Recently, I watched the Bollywood Action Revenge Thriller Drama titled Badlapur (directed by Sriram Raghavan. Which starsVarun Dawan (Dilwale,ABCD2) as the protagonistand Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Kick, Bhajrangi Bhaiijaan) as the antagonist.
In short, the film revolves around a robbery which goes horribly wrong. Thus resulting in the death of two innocent individuals. The aftermath results in a long game of cat and mouse, which certainly doesn’t leave the viewer dis-interested at any point, in fact, it keeps their attention locked in until the very end. It’s for this reason that I highly recommend this very fast paced action revenge thriller, as it certainly won’t disappoint for those who are fans of hard-hitting films. As for the performances, Dhawan gives us his career best in this film, proving he’s not just a pretty face. Going that one step further to prove his acting prowess, and let me tell you here, he most certainly doesn’t disappoint.
See the official trailer here:
Overall, I would say don’t miss Sriram Raghavan’s film, as it’s sure to become a rare Bollywood crime caper in the near future. With its sheer rawness for violence, drama and even romance, the film strikes a chord in a very impacting way. It’s one which makes us get lost in the narrative right from the start, not letting us go easily until the very end.
Boasted by very fitting music and (as spoken about above) great acting, Badlapur should certainly make it on your watch list as it’s a Bollywood Crime film like no other.
Experience revenge like you’ve never seen before as one man goes against those involved in his family’s demise. However, how far will he go before he loses himself and becomes the monster he never thought he’d become? Will he succumb to the need for revenge or can he stop on his path for vengeance before it’s too late?
Rating: 9.5/10
Bibliography
Eros Now (2014) Badlapur (unseen trailer) | Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 9KEoZanqlOE (Accessed: 30 March 2016).
Links used: Telegraph and First We Feast (ACCESSED MARCH 28TH 2016)
The Grand Bizarre
Script 1
The audiences are shown a shadow of a man shaking a cocktail shaker vigorously. They are then shown another male appear on screen, shaking his head in disappointment. We then see both presenters pose (with their backs to the audience). The first turns around with the other turning round ever so slowly. The show then starts to begin.
Ash: Hello and welcome to our show, where all things weird and wonderful (concerning food and drink); come to the surface.
Ash: Today we have a blend of the wonderful and the weird, and no I’m not just talking about your presenters (gestures to self). Maybe you guys can decide for yourself who’s the weirdest and wackiest. Don’t be fooled by appearances ladies and gents.
Ash: Right from a cocktail master class to a bush tucker trail-esque competition where you’ll see the fab go against the drab (eyes co-presenter), all the way to our audience involvement segment where we’ll ask you to tweet in your weirdest and wonderful moments concerning food and drink. What’s more is that we’ll have a competition, which will not disappoint you. Other highlights will include a food nutrition student gracing us with some weird and wonderful facts about food and some facts, which we’ll come of a surprise to you. So sit back and brace yourself upon entering the ‘grand bizarre’ with me Ash and my co-presenter the always smiling Harry or as I like to say Mr. Happy.
Ash: Up first we have….
Ash: Don’t look now (well try not too) as things are about to get even weirder and no, Mr. Happy is not going to be smiling. Although… No that’s dreaming the impossible (chuckles to self).
Ash: Up next we have a very special guest who will open your eyes up to those weird and maybe wonderful foods that you never really thought were actually good for you. Stay in your seats for even more weird entering your screen soon.
Guest 1 (Connie’s Friend)
Guest 2 (Back up)- Naina or Shweta or Wonderful person??
GUEST (QUESTIONS)
Talk about: 20 strange foods to try before you die
Ash: Be sure to tune in next week to see us look further into the origin of some weird foods. Whilst also revisiting today’s topic (subject to change) “do foods really change the way we dream?”. Don’t forget to follow our official twitter page______ for latest updates and competition notifications.
Upon reflecting on my progress, I would say the whole scriptwriting process has been engaging and exhilarating. Although I’ve only just started to plan out my script for my ‘presenter’ role, I’ve made sure to keep my dialogue passages short and engaging. Furthermore, I’ve made sure to write my passages up on Microsoft Word, In order for my team member Liam to go over my final edit (when possible). So that he can pay close attention to the layout, language and punctuation, acting as a proofreader and a spellchecker amongst other duties/roles.
