FINALE

We have come to the end of the semester!

JOY!

To successfully complete the course, please complete the following:

#1. Course Evaluation by Friday, November 22 

#2. 10 Required Blog Posts by Thursday, December 5

Make sure that you have completed all 10 assigned blog posts by Thursday, December 5. They should be posted in reverse chronological order (note: you can set the post time and date in post settings on right side of entry window. Also, please make sure that all posts are labeled as follows: Post # and Topic.

If you have done any extra credit assignments, clearly mark the post title as Extra Credit.

#3. Final Assignments: Reel and Artist Statement by 11 am on Thursday, December 5

Post your Artist Statement and embed your reel by 11 am on Thursday, December 5.

#4. Comments on Reels due  9 am on Monday, December 9

Post one comment on each reel --- 10 students means 10 reels and 10 comments. The comments should address aesthetic style, form, editing and of course the cinematography. I am not look for "good job" or "looks cool" but an application of the course ideas, terminiology, and an application of what you have learned this term. Post comments by 9 am on Monday, December 9.

That's all, folks!

P.S. ---> If you are interested in TAing this class next semester or in a future semester, let me know! Also, I've got MANY internships available that will help you continue to build your reel... holler!

Sample Reels and Artist Statements

For our final assignment you must edit a 1 minute reel (2 minutes max!) of your work as a videographer - this means all the footage you have shot (in any classes or projects) is allowable. If you are low on content you may create a Director/DP reel but you must specify what you filmed and what you directed.

FOR  YOUR REEL: Keep in mind lots of folks have many different reels for different kinds of jobs they pitch for but for this assignment, choose your favorite shots (for their look/aesthetics) and put them together in a way that represents your style and technical skills.

Additionally post a short ARTIST STATEMENT (350-500 words) with your embedded video clip, see below for some examples of reels and artist statements.

You are encouraged to browse old 312 sites and see what your peers have put together. 


Visit the right sidebar, scroll down for pasts 312 reels: http://thedocisfeelinginspired.blogspot.com

Also, here are a few:

Director of Photography Reel from Greg Kubik on Vimeo.

A (random) sampling of DP reels:

https://vimeo.com/72553823

https://vimeo.com/75611236

https://vimeo.com/14576563

https://vimeo.com/59626663

http://reels.creativecow.net/demo_reel/t/1

http://www.poptent.net/assignment/29

http://www.acityofindustry.com/reels/dpreel.html

http://timotholt.com/reel/

http://shootingpeople.org/watch/film.php?film_id=53970

http://www.poptent.net/media/14538

http://www.reelsondemand.com/dp.html

http://www.planetpoint.com/jackmessitt/jack1.html

http://www.foursitestudios.com/reels/DPreel.htm

http://reels.creativecow.net/film/dan-parsons-dp-reel

http://www.vimeo.com/4226637

http://www.vimeo.com/3497766

http://www.vimeo.com/2430560

http://www.rclabaugh.com/reel/index.html

http://www.solarplexusprods.com/DirDPReel.html

http://www.300pix.com/christo/

http://www.productionhub.com/video/view.aspx?item=1800

http://www.imagesbyferrari.com/demo-reel.html

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=50595668

http://www.brentramsey.com/DemoReels/DirectorofPhotographyReel/tabid/374/Default.aspx

http://www.danielpearldp.com/page2.html

http://www.carlososterling.com/video.php

http://www.poptent.net/media/11806

http://reels.creativecow.net/film/2009-demo-peltier-productions-director-of-photography-reel

http://www.helicopterpictures.com/reel.php

http://www.vimeo.com/241039

http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/entertainment/watch/v6998898P4mwg9dE

http://blog.instituteartistmanagement.com/posts/2009/10/shana-hagan-reel.html

http://www.poptent.net/media/11806

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1087248/dp_reel_dan_hertzog/

http://vodpod.com/watch/2165834-dp-reel

http://bradreeb.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loiUGNB35ak

http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/24900409

http://www.igortoch.com/dp_reel

http://onewaytv.blogspot.com/2009/02/jorge-arturo-arzacs-dp-reel.html

Sample Director Reel Links:

https://vimeo.com/26183603

http://www.poptent.net/media/14792

http://www.poptent.net/media/15014

http://www.poptent.net/media/15047

http://www.igortoch.com/director_reel

http://www.productionhub.com/video/view.aspx?item=2688

http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/22966653

http://www.dougclevenger.com/reels/dp

http://louweinert.com/

http://nicholasbentgen.com/reel.htm

http://www.ghostmap.com/projects/Reel/reel.html

http://www.alexanderjosephdp.com/dp-reel.html

http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/skip-clarks-dp-reel/3159963911

http://www.commonfilm.org/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=66&video_id=37

http://www.newimage.tv/newimage.tv/Films/39C966E2-4731-4FB9-8B8C-663FE4342643.html

http://652productions.com/toshi.dp.reel.html

http://www.timnaylor.com/dp_reel_montage.html

ABOUT ARTIST STATEMENTS:

