Tahidi High

Yestarday Omosh almost made me break my bones fro laughing.Infact the medium short used on him as he was walking lamenting about his attack made the whole scene have an impact on whover was watching.A close up used on his face too to show us his facial expression worked just right for me.That was my best part.

ANNOUNCEMENT: On The Class Trip.

Good evening Com 264 A.You are all requested to avail yourselves at the car park on Tuesday 6th at 6:45 so that we can asseble and leave for Nairobi at 7:00 A.M.
Punctuality and cooperation should be highly observed.
Thanks in advance and God bless.

Selly Amutabi

Tahidi High By Prudence Zoe Glorious(08-1333)

CRITIQUE 1.

I have hated local drama since way back, simply for many reasons:
- bad acting
- bad casting
- bad dialogue
- bad storyline
- limited budgets
But If there was a local Kenyan show to be addicted to this would be it. It's the best we have. Over the years local productions have always been stereotyped and stereocast but this programme has remained fresh and surprisingly entertaining.


The cast has a fantastic dialogue. The key to a programme is the screenplay followed by the storyline. Rarely do you have ten minute pauses within each sentence uttered or cheap incidental music to occupy time and dialogue. There is a smooth flow in acting unlike other local programmes where you can tell one is waiting to deliver the next line. The likes of Omosh and OJ together with Johnny are funny in a very refreshing way, the line: "shut up or I smack the alphabet out of your mouth!" that line just killed me in this episode!
The camera angles where used effectively, where they gave you a close up view of Omosh agitated in a very animated face when he was told off by the headmistress.
The lighting was not that good in this particular episode where the outside takes where too light to the extent where they get blurry.
CRITIQUE 2

I decided on doing a research on tahidi high and, in a nut shell, this is what I found: It was voted the best produced drama at the Chaguo La Teeniez (CHAT) Awards 2008. The show is no longer local as it is now aired on Mnet.
The Only loophole is this is a High School Drama and time factor is usually the worst thing to happen to a show running on an actual time line. One major problem with Kenyan TV shows is that they are not divided into seasons. It is so hard to follow a program continuously for five years. It tends to loose so many fans along the way. The producers should consider dividing the show to seasons so as to get more following. In one season we could have Tahidi University. Probably we could have Omosh being a watchy in the women’s hostel and he could allow male students to the halls of residence past restriction hours, of course having been tipped. Oj and Freddie would probably be fighting over the miss Tahidi University, Tanya and probably the tricks would get nastier with backbiting, physical threats and bribery. I liked they way they dollied as Johnny tried running away from a teacher and you could feel the vibe and motions going on. Their visuals never disappoint they way they used P.o.v shots to bring things to reality when Melvin was slapped by the girlfriend you could feel the impact of the slap and see his sad, painful expression
CRITIQUE 3.

I will dive straight in to this lame scene, where one of the school girls is trying to get raped and there is commotion, some blood- a path of blood. My God the obvious choreography in this scene is almost embarrassing. If one cannot have right camera angles or editing skills or computer no-how I suggest omitting such scenes entirely. The scene came out very unbelievable and all I could do was laugh. There is a fine line between ridiculous and lack of technology.
I really felt hoaxed today with this episode.
CRITIQUE 4.

Omosh doesn’t fail to deliver again with his witty lines and the whole storyline is still very interesting and you just can’t help but wonder what is next.
The fight between Tanya and Omosh was hilarious the screenplay, the lines all scream work of a true producer and qualifies them as thespians.
Although the sound wasn’t that clear due to some loud distortion from the passing cars (bad choice of location) and there was also a long pause at some point in the delivery f lines in the classroom when Miss Morgan was addressing the students.

CRITIQUE 5.

Thought I would concentrate today on advertising in tahidi high, product placement,here we have ALWAYS.
Shameless and blatant advertising is present on this show. Surely is it a drama feature or a running advertisement. Just because a certain product sponsors the show its endorsement should in no way interfere or be inclusive of the plot or dialogue.
I feel like this show has been using always and that term so much.
Just because a product is sponsoring the show doesn’t mean you should go on and on about it.

CAMERA NOTES

THE CAMERA

The camera that will be looking at is the camera that is used in film or video production. Just as in the audio we had the audio signal flow also in the video we have the video signal flow. It comes with seven basic control functions
1. Transducing
This is accomplished by the camera itself. Just like the microphone is a transducer, so is the camera in this case a transducer that receives physical energy in form of light waves and transforms it into electrical energy that is the video signals suitable for electronic distribution.
2. Routing
The video signal is the channelled directly or indirectly into the video switcher. The cameras can be patched or connected to different inputs in he switched or to other points in the master connection.
3. The most important
The switcher, just like the console is the heartbeat of audio so is the switcher the heart if the video signal control. Camera picture can be selected and combined in a variety of ways.
4. Amplification
The amplification if the video signal occurs at several different points in the total system. Whenever the signal is distributed any significant distance the various camera cables.
5. Distribution amplifiers
Used to boost the signal periodically. From the switcher, the composite signal can be sent through a process amplifier to a line monitor to a video recorder and to the transmitter, A video recorder can also be used as a picture source sending the recorder program material through the time base corrector TBC and to he switcher or to he transmitter.
6. Video shaping
Some amount of video shaping can also occur at the switcher.the function however is controlled primarily through the camera. Various types of video recorders are used for recording and playback of the television signal.
7. Monitoring
As with amplification, monitoring takes place at several different points within the system. In any regular studio production, the camera operators will have a camera monitor to enable them to see what they are picking up with their cameras. In control room that is where the director has a monitor for every camera and other video sources being used in the particular program. In master control room, an array of specalialized monitors and scopes are used for technical monitoring.

CONTROL COMPONENTS
The video signal is far much more complex than the audio signal since it takes roughly 600 times more data to produce a video signal as to produce sound over the same period of time. The picture is vulnerable to a number of disruptive influences within the system itself
1. SYNC GENERATOR
In order to co-ordinate the functioning of all components in the video system the synchronizing generator that creates a series of timings tat locks together all elements of the video at every stage of production, switching, recording, editing, transmission and reception. This sync pulse has often been called a system of electronic sprocket holes that keeps everything co-ordinated in locked up patterns.
2. PROC AMP
It is the job of the process amp to take the composite video signal from the switcher- colour, brightness and synchronizing information and then stabilizing the levels, amplifying the signal and remove unwanted elements such as noise
3. TBC
Video signals from video tape recorders will often have synchronizing pulses that has slightly altered or have deteriorated during the recording and the playback process. The time base corrector takes this signals, encodes them into digital form and then reconstructs an enhanced synchronising signal for playback and editing.
COLOUR VIDEO SYSTEM
At the centre of every television is a camera. The heart of the camera is the pick-u tube. An off sot of the CCD- charge coupled device has replaces the pick up tube as well as in computer models.
THREE ATTRIBUTES OF VIDEO COLOR
RGB red, green and blue.
To understand how the colour system works, we must look at three specific sensations or attributes that contribute to our perception
-Hue
-Saturation
-Brightness
CAMERA IMAGE-SENSING TECNOLOGIES
See fig 5-6
LENS CHARACTERISTICS
A good lens can help the cheapest camera produce a sharp and clear picture.
An inferior lens can turn the best professional camera into a blurred trash.
Zoom lenses have become the standard lenses to use.
Fixed foal length lens is far much correct and it is used in the HDTV high density television with high picture resolution.
FOCAL LENGTH
See diagram 5-9
-The focal length of a lens is measured from the optical centre point of the lens.
The shorter the lens, the wider the angle, the more the picture and the smaller the subject.
-The longer the lens, the narrower the angle, the less the picture, the bigger the subject.
FOCUSING CHARACTERISTICS
Many fixed focal length lenses have to adjustable lenses. one on the f-stop aperture opening and the other on the focussing ring.
ZOOM LENS
The development of the zoom lens allows camera operations and directors to achieve rapid continuous adjustments of the focal length of the lens and consequently to control the precise size and framing shots.
Variable focal length zoom lens Is basically an arrangement of gears and optical elements that allows the operator

OPERATOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
- white balance
- video output level
- view finder visual iSndicators and controls
- Other controls.
TYPES OF CAMERA SHOTS
EWS-Extreme wide shot
The view is so far from the subject that he isn’t even visible. Often used as an establishing shot.
VWS-Very wide shot
The subject is visible barely but the emphasis is still placing him on his environment.
WS-Wide shot
The subject takes up the full frame comfortably as possible.AKA long S.
MS-Medium shot
Shows how some part of the subject in more detail will still be giving an impression of the whole subject.
MCU-Medium close shot
Half way between the MS and the CU
CU-Close up
A certain feature or part of the sub frame.
ECU-extreme close up
The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail.
CUT-IN
Shows the other part of the subject in detail.
TWO-SHOT
This shows the shots of two people framed similarly to a mid-shot.
OSS¬-Over the sholdershot.
This is when you are looking behind from a person


Noddy shot
Usually referred to a shot of the inter reacting to the subject.

