Moving Image Arts

The End.

2009-06-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say congratualtions to all of you for getting your films and all the accompanying written work in on time.

This year we had some really great work from both AS and A2 students. We had a diverse range of styles from noir to horror, a music video, drama and even a bit of comedy.

To complete your own short film requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. Many of you made the effort to stay long after the bell had gone to work on your films, at one stage I thought Brendan was going to start camping out in my room! Others put a great deal of time into getting the right actors, costumes and setting. I know it was a lot of work but I hope along the way you had fun in making your films and that you feel a sense of accomplishment when watching the fruits of your labour.

Good luck in your exams and I hope you have a great summer.
Ms D-L

The End is Nigh!

2009-05-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hi there,
just a reminder that This Thursday is the day for our screening. We should meet after school in Ms Cole's room. Make sure you have your film burnt to disc before then and have checked it works. Also, don't forget to have your questionnaires ready, if you need them photocopied get them to me before 2.30 on Thursday.

AFter that all we need to do is finish your evaluations and prepare for the exam.

The dates for the exam are as follows:

A2 (Legacy) - Tues 12 May 2009 (AM)

AS (New) - Thurs 4 June 2009 (AM)

Keep busy.

Easter Fun.

2009-04-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

So, it's almost that time of year when onto Newcastle's streets Shimna students spill, camera in hand, storyboard and shot list in pocket, ready to embark on a shooting spree.

So far the one/ two minute films have been a success and the planning seems to be in place. I love all of your ideas and can't wait to see what you've shot when we get back!

A few things just to remember over the coming weeks:
1) Keep a production diary, write it up at the end of each day's shooting
2) Shoot scenes a couple of times and from different angles, in other words shoot more than you've planned for.
3) Make sure you have enough tape!
4) At the end of each day's shooting fast forward your tape a few seconds, you don't want to tape over your previous day's work!
5) Callum says, do the log list when you're filming rather than when you're finished, otherwise you'll have forgotten everything.
6) Keep in touch, DON'T PANIC!

Where are we, where are we going?

2009-03-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

Unlike the title might suggest this is not going to be a post about the meaning of life, we'll save that for another day. Instead, I just wanted to take stock of what should be done and what remains to be done with your coursework.

What you ( AS and A2) should have completed by this stage are the following:
1. Statement of intentions/ illustrated essay
2. Script
3. Storyboards
4. Mise en scene planning

What you should be working on this week is your one ( AS) two (A2) minute films.

There will be a screening of the films in Next Monday's lesson.

Some advice on what these should include is offered below. This is taken from the CCEA's MIA advice to candidate's document.

What is a Production Exercise?
The Production Exercise is a one-minute piece of video that explores either:
The Theme of your film
•
The Visual Style of your film
•
A Filmmaking Technique to be used in your film.
It is advisable to try and include elements of all three.
The Production Exercise does not have to be one continuous piece of film nor does it have to have its own narrative. It can be made up of several shorter pieces of video exploring the elements mentioned above. Production Exercises do not need written back-up work.
Tip: If your one min experiment is made up of several smaller pieces use your own narration
to tie the pieces together. Similar to the director’s commentary on most DVDs.

After these are completed then you should be ready to start shooting the real deals. My advice is shoot more than you need and make sure it is done before the end of the holidays as the most time consuming process is the editing.

Storyboards are go.

2009-03-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to recap on where you should be in terms of your coursework.

AS= redrafed versions of your statement of intentions and your scripts are due in on Monday.

A2 = illustrated essays and scripts are due in on Monday.

Once the scripts are written the next stage is to start work on storyboarding your ideas. First, let’s just get one thing clear, it doesn’t matter if you can’t draw. Seriously. The point of a storyboard is to illustrate your concept, there’s no need to spend hours perfecting every panel. Some of you have been experimenting with software programmes and if you prefer to use these that's fine. Alternatively you can go about it the old school way an simply draw it. Don't forget templates for storyboards are stored in the coursework folder of MIA in the learning resources.

Below are a few sites to check out that may help you with your task.

Storyboards!

Drawing storyboards!

Script it

2009-02-23T05:23:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
hope you are having fun writing the scripts for your films, below are a few links you might find useful.

How to write dialogue!

Scripts without dialogue!

BBC Film Network!

The Times article on script writing!

Also, year 13 don't forget the second draft of your statement of intentions is due in on Monday, here is a worksheet to help you.

Statement of Intentions!

Buzz Killington

2009-02-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope you're enjoying your mid term break, far be it from me to kill your off school buzz, however, I just wanted to remind you all that you should be working on your film ideas over the break.

