Four Minute Films

Your deadline is fast approaching, please make sure your film and the supporting written work is complete by 4.30 pm on NOVEMBER 17th!

Also, please check this blog for notes on Surreal and Fantasy Cinema and 'All About My Mother'

KW

Four Minute Films

Hello All!

You should be now ready to film from Monday (29th) I want to see all screenplays finished, shooting schedule arranged and all production decisions made BEFORE you get camera.

KW

Auteur Presentations

Congratulations on a successful presentation day!

Remember that your hand in date for the entire project is Friday 5th September, so you have plenty of time to fully proof read (you will lose marks for poor spelling and grammar!) and to complete your evaluation (500 wds) and your annotated catalogue (500 wds) use the guidance sheet I gave you!

Other than that, have a restful break and see you in 5 weeks!

KW

Film Chunkies

Be warned, you will be punished for cutting and pasting on your Film blogs aswell as your Media ones, so don't do it!

KW

Auteur Presentations

Remember it is your presentations today during our double lesson. Make sure you are prepared with your extracts and you have assigned a technical assistant!

May I also remind you that these are compulsory, meaning everyone MUST attend. If you are sick I need your parent or guardian to send in a note. You will achieve a 'FAIL' if you do not have a valid or pre-authorised absence!

You have been warned,this is 25% of your A2 grade!

Hypothesis - Final submission

ALL final hypotheses need to be posted here asap!

Auteur Projects

Post your Auteur blogs here!

Make sure you spell check!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember your presentation date is 21st July, I am looking forward to them!

FS2 Research

First of all I hope you all had a good break, you were all set a series of research tasks to complete over the two weeks. You should by now have a detailed set of revision notes to work with, may I remind you that if you do not complete those tasks you will be limiting your own preparation for the exam.
There is very little time left now, so keep your focus and start going over your unit notes for both FS2 and FS3.

K Ward

More links than you can shake a stick at.

This link here is really useful.

(PIC=A SHAKEN STICK)

DW

British Film

At last we have a film museum back in London.
Snappily titled the MOVIEUM , you can find out more here.

The DCMS has a 'test' to see whether a film can be clasified as 'British'. Do some research to find out more.

DW

It only takes a minute...

BAFTA AND ORANGE'S “60 SECONDS OF FAME”

Want to decide who from your region walks the red carpet at this year’s Orange British Academy Film Awards?

Over the last 3 months, budding filmmakers across the UK have been shooting 60 second films for BAFTA and Orange’s “60 Seconds of Fame” short film challenge. Now the best films from each of the 15 BBC nations and regions, as chosen by expert BAFTA panels, have been short listed HERE. BAFTA is inviting you to have your say and visit the website to vote for your favourite film from your region. The filmmaker with the most votes in each of the 15 BBC nations and regions will win two tickets to the Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2008.
DW

3D on it's way.

"For a long time 3D movies and TV shows have been a bit of a gimmick. They have been used to re-energise a tired franchise, help a film stand out at a crowded box office or to give TV viewers a glimpse of what the future might hold..."

Read more here.

Useful articles for revision!

Click here to read an article from The Guardian about surreal cinema.
Tip - Take notes from your research to help you revise your focus films!

Click here for Censorship and Government

Click here 'All About My Mother' for the link to a review on our focus film.

Click here for information on Censorship.

KW

Exam Prep!

Your first A2 exam is very close and I'm sure you are more than a little nervous! Some revision tips I can give you are:
1, Make sure you know at least 3 scenes from 'All About My Mother' and 'Alice' thoroughly (use youtube if you don't have copies) make sure you can discuss them in relation to macro and micro aspects AND you can refer to other films we have looked at. Remember you can use only ONE english speaking example so an extract from Lynch would be great.
2, Revise your key terms thoroughly!
3, Read through some reviews about the films you want to use, become familiar with what the critics say, do you agree? why?
4, Practise writing your responses in continuous prose, make sure your theories are coherent and fluid.
Finally,

GOOD LUCK!

KW

Welcome Back!

I hope you all had a good break but it's crunch time! I have ONE complete Auteur file, I need them all BEFORE we can start properly on your four minute films! Only one of you will continue pre poduction while we finish Shocking Cinema, I also want to remind you your Shocking Cinema essay due date is looming (17th Jan). All of this outstanding work must be handed in before you can start filming, so the quicker you hand them in the quicker you will get a camera!

KW

60 second movie.

Want to enter the ultimate short film challenge where 15 lucky winners will attend the Orange British Academy Film awards on 10 February 2008?
Visit here for more.

