March PPE: learner response task

1) Feedback: Need more depth + focus on Q 

2) I have used some of the potential points that were made in the mark scheme, however I could have used up to 2 more points for each question and gone more in depth which would have given me a higher grade

3)My strongest question was Media Forms, where I got 7 marks. I went slightly more in depth with this questions and explained the effects of the techniques that have been used.

4) My weakest question was Media Audience where I got 6 marks. The reason for this is because I did not have many points to elaborate on, and kept on repeating myself. I also wasted time on an introduction that wasn't even good enough. 

5)

• Media Institutions: Least successful, as I went off track with my points therefore it was not in depth. However did make some of the successful points mentioned in the examiners report. 
• Media Forms: More successful, as I have used appropriate theories etc, however did not go into much depth 
• Media Audiences: Least successful, focused on the general aspects of the trailer
• Media Representation: Least successful, as I did not focus on certain points such as the structure etc. and rather focus on simply the representation of disabled athletes and still did not go into much depth with the effects of these representations

6) Media Representations 

The Paralympic Games are represented in the trailer as a much anticipated sporting through the several shots/images and other techniques that have been used. 

Strong images of the athletes are constantly used which gives the audience an insight of their training which eventually leads to a build up. This build up creates anticipation, which makes the product more appealing (Gillian Dyer) and this makes the audience look up and aspire to these athletes who represent self-importance and pride, and also successful careers. The effect of this is that a positive image is created of the athletes, while also making the audience look forward to the Paralympics as a major sporting event, 

By using these images, an alternative representation is also created of the Paralympics of it being exciting and exhilarating which defies the typical stereotypes of the Paralympics being boring and dull when compared to the Olympics. Positive stereotypes (Perkins theory) are instead reinforced as the Paralympics are instead represented in a more positive light i.e. edgy and gritty with determined athletes.

Several other techniques such as shots of the crowd and music also create excitement, and it allows the audience to create some form of self identification (Uses and Gratifications) as they are technically the audience of the Paralympics and it could potentially be them who are cheering on the athletes when the games take place. The use of titles such as "meet the superhumans" makes the athletes seem out of this world and this creates an image of them having exceptional powers and abilities, which makes the audience want to look forward to the Paralympics. 

Institution Research

Ill Manors: Funding and production budget

1. The estimated budget for Ill Manors was £100,000 
2.  Ill Manors was supported and funded by 3 different organisations: Film London, Microwave Films and BBC Films
3. Skyfalls budget was £140,9082/2 million dollars

A Field In England: Funding and production budget

1. The estimated budget for A Field in England is £316,000
2.  A Field In England managed to secure a higher budget than Ill Manors because Ben Wheatley is a renowned arthouse film director therefore he has a larger following in the British film industry whereas Plan B is an amateur director. Despite this Ill Manors was still a success. 
3.  A Field In England was funded by Film4 therefore this is where they got their money from 

Film London and Microwave Film
Ill Manors was created partly thanks to Film London and Microwave Film. Revise the key details from your MEST2 research by answering the following questions:

1. Film London is an organistation that owns nine of the regional screen agencies throughout the UK, and has the aims of sustaining and developing the London film industry
2. The purpose of microwave film is to fund film makers through their funding scheme. However they also give development and mentoring support to all of the shortlisted projects, as well as production finance and distribution support to the final commissioned films.
3. There are several similarities between Shifty and Ill Manors such as their target audience, their story line in terms of drugs and the fact that they are both based on a social issue. However there also are some differences such as the fact that they both have different certifications, and that Ill Manors has a more serious tone while Shifty is quite humorous despite its storyline.

Vertigo Films and Warp Films

1. Some of the most successful films Vertigo Films has been involved in include: Streetdance 3D, Spring Breakers, Pudsey the Dog: The Movie, 
2. These films have been successful with their audience as the films that Vertigo have been involved in are quite diverse in terms of their concepts therefore they are more appealing to different target audiences
3.  Some of the film genres that Vertigo Films have worked with include drama and sports-drama, comedy, and crime. 
4.  Warp Films originally started off as an electric music record label
5. Some of the most successful films produced by warp films include This is England, 71',  and The Last Panthers 
6.  Warp Films has helped to develop new talent in the film industry because they look out for amateur film directors to fund and help out
7.  A film that is similar to Ill Manors could be The Sweeney as it has elements of violence and action such as Ill Manors, the audience of both films are also 18 and the location of both films is in the UK. However, there are some differences in terms of the concepts as Ill Manors is a social realism film whereas Sweeney is more of an entertainment film 

Certification: BBFC

1.  The certification process work at the BBFC  takes place through a process where examiners watch a film at a BBFC cinema. The examiners are specialised in certain cases i.e. if it is a foreign film. Examiners log details of what they watch, including:
   • general context - plot, characters, outline of individual scenes
   • timings of key moments, including camera angles, type of shots, on- and off-screen moments
   • bad language, sex and drug references and so on
2.  The guidelines for a 15 certificate is that no theme is prohibited, provided that it is appropriate for 15 year olds. The content of a 15 certificate of film may include any of the following:

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (e.g. '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 behavior
• drug taking

Whereas for a 18 certificate the rules are more relaxed, No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment provided the material is not illegal or potentially harmful, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers. 18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:

• very strong violence
• frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘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

When compared, it is quite clear that an 18 certificate is more relaxed than a 15 certificate, and that a 15 certificate has more limitations however strong language and violence as allowed to only a certain extent. 