AS -the first draft of the statement of intentions is due in on Monday. This can be in bullet points and should include who the inspirations for your film are, why they inspire you and how you hope to use this inspiration in your own films.

A2 - you should be working on your illustrated essays, the first draft of that is due in on Friday.

Also, just to remind you all of your blogs should now be up and running and yet I am still missing links for some of them, so get posting...

Coursework Deadlines

2009-02-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

Throughout your coursework it is essential you have a clear idea of when your deadlines are, this will help both of us. Knowing your deadlines will help with your planning and helpfully avoid you feeling overwhelmed, workloads are always more managable if they are broken into separate tasks.

You will receive a copy of these deadlines in class but just in case you lose them I will post a copy here - so no excuses.

AS deadlines: this!
A2 deadlines: this!

Roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath...

2009-01-26T05:06:00.000-08:00

So, this week both AS and A2 have started their coursework. We will still be working on some film history and film theory in class but for the most part your time should be spent planning and making your films.

AS = First draft of your statement of intentions is due in Wed 4 Feb
Treatment is due Mon 2 Feb

A2 = First draft of your illustrated essay is due in Friday 6 Feb
Treatment is due in Fri 30 Jan

I look forward to seeing your blog links appeearing any day now...

MIA Mocks

2009-01-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's that time of the year again. Here are the MIA mock exam dates and times:

AS MIA - Wednesday 21 January 10.30 -12.00

A2 MIA - Wednesday 28 January Session 1 = 1.00-2.30
(15min break)
Session 2 = 2.45-3.30

Can you let me know if you are in class at these times as I will need to speak to your teachers to get their permission for you to be out of their class. Also if you have your own headphones (inner ear, fancy ones) that you want to use bring them with you on the day.

Picture this...

2009-01-09T06:37:00.001-08:00

Hi there, just a reminder to AS people that the next task in your creative journal revolves around a picture or painting that inspires you. Here are some photographers and artists you might want to check out:

Cindy Sherman Cindy!

Annie Leibovitz Annie!

David laChapelle ( WARNING - some of his stuff is a bit naughty, DO NOT LOOK IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED)Lachappelle!

Diane Arbus Diane!

As for artists there are probably too many to list so try a general website for this if you are lost for ideas.art!

It was great to see moving image arts graduate Matt return from Edgehill, he gave us an impromptu screening of Final Cut which was very impressive, he's going to send me a copy so you can all have a chance to see it.

By the way, chocolate biscuit for anyone who can correctly identify which film was inspired by the Hopper picture on this post.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

So, at long last we say goodbye to the term. Well done to the AS folks whose editing tasks could teach Hitchcock a thing or two about suspense, still have to see Paul Brown's after the break. Don't forget to work on your creative journal task over the break. Also, keep an eye out for good films on TV or at the cinema. here are a few you might want to stay in for:

Bad Santa - Fiver -21 December
Mary Poppins - ITV1- December 26
Miracle on 34th Street -More 4 - December 20
The Wizard of Oz - probably on every channel every day.

As for me I'm off to Hollywood- well, I'll be passing through... whatever you're up to I hope you enjoy the holidays
Ms D

Congratulations!

2008-12-11T02:01:00.000-08:00

Just want to say congratulations to Callum, in case you didn't know he won CCEA's best alternative short film at the Foyle Film festival. As well as that he was also shortlisted in the cinemagic best short film 15-18 category. This is a great achievement for Callum considering this was his first ever short film. I can't wait to see what he and all the rest of you super talented folks are going to produce next year.

2008-11-14T07:39:00.001-08:00

This has been such a busy month I have barely had time to blog.

The AS folks have been making good progress with their study of the language of film and are currently working on how cinematographers have been influenced by the work of fine artists. Don't forget your illustrated essay is due in on Monday! I was impressed to hear Michael say how valuable books were for his research, especially as he had just told his dad a few days before that he thought they were pretty useless!!

As for the A2 folks they have been revising expressionist and surrealist film making and are about to start work on a very detailed analysis of Amelie. They have also started working on ideas for the coursework, so don't forget to bring your creative journals with you on Monday.

Below are a few links for Amelie

On another note, I am going to see Quantum of Solace this weekend and was just wondering what you've all been watching recently? Leave a comment.

The Language of Film

2008-11-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

At this point you should all be confident in using the specialised film of language, you should know your ECU from your LS and the difference between low key and high key lighting.

If you need some help at brushing up on your vocab check out some of the following sites.

AS students don't forget you have your presentations on 1. props, 2. acting and 3. costumes due in on Mon 10th. Remember to have your clips ready to go and to provide a commentary as you do so.

