Grace & Frankie (2015)- Short TV Review

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin unite (since featuring in the Dolly Parton starrer smash hit ‘9 to 5’), in a Netflix original series ‘Grace and Frankie’.

Imagine being invited to a dinner by your husbands (who work together in the same company). Upon arriving you feel nervous and excited as you think a promotion is in order for one of your husbands. But what if the truth is something you never thought would happen, let alone at a dinner. How would you deal with a secret coming to light, shattering your contentful life? How would you react? Would you start throwing your food around, or would you leave with your pride?

For Grace and Frankie life is about to change. After discovering their husbands are gay, at first they are shocked thinking both are having an affair with other women. However thats not it at all, as they soon discover their husbands are gay for each other. This is something none of them ever suspected.

Without giving too much away, season one showcases the build up between the unforeseen secret coming to light, followed by a ‘gay wedding’ and a discovery of sisterhood, through the unlikely friendship between the two wives (ex) ‘Grace and Frankie’ (who would have never predicted that their husbands would turn out to be gay, let alone gay for each other).

Upon watching this particular offering from Netflix, I immediately fell in stitches. With standout performances from Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlinson, this a comedy series which shouldn’t be missed. With moments of joy, anger, sadness and sisterhood, ‘Grace and Frankie’ certainly brings a new lease of life to the comedy genre, proving that you can never be too old to take another chance at love (even if it means altering the lifestyle of those closest to you).

Rating: 9.5/10

Check out the trailer for ‘Grace and Frankie’ below:

‘Grace & Frankie'(season one) is available on Netflix UK now!

Season 2 of ‘Grace & Frankie’ coming 2016

Bibliography

Netflix US & Canada (2015) Grace and Frankie – official trailer – Netflix [HD]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= CDv6PRi1SgQ (Accessed: 29 February 2016).

Netflix (no date) Available at: http://sharingseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Grace-and-Frankie-Netflix-poster-season-1-2015.jpg (Accessed: 29 February 2016).

 

160MC: P2P (All Production Sheets)

Paperwork (digital copy)
Budget (-£100 for transportation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Budget 2 (done by Katy)

162MC: Fan Fiction (Full ‘Roles’ Sheet)

162MC Fan Fiction

 ‘The Real Skins’

Roles:

 Ash and Jana: Paperwork

• In charge of collating and printing off the right production sheets.

Ash: Actor, Group Organiser, Set designer, Lighting, Communicator

In charge of keeping group in the loop, practicing lines for ‘Max’ and also putting together a prop list. Whilst helping out with the lighting on set. Further communicating directly with one of the actors, acting as second in command for the casting director (upon him being unavailable at times).

Abbey: Editing/Script Cutter/Actor

Acted as one of the crew members (i.e producer) within our short film. Also worked on cutting down the script due to the length being quite long. Whilst further applying herself as an editor, working alongside Connie for this.

 Jana: Agenda Compiler/Sound

Worked alongside Ash to compile all the agenda’s together, further offering support upon putting all main documents together. Further applied herself to sound, operating the boom mic/edirol in the process. Staying motivated and engaged at each corner.

Katherine: Lighting

Assisted with the lighting equipment where necessary.

Connie: Camera Operator/Actor/Editor

Acted briefly in the ‘party scene’. Further worked on set as the camera operator, getting shots from various angles (i.e Confessionals).

Neel: Director

Delegated where all the actors should go, whilst controlling all the equipment. Further annotated one script, in order to bring his own creative vision for ‘The Real Skins’ script to life.

Farai: Writer/Assistant Director/Casting Director

Wrote the whole script for our final fan fiction idea. Worked as the assistant director on set, making sure his vision didn’t go off track, but stayed within the vision of the directors. Further working alongside the director to come to a mutual understanding of what the final scenes should look like. Also communicated with all the actors, making sure they knew their lines and knew where they had to be, gaining their consent beforehand.

Alex: DOP/Viewer

Worked as the main person on the camera, due to being the director of photography. Having prior experience in this role already. Further lending himself to be the main ‘viewer’ within the editing process, offering a fresh pair of eyes for the edited footage.

 

 

 

160MCT2: P2P (A Reflection)

As my group and I are nearing towards the end of our ‘P2P Project’. I thought I’d do a short reflection on my time, during this project.

First off, my roles included anchoring the project, being the director, organising meetings, collating the equipment list, interviewing the subject and also communicating with them too.

Upon reflecting, I would say I worked in a variety of roles which tested me and pushed me beyond my limits in a gratifying way. One role in particular (which really challenged me), would have to be directing. Directing for me, was an interesting yet rewarding experience. At first I was nervous delegating roles and ordering my team to do certain things (i.e setting up lighting, filming a timelapse etc.)

However I’d have to say that my whole team really pushed me and motivated me to give it my all, making me feel energetic and driven at all times (even more). Further giving me useful tips to aid me in my directing role. I’d also say that my vision for my project (supported by my group) really came to life, upon filming all the shots. This was because I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, interacting with my subject and also learning even more about them. All in all, my time as a director proved to be a truly rewarding one, considering it’s a role that I’d definitely want to take over again.

