Self Evaluation . . .

Attainment A
- Haven't done any proper essays for this to be based on but i'm working as hard as i did last year.

Effort - 1
- Do all my media homework to the best of my ability and generally try hard because i do enjoy the subject in general

Punctuality - 1
- On time

Ability to work independently -1
- usually find it easier to work on my own.

Quality of writing - 2
- find it hard to express my self clearly straight away... but get there eventually.. sort of..

Organization of Media folder- 1
Yup.. everything is in the relevant sections...

Oral contributions in class- 2
There hasn't been much opportunity for class discussion as of yet as we've been focusing mainly on presentations. I contribute every lesson but should contribute more. everyone needs to contribute more in Mrs Jones' lesson!

Standard of Module 5 blog -2
All tasks are completed well... just need to do more self directed research.

Standard of Module 6 blog- 3/4
Ok.. most.. well all that is up there is copied and pasted :|

WWW
1) - Quality of work overall
2) - Keeping up to date with med 5 blog work
3)- organization of folder

EBI
1) Complete set tasks QUICKERRRRR
2) more self directed research

Textual analysis - Song "We're breaking free"

High School Musical textual analysis

Song scene: “What I’ve been looking for”

The clip shown below is the penultimate song titled “We’re breaking free” from the Disney channel’s hit DCOM ‘High School Musical’.

Characters Troy and Gabriella stand on stage ready to sing. Troy stands wearing his ‘Wildcats’ Tracksuit and Gabriella wearing her lab coat. Their outfits, act as props as they represent their different identities (Troy as a sportsman and Gabriella as a genius) by playing upon stereotypes. The use of stereotypes in this way appeals to the target ‘tweenage’ audience as they are easily identifiable and so make viewing and interpreting the film easier. By wearing these clothes on stage together the characters display how they are able to have different interests and roles (i.e. to sing and have other interests) at the same time without clashing and still be accepted by their peers for who they are. By doing so the characters display how they have broken away from merely accepting the status quo. This is confirmed further through the parallel lyrics of the song “we’re breaking free”, as the characters have finally broken away from the constraints and confines of peer pressure and are happy and confident enough to display their individual identities.Their new found acceptance by their peers is signified through the standing applause that they receive connoting support and solidarity.

Moreover, dark lighting combined with stage spot lights is used on stage in order to help create a theatrical effect, conforming to what can be seen as a main convention of film musicals. The dark lighting used on stage also helps to create a slightly tense atmosphere as the two characters stand nervous on stage. The spot lights used also help to intensify this feeling of apprehension as all attention is focussed upon the two main characters on stage. Additionally, the dark lighting also helps to convey key ideologies such as love by creating a romantic effect.

The relationship between the two characters is shown further through their presence on stage. Character Troy begins to sing first and also offers his hand out to Gabriella who appears to be more frightened. Gabriella’s hand rests on top of Troy’s hand representing that she is weaker and inferior to him as she requires his support, thus introducing a slightly patriarchal ideology.

del.ici.ous Links for study...

Representation of women in the musical genre.

What is it? : The link above is to a past media student's blog containing an independent study titled ""Don't sweat it. I can do it alone." Explore how time has changed the representation of women in the musical genre, with reference to ‘Chicago’ (2002)".

How can i use it in my study? : For tips on essay structure, points of reference for further research. Information into the traditional stereotyping of women in musical films as passive/sexual. Can use the information as contrasts to the portrayal of women in 'HSM' (may just be down to the type of musical film). Can make use of theorists regarding gender and representation.

Generic Conventions and Genre Evolution - Rick Altman

What is it? : An essay into generic conventions and genre evolution titled "How useful is Altman's discussion of the intra- and inter-generic processes of genre? How, for example, does the merging of various generic conventions in films such as Total Recall or Robocop alter the western "formula"?"

How i can use it in my study? : Theorist Rick Altman directly links to my study as he talks about the musical film genre. Need to research further into Altman's ideas on musical film.

