Isaac - 4 short films.

Film- Sprockett on Vimeo

Director- Hazel Meeks

‘Freddy is faced with a double-dare. Will he face his fear and enter the world of Old Man Sprockett?’

Representation:

•3 main different social groups represented in this short are age, gender and social class. The film features 4 characters, 3 young boys and 1 elderly man- consequently creating a contrast in age groups.

 •The young boys are shown in a conventional and stereotypical way, as they are daring the boy to go and search ‘Sprocketts’ house. It’s a classic representation, as they try to worry their friend as he goes forward with the dare. This choice of representation is used in a lot of films of a comparable style. It is not a negative representation, despite the fact they are frightening him, it is a common and realistic view of young boys.

•‘Old man Sprockett’ is represented in a way that is common for films of this genre; the audience anticipate to see a scary aged man, where we are surprised to see a quirky and likeable character. This is a very positive representation, and it complements the style of the film, as stereotypically old men who live on their own are perceived to be unsociable and creepy.

•I think that the representations presented in the film were certainly formed by the intended audience, as I think that a lot of the audience would be of a comparable age to the young boys in the film, therefore making it easier for them to enjoy and follow the narrative.

•The film doesn’t really deal with any issues, though you could say that the two boys were pressuring/bullying him to go into the house, and the focal boy turned it back on to them, pretending that something bad or scary was happening, consequently making him look like the daring one.

 

Narrative:

•As a spectator we don’t know much about the story behind the plot, as nothing is really revealed, however this does not affect the understanding of the plot as no extra knowledge is required.

•The narrative is an example of linear chronology, as it is all in chronological order. It starts with the boys daring him, he goes to explore, meets the old man, they trick the other boys, all the boys leave.

•Todorov’s theory can be applied to this short: the equilibrium at the start when they boys dare him to go in, then the disruption, where he is exploring and he hears the man shout at him. Followed by the confrontation, where he meets Sprockett and the resolution where they trick the other boys into thinking something bad is happening. Finally, the new equilibrium is recognised as all the boys leave.

Genre:

       · It is hard to place this film into one particular genre, as it often is with short film, as it has such a broad narrative and has conventions of all different genres. However I would say that is definitely a family film, a possibly a thriller, or a light thriller (sub-genre). This is because, I think the target audience puts in into the family category, however the start of the short is slightly scary (especially for the younger audience) therefore making it a thriller.

•It’s common for short films to be difficult to put in to a genre, as they are often known as cross-genre or hybrids. Furthermore, they can also fit into sub-genres. Short films also often experimental, and this is beginning to become a genre in itself.

·        

    Steve Neal’s theory of repetition and difference can be seen in this short. For example, one of the conventions of a thriller genre that is repeated throughout is the low key lighting, often used to illuminate the young boys face and create an eerie atmosphere. However the difference can also be seen through the narrative, as it is clear that it is not a thriller, and is a family film

Audience:

·         I believe nearly anyone could be expected to watch this short. For example, a child of around the same age as the characters could watch it as they can relate to it as they probably have been in a similar position. Also because the film is very slightly scary at the start it’s suitable for them to watch and on the other hand the humorous parts can similarly be enjoyed by that aged audience. Furthermore, an adult could watch this film as they could relate and reminisce to their childhood.

      ·  I believe the audience with be pleased by this film as it could cause them to reminisce about their childhood and to relate, thus enjoying it even more. Furthermore, I think they will be pleased by the surprising positive representation of ‘Old Man Sprockett’.

      ·        This short film isn’t actually screened anywhere else, but is positively referred to on blogs and other similar websites.
·         This films has made it to the 2012 Virgin Media Shortlist, for the ‘The People’s Choice Award’ so is awaiting news on an award.

Film- Mixtape

Director- Luke Snellin

Representation:

      The social groups that are represented in the short film, are age and gender. The film has 2 characters, a young male and female.