Ash: Be sure to tune in next week to see us look further into the origin of some weird foods. Whilst also revisiting today’s topic (subject to change) “do foods really change the way we dream?”. Don’t forget to follow our official twitter page______ for latest updates and competition notifications. Thank you for watching with me Ash (the half which is Fab) and Harry (who we all know is drab).
Ash: Keep your eyes on me (which I hope your all doing) as your now going to see me take control of the shaker. No…. not that shaker (how rude) I mean the cocktail shaker (honestly you guys, can’t stop you from thinking ‘imaginatively’ can I?). Watch as I effortlessly swish around the colorful liquid back and forth, slowly delivering immense pleasure into each glass…..
Harry: Maybe you should tone back from using such colorful language Ash.. What am I saying is.. this is me talking bout you here, you obviously can’t help not be colorful (that’s not a compliment) anyway….
Ash: Harry what have I told you about praising me, only do so off camera (winks into main camera).
Slowly starts to chuckle to self contently
Ash: Anyway as I was saying I’ll be taking a cocktail master class and learning how to make the perfect cocktail. You can find the recipe of the cocktail I make and some ‘behind the scenes’ photos on our official twitter page___ and our official website at www.______________.co.uk
A show, where all things weird and wonderful (concerning food and drink); come to the surface.
Possible presenter phrases
“Find your weird”
“Get your weird on”
“If it’s weird then cheer!”
“The more colourful the more wonderful it is”
*People say I’m colourful it’s hard to see why! (gesture to self)
“If it’s wonderful it’s fundable (when will you invest)?”
The Show (Contents)
Presenter Vs Presenter (FAB vs DRAB)
Cocktail Masterclass (COME TO MAMA)
Weird and Wonderful Photos: via audience submission (FREAK C’EST CHIC)
Social Media Correspondent: Brandon Murphy (SOCIAL MOGUL)- Weird and wonderful trends, misses, future trends, personal experiences with W+W items-vlog life etc.
Food Reviewed (interview)- Foods we take for granted, foods for the brain (unexpected)- educational segment (messages included)
VT Time (actual name-TBC)- History of Cocktail names? Strange streetfood? (Shutterstock: stock photos)
Copyright
Check all music is ‘Royalty Free’
Music which is older than 70 years (deemed copyright free)
Images (copyright free/purchase fee present)
Copyright manual (2014+) to be read to see where one stands with using protected material.
Reflection
Today, I started to write down a full synopsis of my groups show. Thsi was followed by collating some phrases for the presenters to use (including myself). Further researching some ‘segment names’ for me to collate to pitch to my team later (see ‘show contents section above).
Overall, I would say this particular creative process has been fun and challenging. Considering that I had to make sure I did full research before thinking of particular names and so forth. Above all, I stayed motivated, passionate and dedicated at all times.
What if you were blind and the baton was passed to you to look after your whole family? How would you cope being relied upon by your mother and young brother, as much as you relied upon them?
For Durga, being blind has been something she’s lived with for many years now. However, one day she encounters a near-death experience until she is rescued by a handsome sir (which she calls ‘Babu’). From this point, her eyes slowly begin to open to love (something she’d thought she’d never truly have). Further giving Durga the courage she needs to get her eyes checked, to see if she’s viable for an eye operation. However before these events occur, Durga’s life is tainted with as those close to her slowly begin to be put in danger. Will Durga be with the one she loves or will unexpected events keep them separated for eternity? Can she sculpt her love once more and reignite her faith in herself forevermore?
Scene: Durga and her Babu (Sir)
Will fate get in the way of their happiness or will a single action change her life forever?
Personally, I found this movie to be quite enjoyable. Upon viewing the first few scenes of the film one can immediately decipher that it is a typical Bollywood love story. In the way that there are two lovers who fall in love after a terrible event occurs, only to be torn apart from each other through time then brought back together.
For me, the chemistry between the young lead stars Ameesha Patel and Arjun Rampal is clearly evident to the eye. This helped to give the story more of a deeper meaning, as it made the characters more believable. Considering that as an audience member it made me feel more ‘in touch’ and connected with them in their respective character roles. Another stand-out feature of the film would have to be its music; penned by Anand Raj Anand, each track brings every scene to life in a very elevating and emotional way. Whether that’s bringing the notion of love to life or fitting in with the tragic events occurring in a particular scene. Either way the music is tailored beautifully to a film, which even today can be enjoyed amongst many new blockbuster Bollywood releases.