When faced with a blank page, the best thing to do is write down words that you would use to describe your work. Do the same for the process(es) you use to make your work- list out the processes you use. The next step is to start to link the words into sentences. After you write the sentences, see if you can put them together into paragraphs. If you have several bodies of work you might do this process for each body of work.

- from the Artist Foundation on how to write an artist statement

THINK ABOUT:

your vision

your visual style

your influences

the impact you desire to make with your work

When you want to apply for grant money for filmmakers, you will often be asked to submit an artists statement.

IFP Center for Media arts asks you to

Provide a written discussion of no more than one page describing your creative journey as an artist and your creative filmmaking process and vision.

IFP Center for Media arts asks you to See here.

Here is documentary filmmaker Chuck Olson's artist statement

Amazing filmmaker Yvonne Welbon's artist statement

Filmmaker Dominic Angerame's artist statement

Painter, poet and filmmaker Rajaa Gharbi's artist statement

Filmmaker Tara Krause artist statement

Filmmaker Ronit Bezalel artist statement

Filmmaker Valerie Soe calls her artist statement her manifesto

Keith W. Cunningham shows his influences in his artist statement

Feminist Filmmaker Alex Juhasz artist statement

Scott Snibbe's is here

Scene Assignment Example

From Xavier: As an filmmaker I can't stress enough how important it is to make a detailed binder that completely encompasses your entire film. One of the problems you get with people who are creative is the fact they come up with amazing ideas, but they can never make it a solid, tangible package.

They're too busy making one awesome idea rather than building an entire story. It's cool to have a gimmick or set up the story is based around, but without a good story you have nothing. When it comes to film, you really need to have everything planned out even to the most minute detail.

Many filmmakers rush a film without planning the logistics and fail. Here are two rules you can live by.

1. A scene will always take longer than what you predict

2. It's not if a mistake will happen. It's when.

This is why you want to be as organized as possible. So I want go over how I make a production package.

1. Actor's Info, Crew Info, Location Info, Prop Info, Contracts (Actor's Release, Location Release, etc...)

2. Script

3. Shot List

4. Storyboard

5. Floor Plan

6. Scheduling

7. Shooting Script

8. Visual References

9. Revised Pages

10. Equip List

11. Miscellaneous

This may seem overboard, but I'm going to explain each one and why you should do it.

First, get notebook dividers that have numbered division. You can also get colors, it doesn't matter. Just make sure to buy enough to throughly divide your work.

Before I begin on the first page.

 I have one lone page that has my logline, a short description of the film (two paragraphs usually), and then a story summary (around four to five paragraphs).

You need to be able to explain your film in one sentence or in a few paragraphs. In the story summary write out your first act, second act, third act, and conclusion. Do not skip over a part of your story you are unsure of. If you have not figured it out in your summary, you probably haven't fleshed it out in your script.

1. The first divider will be for all of the actor's info, crew info, contracts, location info, and props. As you are looking for actor's and locations write down who the person is or who owns the location. Write down all the props you'll need to buy for the film.

This will help you to keep everything you are doing at the beginning of pre-planning in check. Be sure to get Actor Release Forms and Location Release Forms to avoid legal trouble. You can find pre-made ones anywhere online.

2. This is a no brainer. You must have a script before shooting a film. Don't wing it. Don't say I have it all in my head. You don't!

You are going to waste someone's time if you don't put it on paper. When you write the script follow proper screenplay format.  Download screenwriting software, Celtx.

Have someone else read your story. You will always be bias to your work. You will always think it's good when it might be a polished turd.

3. Your shot list covers all of the shots you will need in your film. This ties in with your storyboard. You might end up doing them both at the same time or one before the other. It's based on you, but I recommend doing your shot list first.

 Go through your script and visualize every scene (how you place your characters, where do cuts happen, movement, etc...) and write out what it would look like.

Ex.

