Week 5/6 task

The first short film is one of twists and turns. I chose it because of its simple, yet deceptive plot, with roughly 5 or 6 words spoken the entire film. The film makes appropriate use of close ups, wide shots and extreme close ups to capture detail and location, which is the key to framing any story or film. The twist at the end is foregrounded by the close up on the baby, which is a pivotal moment.



The second short film was chosen due to its use of extreme close ups of the characters face to show the viewers his greed and desire, whilst wide shots were used to frame him and the scene in the office. Mid shots were appropriately used to display what he is doing with the photocopier, and the object which it creates. In the end he falls into the black hole and is consumed by his own greed, which sends a message.



The third short film is a very simple project, and only makes use of the close up shot basically. It is a rapid slide show of a woman who took a photo of herself every day for three years. The close ups in each single frame allow the viewer to see her features, and how they change dramatically over three years, a mere projection of time itself. A pure and basic, yet effective short film right here.



Rock and roll, thanks.

It would seem this week requires a scavenger hunt. Well strap yourselves in and prepare for some hardcore, general knowledge!

What is the height of the world's biggest tree and how long did it take to grow?

Well, the tallest living tree is measured at 112 metres, and is estimated to have been growing for over 1000 years. It is a Mendocino Tree in Ukiah, California. It's status as world's tallest tree became official in 1996.
http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2001/OlgaVapnyar.shtml


What is the quickest and most reliable way to reach Madonna?

Well, it would seem the best way to reach Madonna would be to contact her agent, Liz Rosenberg. Her details can be found on the internet. Contacting her is almost a surefire way to contact Madonna.
http://www.madonnatribe.com/contact/


Age of the oldest ever captive elephant? Older than the average wild age?

Lin Wang of the Taipei Zoo in Asia lived for 86 years, outliving the average wild age of 70.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lin_Wang

a) How would you define the word 'glycomics'? In your own words, what does it really mean ? b)What does the term 'seagull manager' refer to?

I would define glycomics as an applied study of functions and structure of carboydrates in the biological systems of organisms, however that was after I did a little reading on the topic.

In my own words I guess it really means how different foods provide the body with different levels of sugar, from which the body draws energy to perform day to day physical activities. It could also cover the effects of excessive carbohydrate intake?

In perhaps a little low-brow fashion, a seagull manager refers to a manager at an organisation who flies in, flaps about and makes alot of noise, craps on everything and then leaves. It is a metaphor of course of an inefficient, rude manager.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=seagull+manager
http://www.griffith.edu.au/science/institute-glycomics/research/what-is-glycomics

5. What was David Cronenberg's most recent feature film? Which of his films Had 'Blondie' in it?

David Cronenberg's most recent film was Eastern Promises (2007). The film with blondie in it was a horror flick called Videodrome.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=David+Cronenberg%27s+latest+film&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Fname%2Fnm0000343%2F

6. When was the original 'Hackers' released?

In 1995, and it had Angelina Jolie (Kate Libby/Acid Burn) in it.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Hackers&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt0113243%2F

7. Why do phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555'?

Because there is no combination of random numbers which isn't currently someone in the world's phone number, and some people would call numbers they saw on movies and tv shows for kicks. '555' links directly to directory assistance, no matter where you are in the world, and thus prevents these annoying pranks.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Why+do+all+movie+phone+numbers+begin+with+555%3F&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightdope.com%2Fcolumns%2Fread%2F345%2Fwhy-do-phone-numbers-in-tv-shows-and-movies-all-start-with-555

8. What is the cheapest form of travel from the Gold Coast to Cairns?

To train or bus to Roma St in Brisbane and then catch the tilt train. It's roughly a 24 hr journey.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Train+gold+coast+to+cairns&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.railmaps.com.au%2Ftrains_brisbane.htm

9. What song was top of the Australian Pop Charts this week in 1970?

Up Around The Bend/Run Through The Jungle - Creedence Clearwater Revival.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_singles_in_Australia_during_the_1970s

10. Which Brisbane band includes Stephen Stockwell on keyboards and vocals?

The punk band known as The Black Assasins, existant in the late 1970s early 1980s.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Brisbane+band+steven+stockwell&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.optusnet.com.au%2F%7Etoxicoh%2Fblackas.htm

Well that pretty much nails it, ciao!

