Evaluation Questions
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
7. Looking back to your preliminary task, what do you feel that you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Question 1
To enable our group to establish an authentic opening sequence I began to research the key code conventions to be able to portray the opening sequence as authentic as possible. Once our group decided on the genre and setting of the sequence we began to research other sequences that use a similar effect. These films were Sin City and Seven, we chosen these as we liked the conventions of how they were portrayed and the visual style. This is something that we aimed to achieve when filming our opening sequence. An example of this particular visual style is the sin city look, the picture to the right portrays this effect consisting of the red colouring emphasized by black and white. With the use of this effect your able to identify the type of genre through the whole film as the it gives a feel of "darkness". Due to this visual effect we wanted to develop our opening sequence using this particular aspect as it consists of a thriller genre which is what we wanted to portray with our final media product.
Another media convention that we used was the exposition, this establishes the date when and where the setting is; enabling to bring information through to the audience. This enables the audience with information as it leaves them answering questions such as "when are we", "who are we" and "whose story will we be following". We did this by a numerous ways, for example the authenticity of costumes, props and the typical 1940's non diagetic music signify the type of time period,as well as other various methods. This also consisted of the position of the clock signifying the time, as well as when the woman is reading the newspaper that signifies the time period she is in which is 1948. Therefore the use of these props enable the audience to establish when the setting of the opening sequence is as it passages the message through creating what we call a marker effect. This is any form of a media conventions used which is to enable the audience with information quickly and economically.
The use of character representation used within the video is also developed from the typical media forms and conventions, for example the antagonist is being played by Shane, he will be wearing the typical dark, mysterious look which is resembled by the image to the above right. This is one of the famous "Jack the Ripper" establishing pictures, as you can see this creates a mise en scene which is similar to the picture we have of Shane. Similarities of the two images is the dark, musky black and white effect, as well as the black costumes that hide away their identity towards the audience. These are typical media conventions that are used to portray the genre to the audience by the use of mise en scene, character representation and the way media conventions are combined together.
Question 2
1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
7. Looking back to your preliminary task, what do you feel that you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Question 1
Our opening sequence portrays a variety of media conventions which is used to enable the audience to establish a specific type of film. To enable to signify this the media conventions used must consists of character representation, setting, genre, narrative, visual style and ideology. Without out these the audience wont be able to identify the setting of the film, genre, who the characters are, and the audience's beliefs.
To enable our group to establish an authentic opening sequence I began to research the key code conventions to be able to portray the opening sequence as authentic as possible. Once our group decided on the genre and setting of the sequence we began to research other sequences that use a similar effect. These films were Sin City and Seven, we chosen these as we liked the conventions of how they were portrayed and the visual style. This is something that we aimed to achieve when filming our opening sequence. An example of this particular visual style is the sin city look, the picture to the right portrays this effect consisting of the red colouring emphasized by black and white. With the use of this effect your able to identify the type of genre through the whole film as the it gives a feel of "darkness". Due to this visual effect we wanted to develop our opening sequence using this particular aspect as it consists of a thriller genre which is what we wanted to portray with our final media product. Another media convention that we used was the exposition, this establishes the date when and where the setting is; enabling to bring information through to the audience. This enables the audience with information as it leaves them answering questions such as "when are we", "who are we" and "whose story will we be following". We did this by a numerous ways, for example the authenticity of costumes, props and the typical 1940's non diagetic music signify the type of time period,as well as other various methods. This also consisted of the position of the clock signifying the time, as well as when the woman is reading the newspaper that signifies the time period she is in which is 1948. Therefore the use of these props enable the audience to establish when the setting of the opening sequence is as it passages the message through creating what we call a marker effect. This is any form of a media conventions used which is to enable the audience with information quickly and economically.
