Master and Commander

1. Explain two ways the characters and/or events in the extract fit the action adventure genre. (10 marks)


In the clip from the film Master and Commander there are many features that fit the action adventure genre, for example the weaponry involved in the scene. In this clip there are weapons such as cannons, guns and swords this suggests that the characters in this film either mean harm or protection. The fact that all the characters are dressed in pirate clothing suggests that they are in the middle of war/battle especially with the amount of explosions and violence in this scene. There is a common feature in this film that there is in many other action adventure genres which is fighting. In this clip the audience can easily see two different ships fighting against each other and mean harm, this is a normal occurrence in these type of films.


2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects that fit the action adventure genre:

• Soundtrack
• Camerawork
• Editing
• Mise en scene

Camera
A hand held camera is used throughout this scene of the film Master and Commander to show the effect of the explosions, the hand held camera is used when one character sets off the canon on one ship and when it hits the other ship the camera shakes. This is because it shows the force of the canon and the impact it has on the ship that now looks slightly fragile - as this is done by the protagonists team against the antagonist team it makes the audience support the protagonists actions as they become familiar with this character and are focused on what he/she are doing. Point-of-view shot has been used at the start of the clip when the protagonist is watching his crew preparing for the battle ahead, this is to show who the main character is and who has all the control on the ship. The audience are able to see that the protagonist is in charge and in command. At the start of the clip there's an establishing shot this sets the scene for the audience so they are aware of where the characters are in the film, this shot is also used again later on in the clip just before the characters start fighting - this is to prepare the audience of what is to come, making the atmosphere tense.
Editing
A CGI effect is used throughout this clip when explosions and fires occur when the canons are shot are the other ship - this is too much the action much more realistic and interest the viewer into the film. Cross-cutting is used at the start of the scene when the protagonist's crew are waiting for the ship to appear, in this moment it causes tension and suspense for the audience as they are aware that something is about to happen. In the middle of the clip when its in the heist of the battle between the two ships fast-paced editing has been used to show that action is taking place in the scene, this builds a lot of tension and makes the viewer enjoy what they are viewing. Continuity editing is used throughout this clip to keep the audiences' attention to the storyline as the action is in a continuous sequence so it flows more easily, this editing technique is used in the middle of the clip when the action is at its peak creating a hype atmosphere.
Soundtrack
Synchronous sound is used throughout this scene as the noises coming from the clip are expected when watching the action. For example, in an action scene you expect to hear shouts, screams, gun shots and noises of fighting - this is what is featured in Master and Commander. Diegetic sound is used when shouting is involved between the crew when they realise there may be a threat to their ship, to go with the sound the audience can see the protagonists crew running around and opening their mouths to shout.

The Hurt Locker - Exam Paper

Q1. Explain two ways the characters and/or the events fit the action adventure genre. Use examples from the extract. (10 marks)
The Hurt Locker fits the action adventure genre as all characters carry violent weapons e.g. guns, explosives, these are common elements of an action adventure film - this is shown when all soldiers are heavily armed when they see the man approaching with his hands in the air showing that danger is involved in the film. The fact that every character is a soldier shows they are in the middle of war and are in the act of trying to save people this is also relevant to the action adventure genre as the protagonist in the typical action film always saves people from the antagonist - this is what's happening in this clip. Although there is not shown an actual antagonist in the clip we can imply that the suicide bomber that approaches the group of soldiers has an ulterior motive and it's the soldiers job to protect the people in the surrounding area - that's what the sergeants job is to do, diffuse the bomb.

Q2. Explain how each of the following is used to create effects: (30 marks)

