Tomorrowland: Research Task

Create a research document based on the film Tomorrowland.

Include:

• Main characters
• Plot
• Director
• Location
• Genre

ALSO

• Look at how Tomorrowland fits the codes and conventions of the action adventure genre.
• Explore how the teenage girl is represented in the film, using the image below.

What are the codes and conventions of Action Adventure Film?

Narrative

• 12/15 certificate, maximising youth audiences
• Often hybridised with Sci Fi/Adventure/Romance
• Major Hollywood studio produced and distributed
• High production values including CGI FX. Fast paced editing
• Classic Hollywood 3 act narrative structure
• Predictable chain of events – cause and effect
• Single stranded, linear, closed narrative
• Dramatic non-diegetic sound (soundtrack music)
• Clear binary oppositions (good v evil)
• Star Marketing: Audience identification/expectations (Cruise/Pitt/Johnson/Thurman/Jolie/Tatum/Craig/Di Caprio)
• Generic Typecasting and Secondary Persona apply (stock characters)
• Romantic sub-plot, humorous dialogue
• Relationships with new technology (youth audiences)
• Use of close ups
• Dominant representation of gender: male/female action hero.

• Narrative led films contain tightly woven story arcs, where the dialogue drives the plot rather than builds character.
• An action adventure film is essentially one long quest with a succession of different chase sequences, each one more death defying and seemingly impossible than the one before. The trick for the producers is to ramp up the tension as the film progresses to a storming end sequence. Will our intrepid explorers make it, or will the evil antagonist get there first.
• A strong story ark of a quest for treasure, or an incredibly valuable object, or an item which has occult power.
• Love interest that both hinders and supports the main quest.
• A fast moving narrative with constant set backs that are overcome one by one, leading to fairly complex plots.
• In many respects this genre of films derive their energy from being more exciting, more adult and much more dangerous versions of children’s stories of adventure such as Enid Blyton’s Famous Five or Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.
• Thrilling action where the protagonist saves his fellow travellers through a variety of non realistic but apparently logical escapades.

Characters and locations

• These are not realistic films, although the characters must be believable. They are set in a stereotypical world of the not too distant past e.g the 1930s, or the fictional world of storybook adventures e.g. A high tech, futuristic maze.
• A main protagonist who is a seen as a 'normal' person and who just happens to have amazing powers of endurance in the face of extreme danger, and is also very clever. James Bond is a Secret Service agent. Captain Jack Sparrow is at first an ordinary good for nothing pirate with incredible agility and luck, although he later takes on supernatural powers.
• There are always helpers who are a team of innocent characters who happen to get caught up in the action.
• Humorous dialogue often diffuses taught and sometimes frightening situations.
• The characters take the twist and turns of the plot very seriously as they are often in mortal danger from an assortment of unusual animals, machines and monsters orchestrated by an evil antagonist.
• Exotic locations where the characters have to contend with extremes of climate, as well as evil forces.
• The aim is to please the audience by keeping them on the edge of their seats through a series of mind boggling chases, exotic locations and hair raising adventures in historically inaccurate but somehow elementally possible settings.
• Action Adventure films are designed to create an action-filled, energetic experience for the audience who can live vicariously through the exotic locations, conquests, explorations, struggles and situations that confront the main characters

Task: Having read through this description of the action adventure genre, can you think about how this applies to The Maze Runner?

Explain your points, using the films as evidence to support your ideas.

11W: Work To Do (11th - 17th December)

• Complete your research and planning folder
• Finish all three sections of your magazine: cover, contents page and double page spread
• Answer all the evaluation questions in detail

• Ensure each section in your folder is title correctly
• Print out all work and add to folder

Tomorrowland Trailer

Tomorrowland Trailer

Tomorrowland Teaser Trailer

11W Work To Do (Friday 27th November-Friday 18th December)

Make sure the following are included in your research and planning:

• Flat plans for each section
• Image galleries for found and original images
• Explanations of how found and original images were edited
• Audience feedback on finished work (presented in a suitable format)

Representation Of Teenagers In The Maze Runner.

