Ill Manors broadcast platform: TEDx lecture

 Notes on the lecture:

• Explaining what he had to go through in his life and the difficulties
• How he didn't finish school in a public school due to the fact that no one appreciated him. 
• Journey from the depressing times to having his own film.
• Plan B's belief towards the politics is that the people who are unfortunate do not feel appreciated in the modern governments
• Reaching out to other people who have experienced what he has gone through and help the unfortunate people
• Highlighting the track and the connection towards the film.

Plan B's beliefs and his ideologies:

• Plan B's belief towards the politics is that the people who are unfortunate do not feel appreciated in the modern governments.
• Politics neglecting the under privileged citizen.
• Needing to stand out and express their opinions
• With his reputation, there is a belief that he can help the marginalised youths
• Believes that the challenge is massive but can see the advantages.

Target audience of the TEDx lecture:

• The target audience of this TEDx lecture is likely to be 30 to 45 year olds. 
• This appears to be the case particularly with the fact that Drew essentially has to tell the audience not to be swayed by portrayals of the youth in the media
• With this in terms of psychographics, the audience could be associated with the reformers group.
• Having taken the time to come to such a lecture and being informed the decisions of young people and the lives that they may live through,
• The audience can be viewed almost as 'people who want to be aware' or enlightened on things they may be unfamiliar about themselves.

Plan B views about the media:

• Plan B says in the lecture that the media can be accused of ridiculing certain groups 
• With the term 'chav,' describing a 'young lower-class person who displays brash and loutish behaviour and wears real or imitation designer clothes
• Drew feels as if papers almost alienate this group of people from society as a whole. 
• This links into to the concept of moral panic with the fact that Ben Drew is essentially challenging what is usually thought of lower-class young people, 
• They are associated with violence and crime.

Ill Manors broadcast: music video analysis

Media Forms
How is it typical of a music video?
Most of the music video represents the gritty, hardships of the underground of London. Especially with the Ill Manors music video, it can be seen as a typical music video however has some elements that express his originality. Interestingly, the director including scenes of Plan B (who is the director) overlooking a block of council houses with the inclusion of controversial moments in Politics; this is emphasise the detachment that council houses owners feel. This is important in terms of the making of the music video. It brings out the expression that the visuals are usually meant to bring out. Additionally, these events and how it is expressed can also be thought to link into Andy Medhurst's theory about stereotypes in that they're used almost as a way to tell the audience a lot in a short space of time (shorthand). With this the audience understands the youths feelings of animosity towards the police and the upper class due to the fact that it affects their interactions with them throughout their lives.

The rap music is mainly seen as urban in terms of the outlook of the genre. Rap music usually having street terminologies, the music video can also be related to Tessa Perkins theory in that stereotypes of rap music mainly representing the life of the streets.

Media Representations
How does it represent the London riots/rioters?
Plan B believes that due to politics having a damaging effect on the lower classes, there is a belief that people feel neglected by the government. The video ultimately represents the London rioters as being menaces to society and rebels however feel like the government casted them as outsiders. In the video, there are extracts taken out of news broadcasts of the riots as they progressed with participants throwing things at the police and burning cars. This representation presented them as being criminals, only reinforcing the stereotype that young, particularly lower-class people are damaging towards the community. However at the same time, it could be said that this is only a 'closed-outlook' on the rioters and the complexity in the aspects that mean they're doing what they're doing, is reduced to a much more simpler picture as suggested by Richard Dyer. This being said, it's made a bit more unclear as to whether the rioters are just rioting for the sake of it or have a set of different reasons as to why they're doing it. This is why there are questions regarding the music video.

Media Audiences
What audience pleasures does the music video offer?
There are multiple examples of audience pleasures inside this music video. The video provides a sense of diversion for its intended audience. Although the audience are predominantly people who enjoy or are fans of Plan B's music, the video can definitely be identified to be targeted towards people from a much more lower class background and living in council estates and express their predicaments towards the middle/upper class. This also links in with the personal identification aspect of Blumler and Katz' Uses and Gratifications theory, with the people in the audience that do live in that environment, seeing parts of their own life possibly reflected in it such as the range of blocks in their community.

Another pleasure that the video provides possibly lies in the fact that the video has some things related to politics in it. With multiple references to politicians, the video gives people interested in that kind of thing a sense of nostalgia as they look back on things that have taken place in the political world, giving a sense of diversion (Blumler and Katz) to them or just a general sense of entertainment.

Media Institutions
How does the music video help to promote the film of the same name?
The video helps promote Ill Manors by actually having actors from the film make appearances in the video. At different points in the video appearances are made from actors in the film such as Riz Ahmed and Ed Skrein who both star as main characters in it.

