https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCcCOHssKwY
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
task 1
camera angels: front although slightly to the left
continuity editing: mis pace speeding up to a fast pace, to build up tension near the end. the rhythm of the editing quickens with the pace of the background music which is already causing tension.
sound: the sound fade in and out though out the film to cause tension and adds speed to the film.
Mise-en-scene:fairly dark lighting, lighting a teen age girl making her to be seen as in danger or dangerous. the bee room settings shows privacy, which is typical of a teen age girl.
Typography: Font Lucida Handwriting and the size was 22 for the tittles
Iconography: The visual convetions of the genre were the dream catcher in this shot which may not be all that eye catching to the audience at this stage
Friday, 26 April 2013
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
7. looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
how have you used the thing you learnt in your preliminary task in your 2 minute start to a film?
we used 180 degree line in our film a lot this was useful as we didn't to brake continuity and to create a scenes of realism. match on action gives the film a sense of realism and keeps the film in chronological order. i learnt a lot about match on action while editing, i found it important as it gives realism to the film. which we used in our film though out. although i didn't use shot reverse shot reverse shot in my first 2 minutes of a film, i learnt that i can be an effective way of of showing a convocation.
what have you done better?
i feel our 2 minuets of a film is better as we had more creative freedom while filming this as well as being able to film outside of college. we improved on our filming and editing skills while doing this project as well as gained confidence creatively.
have you used any different techniques?
i used shots such as high angled shot, as well as different styles of editing like jump cut in our film to help create an atmosphere for our film. match on action is frequent in our film.
we used 180 degree line in our film a lot this was useful as we didn't to brake continuity and to create a scenes of realism. match on action gives the film a sense of realism and keeps the film in chronological order. i learnt a lot about match on action while editing, i found it important as it gives realism to the film. which we used in our film though out. although i didn't use shot reverse shot reverse shot in my first 2 minutes of a film, i learnt that i can be an effective way of of showing a convocation.what have you done better?
i feel our 2 minuets of a film is better as we had more creative freedom while filming this as well as being able to film outside of college. we improved on our filming and editing skills while doing this project as well as gained confidence creatively.
have you used any different techniques?i used shots such as high angled shot, as well as different styles of editing like jump cut in our film to help create an atmosphere for our film. match on action is frequent in our film.
5 how did you attract/adress your target audience
I feel I have reached my target with our film simply by finding out what they would like to see in a thriller. We took into consideration what our audience wanted and combined this with our ideas.we took the ideas from our feedback and changed our narrative.
our traget audience is teens aged 15-25 but people older would enjoy our film.
the feed back we got from our film was very positive and our audience seemed to enjoy our film. i am pleased that our audience seemed to understand our story line. our audience compared our film to other known Thriller film such as Scream and prom night.
our feedback shows that the audience understood what genre our film is and i am pleased that we where able to portray our genre correctly.
we received constructive criticism on our first 2 minuets and if we where to do this again i would take this criticism and make our film better
our traget audience is teens aged 15-25 but people older would enjoy our film.
the feed back we got from our film was very positive and our audience seemed to enjoy our film. i am pleased that our audience seemed to understand our story line. our audience compared our film to other known Thriller film such as Scream and prom night.
our feedback shows that the audience understood what genre our film is and i am pleased that we where able to portray our genre correctly.we received constructive criticism on our first 2 minuets and if we where to do this again i would take this criticism and make our film better
7.) looking back at your prelimary task, what do you feel you have learnt int the progression from it to the full product?
Looking back at the start of the year, i was not familuar with how to use differnt types of technology or aware of different shots and how differnt shots can portray differnt atmospheres and give the overall film a particualr kind of feel to it, wheather this be a extrem close up showing an uneasy facial expression or a extreme long shot establishing the locationa and setting of the film.
The different methods we have used was to make sure that all of our planning was complete and we were organised before jumping straight into the task. I think that this overall was a sucess because if we had just jumped straight into it without any back ground information ad without been sure on what we was doing it would of been an absoloute disastar.
The first practical thing we did was the preliminary excerisie which i enjoyed filmning. The planning of this consisted of making a script for the two characters for the conversation they were going to be filmed having and the palnning of the location that we filled out aswell as health and safety proceedures.
The prelimanary excersise had to consist of the 180 degree line, shot, revers shot and match on action and also continuty was very important so that the video flowed without jump cuts.
From making the main product i have learnt alot, i have learnt how to use DV camers mainly, but also i have also learnt that you can never have enough shots when editing and to make sure that you have enough to prevent having to go back afterward you have filmed to get some more shots because the film doesn't look right when editied.
I feel i have got better at editing, filming and in my opinon most impoirtantly organising and planning which i think is a key into a sucessful film.
The different methods we have used was to make sure that all of our planning was complete and we were organised before jumping straight into the task. I think that this overall was a sucess because if we had just jumped straight into it without any back ground information ad without been sure on what we was doing it would of been an absoloute disastar.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Task 3
The distributor I would chose would be entertainment http://www.entertainmentfilms.co.uk/ as this is a leading independent distributor for films and home entertainment.
I think that this will be good because they have a lot of experience and on their website at the moment the films they have distributed are doing well in the cinemas across the globe although they are all independent films and haven't been in the big line cinemas until they got do popular.
This distributor exhibits the same
genre of film as the film that we have
filmed for our this is why I think that entertainment films is a good distributor for our film.
