Figure 1 - Title for portfolio produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)

(unknown, 2002)

Figure 2 - Front page image of Bollywood/Indian films (unknown, 2002)

PROJECT 2 SPECIALIST STUDYLevel 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production &

Technology FILM AND TELEVISION

WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2019

WEEK 1

TASK 1 – WHAT ARE MY PASSIONS? WHAT ARE MY SKILLS? (MIND MAP)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: UNIT 12 1.1 AND 3.1 AND 3.2

Task 1: What are my Passions? What are my Skills?Introduction

This term we are researching and commencing to look at a specialist area of study. This week there were multiple tasks for me to complete. The first one is about what I am interested in, in terms of my passions (what I am interested in) and the skills I hold. To draw out these two aspects of me as an individual I have produced a mind map to help me visualise physically what my passions and skills are. Last year I produced a similar task to this one which was the ‘Who am I’ task which involved me as an individual however this task is a lot more specific which will lead me into my Final major project idea and focus. By thinking and discovering more information about a specialist study of mine this will help me to start fuelling my Final major project idea for unit thirteen. The whole point of the Specialist Study is to represent and demonstrate my personal cultural and contextual influences which have an effect on me. I will need to find my chosen discipline, my area of specialism.

(Jarrett, 2016)

Figure 3 - Bubble.us logo (Jarrett, 2016)

To create the mind map I used a website called ‘Bubble.us’ where I was able to produce and create a colourful mind map easily, to explore what I really care about and what I am highly passionate about. This is the first stage of beginning my final extended project, it has benefitted me to further proceed and decide my chosen discipline, my area of specialist study. I have inserted my mind maps (including images to illustrate my passions and skills), below this piece of writing on separate pages, so the reader has a clear view of it. However, the reader may need to zoom into it to see it further. I had to produce two mind maps, one consisting of my skills and one of my passions, as I didn’t have enough room to place both my skills and passions on the software where I made it (‘Bubble.us’). On each mind map I clearly explained the passion I have and why it’s my passion as well as stating my weakest and strongest skills and how I would use these for this project and how other previous projects have helped me improve including some project examples which represent this.

When thinking and producing the mind maps it enabled me to start somewhere and open up all of my options as to what I want to research more about. The specialist idea or study which I have decided to proceed and focus from drawing out my interests is specifically Indian cinema and the Indian film industry aka ‘Bollywood’ as I have a wide range of knowledge and facts about the industry which I can passionately present and write about. I have grown up watching numerous films and have a huge background of the films especially being Indian myself which makes me care about

them even more. However, since Indian cinema has various genres I will be focusing more so on ‘Bollywood’.

(FUCCHA, unknown)

Figure 4 - Image of Indian cinema including actors/actresses (FUCCHA, unknown)

I have a rough idea of the specific research question however I have clearly written and clearly explained this in my contextuality task (Week 1 Task 3). I am highly passionate and really care about this subject this is the main reason as to why I want to know more information especially about the semiology, cinematography techniques used in the industry which being a regular viewer may not know about and I want to share with my audience this unique information. Here are the mind maps I have produced as shown below of the skills and passions I have:

Mind map 1 - What are my Passions?

To note: Zoom into view

Figure 5 – Image of Mind map of 'Passions' produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)

Mind map 2 - What are my Skills?

To note: Zoom into view

Conclusion

Overall I enjoyed this task as I was able to draw and map out what my true passions and skills are. It meant that I had the chance to choose and finalize the subject I was really passionate about where I could give out all of my knowledge and experience out related to that subject to express how much I care about it and love it. I hope to identify my focused skill for the next task however this task I ensured that since I have entered the final part of the course that I considered and analysed where I am now in terms of both academically, professionally and personally in order to help me choose my subject which is what I did. The subject is mainly topic based around what is personal to me, it may change and develop as I research especially when thinking about my research question however this is just my starting point.

Figure 6 - Image of Mind map of 'Skills' produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)

WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2019

WEEK 1

TASK 2 – WHAT IS MY FOCUSED/CHOSEN SKILL/DISCIPLINE?

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: UNIT 12 1.1 AND 3.1 AND 3.2

Task 2: What is my Focused/Chosen Skill/Discipline?

Introduction

For this next task I need to simply identify what my focused skill/discipline is for my specialist study. The main discipline is video as this is the format I use however within the discipline there are various skills of Camera, Sound, Lighting, Editing, Directing and Writing (Script) which I will be considering. Most of these skills I have experienced in particularly the main ones highlighted in italics are the ones which I have constantly been updating and improving through the constant flow of projects in college. From creating a mind map for task one it enabled me to explore my skills further in depth. I opened up and expressed my skills considering my strengths and weaknesses in each of the skills in italics mentioned above, especially where I believe where my strongest points are within each skill thinking about the previous projects I have created showing each skill. I will be incorporating all of the production skills as explained above in order to produce my Final major project. However, I want to focus on just one for now to see how this one skill can affect my final result when it comes to producing my FMP. By researching and looking into my chosen skill it is important that I use this time to focus on the correct discipline (skill) which showcases my ability and strongest points in order to showcase my best work for a specific subject which I am passionate about. When I construct my research question the skill should relate somehow with my chosen subject of ‘Bollywood’.

What is the skill you want to showcase?

