Thriller video evaluation- Question 7- Looking back at your preliminary task wat do you feel you have learnt in the progression to the main task?

Here is my question 7 answer. I decided to record this on my IPhone as I felt like on this question there was lots to say and would be better spoken than written. I edited and created this video using the popular application IMovie that I really enjoy to play about with and make mini short videos.

I hope you enjoy watching this video and viewing the rest of my blog, thank you!

Thriller video evaluation- Question 6 - What have you learnt about different technologies in the process of constructing this product?

Question 6- What have you learnt about technologies in the process of constructing this product?

Directly above is a short video I made on powerpoint that contains slides 40 seconds long explaining different things answering this question . However, you may struggle to see the words as I have realised after uploading the words are a bit blurry. Below there is a link to a prezi presentation containing the same slides I used on powerpoint. This might be more helpfulif you don't have perfect eye sight!

Thriller video evaluation - Question 4 and Question 5

Question 4 - Who would be the audience for your media product?

Here is question 4 of my thriller video evaluation. For some reason you had to upgrade to download my work as a poster so I had to screenshot it and put it on a prezi. The website I used to make this poster was glogster .
I hope you enjoy reading anyway!

Question 5- How did you attract/address your audience?

So for question 5, I used a website called gliffy to answer this question . Gliffy is an online mind map and flow diagram maker. I really enjoyed answering the question and making the mind map/ flow diagram. The link for the flow diagram on this question is below, so click it . Enjoy!

https://www.gliffy.com/go/share/s18pg4bbdchq9p2vcnvy

Question 3 of my thriller evaluation- What kind of media institutes would distribute your product and why?

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So this is question 3 for my thriller video evaluation. The question is 'What kind of media institutions will distribute your product and why?'. I have produced the answer to this question using 'Evernote' which is an internet based site where you can make online notes. The link for it is below, however clicking the link may not work as I believe it requires a username and password to view. So directly above is a screenshot of what I wrote, answering question 3.

Enjoy reading!

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s661/nl/167832078/85d5ac15-c8fa-42a1-b6a6-6f3ef6b846ba?title=What%20kind%20of%20media%20institutions%20may%20distribute%20your%20media%20product%3F

Thriller video evaluation- Question 2 - How does your media product represent particular social groups?

So this is what my mind map looks like overall answering question 2, 'How does your media product represent particular social groups?'. As you can see from the diagram, it isn't very clear, so I have zoomed in and enlarged the bubbles so it's easier for you to read :)

So this is my answer to question 2. I apologise that the layout and organisation of it is slightly messy. I previously tried to attach the link but then I realised the link would only open if you used my login and password to get on it. I made this mind map on 'Bubbl'. Some of the bubbles are slightly enlarged, this is because you can't see the words clear enough to read them .

Anyway, enjoy reading this post!

Thriller video evaluation - Question 1- In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge real life media conventions?

So this is the first question of my thriller opening video evaluation ! This question basically says how my video is actually like a thriller . It explains in good detail what things make my film a thriller . I have also linked it back to real life thriller films to compare what my thriller video has and what a normal thriller video includes.

Enjoy scrolling through these slides!

From 5 to 2

This video is a short summary of me and Charlotte about our journey this year experiencing and learning about media studies. This video is not part of our evaluation, its just a short, simple explanation that finishes and puts our blog to an end this year. We wanted to just explain the simple, brief bits that we never really had chance to explain, for example: how the group has changed and decreased rapidly. How we have made massive alterations and adjustments to the storyline . How people leaving our group has affected our work and what other things put us on hold during the making of both our preliminary task and oue thriller video.

This video was filmed on my Iphone 6s and the quality still turned out just as decent as on a Nikon camera! Both Charlotte and I have constructed and created this video on IMovie, adding some whirlwinding effects that will entice you to keep on watching .

I hope you get a better understanding of what we have experienced this year and enjoy reading both Charlotte and I's blog and love watching this 3 minute video!



Thank you :) Happy watching :)

Final thriller opening video- Behind the mask!