I think that this will be good because they have a lot of experience and on their website at the moment the films they have distributed are doing well in the cinemas across the globe although they are all independent films and haven't been in the big line cinemas until they got do popular.
This distributor exhibits the same
genre of film as the film that we have
filmed for our this is why I think that entertainment films is a good distributor for our film.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
textual analysis
To begin with the group sat down and we discussed what type of genre we were going to use for our film, we came to the decision that we were going to do a phycological thriller where a teenage girl named Beth Williams is getting stalked by a boy named Liam Ronson. I think we chose this idea beacuse it is realistic to teens of our age group and it can widen their eyes to see that anything is possible in this day and age.
when we began to film we didn't think about the title sequence until after we had edit our whole film and selected which shots were going to look the best and from what angle to do this we took six different shots of each scene from a different angle and position. Throughout editing we used two transistions which were fade out fade in's this made the short clip look better and more professional we used this on the shots and on the music. The shots we used this on were the title sequence when the white logo comes up then this fades in to a balck screen wich says "presents" and then at the end of the film as we thought it looked better in this case to have a fade out as the end shot is of the character Beth Williams crying.
And in the sound this is where there is a fain music at the beginging and then this fades out for the phone ringing and the phone call and then this fades back in again for the rest of the short film, this is on low throughout to add suspense to the short movie.
when we began to film we didn't think about the title sequence until after we had edit our whole film and selected which shots were going to look the best and from what angle to do this we took six different shots of each scene from a different angle and position. Throughout editing we used two transistions which were fade out fade in's this made the short clip look better and more professional we used this on the shots and on the music. The shots we used this on were the title sequence when the white logo comes up then this fades in to a balck screen wich says "presents" and then at the end of the film as we thought it looked better in this case to have a fade out as the end shot is of the character Beth Williams crying.
And in the sound this is where there is a fain music at the beginging and then this fades out for the phone ringing and the phone call and then this fades back in again for the rest of the short film, this is on low throughout to add suspense to the short movie.
Friday, 12 April 2013
2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?
http://prezi.com/hxzjvr0k0ytf/present/?auth_key=kyfsoy2&follow=t58kzqasbtik
How does you're media product represent a particular social group?
How does you're media product represent a particular social group?
Thursday, 11 April 2013
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or change forms and conventions of a real media products?
Genre
In our film we used specific paradimes to show our chosen genre, Thriller and our sub-genre, stalker thriller.
We used dialogue to show that or protagonist is alone and vulnerable where as in Prom Night, Donna thinks that her family are in the house, unknowing to her they are dead.
we used similar shot as Prom Nigh as we wanted the same creepy to our film. Here we see Donna walking through her house, we used this to establish the location and to show that Beth was alone.
editing
we used a slow pace at the start of our film to show that our character is calm and in little danger as well as creating tension with our audience. this was used in "Prom Night" to do the same.
sound
in both Prom Nigh and my film, piano music is used the in back ground. we used detuned piano because it creates a more creepy vibe. where as in Prom night the piano is more soft to create a calming vibe. we wanted to cause alarm in our audience so that they know something is wrong and make them feel on edge and tense. this was because we wanted the phycological fear that beth has in our film to be transfered into our audience.
mise-en-scene
we wanted Laim to be in fully black as black connotes evil, death and mystery, it also shows that they are not to be trusted even though we dont see there face. Beth however is wearing a dark is demi jacket to show that she is not evil but that something bad might happen to her.
In our film we used specific paradimes to show our chosen genre, Thriller and our sub-genre, stalker thriller.
We used dialogue to show that or protagonist is alone and vulnerable where as in Prom Night, Donna thinks that her family are in the house, unknowing to her they are dead.
we used similar shot as Prom Nigh as we wanted the same creepy to our film. Here we see Donna walking through her house, we used this to establish the location and to show that Beth was alone. editing
we used a slow pace at the start of our film to show that our character is calm and in little danger as well as creating tension with our audience. this was used in "Prom Night" to do the same.sound
in both Prom Nigh and my film, piano music is used the in back ground. we used detuned piano because it creates a more creepy vibe. where as in Prom night the piano is more soft to create a calming vibe. we wanted to cause alarm in our audience so that they know something is wrong and make them feel on edge and tense. this was because we wanted the phycological fear that beth has in our film to be transfered into our audience.
mise-en-scene
we wanted Laim to be in fully black as black connotes evil, death and mystery, it also shows that they are not to be trusted even though we dont see there face. Beth however is wearing a dark is demi jacket to show that she is not evil but that something bad might happen to her.
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Task one
Genre: Thriller. Certifification age15 years old.
Camera angle: Slightly left however frontal view.
Continuity editing: Mid-pace to fast to build up tension at the end, rhythem follows the beat of the music which is essential to the tension of the film itself.
Sound: The sound fades in and out at the appropriate times which adds tension and speeds the motion of the film up.
Mise-en-scene: Lighting, fairy lights symbolise a typical teenage girl, dream catcher symbolises nightmares and the sigma of spiritual presence. Location was at my house in my bedroom shows privacy.
Typography: Font Lucida Handwriting and the size was 22 for the tittles
Iconography: The visual convetions of the genre were the dream catcher in this shot which may not be all that eye catching to the audience at this stage.
Genre: Thriller/ Horror
Camera angle: frontal
Continuity editing: Mid-pace to emphasis the thrill behinde the kidnap, the rhythem follows the shots as the pace adds tension to the short film which is essention to the tension of the film.