1. According to the BBFC Ill Manors got an 18 certificate because "The film contains over 25 uses of very strong language, many of which are delivered with aggression or accompanied by violence. This exceeds the terms of the BBFC's Guidelines at '15' which state 'Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable'" This may have an effect on the Ill Manors commercial success because a majority of their target audience (15-24 year olds) wouldn't be able to watch it.
2. According to the BBFC A Field In England got an 18 certificate because "There are over 30 uses of strong language ('f**k'), as well as a single use of very strong language ('c**t').The film contains scenes of fighting, including shootings with historical pistols. The film also contains scenes depicting the hallucinatory experiences of characters who have eaten 'magic' mushrooms. There are also some crude sex references and male genital nudity in a non-sexual and comic context"
3.  An advantage of an 18 certificate film is that a younger audience won't be as exposed to violence and profanity, which can have an effect on them especially if they are pre-teens. However, a disadvantage of an 18 certificate could be the fact that the target audience of the film wouldn't be able to watch it. This can be shown through the issue of Ill Manors having a 15-24 target audience yet those who are 15-17 are unable to go to the cinema to watch it because they will be denied entrance. It could be argued that a 15-17 year old is maturer therefore portrayals of violence shouldn't have such a negative effect on them as it would on a 12 year old. 

MEST1 Section B: index

1) The British film industry: Media Factsheet questions
2) Institutional context of the British film industry: Factsheet questions
3) Ill Manors: film review
4) Ill Manors: trailer analysis
5) Ill Manors: music video
6) Ill Manors: TEDx lecture
7) Ill Manors: broadcast platform concluded
8) Ill Manors: print platform (newspaper interviews)
9) Ill Manors: print branding
10) Ill Manors: e-media Tag London campaign
11) Ill Manors: e-media social networking research
12) Ill Manors: official website analysis
13) A Field In England: reading, research and questions
14) Ill Manors & A Field In England: institution research

Appeal of arthouse film

1. Some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse films according to this article is the fact that you gain some form of satisfaction when watching an arthouse film as you gain new knowledge and this can help to enhance the choices you take in life and your understanding of life. 
2. Some audiences struggle with arthouse film because there is a lack of narrative closures which one is used to as this is the typical narrative structure that is followed in arthouse films. Intertexuality often takes place in arthouse films aswell, which may make it difficult for members of the audience to understand certain topics that are mentioned. Bordieu's theory on 'cultural competences' can be linked to this as it suggests that being able to read difficult texts i.e. those which contain elements of intertexuality, gives the individual cultural capital and this emphasises social class as the individual is more likely to be seen as educated therefore they are of a higher class.
3. Arthouse film can be argued to be only for the middle classes and older audiences to an extent. The fact that an arthouse film are described as films that are purposely difficult to understand or ‘read’, suggests that an arthouse film needs certain knowledge and understanding to be watched, and this can only be done by the higher class as they are for example educated and more aware of cultures. However, this can only be put forward to an extent as despite this many members of the audience still do not understand certain references or concepts of the film such as the writer of the article who can be seen as someone of a higher class whereas someone who may be of a lower class or a younger audience may understand these references and enjoy watching the film.
4. A Field In England would appeal to an A/B/C1 audience as it is based around a historical narrative (English Civil War) therefore someone who is from a more educated background would most likely want to watch it. The film would also appeal to an older audience as a narrative based on the English Civil War is most likely to bore the majority of the young audience. Someone who is interested in the artistic element i.e. cinematography, editing of arthouse films would most likely want to watch this film aswell because the director of the film is noted for his creative skills and his technique of filming 

A Field in England

A Field In England is an arthouse film released on the 5th of July 2013 based on the English Civil War. This film is noted for its experimental film release where the film was released on multiple platforms on the same day as an attempt to maximise each platforms potential. A Field In England was made on a low budget of £300,000, which was provided for by Film 4, Picturehouse Entertainment and the BFI distribution fund.

1.  A Field In England's release was different to a typical film release because it was released on multiple platforms on the same day rather than a typical film where there is a certain time period before the film is released on DVD/Blu ray, VOD etc. However, this technique was quite successful and did not fail, and with each platform there was an additional benefit added towards it such as the cinema's running a live Q&A premier. 
2.  There are several advantages to release the film across all platforms on the same day such as gaining recognition which it certainly has on its release tactics. Each platform has its own additional benefits such as extra materials on DVD and a Q&A at the cinema, and by releasing the film across all platforms a wider audience can also be attracted as people can watch it from anywhere they want to which gives all the platforms their greatest advantage. 
3. There are also disadvantages to this approach such as the film not gaining as much profit as it possibly could have because it was available for free on TV, therefore potential film goers may prefer to stay at home and watch it for free instead.
4.  I believe the target audience of A Field In England would be A/B/C1 as the film has an historical element which can be linked to University graduates as being potential viewers of the film as the concept of the film may appeal to them. Someone who is also interested in arthouse films and the media may also want to watch this film as the film has been inspired by other foreign films and several of their techniques have been used within this film to make it visually appealing. Ben Wheatley is quite a renowned director aswell and is known for his films which may make someone want to go and watch A Field In England.
5. I believe that films in the future may try to be experimental in terms of the way they release their films, however I do not believe that all films would release them across all platforms simultaneously as they may want to earn profit etc. 