To end, all Bollywood film goers should watch this film to feel a nostalgic feeling of love and hope and even faith. Be prepared to feel butterflies, loss and love all at once. Prepared to get your tissues ready as it’s a film which doesn’t spare any emotion. Go back in time to the year 2006 and witness a tale of faith, forever binding love and longing.
Humko Tumse Pyaar Haidirected by Bunty Soorma (2006, Adlabs) can be viewed on ‘Youtube’ under its film name with English subtitles written in brackets.
Should the BBC license fee be scrapped? – consider the for and against arguments and pick a side.
Image 1:
For
– Public Backing (since 2004)
– Not very expensive
– Very affordable for each household
– Unlocks a full library of entertainment (with free on-demand services with a ‘download function’-i.e BBC Iplayer)
– Is the main source of funding for the BBC. Helps them to release more content as time progresses, with updated looks and set of programmes too (i.e ‘specials’: Absolutely Fabulous).
– Very fair of the BBC to get money from the public (viewers) in order to secure the longevity of the whole company. Profit is also received through partnerships too (i.e BBC America).
Against
– Licence fee evasion makes up around one ninth of all cases prosecuted in magistrate courts.
– Of the 204,018 prosecution (or out of court disposal) in 2014, a staggering 24,025 were unsuccessful.
– in 2014, 39 people were imprisoned in England and Wales, for an average of 20 days each.
Burden on the poor:
– The licence fee represents a much higher proportion of income for poor households
– According to a National Audit Office report from 2002: “Areas with high evasion rates are most likely to have a higher than average proportion of younger people, low income households, and students and single parent families, and a high level of County Court judgments 50 per cent above the national average”.
– by forbidding all TV programs to non-licence payers, it prevents poor people to enjoy a hobby that’s virtually free or it criminalises them, in particular women with children living on welfare.
The licence fee gives an unfair advantage to one broadcaster:
– Itv has a total external revenue of £2,590 million
– Channel 4’s total revenue is £908 million a year.
– UKTV (owning Dave, yesterday, etc) had £265 million in revenue.
– In comparison, the BBC has a total income of £5,066 million of which £3,726 million comes from licence fees.
Outdated system:
– The BBC has been funded by the licence fee since 1923.
– The current TV licence fee started in 1946
– TV licence might have been relevant when TV was in its infancy. Nowadays, it’s not. Many channels offer quality programs funded by advertising.
*Source: End the BBC Licence fee
Negatives:
UP TO 70 ARE JAILED EVERY YEAR
÷ Licence fee evasion accounts for around one in ten cases heard by magistrates who can impose a fine of up to £1,000. Around 150,000 to 180,000 people a year are convicted.
÷ Between 50 and 70 a year are jailed for not paying the fine. Most are given a sentence of less than three months.
÷ There were 25,419,296 licences in force in 2013/14.
÷ The first licence fee was issued in November 1922 for radio users, costing 10 shillings (50p). The first combined radio/TV licence – for £2 – was issued in June 1946.
÷ As television became popular, radio-only licences were scrapped in 1971. The first supplementary licence fee for colour TV was introduced in 1968.
÷ A licence is not needed to watch BBC iPlayer content after it has been broadcast. However, the Watch Live option requires a valid TV licence.
÷ Around 4.33million free licences for over-75s have been issued at a cost of £607.8million a year to the Government.
Source: THE DAILY MAIL (Gove calls for non-payment of BBC licence fee to be decriminalised)
Personally, I would back the licence fee. This is because I feel it’s fair and reasonable for us to pay (as a household) to watch standard channels such as BBC One and Channel 4 etc. Furthermore, many can still watch Channel 4 and BBC One online via ‘demand services’. Thus, can opt for this method of viewing of watching tv if they don’t want to pay the licence fee. However, this does mean they can’t watch live TV if they opt for this method. I’d further say that support for the ‘license fee’ has gone up from 2004 (via public support). Therefore shows how many are ‘for’ the TV license to remain the same as they have no real obligation paying a few pennies a day or a one off payment a year for the license itself (if it means they can watch live TV comfortably in their own home).
The Graham Norton Show is a TV Magazine Programme where the glamour and glitz of tv and film are brought alive. This is done by a very enthusiastic and likeable host (Mr Graham Norton), who is accompanied each week by an array of high-class celebrities from those on the rise to those mega-earners (i.e Tom Cruise). His show explores finding out some ‘childhood facts’ of the stars themselves, learning about their latest films, to interacting with other celebrities on the sofa (who they may have met before). Other scheduled items include the famous ‘red chair’ and some amazing live music performances from some renowned/up and coming musical stars (i.e Lianne La Havas).
