Thomas Hatchman S3381278 – RMIT University
FILM TV1 – Media and Communications

Analysis & Reflection – Week 3 Blog Questions & Responses:

1. In the film Clown Train how does sound contribute to the atmosphere of this film? Describe what you heard?

Response: This film was definitely an enjoyable film to watch! The concept and idea was clever and mysterious and leaves you on the edge of your seat. From a technical and stylistic point of view, I think the students who created this film have done a great job to create a dynamic relationship between what the audience sees (visual composition/framing) and the sound.

In saying this, sound is key concept here. During the opening scenes of the film, we hear quite a strong high pitch screeching sound. This automatically suggests to the audience that the film has some type of dramatic or mysterious connotation associated to it. There is no strong rhythm here, but perhaps a variety of distorted sharp high and low attacks. In the first frame, when the train begins to slow down, the sound spirals downwards and eventually stops. It is at this point that the sound reduces in volume and the atmosphere changes.

Visually, we see a young man and a clown secluded on a train carriage. It is here, where the audience is given some understanding about the situation at hand. During this time, there is a major shift in the volume, pitch and frequency of the sound. The screeching has stopped to a bellowing halt and the sound has become dry and saturated. It almost sounds muffled and grainy. As the film progresses and the story develops it appears the lights in the carriage begin to short-circuit. The lights begin to flicker fast as they loose power and we hear sharp bright crisp peaks, which are higher in pitch and volume. After the lights short circuit they stop flickering and become back to normal. The sound of the train screeching has stopped and the only sound we hear is verbal dialogue. However as the story evolves the atmosphere intensifies, and louder more mysterious sounds evolve.  This helps to keep the intensity and suspense of the film constant.

At the conclusion of the film, the sound changes quite dramatically for the last time. As the film ends and the credits begin to scroll. Dark mysterious piercing sounds are used as we assume the train has begun moving again. The sounds are deep, congested and aggressive.

Furthermore, I want to last of all, draw on other elements of the film, and how these elements contribute and support how the sound is utilized. Specifically the use of mise-en-scene elements such as the lighting and costumes, definitely contribute to how the sound in this scene has been portrayed. Due to the nature of this film, and the way it has been shot and framed, we can conclude that the sound most certainly helps audiences determine the circumstances and relationships within the film, as well as the genre and overall theme.

Can you make reference to another genre film and how they utilize sound to create tension and a unique filmic space?

The famous ‘shower’ scene from the 1960’s film Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock was definitely a film that came to mind. Psycho was a horror film starring Janet Leigh as Marion Crane and Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates the killer. I choose this film because, of its suspenseful horror scenes, and because it uses similar types of sound to that of Clown Train. This particular scene certainly utilizes filmic space well to create suspense and to also increase the dramatic tension. It is filmed in a bathroom so it is a claustrophobic environment and the victim in the scene has no escape.

2. Select from one of the readings, up to but not including Week 5, and briefly describe two points that you have taken from it. Points that excite you, something that was completely new to you.

Response:

Week 3 Alten S. Audio in Media, (pg. 5-11, pg. 266-286). Belmont: Wadsworth, Sound Design, Creating Sound Design, 1994

POINT 1:

The first point which I took from this reading which was new to me, was the section on Sound Design. According to the reading, sound design is one of the most important elements when it comes to producing a film. Similar to that of a cinematographer, which is responsible for the stylistic elements of a film, the sound designer is responsible for sound. Most people who specialize in this area of filmmaking perform various tasks on a routine basis. This includes selecting and operating microphones, operating the production console, production recording, producing and recording sound effects, producing music, recording and re-recording dialogue, editing and mixing.

POINT 2:

The second point that I got from this reading, which was both new and exciting, was learning about the different functions of sound. I was never aware that in order to create a sound design, you have three elements with which to work, speech sound effects and music. This is because sound doesn’t have as many elements as pictorial design, however it is still considered a formidable agent in communicating cognitive and affective information.  Throughout history sound has not only had an informational role but has been a transcending spiritual necessity for the film industry.

3. Multiple Choice

In relation to script character can determine….

Answer:

C: The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes a person

4. In the tutorials this week we screened a short film called Rolling – a film made in Film-TV1 a few years ago.

In 300 words or less describe what you thought worked or didn’t. At this stage we don’t expect you to have a great deal of film knowledge or language. Don’t be afraid to use your own words. Things you could talk about – script, casting, timing, camera movement, location. You may not remember much detail, if so, it could be helpful to talk about your first impressions, after all this is what most of us are left with after one viewing.