So this is mine and the groups finalized piece of work, our thriller opening video! I hope you find it watching it enticing and just as enjoyable as we found filming it!

We tried our hardest to make 'Behind the mask' the best we could . Yes we could've added some more things, but overall the whole group is proud of this video.



Enjoy watching!

The locations of our thriller opening

This a piktochart I have made to explain why we chose the locations we filmed in and where abouts exactly they were located.

Enjoy reading!!

New effects I have discovered by making the thriller opening...

Here is a mind map presentation which displays and explains what effects I have learnt to do while making my thriller opening video and how I have learnt to do these things . It also explains how my effect skills have improved from the preliminary task back in October .

Enjoy reading!

Warner Brother Pictures and Film Four research

This is my prezi presentation about two well known film companies , Warner Brothers and Film4. One which is an American film company and the other is British. This presentation gives some information about both companies and also about one of their latest film releases: "Fantastic Beasts" and "Trainspotting 2". I have done this presentation to help me with the section B part in my exam.

I hope you enjoy viewing !

Our thriller film opening evaluation questions ..

1.) In what way 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 institutions 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 this product?

7.) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the main task?

One Page Pitch Video by Maddie, Georgia and Charlotte

This is my one page pitch video . This video explains in as much detail what our thriller movie is about and what will be featured in our trailer . It also includes where we got the idea from to make this our storyline . However, we may have made some slight alterations to our storyline, but we will make a different video explaining that

Teenagers and the media

As a small group of three we created this presentation on teenagers and the media.
This presentation explains how teenagers are usually represented and portrayed on TV .
This presentation will also explain why teenagers get named and known as things such as: Tarts, thugs, rebels, yobs, nerds, beauty queens by older generations.
I tried to also use the TV series 'Skins' to demonstrate and show to the audience why teenagers are usually known as these negative names and why teenagers in the media give off a bad impacts on the adolescents watching .
However, I also go on to explain in detail that teenagers aren't always bad and shouldn't be named as the "worst" generation out there. (Q1 written and researched by Maddie (me) )

A textual analysis is also included on this prezi slideshow . We decided to use Eastenders as a good TV episode that represents the actions and things teenagers usually do and are portrayed as .
We include why camera shots, the mise-en-scene, sound and editing techniques all help to show how teenagers are represented in the media . Have a read of the textual analysis to read on more!
(Textual analysis written and researched by Charlotte)

We were also given the task to research facts on teenagers and the media . For example :
'How much TV do teenagers watch a week on average ?',
 'The population teenagers in the UK.'
(Q3 written and researched by Georgia)

Se7en- textual analysis

Here is my textual analysis including a quick summary of the fantastic thriller film "Seven (SE7EN)"

Enjoy reading!

Our target audience

As part of my coursework we had to do some further research into our audience , so I decided to present my research and information in a 'prezi' form . Here is my prezi I have created about my intended target audience. 

Enjoy reading!

TIPS for our thriller opening

Stages
- Pre-production (planning, planning, planning..)
- Production (the shoot)
- Post production (editing and effects)

Three tips of advice when shooting a film:
- Plan ahead
- Keep continuity the same
- Pay loads of attention to mise-en-scene
- Consistency of light

A well planned storyboard should have:
- Settings
- Shots and settings
- What characters/actors will be needed in those settings
- What props/costumes are needed in those settings
- An idea of timings

A storyboard should be a working document for everyone to understand...

Location/setting
- Do a recce!
- Plan your time there to the hour (especially if it costs to get there or there will be big variations in lighting/environment)
- High streets should be fine :shopping centres need to get permission- be polite, explain the purpose and again , plan in advance.
- Take in to consideration health and safety issues!

Equipment and Props:
-Make, beg, buy, borrow(don't steal)
- Make a list of what you need and tick it off as you aquire it
- Be specific but not too ambitious  (We  need a polar bear for this shot)
- Book out what you need for the shoot

Shooting
- Plan for weather
- For most of your shooting try and shoot for fewer longer periods rather than lots of small chunks
- Shoot 5-10 times more footage than you need
- It's good to watch it back but don't waste time constantly watching stuff back. If you're not sure if a scene is good enough-shoot it again!
- Also don't delete footage- some might be useful!
- Do plenty of cutaways!
- Use plenty of shots
- Be careful not to record on LONG PLAY else you will end up with footage that is really difficult to edit.