Scene 1A - Medium Close Up of Emma sighing and reaching for pen

Scene 1B - Close Up of hand reaching for pen

Scene 1C - WS of Emma picking pen up then standing up and walking out of room

Scene 2A - WS of Emma walking out of room and into hall

Shot List in Sequential Order

Shot List Based on Scenes we will shoot based on availability of actors and locations

(this is a Shooting Schedule, when you add times that each shot will be filmed!)

Those were a little more detailed than what you'll need, but it's your preference. Go through your entire script and figure out how many shots you'll need and list them by scene, then in order alphabetically.

4. Your storyboard is the visual representation of your film. It is (in my opinion) one of the most important parts of understanding your film's aesthetic.  You may say, 'Well I can't draw."

Tough luck, draw stick figures because you NEED to do this. If you're ashamed of your drawing skills sit down with someone who can help you visualize. This will be tedious and time consuming. Do it. You will thank me later.

5. So you've figured out your shots and have a decent storyboard. Cool, during this time you should be out scouting location.

Take a camera with you and photograph all angles of the location. If you don't have a camera handy (YOU SHOULD! Why don't you have your own camera! You love film don't you! Eat Ramen Noodles and save up those pennies!) take the photos with your phone.

Once you have the pictures it's time to make an outline of the location from a bird's eye view. Account for tables, chairs, extra rooms, etc...)

You'll notice that ovals with small triangles on them and V's on the paper. The ovals represent the actor's blocking and the small triangles represent his nose. This is so we know where the actor is facing and the direction of camera's shot.

6. I did not put anything into the binder for scheduling since I constantly updated scheduling through email and Google Docs. Once you have locations and actors you're going to need to figure out when they are available. You also need to know (based on your script) what time of the day you want certain scenes to be shot.

You will then need to  coordinate with your actors and crew for Crew Call (when the crew must be at the location) and Actor's Call (when actors must be at location),  what days and times you'll have certain actors, what days and times you'll have certain locations, and (based on the previous) when you can shoot certain scenes.

I've done this on my own several times. I don't like it, so I usually work with or hire a Producer (individual who handles the non-creative logistics such as telling actors where and when to be, figuring out your film budget, etc...) who will look over all of this and figure it out for me.

A Producer is invaluable. Even in college, if you want to have a smooth film, you should go ahead and link up with individuals who take themselves seriously, and enjoy brining a film together on the business side.

7. This one is pretty simple. Remember when I told you to visualize how each scene in your script will happen shot by shot? Now, put your shot list on the side of your script by where it corresponds with the script. Do this to your entire script.

8. Visual References are just pictures, notes, poems, or anything that embodies the aesthetic your film is trying to achieve.  For this pre-production package, I wanted a sense of destruction counteracted by the beauty of nature (specifically a lake). Here are two of my visual references.

9. NEVER throw away anything. Even when you are done with it you never know when something may fall out or you forget an updated script or shot list. At least if you have your old work you can go back and try to remember what you revised. Never throw away anything you've written.

10. This one is straightforward. Just write out the equipment you feel you will need to finish this project.

(Dr. Raimist Note: it is spelled ZEISS!)

11. Finally, anything else that doesn't fit into these categories will go into Miscellaneous.

That's a full production package. Next time you shoot a film take out the time to make something extensive and detailed. If you think this is overkill, I assure you you're going to have a hard time making your vision come to life.

Film Made With Production Package Shared Above:

Feel free to contact me for any questions at quethelights@gmail.com.

DSLR Group Assignments

Please watch your group's assignment, then leave the lessons you have learned from filming and reviewing the footage, in the comments section.


A GROUP




B GROUP




C GROUP




D GROUP

Group Project Partner

Hey, this is Joshua Key. Which class member doesn't have a group mate yet? I asked around Thursday but everyone in the class had a partner.  I'd like to figure out who my partner is quickly.

TCF CONTEST: NEW ORLEANS FILM FEST PITCH

Portrait of a Place Examples

RESERVE YOUR EQ at least 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE! Email your eq reserves.

Your email should include the following:

TCF 312

Your Name

Pickup Date:

Return Date:

Detailed list of EQ desired (BE SPECIFIC!)

Examples:

Please note: We will watch some of these examples in class but I encourage you to watch as many as you're able. When you watch consider WHAT is the story or stories being told (what do you think is the filmmaker's message, or what do you take from his/her piece?), and HOW is the story told visually. What are the levels of filmmaking - technical skill, aesthetics/style, color, camera work, etc... being deployed to work in service of the media message?

