Have Filmmakers run out of popular literary fare to adapt?

The link below from The Guardian.com looks at whether Filmmakers have run out of popular novelisation series to transform into motion pictures, with such adaptions such as Harry Potter, Lord of the rings and this year the Hunger games series being over and done with, what will take their place? As a result Filmmakers are having to write their own stories to take their place on the big screen examples include Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them (2016), Star Wars the Force Awakens (2015), several Marvel movies and more.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/30/the-hunger-games-mockingjay-part-2-end-of-appointment-cinema

How many of the greatest films (according to IMDb.com) have you seen?

The internet Movie Database recently celebrated its 25th anniversary (would birthday be more appropriate?) and to mark the occasion the website published a list of the 25 best films of the last 25 years. 

http://m.imdb.com/anniversary/

Buzzfeed have compiled these films, one from each year that the IMDB has been active and created a list. How many have you seen? Which ones would you like to see next? Do you agree with the list? 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lifeonmars/how-many-of-imdbs-top-25-movies-from-the-past-25-4sj7#.xnyVkmeOoQ

Why Cinemas are refusing to show new Paranormal Activity film...

And no, it's not because it's too scary. 

One of the key issues with cinema chains is the period of time which a film cannot be seen AFTER it's been in the cinema. This is sometimes known as the 'cinema-to-digital window' and typically means that a film cannot be sold to watch at home until 90 days after the film has been in the cinema. 

However, Paramount, the distribution company in charge of the latest Paranormal Activity film, 'The Ghost Dimension' have struck a deal so that the film can be rented/purchased as soon as 17 days after the film opens in cinemas. 

This has annoyed cinema chains to the extent that many are now refusing to show the film and it will open in 1,400 North American locations when it opens 23 October, compared to 2,883 for the last film. This will massively impact the film's box office performance, but could open up the chance of a strong home viewing performance. 

This is a really interesting and contemporary issue which allows you to consider why Paramount has opted to do this, what it says about cinematic releases, the home market, 3D as a format and the evolution of the Paranormal Activity franchise. 

Read more below: 

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/16/paranormal-activity-the-ghost-dimension-scares-off-cinema-owners

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paranormal-activity-ghost-dimension-shunned-832289

http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/paranormal-activity/37379/paranormal-activity-ghost-dimenson-being-boycotted-by-us-cinemas

90's film Quiz

Think you know your 90's cinema, then take the Shortlist quiz and see how many movies from the 90’s you can name. Take the quiz by following the link bellow.

http://www.shortlist.com/quizzes/can-you-name-99-movies-from-the-90s-by-a-single-screenshot

Mary Poppins is back !!!

Iconic, magical, super nanny Mary Poppins is set to return to the big screen. This new film is said to be more true to P.L. Travers original novels and include Poppins work from all 8 original books rather than just the 1 depicted in Walt Disney’s 1964 version.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11865219/Disney-announces-plan-for-Mary-Poppins-remake.html

Jaws and the making of the modern blockbuster.

Jaws is 40 years old. Frequently said to be the film that started the summer blockbuster it's not only a brilliant film, but it's also a really fascinating case study on how films get made, how the best Director's adapt on set and how release schedules today are influenced by the success of Jaws. 

This article on The Guardian is an interesting read for GCSE coursework and a useful example for AS film. Well worth a read. 

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/31/jaws-40-years-on-truly-great-lasting-classics-of-america-cinema

GCSE Film Studies Paper 2 Revision

Just to point out that the revision guide for Paper 2 can be found here:

http://mxbrfilm.blogspot.co.uk/p/gcse-film-revision.html

Wishing you all the very best of luck, but revise hard and you won't need it!

Really useful video for revision

This video below is a brilliant way to quickly go over many of the key points, characters, themes and narratives of Marvel films since 2008. It goes into a lot of detail about things that might not be important to the Paper 1 GCSE exam such as the comics and backstory, BUT, it's a really handy recap about some film titles, characters, super powers and other things that you should be revising by now!

Have a watch, make some notes, answer some questions in the revision guide and revision powerpoint and remember; this is just the tip of the iceberg-go to YouTube and search for other clips from other superhero films.

Revision help

Hi all,

I've started to upload a whole raft of stuff to help you revise, ready for the exams which are coming really, REALLY soon.
If you go to the section on this blog called GCSE Film Revision you'll find revision guides, PowerPoints, YouTube videos and other bits and bobs to help.  http://mxbrfilm.blogspot.co.uk/p/gcse-film-revision.html

I'll add more when I find it/make it and will post on here to let you all know when I've added revision for Paper 2, on The Boy With the Striped Pyjamas.

Happy revising all!

Brilliant example of foley sound

http://www.empireonline.com/features/cinema-sound-secrets-foley-artist/

The evolution of Batman in Cinema

Here's a really handy little video that would be of use for GCSE Film revision: The Evolution of Batman in Cinema. 