Sound: The sound is continuing throughout the music at the beiginning is ere and inticing to the audience, this then fades out into the dialect for the rest of the film.
Mise-en-scene: Lighting is fairly dark to create a subdued ere feel to the film starting in black and white transfering into colour later on. The individual objects show a complex mind for the main character this could also show a split personality which is evident later on in the short film.
Typography: The font is standard and roughly size 22 this makes this stand out to the audience and shows who the main characters are for the titles.
Iconography: The visual convetions of the genre were the different electronic devices which could have been used for a bomb which is shown in the next shot of the film.
Camera angle: Slightly left however frontal view.
Continuity editing: Mid-pace to fast to build up tension at the end, rhythem follows the beat of the music which is essential to the tension of the film itself.
Sound: The sound fades in and out at the appropriate times which adds tension and speeds the motion of the film up.
Typography: Font Lucida Handwriting and the size was 22 for the tittles
Iconography: The visual convetions of the genre were the dream catcher in this shot which may not be all that eye catching to the audience at this stage.
Camera angle: frontal
Continuity editing: Mid-pace to emphasis the thrill behinde the kidnap, the rhythem follows the shots as the pace adds tension to the short film which is essention to the tension of the film.
Sound: The sound is continuing throughout the music at the beiginning is ere and inticing to the audience, this then fades out into the dialect for the rest of the film.
Mise-en-scene: Lighting is fairly dark to create a subdued ere feel to the film starting in black and white transfering into colour later on. The individual objects show a complex mind for the main character this could also show a split personality which is evident later on in the short film.
Typography: The font is standard and roughly size 22 this makes this stand out to the audience and shows who the main characters are for the titles.
Iconography: The visual convetions of the genre were the different electronic devices which could have been used for a bomb which is shown in the next shot of the film.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
5.) how did you attract your target audience?
How did you attract/address you're target audience?
I think we have attracted our target audience by simply finding out what they would like to watch in a 'thriller' film and making it happen.
We acknowledged what the audience had to say and took on board some of their criticisms, which I think payed of. Some of the few audience we surveyed gave us back some positive feedback when we showed them what we was planning to do with our storyline narrative.
This included some people telling us to change the ending because it seemed almost 'clichéd' we took this on board immediately as we all agreed that this was a fair comment, ultimately we changed the ending ever so slightly so that it wasn't considered predictable at all and the audience could be somewhat surprised about what would happen next.
Overall I think that we should of perhaps asked more people to see what they thought, as I don't think there was enough variety of people, I think if our group took our storyline idea and questionnaire to the streets then the answers would be have more variety.
Also, as we only stayed in the college the majority of the people we asked where at one end of the target audience age range, meaning that we didn't really ask anyone towards the end of the target audience, which is quite risky seen as though these are part of our target 'niche' audience also.
In conclusion, I think that we certainly did attract the attention of our audience and they seemed to enjoy our ideas and some even where kind enough to offer positive critics to us.
I think that we could of possibly made our results with more of a range of variety if we asked more of the target audience but it was a learning curve, and something that we will take into consideration for the future.
I think we have attracted our target audience by simply finding out what they would like to watch in a 'thriller' film and making it happen.
We acknowledged what the audience had to say and took on board some of their criticisms, which I think payed of. Some of the few audience we surveyed gave us back some positive feedback when we showed them what we was planning to do with our storyline narrative.
This included some people telling us to change the ending because it seemed almost 'clichéd' we took this on board immediately as we all agreed that this was a fair comment, ultimately we changed the ending ever so slightly so that it wasn't considered predictable at all and the audience could be somewhat surprised about what would happen next.
Overall I think that we should of perhaps asked more people to see what they thought, as I don't think there was enough variety of people, I think if our group took our storyline idea and questionnaire to the streets then the answers would be have more variety.
Also, as we only stayed in the college the majority of the people we asked where at one end of the target audience age range, meaning that we didn't really ask anyone towards the end of the target audience, which is quite risky seen as though these are part of our target 'niche' audience also.
In conclusion, I think that we certainly did attract the attention of our audience and they seemed to enjoy our ideas and some even where kind enough to offer positive critics to us.
I think that we could of possibly made our results with more of a range of variety if we asked more of the target audience but it was a learning curve, and something that we will take into consideration for the future.
Who would be the target audience for your media product?
The target audience for our media product would be both males and females from early teens to mid forty's. This is because we believe it has something to offer to a wide variety of people including teenagers and their parents. The type of audience we think the film will attract will be any race, both genders and a variety of ages from late teens all the way up to people win there mid forty's. The type of social class we would aim our film at is, working class to middle class, but more so working class as it is set in Barnsley in a working class environment and as people making the film we all personally come from working class backgrounds. We thought sticking with our social class roots would ultimately make the film look more realistic.
To find out about what our audience would think about the film, we questionnaired various students and some tutors around Barnsley College, the questionnaires proved to be a great success and all of the people we surveyed said that they would be interested in viewing our film, as the enjoyed reading the thrilling narrative. We used the questionnaire by taking the few critiques on boards and trying to make the film lest cliché which I think that we eventually did do. We also made a audience profile used as a Facebook profile, which included what the 'niche' audience would be like. The idea of the target audience being so wide I think is clever, the theme of 'stalking' is something that a huge amount of people would be interested in viewing because it isn't something that isn't realistic, people do have issues with 'stalking' and 'mental illness' and also other things like 'obsession', which the target audience seemed to like when we questionnaired them, with many saying that they likes the 'unique' narrative.
