Creative Analysis. Animation Genre.

My choice of Genre is ANIMATION. 

The computer animated comedy,fantasy film Toy Story.

Toy Story is a 1995 American computer-animated buddy-comedy adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by John Lasseter, Toy Story was the first feature-length computer-animated film and the first theatrical film produced by Pixar. Toy Story follows a group of anthropomorphic toys who pretend to be lifeless whenever humans are present, and focuses on the relationship between Woody, a pull string cowboy doll (voiced by Tom Hanks), and Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut action figure (voiced by Tim Allen). The film was written by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, Alec Sokolow, and Joss Whedon, and featured music by Randy Newman. Its executive producers were Steve Jobs and Edwin Catmull.

In 2013, film goers in the United Kingdom and Ireland watched more animation than any other type of film, according to a new report by the British Film Institute. Despite comprising just 4.7% of the film releases in that region, animation accounted for 21.4% of the 2013 box office gross.

The UK released 33 animated films last year, grossing a total of £246.6 million ($414.9 million). The top-earning fully-animated film in the UK wasDespicable Me 2, followed by Frozen, Monsters University, The Croods, and Wreck-It Ralph (which had a 2013 release in the territory).

The other top categories were action (18.7%), comedy (13.7%), sci-fi (7.6%), drama (5.2%) and fantasy (5.2%).

Here is the link to more about Toy Story

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story

Artist/Group/Director

Toy Story is a 2001 American computer-animated comedy film DIRECTED by John Lasseter  , produced by Pixar Animation Studios, and released by Walt Disney Pictures. John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton both were the executive producers.

PIXAR creates and produces their feature films and Walt Disney Pictures distributes them.

Body of Work

Walt Disney Pictures is an American film production company and division of The Walt Disney Studios, owned by The Walt Disney Company. The division is based at the Walt Disney Studios and is the main producer of live-action feature films within the Walt Disney Studios unit.

The studio’s predecessor (and the modern-day The Walt Disney Company’s as a whole) was originally founded as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, by filmmaker Walt Disney and his business partner and brother, Roy, in 1923.

Unique Aspects 

A computer-animated film is a feature film that has been computer-animated to appear three-dimensional on a film screen. While traditional 2D animated films are now done primarily with the help of computers, the technique to render realistic 3D computer graphics, or 3D Computer-generated imagery is unique to using computers to create movies.

Computer animation is driven by motion capture, a real performer acts out the scene as if they were the character to be animated. His/her motion is recorded to a computer using video cameras and markers and that performance is then applied to the animated character.

Animation data can be created using motion capture, or keyframing by a human animator, or a combination of the two.

New/Innovative

The FIRST feature-length computer animated film was the Toy Story (1995), which was made by Pixar. It followed an adventure centered around toys and their owners. This groundbreaking film was also the first of many fully computer-animated movies.

The link to Toy Story made by Pixar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story

Innovator

Walt Disney has to be remembered for such a huge part in animation and film making.The link to more about this legend http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney

http://www.biography.com/people/walt-disney-9275533

Impact or Influence of Technology

Walt Disney first made short cartoons. Then he branched out into full-length animated movies, and later he made films with actors. He was not the first to make short animated films, but the characters he created and the audience he appealed to were different from other animators. With his full-length animated films, he reached out to a new family market. The high quality of his films stands out even now.

Comparison

Toy Story and The Lion King Comparisons

In the Lion King they studied real life animals for reference and in Toy Story attention to detail was also top priority with every leaf and blade of grass being created.

They are both computer generated Animation films which often appeal to children but are enjoyed by all. They try to use animation to encourage children to make the right choices . Like in Toy Story The boy Andy owned Woody the Cowboy and loved his toys and there  is the Bully Sid who abuses toys.  Also in The Lion King the baby Lion Simba portrays to own up to things as in the film to get him to admit to the agony of his fathers death and realise its not his fault.

 Contrast

Although they are both animated films the Lion King is also a Big Musical which gets show in London all year  The link to the Musical The Lion King. http://www.thelionking.co.uk/

Creative Analysis: Genre Punk

My choice THE PUNK GENRE

The punk subculture is centered on a loud, aggressive genre of rock music called punk rock. It is usually played by small bands consisting of a vocalist, one or two electric guitarists, an electric bassist and a drummer.