The use of character representation used within the video is also developed from the typical media forms and conventions, for example the antagonist is being played by Shane, he will be wearing the typical dark, mysterious look which is resembled by the image to the above right. This is one of the famous "Jack the Ripper" establishing pictures, as you can see this creates a mise en scene which is similar to the picture we have of Shane. Similarities of the two images is the dark, musky black and white effect, as well as the black costumes that hide away their identity towards the audience. These are typical media conventions that are used to portray the genre to the audience by the use of mise en scene, character representation and the way media conventions are combined together.
Question 2
Due to the stereotype, social classes and status back in time, we had to involve the character representation around that specific time period of middle class. Therefore we researched character representation, fashion and all the essentials that were popular in the 1940's time period to enable to create our opening sequence as authentic as possible.
The character I was playing was the middle class woman, your able to identify this by her actions and the character representation as well as cultural signifiers. Examples of these are her drinking wine, smoking, wearing a silk dressing gown, applying her make up as well as the surrounding of features around the house. However she was very mischievous by the way she dressed as this is was signified by her fishnet tights, we used this because we wanted to be able to create a twist of the character representation she was playing. Your able to identify the age of the character marker via the blue and white polka dot cocktail dress with curled blonde hair. As well as justifying her actions by being able to drink alcohol and smoke this also portrays she is a young adult woman.
Shane's character is played by the unknown, he was playing the antagonist, due to this he wore black and was very hidden by the camera as only the back of him was shown so his identity and age wasn't apparent towards the audience. Because of this typical bad guy persona he portrays you aren't able to identify the specific type of class he is representing. However his actions indicate that the character he is playing appears to be of an obsessive and messed up nature. An example of this is towards the end of the clip as he is seen ripping down pictures of young women, this signifies the effect that the pictures of these women are out of his reach socially. This gives an overall impression of him being a lower class to these women as he appears to be the only way he can reach out to them.
The character I was playing was the middle class woman, your able to identify this by her actions and the character representation as well as cultural signifiers. Examples of these are her drinking wine, smoking, wearing a silk dressing gown, applying her make up as well as the surrounding of features around the house. However she was very mischievous by the way she dressed as this is was signified by her fishnet tights, we used this because we wanted to be able to create a twist of the character representation she was playing. Your able to identify the age of the character marker via the blue and white polka dot cocktail dress with curled blonde hair. As well as justifying her actions by being able to drink alcohol and smoke this also portrays she is a young adult woman. Shane's character is played by the unknown, he was playing the antagonist, due to this he wore black and was very hidden by the camera as only the back of him was shown so his identity and age wasn't apparent towards the audience. Because of this typical bad guy persona he portrays you aren't able to identify the specific type of class he is representing. However his actions indicate that the character he is playing appears to be of an obsessive and messed up nature. An example of this is towards the end of the clip as he is seen ripping down pictures of young women, this signifies the effect that the pictures of these women are out of his reach socially. This gives an overall impression of him being a lower class to these women as he appears to be the only way he can reach out to them.
Question 3
Our opening sequence is made from a low budget independent British film therefore only specific types of media institutions will distribute our film, examples of these type of companies consist of film4 and the BBC. I believe that film 4 would distribute our media product over the BBC as because a lot of films are shown on there as mainly TV dramas are seen on the BBC. I personally believe this will be an effective way of distributing our product as to how it is shown via the audience. Because our film contains violence references it therefore creates it not suitable for young children, due to this effect we will view the film at a certain time after 9 therefore stand more of a chance of the pursuing the correct target audience. By doing this the audience can then enable themselves to watch it more for its entertainment purpose as they will know by the type of genre what it is about and would be able to watch the film whilst feeling more comfortable. For example if we had the film showing on a earlier time scale then there is more of a possibility it has been viewed by a younger audience which can enable the company with complaints. Also due to creating such a low budgeting film your able to identify that this typical type of film would be something seen within film 4 as the BBC is more popular and consists of more of a higher range. However the film channles only provide finacne and facilities to enable films to be made, examples of these are films such as "The Fantastic Four".