CAMERA WORK
This is the result of the interaction of four elements of movement functioning in a combination or singly:
CAMERA WORK TERMINOLOGIES
1. Dolly-in
2. Dolly out
3. Zoom in
4. Zoom out
5. Panning
6. Tilting
7. Camera –head
8. Camera mounting head
9. Camera mount
10. Cradle head
11. Zoom range
12. Pre-planning of camera work.
13. Studio crane
14. Tripod
15. Craning or booming
16. A crab shot
17. Objective perspective
18. Subjective perspective
19. Head room
20. Lead room

bongo star search

Some of the production elements in my programme of critique-Bongo Star Search is lighting, sound, post production editing and special effects. The lighting is commendable because it is neither too bright nor too dull. It brings neutrality and compliments the background of the audition stage. The lighting mood then changes with a change in environment, for example when the go outdoors the lighting is natural the make use of the natural sunlight.
The sound amplification is also commendable since they make good use of microphones such as the Judges who us the lavellier microphones and the audition use shot-gun microphones making it easier for them to do moves such as dancing and using their own instruments. The sound manager in-charge of sound for the show has tried to normalize the sound output whereby the pitch is neither too high nor too low being a nuisance to the listening publics this has also been managed mostly during the post-production editing.
There is use of special effects in the show fro example the screen is divided into two showing two locations that is inside the audition room and outside the audition room. This has come up in a few episodes
Post production is also evident in the show since it is not a live coverage. Also outside the audition room are many people but we only get to see a few participating and picked to proceed to the next level during the shows standard airing time which is twenty-four minutes.
There are various camera shots that are visible some of which are the cut-in which is done at the editing stage. There is also the WS the wide shot, EWS the extremely wide shot and so on.
There is also good team work evident since the show is in the first season on air and it is doing great.
there is also censoring like the last episode on 18th march 2010 a participant had altered a vulgar words and during editing there was censoring that was done.

-CONTINUATION CRITIQUE ON THE WEDDING SHOW BY DZUNU KAFUI

-
7th March 2010
Today’s wedding show was quite different from the others. The groom and best men were not dressed in the usual suite and coat; they put on black trousers and a designer’s shirt nicely made in brown and white colours. The colours used were not the normal bright colours used in weddings, all decorations from the church room, all the way to the reception ground as well as the bridal party and relatives were in chocolate brown with a touch of gold; this did not affect the beauty of the scenery in any way because the colour saturation and quality was good. The choice of music was excellent for the occasion and the sound quality was good. After the procession, the camera panned through the audience to give viewers an idea about the kind of people present in the function. Beautifully dresses audiences were given recognition by the camera by zooming in to take a closer look at them. Later, there were long and short shots which were used appropriately to create the happy mood for the occasion. However, there was too much tinting of the camera during the traditional procession dance due to the fast rhythm of the song, as a producer, I would mount the camera on a stand from a distance and zoom in to capture a good view of them as they dance. This will prevent the much tinting of the camera.

14th March 2010
Today’s show was colorful. The presenter dressed in pink and purple which was the colour used for the wedding. This shows that she identifies with the ceremony. She had a moderate and soft tone, combined with her choice of words created the joyous mood. She gave a pre-wedding show by visiting the bride to-be as she was getting herself ready for the big ceremony; but she did not visit the groom to-be, if I were the producer, I would also visit the groom-to-be and find out how he is also preparing for the big occasion. That aside, the actual day came and low and behold everything looked perfect. The pink and purple colour choice was perfect. The flower girls, the bride and groom were nicely dressed in pink colours; the decorations were also done in pink. There was good music at the background and the fading away for the voice over was good. The picture quality came out clearly and brightly. The dolly camera movements during the picture taking brought out the emotions. However, the advertisements were too many for such a show.

21st March 2010
The flower girls, page boy and bridesmaids walked into the church auditorium majestically to the tune of cool music. Soon after, the beautiful bride was ushered in by her parents and that was the beginning of today’s wedding show. The audience witnessed with enthusiasm as the vows were exchanged and that was the end of the first part of the wedding ceremony. The camera dollied slowly after the couple as they danced into the reception ground. The decorations were awesomely done in lemon green colours. The sound quality was good though occasionally feed backs from among the audience could be heard. There were enough close-ups on the bridal party to show their beautiful accessories. However, the microphones were brought very close to the mouth of the couple during the interview which brought out some signals but this was quickly corrected.

24th March 2010
Today’s show was good. The setting was nicely decorated in blue and white. Everybody was beautifully dresses not to talk about the couples and the bridal party. After the procession, the camera gave a wide shot of the audience and then panned through them slowly so that specific people can be seen. The camera then panned through the decorations and then focused on the bridal party. The picture quality was good but at some point, the sunrays interrupted and the images went blair but latter it was corrected and an even balance was given. The sound quality from the music and presenter was good, an even representation of loudness was presented and very thing said was heard clearly. However, there was a lot of microphone movement during the vow recitation, because one microphone was used by the pastor and the couple. Also, the presenter’s voice pitch was high and piecing; probably as a result of the microphone setting, this could have been adjusted and balanced well by the Director of photography before shooting began.

CONTINUATION CRITIQUE ON THE WEDDING SHOW BY DZUNU KAFUI

Susan Mumbua Tahidi High critique 23rd March,2010

TAHIDI HIGH CRITIQUE.

Unfortunately in Tahidi high once the episode ends on suspense then one is supposed to conclude what was to happen next because when the next episode comes on Tuesday its not on the same thing but a very different subject. Mr. Kilunda-teacher- is not happy about the students performances in business studies and he is jealous because they perform better in teacher Karimi’s subject and it starts with Mr.Kilunda talking to Mr.Karimi on how he can improve on his teaching skills, when teacher Karimi leaves it was all sarcastic I am not going to reveal it now because it will be too soon. When Mr. karimi leaves the office teacher Kilunda plays a trick on him and goes to class. In class he raises the pass mark from 50% to 80% and the students are not happy because they don’t think they will get there in the coming exam. Mr. Kilunda sends Joni to the staffroom to pick his file, and this is why the talk between Mr .Kilunda and teacher Karimi is sarcastic, Joni finds the business exam paper on the desk and he doesn’t hesitate but he picks it.

It was intentionally left there but Mr.Kilunda and sent Joni because he knows Joni can’t hesitate to pick it. The teacher’s plan was that the students will use it to know the answers before the exam. Joni takes the paper to his three friends unfortunately they are not good in the subject so they seek help from one of the girls called Tina and she includes her friends too in the plan, but wait, they decide to include the rest of the class members in these. The class doesn’t go for lunch trying to get the answers for the paper, mama Jimmy- staff- notices the absence of form three A and he asks Omosh about them.

The students are not lucky because Omosh saw Joni and friends discussing the paper in the library before taking it to class. So Omosh tells Mama Jimmy and she tells teacher Karimi who tells Mr. Tembo the principal. Teacher Karimi tells Mr. Kilunda about his class and shows him the paper and Mr. Kilunda is shocked but doesn’t show it so that Mr. Karimi can’t notice. The principal comes up with an idea instead of coming up with a new exam, when the students are settled for the business paper the invigilator gives them papers and when the bell rung for them to start its the physics paper. You should see their faces. They are all perplexed and they don’t know a thing because they were prepared for the business paper and everyone is looking at Joni with anger written all over their faces.

There are several camera shot and movements that have effect on how the story is told. Close-up to see the business paper when it was left on the table and zooming in to see the letters on the paper. When Joni is in dilemma on whether to pick the paper or not there’s extreme close-up that makes the viewer feel like he is in the dilemma too, it leaves you thinking what if I was in his shoes what would I do? There’s a three shot when Lisa and her two friends are reading in the library before Joni joins them. Long- shot and some sounds to create the mood as Mr. Karimi approaches the class and it made me start talking to the TV telling the students to disperse like nothing is going on. Dolly in and dolly-out to show how the different students were revising and you almost feel the tension in the room. It looks so real. The sound is good at least you can hear what they are saying in each scene but they are using omni directional microphone that picks sounds from all directions and you can hear some irritating sounds in the background. And when the person holding the mic moves you can hear the movements through the mic. The lighting is good I didn’t notice any faults it has improved greatly, especially inside the rooms and they have dealt with the shadows. Please help me on the reflective habits, what do you mean by that? The ones I have noticed in the programme?

CLASS ASSIGNMENT

Question: Your organization intends to deliver video content via the internet some members of the organization wants the content to be streamed while others think that downloading is a better choice. List a few justifications for each.

Answer: Streaming. A way of delivering and receiving digital audio and/or video as a continuous data flow that can be listened to or watched while the delivery is in progress. This is advantageous because it is instant therefore one gets to view the data immediately hence saving on time. To add to that one can view the content/video without having to save the data therefore no matter how big the data is it will not take up space in ones computer. Furthermore while streaming the number of people watching the video does not affect its delivery. Therefore, many people can watch a streamed video at the same time because the bandwidth is not affected. Also while streaming one can switch view to the end as compared to downloading where one has to wait till the process is finished to move to watch the video.
Downloading. This is the transfer of files that are sent in data packets, because these packets are often transferred out of order, the file can not be seen or heard until the downloading process is complete. This is convenient for the people who do not want to watch the video immediately therefore gives a chance to save the video in their personal computers. In addition it is a safer method because even if one loses the internet connection data will not be interrupted or lost because as compared to streaming which is easily affected by a poor internet connection. Moreover before downloading there is computer software which scans for viruses before accepting data from an external source. This makes it safer as compared to streaming where there is scanning.

