Feature: How do you film success?

In the build-up to one of the UK’s leading film festivals, Luke Smith looks at two of the most anticipated films of the year, their audience reactions and asks what it takes to be a success?

From the 13^th – 17^th of June, one of the UK’s leading digital experiences, Doc/Fest, is set to put Sheffield’s Showroom at the epicentre of the cine-world.

With the likes of Morgan Spurlock, Louis Theroux and Joan Rivers in previous attendance, it has been an attractive prospect for opportunists and film connoisseurs’ years gone by.

However, for all the success that can come out of an event like this, there is the question of how you build up to it?

What does it mean to be a success in the film industry?

Sheldon Hall, leading MA Film Studies lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, shares his thoughts and experience of the film industry:

Here, we look to two of the industries most respected directors, Christopher Nolan and Peter Jackson, and their claims to fame.

With their most recent footage for The Dark Knight Rises and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey each had a varying degree success with their audiences.

Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures

Most noteworthy of both was The Hobbit, and in particular, Jackson’s respective use of 48fps (frames per second) footage for a 10 minute critical screening.

Set for release on December 14^th, it stands as the fourth film entry and preceding work in J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings saga.

As the whole film is set to be shot in this format, it is due to be the first of its kind to make the leap from the standard issue and herald in a new era for cinema goers, despite its concerns.

On the issue, Jackson said it wasn’t that surprising, putting the difference in a positive light by later adding:

“We are certainly going to experiment with different finishing techniques to give the 48 frames a look that is more organic.”

Held in high esteem by James Cameron, this format is Jackson’s attempt to pioneer the trend and establish the precedent by which cinema are expected to follow.

Just as Cameron’s Avatar paved the way for the 3D renaissance, it is hoped that the Hobbit is going to lead the way down an unexpected journey of its own.

However, whereby the 3D platform is still working out each kink in its armour, so too must the 48fps method face up to the scrutiny, if it is to stand a chance of becoming the standard cinema experience.

Yet, despite all the negativity surrounding the use of this format, it will be down to LOTR audiences to decide what is best.

It is very likely indeed to overcome whatever the critics say, with initial reactions to its trailer (shown at the standard 24fps) rating it the 2^nd best movie trailer in a poll as recently as last December.

The highest rated of them, The Dark Knight Rises, has not been without its own criticisms over the past 12 months.

Coming to UK theatres on the 20^th July, as the spiritual successor to the most revered comic book movie of all time, Rises is set to be this summer’s largest draw and will be Nolan’s final instalment of the Bat-Saga.

Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures

In the wake of this, there are high expectations for the conclusion and what it can offer cinema goers which its predecessors didn’t.

The harrowing nature of its current trailer lends itself well to the themes and tone of each iteration so far.

In this sense it seems to be more of the same.

However, when you consider the set pieces on show, the cinematography, characterisation and integration of Gotham’s new villains, it takes the film scape to a whole new level.

“With Bane, we’re looking to give Batman a challenge he hasn’t had before.” – Nolan

It’s casting of Catwoman and Bane has been one of the main talking points, as Nolan intends to bring about the end of ‘the bat’.

Tom Hardy’s Bane in particular has been lauded for his portrayal, with screen testing’s of the powerhouse leaving much to be desired.

It is down to the frequent difficulty apparent in his speeches that present the most problems, with the character’s costume interfering with his ability to effectively communicate.

Courtesy of: Warner Bros. Pictures

While later rectified, it showed the balancing act that directors must take to appease the fans, both new and old, ahead of their blockbuster’s viewing.

In keeping with its previous publicity, TDKR pays its dues with the management of hype and anticipation ahead of its impending release.

Each new piece of information teases the audience into creating a fervour of excitement, as the lore of the DC comics fuels the clamour.

By contrast, the wealth of material available in the LOTR experience could be guilty of exuding a more restrictive presence, given the nature of the sequels production.

As splitting the source material gives Jackson more room for creative freedom, the context of the film itself, releasing nearly a decade after the last, illustrates how carefully a director must handle its publicity.

Given its performance on the international circuit, it’s time out of the limelight is bound to bring in increased scrutiny of the smallest of details.

Whereby success is most likely to be prominent is with cast, directorial and production scheduling.

In the case of Jackson, The Hobbit project had been several years down the line and under the stewardship of Guillermo Del Toro before he moved from the production into the director’s chair.

“I thought it would be interesting to have a different sensibility directing the movie so you’d have somebody else’s version of a Middle Earth story.”

With Nolan and his TDKR experience, there has been significantly less time between the production’s release (4 years), causing expectations to intensify dramatically.

Yet his commitment and eagerness for the project rests once he sees it in theatres worldwide, moving onto production of another DC property.

For both, the barometer of success sits with audience and directorial expectations.

