a film – THIS IS THE SAME FILM THAT YOU USED FOR YOUR MICRO ANALYSIS! IT CAN’T BE A SUPERHERO FILM!!!

2. Research how your film was produced, distributed and exhibited, using the tick list to help you

3. Record all research in a Word document or PowerPoint 4. Include pictures 5. DON’T COPY AND PASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF TEXT.

ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED The following will help you understand the film industry so that you can start researching your film and working on your blog Production Activities involved in the actual making of the film All films begin with an idea which then gets turned into a screenplay by a screenwriter. Often film narratives [stories] are based on real-life events, books, plays or old films which are remade, sequelled or adapted. The screenwriter usually then pitches his/her screenplay to film studios/production companies or directors who will then take the screenplay on to the production stage and make the film. If a film has major stars in it the production budget could easily be more than $80 million. Generally the screenwriter is paid between 2.5%-5% of this budget, so a screenwriter with a really good screenplay could expect to earn $1 million. Distribution Deciding where a film will be shown and publicising this Once any film is made it has to travel in order to reach its audience. Distribution involves acquiring a film from its producers and trying to make it reach the widest possible audience by selling it to the places where films are going to be shown—to exhibitors (cinemas). Distributors need to make sure that when a film reaches its destination there are lots of people waiting to see it. So, we need to know about the film before it arrives at its exhibition destination. A film usually needs to make about two and a half times what it cost to produce just to ensure it doesn't lose money. Distributors have a number of roles to fulfil. Firstly, they try to find out what kind of audiences might want to go and see the film, using test screenings with test audiences where people are invited to see the film and are then asked lots of question about it This can lead to changes being

made to the film. Then there's marketing and publicity—posters, merchandising, festivals and premieres—a summer blockbuster would cost around $100 million to promote! Finally, timing is very important when the film is eventually released, particularly as the opening weekend can account for 50-75% of a film's overall box office takings. The distributor also decides the release pattern for the film, release patterns refer to how often and where film will be shown – general release is as wide as possible, limited release may only be in London or specialist cinemas. Exhibition Where the film is shown – cinemas of varying types This is the last of these three interconnected areas and is the point where we finally get to see the film. The ways in which we view films are changing rapidly. For example, big Multiplex cinemas are everywhere now, offering a variety of 'additions' to the cinematic experience such as fast-food, arcades and bowling alleys as well as a huge choice of blockbuster films to see. There are less and less smaller, Independent cinemas and many people choose to watch films at home on DVD or [legally or illegally) downloaded from the internet. During the exhibition phase, reviews are very important and can make or break a film when it reaches the cinema as audiences may avoid a film which has been negatively reviewed or make an effort to go and see one that has received positive reviews. This is not always the case; of course, Titanic critically slated in 1997 but went on to become one of the most successful films ever made.

So now you know all of that look through the example then use the tick list worksheet to help you research your chosen film, it may not be possible to answer every single question. It’s also important to comment on the information you find out and not

just put a straight forward answer

USEFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU RESEARCH: www.imbd.com www.filmeducation.org www.hollywood.com www.impawards.com

www.wikipedia.com

CLICK HERE FOR EXAMPLE TO HOW TO COMPLETE THIS WORK

Section 1 - Introduction

Write a brief synopsis of your chosen film and give some reasons why you like it.

Section 2 - Production

Find out where the idea for your film came from and who wrote the screenplay.

Who directed the film? Has he or she directed any other well-known films?

Who starred in the film? Which studio made the film? Give some details about it. What was the budget for the film? Where was it made? Did the funding come from more than

one country? Can you find any other interesting facts about the

production of your film?

Section 3 – Distribution Find out about all the different ways your film was promoted

before it reached cinemas. Comment on whether you think each one was effective or not

Find a poster advertising your film and write an analysis of it, looking at: genre elements in including props, costume and settings; the use of stars; special selling points; target audience; references to other films/books/TV shows; images, colours, typography (fonts) used.

Find examples of any merchandising (the use of products—e.g. McDonalds toys) done to promote your film. Write a list and/or include images. Who were they trying to appeal to through the merchandise?

Was your film screened in any film festivals or at a premiere before its release?

Section 4 – Exhibition

Which cinema chains screened your film in the UK? Did any independent cinemas show it?

How much money did it make in the UK, the US and worldwide in its opening weekend and altogether?

Find at least two reviews of your film from different publications, one from the UK and one from the US and add them. Comment on whether you agree with the reviews or not and why.