Musical/Dance films

What is it? : A site with information on the musical film genre as a whole as well as in depth information into the highs and lows of the genre's history as well as information on many past film musicals.

How can i use it in my study? : Provides me with information of the musical film genre to include in my study as well as various successful musical films to refer to.

Musicals and dance moves:

What is it? : An article titled "Musicals and Dance" ( The third of the UK Film Council’s latest '25 Words or Less' genre initiative)

How can i use it in my study? : Very informative and interesting article. Really breaks down identifiable aspects of musical film and looks at how they've changed over time. I could use the break down as a basis of the main conventions used in film musicals.

A History of the Musical. What Is A Musical? by John Kenrick

What is it? : Information into the history of film musicals.

How can i use it in my study? : Provides me with some background information into the origin of film musicals as a genre as well as opinion based information into the essential qualities of musical films.

History of Musical Film. 2000 to Today (2004), by John Kenrick

What is it? : A more detailed history of musical film history with lots of references to texts of the film musical genre.

How can i use it in my study? : Include information on the history of the musical film genre and refer to its key texts.

Dance in screen musicals

What is it? : Information on the spectacle of dance in screen musicals.

How can i use it in my study? : Is useful as it gives me information into one of the key conventions of the musical film genre, dance. Raises an interesting argument into whether modern fast editing is taking over the need for talent when trying to achieve the notion of spectacle through the choreography in modern film musicals.

Genre: Musical (RESOURCES)

What is it? : List of resources.

How can i use it in my study? : Provides useful links for further research. Half of the online links are no longer working though! grrr . The books however, look useful.

A Brief History of the Hollywood Musical

What is it? : website with information into the history of musical film

How can i use it in my study? : Combine information from this source as well as others to generate an insight into the history and development of film musicals that i could include in my own study.

Study guide 12 Genre and Hollywood Musicals

What is it? : A pdf document created as a study guide, specifically catered towards a media studies module on Genre and Hollywood Musicals

How can i use it in my study? : Some interesting and relevant material under the following titles: "Musicals Come of Age" and "The Demise of the Musical".

Key words for study...

American Dream:

Definition: The American dream is the idea held by many in the United States of America that through hard work, courage and determination one can achieve prosperity.

How it relates to my study: Although presented with a modern slant, the American dream is one of the main ideologies apparent in ‘HSM’. Characters Troy and Gabriella for example, demonstrate the benefits of working hard and adopting courage by being selected for lead roles in the musical.

Brand:

Definition: An advertising concept where a product is given an identity.

How it relates to my study: ‘HSM’ itself has virtually become a brand as a result of Disney merchandise.

Examples of 'HSM' merchandise:
-HSM Barbies
- Girl's High School Musical Uno card game
-HSM Magic 8 ball
- Desert plates, cups, napkins, party invitations
- Stationary
-Bags
- Folders
- Bed covers
- Lunch boxes
- Stickers . . .

Branding of ‘HSM’ also links to economic context due to the large revenue that it creates.

Coming of age:

Definition: Film type that deals with puberty, adolescence and the growth of maturity and search for sexual identity.

How it relates to my study: ‘HSM’ appropriates some aspects of a ‘coming of age’ film through its narrative. Teen characters grow in maturity in the film by valuing change and becoming more open minded. Troy and Gabriella also touch upon sexual identity as they share a kiss in the film and appear to be love interests. Growth in maturity and sexual identity are set against the difficulties of growing up in the film therefore conforming to the characteristics of a ‘coming of age’ film.

Disney Corporation (the Walt Disney Company):

Definition: International Media Corporation founded by Walt Disney

How it relates to my study: The institution behind ‘HSM’ (see posting on institution).

Left-Wing:

Definition: Having socialist or communist political ideas that advocate change and are critical of the status quo in society.

How it relates to my study: ‘HSM’ presents some left-wing ideologies on a micro level. Characters battle against the status quo (enforced by peers), in search of personal identity and change. The segregation and struggle against the status quo depicted in the film may act as a microcosm

Pleasure:

Definition: Satisfaction received from the consumption of media texts.

