Greetings

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!

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

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

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?

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

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

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