DW

Mediabox-Money

Mediabox offers those aged 13-19 living in England grants to make creative media projects for film, television, radio, online, print and multi media platforms.

Click the title 'Mediabox-Money' for more.

T Biggs Mills -yr13

Alice Review

"At once far more faithful to its source material than the popular Disney version, and farther from it in tone than one might ever imagine, master Czech animator Jan Svankmajer’s Alice (Neco z Alenky) is a memorable and unique film experience, that feels strangely unlike anything else you’ve seen, even when it’s at its most strangely familiar..." Check out the rest of this Alice Review by clicking on the title 'Alice Review' .


KW

malkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovich

malkovich

malkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovichmalkovich

KW

Presentation on Louis Bunuel

Bunuel is an influential film maker within surrealist cinema, take a look at this short presentation, think about the key characteristics they discuss surrounding Bunuel as an auteur. Research into his films, particularly 'Un Chien Andalou' and 'L'Age D'Or'.

*Please be advised that due to the nature of Film Studies some clips used may contain swear words or graphic material. Do not watch these clips if you are likely to be offended - Thank you*

Click on the title 'Presentation on Louis Bunuel' for IMDB stuff.

Single Focus Film Study

Alongside 'Surrealism and Fantasy Cinema' we will also be looking at a focus film 'All About My Mother' by Almodovar. We will be looking at the director himself and his work in Spanish cinema. Take a look at this clip so you can become familiar with his work.

Dali and Disney animation!

Make sure you click on the headline to read related links!

Surrealist Art - influences on cinema

Magritte's images have influenced cinema and visual media although you may not have heard of him! Take a look at this clip and you will recognise some of the imagery but what films have you seen this imagery used in?

Jan Svankmajer's 'Alice'

This will be one of our main focuses during this unit, there will be an exam question about the film so start researching Svankmajer. This is the opening sequence, the entire film uses stop motion animation, only Alice is real life. Please remember to click on the headings of each post to read related links!

Simpson's parody of 'Twin Peaks'

Look at how 'Twin Peaks' is parodied in the Simpson's - think about how Surrealism influences visual media.

Twin Peaks - Dream sequence

In September we will start looking at unit FS5 'Surrealism and Fantasy'. So that you become familiar with this topic I want you to look at clips from films, adverts, music videos, etc that have been influenced by surrealism. It will also be helpful if you research some of the artists that have influenced surreal and fantasy cinema.

Spellbound - Dali Dream

Take a look at this clip from Hitchcock's 'Spellbound' - the dream sequence is by Salvidor Dali.

Presentations

Once the presentations are finished and presented you are expected to post the outline of your presentations on your blog.

Click on the title 'Presentations' for useful stuff from longroad media.

p.s can you name these people?

DW

Auteur research element.

We are underway with the A2 course in Film Studies.The first element we are looking at is the Auteur research project and the work for this brings an addition to the film blog in the shape of the student blogs.
The blogs should be updated regularly and will give you an insight into the work we do in film studies. It will also serve as an 'online' folder for the students.

There is some excellent material available at filmnotes.com. You just need to click on the title 'Auteur research element'.

DW

Everything you wanted to know...but were afraid to ask.

There I was watching Blue Peter (I mean flicking through the channels) when I noticed an excellent piece about making films. It turns out that Blue Peter have launched 'Making movies' scheme.

Obviously the guides are aimed at people much younger than you but the 'rules' remain the same. I have put a link in the 'I'm gona be a contender' links section.


(Meanwhile click on the title 'Everything you wanted to know...but were afraid to ask' for a download about making movies.)

DW

Everyone's a critic!

Time to put those eager minds to the test. Here is a lovely challenge for all you budding movie reviewers out there.

The annual 'film/education' Film Critic competition had just been launched and the deadline is September 21st 2007.

Judged in two age categories (11-15 and 15-) you should write and submit an original film review that has been on general release in 2007.

The Awards ceremony will be held in the West End.

For more details and info (and prize info) click on the title 'Everyone's a critic!'

Good luck.
DW

Movie mashups-The power of the editor.

You may be aware of this technique being used to Mashup different music tracks or even music videos. We now have Movie mashups.

This one is called A Beautiful Future.

Anyone fancy having a go? (Wiki definition by clicking on 'Movie mashups')

DW

The Movies on The Radio.

There are a plethora of film programmes out there on digital and terrestrial T.V as well as online. One of the best (in my opinion) is actually on the Radio.The Film Programme presented by Francine Stock and star guests comments on the latest cinema releases, DVDs and films on TV every Friday 4.30pm - 5pm.