GROUP: KOOL GANG

MEMBERS: BERYL OYWER 08-1493
CHISOMO NKHOMA 08-0842
QUEEN MUNYWOKI 08-0785

Com 264 B
Dennis Musyimi
O8-1302
Episode 1
A critique of Tahidi High
Date 09/03/2010
This program has a high school setting. And all the activities take place within the school compound. It is time to receive examination results and the students are so anxious. Most of them have passed very well except OJ who is portrayed as the key character in this episode. He has failed. The parents are expected in school so that they can see their children’s results.
Theme: seriousness in education the main theme in this episode. The program could have been aired to show how most of the students in high schools take education lightly. It also provides a plat form for the teachers and the parents monitor their children’s progress in school. Immorality has been portrayed as on of the contributing factors to academic failure. Most of the students who have performed poorly have been involved in indiscipline cases like disrespect of both teachers and parents.
Camera shots and movements: most of the camera shots have been used in the program. Close-up shots have been used to show important details. Full shots have been used to show the whole object and part of the surrounding. Long shots have also been used to show people from a distance. Tilting and panning camera movements are also there to show subjects from head to toe and subjects in a line respectively.

Episode 2

A critique of Tahidi High
Date 16/03/2010
The setting as usual is a high school. The story revolves around the students, sub ordinate staff members like Ratai and Omosh and the teachers.
Theme: the theme is very clear in this episode. It is premarital sex. One of the students has received a letter from one of his lovers in the village. The letter says that the girl is pregnant. Fredy is the victim though at the end it turns out to be a joke. In class the teacher is also talking about premarital sex and its dangers.
The lighting is okay. The shots have been used appropriately also. For instance, close ups to give detailed pictures, long shots to show a group from a distance and wide shots. Camera movements are also evident.

Susan Mumbua video critique

Susan Mumbua
08-1277

16th march, 2010 Tahihdi High Critique

To day they are focusing on sexual relationships among the youth and the consequences that come with it. Freddy-student- receives a letter from a girl called Schola in their rural home and it gets in school through the principal Miss Morgan but luckily she doesn’t read it instead she gives it to Omosh- staff- to deliver it to him. Omosh reads the letter before delivering it and they create suspense because he doesn’t say what’s in the letter, so he takes it to Freddy’s class and there we find Mr. Karimi talking about the dangers of having sexual relationships outside marriage. Freddy receives the letter and he thinks he might be in some kind of trouble.

During class break we see Freddy reading the letter and after a short while he faints and Louis and Tanya help him, instead if helping him they start reading the letter creating more suspense because they don’t say what’s in the letter, when he wakes up he goes straight to Omosh to borrow his phone because he needs to talk to his cousin and this is where we get the story behind the letter. He had sexual relations with Schola in their Rural home and she is pregnant. So he is asking the cousin how come the contraceptives he gave him didn’t work and the cousin goes off because of credit. On the other side Louis is telling his friends about the letter and they are curious to find it but Tanya doesn’t give them, Freddy is at risk because he might have contracted STI’s or HIV/AIDS so he goes to the guidance and counseling teacher on hoe to go about the test. Just after talking to the teacher Omosh comes running giving Freddy the phone and it’s Freddy’s cousin telling him that the girl was playing a joke on them. She wasn’t pregnant. Freddy is relieved but there’s another problem Miss Morgan saw him talking on phone so he is in trouble and it ends in suspense.

Some of the characters reactions are not real for example when Freddy faints it is not real at all. And when Louis is shocked and tongue-tied it looks so fake. If I was the producer what I would do different is the lighting in order to see the subjects clearly especially in dark areas. The camera movements for this week: dolly in and dolly out while Ratai is sweeping the compound, pan-right and pan-left when Tanya, Melvin and Joni are talking while standing on a straight line. Camera shots- medium shot- when focusing on Omollo and Miss Morgan talking. Omollo while reading the letter. Long-shot when focusing on students in class. Extreme close-up to see Tanya’s reaction when reading Freddy’s letter.

The muskerteers. Group work.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

Susan Mumbua- 08-1277

Muthoni Hunja-07-1380

Victoria Wangui-08-0112

Beatrice Mutheu-08-1303


List and explain the digitization process?

Digitizing an analog signal is a four-step process

 Anti-aliasing- in this step extreme frequencies of the analog that are unnecessary for its proper sampling are filtered out.
 Sampling process- In the sampling stage the analog signals are selected for building digital values. The higher the sampling rates the more they look like the analog signal. A high sapling rate is preferred over a low one. The sampling rate of a video signal is usually expressed in megahertz(MHz)
 Quantitizing- this means to separate continuously variable signal into defined levels and fitting them into the desired sample range.
 Coding- changes the quantization numbers of each step to binary numbers consisting of 0’s and 1’s and the various grouping of bits

A CRITIQUE ON THE WEDDING SHOW PREPARED BY DZUNU MARGARET KAFUI-09 0613

The wedding show is a local television programme aired on Citizen Television every Sunday between 7-8pm and is presented by Noni Gathoni. What she does is to visit the wedding ceremonies of people and capture the whole event from the decorations to the dressing of the bridal party and to the reception ground. She also interviews a few people especially the wedding couple to find out a little bit about them-how they met, how the proposal was done, what went into the wedding, why they chose a particular color, decoration and so on. In the middle of the show, there is a commercial break and some wedding tips are displayed on the screen for viewers. Some times, wedding experts/ planners are also interviewed to give tips on how to have a stress-free and successful wedding. Three different wedding ceremonies are shown each Sunday.
This programme would have been better if it is mixed with the African traditional wedding. There are many people in the community who wants to get married but cannot afford the expensive types of weddings were there are lots of brides maids, flower girls, page boys, beautiful decorations and honeymoons as portrayed in the wedding show. Such people should be encouraged to go the simpler traditional ways were the families of both parties meet, the bride price is collected and a small feasting is done. This could only be done when such weddings are also shown on TV to let society no that they are also appreciated.



WEEK1: 24TH JAN. 2010.
The show was beautiful. The bridal parties were dressed in Gold and Maroon, Pink and violet, and Green colors. Though the weather was dull, the lightening system covered up for it and the picture quality was bright and good. The camera techniques were used appropriately. There was a zoom in for viewers to take a closer look at the shoes, jewelry and hair styles of the bridal party. There was also a dolly in as the bride walked into the church and during the dancing session at the reception ground. This created the happy mood of the occasion. The presenter wore a lavalier microphone that made her hands free to express herself. However, the commercial break was too long with so many adverts; it causes people to loose interest in the whole show.


WEEK2: 31ST JAN. 2010.
The pink, purple and green colors used made the whole show colorful and bright. The melodious music at the background was faded well when ever the presenter wanted to talk. During the interview, there was noise at the background but the signal-to-noise ratio was high so it did not affect the interview. The audience who dressed nicely were given some recognition which emphasized the importance of friends and relations in a wedding ceremony. However, there was some pop out sound from the couple during the interview which needed to be taken care of during the editing process. Also, the camera was moving too much when the couples were reciting their vows; it should have focused on them.


WEEK3: 7TH FEB.2010.
Today’s show was a unique one between a Kenyan lady and a Scottish. The groom was dressed in his Scottish traditional wear while the bride was in her normal wedding gown. The rich culture of the Scottish was displayed through the music and dance. The lighting system was bright and since she used the lavalier microphone, an objective representation of audibility and loudness was projected. The combo was done well and each time, the music fades away slowly to usher in her voice. However, on few occasions, noise from the audience could be heard especially during the interview. Also at the very beginning of the show, the host seemed not to be ready because the camera was on her for about a minute before she started talking again; the commercial break was too long.

WEEK4: 14TH FEB.2010.
Today’s show was nice. It was not the usual church wedding but a garden one. The scenery and decorations was beautiful with friends and relations attending in their numbers and beautifully dressed. The sound and picture quality was good. The camera angles brought in every detail in the dressings and decorations. The songs were cued in well such that they followed one another systematically. However, the presenters pitch was high at a point such that it almost sounded as if she was shouting; also, the sound quality from the band musicians at the reception was poor- they were using omnidirectional microphone pick-up pattern which picked signals from all direction that caused a lot of feed back and as usual, the commercial break was too long

WEEK5: 21ST FEB.2010.
There was a good display of professionalism in today’s show. There was a pre-wedding show where the bride-to-be was getting herself prepared for the occasion. A wedding expert was interviewed and she brought out some useful wedding tips. The camera angles and movements were good. During the recitation of the vows, the pastor put the microphone very close to his month which produced some signals but he was quickly corrected. The signal-to-noise ratio was accepted considering the fact that there was a lot of noise at the background. The sound quality was good so is the picture quality. However, there was some p’s and b’s pop ups from the groom during the interview which could have been taken care of during the editing process.
WEEK6: 28TH FEB.2010.

Today’s wedding ceremonies was no different from the others. The parents of the bride walked her in to the church and the pastor took over. The reception started with the couples and their families and friends dancing in to the tune of some traditional music. The sound and picture quality was good. However, during the vow recitation, the microphone presence was poor so the pastor could be heard very well while the couple could not. When the programme was over, the master monitor was still on but the presenter did not no so all that she said after was aired.

Assignment

Com 264A
The simple plan group
Jacob Nyongesa 06-0036
Charlene Muoki 08-1515
Dean Ajema 08-1292
Question’
Your friend is an ardent movie fan, is extremely happy about the new 16 × 9 aspect ratio because, according to him, it is especially well suited to play back wide screen movies.
Do you agree with him? If so why? And if not why?
We agree with him on the part of the wide screen, because the digital television has an aspect ratio of 16× and it is horizontally stretched television picture of High definition television. Its proportions of the width and the height resemble more a small motion picture screen than the traditional television screen. This is true because when watching a movie on a traditional TV, either both sides of the frame are crudely amputated or images are displayed in the letterbox that shows the movie in its full width but necessitates the black stripes at the top and bottom of the screen.
Also due to the manipulative nature of digital technology one can easily alter the appearance of the screen to achieve the desired width or height.
On the issue of play back we chose to agree with him because there is a form of immediacy and the way it is digitally recorded it can allow the person viewing to playback during preview of any recording in the post production level. This is also possible due to the nature of the digital television or camera which is prone to manipulating in the editing stages. Unlike analog which is manual and takes a lot of time to playback and loss of information is expected in the event of frequent playback.

