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EILA4 STUDIES CCURSEWCRtt CECUIREMENTS:Coursework is 50% of your overall grade

4 MAIN PIECES CE WORK:

1. Exploring a film of the candidate's choice (25 marks)An exploration of the micro features of film language in a shortextract from a film of the candidate's choice (350 - 750words).

2. Pitch and Preproduction (30 marks)Candidates create a pitch for an imaginary film(approximately150 words) and then use it to form the basis ofa pre-production chosen from a range of options.

3. Production (35 marks)Create a production chosen from a range of options.

4. Evaluative Analysis (10 marks)A brief evaluative analysis highlighting what candidates havelearnt about the main study areas for film from theirpreproduction and production work (film language, filmorganisations and audiences).

THIS BOOKLET WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH PART ONE OFYOUR COURSEWORK

NAME:

EXPLORING A EILA4 €P CANDIDATE'S CHOICE

This section is made up of 2 parts:

Film Exploration: Industry (5 marks)

This coursework requires you to explore a film that you haveparticularly enjoyed and do some brief research into how it wasproduced, distributed and exhibited. All of your research for the filmwill be collected on a blog and then put into a specially design pro-forma which will allow you to summarise your findings. This initialpiece of work will allow lead into a more detailed consideration of theways in which the micro features of film language communicatemeaning.

Steps to completing this coursework:

1. Choose a film - THIS IS THE SAME FILM THAT YOU USEDFOR YOUR MICRO ANALYSIS!

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

3. Record all research in a Word document or PowerPoint4. Include pictures5. DON'T COPY AND PASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF TEXT.

ONLY WHAT IS NEEDED

Textual (Micro) Analysis (20 marks)In class we have looked at a variety of different film sequences andthought about the way in which the film's language is used to createcertain meanings and how we respond to those meanings. Youshould now have the analytical tools and terminology needed tosucceed. For this piece of coursework you need to show anunderstanding the ways in which the micro features are used tocommunicate meaning. For example, lighting and sound (two of themicro features of film language) can combine to create a particularkind of atmosphere.

You are required to produce a written analysis of 350 - 750 wordswhich focuses on how TWO of micro feature(s) (e.g. mise-en-scene,editing, camerawork and sound) create meanings and generateresponses in a chosen film sequence from the film you researchedfor industry (maximum length: 5 minutes).

Film Exploration: Industry (5 marks)

The following will help you understand the film industry so that youcan start researching your film and working on your blog

ProductionActivities involved in the actual making of the film

All films begin with an idea which then gets turned into a screenplayby a screenwriter. Often film narratives [stories] are based on real-life events, books, plays or old films which are remade, sequelled oradapted. The screenwriter usually then pitches his/her screenplayto film studios/production companies or directors who will thentake the screenplay on to the production stage and make the film. Ifa film has major stars in it the production budget could easily bemore than $80 million. Generally the screenwriter is paid between2.5%-5% of this budget, so a screenwriter with a really goodscreenplay could expect to earn $1 million.

DistributionDeciding 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 tryingto make it reach the widest possible audience by selling it to theplaces where films are going to be shown—to exhibitors (cinemas).Distributors need to make sure that when a film reaches itsdestination there are lots of people waiting to see it. So, we need toknow about the film before it arrives at its exhibition destination. Afilm usually needs to make about two and a half times what it cost toproduce just to ensure it doesn't lose money. Distributors have anumber of roles to fulfil. Firstly, they try to find out what kind ofaudiences might want to go and see the film, using test screeningswith test audiences where people are invited to see the film and arethen asked lots of question about it This can lead to changes beingmade to the film. Then there's marketing and publicity—posters,merchandising, festivals and premieres—a summer blockbusterwould cost around $100 million to promote! Finally, timing is veryimportant when the film is eventually released, particularly as theopening weekend can account for 50-75% of a film's overall boxoffice takings.

The distributor also decides the release pattern for the film, releasepatterns refer to how often and where film will be shown - general

release is as wide as possible, limited release may only be inLondon or specialist cinemas.

ExhibitionWhere the film is shown - cinemas of varying types

This is the last of these three interconnected areas and is the pointwhere we finally get to see the film. The ways in which we view filmsare changing rapidly. For example, big Multiplex cinemas areeverywhere now, offering a variety of 'additions' to the cinematicexperience such as fast-food, arcades and bowling alleys as well asa huge choice of blockbuster films to see. There are less and lesssmaller, Independent cinemas and many people choose to watchfilms at home on DVD or [legally or illegally) downloaded from theinternet. During the exhibition phase, reviews are very important andcan make or break a film when it reaches the cinema as audiencesmay avoid a film which has been negatively reviewed or make aneffort to go and see one that has received positive reviews. This isnot always the case; of course, Titanic critically slated in 1997 butwent on to become one of the most successful films ever made.

