i would like to take the time to say WELL DONE to Shaunica and Hannah. We done an amazing job in producing this, and it has been so fun! That is all 
Saturday 2 May 2009
Friday 1 May 2009
Evaluation
1.In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
On the one hand, our production is a thriller, as it follows many of the conventions of a real thriller, such as the crime involved with the narrative. Moreover, we have protagonists and an antagonist, where there is a relationship between them, and are trapped in a web of intrigue which is directed by the antagonist. Furthermore, thrillers also show extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations, which apply to our product as, which is the whole aspect of the thriller. This shows that we understand the genre, and have applied it to our product. On the other hand, our product challenges some of the conventions of media products. Often thrillers set in dark places; however, we have filmed in bright light conditions. The protagonists don’t have a flaw which can’t be exploited, as they are all confident and well formed teenagers, with typical teenage issues.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our media product represents one particular social group; teenagers. We follow the social and emotion aguish of many young people going through their teenager years, which could lead to distress and result in deadly actions.
Other social groups were not represented in our product, due to the results of our target audience which was; “a mixture between Crime, Horror, Psychological and Action. They are more interested in spotting clues to attempt to work out the plot of the story. However, shockers are appreciated and as are the suspense of the film.” Furthermore, due to the fact it was a project created by teenagers we were limited.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Due to recent research into film distributors in media studies, Film4 may distribute our product, because Film4 seeks to broadcast a variety of films which are independent, old, new, art house, British films as well a foreign language ones. Our product is made by independent amateurs, media students, and is an amateur film, which is creatively done. Moreover, it could be used for media classes, who could use it as an example for students doing media, in which they could evaluate for coursework or project purposes. Also, institution such as local community may as well to showcase local talent, in which they could also distribute to schools or events. Moreover, film festivals may also as well, as they show a variety of films/talents/entertainment, which celebrate the success of film media.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
From research and personal experiences, our media product would be rated for a certificate 15, and therefore our audience would be anyone over the age of 15, due to the material involved. Furthermore, I also think if we’re going to name a specific target, then teenagers and young adults, because it was set in a school, as well as it featuring teenagers who are representing them and they can relate to them. Moreover, I also think that our thriller would be attracted to the niche market, as it is more of an art house film, in which it is an independent film which expresses serious matters, and was produced by amateurs’ teenage film makers. Moreover, because it features teenagers, this is another factor that would attract an audience, as it’s a representation of them, and they can relate to the characters as well.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
We addressed our audience by producing a questionnaire. We ask them many questions, including their age and well as gender. Furthermore we asked what types and kind of thriller they like, and what they look for in a thriller. Our results came back informing us that there were teenagers between that age of 15 to 25, who enjoyed “a mixture between Crime, Horror, Psychological and Action. They are more interested in spotting clues to attempt to work out the plot of the story. However, shockers are appreciated and as are the suspense of the film”. Moreover, half were male and half were female, which was useful as we therefore knew that we could product a good thriller which would appeal to both.
We have applied this to our storyboard, which includes crime and the psychological aspect. Moreover, there is suspense and a gripping narrative, which allows our audience to work out the plot. Despite the storyboard having a change of plans, it still follows the results of our survey.
Our product also uses visual effects and creativity, which will attract our audience, as we show why our antagonist is psychologically distressed. Our audience will realise that the actions taken will not be the answer of resolving the situation between friends, and therefore this type of film may be useful to young teenagers who result to crime when in trouble.
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
In the process of constructing our product we learn how to use the camera, iMac and the iMovie software. When doing Preliminary Exercise we used the camera, in which it was the first time in using it. By doing this we learnt how to do different camera angles and movements; it was quite like a training programme. We also learn about continuity, the 180 degree rule and match one action. When it came to editing we only knew how to do straight cuts. However, later when working with iMovie, I learnt how to use different transitions such as dissolve cross and overlap, along with effects to use. The technology actually amazed me, and I was excited at the amount of effects I could use for the thriller. The iMac is more effect and efficient and contains many software that enabled us to Bluetooth pictures for our blog as well as being used for storyboards. However, at the beginning using the Mac was extremely difficult, because I had never used it before and often got frustrated at the beginning. However, after getting use to it, it became easy. Moreover, when we was editing, that was quite difficult to understand, and it required patients and a good eye to edit in the right place. Working with iMovie can often cause problems, if there is too much going on, and we had to remember to save our work every time, otherwise we would have had to start again. I learnt that after we lost all the work we done on your preliminary.