How it relates to my study: Tweenage audience recives pleasure from the simple narrative structure and easily identifiable character roles. Todorovian narrative structure allows audiences expectations to be fulfilled leaving hem with a sense of pleasure and fulfilment from viewing.

Peeking

i chose this clip from 'HSM' because it has dissolve edits. The primary function of the dissolve edits are of course to signify a passing of time in the film as Troy and Gabriella prepare for the call backs. In terms of audience however, the dissolve edits and cuts may help to attract and engage a teen 'mtv generation' audience through the quick change of scenes.
This clip also clearly shows key themes in the film such as competition, jealousy, hard work and perseverance

Comments . . .

Commented on the following people's blogs because they all focus on genre...

1) Aman
2) Deep
3) Basran
4 )Neema
5) Chintan

Wider Context:

Social Context: Segregation in schools. May highlight more serious issues of segregation and exclusion that occur across all schools leading to bullying, social problems and low confidence issues.

Historical Context: American idealism?
Young characters are depicted as hard working and honest (Contrasts shown through the characters Ryan and Sharpay)

Economic Context:
‘HSM’ was a produced as an ‘OCDM’
Was not released in the cinema yet was a BIG money maker.
Was such a huge success that Vanessa Anne Hudgens who plays Gabriella was able to launch a music career.
Slight sociological link to the economy in general .. Film encourages individuals to work hard at all that they do. By subconsciously applying this to education a skilled future workforce is promised.

Political Context:
Spreading American values.
Worldwide distribution.

Ideology and Values

Acceptance, Love, teamwork, being yourself, teamwork, equality, jealousy, American idealism, identity, discovery, change, love.

Stem from storyline

(incomplete)

Audience:

Grease appeals to a wider demographic (now) than HSM. Grease seems to be a timeless film, appealing to generations over time despite being set in a distinct time period.AS a ‘DCOM’, ‘HSM’ appeals largely to a young audience.
Young audience: ‘tweenagers’ can easily follow simple narrative structure and follow common character. Disney cashes in on young audience through various ‘HSM’ merchandise.Social problems also appeal to a older audience who can identify with the process of change and discovery in school. ‘Eye-candy’- also helping to attract slightly older audience.

Representation:

American high school with different social cliques: Academic achievers (‘Geeks’)
‘Jocks’ (Troy, Chad), preps, cheerleaders.
Representation of teenage problems: - Difficulties in managing time, being judged by peers, having labels applied, struggle between conforming to stereotypes or to explore own self, worried about acceptance.
Parents: Contrast between Gabriella’s mother and Troy’s father (Coach Bolton).
Teachers: Coach Bolton: Stereotype sport star father: Pushy parent, wants best for son. Living his own dreams through his son.
Some stereotypes help to create comedy.

Genre:

Hollywood Musical Film
Since the advent of sound, the Hollywood Musical is a genre that has gained great popularity in offering its audience entertainment and a sense of escapism reminiscent of Broadway, with its use of popular songs and the notion of spectacle.
The Hollywood Musical Film genre was at it's peak in the 1930's,1950's (‘Singin' in the Rain’ and ‘Calamity Jane’), there has also recently been a revival in the genre.
Genre hasn’t always been given critical acclaim. Musicals made during the classical period in Hollywood, were considered to be just entertainment. It was not until the 1970's that film critics challenged the view previously held concerning musicals. Began to consider ideas such as: gender representation,the stage and film making, the achievement of spectacle,
(These elements are now considered to be important conventions of the Hollywood musical as a genre) Theorist Rick Altman (The American Film Musical)

Institution:

—

The Walt Disney Company is one of the largest media and entertainment corporations in the world. Founded on October the 16th 1923 (Walt and Roy Disney) Small animation studio- biggest Hollywood studios, and owner of eleven theme parks as well as several television networks (INC American Broadcasting Company) Had revenues of $34.3 billion in 2006.
The Disney Channel is a 24-hour general entertainment television network that offers television programming for children through original series and movies.
Features family-oriented programming. Marketed to mostly young children, however in recent years the diversity of viewers has increased.
Produces Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM), (previously known as Disney Channel Premiere Films.High School Musical 2 (17.2 Million Viewers)Jump In!(8.2 Million Viewers)
The Cheetah Girls 2 (8.1 Million Viewers) High School Musical (7.7 Million Viewers)
Return to Halloweentown (7.5 Million Viewers)

Media Language:

•Choreography/dance (one of the main conventions of musical film) ‘HSM’ uses elaborate, exaggerated acting, dancing and facial expressions to create a theatrical/stage like effect (conforming to conventions).
Costume: Clothing worn is casual, follows fashion trends both in ‘Grease’ and ‘HSM’, appealing to teenage audiences. Glamorous stage clothes are also used when performing (on stage in ‘HSM’ and at the school dance in ‘Grease’). ‘HSM’ slightly more cheesy – aided by sometimes bright clothing… green trousers … orange cardigans.
Lighting: High key lighting helping to create a happy and optimistic effect. Conforming to one of the main aims/conventions of musical films: to create escapism from real life.
Actors: Attractive stars are used in order to appeal to TA.
Makeup: supposedly ‘natural’. However even the so called ‘geeks’ look heavily made up.
Props: Various props are used in order to help create a school setting as well as to help make apparent themes and ideas that run through ‘HSM’.
Setting: School : A place to express your self, learn and discover who you are. School setting provides the ideal place for this to occur. Use of different social cliques in school.

Proposal . . .

Media Language: chorography: main – conforms to conventions.
Elaborate, exaggerated acting, dancing and facial expressions – theatrical effect. Over the top. Escapism?

Costume: Clothing is casual and follows fashion both in ‘Grease’ and ‘HSM’, appealing to teenage audience. Glamorous, ‘dressed-up’ clothing (stage show (HSM), dance (‘Grease’)

Lighting: High key lighting – happy, optimistic

Actors: Attractive stars in order to appeal to TA. Link to social context?

Makeup: Made to look attractive.

Props: ?

Setting: School, summertime – exciting. Leaving school? - change

American idealism – hardworking, honest,

Institution: Disney - October 16, 1923. It is known for its policy for targeting mainly younger children and their families.

Genre: why is their a strong romance element in ‘HSM’ in comparison to previous musical films such as ‘Mary Poppins’

Representation: American high school with different social cliques: jocks, geeks etc
Popular vs unpopular children – social pressure to conform.

Attempts to readdress issue of segregation etc that still occurs in schools through different groups.

Audience: Grease- appeals to a wider demographic than HSM? Why?
Grease seems to be a timeless film. Appeals to generations over time despite being set in a distinct time period. Is HSM just a modern remake of Grease?

Ideology and values: Film is typical in that good does defeat evil (‘Grease’). Determination, perseverance, talent, hard work, kindness, giving, sharing, friendly, warm, community, working together, friendship. – American idealism?

Narrative: emphasis on power struggle between good and evil. Strong emphasis on personal identity and growth including romance.


Wider context -

Social Context: Segregation in schools – problem across all schools, bullying, isolation.

Historical Context: American idealism?– young characters depicted as hard working and honest, contrasts shown through good and evil. Zac Efron – JOK is hardworking and honest.

Economic Context: HSM – not released in cinema yet BIG money maker.

Political Context:
Depiction of segregation in schools may act as a microcosm for the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney

Research into the genre of musical film continued ...

Since the advent of sound, the Hollywood Musical is a genre that has gained great popularity in offering its audience entertainment and a sense of escapism reminiscent of Broadway, with its use of popular songs and the notion of spectacle.