So now you know all of that start your blog and use the tick listworksheet to help you research your chosen film

USEFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU RESEARCH:

www.imbd.comwww.filmeducation.orgwww.hollvwood.comwww.impawards.comwww.wikipedia.com

Section 1 - IntroductionD Write a brief synopsis of your chosen film and give some

reasons why you like it.CD Add some screen shots of key scenes and/or a video link to

a key scene.

Section 2 - ProductionO Find out where the idea for your film came from and who

wrote the screenplay.O Who directed the film? Has he or she directed any other

well-known films?CD Who starred in the film?CD Which studio made the film? Give some details about it.O What was the budget for the film?D Where was it made? Did the funding come from more than

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

production of your film?

Section 3 - DistributionD Find out about all the different ways your film was promoted

before it reached cinemas.CD Find a poster advertising your film and write an analysis of

it, looking at: genre elements in eluding props, costume andsettings; the use of stars; special selling points; targetaudience; references to other films/books/TV shows;images, colours, typography (fonts) used.

D Find examples of any merchandising (the use of products—e.g. McDonalds toys) done to promote your film. Write a listand/or include images.

CD Was your film screened in any film festivals or at apremiere before its release?

Section 4 - ExhibitionD Which cinema chains screened your film in the UK? Did

any independent cinemas show it?D How much money did it make in the UK, the US and

worldwide in its opening weekend and altogether?D Find at least two reviews of your film from different

publications, one from the UK and one fromthe US and add them. Comment on whether you agree withthe reviews or not and why.

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

Sebastian Modos Film Exploration Film Studies

I Am Legend

Film GCSE: I Am Legend Section 1

I Am Legend is a 2007 science fiction film directed by Francis Lawrence. Here isa short synopsis of the film.

It is the year 2012. In the ruins of New York City. Robert Neville (Will Smith) isa military scientist unable to prevent the cause of an incurable man-made virus.Immune, Neville and his trusted dog, Samantha are now the last survivors in whatis left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville hasfaithfully sent out daily radio messages in his desperate attempt to find any othersurvivors who 'might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of theplague - The Infected - lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move...waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Neville is perhaps mankind's last, besthope, and he is driven by only one remaining mission, to find a way to reverse theeffects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumberedand quickly running out of time.

One of the reasons that I pursued this film more than any other mainly revolvesaround the fact that Will Smith is my favourite actor; I believe that in any givensituation he can perform at a standard of uppermost excellence. One of the otherattributes of the film that captured my interest was the plot. I believe that this is athrilling plot because of the sense of realism, that it is possible for this disaster totake place. It is frighteningly exhilarating knowing that as technology skyrocketsthe possibility of this event will increase by a significant amount. Because of thisreason I found the storyline gripping and exiting.

The sequence of the film that i believe to be most powerful and effective is thefirst scene based on the fact that it is instantaneously interesting and from the startthe viewer feels an apocalyptic Aura. A sense of devastation and disaster.

Film GCSE: I Am Legend Section 2

I Am Legend originated from a 1954 science fiction/horror novel by Americanwriter Richard Matheson. It was influential in the development of the zombiegenre and in popularising the concept of a worldwide apocalypse due to disease.The novel was a success and was adapted to film as The Last Man on Earth in1964, as The Omega Man in 1971, and now as we know it I Am Legend in 2007.The screen play for I Am Legend was implemented by Akiva Goldsman and MarkProtosevich.

The director Francis Lawrence was born in Vienna, Austria on March 26 1970,Before Lawrence went into the world of directing he was a co-director specializing in music videos serving under one Mike Rosen. Lawrenceshot his first music for Michael Blakey President of Atco Records with the bandTidal Force which became a great success. Soon, Lawrence became known for hisoriginal and imaginative music video scripts and visual directing style. Heeventually joined a major new production company and his successful career asmusic video director, having worked with stars like Britney Spears, Black EyedPeas, Jay-Z, Aerosmith, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child. In 2005,his feature film debut was Constantine based on the Hell blazer comic book,starring Keanu Reeves.In 2007, he then went onto directing I Am Legend (based on the RichardMatheson novel), starring Will Smith.Francis Lawrence has been the director of two films in his directing campaignhowever Constantine in 2005 was not of big renown.He also has two films to come, Water for Elephants is being filmed and The Citythat Sailed is in Pre-Production.