Question 4
The type of audience for my media product would vary from people who are aged 15 years and over which is mainly consisting of a range of young adults who enjoy watching thrillers, as well as older adults covering a wide range consisting of both genders. This particular genre is more suitable for this wide age category due to specific genre conventions used to enable to target the correct age group, an example of this is the use of moderate violence references. The violent references won't be suitable for young children as it can scare them, therefore increasing the age range slightly can enable the audience to watch it more for its entertainment purpose as they would feel more at ease. I believe the film would appeal more to a female sex due to how the way the nature of the woman is portrayed as well as being able to relate to her by her actions and characteristics. Examples of this is taking pride in herself by applying make up and combing her hair, as a lot of young women can relate to as an everyday to day routine as everybody takes some sort of pride in their appearance.
Another technological convention that is used to generate a wider audience is the soundtrack to our opening sequence, this type of genre of music is classic 1940's style and structure. It's called "Here Comes The Boogie Man"; we thought the lyrics to the song and the tune was effective as it resembles what is being portrayed on the screen. As well as the typical style and tempo of the soundtrack signifies the time period that we are associated in, therefore drawing the audiences attention as they are engaged by that typical time period and how authentic it appears. Because of this effect the opening sequence is set back in a 1940's time period enabling the elderly to also associate with this type of genre as they may have grew up or had relevance to it. These type of emotional responses draw the audience into the story and therefore encouraging them to stay and watch it.
Finally the last question I asked my audience was "Do you think AASS productions should make any changes and if so please state". 17 replied back stating no, which I believe is a very pleasing response whilst two replied back with no and stating their opinion. The 2 negative responses were justified by their reasons which were minor technical faults.
Question 6
I have learnt a wide range about technologies within the process of construction my media product. The main type of form of developing knowledge and gaining skills are media features consisting of filming, editing, software, production effects, music, sound effects and the Internet. The range of media conventions has enabled me to explore and gain knowledge of technologies and their purpose as well as enabling me to progress and learn new skills.
A lot of planning was used before having to film the opening sequence, this was because we had to think about where and when to film and if the camera was suitable and safe for the environment/location. As a group we also used the Internet to enable us with information and knowledge on other types of opening sequences that we had in mind, such as "Sin City". This helped us majorly as it generated more knowledge and understanding of how the construction of opening sequences would work. Also the Internet has enabled me to use a variety of functions more effectively, an example of this is the website Blogspot as I've been able to upload pictures from other similar sequences and information to help get more of a specific understanding of media conventions as well as using the search engine Google and YouTube. These website was useful as I was able to explore a wide variety of understanding and construction of information that I needed to know.
When constructed our media product together a variety of technologies were used within this process consisting of a range of using new technologies, software and researching. An example of the main technology that enabled me to gain efficient and effective skills from constructing our work is the editing software; the programme is called "Sony Vegas Pro" is a new type of software to enable us to construct and edit our work together. As we began editing everything was new to us, therefore we developed skills and learnt how to edit clips together properly, this consisted of effective transitions and using a variety of different media effects, such as superimposing generic markers, sound effects, music soundtrack, fading and the cutting of the clips, as well as the visual style which is being able to adapt the saturation from coloured to black and white.
Another technological convention that is used to generate a wider audience is the soundtrack to our opening sequence, this type of genre of music is classic 1940's style and structure. It's called "Here Comes The Boogie Man"; we thought the lyrics to the song and the tune was effective as it resembles what is being portrayed on the screen. As well as the typical style and tempo of the soundtrack signifies the time period that we are associated in, therefore drawing the audiences attention as they are engaged by that typical time period and how authentic it appears. Because of this effect the opening sequence is set back in a 1940's time period enabling the elderly to also associate with this type of genre as they may have grew up or had relevance to it. These type of emotional responses draw the audience into the story and therefore encouraging them to stay and watch it.
Question 5
As a group we have enabled to attract and address our audience through using the right methods of media and technological conventions. Examples of these are camera angles; we created and used a range of specific camera angles that didn't reveal and capture the full profile of the character/s. Examples of these are camera angles that consisted of over the shoulder shot, low angle, mid shot and extreme/close up. Therefore having used these specific angles and movements has enabled suspense and curiosity to the audience as they didn't know the full profile of the character and what to expect next within the clip. This has engaged the audience's attention and encouraged them to carry on watching as because of this technique used.