The Hollywood Musical Film genre was at it's peak in the 1930's,1950's (‘Singin' in the Rain’ and ‘Calamity Jane’), there has also recently been a revival in the genre. Genre hasn’t always been given critical acclaim. Musicals made during the classical period in Hollywood, were considered to be just entertainment. It was not until the 1970's that film critics challenged the view previously held concerning musicals. Began to consider ideas such as: gender representation, demystification of the stage and film making and
the achievement of spectacle, and the genre's ability to remythicise.

These elements are now considered to be important conventions of the Hollywood musical as a genre)

Vanessa Anne Hudgens Scandal

Vanessa Anne Hudgens Nude Photo Scandal: Naked School Musical!

"A nude photo scandal is set to engulf Vanessa Anne Hudgens and the rest of High School Musical after the 18-year-old starlet took naked pictures for boyfriend Zach Efron, believing they would remain forever private. As we all know, this is the 21st century and everything bad ends up on the internet."

The nude picture scandal has come at an extremely bad time for Disney as it was just weeks before the U.K premiere of 'High School Musical 2'. A statment issued confirmed that the nude pictures were real and were intended to be private.

Could this have a negative effect upon the young fans of 'HSM' as Vanessa and co have now become well known celbrities. Alternatively, an older audience may be attracted..

Some independant research into the genre of musical film. . .

The movie musical had its base in vaudeville (a genre of variety entertainment that was prevalent in the U.S and Canada from the early 1880s to the early 1930s) and in Opera. With its blending of fantasy and reality, the musical provided audiences with an accessible and immediate escape from life in the Great Depression, and then beyond.

Stage adaptations:

In the early days of the musical, studios lavished fortunes on celluloid versions of Broadway shows in the hope of repeating their success, but these bore little resemblance to the stage originals. More faithful adaptations began in 1950, with films such as ‘Guys and Dolls’ (1955), ‘Oklahoma!’ (1955), ‘My Fair Lady (1964) and ‘The Sound of Music (1965) and so on. However, after the flop of 'Hello Dolly' (1969, the musical – like the western – became a rare phenomenon. A limited revival of the genre came in the 1970s with Bob Fosse’s 'Cabaret' (1972) and 'Saturday Night Fever' (1977) and 'Grease (1978) (the films in which John Travolta made his name.)

Up until the mid-1960s, British musicals were mostly rather genteel affairs that had little impact outside of the UK. That all changed with US born Richard Lester’s two Beatles’ movies, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964) and ‘Help!’ (1965). There followed Carol Reed’s Oscar – winning ‘Oliver’ (1968), and Alan Parker’s 'Bugsy Malone' (1976). Other examples were few and far between until Parker’s Evita (1996).

Interest in the American musical was retained in Baz Luhrmann’s visually extravagant ‘Moulin Rouge’ (2001), and in further reproductions of Broadway hits such as 'Chicago' (2002) and ‘The Producers’ (2005). Sadly, musicals written directly for the screen, which made it a cinematic genre independence of the theatre, have become almost obsolete. Could ‘HSM’ be the start of something new?

Despite not being released in the cinema 'HSM' has generated a great deal of revenue through the large success of the film which prompted the sale of 'HSM' merchandise as well as various variations of the original DVD film.

In total the Disney channel produced 5 variations of the original DVD film:

1) Sing-Along version.
2)Dance-Along version.
3)Pop-Up - edition.
4)High School Musical: Around The World
5)High School Musical: The Ultimate Edition


Examples of 'HSM' merchandise:
-HSM Barbies
- Girl's High School Musical Uno card game
-HSM Magic 8 ball
- Desert plates, cups, napkins, party invitations
- Stationary
-Bags
- Folders
- Bed covers
- Lunch boxes
- Stickers . . .