Additionally the video helps promote the film by using things that were used in the promotion of the film in the video. The most notable aspect of this is with the fact that the actual audio track, was used in the trailer towards the end of it. This again adds to this idea of synergy, with a link being established with the film and the music video here, but not only in the sense that it's the same song, but also that the video gives them an idea of what to actually expect when watching the film whether this is the council estate environment or just the life of teenagers as a whole.

Ill Manors soundtrack research task

The record companies/institutions behind Plan B
Labels:

679
Atlantic
Mercury
Pet Cemetery
Warner Bros.
Asylum

Sales/downloads for the soundtrack

Chart (2012)	Peak position
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)	89
Scotland (Official Charts Company)	9
UK R&B (Official Charts Company)	3
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)	6
UK Official Streaming Chart Top 100	89

Music reviews

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	83/100
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic
Drowned in Sound	8/10
The Guardian
MusicOMH
NME	8/10[
The Observer
Spin	8/10[
The Telegraph	[

Plan B's fans' reviews and comments
The Guardian comments:
"Drew's a talent and a polymath, and while I admire his desire to represent, I don't think he's bringing any clarity to the issues he wants to highlight"

"Genuinely a great album. Fits right in with The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers and Dead Kennedys records I have. Genre is stripped away, more obvious as ever on the title track (The Prodigy remix isn't too bad either), and we have the desperate poetry and hard-hitting social commentary of the man. Simply a great album. To paraphrase one of the best lyrics, "We're not in broken Britain, we're just Broke in Britain".

NME.com Review:
http://www.nme.com/reviews/album/reviews-plan-b-13466

The Guardian Review:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/jul/22/plan-b-ill-manors-review

Ill Manors Review

Name of film - Ill Manors
Year of release - 2012
Director - Ben Drew
Optional star rating
8.1/10 

Basic introduction to plot and characters
Ill Manors is a film reflecting and highlighting the hardships of underground Britain. A unique crime thriller set on the unforgiving streets of London, the main reasoning to release and create this hard-hitting, social realism film is to uncover the hidden truth about the urban lifestyle of Britain. The film is set in Forest Gate, London with the movie beginning with partners Ed (Ed Skrein) and Aaron (Riz Ahmed) drug-dealing. The undercover police chase the two to a closed gate – Aaron manages to climb over and Ed hands his phone over to let Aaron take care of it. Before Ed can climb over, he is caught and sent to jail. This sparks off the chain of events that have similarities towards guns, money and drugs. The criminals, killers, and prostitutes of a crime-ridden London community have to fight to escape the same grim fate that has claimed so many before them; especially in an emotionally depriving area in south east London. The every day struggle for survival is apparent due to the lack of opportunities for people in council estates.  The youth are sub-conciously affected perhaps due to materialistic ambitions invading their moral judgements. Jake, a young kid, takes his first steps towards becoming a cold-blooded killer-for-hire, Immigrants such as Eastern European sex slave Katya having to fight to protect her child from a band of vicious gangsters, and old friends Kirby and Chris clash in a crisis that soon turns deadly.

Your own views on the film (ideally blended with the point above) - Comments on notable elements, strengths or weaknesses
My opinions are based upon whether it has given an enlightened approach towards the hidden aspects of Britain. The film itself contains aspects that are considered to be a stroke of genius for Plan B with the connection between the different events and how they are interlinked. The way that the rap coincides with the narrative of the film demonstrates a stroke of originality shown by Plan B. I believe that there are some events during the film that are relatable towards the people currently experiencing these events. However, there are some evident examples that suggest that the film was offering a substandard representation of Britain. Think about it closely, would this film have attracted finances and money if Plan B's name wasn't attached to it? I highly doubt it. I just believe that although the film was cleverly made and created, there are other brilliant, trained film-makers that could have directed and made a more intelligent and entertaining film. This film also gave an enhanced stereotype regarding people residing in council estates; they are deemed as lazy, trouble-causing residents. All in all, my opinion about this film is mainly positive but I can see some improvements that could have been made.Nevertheless, this is Plan B's debut film so there are experiences and tips that he has gained from creating this film. This is my review regarding how Plan B represented the life of the disadvantaged.

A snappy or memorable ending that sums up the film

The movie represents the downfall of laziness and the rise for the achievers who aspire to escape the circles of violence that has engulf them.

Ill Manors broadcast platform: film trailer analysis

What are the typical codes and conventions of film trailers - what information is usually provided?

Trailers conventions:

• Review quotes
• Enigma codes
• Narrative
• Cast/director
• Music/Audio
• Test on screen
• Social Media/Website link
• Institutional Logo/Intro
• Release Date
• Movie title
• Tagline
• Age certification
• Short clips from film - Action/dramatic scenes
• Fast paced editing

How are trailers usually distributed? 