TASK 1

Find a selection of posters used to market the film. Deconstruct them - pick out the codes and conventions. How is representation being used in the key image? Look at colour and font too; how are they used across all of the different posters to link them together as a marketing campaign?

Mr Smith's advice on analysis

Remember that a poster is simply an advert. Adverts are designed to persuade you. Adverts are designed to be simple (easy to understand) and memorable. They are designed to work visually, the image should quickly grab your attention and 'amplify' the story. If we take the 'Maze Runner' poster it shows a 'maze' and 'running'; the maze dominates (we can assume it will dominate the story) the poster and the characters appear to be running away in fear (mood) from it (we can assume the maze is dangerous and a trap). One character appears to lead the way, so we can assume he will be the 'protagonist' (tone), and the others are following. One character is directly behind him but another is framed to his far right - is he his friend or does he not trust him.We now want to know why the children are fleeing the maze, how they got there in the first place and what the point of the maze is. The poster uses superlatives (best selling) and the slogan 'get ready to run' which gives the impression that the film will be a fast paced action film (mood and tone).

To help you do what I have just done (and to write in more detail than I have) below are questions I'd like you to answer in full sentences. You will also need to mention camera angle and 'mise en scene'

Questions to Consider:

1. Is the movie title prominently featured? Is the text easy to read?
2. Are the main actors shown? If so, which ones? What do their appearances and expressions convey about the movie?
3. What is the design of the movie poster? Does it accurately reflect the mood and tone of the film?
4. What other images are included? What do you notice about the framing of the images?
5. What text is shown on the poster? Is there a catchy slogan? If so, what does it tell you about the movie’s story?
6. Is there any other important information included on the poster?
7. Why do/don’t you think this movie poster is persuasive?

KEY VOCABULARY TO INCLUDE

Framing
The positioning of objects, actors, and text within the frame of a poster to achieve a particular effect. For example, a movie poster for an action film might feature the main actor framed in such a way as to make him seem attractive, strong, and invincible.
Mood
The feeling created for a viewer by the director’s use of details, music, and cinematography.
Slogan
A catchy and memorable phrase or sentence on a movie poster. An effective slogan should convey the mood, tone, and main idea of the film without giving too much away. It should capture viewers’ attention and make them interested in the story.
Tone
The filmmaker’s attitude as reflected in the movie—ironic, serious, and so forth.

TASK 2

Watch a trailer. Try and look at what is included in terms of plot. Try to analyse the codes and conventions of moving image media products:

• editing
• camera shots and movement
• sound
• mise-en-scene

Use this glossary to help with terminology.

Illustrate your points with screen shots. Lay the work out in the same way as the poster analysis.

The Maze Runner Trailer

Magazine Research & Planning by Jasmine Aldridge

GCSE Magazine Research and Planning from Neill Ford

The Maze Runner Trailer

Moving Image Glossary

The Maze Runner - Representation Of Teenagers

Consider the ways that teenagers are represented in The Maze Runner (this will really help with your coursework essay).

• Make notes on the representation of  Thomas and three other characters of your choice. 
• Consider things such as what they wear, hairstyles, body language and attitude. 
• Are they stereotypical teenagers or are they more realistic (countertypes)? Explain your conclusions.

Find images that illustrate your points.
This example on The Hunger Games has the sort of detail you need.

11W: Work To Do (Research and Planning)

COMPLETE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. RESEARCH AND PLANNING

You need to have completed all of the following (use Martha's work as a guide):

• general magazine x1
• specialist magazine x2
• genre conventions
• moodboard(s)
• magazine analysis (cover, contents, double page spread) x3
• colour palettes x6
• fonts (including descriptions) x8
• audience profile (male & female - as applicable)
• UK Tribes audience profile
• questionnaire and questionnaire feedback

Your work needs to presented in the same way as the example by Martha Causier LINK

2. MAGAZINE COVER

Finish the construction of the cover. Make all the changes suggested in your feedback. Ensure you have included an original image (one you've taken yourself).

3. CONTENTS PAGE

Finish the construction of the contents page. Make all the changes suggested in your feedback. Try to include an original image.

4. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Complete a double page spread.

10W Work To Complete - 7th November UPDATED

Complete the following tasks

1. Work through the PowerPoint of representation copying key slides into your exercise books and completing all activities
2. Complete the activity on the four celebrities. This work must be completed on word and then glued into your exercise books
3. Select four celebrities of your own choice and complete the same activity as 2. Complete work on word and glue into your book.

FINISH FOR HOMEWORK. Deadline Wednesday 11th November.

STRETCH VOCABULARY
Stereotype - a generalisation (often true but can contain falsehoods) e.g. Brits drink tea
Countertype - a challenge to a stereotype, presents an alternative view of a group e.g. women being practical and good at DIY or men being sensitive and understanding
Atypical - not representative of a type, group, or class
Quintessential - representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. Often timeless e.g. Bowler hats and suits for upper class Brits
Zeitgeist - typical of the time, captures the dominant mood/fashion of a time. Only popular for a fleeting moment e.g. a particular fashion or musical movement


EXTENSION WORK


Everything we have done revolves around 'stereotypes'
1. Find a definition of a stereotype and write this into your books.
2. Next copy Tessa Perkins' views on stereotypes into you books
3. Include an example for each (I have done the first for you) as well as an example from TV, Film or Magazine




Stereotypes - Tessa Perkins

Rethinking Stereotypes - (Tessa Perkins)

1. Stereotypes are not always wrong - The English do drink tea

2. They are not always negative concepts

3. They are about groups with whom we have little or no social contact; by implication, therefore, they are not held about our own group(s)

4. They are not always about minority (or oppressed) groups

5. They can be simple or complicated

6. They are not rigid and can change

7. People often believe some parts of a stereotype but not always all

Representation

Representation from fordford

10W: Representation

1.Analyse the images below:

• Taron Egerton and Colin Firth in Kingsman
• Dylan O'Brien & Kaya Scodelario in Maze Runner
• Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen
• Miley Cyrus performing at the VMA Awards 2015

2.Write about the representation of the celebrity. Include the following:

• facial expression
• styling e.g.: hair, make-up, clothes, costume, props
• background (the mise en scene). What does the background/ setting/ location they are in tell us about them

3.Do your work on a word doc. Print out and paste in your books. Colour images please.

Year 10 Self Representation Mood Board

In this lesson we want you to create a mood board which represents YOU

The rules

A MINIMUM of 25 images MUST be included.

Categories you must cover are:

Food

Fashion

Music

Sport

Celebrities

Films

Games

Hobbies

You can include ANY other categories you feel are important.

Essential:

1. Make sure you include reasons for every image you select. 
2. Explain how they represent you and what they say about you. 

Mood board courtesy of Michael Bastian (fashion designer)

10W Work To Do (12th-16th October)

1. Complete the magazine work (finish this in Monday's lesson with Mr Smith)
2. Move on to the representation task. Follow the instructions carefully and complete all the work.
3. This will be half term homework if incomplete by Friday.

Representation Of Teenagers (Stereotypes)

Stereotype (brief definition):

'a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing'.

Are teenagers represented in a fair way in the media?

Find a variety of images representing the  typical teenager. Is it easy to find positive images or are most of them negative? What are the reasons for this?

Research Task:

1. Collect a range of images (at least 10) of teenagers, both positive and negative. Make a mood board or poster using these images. (use Photoshop). Print out and stick in your book.
2. Find three news articles which involve teenagers. Copy and paste the headline and relevant text from these. Print out and stick in your book.
3. Using these images and articles as your evidence. Write in your book about what you think are the key stereotypes that teenagers have to cope with? Do you think these are fair? In your opinion are teenagers represented accurately in the media? Give reasons for your answers.

Extension Task:

Can you think of anywhere in the media where teenagers are presented in a really positive light.

Add this to your work to try and balance your argument about teenage stereotyping.

10W Work To Do

1. Complete the Magazine Cover analysis (two magazine covers)
2. Create your own magazine cover
3. Analyse your own magazine cover
4. Choose a magazine cover (make sure it has a few cover lines) and recreate it in terms of layout. Use the same title but add your own image and text. The layout has to be exactly the same as the original though.
5. Analyse this magazine.
6. Print out work and stick in book.