Response: My first impressions of this week’s short film ‘Rolling’ were positive. I actually really enjoyed watching the film and thought the students who created it did a wonderful job. I think the film really set the standard for media students doing the course this year. I think this group did well at coming up with a simple and clever narrative structure where they were able to create complex characters in a fairly basic story outline. The script was well written and the story was engaging and creative. The relationships and circumstances were clear but not predictable, which meant there was always the possibility for change.

In terms of casting, I think both actors did a solid job at staying on story. I think the chemistry between them was definitely there, and it was nice to watch how their relationship evolved towards the end of the film. In saying this though, I do believe the male actor was perhaps a little stronger than his female counterpart. He clearly had more experience and did a superior job at staying on character.

Furthermore, I thought the way this film was shot and framed was also really good. It wasn’t a complicated piece of filming but each shot still managed to set the scene and tell the story. I think visually the film was aesthetically pleasing, well framed and choreographed, especially for a student production. The only part of the film that I would criticize would be the eye lines between characters. In some of the shots it appeared that the characters weren’t looking at each other, which made it difficult for the audience to understand what was going on at times.

Overall I think ‘Rolling’ is great example of what is expected from students in this subject. I’m hoping that our group can produce something similar, and really work together to showcase what we’re capable of creating.

Thomas Hatchman S3381278 – RMIT University
FILM TV1 – Media and Communications

 Analysis & Reflection – Week 1 Blog Questions & Responses:

Question 1: In 200 words or less please outline your goals, desires – what you want to get out of this semester. You will review this later in the course. Many will rethink this dramatically – this is a good thing

Response: This semester, my goals in this subject are to challenge myself, and therefore get the best out of this course. I specifically chose FILM TV 1 because I wanted to test my creative capacities and discover more about how film works and how it can be used to tell stories. I think film is a very powerful medium, and enjoy learning about the different components that film offers.

I chose this subject because I’ve always been very passionate about narrative and script writing, so I would like to push my skills in this area and hopefully create some interesting material as the semester progresses. Another reason for doing this course is that I’m also interested in developing my practical skills. This involves using cameras and the editing suites. I hope on completion of this course my skills are closer to that of an industry professional, and my ability to use film-editing software is a lot better than it is now.

I’m also looking forward to working in a group environment on our major assignment. I really hope that our group can work together well to bring out the best in everybody. Personally, I’m excited to face the challenge of working with other people and experimenting with different ideas. I hope that throughout this semester I can create and develop new concepts through film practice and enhance and improve my skills.

Question 2: Consider Jasmine’s lecture on Screenwriting and briefly describe one point that you have taken from it.

Response: Throughout the duration of this lecture, Jamie spoke specifically about the use of story and narrative in film. Jamie mentioned that story and narrative are the key components for driving the story world.  She states that there will often be different fundamental figures, e.g.: protagonist, antagonist as well as character events, difficulties and turnings points that will drive a story to it’s climax and resolution.

During Jamie’s presentation I learnt that having a strong story structure is essential as it plays a fundamental role in helping people make sense of film and the world around them. That the experiences we endure through watching film and through our everyday life also convey both a sense of ‘narrative’ and story. Jamie also mentioned that filmmakers will often incorporate the use of story into their work, because as an audience, people often have an expectation that they will be lead along some sort of narrative pathway at some point. I also learn’t from Jamie that all the events in a story, both the ones explicitly presented and those the viewer infers, are often based on the information presented and assumptions made by the viewer.

A point that excites you, something that was completely new to you, perplexes you or even one you take issue with.

Something which Jamie said that excited me was when she spoke about the way filmmakers can arouse the interest of their viewers by carefully divulging story information at various points.  I found it interesting the way she mentioned that filmmakers will actually withhold vital information for the sake of curiosity or surprise, or supply information in such a way that it creates expectations or increases suspense. All these processes constitute ‘narration’ I suppose, which is the plots way of distributing story information in order to achieve specific effects and outcomes.

I also thought it was interesting how Jamie spoke about ‘story not being like real life’, I’m not sure I agree with this completely. I thought story, narrative, or any other form of storytelling for that matter was supposed to, in some way convey real life?  That information was new to me, not something I say I can totally agree with considering I’m an actor on the outside world!

Question 3: Select from one of the readings from week 1 or 2 and briefly describe two points that you have taken from that reading. Points that excite you, something that was completely new to you.

Response:

Week 1 Narratives Branston, G. and Stafford, R. The media student’s book, (p. 32-48). 3rd ed. London: Routledge, 2003

POINT 1:

I found it interesting to read about the different forms of narrative in media. This included narrative through photography, comic strips, radio and cinema. I never thought narrative in photography could prove to be such a powerful political and social communication device, since it is just a sequence of frozen moments in time.