E-media off-site research

Ill Manors Facebook page

1.  The iLL Manors film page has had 29,881 likes 
2. The top of the page is a cover which is promoting the film and encouraging people to buy the dvd/ blu-ray and download/on-demand
3. Choose five of the posts on the page's wall, screengrab them and explain how they appeal to the Ill Manor's target audience.
4. (Music Video) This promotes the film because it links back to the soundtrack of the film and this will interest and reel in the audience if they like the music as there will be something to look forward too
5. (Article on "protest music") This article promotes the film because it goes back to the concept of iLL Manors and helps to explain Plan B's music and beliefs a bit more 
6. (Article on Plan B) This article helps to promote the film because it gives the audience more of an idea on the director himself, Plan B. The article also discusses iLL Manors which is a form of promotion 
7. Three examples on the Facebook wall of opportunities for user generated content or audience interaction 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Find three examples of the Facebook page cross-promoting the soundtrack or DVD release
9. Find the Twitter graffiti campaign link on the Facebook wall and screengrab it.
10. The institution used the Facebook page to promote the film's release by posting several articles linked to Plan B's creation of the film and through audience interaction i.e. asking questions/competitions. The page also constantly encouraged users to buy the film and check it out through posts

Ill Manors Twitter feed

1. The Ill Manors twitter feed uses the Ill Manors brand to promote the film in several ways. For example, by making the pages avi the logo for Ill Manors the viewer can understand that this twitter page is the official page for Plan B's film. In the description box the page states that Ill Manors is "The directorial debut of award-winning rapper/singer @4PlanB (aka Ben Drew)", where it then goes on to link websites where you can order the film. The tweets themselves are all related to the film, and engage the users by asking questions about the film.
2. The hashtag that is mainly used is the #ILLMANORS hashtag, which is also used in the campaign
3.  The Ill Manors Twitter feed has used pictures to help promote the film such as film posters and videos of Plan B performing, which all link back to Ill Manors.
WHY ARE THE RICH GETTING RICHER AND THE POOR GETTING POORER. PFFT TO THE GOVERNMENT.THE OLYMPICS WILL DESTROY LONDON #ILLMANORS. This tweet targets the audience of the film, young people who are against the governments decisions , because it discusses the issue of the classes in the UK which is also represented through the characters in the film.
4.   The Ill Manors twitter was used to specifically promote the release of the film through the use of social media interaction:

#illMANORS OUT NOW ON BLU-RAY & DVD ★★★★★ Checking these great personal reviews! >>> @iLLManors #illmanors

For example, this tweet specifically states the ratings it has recieved, it also encourages users to check out reviews which will make the audience want to watch the film.

6 DAYS UNTIL ILLMANORS IS OUT ON BLU RAY

This tweet creates excitement for the audience as the countdown for the release will want to make the audience stay updated and aware of when the blu ray will release.

Blu Ray, DVD and download #ILLMANORS

This tweet helps the audience to understand that there are different platforms in which the film is available on

YouTube - planbuk channel

1. The planbuk YouTube channel was used to promote the Ill Manors film by posting videos based on the film such as its soundtrack i.e. music videos. Videos such as interviews about Ill Manors have also been posted which can help the audience get an idea about what Ill Manors is about which can engage the audience.
2. An example of synergy would be between the planbuk channel and the DVD extras of Ill Manors as the youtube channel also gives information about the film. 
3. There are links to other social networking sites on the planbuk channel homepage such as iTunes, Twitter, Facebook, and Plan B's website

Website Analysis

1.  There are several examples of the Ill Manors brand on the ill manors website homepage such as the dark colour scheme, the setting i.e. the house that is featured in the film, the characters. The Ill Manors logo is also presented on the webpage. 
2.  The website encourages the audience to buy or interact with Ill Manors products by placing texts that urge the audience to buy their product such as the graffiti text. 
3.  Social media is used constantly through the website by linking social media websites 
4.  This statement links to other texts such as the Tedx talk because it links back to the issues that were discussed such as the riots and its cause. The article also discusses how the public sector has not done anything about this issue. I disagree with his claim that he wont justify the riots as he clearly reinforces them in his music video rather than creating an alternative representation of teenagers. 
5.  I believe social media is overtaking official websites in terms of film promotion because it is a quick way to promote products as they will be spread around by users quite quickly. Social media is also used by everyone so there is a large audience.