• Soundtrack
• Camerawork
• Mise-en-scene
• Editing

Camera
A hand-held camera is used throughout the clip and is probably the most used in this scene, by having this it makes the audience aware of the situation and how serious it is. As well as using the hand-held camera they are also using a point-of-view shot this is showing everything form the sergeants point of view - by having a shaky effect on it the audience see how fast paced everything is and how the soldiers are trying to diffuse the situation quickly - this makes the audience feel involved in the film and builds tension. When characters are having a conversation about the situation about the suicide bomber there is an over the shoulder shot this is to show the two people conversing and makes the audience feel apart of the conversation and aware of everything that's going on at the same time - this keeps them interested. An establishing shot is used frequently to set the scene, this shot is used a lot at the start at the clip when the audience can see the distance between the suicide bomber and the soldiers but also their surroundings - this makes the audience connect with the storyline and gives them time to understand what is happening before something else happens.
Editing
Fast paced editing is used a lot throughout this clip, this is to show the amount of things that are happening in the same scene. This also builds tension as due to the clips being quick they are able to see how quick the characters, e.g. soldiers, are working this makes the audience question what may happen and keep them interested due to the action happening quick. CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is also used at the end of the clip when the suicide bomber's bomb goes off and there is an explosion. The CGI is used so the film is realistic and believable - this is important in this type of action adventure film as it's based on war, if the audience don't believe it then they will not be interested in the storyline. This type of editing means they are able to show more action effects e.g. explosions which means it keeps the storyline interesting and builds suspense. Some slow motion editing has been used at the end of the clip when the bomb goes off, this makes the audience aware what is happening and is able to see how the character feels e.g. when the bomb is going off you can see that the sergeant is feeling disorientated and shows the devastation of the bomb and the death that follows.
Mise-en-scene
The props and costumes used are to show that the film is based in war and that the characters are soldiers e.g. guns, uniform. The amount of weaponry used, the uniforms and the positions of the characters connotates to the audience that this is an action adventure film, the fact that all the characters are holding weapons signifies that they are in the middle of war and are there to protect the people and may be violent. The lighting used is bright to show the contrast between being inside and outside and that the characters are outside in the daylight. The setting in this clip shows that they are in a poor country/area due to it being dusty, lack of security and lack of clean buildings - this again signifies the middle of war due to the lack of people around.
Sound
Synchronous sound is used throughout the whole clip as the sounds are relevant to the scene e.g. shouting commands, heavy breathing and weapons being armed. This means the audience is able to follow the storyline and understand more about what is happening. There is no soundtrack during this scene this is too show the seriousness of the situation and build more tension for the audience, if there was soundtrack it would lose the importance of the scene and wouldn't have the same dramatic effect. Diegetic sound is used also, as there is no soundtrack the only sound you can really hear is dialogue whether its from the soldiers or the suicide bomber - this is how the audience is able to understand fully about the situation that the characters are in e.g. the sergeant is talking to another uniformed character about whether to shoot the suicide bomber or not.

Q3. Discuss the ways in which people are represented in the extract. Refer to stereotypes in your answer. Use examples from the extract. (20 marks)
The main character, the sergeant who has to diffuse the bomb, is represented as the protagonist. This is because when the suicide bomber first comes walking in the soldiers are all tense and unsure of what to do, as soon as the sergeant arrives they are less tense knowing that someone is in charge and knows what they are doing. The audience are able to tell this character is in charge as everyone listens to what he has to say and does whatever he tells them to do - this shows there is an amount of trust between this character and the soldiers and respect. The character who translates what the suicide bomber is saying for the sergeant is the stereotypical character that cares for other people and likes to help people when they need it. This is shown when the sergeant and another soldier are talking about whether they can shoot the suicide bomber safely and the translator explain that the men means no harms and just wants help.

Explain how each of the following is used to create effects: Soundtrack, Editing, Mise-en-scene, Camerawork

Camera
Different camera techniques are used to create different affects such as a hand-held camera. This technique is used when the main character William Cage drops from the aircraft and joins in the battle, this has been used to make the audience feel part of the action and feel involved with the story. In the middle of the battle scene a tracking shot is used when the protagonist is running, this is when the camera is focused on the main character and follows them while everything in the background is slightly blurred. This is used to show the speed and make it clear for the audience who the main character is.
Editing
The editing is fast paced to show the action featured in the film and that's it taking place quickly and builds tension for the audience. This is because by having fast paced scenes the audience is able to see that a lot of fighting is happening and gives them a lot to look at to keep them interested.  CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is used throughout the battle scene to add different effects to the shot. For example, when the soldiers are in the aircraft an explosion happens - this is done by CGI meaning it is done by a software; this means all things that are unbelievable in the film are able to look realistic.
Sound
Synchronous sound is used throughout the battle scene. For example, the sounds of screams, gunshots and explosions are heard while watching this scene - this makes it much easier for the audience to understand and get more involved with the action. This serves to imply the fighting that has occurred and follows the 'storyline'. There is no soundtrack until the female 'sidekick' comes onto screen on the battle scene, this creates tension and adds more of an action effect without the soundtrack. This makes the audience aware of the protagonist's situation and emphasises his lack of power. For example, hearing screams and gun shots show that Cage is scared and trapped.
Mise-en-scene
William Cage is wearing robotic armour throughout being on the beach giving the film a futuristic element - all characters have the same clothing showing his lack of power and control of getting out of his situation with going into war, it also shows his lack of importance to the other characters. The props mainly consist of weapons signifying the characters are in the middle of war and are capable of destruction. The lighting in this scene is also quiet dark which suggests the amount of terror coming off the protagonist at the start when Cage first realises what is happening as he goes into battle; the use of robotic armour, weapons, explosions and aircrafts connotates to the audience that this is an action adventure film. 

Compare how and why two programmes were scheduled on different channels.