There are three main aspects which I want to focus on firstly the skill I want to showcase and why I have decided to choose this as my focused skill. The next aspect is my current ability in the production of the skill I have chosen considering my previous projects done in college and perhaps outside of college. The first area as mentioned before is what skill I have decided to demonstrate, I know that the discipline is video as this is the format I will be using anyway however within the discipline there are skills some include ‘Camera, Directing, Sound, Lighting etc’. I want to communicate the use of the skill ‘Camera’, this is because this is my strongest area of production I personally feel that I can use all my creativeness across through the camera work for the audience to see. This has been shown through previous projects of mine some mentioned in my mind map. What I mean by “camera work” is setting up the camera, functioning a camera, positioning the camera, camera movement, knowing shot types (framing) and how angles can affect the audience’s view. One aspect from the mind map which I didn’t mention was that with the skill camera it involves so many elements for example the location which the scene or film is this plays a huge part to what the camera gives off when watching the film, you then have the shot types which helps to portray the subject using the whole entire frame, the shutter speed which is how fast/slow the camera shuts before the next shot or the shot being taken and another aspect which I will be focusing on is camera movement and how the camera moves within a shot and creates a sense of mood to present the subject. All of these elements are something I will be looking at however I will be mainly focusing on the framing (Shot types) and camera movement aspect within my focused skill of ‘Camera’. Someone who operates a camera is usually called a Cameraman/operator and I best believe that I

succeed this job role well because I have artistic vision who pays close attention to detail in any scene (film), I have good technical knowledge of the digital processes and confidence in using camera equipment for example having the skill to adapt to any camera and learning rapidly about the functions are is quite difficult however I have learnt this fast. Lastly, from recapping framing and camera work multiple times in the course it has made me more confident about the shot types and how they can portray messages about the framing and the way the camera can be angled and positioned to give off a different perspective and effect. As well as experimenting with pieces of equipment which can create different types of camera movement. I have a camera of my own and have practiced numerous times to change up the way I use the camera in terms of positioning, movement and how to create a form of art on screen. Overall, I have experimented using camera movement and other art forms of making the camera the attention to focus on. I spend most times on practising this skill and I know as well as my peers that this is my strength, this is why I like to take the lead on being the camera operator and this is shown in some of my projects.

Video Show reel

Since I chose that I wanted my focused skill to be ‘Camera’ I have produced a video show reel of all the work and previous college projects (projects in general). These projects demonstrate the use of the camera and the skills involved and what I have already made to show my current ability in the production of the skill. As shown in my show reel, these projects present what I have learnt and developed through within the skill of camera, consisting of camera techniques (movement), framing, shot types, angling, movement and direction. The projects which I have shown and demonstrated in the show reel include projects from the second year and the first year of college where I think they best represent the skill consist of: “Packing” Project (Year 2), “Lunch” Project (Year 2), Experimentations for “Lunch” Scene (Year 2), “Copy/Transform/Combine” Scene Broadchurch (Year 2), Final Major Project “The Text & Note” (Year 1), Camera Movement & Direction short film (Year 1), Camera Techniques film (Year 1), Final Major “Hello” Project and lastly The “Friendship” Project (Year 1). I made and put together the show reel in Avid at college however I used iMovie which I have available to me at home to add the final touches to the show reel including overlays: key titles identifying which project was which and adding any more projects which I thought best demonstrated my strength of my focused skill ‘Camera/Framing’. Below I have embedded my video below as well as inserting the link as to where I uploaded the show reel onto YouTube:

Show reel:

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Y4_o9t4CI&feature=youtu.be

Figure 7 – My Video Show reel of the skill 'Camera' (Camera Movement/Framing) produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)

I have also produced a PowerPoint document as shown on my blog which explains and includes my current ability and what I have to offer for the focused skill. I have detailed in the PowerPoint the shots which best demonstrate my current ability from my show reel which I also like from my previous projects. These shots were the key ones from the projects which present the use of the skill ‘Camera’. As well as why using a camera over focusing on sound or lighting is my most strongest area. The PowerPoint can be found on my blog labelled as ‘Ameera Thind Specialist Study Week 1 Work 2’. Since the design of the presentation of my work is very important to focus here I wanted to use a PowerPoint document for this next section as I could make it visual including screenshots from the show reel I made referring to them easily. Since the design of the presentation is important I wanted to show this and present my work differently for certain tasks if necessary for the week of work. However, the portfolio is my main form of presentation source but alongside this for tasks I would have either produced a mind map or video or even a power point as needed for this task. The person who is reading this will need to open up the PowerPoint document to refer to the power point and see what I have written and detailed there but also referring back to this document to see what I answered for the main questions. From my mind map work in task 1 I had created a separate mind map for my skills which states about the general skills needed for any production. I mentioned the weakest and strongest ones which I thought personally were what I needed to work on and feel confident with already including projects where I used that to focus on. In most projects the ‘Camera’ was the main focus this is partly why I chose to focus on this for my Focused skill. Below I have inserted in the slides just in case the document in my blog doesn’t open:

Figure 8 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 1 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 9 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 2 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 10 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 3 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 11 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 4 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 12 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 5 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 13 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 6 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 14 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 7 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 15 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 8 Bibliography screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)

Conclusion

Overall, this task was really interesting it enabled me to pick out my strongest skill which I wanted to focus on and spend more time on especially when thinking about my research question which will be based off both my subject and focused skill. I will obviously be using all of the required production skills as these all come into hand when you make a film. This year’s Final major project will give me the opportunity to yet again showcase my skills of what I have learnt from year one but also the new skills from the second year. As said, I have chosen to focus on Camera and how camera movement

and framing can be incorporated into my chosen subject of Bollywood. This unit is about the preparation for unit thirteen it’s the perfect time to choose the appropriate discipline which is why I chose ‘Camera’ as I knew that I felt comfortable and confident about it as I am strong in this area especially enjoying the camera aspect and technical side of framing, movement and just being in control of the camera for filming.

WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2019

WEEK 1

TASK 3 – WHAT ARE MY INFLUENCES? WHAT IS MY CONTEXTUALITY? (INFLUENCES REPORT)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: UNIT 12 1.1 AND 3.1 AND 3.2

Task 3: Influences report - What are my Influences? What is my Contextuality?

Introduction

This report is my influences report which I have chosen to place it into the format of a clear structured report for my main portfolio. In this report I will be detailing and explaining why I have included the examples and influences on my task one mind map. The report will showcase my contextual perspectives which was what inspired me to choose the subject of “Bollywood” and the discipline of the skill “Camera” which were the two main areas to look at. These are the elements that have informed my choice of my chosen subject. Since this report is about why I placed things on my mind map for deciding and choosing the subject I have, I will also be explaining my chose of my discipline as I also produced a mind map based off this as well. From the previous two tasks I have produced and clearly stated my discipline and subject which I both have now, which are just starting points and can be something that could change as I research. The discipline and subject are both connected in some way as they support my research journey as eventually I will lead onto becoming a specialist in my chosen subject.

Why did you include the examples/influences used on your “Passions” mind map?

My first mind map is of my passions and what I am interested in. The main aspects which I included on this mind map consisted of ‘films’, ‘makeup’, ‘watching TV shows’, ‘dancing’ and lastly ‘YouTube’. Not all of these had informed my project however I have detailed the main ones which have as I believe that they best relate to my chosen subject. To begin with the main one which actually is what I have chosen for my subject to focus on which is my love for films more specifically ‘Indian cinema’. From a young age and growing up my parents have always encouraged me to watch Indian/Bollywood films to expand my language skills. Coming from an Indian background we speak both English and Punjabi at home and since Bollywood films are in the form of the language Hindi this is a very similar language to Punjabi. Even until now I can understand Hindi without using subtitles which has been a great aspect to learn whilst being encouraged to watch them. Another reason why I love the films in particular is because of the way they are put together. They are almost like musicals including dance routines, iconic item songs, and elaborate sets and with the most well-known actors in the industry. A well-known example of a typical Bollywood film which includes all of these elements would be a film called ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’ which was a film I mentioned on the mind map.

(Reelgood, 2017)

Figure 16 - Image of film poster 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' (Reelgood, 2017)

I put this on my mind map because I have a passion for Indian cinema and coming from a film student’s perspective myself I really enjoy viewing films like these where I can see how they may have filmed and staged the movies as these Bollywood films are always very staged which is an aspect I enjoy a lot. This has informed my chosen subject as I have always wanted to specialise in something I truly enjoy and since it is film related I thought that this would be the best time to look further into the Bollywood film industry and how women perhaps are the main focus for item songs throughout the film. Some of the examples which I gave in my mind map were of the films I enjoy and have watched through growing up as a child (mid 2000’s) in order to express my continuity of watching them even up to the present day. Some of the examples I gave included films such as ‘Dhoom 2 (2006)’, ‘Bajirao Mastani (2015)’ and a well-known film in the industry ‘Devdas (2002)’. These films are some way my influence as they were the films I watched when I was growing up which is a part of my contextualisation.

Figure 17 - Image of film poster 'Dhoom 2' (Uk, unknown)

Figure 18 - Image of film poster 'Bajirao Mastani' (Uk, unknown)

Figure 19 - Image of film poster 'Devdas' (Wikipedia, unknown)

(UK, unknown)

Dhoom 2 Film (2006)

(Uk, unknown)

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

(Wikipedia, unknown)

Devdas (2002)

The next aspect from my mind map which informed my chose of my subject was ‘dancing’. I have always loved dancing in particular the forms of Indian dancing. When I was about six or seven I continued to practice dancing and even now I do especially through the styles of Bollywood and Bhangra (Indian dance types). I have attended various workshops for these forms of dance and even sometimes I create my own routines and videos. This has informed my subject because in Bollywood films dancing is one of the key elements, people sometimes watch them purely for the dancing element. I am a huge fan of the item song dance routines which are portrayed throughout and sometimes known for the film by the dances. This was what mainly influenced my choice, I knew I had this interest in dancing, so I thought why not combine the two since Bollywood is known for its dancing and technical side of filming. This ties into the other aspect which I clearly wrote on my mind map which was that I have an interest in YouTube and making my own videos for my channel. I sometimes post my own edits and dance routines which I have produced. The edits can be consisted of Bollywood songs which I may have mixed and remixed to make my own song cover. The songs mainly are either Bhangra or Bollywood based since I am a huge fan of the music. Bollywood films are musically based, and I listen to the songs regularly as I am interested in them. Since studying a media course at college currently I have been able to use these skills to incorporate into my own passions and interests to influence me picking my subject of ‘Bollywood’.