Like photography, cinema and radio were also areas of interest that I found captivating. The most exciting section I read was about the differences between video and audio recording, and how these media devices can move narrative throughout time and space. It’s remarkable to learn how humans have developed systems through voice, silence, sound effects and illusion to create character and meaning to narrative.

POINT 2:

In this reading, something which was new to me, was the way narrative has spread across different cultures overtime. How media and other cultural influences have caused narration to develop into a variety of different forms. Throughout time narration was, and still is, used to describe how stories are told, how material is selected and arranged in order to achieve particular effects and outcomes with audiences around the globe. All cultures from my understanding of this extract appear to make stories in an involving and enjoyable way, in an attempt to create sense and giving meaning to the world.

Thomas Hatchman – S3381278 – RMIT University
FILM TV 1 – Task 1 – Week 1: Character Exercise.

Completed Week 1 – Due Week 2:

My Story Outlines
 Synopsis Exercise 2: 2 x Story Outline

1. Alexander wakes up for his regular working day at the local butcher store. As he is getting dressed he realizes that it is raining outside so he decides to drive his car. On his way to work he receives a call from a private number. It is the police who inform him that his sister, Margaret is missing and that she had been last seen the previous morning leaving a local petrol station in her green Volks Wagon Sedan.  Alex concerned decides to arrive late to work and instead drive to his sister’s place to find out the situation. When he arrives he finds her house has been police taped and that there is no one at the scene so he decides to continue to work.

When he arrives at work his best friend Peter informs him of an item on the news.  Apparently according to Channel 9, Margaret was last seen with a tall Caucasian man with brown hair and tanned complexion that they believe could have a close connection to Alexander’s missing sister. Alex surprised by the news, is in disbelief but has no choice but to continue his day at work. After a long day cutting meat he rushes home to watch the television news. It is only then that he realizes that his best friend Peter matches the description of footage seen on a security camera during his sister’s disappearance. Shocked by the discovery that Peter may be a prime suspect in his sister’s disappearance, Alex reaches for the phone to inform his brother Mark, but he doesn’t answer.  He hears a sudden knock at the door.

 2. Fiona sits eating her pizza at her local parlor surrounded by couples kissing and cuddling and realizes the miserable life she leads. As she struggles to get out of bed the following morning, she is convinced love may be hard for her to find.  Because of her extreme overweight figure, she believes that being noticed and adored is never going to happen. She calls her best friend Kate who is married with two kids and listens to her talk animatedly about her husband and children. Fiona wishes she could find a husband who loves her. It is all too much for Fiona and in despair she throws her phone and it accidentally lands in the fish bowl. Frustrated she decides to venture outside and get the grocery shopping done. With her trolley loaded she proceeds to the register where George is waiting to serve her. Their eyes meet, Fiona’s heart skips a beat and there is an instant connection.

As Fiona returns to the car, her excitement gets the better of her and she trips over face first. As she struggles to get to her feet a fit looking couple walk past laughing. Upset, bleeding and sore, Fiona drives home and despite her injured face still believes she has found the love of her life. When she arrives home, her hopefulness fades quickly as she realizes George cannot call because her phone has become water logged. Now, back to her miserable life and with all hope gone, she returns to her local pizza parlor for dinner. It is only upon arrival she sees George and the two connect for the second time.

Thomas Hatchman – S3381278 – RMIT University
FILM TV 1 – Task 1 – Week 1: Character Exercise.

Week 1

Group Task – Story Idea Practice:

In mid sized town, somebody is dressing in disguise and fighting crime-a-real-life superhero or a masked vigilante?

1. After the conclusion of Vice’s career as a stand up comedian at Showtime, he took on a superhero job fighting real life crime. After seeing a job application on a shop window of a costume shop late one night after his regular stand up show, he decides to change his career pathway. After taking up the job he meets James, a soulless but successful accountant after fighting a thief who robbed a bank. The two become friends after Vice’s great success, and James decides to quit his job and become Vice’s Robin Hood. The two become best friends and decide to save the world from evil.

My Story Ideas 
Exercise 1: 2 x Story Ideas

1.  Butcher, Alexander is 55 years old and lives by himself.  His life is uneventful and could even be thought of as boring. That all changed the day his sister went missing.  His best friend is implicated and his brother is nowhere to be found.  A sudden knock at his front door helps him solve the mystery.

2. Fiona has always been overweight. Ever since she was a child she was teased and tormented and now at 27, lives a lonely and miserable life looking for love. That all changed the day she met George at the cash register on a visit to the supermarket. Some unexpected mishaps turn her hope into disappointment until she finds herself back at the pizza parlor and her life changes forever.