Some (hopefully inspiring) examples:

Uptopia #3

D-Nice's "Experiencing the Dream"

Brian B+ Cross "KEEPINTOKYO" and "TEEBS"

Noisemaker Media's "Spanish Harlem Hop Park Jam" and "True School Park Jam Series 2010 Trailer"

pouringdown.tv - "of all the things that can happen" and "the skies uptown"

Examples from past 312 students:

Lynita Motes Art from Jana Patton on Vimeo.


TCF 312 Portrait of a Place from Henry Busby on Vimeo.


The 15th Lake from Xavier Burgin on Vimeo.

Suggestion: visit the right sidebar of this blog or my old blog to see what students in previous semesters have put together. 

Examples of portraits of people:

[Please Note: These use "talking head" interviews (which the assignment does not allow, but the majority of the pieces feature the interview(s) used as v.o. (which is acceptable for this assignment).]

  
Harlem Elvis from John X. Carey on Vimeo.

Kickflip from I Am Los Angeles on Vimeo.

Maxwell The Barber (Short Documentary) from Stephen Potter on Vimeo.


Here are examples of a portrait of a place:

Look Up at the Stars, Portugal! from Matthew Brown (Matty Brown) on Vimeo.

Utopia, Part 3: The World's Largest Shopping Mall


Here are examples of a portrait of a person and/in a place:

  
Shelter from the Storm from John X. Carey on Vimeo.

 The Guardian from Carly Palmour on Vimeo.

Here is an example of a portrait of an event:

 D-Nice Presents: Experiencing The Dream from D-Nice on Vimeo.

 2012 True School Park Jam Series Trailer from Noisemaker Media on Vimeo.

Please also see what other TCF students have done before you. Visit the right sidebar and look for "Portrait of a Place" in the blog post title.

Cierra's favorite things

 One of my favorite sports to play and watch is football. Although I'm terribly short I'm a pretty awesome receiver and I can throw a mean spiral.  What I like about this picture is it veers from the typical LS that football is usually depicted in and goes for a CU. I also like how it shows the texture of football, right down to the dirt.

 BMW'S are my favorite car. Its something about the way they ride that has taken over my life. I like what this picture implies. To me it screams: RACE. The lines in the road give this shot alot of depth as it meets the top 1/3rd on the horizon. I also like how the cars are angled in a 3/4 profile so you can see their bodies. Yes, cars are people too. My BMW was named Roman.

 I could eat my bodyweight in crawfish. Everyday. I love the shallow depth of field in this picture. It too aslo veers from the typical shot of crawfish boils you may encounter. Though I wish there were corn and potatoes in this picture to really encompass the whole experience, I like the neatness of this one. Huge mounds of crawfish aren't as aesthetically pleasing on camera as they are in person.

 I lived in Destin, FL for three years and I spent most of my time on the water for this very reason. ITS BEAUTIFUL.  The water is a more brilliant blue than the sky! Not to mention I love boats. I also love how the water takes up 2/3's of the frame as it is the focus of the picture.

 My favorite color is green so this one doesn't need much explanation. The reason I chose this particular picture was I liked the depth the walkway added in the frame.

This shot takes me back to high school. I was on the drumline all 4 years and I played the snare. When we watched drum corp videos I always loved the angle they shot the snares at. As in this picture, they'll get drum level and take you down the whole line. In this particular shot, I love the layers in the depth of field. 

 I love to ride horses. We have 7. That's more people that live in my household, but if the apocolypse comes: we're set.  I like how the subjects come from off frame and meet in the middle. Its very interesting to me. They might be in-horse-love. Who knows!

 I think pitbull puppies are the cutest things ever! What I like about this picture is that it isn't your typical puppy shot. Obviously he's a model! I love how they framed him in a headshot. He even has eye light! #DontBullyMyBreed

 I really love music, as I'm sure everyone else does, but what I like about this picture is the framing and composition. The subject is abiding by The Rule of Thirds, the DOF is shallow, the light is bright and revitalizing, and it has layers. I also like the eye level approach to this one. It captures the relaxation music can bring.

 Basketball was my first love. My little sister was named after MJ because he was my favorite, only with a not-so-slight spelling change (Jourdyn). This low angle shot captures the essence  of MJ. Even though he is in the center of the frame it works because he isn't facing dead center, he las lead room to his endpoint, and you can't really pinpoint from where he started. The beauty of flight.