Of course you can always listen again to programmes you have missed. I would advise you all to check out the Film Programme's home page by clicking on the title 'The Movies on The Radio'.

DW

The *Bollywood Hills..in Yorkshire

Did you know that Sixteen per cent of releases in the UK are Indian films and last year nine made it into the top 10?
Do you know where the Bollywood Oscars are being held in 2007?

The answer is Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Hull and York!June 7-9

Enjoy a fantastic 2007 Bollywood Medley by clicking on play.



(Click on the title 'The *Bollywood hills..in yorkshire' for even more facts, figures and background info.)

-*Bollywood...Purists - (among them some of the India's leading actors) deplore this term. They say it makes the industry look like Hollywood's poor cousin.-


DW

Shane's world

Visit Shane's world. That's right Mr Meadows writer/director takes you into his film-making world and reveals his formula for movie-making success.

(Find out more by clicking on the title 'Shane's world'.)


DW

Hollywood makeover.

Classic British gangster movie The Long Good Friday is to be remade in modern-day Miami.

The 50 million dollar (£25 million) remake of the movie featuring ruthless gangster boss Harold Shand and his underworld associates was announced at the Cannes Film Festival today.

(Click on the title 'Hollywood makeover' for IMDB info about the deal.)

DW

Cannes 2007

On September 20, 1946 the International Film Festival - the first important international postwar cultural event - opened its doors at the former Casino de Cannes. It was run as a non-profit organisation with a board of directors, attaining charitable status in 1972. Apart from 1948 and 1950, when lack of funds led to the cancellation of the event, the Festival has taken place each and every year, at first in September, then in May (as of 1951), running approximately two weeks. In 1968, the Festival was interrupted due to political turmoil.

This year it takes place from 16th May - 27th May ...in Cannes.

(Click the title 'Cannes 2007' for more.)


DW

The dead return-Hammer House of Horror.

The production company that was a byword in British film-making for decades is going back into business...Cult Hammer horror films will return to the big screen after the company behind the movies was sold to a group headed by Big Brother creator John de Mol.


Read more from the Guardian by clicking on the the title 'the dead return-Hammer House of Horror'. (You may have to register...but as Film students you should be registered already.)

Never mind Sundance.

It is often the case that we know more about film festivals taking place in the rest of Europe or America than we do about the ones on our doorstep. I know that Robert Newman's Sundance is particulary interesting to anyone with a passion for Independents so for those of you who have been inspired by Sundance check out the U.K version, RAINDANCE (the voice of independent film).
It has some excellent resources for those interested in writing,producing,directing or making films.

As I have said before don't just sit around saying 'I want to work in film when I have left school/Uni...' Do it now!
Find out more about Raindance by clicking on the title 'Never mind Sundance'.

DW

This is madness!

300: Film Review
The 'Man' Movie of the New Millennium

There is a long list of movies to be watched with your mates whilst eating a large meat feast pizza , screaming every famous line in the movie. To add to a list that includes “I’ll be back” and “You talking to me?” comes a few new famous lines, such as “Tonight, we dine in hell”. After watching 300, you will certainly get the urge to reply “Madness? THIS IS SPARTA!” when someone next says “This is madness!” to you. Although you might best be advised not to follow up with a kick to the chest as they fall into a bottomless pit. Too much? Sorry, this movie has got to me...

(Read the rest of this review by clicking on the comments section below.)

Kevin L (yr12)

Hollywood Studio system.

"Any understanding of Hollywood at the turn of the millenium requires some knowledge of the studio system which dominated cultural production between the 1920s and late 1940s"..so says Nick lacey at KATPAD. You can read more by clicking on the title 'Hollywood Studio system'.

WITHNAIL AND I-Film Review

Withnail and I review –

This review may be a little biased as this is my all-time favourite film, but hopefully after reading this you will be encouraged to see it and maybe you’ll also enjoy it. Withnail and I was made in 1983 and stars Richard E Grant and Paul McGann. They play two failed actors trying to make it in London in the sixties, who 'accidentally' go on holiday to the countryside. That’s the plot! This absence of a more complicated plotline may mean some of you might think this film is going to be boring or a bit hard to watch . However if you concentrate on it, it is really a very funny film and even heart-wrenchingly sad towards the end.

Richard E Grant shines in his best role (forget about the spice girls movie people!) and gives a touch of ‘elegance’ to the permanently drugged up and drunk Withnail, while Paul McGann is equally brilliant, giving an excellent portrayal of a very anxious and agitated ‘I’. Richard Griffiths also plays a great part in the film, but does not match the brilliance of the two lead roles. Withnail and I is one of those films that you either love or hate. I love this film, and I am asking you to go and watch it and make up your own mind about it.