References used for more information

http://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/08f04.html

A bit History about Sex Pistols

http://www.swide.com/art-culture/music-news/punk-culture-in-2013-and-the-history-the-movement-in-music/2013/01/31

Artist  Johnny Rotten name  as John Lydon

1. Singer-songwriter
   John Joseph Lydon, also known by his former stage name Johnny Rotten, is an English singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead singer of punk rock band the Sex Pistols.
   Parents: John Christopher Lydon, Eileen Lydon.
   Born on January 31, 1956  Holloway. London.
   Spouse :Nora Forster
   Books: No Irish No Blacks  No Dogs
   Music groups: Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd, Pigface

The IMPACT the Punk era had helped to shape some of today’s music.As punk rock became fused more and more with other styles of music, noise rock and post -punk began to receive minor popularity with punk circles. Noise rock was similar to hardcore in speed and power, but was even more raw and aggressive. Guitars would oftentimes have effects used on them in addition to distortion, such as delay pedals with the delay turned up but the feedback down, to create a distinctive cacophonous sound, hence “noise” rock.The term Punk was first used in music by American critics in the early 1970s, to describe the sound coming from garage bands and their devotees that were typically short songs with simple instrumentation and based on themes of anti-establishment and the rejection of the mainstream.

Besides a huge influence on punk musically, the Sex Pistols also helped to create the look that came to characterize most punks. The Pistols, particularly Rotten, were characterized by wearing ripped blue jeans and obscene tee-shirts.

Punk was one of the first cultures that taught people to rebel and speak up. Punk also influenced the Anarchy movement. Anarchy basically believes in people having freedom and being governed by themselves.
And nowadays there are worldwide anarchic movements.

Here is the link to a book that gives the reader a bit information about his background.

 http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/oct/15/anger-is-an-energy-my-uncensored-life-john-lydon-review

Here is the link that gives insight into his work.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lydon

After the Sex Pistols he formed the Public Image Ltd. band. He is the lead singer of the post-punk band Public Image Ltd (PiL), which he founded and fronted from 1978 until 1993, and again since 2009.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Image_Ltd

His new band had a more experimental sound: “droning, slow-tempo, bass-heavy noise rock, overlaid by Lydon’s distinctive, vituperative rant” Their early work is often regarded as some of the most challenging and innovative music of the post-punk era. Their 1979 album Metal Box was ranked number 469 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Three Descriptive Terms

Johnny Rotten rock n’ roll outrage and anarchic energy,  unique intellect, deep morality and his sounds are definitely one of a kind.

He sang during hard times with high unemployment, Despite the negative reaction that they provoked, they are now regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music.

The fashion that came about with the punk, bright and different.  Punk rock attitude and style has left it mark even today.

The message was supposed to be: Don’t follow us, do what you want!”
– John Lydon

New / Innovation

Punk era helped female writers,photographers and artists that had been over shadowed in a mans underground world. Here is a link to how it Innovated societyhttp://www.swide.com/art-culture/music-news/punk-culture-in-2013-and-the-history-the-movement-in-music/2013/01/31  Here is a link as to how punk rock is being used to help businesses today.

http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2012/11/24/disruptive-innovation-and-punk-rock/

With the creative and punk ethos to motive staff in a new and different way.

Innovator

The Sex Pistols

Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten played their roles as punk icons so well, the public was sucked in. A band with only one studio album usually would not have such a legacy; that’s the beauty of the Sex Pistols. So they have had a huge part in music and fashion.

The Sex Pistols unleashed themselves on an unsuspecting world, giving birth to a whole new musical movement which will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come. The Sex Pistols‘ Anarchy In The UK has been named the most influential record of the 1970’s.

Impact on Technology

Punk helped to promote the sale of records (singles) and small record companies. Here is a link to a bit more information about the rise of the Independent Music Industry which the Punk era inspired.

http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=8494

Comparison

Punk is still very much alive in today’s society but the culture of punk evolved on from what it used to be, as with all genres and scenes. Whether the sound that defined punk will make a come back with the same strength as it did back in 70’s is something that is always anticipated.

Green Day was producing a pop punk sound that was clean and slick, sounding rather well-produced on even their earliest releases made with the lowest budgets.GREEN DAY can be considered as modern punk as they are different and rebellious.

Sex Pistols God Save the Queen and Green Day American Idiot have similarities as the Lyrics and the verses in Both songs are short and use of guitars and fast beats on the drums.The link to Sex Pistols. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtUH2YSFlVU God Save the Queen.

This is the link to Green Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee_uujKuJMI American Idiot.

Contrast

Sex Pistols have a bit of a more laid beat compared to Green Day who sound rocky.The Sex Pistols shout and sound manic while Green Day’s songs sound are clearer and softer.

Creative Analysis, Second Song

Song 2.

Sex Pistols. Their song God Save the Queen.

The genre style is Punk Rock.