There are 4 main characters within I Am Legend; these four characters consistedof;The main actor Will Smith (1968) taking on the role of Robert Neville.Sali Richardson (1967)Alice Braga( 1983)and Willow Smith, Will Smiths daughter (2000)

I Am Legend was made by 4 studios, Village Road Show Picture, Weed RoadPictures, Overbrook Entertainment and Heyday Films. All of these studios havebeen noticed in today's latest motion pictures; however, Heyday Films is mostnoticeable for producing the well known Harry Potter series. The other studio that

caught my eye is Overbrook Entertainment because the production company wascreated by Will Smith between 1997 and 1999 around the time when Will Smithfeatured in Wild West. Since then it has served as Will Smiths main productioncompany releasing films such as I Robot, Hitch, Pursuit of Happiness, I AmLegend and Hancock. The Title of this company, "Overbrook" is derived fromWill Smith's high school in West Philadelphia, Overbrook High School.

Budget: 150,000,000Akiva Goldsman decided to move the story from Los Angeles to New York Cityto take advantage of locations that would more easily show emptiness. Goldsmanexplained, "L.A. looks empty at three o'clock in the afternoon, however New Yorkis never empty . . . This makes it a much more interesting way of showing thewindswept emptiness of the world." However, the Warner Bros rejected thisrequest because of the logistics. Francis Lawrence was determined to shoot onlocation to give the film a natural feel that would benefit from not shooting onsound stages. Lawrence persevered and at last gained this advantage.Filming began on September 23, 2006.The scenes that I was most intrigued in were the flashback scenes in which theNew York civilians evacuated. This scene contained the view of the famousBrooklyn Bridge. This scene took six consecutive nights in January and consumed$5 million of the film's reported $150 million budget, which was likely the mostexpensive shot in the city to date. The scene, which had to meet requirementsfrom fourteen government agencies, involved 250 crew members and 1,000extras, including 160 National Guard members.

Film GCSE: I Am Legend Section 2

I Am Legend originated from a 1954 science fiction/horror novel by Americanwriter Richard Matheson. It was influential in the development of the zombiegenre and in popularising the concept of a worldwide apocalypse due to disease.The novel was a success and was adapted to film as The Last Man on Earth in1964, as The Omega Man in 1971, and now as we know it I Am Legend in 2007.The screen play for I Am Legend was implemented by Akiva Goldsman and MarkProtosevich.

The director Francis Lawrence was born in Vienna, Austria on March 26 1970,Before Lawrence went into the world of directing he was a co-director specializing in music videos serving under one Mike Rosen. Lawrenceshot his first music for Michael Blakey President of Atco Records with the bandTidal Force which became a great success. Soon, Lawrence became known for hisoriginal and imaginative music video scripts and visual directing style. Heeventually joined a major new production company and his successful career asmusic video director, having worked with stars like Britney Spears, Black EyedPeas, Jay-Z, Aerosmith, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child. In 2005,his feature film debut was Constantine based on the Hell blazer comic book,starring Keanu Reeves.In 2007, he then went onto directing I Am Legend (based on the RichardMatheson novel), starring Will Smith.Francis Lawrence has been the director of two films in his directing campaignhowever Constantine in 2005 was not of big renown.He also has two films to come, Water for Elephants is being filmed and The Citythat Sailed is in Pre-Production.

There are 4 main characters within I Am Legend; these four characters consistedof;The main actor Will Smith (1968) taking on the role of Robert Neville.Sali Richardson (1967)Alice Braga( 1983)and Willow Smith, Will Smiths daughter (2000)

I Am Legend was made by 4 studios, Village Road Show Picture, Weed RoadPictures, Overbrook Entertainment and Heyday Films. All of these studios havebeen noticed in today's latest motion pictures; however, Heyday Films is mostnoticeable for producing the well known Harry Potter series. The other studio that

Film Studies: I Am Legend Section 3

DistributionI am legend has been given many promotional qualities which present itself to thepublic, one of the main publicity and promotional attractions is because of the roleof Robert Neville played as Will Smith. Fans of one Mr. Smith may be enticed bywatching Will Smith in a new film, because of his earlier succession. This createsallot of enthusiasm of the films release. Also Will Smith is lately renown forstarring in films of heroism that show him as saving the world, this could attractallot of attention because people know of he's quality. Will Smith gaining this roleis also expanded through the media with things such as interviews trailers andposters. I am legend also gained much hype for it had been adapted from the novelby Richard Matheson, a 1954 horror fiction which was then adapted to films, thelast man on earth and then the omega man. This attracts even more viewers fromthe old book or film fans. There are also the fan pages that increase the buzz aboutthe film. I am legend was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros alsodistributed the original Omega Man which follows as one of the three i am legendfilms.A tie-in comic from DC Comics and Vertigo Comics has been created, I AmLegend: Awakening. The project draws upon collaboration from Bill Sienkiewicz.screenwriter Mark Protosevich, and author Orson Scott Card. The son of theoriginal book's author, Richard Christian Matheson, also collaborated on the