Where a film is most likely to achieve unilateral acclaim rests with the ability to draw parallels and objectify with reasonable doubt what to expect and when.

It is judged on a symbiotic bond that each film maker and audience member alike shares with the experience, taking away what they believe to be a success or not.

HOW WILL THE BUDGET AFFECT YOU?

So the Budget has come for 2012, with George Osborne announcing his plans for spending and taxes. We have been drip fed the key elements from the Government so there were few surprises at 12.30 today.

The coverage can be a bit wordy, so here at Minted Youth, we have taken the key points that will affect you- the young people of England and explained it in way you can understand.

Personal Income Tax

Unless you are earning £9,205 salary, you will not pay tax from April 2013. But when you earn £41,473 you will incur a 40% tax rate, as oppose to the previous £41,450.

Child Benefit

If you have children you are eligble for Child Benefit . For every £100 you earn over £50,000 you will loose 1% of your child benefit, if you earn £60,000 or more, you are no eligible for any Child Benefit.

Fuel Duty

Something that has been a headache for all motorist for the last few years is set to rise again in August if the cost of oil increases. This means a 3.03pence increase on fuel.

VAT Exemption Scrapped

VAT has previously not been been included on :

1. Sport nutrition drinks
2. Hot takeaway products in supermarkets
3. Static Caravans
4. Hairdressers chairs

VAT will now be added onto these products.

Duty Tax on Alcohol on Cigerettes

Bad news for smokers with a 5% increase on tobacco, meaning 37pence increase on a packet of cigarettes.

The previous charges on alcohol are still in place, adding 5pence onto a pint.

Areas that the government have outlined spending will increase on include access to superfast broadband for everyone in the UK’s  ten biggest cities.

They are also upgrading the Transpennine route between Sheffield and Manchester.

The Coalition Government has said this is a budget “Support working families and helps those looking for work.”

Ed Milliband challenged to the cabinet today calling it “A budget for millionaires.”

There has been a 24% cut in Corporation Tax for next month, to try and encourage businesses to thrive and create more jobs across the country.

We would love to hear your feedback, how is the budget effecting you? Are there things that are still unclear? Get in contact right here at Minted Youth.

For full coverage of the Budget, check out the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17450719

International Women’s Day…..What have women done since they won the vote?

Ever thought it was men who had all the power? Well that isn’t the case. Some successful women there  have been earning top dollar. Part of International Women’s Day is recognising the achievements of some of these ladies.

International Women’s day cannot go by without  a mention for the great achievements of  our ancestors; the pioneering women from the first International Women’s day in 1900.

Since then the rights of women have been transformed, starting with gaining the vote, before moving onto opening  up male only professions for women, and making domestic violence and rape criminal offences.

The world still has a long way to go, even in the UK  we still have politics dominated by men, and headlines riddled with stories of domestic violence and rape but this doesn’t stop us celebrating the achievements of women of all ages, all over the world.

Christy Walton

The Forbes Rich list was released this week, and despite being dominated by men, two women made the top fifteen. Christy Walton from the US, was listed at number 11 after inheriting Wal-Mart, when he husband and heir to the fortune died. She is now the richest woman in the world.

Liliane Bettencourt

Liliane Bettencourt from France began working at her Father’s company LO’real at just 15 years old. She has been on the board of directors since 1995 and although the company is public, she owns the most shares.

Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, is at number four, in the Forbes World’s Most Powerful list, coming above the Pope and Bill Gates. She has been President of the European Council, and chaired the G8, only the second women ever to have done so.  She is considered across the world as the Worlds Most Powerful Woman.

Lady Gaga rocks in at eleven on the Most Powerful list. At only twenty five, she has managed to come above Oprah Winfrey. This young lady rose to fame in 2008, and has since used her prominence to fight for gay rights. She has created non profit charity “Born this Way Foundation”, to help young people tackle issues of self confidence and bullying .

Lady GaGa

There a just a few examples of different aged women, from all over the world, being successful and powerful in different ways, hopefully next year we will see even more women having an impact on the world.

Unemployment Figures Keep Rising and Rising

By Jeggan Senghor

Unemployment  Figures Keep Going Up. So What Can You Do To Get On the Career Ladder?

 

High Street, Sheffield

Rising Numbers of Unemployed

The United Kingdom’s unemployment figures rose by 48,000 to 2.67 million people in the last quarter, according to a report released by the Office of National Statistics on the 15^th of February.

In the three months leading up to December, the unemployment rate rose to 8.4%, the highest number since 1995.

Among 16 to 24 year olds, unemployment rose by 22,000 for the same period, totalling 1.04 million young people out of work.

 

High Street, Sheffield

So What Does This Mean For Sheffield’s Young People?

These figures will increase as time passes according to Alan McGauley, Principal Lecturer in Politics at Sheffield Hallam University.

The decline in public sector jobs and changing climate in manufacturing means there will be fewer jobs in the economy.