Week 3 TV Show Task

Anybody like Malcom in the Middle?

Well I do, so I chose to watch an episode of the silly sitcom to provide stimulus for the task alluded to during the lecture. I'm going to give an explanation of the following off screen questions which are answered by on-screen methods. During this episode of Malcom in the Middle:

Who? - A close up shot of Francais is used, identifying him standing up and speaking to his fellow military school students about a hunger strike. He can be seen from the waist up to his head.

What? - The opening scene of the show sees Hal under the kitchen sink, fixing the pipes with a spanner, because he resents the amount of money that the professionals charge to fix things. A midshot is used and he can be seen lying down on his back, with the entire sink, above and below, in clear vision, with the back of Lois' head also in the shot.

Where? - A long shot is used at the beginning of the scene where Malcom goes to hospital to set the scenario. This scenario is a hosptial ward, as there are teddy bears, beds, curtains and a counter/reception desk all in the shot. The family are also visible huddled around Malcom's bed.

When? - A scene is set in the morning, as is clearly displayed by a wide shot of the family sitting around a dining table with many helpings of scrambled eggs and bacon infront of them. A window is in the top right corner of the shot and an early morning sky can be seen.

How? - A scene begins with several close ups of the military cadet's hands on their stomachs, then followed by a wide shot covering a few cadets lying on the floor. They are groaning and these shots are designed to display their hunger strike (the event) taking place.

Why? - A close up of Hal's face is used to answer this question, as his face is red and dripping with beads of sweat. He is in the hosptial ward, and this shot is designed to explain that he is terrified to be there, nervous and anxious.

Well that just about nails it, an interesting task and a solid new concept learned.

Internet Timeline and History of Computing!

This was supposedly supposed to be posted during week two, but I only heard of it during the week 3 class, so now I am in week 4, and find myself posting it. Here goes!

The history of the internet can be traced to the late 1950s and our Soviet friends' launch of The Sputnik. My friend Dr Y. Tube has provided a video to further elaborate upon this topic, enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dRSHzbQa60


The history of computing is a long, detailed, and very interesting one I'm sure. So interesting infact, that a Computer History Museum exists in a town called Mountain View. While I wasn't personally able to visit this museum over the past week, I was able to find the visual recordings of a lady who did. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXAjVw-bP5g

I'm hoping these two videos proved insightful, thanks!

Week 3 blog

This week's lecture covered the 'Language of the Screen', and covered different angles and camera shots, abbreviated for convenience. The following is an explanation of each:

ECU (Extreme Close Up) - This shot goes in so far that the target's face or other body part is filling the entire screen. It shows extreme detail, and because it is so close, it can't really show reactions or emotion, with the exception being during intensely dramatic scenes. This shot will usually have an underlying reason or motive.




BCU (Big Close Up) - This shot is quite similar to the extreme close up, and also goes in very close to show extreme detail. However instead of the target's face filling the entire screen, the rest of the head can be seen, including jaw, mouth, forehead and even neck. It is also used to emphasise emotions and facial expressions.



CU (Close Up) - Similar to the first two close up shots explained, a feature of a certain target takes up the majority of the screen during a close up (it's almost always their face). They are also used for emphasizing detail and expression, so as to show a character's emotional state. It can also be used as a cut-in.



MCU (Medium Close Up) - Still a close up shot, the medium close up is a middle ground between a mid shot and a close up. The face is able to be seen and emphasized, without the clarity of the shot being disturbed by the target's face being overwhelmingly close to the camera.