project. The project will advance from the comic to an online format in whichanimated futurities (created by the team from Broken Saints) will be shown on theofficial website.In October 2007, Warner Bros. Pictures in conjunction with the Electric SheepCompany launched the online multiplayer game I Am Legend: Survival in thevirtual world Second Life. The game is the largest launched in the virtual world insupport of a film release, permitting people to play against each other as theinfected or the uninfected across a replicated 60 acres (240,000 m2) of New YorkCity. The studio also hired the ad agency Crew Creative to develop a website thatwould be specifically viewable on the iPhone.

MerchandiseThe certificate of I am Legend is a 15 so it is not suitable for advertisement inMcDonald's, reason being McDonald's is a child friendly environment.Merchandise vary from I am legend t shirts and jumpers to action figures and i amlegend golf balls. The action figures of Sam and Robert are exclusively producedby Hasbro. All of this merchandise promotes the film.

Premieres and ReleaseAt the premiere of the anticipated I am legend all stars were accounted forincluding Tom Cruise and jade smith accompanying. The premiere in London wason the 19th December 2007 with the US having their premiere on the 11th ofDecember 2007.

Film Studies: I Am Legend Section 4

On the 14th December 2007 A. 0. Scottposted a review of I am Legendon the New York Times website. He gave apositive view towards the film stating howWill Smith is the best of the three actors toembrace the life of the last man on Earth, thelikes of Vincent Price and Charlton Heston; hecalled the overall performance of the film"There is

graceful and effortless about this performance, which not only shows what itmight feel like to be the last man on earth, but also demonstrates what it is to bea movie star?" However Scot also quoted that as the film progressed it lost itsunique essence."Once they begin swarming, "I Am Legend" inevitably loses someof its haunting originality, since they look a lot like the monsters in "28 DaysLater" (and its sequel, "28 Weeks Later"). They also represent a less compellingapplication of computer-generated imagery than all those empty avenues andsilent buildings."

David Dylan Thomas also posted a review on Iam Legend, on the website, FilmCritic.comgave the film a reasonable 6 star rating. HeThomas explained in his post how he thoughtthat "I Am Legend maintain the power toawe. The production design by David Lazanand Naomi Shohan is nothing short ofamazing", I agree with his review, except

that later on- in his review he criticised how as the plot develops queries are

shown of faith and humanity, however as the final moments draw closer the

information given back is rushed ultimately creating an anti-climax, he said that

the result of these signs are underwhelming.I disagree with this opinion, for the

plot is made intense and overall entertaining because it plays its genre well, the

ending creates tension because the inevitable overrun by zombies was not

foreseen, this complements the thrilling enticing events that create the codes

and conventions of a horror genre. It is unstable and unthinkable.

The film had a budget of $150,000,000, grossing$77,211,321 on its opening

weekend in 3,606 theatres, averaging $21,412 per venue, and placing it at the

top of the box office. This set a record for highest grossing opening for a film for

the month of December. The film grossed $256,393,010 in North America and

$585,349,010 worldwide. The film was the sixth highest grossing film of 2007 in

North America, and as of April 2010 stands among the top 100 all-time highest

grossing films both domestically and worldwide.

The film was released on DVD on March 18, 2008 in two editions: a one-disc

release, including the movie with four animated comics ("Death As a Gift,"

"isolation," "Sacrificing the Few for the Many," and "Shelter"), and other

features; and a two-disc special edition that includes all these extras, an

alternative theatrical version of the movie with an alternate ending, and a digital

copy of the film. Blu- Ray disc was released on 8th April 2008, and on December

9th 2008 a three-disk Ultimate Collector's Edition was also released. The film has

sold 7.04 million DVDs and earned $126.2 million in revenue, making it the sixth

best-selling DVD of 2008. However, Warner Bros was reportedly "a little

disappointed" with the film's performance on the DVD market.

Textual (Micro) Analysis (20 marks)

So now you've learnt about the ways in which your favourite filmwas produced, distributed and exhibited, you can now analyse asequence from the same film paying attention to one on more of themicro features. Your chosen sequence should not be more than 5minutes long

Look at Sarah's analysis below of the ways in which camera framingand camera movement combine to create meaning in the openingsequence of Tsotsi.