These are pictures that I took (on my iPhone before my t3i)

 I took this picture on the way home around the time my grandma was passing. I knew what I was going home for and this scene really seemed like God's way of foreshadowing what was to come. There was a beautiful sunset. I really like the colors in it as well as the depth the lines in the road provide. The dutch angle also  speaks on the outcome of the trip.

 I took this on a cruise to Mexico. I like the rich colors in it and the depth the sun's reflection adds. There was a hugh patch of clouds that made taking the picture possible because the sun was way too bright without them.

 One of my absolute favorite places to be is at the family property on Fowl River in Mobile. The colors in this picture are amazing to me. This was before my composition and framing knowledge but I think I did pretty good capturing the beauty and essence of The River.

 As I told you earlier, pitbull puppies are the cutest! My dog Rajah (yes, like off of Aladdin) decided the couch was a very dangerous place this particular day. So he kept me and spongebob safe. Peep the look room.

I love to play beer pong. I am a champion, hence the confetti. In this picture I liked the colors and the framing of the cups. I didn't feel like I needed the whole frame to let you know what the deal was.

Darian's Ten Favorite Images

Hello All! Here are my ten favorite Images. 

Thought it would help you get to know me a little better! I'll start with my favorite movie in the world Moulin Rouge!

Context 

Title -  Moulin Rouge!

Director - Baz Luhrman

Cinematographer - Donald McAlpine

When -  2001

Budget - 50 million dollar budget

Place - 20th century France

Distributor - 20th Century Fox

Why - profit and entertainment

Content

Genres - Musical

Theme - Truth Freedom Beauty and Love

Thesis - An English writer falls in love with a courtesan. Their love is impossible because she must love whom ever pays for her. However their love is strong and ultimately "overcomes all obstacles".

Message - Love Conquers All

Form

Aesthetics - Medium Long Shot, profile two shot, soft focus with high contrast, vibrant colors

Film Form - Romantic comedy and it is a musical. The musical selections are shot like dreams. They have a lot of visual effects such as bright lights as well as smoke and uncomfortable close ups.

Context 

Title -  Kill Bill Volume I

Director - Quentin Tarantino

Cinematographer - Robert Richardson

When -  2003

Budget - 55 million dollar budget, shared with Volume II

Place - United States, Japan

Distributor -  Miramax Films

Why - Entertainment, Profit, and Artistic

Content

Genres - Action

Cinematography

Theme - Martial Arts Film

Thesis - An ex assassin goes on a journey to kill her former team mates because they killed her bridal party and tried to kill her.

Message - Skilled fighter

Form

Aesthetics - Long Shot, vibrant colors, 

Film Form - Made like a Japanese, Martial Arts film so the shots are in focus because most of the time what is happening in the background is just as important as the foreground.

Context 

Title - The Notebook

Director - Nick Cassavetes

Cinematographer - Robert Fraisse

When -  2004

Budget - 29 million

Place - Southern United States, 1940's

Distributor - Miramax Films

Why - Entertainment and Profit

Content

Genres - Romance

Theme - Love overcoming class barriers

Thesis - A young couple falls in love during the 1940's. Their love has to survive war, social class differences, and ultimately Alzheimer's and old age

Message - Young Love

Form

Aesthetics - Medium Shot, soft colors, natural light, 

Very Little Contrast

Film Form - Romantic Love story set in the 1940's, the focus is never harsh and the objects of importance are in focus. Natural Light

Context 

Title - Pan's Labyrinth

Director - Guillermo del Torro

Cinematographer -  Guillermo Navarro

When -  2006

Budget - 19 million

Place - Mexico, Spain

Distributor - Warner Bros./ Picturehouse

Why - Entertainment, Profit, and Artistic

Content

Genres - Dark Fantasy

Theme - Rebellion, self discovery, imagination

Thesis - Young Ofelia must complete three tasks to return to save her mother and return home to her real father.

Message - The Faun must tell Ofelia what she must do.

Form

Aesthetics - Medium profile two-shot, Dark, Cool colors, Important contrast on Ophelia because she is most important in the shot. Everything else blends together.

Film Form - Dark Fairytale. In this shot the Faun and Ophelia are in focus and the background makes them seem caged in. The entire movie is very dark giving it a mysterious and thrilling feel.

