FILM NOIR ACTIVITY FOR AS MEDIA STUDENTS : reinvent / retell a FAIRY STORY representing Film Noir GENRE or CONVENTIONS

1. Media Studies
Introducing: Challenge 6 showing understanding of representation using comparing existing stills/
/ photographs with created still images that use film noir styles LEADING TO A MOVING IMAGE
OUTCOME
Remember: Quote: Film Noir is
“a new cinematic technique that made use of dark or dim lighting effects, dreary settings, filtered lights
and generally dark themes and characterizations. Noir scenes are made from interesting camera angles
and with dramatic close-ups and shadowed lighting. Frequently the stories use of smoke-filled rooms,
views of light filtered through venetian blinds, seedy downtown areas with neon lights, dark wet streets to
heighten the noir effect. “
Activity:
Representation is about combining images, styles and symbols to creative meaning for an audience. Film
makers do this through actors, lighting props, locations, pose and expression.
Your challenge is to stage, create and capture a variety of still images that evoke the Film Noir style and
genre while re-telling a Fairy Story
Main Task: creating a series of still images that manipulate representations to create moody,
melodramatic portraits in a film noire style that tell the story in a visual way – later these will form the
guidance for your set Continuity task
Initial activity
1. create a Narrative: a Fairy tale reinvented OR modernised OR Subverted but meeting Film Noir conventions in
some way
2. Identify who your target audience is and why
3. what conventions of the genre you will be delivering for example: style, characters, form, codes
4. construct the plot - in what order and structure will the story unfold for the audience
5. storyboard your idea in a visual way adding sound/camera angles/action and lighting info
6. Practical session 1 - plan and refine the ideas - walk through locations and shoot - UPLOAD SHOTS BY THE
END OF THE DAY
7. Practical session 2 film it as a series of stills in both lessons - USE COSTUME / PROPS / LIGHTING. WE will go
through how to use the studio BUT also use the photography students in the group to help you to do this
NEXT
 Upload images to photoshop
 Edit simply – use adjustments such as saturation, exposure and curves plus simple crop methods
 Try to create a range of images that are effective representations of
o Femme Fatale
o Antagonist /villain
o Protagonist / Anti-hero
o Villain
o Side-kick
o Justice system
o Redemptive woman
 Create a post in your blog where you effectively compare and contrast your own work against
representations from existing Film Noir texts
Outcome
THE IMAGES EDITIED TO FORM A STILL IMAGE STORYBOARD OR GRAPHIC NOVEL
Use comic life app (http://comic-life.en.softonic.com/) , Photoshop or some other similar software to
present the series of images in a narrative

2. Scenes from films in the original Film Noir Genre
look for conventions and style tips: where is camera placed, how is it lit, what is in the scene

3. modern interpretations: are they believable? How do they meet the conventions?