Photoshop skills

During our course we are being taught how to use photoshop effectively and professionally, in order to help us create the required elements to go with our short film; movie poster and review page. Here I have demonstrated the skills I have acquired so far and the tools I have learnt to use in each of the three lessons we have had.

Text tool:I have been shown how to use this tool and the effects that can be created with it. Firstly through using this tool you can adjust basic features of your text, such as the font, size and colour allowing me to create the desired effect when adding text to my poster or review page. With sizing I also know how to manipulate certain letters within the text making them different colours or each letter a different size, which I may chose to do so for emphasis or effect. I also know how to add effects to the text, such as embossing the text to give a 3D effect and make it appear standing off the page or how to add a 'glow' behind the whole text or certain letters, which would be useful for drawing attention to key words or phrases. The spacing of the characters is another thing I have been taught, allowing certain characters to be further apart or closer together than others. Finally in terms of text I also know how to manipulate the texts alignment, whether I chose to make it vertical, horizontal etc.

Burn tool:

The burn tool gradually darkens certain parts of the image, by clicking and dragging in small motions I can effectively add shadow or gradual darken to one part of the picture rather than putting an effect on the whole image. This will allow me to make my image look more realistic, by perhaps adding dark contours to peoples faces or creating an eerie effect on parts of the image. I have also learnt how to adjust the level of the burn tool, so I can alter how dark and how opaque the colour is, as well as how big the area is I cover by changing the size of the burn tool.

Variation tool:I have learnt how to use the variation tool, which will allow me to alter the colour balance of the image through its tones, so I can choose my levels of shadow, highlight and mid-tone. This will allow me to create my desired effect on the image, possibly with high levels of shadow for a dark, depressive atmosphere or with highlights to add emphasis. The mid-tones will mean I can balance out the effects if I don't want a harsh contrast, creating a much more realistic and natural effect. On the variation tool I also know how to saturate or de-saturate the colour balance of the image, saturation enhancing the colours and desaturation washing out the image and drawing out the colours so I can ensure my poster or review page is as effective as possible.

Sponge tool:The sponge tool gradually desaturates the image, but instead of altering the whole image it is used by hand to individually desaturate certain parts, which I could use for a faded effect on key features of my poster/ review page. Much like the burn tool, I know how to alter how much area I cover by changing the size of the sponge tool as well as changing how opaque and bold it is, so I can create a very subtle de-saturation or very obvious de-saturation depending on my preference.

Dodge tool:The dodge tool has the opposite effect of the burn tool, in that it allows me to lighten certain parts of the image, so I could create very natural gentle highlights. It works in the same way as the sponge in that it doesn't alter the whole image which would be very useful for creating a realistic effect, as I could add light to the image where my light source is coming from, therefore making the lighting look very natural and simplistic. I could also use it for emphasis on certain parts of my image, such as a persons face. I have been taught how to customise this tool also, altering the size of the area it covers as well as the opacity.

Curve tool:The curve tool alters the colour balance of the image, but instead of doing so through shadows highlights and mid tones light the variation tool, this tool modifies the colour balance in the three colour colour spectrum (red, green and blue). I have been taught how to alter the individual balance of each of these colours, so for example I could give the whole image more of a reddish tint, creating a foreboding image. This tool also alters the overall brightness and contrast of whole image, as its depicted in a small graph image, the original starting point as a diagonal line. To change the brightness and contrast I have learnt to simply drag the center line upwards or downwards or dragging individual ends of the line, manipulating its position and creating the curve which will allow me to find the most effective contrast and tone depending on the look I am trying to create.

Clone tool:

I have been shown how to use the clone tool for editing the image, as it appears as a small shape that you fill with whatever colour or aspect of the image as you wish my hovering and clicking. Once it has been filled other parts of the image can be covered with it by clicking where you wish to cover, so this is very good for airbrushing as you would find a sample of the skin, then cover a blemish i.e. spot with it. It will also allow me to edit out objects from my image, allowing me to make an image look more simplistic or realistic.

Magic wand tool:I have taught how to use the magic wand tool, which allows you to remove large sections of the background simply by clicking. Once you've clicked a section will be highlighted with dashes which can then easily be deleted. This will allow me to quickly and easily clear certain parts of the image I don't want and allow me to create the effect I desire.

Lasso tool:The final tool I have been taught to use is the lasso tool, which allows you to remove parts of the image by clicking closely around the object you wish to removes edges, thus creating the same highlighted section which can easily be deleted. The lasso tool works in the same way as the magic wand yet it allows you to remove whole objects that are not of the same colour, e.g. removing a person from an image. Its effective for removing small details however will leave a large gap so for a more natural and realistic effect I will in most cases use the clone tool for removing things from my image, the lasso for cropping out items to go onto my image. 