BONGO STAR SEARCH CRITIQUE

CRITICS OF THE PAST FIVE EPISODES OF BONGO STAR SEARCH SO FAR BY DORCAS WAITHERA KARANJA

The genre of programme that am critiquing is reality. It is a talent based show. It focuses on Tanzanian contestants. It airs every Saturday at 6.30 pm on citizen television. Bongo Star Search - BSS is a televised show featuring talent contest to decide the best new young star singer, or 'Bongo Star', in Tanzania, based on judges, viewer voting and participation; participants come form all over the country. A first series was broadcasted in 2007. It first premiered on 7th Feb 2010
The judges are Rita Paulsen who is also the executive producer of the show, Master Jay, and P.Funk (Well known artistes in East Africa) and they are responsible for choosing the twelve that are going to proceed from the hundreds that are auditioning from the different cities all over Tanzania. The host is Caesar Daniel who introduces the show and ends the show as well.
The program is a Benchmark production with its executive producer as Rita Paulsen and a copyright of 2009. The primary sponsors of the show are Vodacom Tanzania, but also is Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, Family Health and Kilimanjaro Drinking Water.. The cities involved are Arusha, Mwanza, Tabora, Dodoma, Kigoma, Mtwara, Zanzibar and Dar-es-Salaam
The show is basically looking for fresh talent in singing from the people and to able to come up with one ultimate winner of the search who will win prices.
The visual editing techniques is of quality since we can see the editors coming up with specific scenes that are exaggerated and the one that are likely
The winners will be awarded as follows:
1. The winner will be given 25 million Tanzanian shillings
2. The runner up will be awarded 5 million Tanzanian shilling
3. The second runner up will be awarded 3.5 Tanzanian shillings
4. The third runner up will be awarded 1.5 million Tanzanian shilling.
The production quality of the show is generally okay considering the camera shots, sound and lighting.

video critique

TAHIDI HIGH



Susan Mumbua 08-1277

Com 264B

Tahidi high is a local programme that runs on citizen every Tuesday at 7:30pm-8:00pm including the advertisements. This is a drama and comedy local that focuses on high school students and the different problems that they face in the school and among themselves.

The actors/actresses include:



Ø Miss Morgan- deputy principal

Ø Mr.Tembo- the principal

Ø Omollo (Omosh)- staff

Ø Mama Jimmy- staff

Ø Mr. Kilunda- staff

Ø Miss Chebet- staff

Ø O.J- student

Ø Freddy- student

Ø Joni-student

Ø Tanya- student

Ø Shish-student

Ø Marvin- student.

Ø Georgina- student





2nd March, 2010



This episode starts with Georgina scrolling through the phone which is against the rules of the school to have a mobile phone in school. Her friend finds her in class sending a text and she gives a lame excuse that she doesn’t get to see the boyfriend who is on midterm now, so she has to carry a phone to school and chat with him. Again in the library the friend finds Georgina sending pornographic messages to the boyfriend and starts conversing with Georgina and warning her against it, according to what Georgina confesses she doesn’t like the whole idea of sending pornographic messages but she is doing it just to please the boyfriend, but after talking to her friend she realizes its something wrong and she needs to stop it.



The next day Georgina’s classmates are laughing at her after they got nude pictures of Georgina which were sent by the ex boyfriend and they are making fun of her and it affects her coz she cant concentrate in class so she and her friend decide to seek for advise from the deputy principal (Miss. Morgan), she was mad at first for them having cell phones in school but then she advises them and explains to them that the reason they are not allowed to have phones in school is to prevent them from such things so that they can concentrate on their studies.



On the other hand Omosh gets a phone at a cheaper price but he doesn’t know that the phone was stolen. He later discovers that it was stolen from one of the teachers in school and he was in a dilemma on whether to return it or not, he was worried that he would lose the phone and he wouldn’t get his money back. But then he decides to take it to the teacher and the teacher was so grateful and he gives him twice what he paid for the phone as a sign of appreciation.



There are several camera shots in this episode like zooming in and out, panning up and down, long shot and angle shot, the lighting was good in dark rooms we still saw the faces clearly, when the students were making fun of Georgina one could hear the different comments so an omni directional microphone was used it picked sounds from all sides.



Susan Mumbua- 08-1277

Com 264B

tahidi high critique

Susan Mumbua
08-1277
Com 264B

09th March, 2010

O.J got his exam results and he is not happy with his exam results since he got 37% and therefore he had to see the teacher to explain the cause for his low marks. Since it was parents’ day he uncle Omosh had to see the teacher instead. In the process he changed his results to read 87% so when his uncle went to see the teacher he knew he was in trouble. The rest of the students seem to be all over the place because their parents are coming to school to see their results, for some they are happy but for others they are not happy because they didn’t do well in the exams. Omosh is not happy with O.J’s results so he decides to talk to O.J about his academics so that he can improve because this is his last year in high school. From these there’s the theme of education and its importance, because it worries Omosh that O.J isn’t performing well.

Julia’s mother comes around after not being around the family for long so she comes to see Julia’s results in school. Shish-one of the students- comes running to the science lab telling Julia that she saw the mum kissing teacher Karimi, Julia isn’t happy with the mother and she runs to meet the mother as she is from talking with the teacher. She starts accusing her of cheating on the father and they argue with the mother and Julia slaps the mother. Miss Morgan-the principal- sees what happens and calls both of them in the office to solve their issues in the office, Julia’s parents are divorcing and it is affecting Julia. It end while the mother is thinking that she is about to lose her family. Here there’s the theme of divorce and its effects on the family, theme of respect towards the parents, how Julia has lost respect for the mother she can even slap her. There is also the theme of immorality in the society that is raised by Julia and that it is not accepted in the society and that why her parents are divorcing.

Camera shots- close-up- especially when showing someone’s emotions
Long-shots- when Julia was walking toward the mother.
Full shots- when showing Julia’s mother form of dressing

Camera lenses- a wide-angle lens

Camera movement- follow right and follow left- when following the students as they stood in a straight line being addressed by the teacher
Tilt up and down.- when Omosh was being admired by one of the staff since he was smartly dressed.

Critique for Papa shirandula

Jacob Nyongesa. 06-0036. Com 264
Program critique
Papa shirandula
The 26th January 2010 episode.
Introduction
Week 1 and 2
This is a weekly show that is aired from 7:40pm-8:30pm every Thursday on Citizen Television. The cast is composed of papa shirandula family, neighbors and workmates where he works as a security guard. He is married to three wives and of the two wives one stays with him town and the rest stay in the village.
Papa Shirandula or Papa Wycliffe Wilson Wilberforce Shirandula Dot Atitwa Inyungula is an old confused man who lives a double life. An office manager to his family, but a watchman to the rest of us! Uncomfortable with his status in life, he keeps his source of livelihood a closely guarded secret, only revealed to his workmates and his beloved cousin. Even his long-suffering, ever-loving, inquisitive wife Wilbrota, is none the wiser! Papa lives on a lot of debts and his miserable pay slip often reads zero, thanks to his frequent salary advances. A humorous, likeable burly fellow, Papa Shirandula will resonate with the ambitions, struggles and values that so many of us hold so dear in a most comical way
I would like to comment on the issues of pre-production, production, and post-production the show can be rated as average according the Kenyan standard which is still shaping up in terms of quality production.
Pre-production
The input in terms of adverts is encouraging. This means that a lot of resources have been used for a quality show; which means market research, getting the cast, knowing the location of producing the show and how it relates to the needs of the audience. The weekly show has been on air for the last four years running and has continued to enjoy a growing audience. A lot of pre-production planning in terms of looking for the location, knowing what kind of cameras to use, is the location outside or inside, who are the main characters, how large or small a production crew is, how long will the show take. All this was put into consideration.

Production
It is a well directed show that is flexible enough to accommodate the daily challenges that a common Kenyan citizen goes through. The choice of having the cast done in the office and at Papa’s home helps one to identify with the program.
The cast members have been able to win accolades locally both for themselves and the TV station. This is according to the station website, with Papa topping the list with two awards, his ‘wife’ Wilbroda one award and the director Mr. Mudegu Kibwana has been voted as the best TV director. Most of the production elements has been incorporated into the show i.e. camera movements, lighting, video recording and the switcher.
Post Production
During this process one can pull up, cut, paste, and join various shots to produce full motion video and audio sequences that is transferrable directly onto an edit master tape for on-air use. Here different camera angles are merged to create a continuous piece of work, and this is evident in the production because we can see shots taken at home and the papa working station. Special effects are also created and by the use of character generation, putting titles to the production is also done during this process. This show is not an exception and we can see this in the comedy show.