10W: Work To Do

1. Complete the Magazine Cover analysis (two magazine covers)
2. Create your own magazine cover
3. Analyse your own magazine cover
4. Choose a magazine cover (make sure it has a few cover lines) and recreate it in terms of layout. Use the same title but add your own image and text. The layout has to be exactly the same as the original though.

CD Cover Task - Evaluation Questions

When you complete a piece of creative work you are required to evaluate it. The questions you need to answer for this task are simplified versions of the ones you will need to answer for your coursework. These are the things you need to evaluate and comment on. 

1. What is good about your work? (Consider image, layout, colour, font, design). 
2. What needs improvement? (Consider image, layout, colour, font, design). 
3. What will you do differently next time? 
4. What have you learnt?

Tips and Advice on Layout

The first colour is white. The second colour is black. The third colour is red. Calligraphers and early printers grasped this over 500 years ago and experience has proved them exactly right. White for background, black for text, red for accent and excitement. These three colours are the best . Be very careful with all other colours.

Roger Black (designer of Newsweek, Time Out, Esquire, National Enquirer, Rolling Stone)

A cover should be a poster. A single image of a human will sell more copies than multiple images or all type. Always has, always will. Think about why.

Roger Black

Never set a lot of text type in all caps. After a while, it’s just too hard to read.

Roger Black

Use only one or two typefaces. Italian design is the model: a strong sense of a few things that work together. Avoid a free for all of multiple fonts/colours.

Roger Black

Get lumpy! The trouble with most design is that it has no surprise. If you want normal people to pay attention, you have to change pace in your presentation. Monotonous rhythms of picture, headline, picture, text, ad, headline, picture, ad, etc. Is like a pudding without raisins – a stew without lumps.

Roger Black

Break up type to add interest

Chris Frost – Designing for newspapers and magazines

Don’t use too many typefaces. Too much variation will end up looking a mess. It’s best to limit yourself to one font, and variations of it.

Chris Frost

Emphasise your entry point, with larger intro type, bold faces, drop letters, etc. Choose your entry point with care, and make it the focal point of the page.

Chris Frost

Even mediocre photographs attract an audience and a good news picture, even on an inside page, may attract 80% of the readership.

Harold Evans – Pictures on a Page

Just switching type face from serif to sans can result in massive differences in reader comprehension, and response, to advertisements

Colin Wheildon – Are you communicating, or just making pretty shapes? (2005)

There are few major newspapers in the English speaking world today which use the sans serif type for the body text. Conversely, many major magazines choose sans serif. Serif faces have long been regarded as highly readable. One theory is that the serifs acted as tram lines, keeping the eyes on target. Another was that the modulated thick and thin strokes of serif types provided greater opportunity for individual letters, and hence words, to be distinguished and read.

Colin Wheildon

Responses to text in printed colours showed a considerably lower level of good comprehension.

 81% said they would prefer to read the page of coloured type because it was more attractive. But the test results clearly show that in practise, they found coloured text more difficult to read. It was attractive to look at but did not make a good reading environment.

Colin Wheildon

Editors and designers are the missing link between the ape world and man.

Colin Wheildon

Every picture should have a caption. Readers get very irritated if they cannot find the caption. But the caption must not state the obvious. A picture of a vicar pouring a cup of tea, should not have for its caption: Vicar, pouring cup of tea. Captions should add to the information in the photo, not re-state it. Many music mags use witty, tongue-in-cheek  captions.

Type size for the body of an article should be between 9-14.  (not the headlines, standfirst, crossheads etc). Some newspapers go down to 8, and many would consider that anything above 11 is too large, wastes space, and patronises the reader. 9 is the most common size.

Magazine Cover -Creating A Template

  

Use the guidelines to measure the size of the different text boxes and other elements such as the bar code and also the space for the image. Try to stick to the same or similar layout when completing your own cover. You can also easily do the same thing for your contents and double page.