The title of the song is God Save the Queen

Johnny Rotten was the writer for this song.

It was recorded in 1976 In Wessex, London.

The line up for the band

Lead Singer – Johnny Rotten

Lead  Guitar – Steve Jones

Drummer – Paul Cook

Bass Player – Glen Matlock

The producers were Chris Thomas and B H Price .

The term “punk” was first used in relation to rock music by some American critics in the early 1970s, to describe garage bands and their devotees. By late 1976, bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned in London,This Movement caused the creation for most genres of music today, it’s even represented in the roots of such types as hip hop, rap, pop, modern rock, goth, electro, two-tone. It did not create these genres, but it certainly kicked down the door for them.

The background to this track is that  it was released in 1977 at the time of Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee. It had controversial lyrics with some refusing to play the song.  The single was released on 27 May 1977, and was regarded by much of the general public to be an insult on Queen Elizabeth II and the monarchy. Johnny Rotten denied this saying His intentions were apparently to evoke sympathy for the English working class, and a general resentment for the monarchy.

Before the group signed to Virgin, a small number of copies of “God Save the Queen” had been pressed on the A&M  label. These are now among the most valuable records ever pressed in the UK, with a resale value as of 2006 of between £500 to £13,000 a copy, depending on condition.

Recorded with Amplifiers, drums, guitars and microphones.

This song was created in the Punk rock movement The lyrics endorse a particularly sensational, violent concept of anarchy that reflected the pervasive sense of embittered anger, confusion, restlessness, economic frustration and social alienation which was being felt by a generation of disenfranchised youth amidst the declining economic situation and bland music scene of the mid-1970s.

The Music has typical punk rock instrumentation includes one or two electric guitars, an electric bass, and a drum kit, along with vocals. Songs tend to be shorter than those of other popular genres.

Punk rock vocals sometimes sound nasal,lyrics are often shouted instead of sung in a conventional sense.

Punk has had it’s fair share of complicated guitar solos, insane drumming performances.

Influences

The punk era had a great influence on the fashion at the time with mohican hair styles and bright coloured clothes with chains and a bondage look. The Uk had high  economic frustration within the youth. The youth wanted rebel.

I have researched the Sex Pistols with sites such as wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_rock and http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=punk

Creative Analysis . My Songs for Analysis.

Song 1

Imagine Dragons and their song Demons.

The Genre /Style is Alternative Rock/ Indie Rock Music.

The Title is Demons from the Night Vision Album

Performers in the band are:

• Front Man Singer/ Founder DAN REYNOLDS 
• Guitarist Wayne Sermon
• Bassist BEN MCKEE
• Drummer DANIEL PLATZMAN

The background to Demons. Demons was released in January 2013 and last performed in October 2014. Demons is a song about difficult times but when dealt a bad hand its up to you to decide whether or not to fold.

The band finished recording its debut album Night Visions in the summer of 2012 at Studio X inside Palms Casino Resort and released the album in the United States on the day after Labor Day (September 4, 2012). It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart with first week sales in excess of 83,000 copies, the highest charting for a debut rock album since 2006.

Night Visions, available on Grammy award winning record producer Alex Da Kid’s (Eminem, Rihanna) label, KIDinaKORNER. “This record has been three years in the making,” Reynolds explains of his excitement in finally getting to share the album with the world. “We feel that we have finally created something we are all truly proud of and that can hopefully inspire others and help them feel a little less alone.

Recording technology was created by digital.

Instrumentation
Acoustic guitar
Electric guitar
Background vocals
Synth bass
Drums
Vocal

Drums

 The beat is basically the same pattern throughout the entire song. The kick drum sounds like a big vintage acoustic kick with heaps of distortion and vibe to it.

Bass
They used a very aggressive sounding synth bass with varying fast and slow pulses/wobbles to create the rhythmic interest on top of the basic drum beat.

Guitars
Layers on layers, the song starts with a strumming acoustic, a picked acoustic and an electric guitar all interweaving with each other, what’s great about this mix is how easily it is to hear these intricate parts. The panning plays a big part in this clarity as well as great eqing that brings out the most distinct areas of each part allowing them to speak loudly but without stepping on everything else.

Vocals
The verses are a single vocal and the chorus sounds like a hundred vocals surrounding the same lead vocal.

Influences

The Beatles, Paul Simon, Arcade Fire, Nirvana, Muse, and Harry Nilsson as some of his and the band’s artistic influences. In terms of success, Reynolds credits bands like Foster the People and Mumford & Sons for bringing alternative pop music to a new level of commercial success in recent years.