Week three
Master control
This is a stage where there is program input, storage and retrieval for use on broadcast. This works like a console in audio broadcasting that has a multiple of knobs used in amplifying, routing and mixing sound. The master control helps to ensure that before a production goes on air it has balanced sound, the different shots are incorporated, this is done by the help of a control room where a technician ensures that there is a co-ordination in the running of the program, he knows when an advert should be played, when to start the show and when to end it.
Papa shirandula producer has incorporated this aspect because as one watches you can feel there is a flow of events and the combination of audio, image ad lighting controls has been employed is professional.
In terms of quality production for an outside audience I would beg to differ because the target audience is limited and what may be considered comical may not be the same case in other audiences.
The producer has used different camera shots, i.e. close up of Papa shirandula to show mad he is with his friend Njoroge for asking him money for a drinking spree, a long shot of the of Mr. Juma Anderson’s car as it enters the gate and as papa struggles to open the gate for the vehicle.
Week four
Turn tables and CDs
Before the program starts the continuity announcer tells the audience about the next program on schedule, in the case of papa shirandula there is a promo for the show and it readies the audience and keeps them waiting.
What comes on air I believe is brought in to the Citizen studio for playback, just like a turn table the DVD is cued in for transmission and because of digitization the operator is helped aided by the computer to play the exact section and episode. Adverts are also programmed in such a way that if a scene is over it plays automatically.
During the post production, music is usually played back from various storage devices such as DAT and compact discs. During this week’s show there is music produced specifically for this show that plays in the background, this is done with the help of an audio console


Week five
Tape recording and playback units
The recording of the show is done on Digital Audio tape, then later downloaded into the computer, edited and then played back for the audience to view. There are several mistakes that the camera men did in today’s show. In one scene the character Wilbroda is out of the viewfinder and hence there is no sharp focus of her, the cameras used are not the pneumatic pedestal rather professional camcorders are used because of their portability and their self contained camera video recording units. Lighting is not really much needed because most of the recording is not inside the studio. The natural ambience can be felt because there is no acoustic treatment to sound.
Week six
Microphones
Camera with a good microphone pickup are used in the production of the show, it is likely some of the microphone used are shotgun which is suitable for outdoor and normally fitted with a wind jammer to prevent any sound alteration by wind or noise.
To get a clear and candid sound the producer has also used the long fish pole boom mike which can be held from different positions, i.e. from above the subjects, below the subjects and sideways.
In some instances I noticed that the use of the omnidirectional to especially when papa shirandula and his family visits Mr. Juma Anderson in their house. However I would suggest that the producer uses the lavaliere mike to reduce the costs of hiring people to carry around the boom microphones. Because the former are mounted on an individual and they can move freely without any restriction as long as they are within the frequency reach. But on the other hand the lavaliere mikes provide quality sound though is not common in outside studio operation.
I also noted that sometimes the microphone used were either too weak to pick sound or too high to cause sound distortion hence compromising the quality of the program.
Generally so far the production is good and a little bit of changes in the production team will ensure that the program receives an additional audience.

CRITIQUE ON BEBA BEBA

BEBA BEBA
INTRODUCTION
This critique was done by Beryl Oywer. Beba Beba is a local comedy aired on NTV (Nation Television) on Tuesday night from 8:30-9:00p.m. The programme is approximately twenty minutes excluding the advertisements. The programme targets the youth of Kenya because of the use of Sheng language and also the matatu used is a hip one because of the graffiti present. The programme evolves around:
i) Mr. Tembo. A middle aged man who tries to juggle parenthood and at the same time make sure his Matatu business (hence the title of the programme) does not run to the ground as it is his main source of livelihood.
ii) Mrs. Tembo. She is Mr. Tembo’s wife and she is a housewife and her character is to solve the family problems and make sure the house is in order.
iii) Angel. She is their firstborn daughter in her early thirties. She is goal oriented and will not let anything or anyone come in between her and her future plans.
iv) Job. Their last born son. He has just completed his secondary education and is trying to discover himself. He wants to be a famous rapper in future. He believes that education is not for him. He has attended many colleges and is yet to find what suits him. He is constantly trying to prove to his parents that he can make it in the entertainment industry especially as a local musician of which they are totally opposed to.
v) Sifrosa. Mrs.Tembo’s friend. She is also a business woman and a staunch Christian. She believes in equality as she is always trying to solve people’s quarrels amicably. She is generous as she is living with her niece who is an orphan.
vi) Vokezz. He is the matatu’s conductor. He enjoys his job as he is always concerned when the boss (Mr. Tembo) does not want them to work. He is optimistic as he has hopes for one day becoming something better in life but for now he is content. He makes the programme livelier with his altered language (sheng) that always leaves people stunned and confused.
vii) Banda. He is the matatu’s driver. When the boss is not around he acts like the boss and bosses Vokezz around. He sounds more intelligent than vokezz which he uses as an upper hand to intimidate others. Just like Vokkezz loves his job but aspires to be something better in future.
viii) General. He is Mr. and Mrs. Tembo’s neighbor. He is quite annoying and spends most of his day in their house. He is an old man who has retired. He is always trying to solve other people’s problems instead of first solving his. This is finding something to do after retirement.
ix) Majengo. He is a maize seller along the way. He is always making fun of the working class who pass by to buy maize and at the same time pour all their troubles to him. He is a self pronounced therapist.





CRITIQUE ONE
SEASON 2: EPISODE 3
The episode starts with Mr. Tembo and Mrs. Tembo arguing about the matatu business and how it is not fetching a lot of money like it used to. What they do not know is that Vokkez and Banda have been putting aside some money for their own personal gain and blaming it on the rise in fuel prices. After that Angel goes to Jobo’s room to find out why he was still sleep and it was past his time for going to college. She finds him lying on the bed in pain so she quickly rushes to the nearest hospital to get an ambulance to take him to hospital. Along the way she meets Majengo who has been lied to by Banda and Vokkez that he is dying because of a misinterpretation of his blood test results. He therefore decides to do everything he has ever wanted to do before he kicks the bucket. Angel explains to him the results and he leaves very angry at Banda and Vokkez for lying to him. When she comes back to the house she finds Jobo playing his guitar and not looking as sick as he did earlier. She confronts him angrily for lying about his sickness because he did not want to go to college and do an exam he had not prepared for.
The theme of the episode is deceit. This is because of the lying that goes around the episode. The episode starts inside the house and there is some indoor illumination because of the presence of shadows of the actors. Outside the house the key light used is the sun because the programme is shot approximately at noon when the sun is directly above them and also by the look of the shadows indicates the time of shooting.
There is the start up music or introduction music which is the same for all the following episodes. The music is from a popular local musician which attracts the attention of their target audience who are the youth. The song is also comedy like hence best suited for the show. There is use of zoom in when they were concentrating on something and zoom out to show the matatu going away to show that it has gone a far distance. When Angel was talking while walking with Majengo there was use of tracking shots and also the use of nose room shots. There is also the use of studio cameras which are normally used to shoot sequels and are of high quality for television use. The microphones used both outside and inside the house are dynamic because they are magnetic and don’t need outside source of power and is also Omni-directional because the sitting position is arranged in that they are sited in a circle that is around the sitting room table. The transmission from one story line to another is flawless as one does not notice the change meaning their editing techniques are good. The editing technique used is most probably computer software called cool-edit pro.









CRITIQUE 2
SEASON 2: EPISODE 4
The theme of this episode was on The Fight for Animal Rights. The family decided to invite their friends for a small get-together. Mr. Tembo decided to treat them to some goat meat. Jobo was totally against the idea of slaughtering the goat because he believed that all animals had rights therefore they should not slaughter it. Everyone else was in disagreement and couldn’t wait for the feast. He tries everything including hiding the goat so as to avoid its demise. Which he fails miserably. At the same time Angel finds a lonely kitten along the way and decides to bring it back home. The parents are totally against it and she decides to keep it against their wishes by hiding it in her room. When the mum finds out she throws it away and she is very saddened claiming that it will probably die out there.
The episode is acted mainly in the house with the family still debating on weather to slaughter the goat or not. There is indoor lighting which creates the mood of homeliness this is determined by the shadows and also because it is a comedy it needs to be bright to show happiness. The microphones used are Omni-directional as their voices are of the same pitch and it can pick sound waves from all directions since they are sited around the coffee table. In the outside scenes there are a lot of sound distortions because of the interference by strong winds hence the sound quality becomes poorer as one struggles to get what the actor is saying. The lighting outside is the use of sunlight. To create a comical effect there is presence of funny sounds especially when Jobo goes to hide the goat also when Angel is hiding the kitten and then Mrs. Tembo throwing it out. The use of trucking shots following Angel as she carried the kitten to their house. There was use of dolly-in and dolly-out which is the smooth movement of the camera from Jobo to Mr. Tembo when they were arguing weather to slaughter the goat or not. One cannot realize the camera movements because of continuity of the action. There are also close-ups especially when a specific actor is talking and when they want to show all of them in the room there is use of wide shots or long shots.
The introduction music or start up music is the same as the previous episode also the ending music is similar. They are both comedy like hence emphasizing on the genre. The editing is done by use of computer software called cool-edit pro.