Find out how much money your film has made in DVD sales (if it's been released to DVD) and/or how many copies it's sold.

Textual (Micro) Analysis (20 marks)

So now you’ve learnt about the ways in which your favourite film was produced, distributed and exhibited, you can now analyse a sequence from the same film paying attention to one on more of the micro features. Your chosen sequence should not be more than 5 minutes long (if you have already done this then that’s great but some people need to improve their first draft!) Look at Sarah's analysis below of the ways in which camera framing and camera movement combine to create meaning in the opening sequence of Tsotsi.

The bold text indicates the parts where she shows her understanding of key concepts and when she uses the appropriate terminology accurately.

The italic text indicates the points where she identifies

camera shots or movement and then goes on to examine the meanings/effects that are created by their use.

Finally, and this is very important, the underlined text shows the places where Sarah has given her own response to the sequence - how it made her feel and why

An analysis of how camerawork is used In the opening sequence of Tsotsi

The opening scene is introduced with a game which involves dice.

There is a close-up of the dice to symbolise that life is a game of chance as nobody can choose who their parents are and how they end up in life sometimes. There is also a repeated

motif of close-ups of hands which could show their working

class background and the fact that they are used to doing manual labour. It could also show that we all have the power to

change in our hands.

Because of the camera, framing we are able to identify the main

character who is Tsotsi. He isn't really introduced straight away

until a, powerful dose-up that is emphasised by the music

kicking in at the same time. The non-diegetic sound-track is

parallel to the image of the four boys walking down the street as it highlights their authority. After we've seen them walking down

the street there is an establishing shot that lets us know the circumstances they have to live in. It is a high angled shot

indicating that the people in the township are small and powerless over their surroundings. After this Tsotsi and his gang go to do a job which seems to be a, regular occurrence. As they arrive at the train platform there's a,

panning shot so that we can pick them out of the crowd. At

first it is hard to see them as they are blending in so as not to

appear suspicious. Another high angled shot, this time looking

down on the crowd and the gang, shows a massive orange banner

centre frame. It is highly noticeable and attracts our attention straight away as it reads 'HIV affects all of us'. This is a terrible virus that has unfortunately taken its toll on

Africa where, if you are lucky enough not to contract the disease, you will more than likely know someone who has. The scene which follows shows the gang scouting for their next

victim. A series of medium shots are used to pick out a range of possible victims. However, the shot of a chirpy old man is

longer which, instantly tells us that something is going to happen to him. Also he is portrayed as a jolly old man who

smiles as he buys a gift from a stall. We have already formed

an opinion of him and have warmed to him. An extreme close-up then shows us Tsotsi's eyes which show no expression; this

connotes that he has no conscience. He stares intently at the

man. It then quickly edits back to the victim and zooms in on an

envelope of money; here the audience click on to the fact that Tsotsi is going to steal the money. I think this opening sequence really sets up the story well. We

learn a lot about Tsotsi and his gang, their environment and what they are about to do through the camerawork. Very little

dialogue is used but a feeling of real tension is built up very

quickly and we want to watch on to find out what will happen next.

Click here for another example of an A grade essay

The title of your essay must be written like this:

Explore the ways in which (two micro features) create meanings and responses in one sequence from (put the film title here)

And start like this: In this essay I am going to explore the ways in which (name the two micro features) are used in a sequence of film from (title of film) to create meanings and responses.

Watch your sequence through at least three times, making notes as you do so. You may want to pause the film at certain points, or rewind if you think you've missed something. Remember your main focus areas but, like Sarah, you may want to mention other

elements of film language when they combine to create meaning. Make sure you use Film terminology a list is included

at the end.

Remember we have covered these skills in class!

TERMINOLOGY

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Wide Shot

Establishing Shot

Extreme Close Up

Close Up

Medium Close Up

Long Shot

Medium Long Shot

Medium Shot

High Angle

Low Angle

Canted Angle

Dolly Shot

Tracking Shot

Zoom (in/out)

Tilt

Pan

Pedestal Shot

Crane Shot

MISE-EN-SCENE

Props

Costume/Make up

Setting/Location

Body Language/Facial Expressions

Lighting/Colour SOUND

Diegetic

Non-Diegetic

Dialogue

Parallel

Contrapuntal

Sound bridge

Foley Sound EDITING

Cut

Jump Cut

Fade

Dissolve

Cross Cutting

Shot reverse shot

Long take

Pace

Match on action

Montage