       ·         The representations have been constructed in a way that suits the genre of the film, romance.

        The young boy character is represented in a very traditional way, from what he looks like to how he interacts with the girl. For example, the boy makes the move on the girl as he gives her the mix tape as what we assume is a romantic gesture; therefore representing a traditional relationship that we would expect to see in films of a romantic genre, however not necessarily of people his age. Lily is also represented typical, traditional girl, dancing around in her bedroom and not making the first move on the boy. She is presented in a ‘girly’ way.

·         No issues are dealt with in the film.

Narrative
·     We don’t learn a lot about the story behind the plot, but we can gather that the two children have been friends for a while, and he has liked her for a while. The spectator doesn’t need any extra information about the story, as the narrative is still clear and enjoyable.

·         The film has a linear narrative, as the plot is in a chronological order. This makes the narrative easier to follow.

·         Roland Barthes theory can be applied, for example an enigma code from the text would be when the boy is walking out his house looking worried, causing the spectator to question where he’s going. You could also apply Vogler’s theory of ‘the hereo’s journey’ top this film- the boy in his room at the start of the film being the ‘hereos ordinary world’, then the hero crosses the threshold and knock on the door of the girls house, where he faces his ‘greatest ordeal’ of giving the mixtape, and then returns to his ordinary world when he hears the girl listening to the tape.

·         The ending of the film has a big impact, and it seems that the boy has been triumphant and the girl likes her present. It allows the spectator to connect with the boy character, and empathise with how he is feeling. It creates a happy feel for the film.

Genre:

      Many genres are apparent in this film, for example it would clearly fit into the genre of romance, as there is an attraction between a male and female character and the short is about one trying to get the attention of another through romantic gestures. Also there is slight humour involved in this film, thus it could be categorised as comedy or rom-com. Furthermore, the film has an overall happiness to it and is very upbeat so is very family suitable, therefore could be classed as family film.

      Short films in general are very experimental with genre; this film is a cross-genre so will have aspects of many different genres, like Romance, Comedy, and family. This is what makes shorts so unique and enjoyable.

     The plot of this film shows examples of Altman’s syntactic codes, as it follows the sort of plot that the spectator would expect to see in a romantic film. It follows the simple story of a boy, giving a girl a present, and them falling in love. This makes the plot pleasing for the spectator as the typical plot developments allow them to know what to expect. You could also say that the mix tape in the film is a semantic code, as mix tapes are very traditional gifts that young men/boys would give to girl that they liked.

Audience:

       This film was posted on Vimeo and Virgin Media Shorts. I expect that this anyone could watch this film and enjoy it. Psychographic: Links to interests like, music, fashion and romance/comedy. Demographics: suitable for both genders and all ages. 

       I believe that the audience will be very pleased by this short film as it’s such a happy and jolly film. It has a joyful and romantic ending that will make anyone smile.

       This film has been screened on YouTube, Vimeo, Virgin Media Shorts and other similar site. The film has been categorised as many things like, a rom-com and a family film.

      Winner - Grand Prize of Virgin Media Shorts 2009, Nominated - Best Short Film for BAFTA 2010, Winner - Best Film, Landcrab FF 2010 and Winner - Best Film, Purbeck FF 2010.

         This short has no production company but was directed by Luke Snellin who now has his own website with other shorts he has produced and also he has moved into producing music videos but this short is his most well-known and successful.

Film – Post-It Love

Director – Si & AD

This short film is about two shy office workers who like each other, and are expressing their love through well-mastered ­­­ and clever post-it note images scattered around the office. Each of them takes turn to better their image until the finale when they both catch each other in the act and give one and another a cheeky smile.

Representation:

      The social group represented in this short film is gender, and the characters are also represented as very timid. The difference in gender between the two characters creates a contrast that is highlighted throughout the narrative.

       The theme of this film is a romance, and therefore the characters are represented as traditional, as they try to show their affection for each other; however the way that they do it is in an artistic and modern way. 