7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the product?
I’ve felt that I have learnt an extreme about of media; teamwork, editing, filming, production, the skill of problem solving and much more. When we first started, with the preliminary, it was a great opportunity to understand the works of the camera and editing. However, we only got the basics of filming and editing, which would later provide and useful understanding later in the process of our thriller. In the preliminary, we only had done a few camera angles, positioning and movement. In the progression to our product, we have learnt so much more. We experimented with a lot of different camera movements, although not everything ended up in the product, however we did shot the same thing in different angles as well. When editing our preliminary they were only straight cuts and nothing else. However, compared to our product, there is a variety of different editing such as dissolve, and overlap as well as effects such as a wash out and fade to black and the use of colour. Also, I’ve learnt that organisation and planning is the key in finishing the end product, as well meeting/discussions as it allows us to use our time wisely. However I believe that planning, when it came actually doing the filming, could have been better. Moreover, I have also learnt that teamwork and cooperation within the team is essential. We did work together really well and combine our talents to create a good product.
Within myself, I have learnt that I am no actress, and will forever stick to filming, editing and direction when doing such projects. Also, I work well under pressure and now understand that the work involved in creating such films and media products must be very stressful.
On the one hand, our production is a thriller, as it follows many of the conventions of a real thriller, such as the crime involved with the narrative. Moreover, we have protagonists and an antagonist, where there is a relationship between them, and are trapped in a web of intrigue which is directed by the antagonist. Furthermore, thrillers also show extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations, which apply to our product as, which is the whole aspect of the thriller. This shows that we understand the genre, and have applied it to our product. On the other hand, our product challenges some of the conventions of media products. Often thrillers set in dark places; however, we have filmed in bright light conditions. The protagonists don’t have a flaw which can’t be exploited, as they are all confident and well formed teenagers, with typical teenage issues.
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our media product represents one particular social group; teenagers. We follow the social and emotion aguish of many young people going through their teenager years, which could lead to distress and result in deadly actions.
Other social groups were not represented in our product, due to the results of our target audience which was; “a mixture between Crime, Horror, Psychological and Action. They are more interested in spotting clues to attempt to work out the plot of the story. However, shockers are appreciated and as are the suspense of the film.” Furthermore, due to the fact it was a project created by teenagers we were limited.
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Due to recent research into film distributors in media studies, Film4 may distribute our product, because Film4 seeks to broadcast a variety of films which are independent, old, new, art house, British films as well a foreign language ones. Our product is made by independent amateurs, media students, and is an amateur film, which is creatively done. Moreover, it could be used for media classes, who could use it as an example for students doing media, in which they could evaluate for coursework or project purposes. Also, institution such as local community may as well to showcase local talent, in which they could also distribute to schools or events. Moreover, film festivals may also as well, as they show a variety of films/talents/entertainment, which celebrate the success of film media.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
From research and personal experiences, our media product would be rated for a certificate 15, and therefore our audience would be anyone over the age of 15, due to the material involved. Furthermore, I also think if we’re going to name a specific target, then teenagers and young adults, because it was set in a school, as well as it featuring teenagers who are representing them and they can relate to them. Moreover, I also think that our thriller would be attracted to the niche market, as it is more of an art house film, in which it is an independent film which expresses serious matters, and was produced by amateurs’ teenage film makers. Moreover, because it features teenagers, this is another factor that would attract an audience, as it’s a representation of them, and they can relate to the characters as well.
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
We addressed our audience by producing a questionnaire. We ask them many questions, including their age and well as gender. Furthermore we asked what types and kind of thriller they like, and what they look for in a thriller. Our results came back informing us that there were teenagers between that age of 15 to 25, who enjoyed “a mixture between Crime, Horror, Psychological and Action. They are more interested in spotting clues to attempt to work out the plot of the story. However, shockers are appreciated and as are the suspense of the film”. Moreover, half were male and half were female, which was useful as we therefore knew that we could product a good thriller which would appeal to both.
