Looking back at the preliminary task, what do you think you have learnt from the progression from it to the full task?
From before our preliminary task, when none of us had any experience of filming or editing, to the end of our film, in which we edited and used many intricate programs, mentioned in the previous question, I think we have made huge progress. We took the different angles we used and expanded on them,whilst adding in new and exciting effects, sounds and concepts such as fade scenes and the 180 degree rule. During filming of the Preliminary task, we discovered new techniques of filming, for example using a tripod (useful for tracking shots), having the camera handheld (useful to induce fear and tension), and using a steady cam( To keep the camera perfectly level), to keep the camera perfectly in line with the scene. We took our camera work to another level, using hand held cameras to help our first scene look more shocking and tense. We learnt during filming that it was imperative that we use all the time available to discover new ways of filming, and new effects we could add to the film.
We developed our idea throughout the process, adding in a voiceover to the original script. We also used music - making programs with ease by the end of the film, making it easier for us to make new and innovative ideas using the effects at our disposal. We learned how to use these effects, camera angles, diegetic sound and light all to help us, and how they could be used in several different ways. For example, we used cuts of one of the characters sitting looking distressed, mixing them up to give an image that suggested the passing of time, with a poem - style voiceover giving a small but informative insight into what has resulted in the figure being a depressed, tired young man. The film shows the stereotypes of teenagers, and how they can be violent, but also shows how stress can build without anyone knowing, and how people can end up dead without families or friends knowing anything is wrong.
We also took advice from other groups in our media set, to get input from the people our film was aimed at, teenagers. This was helpful as it was directly relating to the film's audience. We took on this advice and listened carefully to feedback, and acted on it, ending up with a very plausible storyline. The idea progressed throughout, taking influence from other horror films and techniques of presenting them along the way. A big thing for us was the discovery of 'Motion'. Using this application, we managed to make our animated logo move, and also the credits of the film.
To conclude, I will say that I think all of us have learnt a lot from the experience , and it has been a very enjoyable one. We have learnt to film, edit, use technical applications and techniques such as voice overs to improve our product and had a lot of fun doing so.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Evaluation. Q6
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
During the process of making the film clip, we learnt vast amounts about using cameras and several other pieces of equipment. First of all, we learnt how to turn on the camera, attach a battery and insert a tape. This simple information helped us start our filming. We learnt how to record, play back and pause, as well as how to log and capture our filming. Starting on our preliminary task, we made a simple film clip using a camera and tripod. We immediately entered in a tracking shot, before switching the position of the camera and employing over the shoulder shots and close ups. We then used the editing software, pretty blindly at first, until we got to grips with the process. We formed a film without a backing track or many effects, as it was quite soon into the section. However, we managed to capture all our film pretty much without problem.
For the filming, we used a video camera and a tripod, as it gave us greater mobility over the camera and allowed us to create different angles with greater ease. We used a microphone for both the voiceover and the Director's commentary, giving us much clearer sound quality, and several props, such as a bike and police tape, to help increase the mise en scene of a real - life chase scene. We made use of an abandoned, run - down house to symbolise an abandoned, run - down life, that of the victim in the product.
We used 'Final Cut Pro' editing software to edit all the film we took, using 'Motion' to help improve our logos and credits, and used 'Garageband'for the several effects and backing tracks in the clip. We learnt how to convert Final Cut documents into quicktime films, and discovered how to compress them into MPEG - 4 files, to reduce the memory the files take up. The technology also extended to using screengrabs from the film and converting them into still images, explaining the parts of the film step by step. These are the most effective shots in the clip to signify what our product is all about, as we took screenshots of the biker, runner, the area surrounding the chase scene and other key elements of the film. We also produced an effective voice over for use in the film clip, by using a microphone and camera, logging and capturing it, before removing the film to leave us with just the required sound.
We also used the technique mentioned previously to create a director's commentary. We recorded analysis of what we had done in terms of the film, such as shots, effects and music, and how we had edited to take only the best shots in terms of what we wished to create for the viewer. We left out some shots, as they didn't create what we wanted in terms of establishing the film's genre and style. We used only the shots that summed up best what were were trying to achieve.
During the process of making the film clip, we learnt vast amounts about using cameras and several other pieces of equipment. First of all, we learnt how to turn on the camera, attach a battery and insert a tape. This simple information helped us start our filming. We learnt how to record, play back and pause, as well as how to log and capture our filming. Starting on our preliminary task, we made a simple film clip using a camera and tripod. We immediately entered in a tracking shot, before switching the position of the camera and employing over the shoulder shots and close ups. We then used the editing software, pretty blindly at first, until we got to grips with the process. We formed a film without a backing track or many effects, as it was quite soon into the section. However, we managed to capture all our film pretty much without problem.