CRITIQUE 3
SEASON 2: EPISODE 5
The theme of the episode is about teenage dating. Jobo falls in love with Generali’s niece. After getting bad advice from Vokezz and Banda he gathers up his courage and decides to go and let her know about his feelings. She is skeptical about him at first but later on decides to give a try. When Generali discovers about their love his against the whole relationship because he knows Jobo’s behavior and claims that he will influence his niece badly.
Angel on the other hand is being forced by her friends to start dating because she has all the qualities a man would want in a woman. Which are: she is beautiful, young, intelligent and independent. But despite all this she still declines claiming that she is still young and is not ready for a relationship and the problems it brings along. She would therefore rather focus on her career and later on engage herself in a relationship.
There is a lot of use of trucking shots because three quarters of the episode is acted outside. Especially when Jobo is talking to Vokezz and Banda as he paces up and down trying to gather up his courage to go and talk to Generali’s niece and also as he walks towards the house. The source of light is primarily the sun and it was most probably shot at noon due to the presence of short shadows. There is zooming in when Angel’s features are being discussed by her friends the camera zooms in to focus on her. This is done hand in hand with medium shots as her image fills the screen. There is use of High Definition cameras which are suitable for Television. There is use of close-up shots when Jobo is talking to Generali’s niece but when Generali comes into focus it changes to a wide shot showing all the three characters.
The introduction music or start up music is the same as the previous episode also the ending music is similar. They are both comedy like hence emphasizing on the genre. The editing is done by use of computer software called cool-edit pro.















CRITIQUE 4
SEASON 2: EPISODE 6
The theme of episode six was craftiness and how people doing blue-collar jobs have to result to some crafty ways just to survive. Vokeez and Banda took the matatu for its regular servicing which is done once per month to the mechanic. The car oil was to be changed and other things like the brakes checked before the public service vehicle was out on the road. Instead of the mechanic changing the oil, he drained it out and filtered it to apparently remove the impurity which is impossible. He later returns the same oil to the car and to add to that he mixes it with vegetable oil which he argues makes the oil fresher and adds flavor. When Banda goes for the car to carry passengers he starts smelling something funny. After a few minutes the car stalls and it refuses not only to move but also to start. He immediately calls Vokezz and they push it all the way back to the mechanic who later on explains to them what he did. He claims that he was trying to save them some money by filtering the oil which was cheaper than buying new oil. They are furious and make him drain the oil and put a new one without pay.
The start up or introductory music is the same as the previous episode to create consistency in that whenever one hears that song their minds immediately relate to the programme and they switch their attention to watch it. The ending song is also similar to the previous episode. This episode is mainly shot outside with the sun as the source of lighting. Time of shoot is probably at noon because of the short shadows. The use of bright light creates the illusion or brings up the mood of happiness and joy it also helps brighten up the audience. There is presence of background music when mechanic is filtering the oil and mixing it with vegetable oil making the scene more hilarious. There is use of fast forward on that scene because the process of filtration is long and would have cost them time. Which in this case is very limited to content and getting the desired effect. The use of close-up shots when Banda is talking to the mechanic and he is the one in focus but when the camera man wants to show both of them talking s/he uses a wide shot. Full shot is used when we Vokezz arrives and we can see the three actors plus the matatu. The trucking shots used when the vehicle is moving and then the camera man zooms-out to show that it had gone a far distance. When the matatu stalls the shot is back to close-up. Since the entire episode was shot outside there are a lot of distortions from the microphone used because of the wind. The microphone used is Omni-directional as it picks sound from all directions that are unnecessary.
The introduction music or start up music is the same as the previous episode also the ending music is similar. They are both comedy like hence emphasizing on the genre. The editing is done by use of computer software called cool-edit pro.








CRITIQUE 5
SEASON 2: EPISODE 7
The theme of this episode was theft. Jobo stole his father’s old records which he sells to some collectors who are ready to pay a large sum of money for them. He stealthily sneaks into his parent’s room who have been pretending to be asleep to steal the records. No sooner is he outside the door than the lights are switched on and in shock he throws the records which later fall and break. Mr. Tembo is furious and is at the verge of strangling his son. Mrs. Tembo who was also shocked but calmer orders Jobo out of the room for her to talk to her husband and calm him.
Meanwhile Banda and Vokeez need quick cash to pay for some loan they took from one of their friends during the Christmas holiday. All their efforts are proving futile so they had no choice but to resort to theft. Since Majengo recently started selling chicken besides his maize they reason that he will still survive even if he lost a few chicken. They come up with a plan. They trick him to go and buy credit for them in a kiosk claiming they can not go because they owe the kiosk owner. Since he is their friend he agrees to it and they promise to watch over his business while he was gone. After two minutes when they are sure that he can’t see them they start untying the chickens and make a run for it. They get a buyer and sell them at a throw away price just to go a few miles and meet with Majengo who was watching them from a distance. They are tongue-tied and have to get back the chickens from Sifrosa who is reluctant to return them at that price.
The episode begins with a shot in the bedroom and to create the illusion of darkness there is use of dim light. The camera man uses trucking shots following Jobo as he stealthily walks towards the records. The music used is for suspense and keeps the viewer at the edge wondering whether or not he will be caught. When Mr. Tembo suddenly opens the lights there is a pose for a moment and the volume of the music becomes much higher. The suspense creates a shock and immediately after Jobo drops the Records because of the shock he gets. It leaves the audience wondering what next? When the lights are turned the camera man uses a full shot as we can see all the actors plus the entire room.
In the other scene there is use of two-shot when Vokezz and Banda were conversing and also use of trucking shots because they were moving. Since the scene is shot outside the sun is the source of lighting. It was probably shot during noon due to the shadows. When they reach Majengo the focus changes to a close up as he is the one speaking. The background music is comical and it makes the whole situation of chicken theft funny. The scene is fast forwarded to show the rush of Banda and Vokezz trying to untie the chicken before Majengo returns. But after being caught the music changes abruptly to a more dangerous one indicating the trouble in which Banda and Vokezz were in. The camera zooms in on Majengo’s face to show the anger by giving us an extreme close up.
The introduction music or start up music is the same as the previous episode also the ending music is similar. They are both comedy like hence emphasizing on the genre. The editing is done by use of computer software called cool-edit pro.




CRITIQUE 6
SEASON 2: EPISODE 8
The theme of this episode is about Business and the key to Success is Customer Satisfaction. Mr. Tembo decides to check in on his business. He realizes that the reason his matatu is not fetching a lot of money is because Vokezz and Banda are not treating the customers well. He wants them to change their habits which they find very difficult because then customers will get used to it and if they will lose respect from the other matatu drivers and touts plying the same route. Mr. Tembo proposes that they should greet the customer before s/he enters the vehicle and incase s/he has a heavy luggage they should offer to carry it for them. To add to that the driver should wait till all the customers are seated for them to start movement cause the abruptness in which they move can cause someone to fall consequently they will not choose to board the same vehicle after such an experience.
In other scenes Majengo decides to improve the quality of his maize by having different flavors so as to create a range for one to choose from. To add to that he decides to do house deliveries for his customers bringing the product closer and making it convenient for his customers. He puts up a big Billboard written “I MAKE HOUSE DELIVERIES 24 HOURS A DAY ‘NA KIBOGOYO NI SARE’”. This is quite hilarious and Jobo makes fun of him asking him how he will sell maize for twenty four hours.
The introduction music or start up music is the same as the previous episode also the ending music is similar. They are both comedy like hence emphasizing on the genre. The editing is done by use of computer software called cool-edit pro.
Both scenes are acted outside with the use of the sun as the primary source of lighting. They are both shot at noon due to the presence of the short shadows. The bright lighting is used to create the mood of joy or happiness. In the first scene there is use of a long or wide shot to show the three actors that is Mr.Tembo, Banda and Vokezz talking. By the use of dolly in the camera man changes the orientation of the scene but still showing all three actors. This later on changes to a medium shot not filling the entire screen and showing less of the physical environment. When Mr. Tembo is giving Banda and Vokezz the guidelines to better customer treatment the camera man uses a close up shot on him removing the rest on focus. The microphones used are dynamic because they do not need an external power source. They are also Omni-directional because it receives signals from all three actors who when arguing talk at the same time. Their arrangement in a semi-circle also confirms this.
In other scenes the billboard put up by Majengo is quite hilarious and the camera man gets an extreme close-up on it filling the screen and giving the audience a chance to read it. The background music used is also funny adding to the comical effect. When Jobo arrives the Camera shot immediately changes to a two shot of him and Majengo conversing. When Jobo is trying to explain to Majengo that his idea will not work there is an extreme close up as his face fills the screen. When Jobo gives up trying to convince Majengo to forget his silly idea he walks away and the camera zooms out showing how far he has gone.




GLOSSARY
Kibogoyo-someone without teeth
Matatu- Kiswahili word for public service vehicle
Sheng- a language as a result of mixture of the English language and Kiswahili language
Hip- a current trend
Sare- something that is given out for free

Oops

Word up!
Haven't been able to access the blog with a computer, internet issues, im even sending this using my phone.
Anyway, i had posted my critiques on the class email, hope thats okay.
See you all later.
Peace

critique of a local TV show.Raymond Otieno

This is a critique of a local TV show called shuga it priemiered in all leading station though it had only four episodes and ended it was sponsored by MTV Africa and the UN. I thought it was a good series and the first of it’s kind in Kenya to ever be aired in our local stations below is a critique of the whole series, thank you.
CAMERA WORK:
EDITING:
The most noticeable element about the film work in Shuga has to be the editing. Since the film is set in urban Nairobi, a very fast paced environment, the editing is a reflection of that; its quick, energetic and very kinetic. There are instances in the film where the camera’s inability to stay still prevents the audience from becoming invested in the characters, the scenes and the geography. However, this is a deliberate act that seeks to highlight the fast pace of the Nairobi Lifestyle.


CINEMATOGRAPHY:
The look of the film is the product of effective lighting and photography, which differentiates it from other local programs. The colors are vibrant and sleek. The lighting plays with shadows and as a result, the physical dimension of the scene and characters is given a certain depth and undefined characteristic that speaks for itself; in other words, the scenes and the characters are not physically flat. Instead, the audience is able to draw meaning or a story out of them without the involvement of dialogue.

