Production Log Week Two

What have you learnt about social realist codes and conventions in relation to audience?

From looking at examples of British Social realism films in the past few lessons i have found out what is typically included in each film. The story lines that are chosen all follow situations that are happening or have happened. For example Four Lions shows the issue of terrorism in the British culture, this has happened previously so by using this synopsis its more relatable for the audience and they can get an idea of what peoples life is like in Britain. As the story line plays a big role in making the film successful, the film also has to have a good use of camera language. This means they use suitable editing, shots that match the action and creates a good atmosphere for the audience but also shadows what the life is like for the characters. A realistic mis-en-scene creates a accurate perception of what British life is like in all the different regions. For example in Fish tank there is a use of establishing and aerial shots which set the scene and location making the audience aware of what Britain is like and specifically what that region is like. By looking at several opening sequences i have got a better idea of where i will place the graphics, the institutional information and the title which can help stop it looking like a film trailer.

How will this inform your production?

These conventions have shown me what  a proper British social Realism film will have to include to fit that genre. I will have to make these conventions very noticeable when creating my opening sequence as i don't want it to seem more like a trailer for a British social realism film. I will make sure i include good camera language,editing,mise-en-scene and sound which will create a realistic image for the audience.

What texts do you find influential and why?

I found that the British social Realism film Kidulthood shows a typical representation of what life is like for a teen living in London in this generation. The themes of violence,sex,petty crime and drugs are shown very obviously and this makes it typical of a British social realism film. The sounds used and the way the characters speak shows their status and the region they are from. The mis-en-scene also used such as their costumes,locations,lighting all emphasis the typical stereotypes we see in society. I think this example of British social Realism film shows a accurate perception of what teenagers are like now days and their use of dialogue emphasized to the audience what that region is like through their behaviour 

Will you conform to conventions or subvert from them?

I will conform to these conventions as i believe this sticks to the simplistic yet effective ways of showing the British culture. I think if i used anything more developed the whole idea of the genre will be taken away and wont be as successful and could show more of a genre of Hollywood rather than British Social realism films. I think if i keep to these conventions i will create a realistic idea of Britain as a whole and this would then appeal to its niche audience.