Shooting (cont'd)
- Get the footage off quickly and label it all carefully (Secction1/Take A)
- Use the clapperboard if nesscessary to help with this
- Back footage up
- Film 5 seconds before ' Action' and 5 seconds after 'cut'
- Use tripods
- Film in as light condition as possible- easier to make it darker afterwards.
- Try and stick to the 180 degree rule

 

Viewing and marking other peoples past AS videos

In class today, we all did an exercise which involved watching some past students media AS thriller film openings and deciding on what grade we would give each one and why we would give it that. We used the marking criteria to help us come up with a more genuine and reliable grade. However, no one in the class said the right grade for each video. Some students in my class gave one video a D when it actually got a B, other students gave a different video a low C when the exam board gave it an A - so no one was really accurate .

Most of the thriller openings that we were shown were very good, satisfying and showed remarkable talent. You could tell by watching all of the videos that all of the students had thought about their storyline well and took lots of time to plan it all out. However, you could tell from some of the videos that their storyline and plan was very strong, however when they came to film it and piece it all together, it didn't flow how they expected it to.
I thought there was many highlights in the videos I watched . The use of sound effects were really pleasing in all videos . All of the sounds seemed to be synchronised with what is being viewed, this makes the atmosphere seem more realistic which will have helped gain marks. The marking criteria says that to get into level 3 (36-47 marks) which is grade C and B you use sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set.
One of the videos we watched that scored 54 out of 60 marks used a voiceover all throughout explaining the whole story. This voiceover is a piece of narration in a film, with no image of the speaker. This voiceover helps to portray the narrative of the film so the audience doesn't get confused , they are also used to make the film seem more exciting as well.
Most of the camera shots used in the films were accurate and used at the correct times . One video we watched as a class used a shot reverse shot technique when the two characters are communicating and looking at each other in the eye. This continuity editing technique is a great thing to use in film and this helped them score more marks which got them that B grade. To achieve a level 4 mark (48-60 marks) which is grade A, you shoot material appropriate to the task set; including controlled use of the camera, attention to framing, variety of shot distance and close attention to mise-en-scene.

Some things that I found were not so good in the films I watched were the blending's of scenes. Sometimes they were absolutely fine, other times there was no continuity and the scene didn't stay the same . I noticed that sometimes peoples outfit changed when they were supposed to be in the same scene, and I noticed that some people tried to put a black and white filter on to make it look like night time when it was clearly daytime because you could see the bright sky. The lighting wasn't used correctly. This explains to me why some of these videos only achieved a C maximum because there continuity was very irregular .

From watching these videos and doing this exercise, it has made me realise what I need to do to make my thriller opening the best it could possibly be. I really liked how the titles dissolved in and out of the screen. For my thriller opening I would love the titles to come into the screen typing . This is because our thriller opening will involve text messages that are a bit strange, so I thought that would be quite a good idea . Also from watching these videos, it has inspired me to want to include music that flows and fits each scene well. This is so it is synchronised . I think having a voiceover is a very cool, fascinating idea that I actually would love to do and try out.
I want to make sure that the material is appropriate for the target audience and task .


Torn



This thriller opening scored 56/60 marks which was an A. I believe that this thriller achieved the mark it got because of the use of different editing techniques that are used for example: the flashbacks that are used a few times throughout. It forces the audience to wonder and question why he is doing things he's doing . However, the sounds at the beginning did cause me to get a little confused at the start, but towards the end I did finally understand and get the gist of the story.