The target audience for our media product would be both males and females from early teens to mid forty's. This is because we believe it has something to offer to a wide variety of people including teenagers and their parents. The type of audience we think the film will attract will be any race, both genders and a variety of ages from late teens all the way up to people win there mid forty's. The type of social class we would aim our film at is, working class to middle class, but more so working class as it is set in Barnsley in a working class environment and as people making the film we all personally come from working class backgrounds. We thought sticking with our social class roots would ultimately make the film look more realistic.
To find out about what our audience would think about the film, we questionnaired various students and some tutors around Barnsley College, the questionnaires proved to be a great success and all of the people we surveyed said that they would be interested in viewing our film, as the enjoyed reading the thrilling narrative. We used the questionnaire by taking the few critiques on boards and trying to make the film lest cliché which I think that we eventually did do. We also made a audience profile used as a Facebook profile, which included what the 'niche' audience would be like. The idea of the target audience being so wide I think is clever, the theme of 'stalking' is something that a huge amount of people would be interested in viewing because it isn't something that isn't realistic, people do have issues with 'stalking' and 'mental illness' and also other things like 'obsession', which the target audience seemed to like when we questionnaired them, with many saying that they likes the 'unique' narrative.
3.) what kind of media institute might distribute your media product and why? information to go on powerpoint
What kind of media institution might distribute you're product and why?
Although films made by mainstream industries like Warner Brothers are greatly funded and has a lot of money behind the distribution,
Although films made by mainstream industries like Warner Brothers are greatly funded and has a lot of money behind the distribution,
Exhibitioning and general budget of the film, it just wouldn't be the type of institution I think you could establish with our physcolical thriller.
This is because our film is not what you would expect from a 'Hollywood blockbuster' which will have had a budget of hundreds of millions of dollars.
This just isn't realistic and it is something that you just wouldn't associate together. I think the best media institution to distribute our film would be a independent British industry called Coffee films, which has made films that fit with our genre and theme of thriller.
Coffee films don't only make short films they also make documentaries, music videos and so on, all a mixture of dark thrillers and horror, which I think would contrast with 'Don't look behind you' brilliantly. The Coffee films industry has a website that included various projects they have worked on and shows you teasers of them.
I feel that if we used something like Warner, the audience would be extremely disappointed as the expectations of a 'Hollywood blockbuster' would not be met.
I think the chances of some company like Warner even giving our film a glance would be extremely far fetched and virtually impossible, so I think that the film would be distributed by an independent industry such as Coffee films that meet our kind of genre and are more likely to distribute something that goes with the theme of their own work and other films.documenrties and music videos they have made and distributed.
We researched various films when we first chose our genre like 'Scream' which focused on the theme stalking and also prom night which focused on the same.
However both films where mainstream and distributed by their large non-independent companies who are greatly funded and can afford to expose their film in the right was to get people to come and view it and spend their money on making sure that the exhibition is on such a huge scale that people will want to come and watch the film, with high expectations.
In conclusion I think that an independent British industry is a lot more realistic and well suited for our film as it can surprise audiences, and be distributed to the 'niche' audience which the company Coffee films already have in mind.Friday, 5 April 2013
3. What kind of media institutions might distribute your media product and why?
I would choose Metrodome distributions to distribute my film as they distributes many genres of film including Thriller which is the genre of my film. Metrodome is a london based distributor and distributes mainstream films, this is perfect for our film as we would have made our films for a mainstream audience.
This company has distributed films such as Grave encounters 2, a sequel to Grave Encounters in which a group of film students go to the psychiatric hospital in which the patients were torched by one of the physiatrist before he was killed by an escaped patient, the ghost of the patient's attack the students as they did with the film crew in the first film. This film is similar to the one i happened produce as it for a similar audience and is of the same genre as my film.
Monday, 1 April 2013
1.) In what ways does your media product use, develop, or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Evaluation
In what ways does you're media product use, develop, or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our film genre is a psychosocial thriller, we decided that this would be a good idea because as a group we enjoy watching this genre of films too. The narrative is based on the whole theme of 'stalking' and includes a character that has an unhealthy obsession due to a mental illness. After researching into the genre and watching films such as Scream that uses the theme of 'stalking' our minds where made up that this is what we wanted to use in out film. We established the plot by working together in a group, all coming up with ideas and sharing them with each other until the plot was somewhat of a mixture of all of our ideas.
The genre we used was thriller and the film is in my opinion quite obviously this genre as it consists of creepy thrilling music, fast paced actions and the feeling of mystery that the audience are left with, asking themselves 'what's going to happen next?' . My personal definition of 'thriller' is something that it is supposed to be scary and leave you in suspense, just without the gore, blood and full frontal violence that is used in horror. Overall I think our film is quite clearly a thriller, and I'm sure after watching it you would also agree due to the sinister music and other codes and conventions such as diegetic sounds like the creak of the shower door and the lighting of the torch flashing through the dark living room.
The camera angles we used consisted of close ups, mids shots, long shots, extreme close ups and others including low angled shots.