Bad Education and Friday Night Dinner have different target audiences so they would be aired at different times and on different channels. Bad Education is aired on Tuesdays at 10pm on BBC Three and Friday Night Dinner is aired on Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4. Darren Smith commissioned the programme Friday Night Dinner who decided how much money should of been spent on the show etc. Bad Education was produced by Pippa Brown who has also produced TV series such as 'Psychobitches' and 'Walking and Talking', Friday Night Dinner was produced by Robert Popper who also produced a film: 'Hot Fuzz'. Bad Education is aimed at 16-21 year olds - this is a young adult audience as the humour used in this programme is seen as appropriate for this age range. Within this programme the same immature language is used with racist jokes and the sexualisation of the students, this is something that people in this age range would find funny and enjoy to watch this is because younger people find the situations more relevant and relatable. Friday Night Dinner is aimed at an older audience as not as much rude language and behaviour is used, there are a few Transgressive pleasures used but not as many as Bad Education. The situations used in this programme are something that an older audience would find funny e.g. the dad in the programme having a certain catch phrase. Bad Education is on BBC Three as this channel is targeted at a young adult audience as all programmes featured on this channel is either comedy, e.g. Russell Howards Good News, or shows that are inappropriate for a younger or older audience e.g. rude language/behaviour. Friday Night Dinner is on channel 4 as this channel is targeted at a much older audience as the programmes featured are shows such as Hollyoaks and Goggle-box - younger people do not tend to watch these programmes as they are not relatable. Both programmes are on after the watershed as both these programmes are not appropriate for children due to the rude language that is used throughout both e.g. sexual innuendos, swear words.

Discuss in detail on how one programme uses audience pleasures. Give examples. (15 marks) - Bad Education

Bad Education is a sitcom with the same characters and setting in every episode this provides the audience with familiarities and makes them recognise the series. For example, in Bad Education the setting is of the school with the same classrooms and students - you will sometimes get one or two new characters but this is only to make it more exciting and unexpected however these characters do not last very long. Another feature that adds with familiarity is the behaviours of the characters for example, the main character, Alfie Wickers, has the same childish, immature behaviour which adds humour to the audience. Transgressive pleasures are used frequently throughout Bad Education to support the target audience as people at a younger age find this more relevant and relatable. One feature that is used is the sexualisation of the students by using the sexual stereotype to describe a character e.g. Chantelle. This student is used frequently for this function as she fits the stereotype nicely due to her clothing and looks. Within Bad Education there is a lot of repetition used in every episode such as the same immature crack jokes that come from each character, the humour used in this programme is sarcastic and racist but fits with the target audience so it makes the show funny e.g. students make comments about teachers appearance. The verbal comedy is the characters use of language, this helps the audience determine the relationships between the characters e.g. Alfie and the head teacher Fraser have banter between them which shows their form of friendship and how comfortable they are with each other, there is also the racist jokes to people of different ethnicities this pushes the boundaries of what is right and wrong, people are not used to hearing people make jokes of people due to their skin colour so this adds more humour to the programme as the BBC get away with it. The BBC are able to push the boundaries as this channel as no advertisements as its a public service broadcaster - this means they are not dependent on getting money from adverts they get it from the public.

Bad Education and Friday Night Dinner

Bad Education

• Aired: Tuesdays at 10pm
• BBC Three
• Producer: Pippa Brown
• Executive Producer: Ben Cavey
• Production Company: Tiger Aspect Productions
• Audience: 16-21 years old, this program will be appropriate for this age group as the series is based in a school with a cast with a similar age this makes it more relatable and as it contains some rude language it adds a comedy feature which people at this age would enjoy.
• This TV show is shown on BBC Three as this channel is targeted at a younger audience compared to other channels this is why the majority of the programmes on BBC Three are comedies which feature rude language and inappropriate behaviour for older and really young people e.g. over 30 and under 15 years old.
• This TV programme is on after the watershed as it involves rude language that is used throughout.
  

  

Friday Night Dinner

• Aired: Fridays at 9pm/10pm
• Channel 4 & E4
• Producer: Robert Popper
• Executive Producer: Nira Park, Caroline Leddy & Kenton Allen
• Production Company: Popper Pictures & Big Talk Productions
• Audience: 21 & over, this program would be appropriate for younger adults as some cast members have been featured on other TV programmes with similar target audiences e.g. the Inbetweeners this will attract the same type of audience.
• This TV programme is shown on Channel 4 as it's targeted at people aged over 20, this is shown by what shows are featured on this channel e.g. Come Dine With Me is aimed at an older audience. However it also has some shows that are for a younger adult audience so the channel will have a range of audiences, with shows such as Scream Queens, Hollyoaks.
• This TV show is on after the watershed as some features may be inappropriate for children but it's still on quite early as compared to other programmes there is not a lot of rude language or behaviour.

Comedy TV Shows

Comedy tv shows from nieevequinn