Layers:

I have also been taught about layers, and how to use them appropriately. I know the importance of creating a new layer for each new element added to my image, which is important because then should I change my mind, or make a mistake I can just delete that individual layer with the change on it rather than erasing the whole image and starting again, so it will save the changes and effects I have added and do like. I can also choose to view certain layers, so I can see my image with anything I've done on it individually or choose certain effects I wish to see. This will allow me to scrutinise my image and ensure I am doing what I think looks most professional and effective. I also know how to duplicate my layers, so I can create clones of certain layers, allowing me to try out different effects on the exact same image so I can see what looks best. Finally I know how to move the layers accordingly so that the features of my image are positioned in the way I want them, for example I can move my text on top of an image, or put part of the image behind etc.

Propp theory

Vladimir Propp's theory focuses on characters rather than narrative, and it defines the typical character roles we can expect to find within a narrative. Studying this theory is relevant because I will be able to identify the characters I am or are planning to use within my short film as well as identifying character roles in other short films. Propps theory states the following typical characters;

The hero/ protagonist
The villain/ antagonist
The donor (assists the hero by providing an object)
The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)
The false hero (falsely assuming the role of the protagonist)
The princess and her father (the term used for someone who provides the hero with the task or goal)

I have applied this theory to 'Fish Tank', the trailer for the film being below;


Protagonist -
The protagonist is Mia, the young girl who is seeking to be free of her lifestyle that she is trapped in through no fault of her own

Antagonist -
Mia's mother could be viewed as an antagonist, as she actively tries to prevent Mia from moving forward and causes her much distress

The donor -
The donor would be Mia's mothers boyfriend, who tries to defend Mia and provides her with affection

The dispatcher -
The dispatcher could be the young boy from the caravan park, as he provides Mia with a metaphorical object, friendship that enables her to become motivated to move forward, sending her on her way

The false hero -
The false hero would also be Mia's mothers boyfriend, because he is seemingly helping Mia yet at the same time manipulating and deceiving her

The princess/ princesses father -
The person who provides Mia with a task would be society as a whole, as Mia is trapped in her lifestyle with the challenge of escaping her inevitable fate.

Roland Barthes theory

I have been researching a few theories of film making and structure before creating my own, to enable me to understand the principles behind it, which I feel will ultimately allow me to create a much more slick, professional short film with a better knowledge of film making.
Roland Barthes was a semiotics professor in the 1950s and 1960s who devised his theory on narrative after stating that narrative can be 'unravelled' to reveal potential meanings. His theory states that any narrative can be broken down into five codes or sets of rules , which are as follows;
Action code which refers to the events taking place
Enigma code which refers to the questions raised and answered
Semantic code which refers to the characters and characterisation
Referential code which refers to the information and explanation
Symbolic code which refers to the connotations of signs

I have applied this theory to a scene from 'This is England' as this theory will be something to consider when creating my short film and it also allows me to demonstrate my knowledge and awareness.



Action code:
- Group of young people gathered around a young boy
- Young boy getting hair shaved
- Girls shaving head
- Boys smoking
- Conversation about correct shirt
- Boy is presented with shirt from friends
- Puts shirt on, look complete

Enigma code:
- Shaving of the head - what is the significance in skinhead culture?
- Girls shave why boys smoke - why the women's role?
- New girl sitting with boy - who is she? does she hold any significance?
- Quick cuts to graffiti - what is the significance?
- Friends walking together - where are they going?

Semantic code:
- Girl shaving hair - motherly, kind, dutiful women forming labour task while men watch
- Girl with piercings, dreadlocks etc - outrageous, extroverted, outgoing, unique, expressive
- Boy in pink shirt sitting in center - ring leader, figure of authority he presents gift, friends sitting angled toward him
- Young boy - impressionable, eager to fit in, trusting, easily swayed, loves the attention
- Boy bringing in tea tray - dutiful, emasculated , eager to please, friendly, loyal

Referential code:
- Makeover represents skinhead culture
- Location broken into apartment
- Shoes doc martins, iconic

Symbolic code:
- Graffiti represents rebellion
- Makeover represents a belonging, wanting to belong
- Boy who presents present to young boy represents a male figure of authority, a male figure of respect
- Football on the streets represents playful youth, harmless fun