For the filming, we used a video camera and a tripod, as it gave us greater mobility over the camera and allowed us to create different angles with greater ease. We used a microphone for both the voiceover and the Director's commentary, giving us much clearer sound quality, and several props, such as a bike and police tape, to help increase the mise en scene of a real - life chase scene. We made use of an abandoned, run - down house to symbolise an abandoned, run - down life, that of the victim in the product.
We used 'Final Cut Pro' editing software to edit all the film we took, using 'Motion' to help improve our logos and credits, and used 'Garageband'for the several effects and backing tracks in the clip. We learnt how to convert Final Cut documents into quicktime films, and discovered how to compress them into MPEG - 4 files, to reduce the memory the files take up. The technology also extended to using screengrabs from the film and converting them into still images, explaining the parts of the film step by step. These are the most effective shots in the clip to signify what our product is all about, as we took screenshots of the biker, runner, the area surrounding the chase scene and other key elements of the film. We also produced an effective voice over for use in the film clip, by using a microphone and camera, logging and capturing it, before removing the film to leave us with just the required sound.
We also used the technique mentioned previously to create a director's commentary. We recorded analysis of what we had done in terms of the film, such as shots, effects and music, and how we had edited to take only the best shots in terms of what we wished to create for the viewer. We left out some shots, as they didn't create what we wanted in terms of establishing the film's genre and style. We used only the shots that summed up best what were were trying to achieve.
Evaluation. Q5
How did you attract/ address your audience?
At the beginning of the film, we start by showing the threatening text message, along with the reflection of the character in the mobile phone screen. This gives the viewer a clear indication of the dangerous situation, and the urgency. We used messages on screen using test tools to enter in more comples information, making sure that we kept the mysterious element.We used tracking shots to show the speed at which the characters were moving, and to make sure that the viewer knew the significance of these characters. The mise en scene of the area, with normal - looking houses, cars and surroundings, makes the film yet more interesting.
In our opening sequence, we used dark, mysterious music to ensure that the viewer knows from the very beginning what genre the film is. The camera work is slightly shaky, fixed on the phone, so we see that the phone is the most important object in the scene. The diegetic sound of the phone vibrating mixes well with the non - diegetic eerie music and effects. A key effect is used during the discovery of the text message, a dark, stomach - dropping effect. This shows that the message is an important point in the film, and the tone of music and effects give the correct impression that it is a dark symbol. This intrigues the audience, and makes them want to continue watching, to find out what this young man has done to make someone want him dead.
The shot of the text message is key, as we can also see the character's reflection on the screen, and his face is downcast, showing his despair and sadness. This is all contained within the first scene, before the viewer knows anything about the situation, so it is intriguing for anyone who watches it. We continue to employ the technique of just adding enough information for the viewer to understand what is happening, but not as much that the viewer gets bored.
The mise en scene backs up the image we aim to portray, one of a normal teenage boy. In the first shot the shot includes a plain table, with some chairs and a window in view. This emphasises the normality of the film, with normal houses, cars and furniture in show. The shot that follows shows the character in trouble with his head in his hands,looking upset and downhearted. The voice over that follows gives more information as to why the victim is in the set of circumstances that he has got himself into, without giving away the plot.
Throughout the clip we used editing to match key moments and shots in the film with important effects and the climaxes of the backing tracks. We used text images on screen to give the viewer the name of our production company and the name of the film, and also to emphasise the horror genre, using the title 'Lucifer's Chase' to build suspense and fear.
At the beginning of the film, we start by showing the threatening text message, along with the reflection of the character in the mobile phone screen. This gives the viewer a clear indication of the dangerous situation, and the urgency. We used messages on screen using test tools to enter in more comples information, making sure that we kept the mysterious element.We used tracking shots to show the speed at which the characters were moving, and to make sure that the viewer knew the significance of these characters. The mise en scene of the area, with normal - looking houses, cars and surroundings, makes the film yet more interesting.
In our opening sequence, we used dark, mysterious music to ensure that the viewer knows from the very beginning what genre the film is. The camera work is slightly shaky, fixed on the phone, so we see that the phone is the most important object in the scene. The diegetic sound of the phone vibrating mixes well with the non - diegetic eerie music and effects. A key effect is used during the discovery of the text message, a dark, stomach - dropping effect. This shows that the message is an important point in the film, and the tone of music and effects give the correct impression that it is a dark symbol. This intrigues the audience, and makes them want to continue watching, to find out what this young man has done to make someone want him dead.
The shot of the text message is key, as we can also see the character's reflection on the screen, and his face is downcast, showing his despair and sadness. This is all contained within the first scene, before the viewer knows anything about the situation, so it is intriguing for anyone who watches it. We continue to employ the technique of just adding enough information for the viewer to understand what is happening, but not as much that the viewer gets bored.