He said: “For example, in Sheffield, there are 670 young people aged 16-17 who are now out of work, not in training or employment, who have no qualifications. Now next May/June, they will be joined by another 800 or so, so the problem is the situation gets worse.”

They have very little chance of getting into employment because they have no skills to offer.

“So we’re in for a period of, probably at least 3 to 4 years of decline,” he said, which will be exacerbated by the decisions of the coalition government.”

According to Mr. McGauley, the situation in Sheffield will be worse because the local area is over reliant on public sector institutions like the council, hospitals, and universities who are all shedding jobs.

 

 

Are There Any Options?

Apprenticeships may provide an alternative route into jobs for young people.

Earlier this month the Prime Minister David Cameron announced a new round of funding to increase  the number of apprenticeships.

Employers in England can apply to access up to £250 million of public money and have more control over the skills training they offer apprentices. Smaller firms will be offered £1,500 to hire their first apprentice.

Mike Abberley is Business Development Manager at The Sheffield College Business Gateway where an apprenticeship programme is running.

Sheffield City College, Part of the Sheffield College

He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people, indeed people of any age can be apprentices, but there’s certainly a big focus from the government, on 16 to 18-year-olds.

“It’s about work-based learning, so they’re earning while they’re learning.”

Apprentices are paid a minimum of £2.60 an hour and employers are also obliged to send them into college for academic lessons.

“They’re linked with an assessor, who will assess them in the workplace and at college on industry relevant qualifications.”

Employers are encouraged to take apprentices on for full time employment when apprenticeships end because they have made a large investment in each one. Apprenticeships can last from a year to 4 years in higher apprenticeships.

 

 

Growth and Expansion

The Sheffield College programme currently has about 850 people on it and there are plans to expand this number to a 1,000 in the next year.

Despite the economic situation, the programme is looking to expand to more vocations. From the current ones like construction, engineering, hair dressing, and social care, to new areas like creative and digital media, ICT, and sport.

Mr.  Abberley said interest in apprenticeships would increase due to there being no student debt, the industry relevant qualifications, and the more broad portfolio of apprenticeships offered at the college.”

He added: “Applications have risen. I think young people, certainly school leavers, are looking at work based learning more now as an option.”

Loans: Tax, authority and social prosperity

by Luke Smith

Loans, groans and student woes were all the rage this week as The Guardian reported news on the latest initiative to introduce a 5% tax on loan repayment.

The Lib Dem’s were at it again, as they tinkered and tailored on a new solution to the growing debt.

Just another typical, picturesque day in student life. Courtesy of: PlaguedPumpkin

Their proposal was to tax students whom were perceived to be ‘escaping’ interest charges by paying back their loans early.

While some may think taking interest off ‘wealthier students’ would be a nifty way to loosen the strain on the higher-ups, any attempt to do so would be a damp squib.

Show me the loans: –

The New Order

• Interest for students enrolling this September will measure from current RPI (as measured in Mar 11’) plus an additional 3% at the point they take out there loan (until Apr 16’).
• If they earn more than £21,000 after graduating, their rates will taper upwards to a cap of RPI plus 3% once they reach £41,000
• Monthly payments are set to become more affordable as a result, with grads (earning £30,000) paying back £67.50 under the new style loans, compared to £112.50 under the current system.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/16/how-student-loan-repayment-proposals-affect-you?INTCMP=SRCH

Desperation

However, with hundreds of thousands claiming they would be charged unfairly, it begs to question just what is a ‘wealthy student’?

Intended to target those with greater financial stability, it came across as more desperation than inspiration, aiming to tackle growing money worries across the country.

A means by which to highlight the depths to which the government have yet to sink.

Effect

Covering the issue more broadly, what do we think of loans in general?

How does it impact on student life? What are it’s effects?

We asked Sheffield Hallam University students what they thought of their loans:

How we should view loans:

And whether they would re-enroll for a post-grad, considering the cost involved:

Hike

With fees upwards of £4,375 for students living at home, and tuition fees ranging between £6,750 (part-time) and £9000 (full-time) coming in the next academic year, it is easy to see how unavoidable such a reaction can be.

It is a burning issue which, when dodged, often comes back to envelope us within it’s awkward embrace.

The furore lingers in the mind far more pressingly, considering the impending hike in student fees.

With the onus placed on social obligation within education, it is no wonder the government feel as though they can tax their way out of economic turmoil.

It can be a way of shifting responsibility onto our generation for the crackdown of the western model of success.

Yet prosperity comes at no small price, and it can often take a seismic shift in wealth and fortune for any semblance of balance, order and solidarity to be established.

Whatever is imposed and however it is achieved, success comes to those with the right spirit, attitude and perseverance to attain wealth in all areas of life.

Loans, debt and tax can take any form; some capable of depriving us, each capable of defining us.