Post-Production & Utopia

In lesson we were given an article by WIRED Magazine about how the Channel 4 TV show Utopia got its "comic book look". In this article it explains how Utopia uses a wide range of different effects to get its signature look and how the colourist Aiden Farrell carefully edited and constructed each shot that is used on the show to make it look more like a cartoon. For example, the colourist enhances colours such as yellow, cyan and magenta so that they are brighter and bolder which gives the cartoon a more cartoon like atmosphere so that they resembled Doris Day films from the 1950's. colour correction was also used for basic changes such as making the grass greener and making the sky more blue. This article shows that a lot of work and effort was put into the show Utopia to give it its signature colourful look

When it comes to making films and TV shows, one of the most important parts is post production, post production can be just as important as the filming itself as the people who work in post production decide what takes to use and how to portray specific characters. Post production can use specific shots to portray characters in a specific way. For example, if they wanted a character to be portrayed as mean, they would only use scenes where the character is looking angry and make them seen rude. Post production also works on colour correction as said before, as they can edit the surroundings to create a specific atmosphere. for example if they wanted a sad mood they would make the setting look grey or put on a black and white filter. In post production they also edit sound. They can add sound effects and music to create different atmospheres. For example, slow, deep music can be added to create suspense and fast, upbeat music can be added to make a happy atmosphere.

Camera Shots

To practice and improve our use of camera shots we took a series of photos all took at different angles and used them to show a story. This is the result.

This is an establishing shot. I am using this shot so the audience can see where the story is going to take place as the audience can see the surroundings.This shot will also set the mood, the scene is isolated which will give the scene a mysterious mood as the audience will wonder where the characters are and what will happen

This is a long shot. I am using this shot to establish the characters positions and show what is happening between them. This shot is effective as it shows that there is nothing surrounding them and creates suspicion. This shot is also effective as you cannot see the characters face creating mystery.

This is an over the shoulder shot. I am using this to create mystery as the audience can not see the characters face so they do not their identity. This is also being to show what the character is looking at.

This is a close up. This is being used to show the characters facial expression and also establishes the characters position and what is happening.

This is a medium shot. This is being used to show both characters and show their body language. This shot creates suspense as the audience can now see that the character is being followed and they cannot see their identity due to the hood that the character is wearing.

This is an extreme close up. This shot is being used to give the audience an idea of who the stalker is and a brief glimpse of what they look like, however this also creates mystery as you cannot see the stalkers whole face which creates mystery.

This is a tilt shot. This is being used to portray an unsettled mood and to connote movement showing that the stalker is closing in on the character.

This is a low angle shot. This is used to make the character seem vulnerable as they are looking down on them making them seem smaller.

Preliminary Task

Before we start with the main task which will take the course of the academic year, we have to complete a preliminary task, this is a continuity task which will consist of will be planning, filming and editing a video showing a person opening a door, crossing a room, sitting down and then exchanging a few lines with another person. This task will test our skills at continuity.

Continuity means making sure that all the details of a shot are the same throughout, such as hairstyles, positions of props and lighting therefore making it a believable narrative. This also relates to match-on action which is when the editor cuts from one shot to another and the view matches the first shot's action. when the characters are talking to each other it will also test our knowledge of the 180 degree rule which is the rule that two people in a conversation should maintain the same left/ right relationship with each other, when the camera passes this imaginary line connecting the two characters it is called crossing the line and the shot is called a reverse. Another continuity editing technique that is commonly used is the Shot/ Reverse Shot which is used when two characters are having a conversation, this is used to show the characters reactions and facial expressions to each others comments. This shot also links with the 180 degree rule as it helps with continuity and does not distorting the sense of location as they will stay on the same side of the screen and they do not switch sides.

A diagram of how the 180 degree rule works

An example of the shot/ reverse shot

Welcome to my blog

Hello and welcome to my blog,

I studied Media Studies at GCSE while I was in secondary school and thoroughly enjoyed it so I decided that i wanted to study it at A Level as well, I have always been interested in the media and how TV shows are created and how small things such as camera angles and basic editing techniques can change how you perceive certain characters and help give the character personality. I watch a variety of TV shows and I only have a small idea of how they are made and how small things can alter the way we see things and I am very excited to see what I learn over the next 2 years.

The area in which I want to gain the most experience is in editing, While I was studying media at GCSE, editing my own opening to a horror film was one of my favourite things that I did as it is in editing where you can choose what footage is used and how it can be altered to change people's perceptions of particular characters.

Over the next two years I will be planning, filming and editing a 2 and a half minute long thriller film opening and I will be documenting my progress on this very blog, it seems like it will be fun  and I am excited to see the result once it is finished.

Hopefully you will enjoy the final product as much as I will enjoy making it.