Really useful in being able to describe the changing style of costume, mise-en-scene and overall tone. It's also a simple way of being able to revise film names and release dates. 

The 10 minute clip can be found here: https://vimeo.com/119087147

The Business of Film Podcasts

These podcasts narrated by the brilliant Mark Kermode,  are an incredibly useful tool for AS Film Studies, as well as the Industry Analysis section of GCSE Film Studies controlled conditions work.

The link to the series is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/businessoffilm but I've also embedded them below for you to listen to.

Each episode is only around 30 mins in total and will be a really useful insight into the film industry. Some of the language can be really specific and assume that the listener already knows a lot about film, but these are a really enjoyable and informative listen and are highly recommended.


Episode 1: https://www.dropbox.com/s/x1xc97h0bqw1uhb/businessoffilm%20ep1.mp3?dl=0
Episode 2: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f5zzx1v9j3joj0s/businessoffilm%20ep2.mp3?dl=0
Episode 3: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wnlhzagv03pp382/businessoffilm%20ep3.mp3?dl=0

Year 12 Film Homework - Thursday 12th March

Linked here are three wonderfully insightful and informative radio shows. You need to listen to all 3.
You can either download them for free from your phone, tablet or computer with a Podcast app, or use the buttons on the right hand side of the linked website below and stream them from there. It will work on phone, tablet or computer as well.

When listening, or after, please complete the worksheet given to you in class which asks you to summarise what you learned from each. Bring this to next lesson ready to be handed in.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/businessoffilm

How to get more people in cinemas-is technology the future?

A report from the BBC on how apps, such as UsherU, are hoping to lure more people to the cinema with the promise of reduced ticket prices and other incentives. With the death of Orange Wednesday and what seems to be a consistent trend of declining returns at the Box Office, cinemas and distributors alike are having to work creatively to get people to come and pay to see their films.

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31628446

US Box Office down in 2014-is the Blockbuster to blame?

Great article here, perfect for AS Film Studies, from The Hollywood Reporter that looks at the role of giant 'tent pole' or BlockBuster films dominating the Box Office. Crucially however, these films don't always perform as well as expected or hoped...

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-picture-darkens-tentpoles-778552

'The Blockbuster is in decline-here's how to save it'

An article on The Guardian website about the huge amount of SuperHero films due to be released in the next two years, and how to ensure that they're successful. 

As an editorial aside, I disagree with a lot of the analysis, but think there are some pertinent points regarding how upcoming releases can be successful. 

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/03/marvel-us-box-office-decline-blockbusters?utm_content=bufferfa276&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitterbfi&utm_campaign=buffer

New worldwide Box Office record for a calendar year.

2014 was a pretty year average year in terms of quality of films, but it was a spectacular one for 20th Century Fox who set a new record for earnings at the Box Office in a calendar year. 

Have a read of the link below for more. 

http://mashable.com/2015/01/05/fox-record-box-office-2014/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link

Analysing sound - Back to the Future

Please analyse the following clip:

Sound analysis clip 1

Year 9 Homework - Sound worksheet

The clips you need to complete your homework to a good standard are all below in one YouTube playlist. You ndo not need to watch them all, but you might need to watch a few minutes from a few different clips. 

The homework is due in on Monday 19th January.

Royalty free soundtracks and sound effects

Try the following:

•http://www.freesoundtrackmusic.com/

•http://www.mobygratis.com/film-music.html 

•http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/ 

•http://ccmixter.org/ 

•http://www.beatpick.com/player/index

Lack of star power in Woman in Black 2 a problem?

After the first Woman in Black film was a surprise success, the sequel, Woman in Black: Angel of Death has recently been released to less than stellar reviews. The first film received a 66% Fresh rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes ( http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_woman_in_black_2011/) and took an impressive $127million at the Box Office (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=womaninblack.htm) on a budget of just $15million (http://variety.com/2012/film/news/hammer-nails-coin-from-next-gen-1118051846/).

 This BBC report looks at the effect of Daniel Radcliffe on the possible reasons for the success of the first film and questions the ability of the sequel to fare as well without a star name in the lead role...

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30552704

How to make it rain...

An interesting and potentially useful short article and video on how to achieve the effect of falling rain when making your own film. 

http://nofilmschool.com/2015/01/how-build-good-diy-rain-machine-15-great-one-60

Golden Globes winners 2015

Last night was the first major awards of the 'season', the Golden Globes.
Find out more about this prestigious event which honours both Film and Television below at the wikipedia link.

Golden Globe Awards, Wikipedia

More insight to the winners from 2015 can also be found below, via Empire Online which has all the winners and some commentary of key wins.

Empire Online on the winners from 2015