Strengths and Weaknesses (Group)

S: Good communication, effective teamwork, good motivation. Always contributed well constructed ideas (where necessary), further working off constructive criticism to push them even more. All came together and pushed themselves in the whole filming process.

W: Some instances where lack of communication set us back.  Some issues with time management as well.

Strengths (Individual)

Highly motivated, driven, enthusiastic, focused and dedicated. Gave enough notice to subject (Michael) upon filming and seeing his bookshop. Greeted owner and customers politely upon filming. Whilst understanding subject had to deal with customers at the same time. Made sure to set up all out of the customers way. Asked an array of interesting  questions fitting in with our narrative (with the help of my team member).

Weaknesses (Individual)

Could have checked over equipment there and then upon loaning out, due to some equipment having cables missing.

Maybe should’ve researched audio devices for interview beforehand. For example could’ve have sorted out issue with clip mic, as we then would have been able to pick up more natural sounds (i.e Coffee Machine).

To conclude, I’d say that this particular project has been thoroughly enjoyable. From choosing a very interesting subject to having a highly motivated team. ‘P2p’ for me, has been challenging and interesting. It’s a project which has included it’s fair share of high points to setbacks. Further proving to be a project which really proved that theres no “I” in team.

I’d like to say thank you to our subject (Michael: The Big Comfy Bookshop) and all my team members plus the pleasant customers too.

160MCT2: A Truly Inspiring Speaker

In todays lecture, former student Meera Dharji gave us an inspiring talk about her experience as a student during her 3 years of university, studying Media Production (BA Hons).

Attached below are all my notes from this truly motivating speaker. My notes include short summaries to topics which really inspired me. Finished off with a short reflection by myself, on todays talk.

162MC: Heading to the finish line (‘The Real Skins’ Fan Fiction)

Image: ‘The Party Scene’ (featuring ‘Talcum Powder’ for the substances)

Upon reflecting on my ‘fan fiction’ experience within the 162MC module. I would say that for me, this project was really creative and challenging. Personally , shooting ‘The Real Skins’ was one which proved to be difficult at times but also extremely rewarding. My roles in this project included:

• Working on designing the set
• Organising meetings
• Helping with lighting
• Being an actor (essaying the role of ‘Max’)

Upon reflection, I felt my roles were unique in their own way. Thus gave me a chance to split my creativity between the roles. Overall, I felt they each tailored to my strengths and challenged me at each turn.

As for my role as ‘Max’ I’d say it was as much nerve racking as it was liberating. This was because actings always been close to my heart, thus I really felt content upon appearing in the limelight for a few minutes after a long time.

Strengths and Weaknesses

S:

• Good team work
• High energy and enthusiasm in every session
• Many useful suggestions from team members towards the script ‘The Real Skins’ (by Farai Brandon Mbudaya)
• Effective time management
• Due to lines being manageable and not too long, lines were learn’t quickly and swiftly.
• Actors were committed and professional at all times. Further open to feedback from us.

W:

• Some instances where mis-communication occurred with the actors. Delaying our filming time and setting us back a little.
• Roles could have been defined more clearly as some members were left a little confused as to what roles they were doing.
• Scripts could have been sent to actors beforehand than being handed out on set. Giving them very little time to rehearse their lines.
• Actors could have been auditioned in due time. Saving us time if actors couldn’t be present in one scene or another. They would’ve been able to get their back up to fill in for them.

To conclude, I’d say although there were hiccups along the way my team managed to stay focused all the way through. Overall I’d say this has to be one of the best modules so far for me, as I really liked bringing one of our fan fiction ideas to life. Personally it felt really good to bring something together as a team, further contributing various suggestions along the way between all of us. This for me really made the whole experience satisfying and also fulfilling too. It’s an experience that I’ll remember for getting into character after a long time, to giving the actors helpful suggestions to executing their roles even more effectively.

 

161MC TV Broadcast Module: An Introduction

Today, we were introduced to the new tv broadcast module for 161MC.

Check out all my notes here: Broadcast television module

My notes include the brief, what’s expected of us, the importance of teamwork and of course how we’ll fit everything we learn into one final media text.

Upon listening we were briefed on the areas we’d be looking into (see extract from above document below):

Technical (in the studio):

TV Studio roles

How to construct a studio programme

Camera, vision mixing and presenting techniques

Editorial:

How to construct a studio programme-running order

Storytelling and choosing content

Look and tone-graphics, titles and credits

Compliance- Health/safety, consent and copyright

Upon reflecting on todays lecture, I would say it gave me a better insight into the tv module. Further helping me understand even more, the importance of teamwork and of course set roles. Which would further add to the organisation of the team and the delivery of the final product/piece of media too.

I would further say that I’m ready and extremely motivated to challenge myself in this module. Considering that I’ll be using new equipment that I might not have used before, thus will need to practice and learn all the do’s and don’ts surrounding all the kit. As for team working, I’d say this is one of my strong points. The reason being, because I’m very open to listening to other peoples ideas and critiquing them in a fair yet encouraging way. Thus feel I passionate and also set on not only making my mark in the team but also helping each of my team members out where necessary. Bringing us even closer together as one, encouraging better team morale and also communication too.