The continuity is there in my opinion even though some shots jump cut from one to the other, I still feel that overall the film runs smoothly. The pace is quite slow at first then it picks up when Beth runs away from her stalker Liam, this is done to emphasise that it is a thriller and hopefully get viewers connected to emphasise with Beth and show them what to expect from our thriller film 'Don't look behind you'. The sound in the film consists of diegetic noises such as the creaking of the shower door, the noise of Beth's phone ringing on the bed, and other various noises that go with our thriller theme. There was two different types of music used in our film, one diegetic music from the mobile phone ring tone and the other one the spookily thrilling music that was played whilst Beth ran away from the flashlight in the garden./ The mobile phone music would be diegetic, this is because Beth could hear it aswell as it was coming from inside the actual film, on the other hand Beth could not hear the music been played over the top of the filming so the creepy music would be non-diegetic as it was not coming from inside the actual film it was used and put in in the editing process.
Mise-ene-Scene is used in the film, to show that our film is a thriller. the lighting is quite dull and dismal, showing that there isn't something quite right and giving the viewers the feeling that something is terribly wrong, the props used are the bed, the mobile phone, the dressing gown, the flashlight. etc. Beth clothing consisted of casual clothing including, shorts T-shirt and an oversized denim jacket, to represent her as a typical teenage girl. Also another prop used would be the laptop which Beth is using when she is sitting on her bed, the laptop represents social networking and socialising, again, something that you would associate with a typical teenage girl. The location we used was Ashleigh's house, we wanted to make it as realistic as we possibly could therefore we thought a house would be the best location to film.
In what ways does you're media product use, develop, or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our film genre is a psychosocial thriller, we decided that this would be a good idea because as a group we enjoy watching this genre of films too. The narrative is based on the whole theme of 'stalking' and includes a character that has an unhealthy obsession due to a mental illness. After researching into the genre and watching films such as Scream that uses the theme of 'stalking' our minds where made up that this is what we wanted to use in out film. We established the plot by working together in a group, all coming up with ideas and sharing them with each other until the plot was somewhat of a mixture of all of our ideas.
The genre we used was thriller and the film is in my opinion quite obviously this genre as it consists of creepy thrilling music, fast paced actions and the feeling of mystery that the audience are left with, asking themselves 'what's going to happen next?' . My personal definition of 'thriller' is something that it is supposed to be scary and leave you in suspense, just without the gore, blood and full frontal violence that is used in horror. Overall I think our film is quite clearly a thriller, and I'm sure after watching it you would also agree due to the sinister music and other codes and conventions such as diegetic sounds like the creak of the shower door and the lighting of the torch flashing through the dark living room.
The camera angles we used consisted of close ups, mids shots, long shots, extreme close ups and others including low angled shots.
The continuity is there in my opinion even though some shots jump cut from one to the other, I still feel that overall the film runs smoothly. The pace is quite slow at first then it picks up when Beth runs away from her stalker Liam, this is done to emphasise that it is a thriller and hopefully get viewers connected to emphasise with Beth and show them what to expect from our thriller film 'Don't look behind you'. The sound in the film consists of diegetic noises such as the creaking of the shower door, the noise of Beth's phone ringing on the bed, and other various noises that go with our thriller theme. There was two different types of music used in our film, one diegetic music from the mobile phone ring tone and the other one the spookily thrilling music that was played whilst Beth ran away from the flashlight in the garden./ The mobile phone music would be diegetic, this is because Beth could hear it aswell as it was coming from inside the actual film, on the other hand Beth could not hear the music been played over the top of the filming so the creepy music would be non-diegetic as it was not coming from inside the actual film it was used and put in in the editing process.
Mise-ene-Scene is used in the film, to show that our film is a thriller. the lighting is quite dull and dismal, showing that there isn't something quite right and giving the viewers the feeling that something is terribly wrong, the props used are the bed, the mobile phone, the dressing gown, the flashlight. etc. Beth clothing consisted of casual clothing including, shorts T-shirt and an oversized denim jacket, to represent her as a typical teenage girl. Also another prop used would be the laptop which Beth is using when she is sitting on her bed, the laptop represents social networking and socialising, again, something that you would associate with a typical teenage girl. The location we used was Ashleigh's house, we wanted to make it as realistic as we possibly could therefore we thought a house would be the best location to film.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Editing our film
I started to edit our first film , when this was complete me and amy realised we didn't like the appearance of the film, so we decided to re- shoot this as take 2. Again we edited this and when this was complete we also realised that we needed to do another 30 or so shots the make the movie 100% complete. As we came to a finishing point again we realised that there were some faults with the film. We did a third re-shoot with me editing the biggest part of the film as I was the fastest and the most accurate at doing so, this meant that the final shot was the final edit and when I had finished with group confirmation this was finished.
Editing the logo was Gemma's job to do this took around 4 hours when this was complete we imported this to final cut express to edit into the film as we did this we realised that the image was not large enough to cove the shot frame, to do this I then found the effects and solid colour which was white so that the first shot on screen is this:
this is a 3 second long shot to show the production of the group this stands for Amy Gemma Ashleigh Productions.
To edit the rest of the film we used over 100 shots to correlate the 2minutes and 10 second film using cuts, fade in and fade out. music and sound bridges, cross fades of the soundtrack and audio of the film to tie this in and make it sound better this also adds effect and suspension to the film.
Editing the logo was Gemma's job to do this took around 4 hours when this was complete we imported this to final cut express to edit into the film as we did this we realised that the image was not large enough to cove the shot frame, to do this I then found the effects and solid colour which was white so that the first shot on screen is this:
this is a 3 second long shot to show the production of the group this stands for Amy Gemma Ashleigh Productions.