     The two main characters are a young male and female, who both work in the same office, but seem to have never seen each other before. The woman, is represented in a traditional way as she looks very typically feminine, being dressed in a very girly costume. She shows traditional traits, like not leading in making a move and being very nervous and shy. However, on the other hand she also arguably shows modern traits as she too makes very outgoing and bold images with the Post-it notes and therefore does make a move on the male character. Furthermore, she is working in the office too at what appears to be the same level as the male.

      I believe that the film doesn't deal with any issues apart from the characters being shy, but they overcome it in a very modern and unique way.

Narrative:

      The plot does tell a story, of two people meeting and showing their affections for each other, however we don’t know anything about the characters story, who they are or what they do, we don’t ever get introduced to their names.

      The plot is chronological, and I think this is to keep the narrative easy to follow, and to show their relationship and feelings evolving.

      Todorov’s theory cannot be applied to this film, as there is no disruption to equilibrium; it is simply the story of a developing relationship.

Genre:

     The genre of this short film is undoubtedly romance, as is a story of two people falling in love and expressing their love.

      I also believe this short film does have an element of comedy as in the first scene they are both standing at the photocopier and do the exact same actions.

      Rick Altman’s theory of semantic and syntactic could be applied.

      Steve Neale’s theory of repetition and difference and been identified in this short film. For instance, an example of the repetition would be the complementary, parallel soundtrack and the close-up shots to show expressions of affection and attraction. Whereas the difference would be the post-it note artwork, as this is the unique selling point, and the key feature of the film.

Audience:

      I believe that the intended audience for this film would be both male and female, but possibly more towards women. However I do think that nearly anyone would enjoy it as it’s so upbeat and cheerful.

      I think that the audience will appreciate the film as the narrative it is light-hearted and sweet, and the characters are very likeable. The plot is simple, making it an ‘easy watch’, allowing the spectator to just simply enjoy it.

     The directors Si & AD have continually worked together for over a decade. The production company for this short film is ‘Academy Films’.

      As far as I’m aware this film hasn’t received any rewards or been nominated for an award.

Film – The black hole

Directors - Olly Williams and Phil Samson aka Diamond Dogs

A sleep-deprived office worker accidentally discovers a black hole and then greed gets the better of him as he gets himself locked in a safe.

Representation:

     The social group represented in this short film is the male middle class. This is a very stereotypical representation of a male’s office working environment with dark, dull colours and just basic design.

     The representation of the male character is also quite stereotypical as he has stayed on at work and his expressions and body language shows him extremely bored and fed up. This could be seen as a negative representation as he doesn’t seem bothered about his work nor does he have a positive attitude towards his work.  

      The films deals with some issues like greed, as the male character doesn't think twice about stealing money from the safe. Another issue could be his attitude towards his work.

Narrative:

     The plot is chronological, and I think this is to keep the narrative easy to follow, and to show different events unfolding.

      Todorov’s theory could possibly be applied to this short: the equilibrium at the start when he is just simply copying work, then the disruption, where he discovers the black hole sheet. Followed by the confrontation, where he uses the black hole to steal from the vending machine and then when he gets into the locked door to the safe. Finally, the new equilibrium is recognised as he gets trapped in the safe and everything goes quiet again like the start.

Genre:

      I personally think this short is a cross-genre as it has elements of comedy, adventure and thriller. This is common for short films as they often experimental with genre and will cross many genre categories.

      The short film is very conventional; this is due to the fact that there is no dialogue but instead diegetic sound played throughout the whole short film, such as the error beeping of the photocopier.

Audience:  

I    I would expect anyone to watch and enjoy this film. It’s suitable for all age groups and is very well done and unique, so I believe it would be widely enjoyed by most people.

     This short was created for the London Short Film Festival and won the Virgin Media Shorts Award 2008.

     On IMDB the film is categorised to three genres, comedy, crime and drama.

     Production House: HSI London.