Protection - BBFC

Film Censorship.

Wikipedia defines Censorship as:

The suppression of speech or deletion of communicative material which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient to the government or media organisations as determined by censor.

Basically, Censorship means to silence or alter something so it doesn't upset, influence, confuse etc the audience, this could be in film or go as far as the censorship applied in Russia, where there is extreme censorship applied to the Russian press/media.

The Obscene Publications Act prohibits material which "tends to deprave or corrupt persons who are likely to read, see or hear it", and other laws apply to specifically video releases.

Though very vague, the law is generally held to apply to anything which might encourage criminal activity by those watching it, especially if it encourages violence or sexual violence.

Interestingly, the BBFC last year consulted the police as to whether car theft scenes in Gone In Sixty Seconds were likely to assist would-be car thieves.

taken from The Guardian Official Website

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Film Classifications

What Are They?

What Is Their Purpose?

I need to know what film classifications are for when i begin my case study, I, or my group and I must choose a film classification for our film to fit and try and stick to it - film classification has a link to target audience and so both are vital.

I searched "what are film classifications?" and google took me to the BBFC, the official website for classification of entertainment, music and video games.

Here is what i found:

U - Universal, Suitable For All

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child, but a "U" film should be suitable for audiences aged 4yrs and over. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated by the Consumer advice.

PG - Parental Guidance, General Viewing, some scenes unsuitable for younger children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A "PG" film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

12A/12 - Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at "12A" and "12".

These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 years and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The "12A" category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a "12A" film unless accompanied by an adult and films classified "12A" are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing the child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The "12" category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a "12" rated video work.

15 - Suitable for 15 years and over

No-one younger than 15 may see a "15" film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may buy or rent a "15" rated video work.

18 - Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an "18" film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may buy or rent an "18" rated video work.

R18 - To be shown only in specialised licenced cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of no less than 18 years.

The "R18" category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. "R18" videos may not be supplied by mail order.

I found all this from the official BBFC website, click here to go to the Official BBFC website to view this material and more.

I think my work will have either a 12 or a 15 rating, as it would allow me a bigger target audience and being in that age group also, i would be more able to understand what attracts that age group.

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Image 12:

This image shows a girl with her hands pressed against a window.

This could show longing to be the other side or interest in what is on the other side.

behind her is darkness so we assume she is inside looking out.

Her hands being pressed against the window bring her closer in the image, as if she has her hands against the screen of the monitor.

The shot is an extreme close up to show her facial expressions.

Image 11:

This image simply shows the contrast in expressions of the boys looking through the window and Zana sitting on the opposite side.

• the one on the left looks shocked


• the one in the middle looks amused


• the right looks bored

While Zana in the forefront has an expression of self consciousness as to what the boys are looking at through the window.

Image 10:

This image is also from Knowing (see past posts).

This image shows a young boy looking out onto the chaos outside his bedroom window.

His innocence contrasts with what is going on outside (fire, destruction) and this reflects also int he light.

What is happening outside, emmits it's own light while the inside of the boys bedroom is pitch black and this shows his outline very darkly.

The shot is an over the shoulder shot so we are seeing in effect what the boy is seeing.

Image 9:

This image is from Memoirs Of A Geisha,

this image shows how the main character is imprisoned.

She is positioned behind the barred doors showing how she is in a way, trapped.

The light is shining on her face showing the light is outside and the darkness inside with her, this shows that what she wants is to be on the other side of the bars. The camera is close on her face to show her facial expressions and also to show her blue eyes which are an important element in the film as they make her unique.

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Sorry about the light on the still, bad lighting in my room meant the flash kept
going off, and unfortunatly my laptop is a bit crapp, so i couldn't watch the
dvd on here and simply take screen shots :( i had to keep pausing the tv and
taking photos.. how sad is that? :L

Image 8:

This image is from the film Knowing.

This image is just before a horrific accident.

It shows that the side of the tram with people and assumed the exit, is bathed in bright light from the overhead underground lights, while the other half with no exit and on-coming trams is in darkness, there is a great contrast between the two.

A man is shown looking through the window in the tram his face is in the light while the opposite window is in darkness apart from the overhead lights inside the train, this could show the on-coming danger in the form of darkness.

this project is on film noir, so i noticed that this image is very typical of film noir conventions. the light and dark contrast is very heavy (defined shadows). There is a mystery element tied in with the contrasting lights and the focus on the character in the foreground.

Image 7:

Another I Am Legend still.

