Warp X Warp X is a British film production company, sister to Warp Films based in Sheffield, UK with further offices in Nottingham and London. The company was founded in 2005 and produces feature films. Warp X was founded in 2005 and produces feature films. It is a digital film studio that produces feature films in the UK with budgets usually between £400,000 and £800,000. The studio serves as a format for new film directors to create movies for the first time on a lower budget scale with less expectation for high box office revenues on their initial feature foray. Film 4 Productions Film 4 Productions is a British film production company owned by Channel Four Television Corporation. The company has been responsible for backing a large number of films made in the United Kingdom.
Camera Shots
The clip begins with a 'pan' of somebody cycling towards the country estate. This 'pan' ends with the cyclist going towards the house with the estate in the background; from this the audience is able to et a good sense of scale from the character and the huge mansion. We are then shown another 'pan' shot of a woman walking from her bed to her window; where we are re-introduced to the cyclist. A 'POV' shot is then used to show the audience the view from the opposite end of the table, from here we get a clear view of all of the servants. This is good as it is the first time we are shown them and the viewer is able to get a good overview of the scene. As each different character talks, 'over the shoulder' shots are used from different seats at the table to enable the audience a first-hand view of the dialogue. The next significant shot we are shown is a low angle shot. This shot is used in order to show a sense of power and dominance one character possesses over another. In this case; it is the servant and Mr. Carson. Another camera shot that is used is a 'tracking' shot of the Lord walking down the stairs. This camera shot enables the audience to follow the movement of the character whilst maintaining fluidity on screen. Sound
At the beginning of the clip we hear the music playing in the background. It is music that fits the time-setting and helps set the scene from the very start. As the clip continues into the characters bedroom, the music is lowered slightly and we are able to hear the crackling of the fire opposite her bed. As she approaches the window, the crackling is faded out and the music continues to be played under the sound of the bicycle on the gravel on the porch of the house. The soundtrack is played through to the next scene where the viewer can now hear the 'clings' and 'chimes' of the breakfast apparatus as the servants continue to eat. The continuous sound and noise hear is representative of the non-stop lifestyle the servants live; confirmed by the remark "No rest for the wicked". Mise En Scene
The whole clip is representative of two classes, the upper and lower. From the speech used and clothes worn the audience is easily able to distinguish the two sets of characters. let alone the fact they each have their own separate living quarters. Something that both classes have in common is their respective dress. The servants with drab and old work clothes and the upper class men in sharp suits with the woman in big and beautiful gowns. The speech of the two character types is also telling. The servants who are more prone to slang and improper language whereas the upper class rarely use slang if ever, using perfect etiquette at all times. Editing
The editing in Downton Abbey is interesting. The servants quarters of the house are very dull and drab whereas the wealthy side of the house is vibrant with silks and colour. Scenes involving the servants are very fast paced to convey the idea that they don't get a moments rest and are always on their feet. However, when the wealthy are on screen the scenes and camera shots are very slow, suggesting they are able to take all the time they want to do whatever they like.
Lighting
The lighting in this scene shows that the girl is the center of attention. We can see this because she is illuminated by a spotlight fixed solely on her whilst her parents are in the darkness. The fact that the parents are in the darkness con notates their isolation and distance both physically and emotionally from the girl.
Body language
The father seems to be trying to engage with the girl as he is leaning forward and looks as if he is talking. From the daughter's facial expression we can assume that whatever he is saying isn't pleasing her as she looks angry and annoyed. The mother's facial expression suggests that the father is discussing something he shouldn't which angers her. The mother's straight back and stern posture suggest that she is on edge and awkward.
Framing
The framing of this scene tell the audience alot about the relationships between the characters. The parents are both right on edge of the screen which conatates their relationship with their daughter; they are unaware of her life and uninvolved. It could also be linked to their feelings towards their daughter. They feel on edge all the time as to avoid upsetting her.
Editing
One example of the use of editing is the 'fast pace' that has been chosen to use when the man is walking down the street. He is angry and upset about the hindrance his disability has on his life, after just being rejected by his old boss and his friend screaming when she is surprised by his scarred face.
The people in the street are out of focus yet his face is clear to see; this is used to emphasise on him and his emotions. Camera Shots
At the beginning of the clip we see the disfigured man walking over to his old boss. as he is doing this the camera tracks his movement over to where the two men are; one is stood and the other sat in the van. 'Close-ups' are used to enable the viewer to get a good view of the man. This makes the viewer feel emotionally involved with the character and they are in the same position as him. The 'POV' shots we see of the disabled man enable the viewer to feel like they are a part of the conversation and feel as if they are there. It also means the viewer can really feel the emotion being displayed by the characters as they can see the body language and facial expression on their faces. Another useful technique used by the director is when passers-by are walking across the camera shot. This gives the impression of the busy high street and all the people that are looking at him.
Sound
The most effective use of sound in the clip is when the man with the disfigured face is 'storming' down the street. The non-digetic sound that has been implemented into this scene is very effective as it allows the viewer to quickly realise the emotions the character is feeling. The heavy drums and the low beat suggest the character is angry and/or upset. This is confirmed to the audience by the facial expressions and body language being emoted from the character.
Mise en Scene
From the female character we can see she is a single mother. With her using a taxi to commute to and from the shops the viewer can assume that she doesn't own a car herself. This, and from what she is wearing, the audience is also able to recognise she isn't very well off; the scene is taking place outside her house which is on a council estate which also supports this theory.
The male character emotes anger and pity. The audience can empathise with him as we all feel social pressure for different reasons but his is more prominent than most. He is met with stares whenever he leaves the house and it is his disfigurement which hinders his day to day life. This is shown in the scene where he is asking for his old job back.