To enable me to collect data and feedback of our video I showed the final version of the opening sequence to close family and friends. I carried out this survey and asked 20 of these people for their feedback on the questions that I asked. As you can see the results are shown below, and most of the feedback we had was positive.
The first question I had asked was " Would you be interested in watching the rest of the film" ? The response came back positively as 15 of those people answered yes and only five answered with no. However I believe this could be due to the type of genre it witholds of as not everybody enjoyes watching horrors as it can scare them.
The second question that I asked to my audience was "Are you able to identify the genre of the opening sequence and if so please state". By looking at my results they vary from 7 stating Thriller, 3 Psycho Thriller, 1 Action, 8 Horror and 0 for Adventure. Due of my results being popular on thriller/horror genre I believe the audience ideology of the opening sequence genre has knowledge of the type of genre we have set which is a positive feedback for us.
To enable me to collect data and feedback of our video I showed the final version of the opening sequence to close family and friends. I carried out this survey and asked 20 of these people for their feedback on the questions that I asked. As you can see the results are shown below, and most of the feedback we had was positive.
Question 6
A lot of planning was used before having to film the opening sequence, this was because we had to think about where and when to film and if the camera was suitable and safe for the environment/location. As a group we also used the Internet to enable us with information and knowledge on other types of opening sequences that we had in mind, such as "Sin City". This helped us majorly as it generated more knowledge and understanding of how the construction of opening sequences would work. Also the Internet has enabled me to use a variety of functions more effectively, an example of this is the website Blogspot as I've been able to upload pictures from other similar sequences and information to help get more of a specific understanding of media conventions as well as using the search engine Google and YouTube. These website was useful as I was able to explore a wide variety of understanding and construction of information that I needed to know.
When constructed our media product together a variety of technologies were used within this process consisting of a range of using new technologies, software and researching. An example of the main technology that enabled me to gain efficient and effective skills from constructing our work is the editing software; the programme is called "Sony Vegas Pro" is a new type of software to enable us to construct and edit our work together. As we began editing everything was new to us, therefore we developed skills and learnt how to edit clips together properly, this consisted of effective transitions and using a variety of different media effects, such as superimposing generic markers, sound effects, music soundtrack, fading and the cutting of the clips, as well as the visual style which is being able to adapt the saturation from coloured to black and white.
Question 7
When looking back at how our preliminary task was performed I can identify types of methods, media and technological conventions that's enabled me a good understanding on how to construct and operate our chosen media product. Although I believe the preliminary task has gave me a more knowledgeable understanding of the operation, our final media product however has improved knowledge drastically as I have been able to progress, learn and developed aspects into great amounts of detail.
However because of the character that I was playing was featuring within the film, I wasn't physically able to film most of it. Due to this I helped out on clips that I wasn't featuring in such as the opening sequence when the camera focuses on the clock capturing all the props as it flows down. This was tricky to film as we used the zoom and panning at the same time, as well as being able to keep the shot steady and without it jumping or flicking. Because this took a few takes as the tripod was quite uneven, this gave me an idea and understanding of how the filming within the media industry would operate as it would take months and months to film being able to get all the shots as accurate as possible. I also helped the group out by giving them ideas that we couldn't achieve by following what was on our story board, this was due to various reasons such a size and space within the house and certain circumstances.
Overall I believe the editing was the hardest to achieve as it was the most time consuming. To begin with we had so many clips to upload that the computer began to freeze. Therefore we put on the clips that we only needed and shortened them down by far. As we began to link the clips and transitions together we had to make sure that they was in the correct order and also had to think about on what clip that can be superimposed on and what the soundtrack can begin to play. We also has to think about how fast and slow the transitions were made and what clips to fade. After we had a final version of what would become our opening sequence we replayed it a numerous amount of times to redo certain clips that maybe had a fault or jump in order to help create the sequence run more smoothly and effectively.
