I had learnt many valuable things while recording my film. I was able to progress in how I used my camera angles in an effective way as well as use my surroundings as an advantage to portray certain meanings and moods. I was also able to progress in the ways I edited footage through many practice. What I learnt was that I can use various effects to create a mood and make a scene more effective. For example, the slow motion of my main character running for help is very effective as it emphasises the way she was feeling at the given time. Moreover, the way I used my transitions in my editing had progressed. Before I had used various transitions such as a wipe which didn't fit the atmosphere of a particular scene as it didn't correspond to what was happening in the scenes. However, as time went on, I was able to use the correct transitions as an effect to show a new meaning. For example, I used a a dip to black in one of my scenes during a match on action to express the passing of time. Cosequently, all progress made was emphasized through my final peice due to its differences in my practice prelim tasks.
Each image represents a form of technology I used during my coursework to make my final piece effective.
Blogspot
During the whole duration of forming my coursework, my blog spot website was used as my personal diary to record down all my findings, research and plannings. Everytime I found something or done something new new, to view my progress, I had put it into my blog. What I had learnt through my blogger was that by me recording each of findings down, I was able to view if I was making progress or not and if I was using all that I was learning regularly effectively so that it an reflect on my work.
Premiere Pro
To put together all my footage of my opening film and edit it, I had to use the Premiere Pro software to assist me with it. While using Premiere Pro, I was able to add and cut various scenes, change the lighting of the background and add special effects to particular footage. This was to make sure that my opening will be no longer than two and a half minutes. This was also to ensure that the intervals of each scene to the next looked smooth and as realistic as possible. Through Premiere Pro, I had leant that if while filming not only a movie but any form of a video, and difficulties or mistakes occur, this software is able to rectify any problem to restore realism and order. I also learnt from the software how to manipulate a transition to make a scene to the next smooth.
ITunes
After getting all my footage together, I had to add some sound effects to my opening film to add to the effectiveness of the theme of horror. For this reason, after downloading various copyright free soundseffects, the music files were imported into ITunes which were downloaded then imported into Premiere Pro. I learnt that any files that are not supported of the ITunes software would not be played; to ensure virus' don't occur.
Facebook
During the early planning and research stage of my coursework, I had conducted a questionaire to give me an idea of how to appeal to my traget audience. So for me to get as many people to answer my questioanire for feedback, I decided to use the social network- Facebook. With Facebook, I learnt that I was able get many people to answer my questionaire so that my analysis of the answers will be relaible. This enabled me to reserach on ways to capture my audience through my film opening.
Microphone Voice recorder
After completimg my final peice of my film opening, I had to add a commentry on my film. I had used the Microphone Voice recorder to assist me. In turns, me and my partner spoke into the microphone while it was recording. After this, I had connected the microphone into the computer through its USB then imported the voive note files into Premiere Pro.
Sound effects website
While looking for my sound effects and background music for my opening horror, I stumbled across the website above which allowed me access to dowload copy right music and sound effects. What I did was I chose my desired sound, downloaded it and imported it as a file in my documents.
You Tube
Before creating my logo, I had ever used photoshop before. For this reason, what I did was, I went to Youtube and researched all the videos that had Photoshop tutorials in which I can learn from. I watched a variety of videos of turtorials and explanations in which I implemented into my work while creating my production label. I learnt that there were a wide range of videos on Youtube the help assist people in every form rather its for entertainment or learning. Here is a link below to a video on youtbe that assisted me with my learning process: http://www.youtube.com/user/iceflowstudios?ob=4&feature=results_main
Photoshop
Evidently shown on the previous paragraph, I had used the photoshop software to design and create my production company label. I was able to import an image onto the software and adjust it to my desire look. After this, I designed a text to match with the image. I learnt a lot from photoshop one which is the fact that there are many uses and tricks to photoshop such as :
Lightening Underexposed Images
Lightening and Darkening any image
Burning and Dodging images
Correcting Color Casts and White Balance Problems
Changing the White Balance of an Existing Image etc
Video Camera
Evidently, I used the video camera to record all my footage for my opening film. I learnt that video cameras can also be used to take pictures. As a result, I was able to take pictures of my credit plans which assisted me when doing my film credits.
