My Film Still

1. Analyse your chosen shot and identify in what way it could be described as signifying your chosen genre?

The genre we were trying to connote was a mix between a presidential drama and thriller. Mario was supposed to be a maleficent president who rules the country in favour of him so that his every decision only makes a positive impact on him. This shot signifies our chosen genre as Mario is in the foreground and looks very powerful and evil. The fact that he's standing behind a podium also adds to this effect. The grey curtains in the background also add a sense of mystery as the audience do not know what is behind them and the slight smirk on his face suggests he's up to something. The way in which he's gripping the edges of the podium also reinstates his authority and his facial expression signifies the evil intent in his actions. The old and rustic podium also helps to add to this effect. 

2. What did you actually do to achieve this effect?

• Low angle shot to make him look very powerful 
• Mysterious and smirky facial expression to hint at his real character
• Old and rustic podium to help hint at his evilness
• Foregrounding him as the focal image makes the audience focus on just him 
• The grey curtains in the background keeps the audience wondering.

3. How did you intend the audience to 'read' or interpret you still - what meanings were you attempting to communicate?

• That there's more to this character than meets the eye
• He's evil 
• Something bad is going to happen soon and the president will be the cause behind it
• Not everyone in a powerful authoritative position will use their power for the greater good

4. Identify what is successful about your shot?

• Signifies the evil nature of Mario 
• The low angle shot makes him seem powerful 
• The composition of the shot with Mario in the foreground and the big grey curtains in the background
• The framing (mid-shot, angled) 

5. What would you do differently in hindsight?

In hindsight, I would change the lighting a bit as the high key lighting doesn't really help connote the genre. I would have half his face in light but the other half in shadow which will make it even more obvious to the audience what kinds of character he is.