Initial ideas and planning

When thinking of our ideas, we used a large sheet to easily display our thought for the film. It allowed us to make notes of small details and ensure that every aspect was clear. It helped us immensely during filming as we could refer back to previous ideas and understand why we chose them. The notes are brief yet concise, then we created a story board which show how our film is going to look. 

Media theories

Propps character theory:
There are 8 categories in which characters fall into in a film. Traditionally, there is a male protagonist that overthrows the villain. This restores the equilibrium and usually involves him winning the heart of the heroine. The villain causes disruption which is likely to endanger the heroine. There is a dispatcher character who sends a hero to restore the equilibrium, it is often a father figure. Furthermore, there will be a donor character who gives the hero advice or help during the journey. There is often a few characters that will aid the hero. The heroine is a very vulnerable character and needs to be rescued. During the journey there maybe a false hero who acts as though they are on the side of the hero but may deceive them or turn against them in some way. 

For example, In Harry Potter:
Harry- the hero 
Hermione and Ron- the helpers
Dumbledore- the dispatcher/donor 
False hero- Quirinus Quirrell 
Heroine- Ginny 

Levi-Strauss opposites theory:
Binary opposites are two characters who are very different in many obvious and not so obvious ways. They often clash and cause fights or some sort of action. Its often seen as good VS evil. 

For example, In Harry Potter:
Harry- the good character
Voldemort- the evil character 

Todorov's equilibrium theory:
He suggested that all narratives follow a three part structure in which it begins with an an equilibrium (it is all balanced), then there is a disruption, it eventually reaches a resolution and the equilibrium is restored. 

For example, In Harry Potter:
Harry's living a normal life. - Equilibrium.
Harry's parents are killed by Voldemort - A disruption of the equilibrium.
Harry realizes that Voldemort is trying to kill him and many others. - Recognition of the situation. 
Harry works with many other people but dies. - Attempt to solve the disruption.
Harry is brought back to life and manages to overthrow Voldemort. - Restores the equilibrium. 

Uses and gratification theory:
Uses and gratifications theory is an approach to understanding why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs. It looks at what audiences want when watching a film. 

Introduction Post

Hi my name is Eleanor Casey and i have just started year 12. I have decided to study media because i find it incredibly interesting and have done animation in the past. I am always watching films and TV series.