YouTube has a major control in terms of promoting the film using trailers. Trailers are usually distributed nowadays predominantly through the online platform with things like video-sharing websites and social media with their widespread usage by the masses. While they still are distributed in cinemas, the Internet seems to be their main and best way of doing this.

How does the Ill Manors trailer use film trailer conventions?

Ill manors uses the trailer conventions to promote the movie in their proposed manner with things but following the traditional path of how trailers are viewed; such as the title of the film being presented at the end of the trailer, snippets of dialogue from the film making up a 'general plot,' a non-diegetic track in the background, promotional info and also review quotes from 'Men's Health,' 'Q Magazine' and 'FHM Magazine' just to name a select few. However they added their own imagination in the trailers especially when the trailer is viewed as a music video.

Watch the trailer carefully and discuss how it might attract an audience. Firstly, think about who the target audience for Ill Manors might include. Does it have a unique selling point or use particular techniques to appeal to the audience? Consider the way the scenes are edited together – does the trailer give away any clues about the narrative? Are the main stars visible in the trailer? Is there information about the director of the film? Is there information about the release date? Is a narrator’s voice-over used? Why?

I believe the target audience for this film is between 15 to 25-year olds due to the fact that it contains use of more action-oriented scenes in the trailer. The punch-outs being the main point of appeal make the trailer being appealing towards that age range.  From a narrative outlook, the film has been presented in a way that we get a brief insight into the characters in it. Also the pace of the editing is important as it does not reveal the events of the movie but shows the characters and the struggles apparent in the movie. An example of this are the scenes where Chris is presented, firstly of him as child with blood by his eye acting as somewhat of an enigma code in terms of how he actually obtained the cut and then when he's a adult where a scar has been sustained in the same location. Here it can be generally interpreted by viewers that the scar may have possibly contributed to the 'hard man' character we see him [Chris] as being, helping deliver a sense of narrative. The main star of the film can be said to be Aaron, however in the trailer we're presented with content that almost suggests that Kirby and Chris will be acting as the central protagonists of the film, not 100% reflective of the whole production. Information about the director Ben Drew is displayed from the Plan B logo being shown on-screen and also him being described as the 'visionary artist' that created the film. What's interesting here though is that things involving the director don't stop here though with him not only having a cameo appearance as a taxi driver, but him doing the actual narrator voice-over of the trailer. Clear by him even saying 'I am the narrator,' Drew essentially sets the scene of what 'Ill Manors' is and how certain events will all become significant in the long run of things.

How has the genre of the film been represented through characters, settings, lighting, colour, music/dialogue, camera shots/movements/angles and editing?

The genre of social realism is not appreciated as people want to be diverted from reality. The film has been represented as a film to bring social awareness towards the issues of London that is not highlighted. Firstly, through the props, the film is presented throughout the whole trailer as an edgy trailer through the expression of the characters. The characters struggling from the addiction of cocaine and the multiple use of guns and cigarette, it's clear that the film will borrow elements from films you usually see depicting the underworld of cities, already gravitating towards this look and feel that social realism films have. Also it represents the deprivation of council estates and the addiction to commit crimes provides a deeper connotation of depression and unfortunate events causing their inevitable downfall. Interestingly, the music is used to represent the culture of the underground of London with people expressing their opinions through music, This is effective since it's a track people can relate to sue to the song belonging to Plan B himself and peaking at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart ; it has close links to what the film is generally about - the disadvantaged young people in the underbelly of London. The lighting is notably dark which has a connection with the concept of the film; to remove the paper over the crack of London and reveal the truth. Also the pace of the editing is important as it does not reveal the events of the movie but shows the characters and the struggles apparent in the movie. 

January assessment: learner response

WWW: You've picked out some relevant aspects from the clip but overall there's just not enough here. The initial ideas are usually solid but you then go on to repeat them rather than offer new ideas.

EBI:

• One essential area to improve is answering the question... your representation answer is basically audience - it doesn't offer an analysis of representation, stereotypes etc.
• Written English and organisation needs to improve. you want 3-4 well developed paragraphs for each question. Cut out the basic errors.
• More media terminology and theory required. You missed aspects of CLAMPS for mise-en-scene and missed representation theories for Q3.

Question 4

Why does the film appeal to such a wide audience?

I believe the film appeals to a wider audience due to the inclusion of a family. This vital use of casting is important ass it provides a sense of identification with the viewers. There will be a connection mentally with the audience and the film which creates diversion from reality. Also, the film appeals to a wide audience due to other reasons as well. The main aim is to identify the characters with the everyday lifestyle to the audience which creates a sense of unity. This is important especially due to the fact that commercials with a specialised meaning reveals a greater truth in terms of attracting attention towards the film.We see that the film fits into a happy family line of appeal according to Gillian Dyer. This appeals to a wider audience which is important in terms of promoting the message; it doesn't have a negative image and it creates a positive tone which is different from typical road safety TV adverts. A theorist named Todorov came up with a concept named the theory of equilibrium. The disequilibrium is used to create disruption within the family but then it is completed with a new equilibrium at the point where we see he is retrained.