Context 

Title - School Daze

Director - Spike Lee

Cinematographer - Ernest Dickerson

When -  1988

Budget - 6.5 million

Place - Historically Black College, Late 80's

Distributor - Miramax Films

Why - Entertainment, Profit

Content

Genres - Drama

Theme - Racism within the African American community

Thesis - Spike Lee plays a pledge trying to join Gamma Phi Gamma Fraternity. He shows the hardships  in the African American community from hair texture to skin color and everywhere in between.

Message - Shows Julian trying to break Half-Pints spirit.

Form

Aesthetics - Big close- up two shot, Soft focus (made in the 80's)

Film Form - This film is depicting experiences Spike Lee had in college. The shots colors are very realistic as if the viewers are in the scenes as well. This close up is important to show Half-Pint (right) and Julian's (left) expressions.

Context 

Title - 300

Director - Zack Snyder

Cinematographer - Larry Fong

When -  2006

Budget - 65 million

Place - Sparta

Distributor - Warner Bros. Pictures

Why - Entertainment, Profit, Artistic

Content

Genres - Action

Theme - Gory through battle.

Thesis - King of Sparta, Leonidas, leads 300 Spartans into battle to defeat the Persians.

Message - Strength isn't always in Numbers.

Form

Aesthetics - Medium shot, Dark, Monochromatic accept the color red. Height Contrast, over exposed back ground.

Film Form - 300 makes 

Leonidas and his soldiers look like Gods. The heavenly halo of light around his head makes him look like he just came from the sky or is about to return there. Also the soldiers in the background make 

Leonidas look ready for anything. The only vibrant color in the film is red. The color or blood and the Spartans Uniforms, make them both all the more important.

Context 

Title - Enchanted

Director - Kevin Lima

Cinematographer - Don Burgess

When -  2007

Budget - 85 million

Place - New York City

Distributor - Walt Disney Pictures

Why - Entertainment, Profit

Content

Genres - Romantic Comedy

Theme - True Loves First Kiss

Thesis - Ella gets sent to New York City by the Evil Queen. There she finds true Love and a new out look on life.

Message - She is an innocent naive princess.

Form

Aesthetics - Medium close -up, Bright colors, natural look

Film Form - The film in real life depicts a classic fairy tale, the colors are just as vibrant as they would be in a cartoon. Saturated tones where the most important objects the brightest.

Context 

Title - Edward Scissorhands

Director - Tim Burton

Cinematographer - Stefan Czapsky

When -  1990

Budget - 20 million

Place - Fictional Suburban Community

Distributor - 20th Century Fox

Why - Entertainment, Profit

Content

Genres - Romantic Fantasy

Theme - self discovery and isolation

Thesis - An unfinished creation Edward Scissor hands makes his way out of his home into a suburban town where he is first feared then he finds his place in the little community. However, he soon realizes he is too different to fit into the outside world.

Message - Edward has ruined his hands, therefore he wont ever be normal.

Form

Aesthetics - Close up, Face in focus, Dark

Film Form - In this image Edward's creator has just died and he has ruined his chance at ever being completely normal. The Cinematographer chose to put Edward face in focus to show his expression at this life changing moment.

Context 

Title - Phantom of the Opera

Director - Joel Schumacher

Cinematographer - John Mathieson

When -  2004

Budget - 70 million

Place - Paris, 1870

Distributor - Warner Bros. Pictures

Why - Entertainment, Profit

Content

Genres - Romantic Fantasy

Theme - Unrequited love

Thesis - The Phantom of the Opera falls in love with Christine and hopes to woo her without her ever seeing his face. When it doesn't work he kidnaps her however her lover saves her in the end.

Message - The Phantom of the Opera is always there

Form

Aesthetics - Close Up, two shot, dark, low contrast, soft focus

Film Form - In this Romantic fantasy it is very dark to show the darkness of the phantom. In contrast Christine is always light to show her innocence.

Context 

Title - Secret Life of Bees

Director - Gina Prince-Bythewood

Cinematographer - Rogier Stoffers

When -  2008

Budget - 11 million

Place - Carolina, 1964

Distributor - Fox Searchlight Pictures

Why - Entertainment, Profit

Content

Genres - Romantic Fantasy

Theme - Good in everyone, Love, Race, Civil Rights

Thesis - Rosaleen and Lilly flee to Augusts house to find clues about Lilly's mother. There they find solace and the beginning of a better life.

Message - Good in even a tiny bee

Form

Aesthetics - Medium close-up, soft colors, shallow depth of field, natural light

Film Form - Soft Intimate film with little Contrast and soft colors. The film is a little ethereal because of the use of nature through out. The colors are realistic.