On Thursday our media class went on a trip to the BFI in order to learn some new skills and take away some new, exciting ideas.

In the first session we looked at a variety of different film openings including 'Catch Me if You Can' directed by Steven Spielberg. We analysed it in detail and we came to realise the importance of the actual credits (the text). Throughout this opening we were shown large number of different names including the actors Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hanks etc. However we know that this title sequence is of a very high standard, something not quite within our reach, as it uses mostly graphics and we do not have the appropriate software to do so. It is very sophisticated and cleverly made. It almost told us the story and introduced the characters to us despite it merely being the opening. It is a very inspirational film to learn from.

We also watched the opening of Dawn Of The Dead which was very gruesome and jumpy fitting with the genre really well. Johnny Cash's song worked really effectively contrasting against all of the other, quite disturbing sounds effects, again adding to the genre of horror. This was another rather inspirational film opening.

Another film opening we were shown was Napoleon Dynamite's opening which showed us that something simple like using food can be just as effective as using dialogue and actors just as long as it fits with the genre. I especially like it's quirky style, obviously directed at a younger perhaps teenage audience.

In the next session we listened to some professionals from the industry, such as Daniel Kleinman creator of the Bond title sequences. It was really interesting to hear how he found inspiration for some very creative ideas. Kleinman said he really liked the idea of the patterns usually found on the back of cards, and so he decided to use this idea of unusual patterns throughout the opening sequence of the James Bond movie Casino Royale. I thought his use of symbols from the cards was done really cleverly and i really enjoyed watching it. He told us that he never creates anything without reading the script through first in order to gain a full understanding of the film. He not only incorporated the idea of the casino but he also used some of the main themes, typical of a James Bond movie, such as the guns, the fights, the women etc. This helped remind us the importance of knowing what the rest of the film would be about if we were to make that too.

Simon Frame was also an inspiration to us. He gave us an insight into the tricks that can be used when editing, for example the importance of sound, and how a film is built up using lots of different layers that have been recorded separately. This was useful to us as it is something we will be able to do in our film opening. He told us that filming the back of someone's head in a shot whilst their talking is a great idea because it allows the editor to add in a voice over to change the dialogue if need be.

In the afternoon session we were given top tips for making our film openings on no budget. We were shown examples of good and bad student work to illustrate some of the things to aim for and some of the pitfalls to avoid.

Here is a particularly successful piece..



Here are some picture I took on our our journey to and from the BFI..

On our way home..

Heather thought I was filming so she waved..

Mrs Routledge took us here by accident..

Throughout our journey a few of us filmed on the flip camera including me and Lana..

Everyone was very tired..

Trying to warm my face whilst waiting for the train in the snow..

Overall the trip to the BFI was not only a good day out but it was also really helpful, providing us all with some real inspiration!