Y8 film review competition

Writing a Film Review from MissPatelMedia

Ofcom announce new measures for the BBC

Ofcom have just announced new regulations that the BBC must follow. This updated information is useful for the Y11 TV comedy unit as one of the case studies is based around the BBC as an institutions. Think about what you already know about the BBC's mission, aims and purposed. Is this currently reflected in their content? Do you agree with Ofcom's new ruling?

Read the articles below, from a variety of sources. 

Ofcom - More UK-made programmes on the BBC

The Telegraph - Ofcom tells the BBC: stop showing so many old films and daytime repeats

The Guardian - BBC ordered to show more British-made programmes

Film Review: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

Reviewed by Indranil (8S)

I decided to watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 as I thought it was going to be as action-packed as the first one.

The plot develops around a boy named Hiccup. At the beginning of the movie, Astrid (Hiccup’s future wife), Snotloud, Fishlegs, Ruffnut and Tuffnut (twins) are having a race. The race is to ride your dragon, find and collect sheep in your basket and whoever has the most sheep wins. At this moment Hiccup and Toothless, Hiccup’s dragon, are exploring to find new lands to wander.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 by Dean DeBlois is an animation that is full of action, silliness, extreme sadness and adventure. The movie creates tension when Hiccup and his friends are in deep danger from Drago Bloodfist, the antagonist of the movie. The movie also creates sadness when Hiccup’s dad, Stoik, gets shot by Toothless, who was under the spell of Drago Bloodfist. Action can be seen when Hiccup’s army have a huge battle with Drago Bloodfist’s army. The movie also shows adventure when Hiccup and his friends are exploring new lands. This film is action-packed and full of adventure. These genres are the most important ones in the movie.

Overall, this film has definitely supplemented my personal collection of favourite animations. The action and adventure really managed to create an exciting atmosphere. I think this film is targeted to 7 year-olds but can be watched and enjoyed by all the family.  

BBC School Report: Sports Journalism

There is an opportunity for sixth form students who are interested in journalism.

BBC School Report will be running in March, with preparation starting from January. However, if you have a keen interest in sports journalism there is an opportunity to gain some work experience with the BBC. See the link for further information.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/work-experience/school-report-sports-reporters

Applications open on Tuesday 3rd October

Film Review: SALT (2010)

Reviewed by Nikita (ex-media student)

Angelina Jolie plays the titular character of Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative that is accused of being a Russian spy. It then quickly becomes clear that she is not quite who she says she is, which leads to Salt hiding from, and then fighting, almost every other person in this film.

This is obvious, modern day, propaganda but it is still enjoyable if you narrow your scope a little. The plot itself isn't very complicated but that doesn't matter because this film is almost entirely comprised of action. Although this doesn't sound very entertaining, it is! Angelina Jolie undoubtedly contributes to this but perhaps the biggest component of these action scenes is the editing, as well as the soundtrack. In hindsight, it is really an achievement that the filmmakers have managed to create a film that is intensely suspenseful and gripping for almost two hours without spending a whole lot of time on anything else.

Salt isn't a deep film, it's also not very realistic; this is the more realistic equivalent of a superhero film. That said, the film is enjoyable and (slightly) thought-provoking, and definitely holds up to repeat viewings.

Into Film: Young Reporter Programme

Are you passionate about film? If so, think about your response to the following questions to see if the Young Reporter Programme is right for you.

Would you like to:

- attend red carpet film premieres and interview the stars?
- attend film industry events and film festivals?
- have your work published on the Into Film website for everyone to read?
- receive professional training and mentoring?

If you answered yes to these questions, go to the Into Film website to find out more and download an application form: https://www.intofilm.org/youngreporter

The deadline for applications is 12pm, Monday 2 October.

You need to submit a vlog, so do not leave this until the last minute. Be sure to let me know if you get shortlisted. 

Britain's most powerful elite

From 1000 of the most powerful people in Britain, only 36 are from ethnic minorities. Read the article to find out more.

A2 media studies students are currently working on their case studies surrounding British youth identity. Having recently learnt about the concept of hegemony, think about the following in relation to the article:

Is this figure good enough? 
How does this impact society?
How does this affect us as individuals?
How does this link to the concept of hegemony?
Does this representation filter through within the media?