Director Alan Parker on Trailers

He's one of Britain's most famous directors and here's his word of warning to cinema goers, "avoid all movies where the trailer has more explosions than dialogue."

Advertising, Parody and Mainstream Audiences - a tricky triangle.

This may be of interest to those of you who attended the Media Magazine Conference this year.  Director Garth Jenning's ad for Phones4U earned over 500 complaints to the Advertising Standards Agency. However, they weren't upheld, meaning that the ad can continue to be shown.  It goes to show how parody and irony are tricky approaches as not all the audience necessarily "get it" and can end up being offended or, in this case, scared.

Science Fiction Gets Mashed

An interesting article from the Observer's Film Quarterly magazine looks at the latest attempt to hybridise (or mash-up) the Science Fiction genre. This time it's a new film called Outlander, which places Vikings in space. The article also reflects on some of the more and less successful attempts to create hybrid films over the years, including Alien.

Sci-Fi on Film Four

Film Four - that's the dedicated film channel that is available for free on Freeview, Virgin Media and Sky - are having a Sci-Fi season at the moment, giving you the opportunity to watch three sci-fi movies a night. Check out the details at http://www.channel4.com/film/filmontv/index.html
This is a great opportunity to see everything from 50's shock and B-movies to big budget classics like Fifth Element.
It is studying - so long as you engage your brain and think about the use of generic conventions, how the genre is / isn't moved forward etc.

The Debates Paper

All you Year 13 Media types - I know how you just love cowboy films so check this one out! No really people you need to start getting some western type films into your diet so that when the Genre unit (debates paper) comes around you will be quick on the draw. Till then pardner, put the cattle on and have a nice cup 'a cawfee! (The film is called 3-10 To Yuma)

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,2168098,00.html

Psychological Thriller Titles

First of all, welcome to Year 12 Media. As promised, here is an initial list of psychological thrillers you could start to watch in your own time. I will add to this list as you and others make recommendations. Most of these are fairly accessible and mainstream. We may also look at some of them in class.
The Silence of the Lambs
Copycat
Arlington Road
Pacific Heights
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Basic Instinct
Dead Ringers
The Birds
Rear Window
Vertigo
Someone to Watch over Me
Blue Velvet
What Lies Beneath
Sea of Love
Internal Affairs
No Way Out
Narrow Margin

I refer you to Fatima's comment attached to this post for a more exhaustive list of film titles.