The next two things haven’t exactly informed my subject as such, but they are interests which I am attracted to in general. Firstly, ‘makeup’ is on my mind map because I just enjoy the process of putting makeup on either myself or others, it is also a form of art. At school I always enjoyed art and being creative is something I try to incorporate when making films for myself and college projects. This didn’t exactly inform my subject but does play a part on what I am interested in and who I am as an individual. Secondly, watching TV shows is another passion of mine, I watch a few which I inserted into my mind map. The reason why I put ‘watching TV shows’ is because I watch and highly love watching Netflix shows in particular from a filming perspective to steal ideas which I could use for my projects. One show which I really loved and have watched multiple times as mentioned on the mind map is a show called ‘Stranger Things (2016)’.

(Wikipedia, unknown)

Figure 20 - Image of TV show 'Stranger Things' (Wikipedia, unknown)

The reason why I wrote less in regards to my other passions is because I wanted to draw you, the reader’s attention to my main influences and passions which I placed onto my mind map which contextualised my decision making for the subject I chose: ‘Bollywood’. Overall these were my main influences which inspired me to find and decide my subject to specialise in. I am happy with my chosen subject as I am passionate and appeal to it, it’s something I care about and an area which comes from who I am and my contextual background.

Why did you include the examples/influences used on your “Skills” mind map?

Since I went out and beyond I had produced a mind map about the skills I have in terms of Directing, Camera work, Lighting, Sound, Editing and skills in general. As previously said my decided focused skill/discipline is “Camera”. My choice and influence in deciding this as my discipline was from seeing my previous projects and reviewing myself what I think my strengths and weaknesses are. This was what I laid out on my mind map and had stated that my strength was “Camera” especially through the use of camera work and framing, identifying and practically using shot types for my own projects/films. Whereas as stated on my mind map some of my weaknesses including lighting as I don’t feel too confident with this approach. This was my method of deciding what discipline I wanted to choose.

(India, 2015)

Figure 21 - Image of ‘Aseen Mishra’ filming using large camera (India, 2015)

Another aspect which I didn’t put on my mind map was an individual who did actually influence my chose and decision. This person being ‘Aseen Mishra’ (as shown above) who works as a cinematographer in the Bollywood industry – this links with my subject as he works within Bollywood cinema and since my subject is Bollywood this works nicely as I have connected both my subject and discipline with a practitioner who has inspired me to choose the subject of camera. His work is incredible especially with the way he presents and portrays the subject/actor through his shot work and camera movement for example zooming in and out to draw close attention towards the actor. I did clearly mention on the mind map my weaker skills in production which I didn’t touch on too much as I wanted to focus on my strengths. Since I chose “Camera” as my discipline the examples where I wanted to focus on particularly which I stated on my mind map consisted of the projects: “Lunch” project, Camera techniques project where I both incorporated using equipment for creating camera movements for the film. I have to say that my second strongest skill is editing however since I feel more focused and confident in camera usage I decided to choose this. Editing is something which requires practise and has taken me time to perfect. Even now, I am still learning new aspects in Avid – some examples which I included was that colour correction has been altered by me to change the mood of the imagery however I never feel too confident in this. I haven’t written too much about my weaker areas as I wanted to speak more about my strongest. Another influence which I inserted into my mind map was that I really enjoy taking the job role lead of being the camera operator who monitors and controls the use of the camera. Camera work has always been an interesting thing for me and a skill which I have from starting the course as I have been able to develop and use industry standard equipment for example a Glide cam to create camera movement and a high tech tripod for framing and camera stability. As well as how camera shot types can showcase a different meaning for example as mentioned in the mind map the use of a Close up and a Low angle (positioning of the camera) can showcase tension.

I did also include other skills which are ones that I have in general, these skills are very key as they are important when working in a production group however for my Final major project I might not be working with others, but I will decide this nearer the time. Some of them including: a good communicator, good team leader, creative. Overall my main influences of choosing my skill and which informed my skill was just picking my most confident skill in production which I believe I can perform well as shown in my previous projects as shown in the previous task to this (video show reel) where I showcased my previous projects which best represented the use of the skill “Camera”.

Research question

Since I know my discipline and subject I can make a start of constructing my research question. This main question will structure all of my subsequent research and analysis, it will be the main title of my specialist study informing what my research will be mainly about. Since I am looking into the subject of “Bollywood” and discipline of “Camera” I have made the question so they both link really well. Since Bollywood is film related they both relate and blend since camera work plays a huge part in Bollywood and representing the actors in a certain way is an aspect I would like to look at further as mentioned beforehand. Especially from thinking about my influences and overall I would like to incorporate semiology, representation as well as my main discipline of “Camera” more specifically camera movement and framing.

The question which I have decided to construct based off my ideas and thoughts is: ‘How are women represented and shown visually through camera movement and framing in “item numbers” within the Bollywood film industry?

The question which I have come up with consists of the semiology aspects of Bollywood which relates to my main subject of “Bollywood”. I want to research further into how women are represented and shown in item songs as these are really big numbers shown at least once in the films and are commonly known. Women are sometimes portrayed wrongly in the item songs and I want to know the reason behind the technical aspects with how this is shown visually through camera movement and shot types but also why/what the reasons behind why they are portrayed and represented in this way. Since my discipline is “Camera” I will be focusing on camera movement and framing (shot types) and how the location/sets, actor are shown for screen visually.

Conclusion

Overall, these were my main influences behind the reason and decision making of choosing my subject of “Bollywood” (Indian cinema) and my discipline of “Camera” work. This was my contextuality and main inspirations/elements which informed my choice of my chosen subject and discipline. Even though the brief mentioned about the elements which informed my choice of subject I went out of the box by producing a mind map of the skills I have in terms of production which suggested that I wanted to talk about here the influences and contextuality of picking the skill camera. I wanted to expand and talk about this as well however more focusing on my chose of subject since this was of importance. I did also manage to construct a successful research question which is the main title of the specialist study and after researching I should be an expert in this area of how camera work, semiology plays a huge part in the Bollywood industry (subject).

WEDNESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2019

WEEK 2

TASK 4 – CULTURAL SOURCES AND CONTEXTUALITY

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: UNIT 12 1.2 AND 3.1 AND 3.2

Task 4: Cultural Sources and Contextuality (Video)

Introduction

This week’s task is the fourth one where I will be looking at my cultural sources and contextuality. Building on from my task one mind maps and from my answers in task three contextuality (influences report) I will need to consider how I am going to broaden my approach as to why I have chosen the subject of “Bollywood” and my discipline of “Camera”. I will do this by creating a video which demonstrates the wider landscape of my family, my life experience, my ancestry and lastly my favourite artists which had some sort of influence and inspiration for me choosing the ideas I had originally for this project from my own cultural background and what life experience I have been through so far. The video which I have produced shows my cultural and contextual sources of influence and information. I have comprised the video with a mixture of still footage, found footage and of course actual footage to best demonstrate the reasons behind why I chose “Bollywood” and the skill of “Camera” in a more visual way. You will be able to find my creation and video below embedded alongside a backup link to watch.

My Sources

Since my research question is looking at how women are represented and shown visually through camera movement and framing in “item numbers” in the Bollywood film industry I have looked at the sources which have influenced me to choose the skill of “Camera” which is mentioned in my question and the subject of “Bollywood” which is what I am deeply passionate and interested in. Coming from an Indian cultural background I will be mainly pointing my sources towards this background and how my approach to my cultural background made me want to choose the idea of specialising in “Bollywood”.

The chosen subject which I have decided on is “Bollywood” and my discipline is “Camera”. I have looked at various sources to show within my video which I have produced this week. Below I have clearly explained the sources which I have consisted in my final video which will introduce my influences with choosing my subject and skill. The sources are a mixture of images, actual footage and lastly found footage which I have either found myself (previous family videos) from my own photo albums, either filmed and taken myself or even found footage which has been taken online to use within my video. Since my research question surrounds Bollywood (my subject) and item numbers I have sourced (found footage) item songs (a musical number inserted into a film that does not have any relevance to the plot, this term is used within Bollywood to present a sexually provocative dance sequence for a song in a movie) which myself and my parents watched when we were younger (early teens) particularly me when I was younger as through growing up I have always continued to watch Bollywood films and in almost every single one there is usually at least one item song – with this I have included snippets of the item songs, where the woman is the main focus which my parents (in their generation) and I (my generation) adored when we were younger. Some of the examples which I used for my video and which I used to watch when I was growing up include ‘You are my Sonia’ from the film ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)’ and ‘Munni Badnam Hui’ from

the film ‘Dabangg (2010)’. Some of the examples which my parents would have watched include ‘Mehbooba’ from the film ‘Sholay (1975)’ and many others as shown in my video.

You are my Sonia (song) from the film ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)’

Munni Badnam Hui (song) from the film ‘Dabangg (2010)’

Mehbooba (song) from the film ‘Sholay (1975)’

Figure 22 - Image of song You are my Sonia from film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (Pinterest, unknown)

(Pinterest, unknown)

Figure 23 - Image of song Munni Badnam Hui from film Dabangg (Series, 2011)

(Series, 2011)

Figure 24 - Image of song Mehbooba from film Sholay (Vevo, 2017)

(Vevo, 2017)

I want to show the ones which have made me want to choose the subject revolving around Bollywood and item numbers as they are what made me want to watch these films. As my family are from India, I have shown a google map image of the house in India which my family own in comparison to where Bollywood films are produced (have shown images of the studios and places where they are filmed/produced). Alongside this, I sourced found footage (which has been filmed previously – found footage) of the house and village where I am from in India as this is where my heritage is from and I have been there numerous times to visit and explore India as well as the capital city of India called New Delhi which I have visited, so alongside this I have sourced some images (found still footage images) of when I visited New Delhi which is where Bollywood films are promoted a lot of the time. India is a huge part of my background, I love going and is where Bollywood films are originated so by having sourced these areas it has evidently shown why I chose Bollywood overall. Costumes and Indian garments are very important in the item songs and in Bollywood films as a whole as they attract the audience’s attention and sometimes makes the film well known for their hand made costumes. Ever since attending family weddings and Asian functions from such a young age I have always loved wearing “Indian suits”, as they are called. I have sourced actual footage which I filmed myself of some new Indian modern outfits which represent the fashion used in Bollywood films these days as well as sourced images (still footage) of me wearing these clothes from a few years ago (when I was younger) to show that I have always loved wearing the clothes to help influence picking the subject of Bollywood. Whilst I was filming them I made sure I incorporated and thought how I was going to include shot types and camera movement. What I did was use panning shots (shown below) alongside Close ups to show what the subject really is as this can create effects.

(Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 25 - Image of Close up of Indian design on costume from my video (Ameera T, 2019)

(Chandra, 2012)

Figure 26 - Image of cinematographer Aseem Mishra standing by camera (Chandra, 2012)

I have also looked at the works of ‘Aseem Mishra’ (his name can also be spelt as ‘Aseen Mishra’) who is an Bollywood Cinematographer who has filmed a few item songs, where the woman is the main focus (for example ‘Fevicol Se’ from the film ‘Dabangg 2’), sourced (found footage - inserting snippets of the songs he has filmed into my video) these as well in my video to show how his work of using the camera to create effects by moving the camera in a specific way and my experience of watching his films has effected and influenced me choosing my subject. All of these elements make up my cultural sources and the reasons and inspirations from my own experiences and background as to why I chose the subject of Bollywood as a whole and more specifically looking at the area of item songs in the Bollywood industry which relates to both my research question and subject. Some of the footage is found footage with either found on the internet via YouTube or either footage which I have filmed previously and had filmed professionally myself. The footage which I have filmed myself includes actual footage where I have filmed the needs for my video where I have incorporated the use of framing and camera movement so I can demonstrate my focused skill in the early stages to show that I can use this skill confidently for any project even the previous projects

which I have done as shown in my video show reel in task two. As well as further through using this skill I hope to showcase what else I can do within camera movement and framing.

My Video

As mentioned above I explained what I sourced for the video which contextualised the reason behind why I chose my subject and discipline. Here is the video which I collected all of the sources I planned to use into one form of media to present my influences further. I am happy with the way it turned out, I did have to do some preparation throughout editing at home it as I needed to film some last minute footage which was of the Indian garments which I had at home as I didn’t have the actual footage for this, I filmed this. When filming the shots, I needed for this project I wanted to incorporate my skill within this. Since my skill is camera I included the usage of camera movement by panning for the costume shots since these were the only shots I needed to actually film. The source ides which I had mentioned above were all thought out beforehand making the video however I wanted to explain how I included them into the final video, I went with everything I said as I wanted to keep it organised and well planned out. The actual editing stage did take me quite a while as I had to collect all of my footage together which took a while to import as well as filming new footage in between the editing and constructing stage of my video. Whilst I was filming these extra shots of the Indian costumes (as shown below) needed for my video I was taking images on my phone for behind the scenes to show evidently that I filmed them myself. Here are some behind the scenes pictures I had on a timer throughout I was filming:

(Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 27 - Image of Ameera Thind taking video by bed (Ameera T, 2019)

(Ameera T, 2019)

Figure 28 - Image of Ameera Thind taking video take 2 by bed (Ameera T, 2019)

For the actual audio I didn’t necessarily want to focus this project on this however I did include some background music for some of the clips which were mine. The main priority for the audience to engage with was what was actually on the screen in terms of use of camera work which is my focused skill and the influences and contextuality of choosing the subject of “Bollywood”. I have clearly sourced and referenced my sources used in terms of video footage and audio in my bibliography.

Here is my video which I have included below:

TO NOTE: All of the shots/video/audio footage used here are labelled shot by shot in my bibliography to see where the source has come from and who from. If it was my footage I have clearly mentioned this and used (Ameera T, 2019) as the reference.

Task 4 video representing my Cultural sources and contextuality produced, filmed and edited together by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019):

Figure 29 - My Cultural sources and Contextuality video (Ameera T, 2019)

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLwQWwKvfvk

Conclusion

Overall I really enjoyed this task as it allowed me to explore my influences, contextuality and cultural reasons in a more visual and creative way as to why I chose to use the footage in my video to demonstrate why I specifically chose the subject of Bollywood and will hopefully be exploring the representation and how woman are represented further in item songs/numbers as I develop through I will look in more detail and how framing and camera movement is used to portray this which I have slowly started in this task. For this task I was able to show within a form of a video the inspirations, cultural contextualities of how I chose my subject and discipline based off those elements. Since my skill was camera I was using this throughout filming the footage I needed for my video. My subject (Bollywood) worked really well for my cultural sources since it was Indian related which is where my expertise lies in since I am Indian. Personally, I believe that my video demonstrates all of my contextual sources and influences really well. I did think about the presentation and design of my presentation for this task. As the brief mentioned it said to produce the work in a form of a video which is what I did as well as writing about the sources and explanations for this as this is more academic. It was visible in my video that I had found footage which I had been waiting behind which I wanted to use for a video where I would specialise in something I love. I am immensely proud with what I have achieved this week especially with producing a well detailed video within such a short time and I hope to see what next week brings me as I hope to carry through my subject of “Bollywood” and skill of using the “Camera”.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Front cover imageunknown, 2002. Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood. [Online] Available at: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/cinema-india-the-art-of-bollywood/[Accessed 9 January 2019].

Week 1Task 1:FUCCHA, T., unknown. CINEMA – THEN AND NOW. [Online] Available at: http://www.fuccha.in/cinema-then-and-now[Accessed 12 January 2019].

Jarrett, N., 2016. Edtech Tutorial: How To Use Bubbl.Us To Create Amazing Mind-Maps. [Online] Available at: https://edtech4beginners.com/2016/05/02/edtech-tutorial-how-to-use-bubbl-us-to-create-amazing-mind-maps/[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Mindmap 1 (Passions):

Amazon, unknown. Stranger Things, Vol. 1 A Netflix Original Series Soundtrack. [Online] Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Things-Netflix-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B01KA4MVF2[Accessed 14 January 2019].

BeautyLish, unknown. Jeffree Star Cosmetics. [Online] Available at: https://www.beautylish.com/b/jeffree-star-cosmetics[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Blog, N. T., 2018. The Netflix Tech Blog. [Online] Available at: https://medium.com/netflix-techblog[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Dickey, M. R., 2019. unknown. [Online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2019/01/11/netflix-faces-25-million-lawsuit-over-black-mirror-bandersnatch/?guccounter=1[Accessed 14 January 2019].