Upon considering ‘The Graham Norton Shows’ future longevity in the global tv environment, I’d say it’s doing extremely well. This is because the show not only appears on BBC One in the UK, but it appears on BBC America (thus reaches out to global audiences in this way). However, one thing which I’ve found out upon doing some research is that the show doesn’t feature any of its current episodes on BBC America. In this way it could seem a little ‘behind and dated’ as it may confuse American viewers as to which films are available and when. ‘The Graham Norton Show’ can also be found on ‘BBC Canada(13 week-run)’, and BBC Nordic.
The Graham Norton Show and BBC America (see articles below):
‘The Dressmaker’ (Poster)- Based on the novelof the same name by Rosalie Ham
A Woman (who is a Dressmaker) returns to her hometown after a long time, since the tragic accident she was supposedly ‘involved’ in. Upon arriving, she quickly gets ignored and provoked in admitting to herself that she actually did something wrong. However, as the truth slowly comes to light things become far more twisted than they ever seemed before. Will it be a quick stitch, or can she stay around just long enough to put all the rumours to bed? Or will some more disastrous and unfortunate events prevail, making her question why she ever came back?
Kate Winslett stars as ‘The Dressmaker’ who returns to her hometown, much to her ailing mother’s disappointment. With some standout performances from Winslett herself, Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving. This Australian, revenge comedy-drama is one you won’t want to miss. With various stages of emotion featuring love, anger, hate. This movie certainly packs a lot in its runtime of 1 hour 53 minutes. Keeping us as the audience extremely engaged in each scene whether that’s through tears or even joy.
It’s a film which gradually gets better with each scene, as the story unfolds layer after layer. Expect some moments of surprise and sheer intrigue in this well polished Australian comedy revenge drama film ‘The Dressmaker’.
I’d say to anyone who is a Kate Winslett fan, to watch this film (if they haven’t) now! It truly is a film which takes her beyond her character even more. As we see various sides to her, which make her stand out in a very thrilling and engaging fashion. A side which draws you in and doesn’t let you off so easily.
Personally, I found this film to be thoroughly enjoyable with many twists and turns subtly tucked away inside it. It’s a film where I almost was overcome with emotion (due to Winslet’s character and how things end up for her). I’d say, watch this Australian gem of a film as it certainly doesn’t hold back on it’s cutting edge narrative, disguised amongst various fabrics and sewing machines. Feel the plight of love, whilst experiencing loss and heartbreak too. Get ready to be involved in the towns drama and to make your mind up on who’s really cursed, ‘the dressmaker’ or the town itself.
See the official trailer below:
Rating: 8/10
‘The Dressmaker’ is available on DVD March 16th 2016 (UK)
Bibliography
Movieclips Trailers (2015) The Dressmaker official international trailer (2015) – Liam Hemsworth, Kate Winslet drama HD. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =hyLrIq_ZHDA (Accessed: 12 March 2016).
Upon being briefed earlier in our workshop about the guidelines etc. Some of my team members messaged on our group chat some suggestions. Below is the document I collated (which includes all their ideas).
Upon reading their ideas, I liked what they had come up with. In particular, I found the use of the ‘example intro’ to be effective, as it would keep the flow of the show neat and structured, whilst being entertaining for the audience too.
I further liked the use of ‘The VT’, as their idea involved filming as much footage as we could in Amsterdam (those going), in order to add it to our ‘Competition Segment’ (Win A Trip Here). Which would add the ‘competition’ element to our programme, whilst adding to audience interaction too, as they could possibly email in or tweet (depending on brief/show guidelines, which we’d find out beforehand).
Upon meeting with my group we discussed the following things:
Connie: Make own cocktail?
Finish episodes with next week…. (in order to end episode more smoothley)
In gallery-film whilst practicing (include in TV magazine programme)
Weird and Wonderful Foods- Market (Birmingham)- Use to gather ingredients for cocktails (quite feasible)
Upon seeing Sophies construction, I praised her edit. However, noted that she should consider making letters bigger (adding to the ‘wonderful theme’). I further praised her on the colour scheme as I liked how mysterious the colour black looked in it.
Upon starting our group task I started to think about the lecture we had this morning on ‘TV Tribes’. This prompted me to think about which category I fitted into. Upon analysing all the tribes, I finally put myself in the following category. This was because of my viewing habits and the environment I like to watch it in.