Technical Influences

With the use of amplifiers,digital production and microphones added to achieve a better sound to the instruments that they play. They do a lot of experimenting with percussion that’s electric and acoustic on top of each other.”

The music has catchy melodies, deep rhythm and beats, and smooth vocal sound.

I have researched into the Imagine Dragons using the link to Hub pages http://click2connect.hubpages.com/hub/Demons-by-Imagion-Dragons-song-of-the-week-62313-62913 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagine_Dragons The link for Wikipedia relays some more information.Also the link to their own website :https://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/community

Released	January 28, 2013
Format	Digital download
Recorded	2011-12, Westlake Recording Studios,West Hollywood, California
Genre	Indie rock
Length	2:57
Label	KIDinaKORNER, Interscope
Writer(s)	Ben McKee, Dan Platzman, Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon,Alexander Grant, Josh Mosser
Producer(s)	Alex da Kid
Imagine Dragons singles chronology

The Imagine Dragons  are power of straight-ahead rock and roll interwoven with innovative backbeats, basslines, and percussion. They like making raw natural noises and keeping them raw and natural but transforming them into synthetic noises. . Every band member except Reynolds attended Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, and the technical skill and precision that comes with that education has impacted Imagine Dragons’ sound and process. “I’m a musician that goes by ear. And when you put those two types of people in a room together that’s when the magic happens,” say Reynolds.

Four Film Noir Examples

Classic Noir period falling between 1941-1958  Noir films are mostly dark and can have shadows, guns a woman and a hero. Below are the four Films that I consider to be from the Film Noir Genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S-AknU_R0Q This is the link to the trailer for a TOUCH OF EVIL. This film has a lot of angled shots with close up and high set shots. It has the lady who needs the hero character. The lighting is a classic trait of Noir with it being set in dark and some scenes only a single light for a dim effect. It has the love story with tragedy and crime.

The story with crime and car exploding with dark,gritty and smoking scenes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE07qwfKCRw This is the link to the trailer for BLOOD SIMPLE. This film has the crime element and shootings. The style with emotional,  romance and seductive scenes. The lighting once again plays a huge part with some scenes allow shafts of bright light to puncture into the dark. Music help to make some scenes more intense.The unbalanced shots represents a Noir Film.

The story line is about a Texan bar owner who hires a  private detective to spy on his wife whom he thinks is cheating on him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SZr7z8Pwrw This is the link to AFTER DARK MY SWEET. This is a Neo Noir film as it has the traits taken from Noir Films.  Shot with dark scenes and light just peeping through  and a lot of angled shots.

The story line is about a kidnapping which has some gripping and romantic scenes.It is about desperation, violence and betrayal. It is dark and has romantic scenes with kidnapping plot and gripping events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SZr7z8Pwrw This is the link to THE BIG HEAT TRAILER. Set with dark scenes a lot of smoking. Music plays a big part in this film to set scenes.

The plot was seemed to be an open and shut case for suicide but may not be.  Set with the woman in danger and the cop.

A Touch of Evil and Big Heat Similarities.

Both films are set within the classic Noir period, set in dark scenes, a victim and a hero based storyline.

After Dark My Sweet and Blood Simple Differences

The woman in After Dark, My Sweet isn’t the victim compared to the other film. After Dark, My Sweet has a kidnapping plot while Blood Simple is simply a hired detective spying on a wife who her husband thinks is cheating on him. After Dark, My Sweet is also set after the Noir period.

Creative Analysis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYCPWf0EhVY   This is the link for the comedy film Ted. I would put it in the Comedy category as it had plenty of laughter with the film about a rude bear that talks.It has jokes aimed at making the audience laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PkkHsuMrho This the ling to the Mocking Jay film. I would put it the Adventure category. As the film is was plenty of action scenes which explore weird locations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuVjGbncgQE This the link to Fault in Our Stars. I would put it in the Romantic category. This film has the love story theme with passion and emotion. From the start the dating process to how the romance grows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8s3erGGF90 This is the link to the trailer Paddington. I would put this in the Family category as it aimed at a younger audience but suitable for all to watch. It relates to the theme of home and family. With a fantasy context.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYk0slXSY6s This is the link to the trailer for The Woman in Black 2. I would put this in the Horror category. This film has alot of featured scenes to play on the audiences fears. With terror and a scary house setting to make you feel afraid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWT_fq_VXCc This is the link to Shrek the Musical. I would put in the Musical category. This is a film but made to make the audience feel like they are at the theatre. Musical films use big backgrounds and locations. The characters sing and sometimes can be accompanied by dancing. The song can advance the plot.Gives the feel of a live audience.