This image shows the main charcter from the side

within the confinements of his home ( see movie synopsis here.

The light is outide ( through the door ) to shwo the charcter is inside, the light is shone directly onto his face (eyes cast out, through the door) showing the contrast in light.

One hand is positioned on the slider and the other against the door, this shows that there is an element of danger again and the character is poised for escape and prevention of anything outside getting inside.

There is also the note that the door is steel, showing a contrast between the steel security and the everyday home decor of the curtains and his costume ( comfort wear ).

Image 6:

i love Will Smith..

This shot is taken from I Am Legend.

He is positioned at the doorframe and looking round, the light is positioned round the other side of the frame and so his face is slightly in the light to show is he is edging round to see what is behind the frame.

There is also light behind his on the photoframes, this could suggest there is a window.

The half of his body that remains in the room is in shadow to show his is emmerging from the room, his eyeline also follows out of the room to show his is trying to see what is hiding, his body and facial expressions still show that what is there may pose a danger so he is ready to retreat back into the room or to be offensive.

Image 5:

This image is from "Watchmen".

It's a very dramatic shot.

The character is poised like an animal, like he/she's just landed after a leap.

The moon is shown in the background (full moon - dramatic) and the window is broken with police line tape, this is again very dramatic and the character is framed by the broken window.

This has links to crime, action and fantasy ( charcter's outfit).

The light is behind the character ( moon and lights of city ), this creates an outline of the character.

Image 4:

This image was taken from "Boy In The Striped Pajamas", this charcter is Bruno.

He is leaving the confinement of his new home to go see his new friend, he is positioned in the image half in, half out of the confinement that is his home (army base, where his father and his soldiers are positioned). His eyeline is out of shot, looking out for danger

(those keeping him confined, those who do not approve of where he plans to go).

His weight is shifted out fo the door to show he is preparing to run when the opportunity arrises (no adults in sight). The light is behind Bruno (as you can see shadow in the cut-out's in the open door) but his face is also in the light to show his facial expressions (apprehension).

Image 3:

The person entering has been brought out of focuss.

There is a strong light in the back and none in the front, showing that the perosn may be entering unknown territory, a place of fear, a place of imprisonment etc, or this person may be a hero or main character entering to be of help or to create a change in this dark room.

There is a ghostly effect created to the left of the image, for what purpose? is this part of a storyline?

Image 2:

This image is of two girls in a car ( we can see it is probably a limo or "high class car" and so this prompts us to ask "are they high class?" or "is it a special occation such as prom, a dance, a wedding?"

There is a contrast in light, although they are inside the car, the front girl is highlighted to draw attention to her, is this the flash of the camera or editting?

They are framed in the car window which draws attention to them, and the back girl is not focussed in the light as much so our eyes are drawn to the front girl.

Analysis of Images: Windows and Doorways

We were asked to take images, these could be movie stills or any image we could find ( we can even take some ourselves) of doors, doorways and windows in use, and we then have to analyse the composition, colour etc of the image.

Image 1: This Image is of a dog running through a "doggy-door" towards the camera. i think the image is trying to catch the moment of the dog running, it's an action shot ( note the dog is half way through the door ), the viewer wants to know,

where is the dog going?

what does it want? ( as you can see it's eyes are focussed on something ).

It's a bright picture, including outdoor greenery to show transfer from indoors to outdoors.

what the heck is ACORN?

What is ACORN?

"ACORN is the leading geodemographic tool used to identify and understand the UK population and the demand for products and services. Businesses use this information to improve their understanding of customers, target markets and determine where to locate operations.
here is a section of a chart i found that groups the population using the ACORN system, to view the whole chart follow this link: http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/michaelwalford/entry/acorn_classification_system/

Informed decisions can be made on where direct marketing and advertising campaigns will be most effective.."

http://www.caci.co.uk/acorn/whatis.asp



ACORN groups the popualtion into different groups based on:

-Occupation
-Age
-Income
-Ethnicity
-Gender

The ACORN system groups the population within six “grades” from highest to lowest: A, B, C1, C2, D & E.
Grade A shows those at the “higher end of the spectrum”, thosewith academic occupations such as Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers and those high up in the business sector.
Grade C1 and C2 are similar and very close. This grade band would contain the most 'average' working class population all those except the unemployed, including shop assistants, nurses, receptionists, teachers, mechanics etc,
When E is reached, we find the unemployed population, those living off benefits due to not being able to work (disability) or not feeling they need to work when benefits are on offer, these are the undesired group and a lot of the time are used in films as the undesired/enemy group (displayed as maybe homeless, muggers, thieves, anti-social, gangs ). Though we as an audience know that not all people in the lower grade would be like this, films use the stereotypes of many classes to encourage emotion in it’s audience (this being the same with stereotyping the upper classes as “heartless” or “snot-nosed”, although we know this is not always true, we engage with the characters in a film who give these characteristics).