This film has other aspects that is apparent inside the commercial which suggest that it hasd appealed to the audience. The exclusion of any dialogue is important as it helps the audience be focused with the commercial which allows for a pleasant wide audience appeal. This is important especially when people who do not understand English can relate to the advert/message. This is beneficial as it allows everyone to understand and allows for a large target audience.

An important aspect of causing your audience to be diverted from reality is due to the message of the proposed video. It should be relatable to the audience. This advertisement features a very emotional message which  allow everyone to be psychologically impacted. This is significant especially as it also allows for children to be included and become informed of the accidents; it gives the children an early reminder. This is important in maintaining family assurance; the film has these qualities.

The British film industry: institutional context

What is the 'cultural test' to see if a film counts as British?
The cultural test was introduced in 2007 and is used to allow production companies to apply for UK film tax relief and is administered by the British Film Institute (BFI) on behalf of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Complete the task on the Factsheet, researching the films listed and finding out what they score on the cultural test: Sweeney, Attack The Block, The King's Speech, We Need To Talk About Kevin and Skyfall.

The Sweeney:

Financing: £3,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
Characters: Protagonists are British (4 points)
Language of dialogue: English (6 points)
Use of British creativity: 4 points
British subject matter: 4 points
Practitioners: 7 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

Attack The Block:

Financing: $8,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
British subject matter: (0 points)
Characters: British (4 points)
Language of dialogue: English dialogue used (6 points)
Use of British creativity: Black ethnicity used (4 points)
Practitioners: 7 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

The King's Speech:

Financing: £15,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
British subject matter: (4 points)
Characters: British (4 points)
Language: English (6 points)
Use of British creativity:
Practitioners: 7 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

Skyfall:

Financing: £200,000,000
Location: London (4 points)
British subject matter: 4 points
Characters: British (4 points)
Language: English dialogue (6 points)
Practitioners: 5 points
Cultural centre: 2 points

What is the main problem for the British film industry?

The British Film Industry typically had been production led which meant that in order to get the film exhibited the film-makers have to sell their distribution rights to a distribution company. This means that the film-makers don't receive the revenue.

What are three of the strengths of the British film industry?
The strengths of the BFI are that there are outstanding creative skills which result in financially successful franchises. Another strength is that there are outstanding facilities.

What are the two options for the future of the British film industry?

• Relying upon co productions with American companies as they don't have the finances
• To make low budget films targeted at a niche audience where the film-maker is able to retain all profits.

MEST1 Section B: The British film industry

Write a one-sentence definition of what makes a film British.
A film that has British customs and values that is shown or known inside the film.

What is the difference between a Hollywood production context and production context of a British film?

There is a clear difference between Hollywood and British films. For example, mainstream industries in Hollywood could easily make big budget film which therefore being influenced by a lot of money which is also common in a typical stereotype for these films. It is advertised to a wider more diverse audience which influence the gross of the films. However, British films are seen as the originators of film productions which has lost pace with their American movies which is clear when it is the other side of film making in terms of how money is influencing the films. There is a short amounts of money but there are still producing fantastic productions at the end. 

When did the James Bond franchise start?

This successful franchise is a positive representation of British film-making. However is fuelled by American money. The James Bond franchise started in the 1960's and as I said before was made by American money. This means that although the franchise is a British film, it has a evident representation of a middle class person in Britain; to inform the American audience about British customs and reinforce their stereotypes.

In terms of film censorship and graphic content, what began to change in British film in the 1970s and 1980s?

From a censorship and graphic content viewpoint,  especially in the 1970s, there was an evident showing of change in the way British films were produced; there was the portrayal of sexual content in which elements of it like sexual violence began to be displayed at an increasing rate.

 In terms of the 80s, what became more usual were the productions becoming increasingly violent and pornographic. This affected censorship in the sense that the BBFC came about in '85 which ensured all films released in the UK be rated corresponding to a certain age.

What groups are often represented in British film? Give examples of films these groups feature in.

Majority of the groups that are often seen in British films are white people. There are large amounts of this ethnicity being portrayed largely in British films. Moreover, we see foreigners seen a lot, but as the villains in the film. However there are few exemptions with films having a diverse cast to represent British life.

What does the Factsheet suggest might be the audience appeal of British film?

The audience appeal of British film is often the culture, the people who feature in the films are people who represent British values and are often the image of Britain. This appeals to the audience as they are learning about the country. British locations are also appealing to audiences as they allow for a sense of Britain in the movie.