We have applied this to our storyboard, which includes crime and the psychological aspect. Moreover, there is suspense and a gripping narrative, which allows our audience to work out the plot. Despite the storyboard having a change of plans, it still follows the results of our survey.
Our product also uses visual effects and creativity, which will attract our audience, as we show why our antagonist is psychologically distressed. Our audience will realise that the actions taken will not be the answer of resolving the situation between friends, and therefore this type of film may be useful to young teenagers who result to crime when in trouble.
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
In the process of constructing our product we learn how to use the camera, iMac and the iMovie software. When doing Preliminary Exercise we used the camera, in which it was the first time in using it. By doing this we learnt how to do different camera angles and movements; it was quite like a training programme. We also learn about continuity, the 180 degree rule and match one action. When it came to editing we only knew how to do straight cuts. However, later when working with iMovie, I learnt how to use different transitions such as dissolve cross and overlap, along with effects to use. The technology actually amazed me, and I was excited at the amount of effects I could use for the thriller. The iMac is more effect and efficient and contains many software that enabled us to Bluetooth pictures for our blog as well as being used for storyboards. However, at the beginning using the Mac was extremely difficult, because I had never used it before and often got frustrated at the beginning. However, after getting use to it, it became easy. Moreover, when we was editing, that was quite difficult to understand, and it required patients and a good eye to edit in the right place. Working with iMovie can often cause problems, if there is too much going on, and we had to remember to save our work every time, otherwise we would have had to start again. I learnt that after we lost all the work we done on your preliminary.
7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the product?
I’ve felt that I have learnt an extreme about of media; teamwork, editing, filming, production, the skill of problem solving and much more. When we first started, with the preliminary, it was a great opportunity to understand the works of the camera and editing. However, we only got the basics of filming and editing, which would later provide and useful understanding later in the process of our thriller. In the preliminary, we only had done a few camera angles, positioning and movement. In the progression to our product, we have learnt so much more. We experimented with a lot of different camera movements, although not everything ended up in the product, however we did shot the same thing in different angles as well. When editing our preliminary they were only straight cuts and nothing else. However, compared to our product, there is a variety of different editing such as dissolve, and overlap as well as effects such as a wash out and fade to black and the use of colour. Also, I’ve learnt that organisation and planning is the key in finishing the end product, as well meeting/discussions as it allows us to use our time wisely. However I believe that planning, when it came actually doing the filming, could have been better. Moreover, I have also learnt that teamwork and cooperation within the team is essential. We did work together really well and combine our talents to create a good product.
Within myself, I have learnt that I am no actress, and will forever stick to filming, editing and direction when doing such projects. Also, I work well under pressure and now understand that the work involved in creating such films and media products must be very stressful.
Im so Proud of it I put my Name on it!
The topping of our media project, so prepare the popcorn, and enjoy the movie!
Decided Title
We decided on "When Summer Ends", this is because its set in a school, and the pictures and flashbacks were taken in the glorious sun, which appear like a Indian Summer. The summer therefore ends for the antagonists victims; irony!
Our Last Filming; Goodbye My Friend
As i was deciding what to do about the death issue, as me and Shan felt that a death was needed, so that it was understood to the audience. I saw my friend, and saw her arm and thought "if i just got a shot of your arm, i could pass it of as a death". My friend agreed, and i quicked took out a camera, shot her arm falling losely to the floor and edited it in. I asked my fellow peers if what they thought, if they got what was happening and if it looked silly. The liked it and thought it was really effective and scary. When i showed Hannah, she wasnt sure, and Shaunica was. So, we showed more people, which change her mind, and she agreed to it being prefectly fine.
Techniques
Holding a steady shot: All shots were taken with a tri-pod, which enable us to kept a steady camera. If the camera was to shake, then this would ruin the whole filming and the consumer would not be able to focus on what is going on.
Framing a Shot: Furthermore, the positioning of the antagonists in the flashback shows how gradually he is being outcast by the group of friend. In one shot he is in the center of two friends which show he will come between them. Also, the position the camera in the center so that at one point the that actors walk past each other, we could see the reaction of both. We also centered the camera, so that match-on-action could be seen, as so that we could see both character. Also, an over the shoulder shot was use, in which it was positioned so we could see what was processing when the antagonists arranged the photo and when he was holding us the photo, so we could show who he was killing next.