THE ACTING:
The film has a wide array of young characters that represent your typical group of youngsters. Ayira, the ambitious young lady who will stop at nothing to achieve her dreams is played by Lupita Nyongo. Skola, played by David Omwange, is a rich and charismatic young DJ who indulges in promiscuous activity on a constant basis with absolutely no regrets. These two performances are by far the best in the film, with Lupita taking the lead. She does an excellent job of portraying the internal conflict between two different worlds that she truly wants to be a part of, but must only choose one. David Omwange plays one character in the beginning of the film, and another by its conclusion. He executes a believable transition mid-film and maintains the right amount of energy for each stage of his performance. Violet, played by Sharon----------, is a carefree playgirl who uses her sexuality as her means of achievement. Sharon exudes a level of sexuality/sensuality that does the character justice. Her voice is soothing to the ear while her sophisticated demeanor and elegant stature all combine to bring about the sexual force of nature that is violet. Kennedy, played by Anthony Mwangi, serves as the comic relief of Shuga. Anthony has an uncanny sense of comic timing as well as a tongue for slang which enable Kennedy to become the most likable character of the program. Kennedy’s humor undercut the seriousness of the subject matter at some points, which makes the weight of the issues at hand more bearable with the help of some laughs. The latter two performances are second best. Ty, played by Pepe Haze, is a reasonably suave young man who takes life seriously without stressing himself out. Cindy, played by Valerie kimani, is a young lady who, like Ty, takes life seriously with an ounce of fun. Despite not having much screentime or in depth character development, both actors do a very fine job of bringing their supportive roles to life. Both would have been excellent had they been given more treatment in the script. They are the third best performances but could easily have been part of second best. Leo, played by Nicholas Mutuma, is a naïve choirboy while Virginia, played by Eva--------------, is a shy girl with a secret. Both actors are given very interesting characters but fail to deliver due to their limited performances/talent. Despite being attractive individuals, both actors are bland and not interesting in the least. Despite one or two highlights in their performances, they fail to bring out the potential of their characters and comfortably resort to being eye candy.




CULTURAL IMPACT:

The age old message about HIV and AIDS has been recycled and reused many times. We have been bombarded with information concerning the epidemic in old fashioned classroom manner however; Shuga achieves the intended communication of such messages by creating circumstances, environments and characters that the youth can identify with. It refuses to “Shuga” coat the content and paints an accurate picture of the reality that is the youth lifestyle. It does not insult its audience by hiding things from them, but forms a bond with them through relatable age mates hence gaining their appraisal and respect. In addition, Shuga’s picture quality is far above every local production ever developed in Kenya. All these elements combined make Shuga the most talked about Kenyan program in recent decades despite the show’s lack of innovation.

Tahdi High program critique

Hi, my name is Joseph Ruwa. Am critiquing Tahidi High which airs on Citizen t.v every Tuesday at 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm.VIDEO PROGRAMME CRITIQUE
PROGRAMME: TAHIDI HIGH

Episode one
In this episode, there was a scene where the students were outside conversing. The effect of the wind was a distortion to the sound because the words could not be heard clearly. The effect of the wind was mostly heard though the microphone rather than the words clearly.
Movements of the camera were good. There was good motion and the viewers could focus on the image well. There was no unnecessary tilting of the camera when shooting while moving.
Basically, the camera shots were also very good and shots were taken in different angles.

Episode two
In this episode, sound was used very well. There was a scene where a school worker by the name Kibuja, was creeping into the school’s kitchen to put paraffin into the students food. In the process of shooting this part, sound effects were used to create suspension in the viewer’s mind in order to give the program a more taste.
In the process of shooting this scene also, there were different angles used. Aerial shooting was used in order to show the whole part of both the actor and the environments.
The movements were captured clearly especially when Kibuja was caught red handed by his fellow worker Omosh trying to put the paraffin into the student’s food. As Omosh was creeping, the camera movement would capture the feet creeping and the actor’s eyes moving from side to side.

Episode three
In this episode, the main theme was the use of mobile phones by students. In the case of sound, it was done well especially when the shooting took place in a classroom. Sound is used well here when a mobile phone vibrates and the viewers could hear it very well. Therefore sound caption was very good.
Lighting was also used in a way that there was standard lighting that the viewer could view the program well without difficulty of either too much light or too little light.
Camera shots and movements were perfect especially when a teacher was patrolling around the school to find out students who were using mobile phones in the school’s compound. When the students see the teacher, they hide their mobile phones and run away. When the shooting is taking place from a short distance to avoid unnecessary movement of the camera since it would be difficult for the camera man to run with the video around. It would create distortion in trying to capture the video.

Episode four
In this episode, the main theme was early marriage to young men in the society. A student in Tahidi high named Abdi, is being forced to get married to a lady that has been reserved for him by his parents. The camera movements were used well especially when Abdi’s relatives come to school to talk to the principal. The two relatives tend to move very fast and the camera man seems to be taking the shots very well as he is keeping up with their pace without shaking the camera.
The sound effects are used very well when the relatives are arguing. A viewer could hear very well the heavy breathing to represent the anger that they had.
Sound was also used very well when these ‘so called’ relatives go into the men’s changing room while they are dressed as ladies. Omosh goes to peep and see what was going on. When he is creeping, sound effects are used here to create a little suspension. When he finds out that the two ‘dressed ladies were just students, the sound effect is even used more.

Episode five
Just like in the first episode most of the conversations where outside, where control of the air movement proved problematic as it was sort of hard to hear what the student and Omosh were talking about, although they seemed to have anticipated this as they used soft background music that faded in and out very well. Other from that I like the factor that the actors don’t seem to be struggling so as to be audible
On lighting, I think they did a very good job. The camera man seemed to know the angles very well, moreover the factor that he properly uses natural light from the sun to shoot the scenes set outside.
In this episode I think the camera man know what his doing has his movements aren’t abrupt and when zooming in he does it slowly such that it does not cause discomfort to the eyes.

Critique of Tabasamu by Esther Wekesa

The play Tabasamu is original and factual. It has been directed by a Kenyan . It is rated 18. Viewing as it is is educative in a number of ways


25/01/10

The show was started with a close-up shot of Maya in the office. She was sad as she remembered of her dead roommate. This created a feeling of sadness in our hearyts as viewers.The rest of the programme had quality and accurate shots. I felt that the lighting design added to the ambiance of this play. Light was used well for dramatic effect.

01/02/10

Visibility of focus is the primary consideration of lighting design and it was accomplished in this episode. However the camera shot especially the outdoor shots of Maya and her German boyfriend exposed the shaking effect of the camera . This made me know that the camera was not mounted on a a stand.

08/02/10

The story line was well crafted and demonstrated good witting skills. Shot angles were excellently done especially on JB's scene as he photographed the models in his house. However there was one time when the camera cable hanged down interfering with the play.

15/02/10

This episode i basically took time to listen and critique the use of music . I realized that it was also well co-ordinated . Suspense was clearly brought out with the music when JB was about to be caught cheating on his girlfriend. This is also where the episode ended and the signature tune played.

22/02/10

The use of camera shots,for example a full shot to emphasis Maya's dressing. Her dressing to kill in the new fashion tells us that Maya is a trendy lady. The dolly up and down of the camera as she tries to seduce a sugar daddy with her striking looks is also the best camera moves i have ever encountered. However i did not feel this episode was up to date in terms of lighting. Maybe a low quality camera was ued.

CRITIQUE ON INSPEKTA MWALA

Hi, my name is Peter Mwangangi and I’m critiquing Inspekta Mwala,a local Kenyan drama aired every Monday from 7:30 pm-8:00pm on Citizen TV. It has 3 short sessions of 5-7minutes. It is about police in a local station called ‘kona mbaya.’

1st Feb. 2010
Dolling was used to show a drug dealer who posed as a seller of teddy bears. There was a close up of the trader’s shoes to give an idea of the financial status. Long shots of the police station are taken to show its location. Medium shots and close ups were used to show the police officers talking to each other-purposely to bring out the effect of their loose/broken Swahili. There are long shots of a lady going to the police station and later on long shots of Inspekta Mwala who acts out as a child and gets the drugs in the dolls. This is amid sound effects to increase the tension about what may happen. Finally, the dealer gets arrested.

8th Feb. 2010
This was the pre-valentine week. There was a base camera angle of a tyre and legs of a thief moving a tyre and also of soldiers chasing after him to show how they were really exhausted. There was a close up to show the struggle between the thief and a police officer as Mwala tried to put handcuffs on him. A base angle is used to show superiority of the police officers over the criminal.

15th Feb. 2010
There is a close-up of parents talking peacefully at a leisure park whereby a balloon seller who is actually a mobile phone thief approaches. There is a blurred shot of soldiers which sharpens as they approach the parents. There is a close up of sleeping cops complaining. The mobile thief uses kids to get their parent’s mobile phones and a long range of her escaping is shown. Dolling is used to show the chase between the parents towards the thief as she is finally caught.