Question 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
In my opening horror film, I used the conventions of real media products such as various horror films to develop my film into a unique yet frightening horror. Some examples of basic conventions used in my horror film is illustrated in the above images. In each section, different types of conventions are shown- rather it be the title of the film, setting/ location, costumes, props, camerawork, editing, title font, style, special effects etc.
(Starting from the right) In the first picture frame, we see the main character looking back from a distance in a dark alleyway. Automatically this suggests the Genre of the film. The opening here suggests the Genre of the film due to the way the scene has been set. It is dark, isolated and mysterious. All of which are commonly seen in a Horror with mostly a vulnerably victim in sight. In addition, the main character in which is a female is left vulnerably alone in a place where she is potentially in danger. Vulnerable females are forms of conventions in a horror film because they are always prone to death or harm which is more thrilling. For example, in the film ' The Last Exorcism' the innocent young girl is possessed by a demon/ ghost who takes pleasure in the fear of others. This movie was one of my inspirations in which helped me to identify the type of ghostly elements I should input into my film to attract my target audience. The link below is a preview:
In the second frame, we see the heart wrenching close up frame of the main female character. This frame uses conventions of real media products through its camerawork. Close ups are always used in Horror to emphasise the characters emotions at the time. The use of close up in my opening Horror was to effectively illustrate the sorrow and fear my character felt at the time which audiences are able to emphasise with her.
In the third frame, we see the distortion of two characters from the point of view of the main character. This is used in my opening horror to develop conventions of real media products through the use of special effects. In most Horror films, what makes the film effective is using the special effects and making it realistic as possible. It is to convey the concept of the supernatural. For example, in the film 'Anneliese: The Exorcist Tapes' many special effects are used throughout the film to make the most Horrific scenes realistic which makes the audiences ponder on the scenes as it is memorable to the imagination. Here is the trailer:
In the fourth frame, we see the establishing shot of the location of the film. This is typical of a convention of a Horror film. Through my research of many case studies, I've come to realise that in most Horror films that portray the theme of the supernatural tend to have religious concepts. In my Horror film, we used the the convention of religious concepts to choose our location- a church. This was so the impact of the supernatural concepts in our film will be more effective and so the audiences will feel a sense of thrill. My inspiration came from the film 'The omen' as the film uses a lot of religious imagery to emphasise supernatural themes which would have scared audiences. The picture to the right is from a scene in the film:
In the fifth frame, it shows the main character in our film in a match on action in where she is seen entering the church. This element is used to develop forms of conventions of Horror films as we are introduced to the setting of the film through the use of shot types. Match on action is normally used in a horror to build tension and to express that the setting may be the place of which dangerous or mysterious accounters may occur.
Furthermore, in the sixth frame, we see the transition of two scenes through the use of superimposition. Superimposition is a form of editing in which more than one image is exposed in the same film strip. This a technique used to challenge conventions of real media products. Through again research, I realised they're not a lot of superimposition used in many Horror films. However I used this form of editing to show the passing of time in my film and to make the transitions more smoother rather than jumpy.
Moreover, in my seventh frame, we see the main character opening a hymn book in the church. This is again used to challenge the form of conventions in media products. In most horror films, many characters who enter the church have continuous encounters of supernatural elements which adds to the fear of the unknown. It is most unlikely we see victimised characters resting in a dark church; opening a hymn book. However we chose to add this element to highlight the main characters innocence and naive characteristics.
Furthermore, in the eighth frame, we the main character in a mid shot and from he distance we see a ghostly figure. Even before watching the first two minutes of the film, we automatically get an idea of what the story may be about just by looking at the mis-en- scene. This is used to develop the forms of conventions in a Horror as everything in the frame from the lighting, costume, makeup etc all come together to give people an idea of what the story of the film would be about; dark, female victim, church, ghostly figure in the distance.
In the final frame, we are finally introduced to the title of the film. 'Espiridion' is Spanish for little spirit. This is definitely used in my Horror film as a use of conventions of real media product. While researching about opening film titles, what I came across on Horror films is that the titles as well as occasional credits tend to be bold and have a distictive colour. The colour red was chosen in my title to convey the theme of Horror in my film. It ironically signifies death as well as life.
I believe by my distributor spending money on these three things, it would be the best way to reach to a wide range of my target audience which are mostly young female teenagers.
Posters- this would enable me to market my film so that it would be appealing to my target audience even before I showcase it which will be useful in a sense where it would market my film to a large audience of teenagers
Media advertising- in terms of TV adverts- this would benefit me as my film will gain popularity which as a result demand wide range of cinemas to showcase my films as well as film festivals.
