ITV Broadband Give Media Students a Taste of the Bigger Picture, Reviewed by

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In today’s Information Age, instructional tools such as digital TV, DVDs and the Internet have expanded the meaning and importance of literacy beyond alphabetic. Video production involves multiple literacies – alphabetic, information, visual, and media – all of which overlap and can result in numerous benefits. Broadband television is now moving this up another level.

HND Multimedia Course Students of City College Brighton and Hove, who have been making some short film productions, are lucky enough to have their work broadcast on a new broadband channel, www.itvlocal.com, meaning their work is now able to reach an international audience. You can see by simply watching the students work how much time and effort has gone into their productions.

An Inspiring Watch

There are four films, each one very different but all with their own inspirational style. The students have really expressed themselves through their work. I am considerably impressed by the amazing quality of the short films by the City College Brighton and Hove students. Creativity and flair were certainly at the top of their agenda when they were designing their work. I admit to not having a great deal of knowledge on video production but it really seems that these students have channelled their creative energy and come up with some great production pieces.

The first film “Game On” is by Phil Cobley, Kit Man & Edwin Nyambudzi. In my opinion this short film is based on the saying: “If at first you don”t succeed try, try, try again.” It begins by the loading of a game into a Nintendo; the game commences with three lives, and shows images of an animated couple (boy and girl). The first life ends when the couple’s relationship breaks. Next Life: flowers, chocolates and the couple reunite”¦ but then the second life ends as the relationship breaks again. Third life and the same things happen. Then”¦. “Game Over”. This is a film that somewhere along the lines everyone can relate to. It possess the most meaningful and effective theme by far but the least effective graphics, they don”t draw you in like the other films do and more detail is needed to enhance the theme.

Music Draws You In

I couldn”t quite figure out March of the Pams, a sinister black and white animation by Kit Man. My first opinion was “this is a little odd,” the strange graphics of a band consisting of a variety of very abnormal looking human beings playing an eerie kind of music. The music however seems to draw you into the film. I was very intrigued when I watched the production and it made me want to watch it again and again to try and get a better idea and understanding of which direction this student is heading.

The film does move at such a reflective pace that the viewer must make a special effort to pay attention to all details. I didn”t gain a great deal more of an understanding of this student’s work; however that may be down to my lack of knowledge in this area. I have decided that the film is weird and wonderful, the graphics are remarkable, although slightly bizarre but I actually like that fact. Overall this film is strangely addictive and quite extraordinary.

Innovation Within Sound

“The Joker” by Dominic Beckford shows innovation within sound. The film starts with a boy stood in the middle of two large speakers. At first the sound from the speakers (not sure that you can call it music) seems to be tormenting the boy, then he starts to enjoy it and all of a sudden is lost within the music. The next scene shows another boy playing a guitar to a crowd, again engrossed in the music, and then a third boy is shown in-between the large speakers seen at the beginning, he seems to be adjusting to the music. This production has no major character traits, the graphics were ok and there was good use of sound. All in all I wasnt overly impressed.

The films conclude with “Moths”, by Alexandra Krystova, something considerably different to the other films. This time a more sedate and calming effect sees the transformation of a caterpillar to a moth, demonstrating a journey of life. An excellent use of graphics and colour to draw you into the production, complimented by tranquil and comforting music, gives this film an air of complexity and sophistication. The only criticism I can give this film is its abrupt ending, does a moth’s life really end that abruptly? Fly swats I suppose!!

These students have used their short films to experiment with new ideas and techniques and obviously have a lot of confidence in their work. I can safely say that I found their style and artistic skills visually intriguing and fascinating.

Maria Vitale

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