Screenings

2008-10-16T01:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all, just to remind you we will be having screenings of our the year 13 experimental films inspired by surrealism today after school, we also look forward to seeing what the year 14s have made. Their films were inspired by their viewing of 'Citizen Kane' and its use of multiple viewpoints,look forward to seeing what they have come up with.

Also just wanted to say congratualtions to Callum whose AS film 'Capture' was screened during one of the teacher training days for moving image arts, it was used as an example of outstanding level 5 work, well done Callum! I was especially proud as last year was our first year of studying MIA, so just think of what we are capable of this year!!

One month in...

2008-10-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all, it's hard to believe we are already into our second month of term.

Year 13 should be working on editing their surreal films, also don't forget to polish up your presentations on the history of film for tomorrow.

Year 14 should be filming 'Perspectives' a short inspired by their study of Welles' Citizen Kane, we will edit those next week and hopefully have a screening next Thursday in film club of both year 13 and year 14 films.

In the mean time was just wondering if you had any films you would recommend your class mates should watch, leave a comment on the blog about your top three films. I'll start with mine No.1. Blue Velvet 2. Fight Club 3. Marnie

Greetings

2008-09-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

So, here we are again at the start of a new term. This year we have nine fabulous year 13 students studying MIA, and two fantastic year 14s, I wish them you all the best for the coming year.

So far the year 13s have been learning a little about the history of film, we have just completed a case study on the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and are working at cutting out first film. Everyone seems to be getting to grips with using the macs which is great, remember you are more than welcome to use my room when you are free or after school.

Year 14s have started the year studying Orsen Welles' Citizen Kane, 'the best movie ever made' according to many. Their practical work sees them starting the term by storyboarding their own 'News on the March', looking forward to seeing those on Friday.

Result!

2008-09-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to the Moving Image Arts students who all did brilliantly well is their AS exam. None of you got below a D and two of you got an A, whoa!!! I am proud of you all.

Special mention goes to Matt who leaves us to go and study Film and TV production at Edgehill, we wish you all the best. I also want to wish Cahal Og good luck in his new career, hopefully he won't give up on his animation experiments, the world needs more 'Bold Donkey'!

I also want to welcome back Lee, Stuart and Callum who worked really hard last year and are hopefully ready for all that A2 involves.

Revision

2008-05-28T05:34:00.001-07:00

So, all the coursework has been sent away and the only thing remaining for you to do is get your head down and revise like crazy for the exam.

Today we will have a class on tips for the exam. You should be 1)reading over all your notes on film language 2) reading over your mock exams and the mark scheme 3)check these links out:

http://www.filmsite.org/filmterms1.html
http://www.filmeducation.org/secondary/concept/filmlang/docs/frameset.html
http://www.rumney.cardiff.sch.uk/~jw/menu.html
http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Criticism-Ideology/Expressionism-EXPRESSIONISM-AND-FILM-HISTORY.html

ALSO REMEMBER TO BRING A SPARE SET OF HEADPHONES WITH YOU.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

Film Screenings

2008-05-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Well, at last all the hard work is almost over.

Today we had the test screenings of our films. Unfortunately 'Bold Donkey'didn't make it as Cahal was having 'technical difficulties' burning his film to disc. A crowd of sixth formers were our audience. On the whole the reception was positive, although a few expressed concerns about the mental health of the group as so many of the films reveal a dark sinister undercurrent. Anyhow, well done to all. At this point we only have a few last minute 'tweaks' to make to the films and get all the written material finished and printed.

Have a good weekend.

What's your take on Cassavetes?

2008-04-14T03:59:00.001-07:00

hey all, I hope you are working hard on editing your five minute films.This week I intend to ease our way back into our study of cinema verite. I want you all to research American director John Cassavetes and produce a fact file on him for Thursday's class. I also want all of you to watch a Cassavetes film ( I will bring my box set in tomorrow- Tuesday)so come to my room and get your hands on one,it's pretty interesting stuff, don't know what Matt will make of it though!

Happy Easter Cinephiles

2008-03-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

I hope you have a great break and the Easter bunny comes to each and every one of you. Just remember though that this is going to be a very busy holiday for you. Here's some advice DO NOT LEAVE ALL YOUR FILMING UNTIL THE LAST WEEK. If you are having technical troubles make sure you get in touch, there is NO excuse for not having your films (almost) completed by the time you get back. I can help you out equipment wise if you're having difficultes or offer moral support and advice if the whole thing starts to crumble.

Enjoy the hols, can't wait to see the finished products when you get back.

P.S. Just wanted to post this here for Lee, was watching it and thought you might like it. The white screen reminded me a bit of your ideas for the video. Enjoy.