(click on the title above for more IMDB info)

Emma H -YR 12

Happy Easter

Sorry but I couldn't resist posting this. Following the Easter egg reference in a previous post (7th MARCH) I thought I would help your egg search over Easter.

Click on the title above for a comprehensive dvd easter egg selection .

Happy Hunting.

Making Films.

You may have noticed that we have organised the links section into 3 areas. The 'i'm gonna be a contender' section is of use to those of you interested in actually making films.

The BBC have some excellent resources that you can access and I would suggest you click on the title above and get redirected to BLAST. It contains advice on all aspects of film making and it will even showcase any films/animation you have already made.

Below is an example ot the kind of helpful info it has ...
"BEING A RUNNER.Running is a really good way into the industry, and there are basically two types. Production runners work on location and see what goes on behind the camera. Post-production runners work at facilities companies and assist during the editing process."

Film Review-The Scariest Comedy of all Time?

Young Frankenstein –

Horror-Comedy isn’t a new idea and it was used by comedy legend Mel Brooks in one of his funniest films, ‘Young Frankenstein’. Starring and penned by Gene Wilder (the original Willy Wonka), it follows the physical and emotional journey of Frederick Frankenstein (‘frawn-ken-steen’ as he puts it) as he comes to terms with the work of his grandfather the late Victor Frankenstein of Mary Shelly’s book.


Riotous laughter ensues as we meet Igor, Frederick’s sarcastic manservant, who is involved in some of the best gags of the film; “Walk this way,” as he produces a short stick and limps awkwardly, before passing it to Frederick and insisting he ‘walk this way’. We also meet Inga, Frederick’s attractive assistant, and Frau Blücher, whose name is feared by horses far and wide, to the amusement of Igor. It soon comes to pass that Frederick finds his grandfather’s work (in a book titled ‘How I Did It’) and proceeds to grab a recently deceased person from the graveyard, avoids the local police by pretending one arm of the corpse is his own, and reanimates it in his new castle in Transylvania…
David R yr12
(This review continues in the comments section)
Score: 9.1/10

Coming to our Sixth Form?

WELCOME to all of you who are checking out the blog following your visit to the Prospective Sixth Form Open Evening.


We hope you were impressed by what you saw on Tuesday evening. This blog and the media studies blog (which can be found by clicking the title above)should give you a real insight into the kind of work we do at Canon Palmer.

Good luck in your GCSE's and maybe your work will be featured on this Blog next year.
(p.s we also have a blog to help those doing year 11 media...the link can be found on this blog.)


D White

I knew that was gonna happen!

Click on the title above to enjoy the use of Cliche in films.

Take this for example...

SUSPENSE
In any movie where "something" has happened and villagers come to look at it, they always decide to "go for help".
The most expendable member of the group is left to "keep an eye on it", and supplied with a weapon or signaling device "in case something happens". Said member ALWAYS responds: "What could happen?" This is a certain signal that he will die, gruesomely, within 2 minutes.

Know your gaffer from your best boy.

As with all occupations Film makers use JARGON. You need to familiarise yourself with the terms used.

TOP TIP:Watch the credits! Some films even make it worth your while e.g Ferris Bueller's Day Off .

These 'extra bits' were the precursor to the Easter Eggs found on DVD's. (Do you know of any films that reward those who watch the credits?)

In the mean time click on the comments below to update yourself with Film Terms.

Film Reviews-(Written before the Oscars)

The Departed - Scorsese does it again, with this remake of the brilliant Infernal Affairs, with the best cast of the year.This film rocked. Maybe too much swearing (237 times they say the f word)maybe too long a running time, but for this kind of movie, you'd expect it. DiCaprio's acting was wicked, Nicolson as always 'himself', excellent. Wouldn't it be funny if he won the Oscar for this because it’d be for a film that wasn’t even his own original idea.

(click on the main title above for IMDB info on Scorsese )



8/10

Pan's Labyrinth - Before I saw The Fountain, this was the best film I had seen in a long time, It's just fantastic, original, beautiful and just down right amazing. Fantasy meets reality in a such a way that you feel a part of the world. Del Toro has outdone himself. This better win Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, if it doesn't then Hollywood deserves to burn in hell.

9.5/10


Rahman

Welcome to the Film Blog

This is the third Blog offshoot from the original Canon Palmer media studies Blog.

We Are Dedicated to Film.