“I know there is a real world and a dream world and I shan’t confuse them”

- Judy Garland (The Pirate – 1948)

'HSM' Film Review

Source: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117929285.html?categoryId=32&cs=1

Filmed on location in Utah by First Street Films in association with Disney Channel. Executive producers, Bill Borden, Barry Rosenbush; producer, Don Schain; director, Kenny Ortega; writer, Peter Barsocchini;


Troy Bolton - Zac Efron
Gabriella Montez - Vanessa Anne Hudgens
Sharpay Evans - Ashley Tisdale
Chad - Corbin Bleu
Ryan Evans - Lucas Grabeel
Taylor - Monique Coleman
Mrs. Darbus - Alyson Reed
Coach Bolton - Bart Johnson
Principal Matsui - Joey Miyashima

It's doubtful that showtunes will ever be cool among teens and tweens, but Disney Channel certainly makes a convincing case for the return of the musical with an original pic from "Dirty Dancing's" Kenny Ortega. Featuring an immensely appealing cast and some highly clever, toe-tapping tunes, "High School Musical" should strike the right chord with Mouse fans.

Considering that the broadcast nets have pretty much given up on scripted family programming, one has to appreciate the consistency with which Disney delivers the goods to its target demos. "Summerland's" Zac Efron stars as Troy Bolton, East High's basketball star. Over winter vacation, he meets Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) during a karaoke contest, and the two discover harmony in more ways than one. The bookish Gabriella, however, is shy around the confident Troy and runs off before he can learn that she just transferred to -- yes -- East High.

Once back at school, romance takes a back seat to the social pecking order. Troy's dad and coach demands unwavering commitment from his players in the face of an impending championship game. Gabriella, eager to make a fresh start, is happy to shed her math genius rep in favor of blending in. Still, she doesn't quite have the nerve to try out for the school musical alone. When Troy decides to lend a hand and audition for the musical with her, the consequences reverberate throughout the school.

Although the plot's not particularly novel, writer Peter Barsocchini's script maintains the fantasy elements while incorporating topical and relevant themes into the story. Many viewers will surely relate to the notion of parents latching onto their child's every interest and passing fancy as if it's the ticket to college admission.

High school is a time when kids are just beginning to discover their true selves in an environment where individuality is as welcome as leprosy.

To express this notion with fresh dialogue is one thing, but to convey it through song is a marvel. Ortega, a master of the group dance, hits his stride in particular with "Status Quo," a catchy number that takes place in the most vicious social gauntlet of all -- the high school cafeteria.

Inspired by Troy's actions, a fellow basketball player admits he likes to bake and dreams of making the perfect creme brulee, while a skater dude owns up to playing the cello. Horrified by these revelations, their fellow classmates encircle them, warning them, "If you want to be cool, follow one simple rule, just stick with the status quo."

The movie features several other radio-ready tunes, most notably the duets "Start of Something New," by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, and "When There Was Me & You," by Jamie Houston. As usual with Disney, the net has promised numerous cross-promotions and tie-ins via TV and the Web.

As Zac, Efron is boy-band material with a touch more cool, while Hudgens couldn't be cuter. Kudos should be given to the casting agents who so evenly rounded out the cast with appealing characters, particularly Corbin Bleu as Troy's friend and teammate Chad, and Monique Coleman as academic overachiever Taylor. Ashley Tisdale ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody") does a nice turn as drama queen Sharpay, who, along with her twin brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), recall Donnie and Marie, complete with resplendent '70s headwear.

As always, Disney manages to incorporate diversity without making it an issue, perhaps knowing that in high school, popularity is the only demographic that really matters.

camera, Gordon Lonsdale; editor, Seth Flaum; music, David Lawrence; songs, Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, David Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Ray Cham, Greg Cham, Andrew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Jamie Houston; choreography, Ortega, Charles Klapow, Bonnie Story; casting, Jason LaPadura, Natalie Hart, Jeff Johnson

My opinion:

I strongly agree with the review from the variety website. The review picks upon some of the main ideas of the film that i thought were important such as the conflicts that rise between asserting one's own individuality or conforming to set and stereotyped social cliques. However, i do not think that the quote 'It's doubtful that showtunes will ever be cool among teens and tweens' is completely accurate as the musicals' songs have proved to be extremely popular and well known amongst the shows audience.