One minute film countdown

2008-03-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hi all, the blogs are looking pretty good at the moment, and almost everyone has finished their statement of intentions - so well done. At this stage you should be finishing research, drawing storyboards and starting work on your ONE minute film. Aim to have these finished for the end of the week. I have also uploaded more planning resources onto the MIA shared resources folder to help you get ready for the BIG SHOOT over Easter.

Meanwhile, don't forget to do some research on Jean Luc Godard for Thursday's theory class in which we will be finishing our work on cinema verite and Dogme and starting work on the French New Wave, yum!

Dogme: http://www.flickerings.com/2003/films/dogma.html

Statement of Intentions

2008-02-25T01:45:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope all the planning is going well. By this stage you should all have finished your treatments, scripts and research and be ready to start writing your statement of intentions. In my room I have samples of other students' work that you can have a look at for ideas. In addition I have also put some resources up on shared resources under MIA, this can be used to help you write your statement of intention. This should be finished by this time next week and in the mean time you should be getting ready to make your one minute films.

Lee and cahil og need to get their blog/ website address to me ASAP.

Hope you have all been checking out the oscar action as well, what did you think of the nominatations, the winners and the dresses?

"No Country for Old Men"

Best actress
Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"

Best actor
Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"

Best supporting actress
Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton"

Best supporting actor
Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"

Best director
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"

Best foreign film
"The Counterfeiters," Austria

Adapted screenplay
Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men"

Original screenplay
Diablo Cody, "Juno"

Animated feature film
"Ratatouille"

Art direction
"Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

Cinematography
"There Will Be Blood"

Sound mixing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"

Sound editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"

Original score
"Atonement," Dario Marianelli

Original song
"Falling Slowly" from "Once"

Creative Production Blogs

2008-02-12T02:51:00.000-08:00

Most of you have decided to use a blog to plan for and keep a record of the work you do on your film. I think this is a really good idea but you must remember to keep updating them!

Below are the links to the blogs, make sure you check what the rest of the group are doing every now and then.

Kevin's blog: http://partybot1999blog.blogspot.com/
Matt's blog: http://area700hc5.blogspot.com/
Callum's blog: http://capturethefilm.blogspot.com
Lee's blog: http://bespokenvideoproduction.blogspot.com
Stuart's blog:http://miafilm.blogspot.com/

Creative Productions

2008-02-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well, at this stage you should all have made a start on your creative productions. This week you should all be working to finish your treatments and writing your script.

You should try to watch as many short films as possible, here are a few links to get you started.
http://www.rssmediastudies.co.uk/main/2008-advanced-productions/

2008- Here we go...

2008-01-14T01:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome back from the Christmas break, hope you all had a great time and watched lots of films.

This week we are learning about animation. On Tuesday 15th be ready with your powerpoint presentation on an animator/ school of animation.

In addition this month we will also be experimenting with some creative film making tasks, hopefully you will be able to use some of these for your coursework. Talking of coursework, from here on in you should be giving some serious thought to what you might want to do, we are aiming to start work on this at the end of the month.

OK Go - Here It Goes Again

2007-12-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

An e.g. of how a good video can raise you band's profile.

The Shins - Australia

2007-12-11T12:22:00.001-08:00

...reminds me of something Kevin would come up with for some reason!

The Redneck Manifesto - We Still Got It

2007-12-11T12:07:00.001-08:00

it's clever and it rocks!

Feist - 1 2 3 4

2007-12-11T12:03:00.001-08:00

cos it makes me want to dance...

Jose Gonzalez - Hand On Your Heart

2007-12-11T12:00:00.001-08:00

pure gorgeous

Research

2007-12-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

By this stage artists should be investigated, treatments written, storyboards sketched and you should be poised ready to embark on a shooting spree.

Just thought I would take this opportunity to post some of my current fave music vids. Enjoy!

Music videos are go!

2007-12-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

So, you should all now have your music video tasks under way. Follow the instructions I gave you to the letter and you should be OK. I look forward to checking ( spying on) how well you are getting on by viewing the blogs. You should get into the habbit of checking out your classmate's blogs also.

here are the links to the blogs:

http://stuartthegreatsblog.blogspot.com/

http://procrastination-productions.blogspot.com/

http://supermusicvid.blogspot.com/

http://kryptonitemv.blogspot.com/

http://bespokenproductions.blogspot.com/

http://lemonzingermate.blogspot.com

Still waiting for Lee's and Mr C's.

Sound as a Pound

2007-11-27T08:51:00.000-08:00

This week we are learning all about sound, from the history of movie scores to how to record sound for your own films. Don't forget the sound task is due in next Thursday.