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Target Audience.

Admittedly, again.. confused.
As i was i'll i had to catch up on a three hour lesson that i missed.
This included the ACORN system.
It's to do with Target Audience i've heard so i'll begin with Target audience explanation and the continue ACORN onto another blog. Because i do love to waffle on.. (;

In marketing and advertising, a target audience, or target group is the primary group of people that something, usually an advertising campaign, is aimed at appealing to. A target audience can be people of a certain age group, gender, marital status, etc. ...
http://www.google.co.uk/searchhl=en&safe=active&defl=en&q=define:Target+audience&ei=7kbgSvOTJdq6jAesx7SlBg&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title&ved=0CAsQkAE

A target audience needs to be chosen no matter what product or piece of work you are producing, you choose a target audience that you feel your work ( what you believe you can achieve ) will appeal most to, andf then work towards what you know that target audience finds attractive.
Without targeting a certain area of people, it would be more difficult. It would be difficult for instance if your target market was a minority - it's easier to choose a majority area ( Teens, Women, Under 18's).

You have to know what you are aiming for in relevance to an audience, who would respond best to your style or your preferences ( in your product/work )
i foudn this website very useful in establishing the purpose of a target audience

https://spinproject.rdsecure.org/downloads/TargetAudience.pdf

now.. ACORN SYSTEM..
next post please ;D

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Film noir.. :0

What the heck is "Film Noir"?
I'll be honest, i had not the slightest idea what it was, let alone that it was a Genre.
And i was genuinly frightened when a lot of people in my class knew straight away what it was and examples of Film Noir, naturally they had the advantage of GCSE Media or BTEC Media.. lucky them.

We were told that a lot of our work would be based around Film Noir and so we were told to write a 500 word essay about it! Difficult if your knowledge of Film Noir is limited.
And so we watched the opening sequence of "James Bond: Casino Royale" which we were told had many charcteristics of Film Noir. Together as a class we named many of those which made writing the essay a great deal easier.

Some of the characteristics we chose were:
- contrast of black and white used
- shadows cast across faces (obscuring)
- urban setting
- low key lighting
- low and high camera angles

Sorry for going into too much detail, as i've realised i have just done. oops..

Click here for the clip we analysed..


And click here for the wikipedia section for Casino Royale, which was also very useful in analysing how the opening sequence related to the film as a whole and the storyline of all the bond films complete..



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I was asked to include "Soundbites" in my work?

I've been told to use Soundbites in my work to show my understanding, I am unfamiliar with them but i do understand that they are used to give a small snippet of a piece of work etc.
These could be podcasts, sneak previews or quotes ( headlines in a newspaper ).

Here is a link to the BBC's podcasts.
A good example of snippets of work or product, they give you a flavour of a program, so you may chose to watch the whole thing or not ( gain a rough opinion of it ). This could also reflect the characteristics of a trailer or teaser.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/

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About Me

My Name is Megan Jayne Forster ( which i hate )
I am 16 years old and i am studying at Kett Sixth Form College
at Sprowston Community High school.

http://www.sprowstonhigh.org/cms/

My chosen subjects are Media Studies ( the focus of this blog ), Graphic Products, English Literature and Psychology.
I have an irrelevant obsession with The Blackout and music which I'd love to involve in my Media work.

http://www.myspace.com/theblackout

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This is..

A record of my journey through AS Media Studies. (:


I am new to Media Studies as i didn't do it GCSE, but I feel that media would fit in with Graphic products which i enjoy. I am very much looking forward to my media journey.
During my A level media journey (AS) i will learn all the different elements of media and record what i learn on this blog, i will be looking into Film Noir Genre in great detail and continue on to creating my own film noir opening (creating using all the elements of film noir i will aquire during my media journey).
I will learn about the different techniques of creating a brilliant television drama ( or Soap Opera ) and eventually all that i have learnt will come together to hopefully a successful case study (:

i do hope i don't fail at the first hurdle, as this is my first experience of Media Studies having not done it GCSE.

Wish Me Luck.. o_O

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