Therefore comparing this to the preliminary task I believe that our final media product helped me gain more skills and knowledge as well as understating to the development and constructing of our opening sequence. This has been influenced through a variety of ways, however mainly towards how technology is influenced and portrayed to how the sequence runs as this creates the most impact and time within the opening sequence.
However to conclude I believe that being able to perform the preliminary task effectively has influenced me and my skills to improve when having to create the opening sequence. This was mainly due to having much more of a wider range to enable us as a group to use within the sequence such as sound effects and visual style. I have more knowledge and understanding with media techniques and therefore will become more and more confident as I use them which will help me and reflect in the next media assignment. Overall I pleased with the two outcomes of my media films and I can also identify on what i have progressed on which has enabled me with a better knowledge and understanding which is hopefully reflected within my work.
However because of the character that I was playing was featuring within the film, I wasn't physically able to film most of it. Due to this I helped out on clips that I wasn't featuring in such as the opening sequence when the camera focuses on the clock capturing all the props as it flows down. This was tricky to film as we used the zoom and panning at the same time, as well as being able to keep the shot steady and without it jumping or flicking. Because this took a few takes as the tripod was quite uneven, this gave me an idea and understanding of how the filming within the media industry would operate as it would take months and months to film being able to get all the shots as accurate as possible. I also helped the group out by giving them ideas that we couldn't achieve by following what was on our story board, this was due to various reasons such a size and space within the house and certain circumstances.
Overall I believe the editing was the hardest to achieve as it was the most time consuming. To begin with we had so many clips to upload that the computer began to freeze. Therefore we put on the clips that we only needed and shortened them down by far. As we began to link the clips and transitions together we had to make sure that they was in the correct order and also had to think about on what clip that can be superimposed on and what the soundtrack can begin to play. We also has to think about how fast and slow the transitions were made and what clips to fade. After we had a final version of what would become our opening sequence we replayed it a numerous amount of times to redo certain clips that maybe had a fault or jump in order to help create the sequence run more smoothly and effectively.
Therefore comparing this to the preliminary task I believe that our final media product helped me gain more skills and knowledge as well as understating to the development and constructing of our opening sequence. This has been influenced through a variety of ways, however mainly towards how technology is influenced and portrayed to how the sequence runs as this creates the most impact and time within the opening sequence.
However to conclude I believe that being able to perform the preliminary task effectively has influenced me and my skills to improve when having to create the opening sequence. This was mainly due to having much more of a wider range to enable us as a group to use within the sequence such as sound effects and visual style. I have more knowledge and understanding with media techniques and therefore will become more and more confident as I use them which will help me and reflect in the next media assignment. Overall I pleased with the two outcomes of my media films and I can also identify on what i have progressed on which has enabled me with a better knowledge and understanding which is hopefully reflected within my work.
As a group we all worked together with the filming and editing however more so than others, although everybody within the group contributed to at least more than one part which I am pleased about. If we had to make any changes to the clip then I would probably re think the story line as this maybe confused the audience on what is happening. By this I would pick a film to work alongside that I know I can relate to back in my work than not just learn off other films just because of how effective media and technology conventions were portrayed. I also would change a couple of this clips as one of them shows the woman putting the cigarette out, yet it is still lit as she walks out of the room. Also the soundtrack towards the end of the sequence wasn't the specific one we wanted as it was hard to find/download, this was a disappointment because if we had the right kind of music which would consist of frantic/jumpy soundtrack then it would look effective against Shane's character as he goes crazy. Also another problem we came across was the schools software as it wasn't the accurate software we hoped to be as we wanted to create a "sin city" visual style. This was a disappointment to the group as we knew having that visual effect would be the main key convention within in our final media product. Apart from that I believe I wouldn't change anything else as within the sequence as I have learned and dealt with most of these problems and hopefully wont have much of an impact to the way our media product is constructed.