In the meantime I am going to post some links to websites that feature short films, it is a good idea that you watch as many as you can in preparation for next term's coursework. Enjoy.

http://shootingpeople.org/account/auth.php

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/

http://www.pixar.com/shorts/index.html

http://www.atomfilms.com/home.jsp

From German expressionism to fairytales...

2007-11-19T01:51:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

this has been a busy month for us. Just to recap on what we have covered you should now know 1) what three point lighting is have and how to light your films on the cheap 2) what German expressionsim is and how it has influenced film makers.

In addition to all this knowledge you should currently be working on your own auteur study which is due to be presented in class on Thursday. You should also be dreaming up ideas for your own 'subversive' fairtytale, don't forget to put these ideas into your creative journal.

My First Film!

2007-10-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

So, you should all be busy editing your film this week, I can't wait to see the finished results!

I want all of you to make some comments on the blog about how you got on with this task. For instance, what worked well? What proved to be difficult? What have you leaned from this exercise that you will use for your next production? Get typing.

Soviet Montage

2007-10-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today we will be discussing 'who does what' in film making as well as checking you know about the different stages of film making.

We will also be learning what Soviet montage is and how if offers an alternative to Hollywood continuity editing. ( Check out the 'montage' inspired films on youtube at the bottom of the page).

In the mean time you should all be swapping Hitchcock films like crazy. I want you to make a note here, in the comments section, on the ones you have watched and your opinions on them. That way I can check what ( and if)you're watching.

At this stage you only have a week and a half to complete your first film so you should be shooting NOW. Aim to have everything shot by the start of next week and prepare to be in my room editing for the rest of next week. Remember, as Matt says, editing is where the real film making takes place!

Check out some of these links, just for fun!
http://www.borgus.com/think/hitch.htm
http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz150496113c608.html

Your First Film!!

2007-10-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all, today we covered quite a bit of ground. We chatted about Hitchcock's life and times and I gave you your research task. (Remember you should aim to have watched at LEAST four Hitchcock films over the next two weeks)

I also gave you the brief for your first film, one minute may not sound very long, but it will take a lot of time to plan, film and edit, again remember you have only two weeks to do this!

We finished the lesson by learning about editing techniques, you may be able to use some of these in your film! Don't forget to get hold of a film from classic Hollywood to use in class as e.g.s of invisible story telling.

Homework:
1) Watch Hitchcock films
2) Start planning your film
3)Read notes on Classic Hollywood Editing Style
4) Get hold of a film that illustrates invisible storytelling

Film Groups:

Matt
Cahil
Callum

Stuart
Kevin
Lee

Useful Websites:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?source=ig&hl=en&q=Hollywood+continuity+style&meta=

http://classes.yale.edu/film-analysis/htmfiles/editing.htm

http://www.davidbordwell.net/

Checking in

2007-10-05T04:59:00.001-07:00

Hi, hope you enjoyed Rear Window yesterday. I believe you didn't get a chance to finish it in class, you need to come to my room and borrow it, then you can watch the rest before Tuesday's lesson.

I am also going to check that you guys are reading this, so I want all of you to leave a comment before Tuesday's lesson;-)

Auteur Study

2007-10-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

I am away on Thurdsay so I have left the DVD of 'Rear Window' for you to watch. I have also left some questions for you to make notes on as you watch the film.

You may also want to check out the following websites for more information on the film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047396/

http://www.filmsite.org/rear.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rear_Window

Lost your copy of the questions? Check out http://miashimna.googlepages.com/auteurstudy:rearwindow

for another one. be prepared to discuss your responses to the film in Tuesday's lesson.

The Idea

2007-09-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well done to everyone on their 'history of film' presentations last Thursday.

On Tuesday's class we will be starting to get to grips with the basics of film language, make sure you get the notes, this stuff is very important!

We will also be learning about the film making process, from idea to exhibition.

HOMEWORK:
1) Read the handouts on film personnel and complete the task. Check out this website to help you complete the task.http://imdb.com/
2) Read the notes on Hitchcock and answer the questions to prepare you for our auteur study.

Due: Thursday 4th Oct

For Questions on Hitchcock check out:

http://miashimna.googlepages.com/home

History of Film

2007-09-26T06:18:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that your history of Film presentations are due in tomorrow ( 27th Sep). make sure you have a handout to accompany them.

Also, don't forget that you need to have spent an hour familiarising yourself ( playing) with the macs in my room.

Finally, don't forget that your answers to the questions on the Hollywood Studio System are due in on Tuesday.

Welcome

2007-09-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Shimna MIA blog. Here I will post any notes you have missed in class as well as keep you posted on what we have covered in class. Now there are no excuses for not having your work done :D