22nd Feb. 2010
The drama starts with medium shots of a husband and wife talking about family affairs. A base angel is used to show a man washing a motorcycle. Too much time is used to show a car going from home to the place of work. A good shot is taken from the mirror of the car to show a person approaching from behind. This makes the viewer feel as if s/he is the one in the car. There are long shots of police officers at work (night patrol). A close-up of a license is used to show the contents therein and of drugs tucked in a sack supposedly carrying grass. The driver of the car (not the criminal), is arrested.

weekly critique by Mutwiri Kiambati

My name is Alfred Mutwiri and I will critique the show Tahidi High

Tahidi High is an action packed high school comedy and drama, full of intrigue, love, infighting as well as the usual battle of the sexes. Based on a high-class secondary school, Tahidi High brings to fore the daily conflicts between teachers, students and parents in a typical Kenyan setting. It’s a story about students' struggle to tackle life's dilemmas and challenges and teachers struggling to bring sanity to the institution and those within it. It airs on Citizen TV at 7.35 pm and repeats are on Sunday afternoon. It is a rather genius plot with a seemingly stable storyline. What makes this one class A drama is not the brilliance of its writer but the comic presence of its actors. A cast consisting of the likes of Omosh (Joseph Kinuthia) and the younger brand of OJ and the rest has done nothing but scoop TV awards all along its running. Congratulations to one Catherine Wamuyu for bringing to us this invigorating and intriguing look at high school life. And also kudos to the Tahidi High's hilarious cast.
The programme has some main characters and this include OJ, Omosh, Johnny, Miss Morgan, teacher Chebii, Shish among some occasional ones like Julia, Ratai, Andy, Veroh, and Debra. An episode is about 24 minutes and has about 12 to 14 scenes. This is quite a challenge as the show is a weekly programme and so it is shot under quite a bit of pressure. Shooting one scene can take hours as the cameraman has to shoot using various shots that will be used to make the visual interesting. The actors always have their lines memorized and this makes it easy for them to meet the target of shooting the whole show before start of the week.

31st Jan
The programme has a very distinctive and enticing signature tune. Those who are familiar with it almost instantly tend to be jovial as they wait for the programme to start and the crazy shenanigans created by the students to begin. They always try to begin the show with a well placed establishing shot to show or announce the school. On this particular show OJ was up to his old tricks of trying to impress Tanya. Unfortunately for him she is a very classy and uptown character who has little or no time for him.Oj buys her a necklace just to try and show her he cares. She despises the necklace for being too cheap when in actual sense for OJ it was too expensive. The episode is about how angry she was and how different characters react to the issue of spending excessively on the opposite sex. To try and show Tanya’ beauty she is brought to us through OJ’s eyes. This is achieved by the cameraperson using a long shot of her approaching then dolling her as she moves towards the audience and OJ. Before they speak a full body shot of her is introduced. The cameraperson then tilts up and focuses on her face to emphasize her beauty. This may seem to take up an ample amount of time but it actually brings out great emphasis and suspense in the audience. I think the commercial breaks between the programme are too many. Although the station has to make their money, we end up having even less than the 24 minutes and at times it really is irritating.
7th Feb
In this episode, the show begins with an interesting high angle shot of Omosh lying down on the lawns just lazing around. His eyes are shut as he enjoys the morning sun. Then suddenly a hugely beastly figure blocks the sun. He shouts and vents in dismay and anger only to realize its Mr. Tembo who has caught him lazing around. The cameraman first uses the high angle shot to show who has blocked off the sun. This tends to show authority or superiority. He then uses the extreme close up to focus on his stern face as Omosh quickly springs up from his position. This helps us as the audience to feel as if we are the ones who have been caught or have caught Omosh. Omosh then fakes how he is not feeling well to avoid doing much of his work but since he can’t miss a days pay he opts to stick around rather than go home. The camera person also widely uses the over the shoulder shot. It’s quite creative and creates uniformity and brings the audience into the conversation. Again the commercials tend to make the programme short and I have also realized at times scenes left hanging from the last episode are at most times never concluded. It is a creative device but to others can be a real bother.
14TH Feb
In this episode a new young and vibrant teacher is introduced to Tahidi high. Her beauty and youth dazzle all the male students but none more than Johnny. The dilemma is that he does not know that she is a teacher. He goes about flattering and welcoming her to Tahidi high and offering to show her around. She plays along and entertains his approaches. As they move around the school different shots are used. The cameraperson mostly uses the long shot to show us their position while also panning from right to left to establish a form of movement. As the story develops, Miss Morgan realizes that the male students are all gaping and perplexed by the new teacher’s looks. To show her anger, the cameraperson gets a close up of her face then switches to a tilt up and down of the new teacher. She then goes on to warn the new teacher that if she wishes to work anymore at Tahidi High she should change her wardrobe. It was a bit ironical since Miss Morgan was in an even smaller skirt. To get our suspense, the final scene is when she is introduced as a teacher in Johnny’s class. The extreme close up used shows Johnny in awe and shame as he thought she was a student. Another extreme close up shows the teacher putting up a cunning smile.
21st Feb
The episode did not run due to an advertisers live event.

28th Feb
In this episode, its time for the Science congress. The whole school has to be involved in the occasion and so the teachers organize an exhibition to get the best experiment to send to the show. All students must then partake in this exhibition much to their dismay. The classroom shots are excellent. The first one is from the students’ point of view staring at the teacher. It has an aspect of high angle to show that the teacher is the authority. From the teachers point of view we are given an over the shoulder view in order to give us the feel of being the teacher.As usual Johnny, Veroh, Julia and Tony try to be devious and pay Omosh to do the experiment for them. he obliges willingly due o the lovely amount of cash.Eventually everything goes wrong and the whole plan backfires due to the unenginuity of Omosh.the lighing odfthe programme is excellent as most of it uses natural light and so its easy to adjust the neutral display of the camera.the comical antics of Omosh are well covered and well done. the editing of the programm eis also of high quality. rarely have i seen a misplaced shot or even a major error on set the editor does take ample time to scrutinize the finished piece before it is aired.

vioja mahakamani

VIOJA MAHAKAMANI
week1: 1st Feb
Vioja mahakamani which means comedy in a court room is a program brought on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation every Wednesday from 7:30-8:05pm, it is a recorded program that is presented as if it is aired live and usually takes the scene of a court room because it has a Judge, Prosecutor, the accuser and the accused.
In my opinion the program being a local comedy is very interesting, we have the accuser and the accused making jokes but the judge and the prosecutor are serious people whom you might think are professionals in their area of acting. At the same time the program addresses major problems that this Country is facing like corruption among the police force, poverty and insecurity. The poor cannot defend themselves because they cannot afford lawyers or pay bonds but the rich walk away freely because of the Government influence on the Judiciary something that addresses the gap between the rich and the poor in this country.
In terms of time allocation it is sufficient since it is not a continuous series that you have to follow events from the previous week. The time that it is aired is most appropriate since it is for all family viewing and can be understood by anyone from the age of seven because the language used is simple Swahili. The other factor that makes it to have more viewers is the fact that not everyone has had a chance to be in a court room so most people are usually enthusiastic to know what happens in the court room.
8th Feb
There is the use of more than one shot because it has a number of scenes; for instance when the judge is addressing the accused they use the close-up type of shot to bring out emotions on their faces unlike when the prosecutor is talking and they show the entire court room using a long shot. The type of transition used is mainly cut because we have movement from one scene to another in a twinkle of an eye such that the program flows without destructing the viewers.
Basically the order of the programs is organized such that the program meets the time allocated to it hence there is no rushing through that would lead to suspense. It has commercial breaks between it and since it is a family viewing program the kind of commercials brought are usually not gender sensitive but things like Banks, Insurance Companies and Supermarkets.
On the side of Character allocation I must commend them because the program has been on air for a long time and they have managed to keep it going without running short of ideas that is why they rarely repeat themselves or scenes, we also have new characters which shows they are willing to nature young talents and at the same time we have good flow of ideas and creativity.
15th Feb
Any vioja viewer will agree with me that the lighting is good and one thing that has made the producer succeed in this, is limiting themselves to one room or what we call he court scene, this allows him to use all the necessary lights like the fill light, compared to other local programs that try acting in the field and end up limiting the quality of production because of things like lack of boom microphones that can clearly enhance or capture sound clear out there and on the other hand they lack high quality cameras that would clearly bring out good shots without unnecessarily creating shadows and this is one thing that also applies to vioja’s shots.
22Feb
The themes in vioja are well chosen they are things that one can relate with since they tend to be current with the news; they act on issues that have lately hit our media headlines which makes it interesting to watch. Their use of diverse culture is commendable because most tribes are usually represented by different characters which makes it easy for any Kenyan to relate with and in a Country characterized with tribal lines like ours I think there are great moral values to be drawn from these but the limitation comes in when they overdo the vernacular such that some words are completely lost to the audience.
1 March
One noticeable thing though is that vioja has kept it analogue especially in its production, I say these because when you look at their sound effects they are manual, the producer hasn’t dwelt much on recorded or digitally created sounds. On the editing techniques vioja since time immemorial has used cut, split screen and at times wipe where one picture wipes the other one out this something that was very observable this week, compared to other programs that are using fade in/ out or even superimposition this one thing that I would recommend the program to improve on.
On the use of sound effect they use silence to direct the audience emotion for example when the prosecutor hands the case to the Judge for the final verdict and there is silence in the entire court room, I believe the producer does these deliberately to establish mood and you can see that tension has filled the entire court room.
Critique by:
Babu Elly
08:2029
Daystar Student

23/02/2010 CLASS Critique

My name is Stephanie and I will begin my blogging experience by a critique of our last class on Microphones and Sound. It was informative as I was able to learn about the various types of microphones and that one does not just pick any mic they find lying around and begin using it. One has to consider whether it will be used inside or outside. But I feel that the presentation was abit rushed and most of us didi not understand some of the additional points given.