Let the New TV Broadcast Module Begin! Ready, Set, Go!

162MC: Script Report Forms

Below includes all the script reports I filled out for my team. Followed by our full filming schedule log sheet.

ASH-SCRIPT-REPORT-FORM

 

Filming Schedule (Log Sheet) 162MC

Jana SCRIPT REPORT FORM

SCRIPT REPORT FORM

(1)SCRIPT REPORT FORM

(2)SCRIPT-REPORT-FORM-1

Upon reflecting, getting feedback on my own script helped me gain a better understanding of where to take my story. Further aiding me in writing up an ‘alternate ending’, helping me include a different side to my fan fiction story as such.

162MC: Fan Fiction ‘The Real Skins’ Take 2

Today my team and I met in the old TV studio, where we would set up all the equipment for the confessionals. As one of the main actors were not present we decided to film his scenes another time.However this mean’t we’d have to cast another actor alongside him, due to the first actor having prior commitments.

Whilst focusing on those who were present, we managed to film the confessionals in good lighting and also space too. This was because each confessional looked clear and well executed. Due to the background looking into an office, adding to the feel of a ‘set’ as such. Further adding to how much we wanted to see on camera and how much we didn’t, contributing to the whole mise en scene.

Upon getting into my character (Max) I started to warm up a little by trying out different postures/mannerisms. This helped as we eventually got some good takes, with me staying still, essaying the role of ‘Max’ in a fluid and interesting way.

As for the other confessionals, each of the actors essayed their respective roles extremely well. This is because each stayed motivated and dedicated in each take, further listening to us giving helpful tips along the way.

After this was done, we set out to Alex’s house to film the other scenes with the actors playing ‘Sid’ and ‘Cassie’ taking the to the set. This part of filming was done well, as the scenes were set up in due time, with clear pointers being made vocal at each stage. One part of filming which took time was ‘Sid’s’ delivery on his lines. This was because the actor playing this role spoke almost too softly, thus needed more abruptness in his voice. However after giving him suggestions and offering him many takes, we managed to get some good stuff off him.

Upon reflecting, todays filming session had its fair share of setbacks but also some good highs too. This was because although some of the actors had to be moved around/switched up, all managed to stay committed and enthusiastic. Treating the bump in our production as a little blimp, one which would be sorted very soon. Thus for this reason I’d say we really came together as a team, as we persevered through the little hiccups which occurred today. As for reprising my role as ‘Max’, I’d say it went well. This was because I liked how I channeled him today, in a shy yet confident way. Making sure to include subtle gestures and expressions, only distinct to ‘Max’. Further making him stand out as a character in our short film ‘The Real Skins’.

 

No Good Deed (2014)- A Short Review

Yesterday, I watched the home invasion thriller ‘No Good Deed'(2014) starring Idris Elba (Luther, Thor) as the antagonist and Taraji P. Henson(Person of Interest, Empire) as the protagonist.

After seeing the trailer I decided to watch the film, thinking that it would just be a formulaic thriller with a villain who wants to be free of prison and all his loose ends. However, upon watching more and more of the film, I came to the conclusion that there was a lot more to it that meets the eye (however ‘formulaic or predictable’ it may have seemed to many).

You’ve probably heard the phrase “never let strangers in your house” or “stranger danger”. But how do you truly know who your letting in? What if one situation could undermine everything you thought you knew about those close to you? What would you do?

In short, the film follows  Elba’s character as a convicted villain for manslaughter, who is charged with 5 years of prison. Upon going to his parole hearing, Elba’s character manages to convince (for a minute) that he is a changed man. However those in the hearing soon suss his bluff. Out of frustration Idris gets backs into the parole van and kills the driver and the warden in the van with no mercy. He then escapes, (this is where his path for revenge starts), leading to unforeseen circumstances and of course hidden truths. Further making Taraji’s character more involved in his story then she first thinks.

Personally, I found this film to be well executed as it certainly didn’t shy away from violence or even fear too. In many scenes it made me shudder and react upon seeing Elba’s character in an ‘extremely villainous’ avatar as the antagonist. However, this really worked as he drew you in at every scene to hate him more (which engaged me in the story entirely). As for Taraji’s character, she played the roles of an unsuspecting wife and mother extremely well. She delivered her lines with fluidity and also emotion, making us listen and feel the envy she felt (at times) for her husband having a job (considering he wouldn’t help her out as much as she’d hope he would with their kids).

Although ridden with a formulaic storyline and many cliches, this home invasion thriller manages to escape (at times) it’s predictable outcomes, by powerhouse performances by Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson. Which will make you want to not open your door to strangers for a while (certainly in my case anyway). Watch this home invasion thriller and re-ignite the phrase of “stranger danger”. Get ready to be on the edge of your seat at every gun shot and punch, feel the emotion and fear of the main protagonist.

Rating: ***

See the official trailer below:

References: Sony Pictures Entertainment (2014) No good deed – official trailer – in theaters September 12th. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5VeowxERwM (Accessed: 21 February 2016).