The mise en scene backs up the image we aim to portray, one of a normal teenage boy. In the first shot the shot includes a plain table, with some chairs and a window in view. This emphasises the normality of the film, with normal houses, cars and furniture in show. The shot that follows shows the character in trouble with his head in his hands,looking upset and downhearted. The voice over that follows gives more information as to why the victim is in the set of circumstances that he has got himself into, without giving away the plot.
Throughout the clip we used editing to match key moments and shots in the film with important effects and the climaxes of the backing tracks. We used text images on screen to give the viewer the name of our production company and the name of the film, and also to emphasise the horror genre, using the title 'Lucifer's Chase' to build suspense and fear.
Evaluation. Q4
Who would be the audience for your media product?
We would say that our product aims to appeal to teenagers and young men between the ages of 16 - 24, as it concerns teenagers and is a film of horror genre. However, the sub plot of threatening messages, depression and fear may interest those with a taste for cult films. The twist that it occurs during daylight may also attract those wanting a bit more than straight out violence. People who would watch our product would be those looking for a thrill with a tinge of mystery, so in that way it occupies quite a niche market. However, the quite typical idea of a chase could also make it potentially popular to the masses. We are in quite a unique position with our product, as it is both mystery and thriller. We have the mystery element which intrigues older, more philosophical film viewers, and we have younger, more action - crazy viewers who would enjoy the excitement of the tense music and the chase scene.
We would say that our film could be shown at both independent and chain cinemas, as it uses several different concepts that overlap the two styles of film. For example, it is a typical chase scene, as many Hollywood blockbuster films begin, however we use naturalistic filming styles such as handheld, have mise en scene of a normal Mancunian area, and naturalistic lighting, which could mean that it could be shown in independent 'art - house' cinemas. We would hope that we could attract quite a large fan base from this film, as it has a main storyline, of violence and threats, with a sub plot running through it, of depression and anger. I would hope that people would see the film as less of a violent chase, but a story of tragedy, based more on mental insecurity. This may make our product more appealing the older, 'poirot' generation, as this film is a modern take on mystery horrors, and could appeal to the original detective drama fan base.
We aimed to show that violence always has more than one side, and the victims are not always those who are blameless. We show, through the use of the voice over, that the victim knows he deserves the threats, but he is fearful for his life. The emotion on the victim's face shown in the phone's reflection shows that he knows that what he has done is serious, so this film may also be appealing to those who appreciate mystery and thriller films. We aim for a mass audience, as Horror films are almost universally popular. People aim to be scared by horror films, and I would hope that our product attempts to do just that. Our product will hopefully be appealing to many different social groups, such as teenagers and younger people, for the direct link that they share with the film, older people, for the mystery and sub plots that the film includes, and people who like independent style films, as this film has many of the characteristics needed to be such.
We would say that our product aims to appeal to teenagers and young men between the ages of 16 - 24, as it concerns teenagers and is a film of horror genre. However, the sub plot of threatening messages, depression and fear may interest those with a taste for cult films. The twist that it occurs during daylight may also attract those wanting a bit more than straight out violence. People who would watch our product would be those looking for a thrill with a tinge of mystery, so in that way it occupies quite a niche market. However, the quite typical idea of a chase could also make it potentially popular to the masses. We are in quite a unique position with our product, as it is both mystery and thriller. We have the mystery element which intrigues older, more philosophical film viewers, and we have younger, more action - crazy viewers who would enjoy the excitement of the tense music and the chase scene.
We would say that our film could be shown at both independent and chain cinemas, as it uses several different concepts that overlap the two styles of film. For example, it is a typical chase scene, as many Hollywood blockbuster films begin, however we use naturalistic filming styles such as handheld, have mise en scene of a normal Mancunian area, and naturalistic lighting, which could mean that it could be shown in independent 'art - house' cinemas. We would hope that we could attract quite a large fan base from this film, as it has a main storyline, of violence and threats, with a sub plot running through it, of depression and anger. I would hope that people would see the film as less of a violent chase, but a story of tragedy, based more on mental insecurity. This may make our product more appealing the older, 'poirot' generation, as this film is a modern take on mystery horrors, and could appeal to the original detective drama fan base.
We aimed to show that violence always has more than one side, and the victims are not always those who are blameless. We show, through the use of the voice over, that the victim knows he deserves the threats, but he is fearful for his life. The emotion on the victim's face shown in the phone's reflection shows that he knows that what he has done is serious, so this film may also be appealing to those who appreciate mystery and thriller films. We aim for a mass audience, as Horror films are almost universally popular. People aim to be scared by horror films, and I would hope that our product attempts to do just that. Our product will hopefully be appealing to many different social groups, such as teenagers and younger people, for the direct link that they share with the film, older people, for the mystery and sub plots that the film includes, and people who like independent style films, as this film has many of the characteristics needed to be such.