The ‘ME-TIMER’ – Someone who watches TV on their own with no disturbances; hates it when people interrupt. They tend to download and binge on boxsets, whilst watching TV in a separate room for a bit of peace and quiet. They also watch TV on a laptop or tablet with their headphones in and love to get stuck into a good TV drama, watching episodes back to back (never missing a single one).
This week our group task was to come together to decide on a theme for your tv magazine programme. As my team had previously discussed this and orbed towards one theme, in particular, we were all set to research individual items etc. relating to the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ category.
Task:
Research clips and other content material that fits your theme.
2. Research ideas for your programme graphics and set design – again that fits your theme.
For the ‘research clips’ task, the following videos were viewed:
The following clips(above) showcase not only various presenting styles (i.e Graham Norton), but also some ‘items’ too. These range from weird and wonderful foods to cocktails. This helped me, with understanding the presentation of the food and drink in each video, inspiring me to think about how I’d pitch to my team on how to presents the beverages to the snacks (all ‘weird and wonderful’ inspired).
Programme Graphics and Set Design
For this mini task the following programmes were viewed/looked into in more depth:
The Graham Norton Show
Lorraine
Alan Carr
Paul O’Grady Show
Jonathan Ross show
The reason I liked the programme graphics/set design of these programmes were because they all varied in style. For example, some felt fitted better for nighttime (i.e Alan Carr), whilst others had a ‘morning’ feel to them (i.e Lorraine). Upon gaining feedback today on some of our ideas, it was announced that we couldn’t do a post-watershed show (due to audience issues). This was because our media text would most likely be shown in the reception of ET building. Thus, we’d need to strip back the language but also the humour too. This would be because there would be a variety fo age ranges walking in and out of the ET building, who would likely be shocked by what they are seeing (if its to risque and explicit).
To compare, ‘Lorraine’ opts for a more bright and relaxed morning vibe (through quirky colours and comfy sofas). Whilst ‘The Graham Norton Show’ opts for a more late night lounge feel, through darker tones and ambient lighting (signalling to the audience the time period, as the ‘setting’ represents to the audience that it’s night time).
Going back to our idea, I’d say we’d opt for something very minimal. However, may chose darker colours and an ambient light too, depending on the ‘time period’ that we opt for (i.e a night time show). However, if we were to showcase our show in the morning then I;d say natural lighting would work well, with sofa’s in block colours around a wooden table of some sought. This would connote a comfortable sofa area, adding to the welcoming personality of our main co-host (Ash). Further adding to audience likeability and entertainment too.
Bibliography
BBC America (2015) HUGH JACKMAN plays host w/ DAVID BECKHAM on the Graham Norton show. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =znQqNSIijcg (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
BeatsandEats London (2015) Ep1: Beats & eats featured with street cocktails. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= bL2JuPo1390 (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
Blacq, X. (2016) Xantoné Blacq | Xan (Graham Norton: Show Set Image). Available at: http://www.xanblacq.com/xan- (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
Enrique Iglesias Greece (2014) Enrique Iglesias at Alan Carr chatty man show (interview & performance) (HD). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= jLCrsGLNTeA (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
MacmillanChildrens (2012) Andrew Zimmern’s field guide to exceptionally weird, wild, and wonderful foods. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 1Gm-NsEXQHo (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
MrFredenza (2015) Top 5 unusual cocktails top Five weird alcohol drinks beverages. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 25-tERMidjg (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
Natalie’s Creations (2013) Weird, wild and wonderful foods with Andrew Zimmern – love with food un boxing (april 2013). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= J0JajLvgBko (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
Robert Keller (2016) Bizarre foods with Andrew Zimmern ( Paris, France ). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= rOjWZ433wuE (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
on time (2015) New Nicki Minaj interview on Alan Carr chatty man HD. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= QoBuwHOOPpk (Accessed: 8 March 2016).
See all my notes from today’s lecture below, plus a short reflection paragraph too.
Upon meeting with our lecturer (in our workshop), we wrote out our main theme and various contributing ideas for it. This helped us to put down all that we had thought of (so far) on paper. Further aiding us in gaining feedback from Karen, who helped to assess our progress and also what guidelines we should abide by (i.e no post-watershed or harsh explicit language). We also managed to split our main ideas, into idea one and two. This helped us to see what we had under each theme subject, for us to assess feasibility/do-ability when possible.
Namaste Media Minions! 
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