Shane Meadows - auteur theory

The auteur theory is from the 1950's era that states a director's film reflects the directors personal creative vision, as if he or she were the main author. It means that each director or good director should have a trademark to their work, something recognisable.
I have decided to apply this theory to Shane Meadows which I feel will allow me to develop an understanding of how he works as well as enable me to ensure that our short film reflects my personal creative vision along with the others in my group as I will understand the auteur theory itself better, this I feel will make our film that touches on taboo subject much more powerful and unique to those social realist films that have already been critically acclaimed.
A few points that I have picked up on that could make Shane Meadows an auteur are his use of occasional comedy, even during serious film 'This is England' there are moments of comedic value, such as the scene where Shaun and his friends hide to scare Gadget as he approaches them, and when Shaun and his mother go shoe shopping and she tries to trick him into buying 'uncool' shoes with the shop assistant. These scene I felt was rather light hearted despite the situation of the vandalism they were committing in scaring Gadget, and its different to other films of this genre because films such as 'Fish Tank' are very much intense throughout, therefore I think occasional comedy could be a recognisable factor for Shane Meadows.
Another point is his storytelling. When I first watched 'This is England' it seemed very simple yet effective, however on the second viewing I discovered it was a lot more of a real story than I first thought, as it really felt like the story wasn't about representing a whole group of people but specifically Shaun. As you see the moments with his mother doing average things such as shoe shopping and eating in cafes that make the character so likable despite his flaws. This I feel could be another point because in Meadows work he really represents the characters themselves, and tells in depth stories.
Thinking of these points has helped me to see where I might find some recognisable factors for my own short film, as I want it to have a trademark that will make it much more effective.

Shane Meadows

Shane Meadows, director of 'This is England' is an inspirational director to me as his work depicts the same rough, harsh reality that I wish to replicate in our own short film. I have been studying his body of work as I feel his target audience will be similar to ours, to see how he appeals and relates to his target audience, and manages to very much show the perspective on society from youths.
Arguably his most successful film, Shane Meadows wrote 'This is England', the film that is the greatest inspiration to me as it contains the stylistic and narrative features I wish to use in our own production, with its gritty, blunt views on society during the 80's. The main character 'Shaun' manages to be both relatable and extreme in his efforts to fit in despite his bereaving over the death of his father. I found an interview with Shane Meadows discussing the inspirations behind his choice of 80's culture and his own personal experiences with it which I feel has enabled to me to develop a greater understanding of the reasoning behind the film, and how I can draw on perhaps not my own personal experiences, but use things I myself find shocking controversial and interesting like Meadows has done, because being young myself I feel I will be able to relate well to others my age.



Ranked 40th in the telegraphs 'most powerful people in British culture', Meadows included scenes that would provoke public debate in this is England, touching on very taboo subjects that our society faces issues with, such as racism and prejudice as shown in the video below. The way Meadows portrays harsh reality is something I wish to replicate in our own film, as its done in a very simplistic yet effective way, letting the actions speak for themselves. I found the video below exceedingly difficult to watch, but I decided to include it on here because it is the appitamy of the emotions I wish to create, it made me feel irritated, angry, distressed but most of all it made a point.

Mood boards

I have created two video mood boards as I felt this was a more interesting way of displaying them, containing images that I feel summarise the two genres I wish to convey. I will refer to these as inspiration.

VIDEOS TO BE UPLOADED

Chosen Genre

Genre
I have decided to combine two genres within our short film as it will primarily be a drama with elements of thriller. I have researched definitions of each genre below and then written my own, explaining what each means to me.
Drama: Drama is a film genre that depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional themes. Dramatic themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, racial prejudice, religious intolerance, poverty, crime and corruption put the characters in conflict with themselves, others, society and even natural phenomena.
I think the essence of a good drama film is one that portrays a strong sense of realism, through its choice of actors, locations, costumes, props and narratives. Realism enhances the viewing experience for audiences because it allows them to become more involved within the narrative, feeling emotions such as sympathy for the characters. I like drama films that challenge the traditional conventions expected of their genre and that challenge us as viewers because I feel it allows audiences to be mentally stimulated, keeping them interested and involved whilst giving them something to think about when the film is over. Examples of dramas that I feel challenge stereotype are 'Slumdog millionaire', 'The Godfather' and 'Schindler's list'.

Thriller: Thriller is a genre of literature, film and television that uses suspense, tension and excitement as the main elements. Thrillers are mostly characterised by an atmosphere of menace, violence, crime and murder by showing society as dark, corrupt and dangerous, though they often feature a happy ending in which the villains are killed or arrested. Thrillers heavily promote on literary devices such as plot twists, red herrings and cliffhangers. They also promote on moods, such as a high level of anticipation, adrenaline rush, arousal, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety and sometimes even terror. The tones in thrillers are usually gritty, slick and lurid.
For me personally, I enjoy psychological thrillers with complex narratives leaving the audience guessing right until the end. I find the use of red herrings very effective because the most obvious suspects within a thriller are the estranged, eccentric and often ostracised characters of whom the narrative is sometimes based around. One of my favourite actors within thriller films is 'Johnny Depp' because he often depicts the crazed lonely main character, in films such as 'Sweeny Todd', 'The secret window' and 'Edward Scissor-Hands'.

Although these are the two main film genres my film will come under, I am going to combine some narrative and stylistic conventions of social realism, as I want to provoke controversy and emotion from my audience, as I believe these are the films that are most important and remembered.