Using a variety of shot distances: we used different shots, which each show information of the actions, and can also show emotion. We used long shots, to give a wide view of what was happening in the shot. Mid shot, which was used to show interaction. Close Up were also use to show emotion of the characters as well as Extreme Close Up which really can show the emotion the actors are portraying.
Shooting appropriate material: the material shot was relevant to thriller, following the genre of thriller. We didn't films such things like hopping birds or a whole romance scene, as it is not appropriate, as they are suitable for a romantic genre. We filmed what was relevant to what we wanted to produce, in the genre; thriller.
Editing: in the editing process we used a variety of shots including dissolve, overlap, wash out and fade to black. Moreover, we used effects such as a flash and the use of colour; red, filled the whole shot of the antagonist's close up to show his angry and that he is dangerous. The editing was slow in some part to build suspense, and at the beginning to establish the protagonists and antagonists.
Mise-en-Scene: our antagonists was dressed in black, to show he was our dark and dangerous character. our protagonists is also in dark clothing, however, it is more uniform based as she is in a school environment. The lockers and corridor establish that we are in a school or college environment. The characters were also in the shot, so we could show what was happening. In one shot we place a table with photos, in which the antagonists made a college. This showed that he was looking back, deciding who to kill next.
Using sound: No diegetic sound was not often used, otherwise this would have ruined the effect and could ruin the project, the only diegetic sound used was the sound of the tearing and the falling arm, which was use for effect. On a whole, we used non-diegetic sound, which was the track. The music was suspenseful and quite dramatic which worked well with the series of shots.
Framing a Shot: Furthermore, the positioning of the antagonists in the flashback shows how gradually he is being outcast by the group of friend. In one shot he is in the center of two friends which show he will come between them. Also, the position the camera in the center so that at one point the that actors walk past each other, we could see the reaction of both. We also centered the camera, so that match-on-action could be seen, as so that we could see both character. Also, an over the shoulder shot was use, in which it was positioned so we could see what was processing when the antagonists arranged the photo and when he was holding us the photo, so we could show who he was killing next.
Using a variety of shot distances: we used different shots, which each show information of the actions, and can also show emotion. We used long shots, to give a wide view of what was happening in the shot. Mid shot, which was used to show interaction. Close Up were also use to show emotion of the characters as well as Extreme Close Up which really can show the emotion the actors are portraying.
Shooting appropriate material: the material shot was relevant to thriller, following the genre of thriller. We didn't films such things like hopping birds or a whole romance scene, as it is not appropriate, as they are suitable for a romantic genre. We filmed what was relevant to what we wanted to produce, in the genre; thriller.
Editing: in the editing process we used a variety of shots including dissolve, overlap, wash out and fade to black. Moreover, we used effects such as a flash and the use of colour; red, filled the whole shot of the antagonist's close up to show his angry and that he is dangerous. The editing was slow in some part to build suspense, and at the beginning to establish the protagonists and antagonists.
Mise-en-Scene: our antagonists was dressed in black, to show he was our dark and dangerous character. our protagonists is also in dark clothing, however, it is more uniform based as she is in a school environment. The lockers and corridor establish that we are in a school or college environment. The characters were also in the shot, so we could show what was happening. In one shot we place a table with photos, in which the antagonists made a college. This showed that he was looking back, deciding who to kill next.
Using sound: No diegetic sound was not often used, otherwise this would have ruined the effect and could ruin the project, the only diegetic sound used was the sound of the tearing and the falling arm, which was use for effect. On a whole, we used non-diegetic sound, which was the track. The music was suspenseful and quite dramatic which worked well with the series of shots.
Thursday 30 April 2009
One more thing
Myself and Shaunica decided with need to put one more thing into our thriller, so that it is understood that the victim is killed. Therefore tomorrow we will shoot this tiny bit to edit in and then add our title of the thriller and then WE WILL BE DONE! I shall text Hannah tomorrow of whats happening and then it will all work out.
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