To edit the rest of the film we used over 100 shots to correlate the 2minutes and 10 second film using cuts, fade in and fade out. music and sound bridges, cross fades of the soundtrack and audio of the film to tie this in and make it sound better this also adds effect and suspension to the film.
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Re- film take 3 the final one
PLAN
Get camera in Manuel focus first
Close up's diagonal on the right shoulder
Zoom
Zoom of the phone ringing
Pick up the phone with the right hand and place to the ear
Close up of face ext head to chin in the camera frame
Conversation "hiya mum ....." Same as on take 2
Get up and walk off (Don't move the camera) use a pan and move with the speed that Amy is walking
Leave this as a close up
Swivel left and walk so that the pan is at the speed of Amy walking ALWAYS keep on the right hand shoulder
Bathroom shots, use the mirror to film through this will give a good angle for a close up
DON'T CROSS THE LINE
Shoot over right shoulder
DON'T ZOOM whilst filming
ALWAYS zoom before you film a shot
Shower shot again (when walking out of the shower walk straight to the door and out)
Point of view shots
Fontal shots and then behind shots
End crying
Coming down the stairs
Camera needs to be rolling before we say action
PLENTY OF SHOTS
Get camera in Manuel focus first
Close up's diagonal on the right shoulder
Zoom
Zoom of the phone ringing
Pick up the phone with the right hand and place to the ear
Close up of face ext head to chin in the camera frame
Conversation "hiya mum ....." Same as on take 2
Get up and walk off (Don't move the camera) use a pan and move with the speed that Amy is walking
Leave this as a close up
Swivel left and walk so that the pan is at the speed of Amy walking ALWAYS keep on the right hand shoulder
Bathroom shots, use the mirror to film through this will give a good angle for a close up
DON'T CROSS THE LINE
Shoot over right shoulder
DON'T ZOOM whilst filming
ALWAYS zoom before you film a shot
Shower shot again (when walking out of the shower walk straight to the door and out)
Point of view shots
Fontal shots and then behind shots
End crying
Coming down the stairs
Camera needs to be rolling before we say action
PLENTY OF SHOTS
Re-film take 2
We re-filmed again at my house, as we thought that the first shoot we did, didn't look how we wanted it to. This time it was myself and Amy which re-filmes. We did this within 2 hours and we also triple checked the footage before leaving.
We felt that this was the best film we had produced so far, which for first time film of us filming on our own was very exciting but also we became aware of what we needed to do and how we were going to achieve this, we planned what we were going to do shot by shot and this all worked out until we began to edit this together, we then realised that there was some faults in the filming and that we would then have to do this again.
On the third time of re-filming we made sure that everything was done correct to enable us to this we made a list of what needed to be done:
Sound of tying on the keyboard
Phone ringing
Record the conversation with picking up the phone
Record this from a diagonal angle with close ups, ext close ups and mid shots
Follow over the left shoulder all the way through
Have a POV of the computer screen
Change the camera settings:
Change from auto focus to manuel focus
Then zoom to the right depth before shooting the clip in the three shot types
Change the conversation to fit with the new location setting:
"Hiya mum, yeah not bad, how's London? Yeah yeah actually mum can I ring you back in a bit I'm just going to get in the shower"
End on a close up or ext close up of the face of Amy to show emotion and the fear of what is happening to her and how serious this is, to get a message across that this happens day to day in some peoples life's.
We felt that this was the best film we had produced so far, which for first time film of us filming on our own was very exciting but also we became aware of what we needed to do and how we were going to achieve this, we planned what we were going to do shot by shot and this all worked out until we began to edit this together, we then realised that there was some faults in the filming and that we would then have to do this again.
On the third time of re-filming we made sure that everything was done correct to enable us to this we made a list of what needed to be done:
Sound of tying on the keyboard
Phone ringing
Record the conversation with picking up the phone
Record this from a diagonal angle with close ups, ext close ups and mid shots
Follow over the left shoulder all the way through
Have a POV of the computer screen
Change the camera settings:
Change from auto focus to manuel focus
Then zoom to the right depth before shooting the clip in the three shot types
Change the conversation to fit with the new location setting:
"Hiya mum, yeah not bad, how's London? Yeah yeah actually mum can I ring you back in a bit I'm just going to get in the shower"
End on a close up or ext close up of the face of Amy to show emotion and the fear of what is happening to her and how serious this is, to get a message across that this happens day to day in some peoples life's.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Filming.
we stated to film our piece by going to Amy's house and filming in her bedroom. we filmed all of our shots and the next day we started to edit. we though editing had gone smoothly and that the ruff edit of our film was good. However when we showed our tutor he then explained that because we music playing in our opening scene the sound became jumpy. we solved this problem by re-filming the opening scene without sound. also we recorded the sounds we needed in the scene such as the mobile phone ringing add this to our edit.
we have now finished filming completely and are fine tuning our editing. i recon we will complete this part of the course within a week.
we have now finished filming completely and are fine tuning our editing. i recon we will complete this part of the course within a week.
Editing our film.
We have started to edit our film, so far we have got a ruff edit and are starting to fine tune it. there is a problem that we have faced while editing, the song we where going to use for our title sequence is under copy right laws and would need an email proving that we are able to use the song. if we cannot use the song i have started to look for copy right free music to use in our piece. so far i have only found one track that the group has found that suits the tone of our film, i plan to continue to look for tracks so that we have a choice to use in our film
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Progress report: Gemma
i have completed the entirety of my blog posts, that consists of my analysis of a title sequence and first 15 minuets of a film as well as an explanation of our films certificate and other certificates as well as character profiles and our script
i will improve any post that need to be improved and help anyone in my group if they need help with their posts.
i will improve any post that need to be improved and help anyone in my group if they need help with their posts.