Evaluation. Q3
What kind of media institution would distribute your media product and why?
I think that independant film companies would be the most likely to market this product, as a low - budget horror/mystery movie. Films such as Shaun of the Dead and Billy Elliot, made by Britain's lowest budget film producers' 'Working Title' smaller section, 'WT2', are made using similar circumstances, using limited resources with a small budget. Another, named 'The Last independant film production company', has produced a few independant films, such as 'Waiting in Rhyme', 'Expresso' and 'Night walk' and would be the most likely avenue in which to distribute our product. We would expect that a British company would be the one to produce our product, as our film is fundamentally not an expensive Hollywood blockbuster, rather using simple filming and editing techniques to create a straightforward yet extremely effective film.
We would, however, consider approaching bigger film production companies such as 'Warner Brothers', 'Paramount' and 'Universal' to produce our film, as we think that our product has a key element of what a Blockbuster needs, the storyline that film - goers know and love, that of a chase. Film - goers love action in a film, and also like mystery. In this way, we capture a huge demographic, in terms of mystery and horror film lovers. Our film is appealing to many different groups of people, so it may be likely that a large film production company such as 'Universal' may be interested in producing our product. We tried to make sure while filming and editing, that we didn't exclude any groups that could and would appreciate our film.
We make use of the fact that our cast are teenage, and that young people will be able to relate easily to the situation of receiving unwanted messages, or other forms of communication. Nowadays most teenagers have at least one form of communication, whether mobile phone, social networking sites, or other messaging applications, and many people will be able to relate to being cyber - threatened. The sad fact is many people may have received death threats and we say to these people through our film that trying to run away is simply not the right thing to do. We aim to tell viewers that anyone experiencing something similar should talk to friends, family or other people in a position to help them, and not try to deal with situations such as this one on your own.
Our film also has some of the key characteristics of films that are shown in Blockbuster chain cinemas, such as the fact that it is a typical Hollywood chase scene, with the twist that it takes place in daytime. Our film is typically British, half of the film taking place in a normal looking room, the other half, in a park with an abandoned house. These ideas are naturalistic, with especially the abandoned house being something used to good effect in previous horror films, ie 'Saw', and 'The Shining'. When we filmed the clip, we tried to make sure that we left some information hidden, so it gives the viewer that extra sense of complete ignorance to what is going to happen, which in our view makes the outcome more exciting.
I think that independant film companies would be the most likely to market this product, as a low - budget horror/mystery movie. Films such as Shaun of the Dead and Billy Elliot, made by Britain's lowest budget film producers' 'Working Title' smaller section, 'WT2', are made using similar circumstances, using limited resources with a small budget. Another, named 'The Last independant film production company', has produced a few independant films, such as 'Waiting in Rhyme', 'Expresso' and 'Night walk' and would be the most likely avenue in which to distribute our product. We would expect that a British company would be the one to produce our product, as our film is fundamentally not an expensive Hollywood blockbuster, rather using simple filming and editing techniques to create a straightforward yet extremely effective film.
We would, however, consider approaching bigger film production companies such as 'Warner Brothers', 'Paramount' and 'Universal' to produce our film, as we think that our product has a key element of what a Blockbuster needs, the storyline that film - goers know and love, that of a chase. Film - goers love action in a film, and also like mystery. In this way, we capture a huge demographic, in terms of mystery and horror film lovers. Our film is appealing to many different groups of people, so it may be likely that a large film production company such as 'Universal' may be interested in producing our product. We tried to make sure while filming and editing, that we didn't exclude any groups that could and would appreciate our film.
We make use of the fact that our cast are teenage, and that young people will be able to relate easily to the situation of receiving unwanted messages, or other forms of communication. Nowadays most teenagers have at least one form of communication, whether mobile phone, social networking sites, or other messaging applications, and many people will be able to relate to being cyber - threatened. The sad fact is many people may have received death threats and we say to these people through our film that trying to run away is simply not the right thing to do. We aim to tell viewers that anyone experiencing something similar should talk to friends, family or other people in a position to help them, and not try to deal with situations such as this one on your own.
Our film also has some of the key characteristics of films that are shown in Blockbuster chain cinemas, such as the fact that it is a typical Hollywood chase scene, with the twist that it takes place in daytime. Our film is typically British, half of the film taking place in a normal looking room, the other half, in a park with an abandoned house. These ideas are naturalistic, with especially the abandoned house being something used to good effect in previous horror films, ie 'Saw', and 'The Shining'. When we filmed the clip, we tried to make sure that we left some information hidden, so it gives the viewer that extra sense of complete ignorance to what is going to happen, which in our view makes the outcome more exciting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)