Codes and Conventions: Westerns

Codes:

• Hero wears white, while villains wear black.
• Bar room brawls
• Primitive technology
• Gun fight
• Barren and desolate landscape
• Set in a small town with a saloon, jail, general store etc.
• Often centered around the theme of honor and personal justice

Conventions:

• The hero is typically a lone ranger
• The hero usually saves a damsel in distress
• The hero is usually heavily financial motivated
• The hero is at ease with killing people

Evaluation of genre music

Evaluation of Research

In order to produce our piece of music we each decided to individually research our chosen genre

(action). I thought that amongst the things that went well, the use of Wikipedia was a paramount site on which to obtain information, I felt that I was able to successfully gather sufficient information concerning the tempo, pitch, speed and volume of successful compositions used in action films.

However, I also feel disappointed that I was unable to source out more in depth analysis of action music. I feel this was because I was unable to use specific enough terminology when using the search engine Google.

By the end of the research session I think that I was able to produce enough research, Including examples of existing compositions and information regarding the tempo and pitch. I was also able to locate several motion picture scores on itunes although they were only 30 second clips.

If I was to research this genre of music again then I would definitely broaden the terminology when using search engines. I would also attempt to locate longer pieces of music to help me understand the progression of the music piece.

Using Garageband

After completing our research we were set the task of composing our own piece of music in groups using the program Garageband. We were given a brief demonstration of how to use the program which was sufficient enough to reacquaint me with the program.

When composing our piece we initially started out with the electronic keyboard, with which we created a basic tune to pace our piece which we subsequently changed the instrument to a hip hop style drum.

We then proceeded to add various synthetic and hip hop related instruments and beats to our piece in an attempt to maintain a fast tempo.

Unfortunately I feel that we were unsuccessful and that the finished piece was extremely sketchy and random as it often skipped beats and switched between the instruments. Also many people were unable to define our chosen genre, with action(our chosen genre) being about the 8th genre suggested.

I feel that given the chance again I would change the make up of the piece and begin by selecting a more relevant beat from the selection of basic beats provided. I also feel that I would be able to create a piece much more quickly after having spent some time familiarising myself with Garageband.

Evaluating role within a team

From this lesson I conclude that I have furthered my skills with Garageband and now have a wider range of understanding within the program and which instruments, tempo and beats are best to accompany a piece of action music.

Within our team I feel that I contributed by selecting the initial beats and rythym of the piece and suggesting what might work with the piece.

Landscape Photograph Homework

This is my landscape photograph. The subject of the shot is the

lighthouse in the left hand corner, I used the rule of thirds for this shot and placed the subject to the side of the shot. Also the horizon line points to the subject along with the diagonal road and row of cottages.

Portrait Photograph Homework

This is my portrait photograph I chose to place my subject at the edge of a flowerbed as it was perfectly situated for use as a diagonal line to draw in the viewers eye towards the subject. I used the rule of thirds and placed the subject towards the edge of the frame between two vertical hotspots.

Camera angles: Tilted Frame

This is an example of a Tilted Frame shot. This type of shot can be

used to emphasize the movement of a subject or surrounding, making it appear much more dramatic.

Camera angles: Low Angle Shot

This is an example of a Low angle shot. Used to create an effect of superiority and control in a subject.

Camera angles: High Angle Shot

This is an example of a High angle shot

It can be used to make the subject appear to be smaller and helpless to the person above to create an effect of inferiority.

Camera angles: Walking Room

This is an example of a Walking room shot. This can be

used to show where a character may be walking to or anyone or thing they may be walking towards.

Camera angles: Looking Room

This is an example of a Looking room shot. This may be used to

gain a clear view of a person or object the person is looking at.

Camera angles: Over The Shoulder Shot

This is an example of an over the shoulder shot.

This shot can be used to show two people interacting and giving a clear view of theyre emotions and reactions to each other.

Camera angles: Two Shot

This is an example of a Two shot. It may be used to show the emotions of two people or how two people feel about each other. For example if theyre embracing they may be lovers posing for a photograph.

Camera angles: Very Long Shot

This is an example of a very long shot. It may

be used to show off an outside area such as rolling hills or a long high street.

Camera angles: Long Shot

This is an example of a long shot.

It may be used to emphasize a persons surroundings, Actions, Stances or objects to interact with.

Camera angles: Medium Long Shot

This is an example of a medium long shot. It can be used to show off an environment or any objects that the person may be about to interact with.

Camera angles: Medium Shot

This is an example of a medium shot. Its used for very much the same effect as a medium close up only this time you can see anything the person may be holding or any action they may be performing.

Camera angles: Medium Close Up

This is an example of a medium close up

its similar to a medium close up only you can see more of the persons upper body (and what they're wearing) and more of the background. For example if a person was standing in a graveyard and you could see they were wearing black, with an expression of grief or distress then it would be a safe bet that they were mourning someone.

Camera angles: Close Up

This is an example of a close up A close up can be used to

show emotions and reactions in the same way as an Extreme or Big close up, Although with a close up we are able to see part of the persons background to create more of an atmospheric effect.

Camera angles: Big Close Up

This is an example of a big close up. Its used for the same effect as an extreme close up, to show emotions however with a big close up we can get a more accurate interpretation of the emotion as we can see the expression on the persons lips.

Camera angles: Extreme Close Up

This is an example of an extreme close up. This type of shot is used to show a persons emotions, or a persons reaction to an event.

Why I chose Media Studies

I decided to choose Media Studies as it was recommended to me by a friend as something I might find worthwhile for my future. I have some practical experience mostly of taking photographs and short films with my digital camera and mobile phone.