Our filming arrangements:
22nd of February 2013
Tomorrow we will be filming after college. We have decided to get it done as soon as possible so that if anything goes wrong it can be improved before the deadline and done to the very best of our abilities. The preparation that needs to be done would be to get my dogs out of the way, when filming and also my family (mum, dad and sisters) would need to be out of the house when we film tomorrow, so that they are not distracting us at all.
There is no more preparation apart from making sure the flashlight is still working properly, after that their isn't much more to be done.
22nd of February 2013
Tomorrow we will be filming after college. We have decided to get it done as soon as possible so that if anything goes wrong it can be improved before the deadline and done to the very best of our abilities. The preparation that needs to be done would be to get my dogs out of the way, when filming and also my family (mum, dad and sisters) would need to be out of the house when we film tomorrow, so that they are not distracting us at all.
There is no more preparation apart from making sure the flashlight is still working properly, after that their isn't much more to be done.
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
This is the final wind blowing shot
This is the final shot that was chosen this is an original image that was decided to be the one for the shot where Beth comes down the stairs to find the door open and the curtain blowing in the wind. The effect used on this image looks good and gives a sense of unknowing.
The curtains which also have the ghostly effect on the dark of the night make the shot seem ere. It looks as if the last of the light in the room is being swallowed up by the darkness that surrounds the image making this the right hot to chose to have in the opening 2 minutes of the film.
We have put this on the list of tricky shots as we will need to get the timing right for the wind effect to take place on the curtains, this will need to be done when it is dark to create the image above. We also have a back-up plan for if there isn't any wind and this would be to use a power assisted fan to ensure that the shot is done correctly, this will enable us to have the perfect shot for the scene where Beth goes down stairs to see that the patio doors are wide open and the cold, spine chilling wind blowing through the house.
In theory this will create a sense of unknowing, but also more importantly that there is something seriously wrong. We also want the audience to seem spooked by the fact the doors were locked and no-one was able to get in. The thought that the cold chilling wind is sweeping through the house unknowingly makes me want to assume that this will be enough to make the spine shiver with unknowing to what will happen next in the following shots, as the shot before this is a normal conversation between Beth and her mum on the phone.
This means that this shot comes as an unsuspected shot, which will hopefully entice the audience to want to view more of the film, as these are just the opening scenes for the first two minutes of the film.
How does classification work? And the Guidelines
Classification
In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.
We watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and insight to each one. We reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below.
Typically, two examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. But if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally we need to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.
The same process exists for DVDs and Blu-rays though generally these are seen by one Examiner. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.
We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.
The release format of a work has an impact on classification. Our decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes out of context.
Guidelines
It is important that the BBFC’s classification standards are in line with what the public expects and that its decisions take account of what the public finds acceptable at each age category.
In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.
We watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and insight to each one. We reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below.
Typically, two examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. But if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally we need to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.
The same process exists for DVDs and Blu-rays though generally these are seen by one Examiner. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.
We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.
The release format of a work has an impact on classification. Our decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes out of context.
Guidelines
It is important that the BBFC’s classification standards are in line with what the public expects and that its decisions take account of what the public finds acceptable at each age category.
Therefore every 4-5 years, the BBFC carries out a major public consultation exercise to find out what the public thinks about the age rating of films and videos before they are released and whether the BBFC’s classification standards meet public concerns.
The BBFC adjusts its standards and criteria in response to any changes in public attitudes.
These standards are laid out in the BBFC’s Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below. The Guidelines detail what is acceptable at each age category, from U to R18. They also set out the laws and principles which impact on the BBFC’s work.
There are two key principles which guide us when we apply the Guidelines:
The BBFC adjusts its standards and criteria in response to any changes in public attitudes.
These standards are laid out in the BBFC’s Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below. The Guidelines detail what is acceptable at each age category, from U to R18. They also set out the laws and principles which impact on the BBFC’s work.
There are two key principles which guide us when we apply the Guidelines:
- First, films and videos should be allowed to reach the widest audience appropriate for their theme and treatment.
- Second, adults should be free to choose what they see, provided it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful.
BBFC for R18
What does R18 mean?
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.
Who can buy or view an R18?
R18 works are sex works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation and which are only allowed to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or sold in licensed sex shops. They can only be seen by or sold to adults.
BBFC for 18
What does the 18 symbol mean?
Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 18?
No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to pick their own entertainment within the law, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers.
What sort of issues might I find in an 18 film or DVD? 
18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:- very strong violence
- frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very strong language (eg ‘c***’)
- strong portrayals of sexual activity
- scenes of sexual violence
- strong horror
- strong blood and gore
- real sex (in some circumstances)
- discriminatory language and behaviour
How much strong language is there in an 18?
There is no limit on the number of uses of strong (eg 'f***') or even very strong language (eg ‘c***’) which can be passed at 18. Uses could be aggressive, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence.What about discriminatory or offensive terms?
There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language at 18, and the work could explore themes relating to this.Though a work as a whole must not be in breach of any relevant legislation, it is possible for discriminatory language or themes to be the main focus of the work, and for main characters to engage in discriminatory behaviour.