MS (Mid Shot) - A section of the target (from the waist down or up etc) is focused upon to capture expression and increase detail. This isn't however, done with such intensity that an impression of the whole target can't be clearly seen.


MLS (Medium Long Shot) - This shot has a broader field than the mid shot, but a smaller field than the long and wide shots. It can include more than one target of focus, (eg person), and thus can capture certain actions which the close ups cannot.



LS (Long Shot) - This shot is designed to represent the targets as close to life size as possible. It often uses the Full Shot, which displays the entire human body, with the head being at the top of the frame and the feet at the base. It enables background interaction, whilst still focusing on the detail of certain targets.



VLS/WS (Very Long Shot/Wide Shot) - This shot is from a great distance away (up to a quarter of a mile, however many metres that is!) and can be effectively used to set the scene in a scene. It can show building exteriors, landscapes and such, and wont have as much specific detail as other shots, but more of a general detail to be viewed.



Bibliography

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/extreme-closeup.html - ECU
http://www.mediaedwales.org.uk/publicity/pages/camera/framing/fram7.htm - BCU
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/closeup.html - CU
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/medium-closeup.html - MCU
http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html - MS /LS VLS/WS

Week Two Lecture

This week's lecture contained a brief look at the history of the Internet, and Computers.

The birth of the first computer to their first commercial production in the 1950s was covered, with the efforts of Charles Babbage and Alan Turing being identified and acknowledged.

The lecturer gave personal insights into his own computer purchases over the years, dating back to the 1980s in Sydney. One of his earliest machines was stolen from his house near Bondi, allegedly by a junkie.

The emergence of major corporations involved in the development of computers was covered next; Apple, Xerox, PARC and Microsoft to name a few. Steve Jobs of Apple owned 50% of the market and an approximate wealth of $100 000 000 at age 25, but Microsoft's Bill Gates was another tyrant on the rise.

The Internet, Cyberspace and Web had their origins covered - initially a method to transfer messages from one system to another electronically, escaping the physical realm. This in turn developed over the years to become the infinite source of information the modern day Internet is.

New features include instant messaging, file sharing and skype video calls.

This lecture proved interesting, the competitiveness of the computer industry, especially during the initial stages, was a point covered which was particularly new to me. The interactive and charisatic lecturer provides a presentation which is easy enough to follow and maintains the attention of the group.

Convergence at its most basic form is the coming together of two or more things. It is the movement of these 'things' towards a common ground. In the case of technology, it involves the movement of different technological objects and systems towards providing similar uses and abilities.

definition reference: http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=convergence

Now let's look at a few examples of convergent technology.



The photocopier is a commonly used and often unnoticed piece of converged technology. No office is complete with out one, the photocopier combines a telephone, fax machine, printer, photocopier and more.




The laptop computer combines the portability of mobile devices, a PC with memory for storage, a word processor, built in speakers, c.d and d.v.d players, c.d burners, a strong communication device with wireless connection to the world wide web for such tasks as instant messaging.












The retro-style Radio Toaster is a very simple and perhaps unnecessary convergence of technology. Though it doesn't allow the user to communicate, it does receive transmissions and pick up the radio signals, thus receiving communication. This allows for convenience when toasting and wishing to hear the radio.



The mobile phone is a telecommunications device of great versatility, which combines telecommunication with internet and web communication, the ability to pick up radio signals, store and play mp3s and videos, transfer information through wireless blue tooth and much more. The convergence of mobile phones has only increased in recent years, as displayed by the extremely common and useful apple iPhone.







This is an edited version of the radio toaster image for lols. The before picture can be seen above.













Here is a link to an interesting website regarding the history of the fax machine:
http://inventors.about.com/od/bstartinventors/a/fax_machine.htm

And this is a link to yet another interesting website, this one regarding the many functions of the world wide web:
http://www.mit.edu/~rei/wwwintro.html

That concludes this blog.