• The bold text indicates the parts where she shows herunderstanding of key concepts and when she uses theappropriate terminology accurately.

'•i The italic text indicates the points where she identifiescamera shots or movement and then goes on to examine themeanings/effects that are created by their use.

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

An analysis of how camerawork is used In the openingsequence 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 gameof chance as nobody can choose who their parents are andhow they end up in life sometimes. There is also a repeatedmotif of close-ups of hands which could show their workingclass background and the fact that they are used to doingmanual labour. It could also show that we all have the power tochange in our hands.

Because of the camera, framing we are able to identify the mainCharacter who is Tsotsi. He isn't really introduced straight awayuntil a, powerful dose-up that is emphasised by the musickicking in at the same time. The non-diegetic sound-track isparallel to the image of the four boys walking down the street as ithighlights their authority. After we've seen them walking downthe street there is an establishing shot that lets us know thecircumstances they have to live in. It is a high angled shotindicating that the people in the township are small andpowerless 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 Atfirst it is hard to see them as they are blending in so as not toappear suspicious. Another high angled shot, this time lookingdown on the crowd and the gang, shows a massive orange bannercentre frame. It is highly noticeable and attracts ourattention straight away as it reads 'HIV affects all ofus' This is a terrible virus that has unfortunately taken its toll onAfrica 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 nextvictim. A series of medium shots are used to pick out a rangeof possible victims. However, the shot of a chirpy old islonger which, instantly tells us that something is going tohappen to him Also he is portrayed as a jolly old man whosmiles as he buys a gift from a stall. We have already formedan opinion of him and have warmed to him An extreme close-up then shows us Tsotsi's eyes which show no expression; thisCOnnOteS that he has no conscience He stares intently at theman. It then quickly OditS back to the victim and zooms in on anenvelope of money; here the audience click on to the fact thatTsotsi is going to steal the money

I think this opening sequence really sets up the story well. Welearn a lot about Tsotsi and his gang, their environment andwhat they are about to do through the camerawork. Very littledialogue is used but a feeling of real tension is built up veryquickly and we want to watch on to find out what will happennext.

Freddy v. Jason | Level 3The new line cinema is shown with a red background this represents theblood as the film has a lot of blood with the murders in it. Freddy needs toget his powers back as everyone on Elm Street has forgotten him. Hewould go into young people's dreams and kill them in their dreams so hecould not be found. But to do so he needs to bring back another personJason to make people remember him. He brings Jason back to life bydisguising himself as Jason's mother as he knew Jason would listen to her.So he makes Jason go out and kill so people would remember aboutFreddy.

The lights in the house keep turning on and off this shows that something isnot right and shows that something bad may happen as this will help setthe scene where no one can see anything if it is dark and helps build thetension for the audience as they do not know what is happening so this isthe best time for something to happen. As Blake is in the kitchen the non-diegetic music and the fact that there is no lighting builds up the tension.The only lighting there is, is from the lights and lightning outside.

When the girl is in the prison she falls asleep and wakes up to be in theprison all by herself. As she leaves the room there is blood marks whichare moving like footsteps, this shows that the lady is getting led to Freddyas when she gets to the end of the blood there is a young girl and theyoung children in the dreams represent Freddy as he used to kill them.

There is a bird's eye view shot to when they are at the party. This helps toshow the audience the setting and what is around the people. The close upshots on the faces shows the feelings. Many of the close up shots arewhen a person is having a dream as this helps to show what is happeningoutside of the dream and what is happening in the dream. There is a wideshot at the end to show Freddy and Jason as they have their fight so theaudience can also see the setting. They are in the centre of the shot so thisshows that they are the main characters during the shot. When the girlgoes into the building at the party she sees Freddy and the camera zoomsin to her face which shows her reaction to seeing Freddy. There is a lowangle shot as she falls down so the audience can see how high she has

fallen from. When Jason sees the two boys there is a POV shot on to thetwo boys to show the audience what Jason is seeing.

When is put on fire at the party, he still continues this shows hehas more power over everyone as he had not been affected by the fire.People are shouting with fear as they see Jason at the party on fire.

The fight at the end between Freddy and Jason builds the most tension inthe film. They are to kill one another but is impossible as theyboth are as powerful as each other. There is a low angle show whichshows the arrows falling down on to Jason. As they are fighting the nondiegetic music helps to build the tension for the audience. At the end afterthe fight there is fire on the water which may show that Freddy being thefire and Jason being the water have both come to an end and are dead.

The title of your essay must be written like this:

Explore the ways in which two micro features of film languagecreate 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 twomicro features) are used in a sequence of film from (title of film) tocreate meanings and responses.

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

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

at the end.

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