Merchandising- which include things like action figures, ring tones, clothing, screen savers, calendars etc. It also involves manufactures which make approved logo devices, images or character likenesses on specific products. This is very important as it would give me a chance to make money from the film and use to budget various resources.
If I was to gain an extended amount of money, I'll market my film more effectively by creating an official website that will reach my target audiences. This is because, official websites include: extended clips, trailers, exclusive behind the scenes footage, exclusive photos, and online competitions as well as many more. All these factors enable my target audiences to familiarise themselves with the film as well as gain a wider range of audiences as all of these factors engage people to desire to know more about the film.
Also, creating or adding various soundtracks of the film and distributing them to many websites such as Amazon or I Tunes is very a effective way in reaching my wide target audiences as it enables people to have an idea of the concept, theme and mood of the film before and after watching it which allows them to be able to also familiarise themselves with the film.
Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
An institution is a company that disperses a media product for audience consumption. The kind of media institution I would have distributed my media product is the United International Pictures. The reason why I would pick this institution is due to the fact that it is a joint venture of Paramount Pictures which have distributed many films that relate to my film such as Hannibal and The Unborn. Due to the Horror elements of both films such as the concept of Ghostly characters of the unknown, United International Pictures as well as Paramount Pictures will be good institutions to distribute my film as they have successfully distributed similar horror films that relate to my own.
Through analysis of my survey results, I was able to get a fair understanding of the type of audiences my horror film appeals to. On the above, this is an image of a typical member of my target audience. She is a female of 16 years who enjoys watching a lot of horror films. Her favourite horror films are a variety of types of Horror like thriller and paranormal; her favourite movies include paranormal activity 1&2, scary movie and orphan.As well as films of horror, she also watches a lot of TV shows- especially CSI, The Wire, Luther, Charmed etc. While watching films and TV shows, she likes to drink a lot coke, sprite and supermalt. During the weekend, she enjoys going out with friends to the cinema, to the park and clubs. On the way to each destination, she prefers to ride her bike or take train; travelling buy bus makes her feel claustrophobic. During holiday period, she enjoys spending quality time with her whole family especially on holidays to Disney Land Paris and Butlins. Throughout her holiday, she enjoys taking part in activities such as archery, swimming, go- carting etc. After taking part in these activities, she likes to indulge in restaurants like Nandoes, Harvester, Chinese cuisines etc.
Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?
After completing my film, I had more of a clearer understanding of the type of audiences my media product will appeal to. In my film, the things that would have appealed to my audience of young teenagers- mostly girls is the association of the main character. She is a female who is left vulnerable to fend for herself. Most teenagers these days, due to many negative life experiences, they are left vulnerable to all dangers as their emotions fluctuate. For this reason, their innocence attract things that are able to prey on their innocence and use it to their advantage. Moreover, through many methods of research, I had realised young teenagers between the ages of 14 and above preferably prefer to watch horror movies associated with the supernatural and the unknown.
For this reason, I was able to construct a character who is relatable to them through the elements of the suspense of the unknown. This was emphasised through the ghostly character in my film in which haunts the innocent girl. Furthermore, the subject matter will also appeal to the target audience. In my film, the main female character is a young girl had an abortion. This is relatable to the teenagers who are my audiences because again through research, I realised that most girls of that age are sexually active- statistics prove. For this reason, by me choosing my character to have an abortion will send a deeper message to the audiences. It would create the awareness that being sexual at that premature age could have its consequences.
Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social group?On the left, the picture is of the main female character in the film ' The Unborn' and on the right is a picture of the main character in my own Horror film.
Both characters are similar as they are representative of a particular social group; young, innocent females who are preyed on by things that like to feed of ones fear. In the film ' The Unborn', the female character shown in the top left is being haunted by her ghostly dead twin brother. She portrays the social group of young females who have traits of innocence, gullibility and paranoia. This is shown in the movie when she has to unravel many secrets and information from unknown sources to get to what she must know. In the same way, the main character in my film shows traits of young female groups who tend to be paranoid about everything due to the mistakes they had made in the past which they believe has come to avenge them. For example, in my film, the main female character had an abortion and she becomes paranoid wherever she goes as she believes she is hearing voices and see ghosts which could all be potentially hallucinations.