McFarlane, N., 2018. 5 Bollywood films that faced controversy before release. [Online] Available at: https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/5-bollywood-films-that-faced-controversy-before-release-1.698018[Accessed 14 january 2019].

unknown, unknown. BhangraFunk Workshops Australia in Brisbane, 1st December 2017. [Online] Available at: https://singh.com.au/bhangrafunk-workshops-australia-in-brisbane-1st-december-2017/[Accessed 14 January 2019].

unknown, unknown. Celebrating 100 years of Bollywood. [Online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/celebrating-100-years-of-bollywood/a-16749758[Accessed 14 January 2019].

unknown, unknown. Professional Diploma in Cosmetics and Makeup. [Online] Available at: https://www.istudy.org.uk/product/introduction-makeup-application/[Accessed 14 January 2019].

unknown, unknown. Vector - Bhangra dancers in national cloth vector illustration isolated on white.. [Online] Available at: https://www.123rf.com/photo_75744408_stock-vector-bhangra-dancers-in-national-cloth-vector-illustration-isolated-on-white-.html[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Weiss, G., 2018. YouTube Rolls Out Edge-To-Edge Thumbnails In Android App. [Online] Available at: https://www.tubefilter.com/2018/07/13/youtube-edge-to-edge-thumbnails-android/[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Wikipedia, Unknown. Bird Box (film). [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_Box_(film)[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Mindmap 2 (Skills):

Some images are screenshots (Ameera T,2019) on this mind map taken by Ameera Thind on 2019

), g. (., unknown. TEAM LEADER BADGE BUTTON PIN (Size is 2inch/50mm diameter) MANAGER BOSS WORK. [Online] Available at: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TEAM-LEADER-BADGE-BUTTON-PIN-Size-is-2inch-50mm-diameter-MANAGER-BOSS-WORK-/362395304747[Accessed 14 january 2019].

Carpenter, C., unknown. Foley sounds. [Online] Available at: http://acalebcarpenter.weebly.com/foley-sounds.html[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Short, J., 2013. Start Color Correcting with Avid Media Composer. [Online] Available at: https://screenlight.tv/blog/2013/08/07/color-correcting-with-avid-media-composer[Accessed 14 January 2019].

syafrani_jambe, unknown. unknown. [Online] Available at: https://pixabay.com/en/creative-the-text-of-the-design-2734399/[Accessed 14 January 2019].

UK, A., unknown. Professional Clapper Board. [Online] Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clapperboard-5100101991520-Professional-Clapper-Board/dp/B0013XX154[Accessed 14 January 2019].

unknown, unknown. Avid Media Composer 8 Editing Software. [Online] Available at: https://www.videoexpert.eu/en/editing-software/avid-media-composer-8-editing-

software/[Accessed 14 January 2019].

unknown, unknown. Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens. [Online] Available at: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1225876-REG/canon_1263c005_eos_80d_dslr_camera.html[Accessed 14 January 2019].

Task 2 (Focused Skill/Power Point document):Pictures 1-9 (Ameera T, 2019) as shown in the Power Point slide document screenshotted into this portfolio:

• Pictures screenshotted from Ameera Thind’s projects taken on 13th January 2019 by Ameera Thind

• The Power Point document can be found separately on my blog labelled as ‘Ameera Thind Specialist Study Week 1 Work 2’

Task 3 (Influences report):India, T. H., 2015. Bajrangi Bhaijaan lensman for Cherry’s next. [Online] Available at: https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-11-17/Bajrangi-Bhaijaan-lensman-for-Cherrys-next-186912[Accessed 19 January 2019].

Reelgood, 2017. Badrinath Ki Dulhania. [Online] Available at: https://reelgood.com/movie/badrinath-ki-dulhania-2017[Accessed 19 January 2019].

UK, A., unknown. Dhoom 2. [Online] Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Dhoom-Bollywood-Indian-Cinema-FEATURES/dp/B009YKPU34[Accessed 19 January 2019].

Uk, A., unknown. Bajirao Mastani. [Online] Available at: https://www.amazon.in/Bajirao-Mastani-Ranveer-Singh/dp/B01CP7ERPO[Accessed 19 January 2019].

Wikipedia, unknown. Devdas (2002 Hindi film). [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devdas_(2002_Hindi_film)[Accessed 19 January 2019].

Wikipedia, unknown. Stranger Things. [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things[Accessed 19 january 2019].

Week 2Task 4 (write up images in report):Vevo, S. N., 2017. Mehbooba Mehbooba (Sholay) - DJ Toons 2017. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JTDdN7zyW8[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Series, T., 2011. "Munni Badnaam Hui" [Full Song] Dabangg | Feat. Malaika Arora Khan. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn5hsfbhWx4[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Pinterest, unknown. Discover ideas about Hrithik Roshan. [Online] Available at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/787707791048149562/[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Chandra, A., 2012. I connect with Salman over art: Aseem Mishra. [Online] Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-connect-with-Salman-over-art-Aseem-Mishra/articleshow/16337964.cms[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Sources from video (Task 4):Shot 1:

Gaane, S. F., 2018. Mehbooba Mehbooba | Sholay (1975) | Helen | Amitabh Bachchan | Bollywood Dance Hit Song. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByAbV-MKDgs[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 2:

Gaane, S. F., 2015. Kaanta Laga… Bangle Ke Peechhe | Samadhi Songs | Asha Parekh | Lata Mangeshkar Hits. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ1mqmbngO0[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 3:

Series, T., 2011. "Munni Badnaam Hui" [Full Song] Dabangg | Feat. Malaika Arora Khan. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn5hsfbhWx4[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 4:

Regional, V., 2011. Tu Lagawelu Jab Lipastic Full Video Song | Pratigya | Pawan Singh | Superhit Bhojpuri Song. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmVxz8FP6ns[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 5:

Sonymusicindiavevo, 2014. K3G - You Are My Soniya | Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwUgoUhgzLo[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 6-7 - Drone footage:

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage

Shot 8 - Tuk Tuk photo (rickshaw):

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage/picture

Shot 9:

maps, g., unknown. google maps. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Sur+Singh+Wala,+Punjab,+India/The+Mumbai+Filmcity+Tours,+Film+City+Road,+Aarey+Milk+Colony,+Mali+Nagar,+Aarey+Colony,+Goregaon+East,+Mumbai,+Maharashtra,+India/@24.7937325,64.6410657,5z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x3[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 10 - India, New Delhi road picture:

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage/picture

Shot 11:

travels, F., unknown. http://www.fredtravels.com/bollywood-tour. [Online] Available at: http://www.fredtravels.com/bollywood-tour[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 12:

unknown, unknown. Sajid Nadiadwala in talks to buy Filmistan Studio. [Online] Available at: http://castingupdates.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_2.html[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 13 - Picture of building from google maps picture:

maps, g., unknown. google maps. [Online] Available at: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Sur+Singh+Wala,+Punjab,+India/The+Mumbai+Filmcity+Tours,+Film+City+Road,+Aarey+Milk+Colony,+Mali+Nagar,+Aarey+Colony,+Goregaon+East,+Mumbai,+Maharashtra,+India/@24.7937325,64.6410657,5z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x3[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 14 - Me and my sister on road wearing our black Indian outfits:

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage/picture

Shot 15 - Me wearing a green Indian outfit:

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage/picture

Shot 16,18,19,20 - Shots of Indian outfits (panning etc):

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage/picture

(Shot 17) Shot of Ameera Thind wearing orange outfit on stage:

(Ameera T, 2019) – my own footage/picture

Shot 21:

YRF, 2014. Asalaam-e-Ishqum - Full Song | Gunday | Ranveer Singh | Arjun Kapoor | Priyanka | Neha | Bappi. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGU3FkUGH0M[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 22:

Series, T., 2013. Fevicol Se Full Video Song Dabangg 2 (Official) ★ Kareena Kapoor ★ Salman Khan. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE7Pwgl6sLA[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Shot 23:

YRF, 2012. Mashallah - Full Song | Ek Tha Tiger | Salman Khan | Katrina Kaif | Wajid Khan | Shreya Ghoshal. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_BUZaTcozs[Accessed 20 January 2019].

Audio used for background (in video Task 4):

MUA, A., 2016. VLOG: My India Trip. [Online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJdZg0X_jCo[Accessed 21 January 2019].

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 - Title for portfolio produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)...........................................1Figure 2 - Front page image of Bollywood/Indian films (unknown, 2002).............................................1Figure 3 - Bubble.us logo (Jarrett, 2016)................................................................................................2Figure 4 - Image of Indian cinema including actors/actresses (FUCCHA, unknown)..............................3Figure 5 – Image of Mind map of 'Passions' produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)..................3Figure 6 - Image of Mind map of 'Skills' produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)........................4Figure 7 – My Video Show reel of the skill 'Camera' (Camera Movement/Framing) produced by Ameera Thind (Ameera T, 2019)............................................................................................................6Figure 8 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 1 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)............7Figure 9 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 2 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)............7Figure 10 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 3 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)..........8Figure 11 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 4 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)..........8Figure 12 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 5 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)..........8Figure 13 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 6 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)..........9Figure 14 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 7 screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019)..........9Figure 15 - Image of Week 1 Task 2 Power Point slide 8 Bibliography screenshot taken by (Ameera T, 2019).....................................................................................................................................................9Figure 16 - Image of film poster 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' (Reelgood, 2017).........................................12Figure 17 - Image of film poster 'Dhoom 2' (Uk, unknown).................................................................12Figure 18 - Image of film poster 'Bajirao Mastani' (Uk, unknown).......................................................12Figure 19 - Image of film poster 'Devdas' (Wikipedia, unknown)........................................................12Figure 20 - Image of TV show 'Stranger Things' (Wikipedia, unknown)...............................................13Figure 21 - Image of ‘Aseen Mishra’ filming using large camera (India, 2015)....................................14Figure 22 - Image of song You are my Sonia from film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (Pinterest, unknown).............................................................................................................................................................17Figure 23 - Image of song Munni Badnam Hui from film Dabangg (Series, 2011)...............................17Figure 24 - Image of song Mehbooba from film Sholay (Vevo, 2017)..................................................17Figure 25 - Image of Close up of Indian design on costume from my video (Ameera T, 2019)............18Figure 26 - Image of cinematographer Aseem Mishra standing by camera (Chandra, 2012)..............18Figure 27 - Image of Ameera Thind taking video by bed (Ameera T, 2019).........................................19Figure 28 - Image of Ameera Thind taking video take 2 by bed (Ameera T, 2019)..............................20Figure 29 - My Cultural sources and Contextuality video (Ameera T, 2019)........................................20