How much sex and nudity is allowed at 18?
There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are permitted at 18.
An 18 film or DVD might also contain depictions of real sex if it is justified by context, as long as the film or DVD is not a sex work.
What are sex works?
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed 18. Those containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the R18 category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at R18 is also unacceptable in a sex work at 18.What about sex education films?
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.Can there be strong violence?
Yes, at 18 violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong detail. There may even be dwelling on the infliction of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence.The strongest gory images are permitted at this category.
What about horror works?
The strongest horror works are passed at 18, they may contain strong horror, gore or sustained threat and menace which exceeds the boundaries of 15.Can you see drugs in an 18?
Yes. At 18 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.What about dangerous behaviour or things teens or other viewers might copy?
Though 18 films and DVDs may cover difficult and strong subjects and themes, harm is still a consideration. Very dangerous or criminal behaviour (for example, behaviour which if copied poses a credible harm risk to viewers) may be cut.If adults can watch what they want, what might be cut from an 18 work?
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, the BBFC will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment.However, cuts are occasionally made to 18 rated films and DVDs. Intervention is most likely in the following areas:
- where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
- where material risks harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual violence which might, for example, make rape look appealing
- where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in R18 works and, in ‘sex works’ (see below), would normally be confined to that category.
How can I find out more about a specific 18 film?
Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.BBFC for 15
What does the 15 symbol mean?
No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 15?
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
Is 15 really stronger than 12A?
Yes. 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following:- strong violence
- frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
- portrayals of sexual activity
- strong verbal references to sex
- sexual nudity
- brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
- discriminatory language or behaviour
- drug taking
How much strong language is there in a 15?
There could potentially be a great deal. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language (eg f***).Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms (eg 'c***'), although continued or aggressive use will not normally be passed 15.
What about discriminatory or offensive terms?
There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and the work could explore themes relating to this.However, at 15 the work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
How much sex and nudity is allowed at 15?
At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphic detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category and may involve some nudity and movement. Though nudity may be allowed in a sexual context there should be no strong detail.There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
There can be strong references to sex and sexual behaviour, but especially strong or crude references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.
Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same.
Can there be strong violence?
Yes, at 15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.
Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised.
What about sexual violence?
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence (for example descriptions of rape or sexual assault in a courtroom scene or in victim testimony) but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.What about horror works?
Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.Can you see drugs in a 15 rated film or video?
At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is unlikely to be acceptable at 15.
What about dangerous behaviour or things teens might copy?
We consider the risk of potential harm to impressionable teenagers. For example, dangerous behaviour such as hanging, suicide and self-harming should not dwell on detail which could be copied.How can I find out more about a specific 15 film?
Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.BBFC for 12 and 12A
What does the 12A symbol mean?
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
What's the difference between 12 and 12A?
The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.Is there a lower age limit for a 12A film?
No. However, the BBFC considers the content of 12A rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommend taking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. To help adults make this decision, we provide BBFCinsight for all films.
How important is the tone of a film at 12 or 12A?
The overall tone of a film or DVD, and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A even if the individual issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines. Similarly, if a work is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a category from 12A to 15.
Will there be uses of strong language in a 12 or 12A work?
The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category.There may be moderate language (eg uses of terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at 12 or 12A).
Any discriminatory language will not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language (for example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be passed at 12 or 12A unless it is clearly condemned.
Do 12A films contain sex?
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy may lessen the impact of some moderate sex references or innuendo but frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted at this category. There may be nudity in 12A films but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet.Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same.
What sort of violence can I expect in a 12 or 12A ?
At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12 or 12A, and there may be long fight scenes or similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be glamorised in 12A and 12 works.
Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A. Such scenes must also have a strong contextual justification.
Can horror films be passed 12 or 12A?
Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.What about other issues like imitable behaviour or drugs at 12 or 12A?
Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide and self-harming) may be present in 12 or 12A works but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present those activities as pain or harm free.Discriminatory behaviour should not be endorsed by the film as a whole.
There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide instructional details.
How can I find out more about a specific 12 or 12A work?
Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.BBFC U
What does U mean?
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
What about works for children younger than four?
We rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington, Teletubbies or In The Night Garden, U. However, we give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly Suitable for pre-school children’. Films or DVDs with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme or violence.Will there be any bad language in a U film?
At U we only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context.Do U works contain any sexual activity?
Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.At all categories heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviour and activities are treated the same – so there could be occasional very mild references to gay or straight sex at U.
Is violence or horror permitted in a U film?
A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.
‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings.
Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.
What sorts of films are usually passed at U?
A U film can explore most themes, as long as the treatment is appropriate to a young audience. This doesn’t mean that all films rated U are children’s films – many adult films, especially older works, are rated U because they don’t contain any strong issues.A children’s work at U will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children. The film or DVD will have a happy ending for the child and the overall tone should be one of reassurance.
U films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of.
Will there be references to drugs?
At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.Drugs references which are unlikely to register with young children and are brief or passing may occasionally be passed at U – for example a verbal reference to ‘the Opium wars’ in an historical documentary.
How can I find out more about a specific U film?
Please check the BBFCinsight for the film or video you are thinking of watching. You may find BBFCinsight on this website or on our free App as well as on film posters, DVD and Blu-ray packaging, and on some listings. You will also find it attached to some film and video content which is available to download. It provides comprehensive information on exactly why a film or video has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents in particular can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.
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