Everything is a Remix...

SO! The next installment of Everything is Remix has been completed! Look! There are old computers and an interesting summary of the creative process.

Everything is a Remix Part 3 from Kirby Ferguson on Vimeo.

Also, this is an amazing (and long) article about creative remixing in art.

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Thinking about GENRE!

So we have seen a lot of movies. They have a lot in common, but they are also significantly different. I would like you think a bit more deeply about the conventions in at least two of the films we have watched and comment on their significance. This is what you will be writing on in the end of the year exam. So, figure out how to get back on your blog and write a post that includes:

1. Describe

Choose ONE convention across at least TWO movies. Describe how this convention is used in this film. Use specific examples (textual evidence: techniques, details) and refer to your notes as necessary.

2. Explain

Discuss why this convention was used in this way in these two films. How does it link to the film as a whole? How does it develop an idea within the film? How does it reveal an attitude or point of view of the director? What was the audience response to the way this convention was used? What was the audience's expectations? Why? How did the way this convention was used conform or depart from tradition?

3. Analyse

Discuss the impact, change and implications of the way this convention was used in these films. How effective was this convention? How did it add to the commercial success of the film (or not)? What happened after and before this film was made that is relevant to the way this convention was used? How does the director's use of the convention reflect current events of the time? Why has the convention changed (or not) in the two (or more) films you are discussing? What are the possible effects on society of watching these films-- why? What do experts say about the way this convention is used in these films?

Don't retreat, reload

This is an interesting article that discusses the recent trend in films towards looking backwards into the past. Retro is trendy. The ultimate remix? But why? What escapism can we find in the past? Here's the link.

How to survive a horror movie

If you want to survive a horror film or a crime movie, there are some basic rules: avoid sex and bathrooms – and never, ever, do 'one last job', says Ben Walsh

Check out this article about things NOT TO DO (and think about WHY?)
Article from The Independent about what NOT to do

Nothing to do with horror, just some interesting short films

These videos are inspired by discussions on Radiolab, a radio programme. I think they are beautiful. And interesting. Check them out: what do you think?

Symmetry from Everynone on Vimeo.

WORDS from Everynone on Vimeo.

If you like these, check out Radiolab and also Everynone's other videos on Vimeo. Hope you are all having a great holidays!

How to make a horror movie...

Some of you came up with awesome ideas for films: Cowboy Zombie face-offs, submarine love stories, accounting love stories (?). But now that you have your concept, what's next? Here's a handy flow chart that makes the whole process simple! (it is an advertisement for a French TV channel).

Here's a bigger version so you can read the words.

There are also similar flow charts for action and animation.

Screaming or laughing? It might be in your genes...

So I know that some people (like me) are terrified by horror films and have nightmares. I had to turn my television towards the wall after watching The Ring. But other people just laugh. Well, research has shown that it is genetic! Check this story out: Horror film gene that makes some scream while others laugh

Do zombies make your skin crawl? Or do vampires make you helpless with the giggles?