PEEK-A-BOO



This thriller opening scored 46/60 which was a B.
This video had both good and bad aspects about it . One of the good things that I noticed was the use of camera shots as they set off the tone for the opening sequence. Something I noticed that I believe dropped them marks was the mise-en-scene. The girls try to make graveyard seem dark when she is walking though it, however you can clearly see the white, bright sky even with a black and white filter on it . This let them down . I think they could have edited the mise-en-scene better and casted more shadows on the video and made the contrast darker.

Leah Reid G321 Foundation Production



This thriller opening scored 52/60 and I can thoroughly see why it achieved this. I think the titles stood out really well , as they were creative and unique. The use of sound in this really inspired me to consider putting in a voiceover in my own thriller opening . I think overall this video was great, and I found it hard to pick faults in it.

Storyboard for my thriller trailer

I didn't realise the photographs of my storyboard were going to be that unclear on the piktochart presentation when I made it . So if you cant read the captions and see the drawings clearly , please view the ones below :)

(1).

(2).

Key director case study on Tim Burton

Film director- Tim Burton

Tim Burton is an American film director, producer, animator, artist and writer. Tim Burton was born on the 25th August, 1958 in Burbank, California. He attended and studied at the California institute of the Arts, studying character animation. Later after he graduated, he was offered a job with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Vincent was the first film he created- a six minute black and white stop-motion short.

Tim Burton is well known for is dark, gloomy , sinister fantasy films that are completely different and unique to any other film director's. Tim burton loved the fact that his films were very different to others, he liked the fact he stood out and wanted to be quirky. Not only has he created a number of memorable, unusual films, he's inspired other film directors/makers over the years. This has made him a iconic film director.

Several films he has directed and produced feature drawings he created when a young child that are very twisted and imaginative.
Some of Burtons most favourite, popular films that he has twisted and created over the years are : Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Frankenweenie (2012), Sweeney Todd (2007), Alice in Wonderland(2010) etc.
All of his films are considered very weird and out of the ordinary, but that is what makes them super exciting and different.  One of his films Sweeney Todd is a musical and apparently he works very well with musicals and often creates the best work.

The front cover of his first ever short film he made. Vincent in 1982.

Tim Burton looking very quirky and different to most people.

Beetlejuice

His film Beetlejuice that was released in 1988 was rated a 7.5/10. The film lasts 1 hour 32 minutes and comes under the fantasy genre. After two of the main characters, Barbara and Adam Maitland die in a car crash, they find themselves trapped haunting the country residence, finding it hard to leave the house. When the new family move in with their teenage daughter they find weird things that are constantly happening. The Maitlands attempt and try to scare them off to leave their home. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice, a very powerful sprit, whose "help" becomes extremely dangerous towards the new family and their daughter Lydia.

Edward Scissorhands

A scientist named Vincent Price builds and creates an animated human being with scissors for hands. His name was Edward, who comes across in the film as very gentle . However, Vincent died before he could finish off building Edward, leaving him with a freakish appearance- scissors instead of hands. A lovely suburban woman, Peg, discovers Edward living in the castle in her town one day. Peg takes him home to her family where he truly falls in love with her daughter. Edwards hands make him an outcast, despite his kindness and artistic talent.

How music can change how you feel about a film

For this task I filmed a small scene from the 1984 movie 'Splash'. Splash has always been one of my favourite movies right from when I was a child .  This scene is  called 'Mermaid Beauty' that is filmed . I have tried my best to put this quick, short video together using the editing video app called iMovie on my Ipad . I recommend this app as I do think it is a good, useful application that is free to put quick videos together. I have also tried mixing a lot of different sound effects and music that is available on iMovie to try and create different effects . For example I have mixed jolly, cheerful tunes together to create a playful and comical interpretation. The comical/playful music creates an atmosphere that the mermaid is friendly and happy in her own company. It also could suggest that she likes being on her own and loves exploring,
 I have also tried to create more sinister music by mixing a variety of different tunes and sound effects e.g thunder . This music could suggest that she is in deep ,dark, danger from the humans or is a bad character.
The hardest part of this video was trying to create sad music . There wasn't really any low feeling music or sound effects available on IMovie, so it required more time to try and put this together . This sad music could suggest that she is looking for something that she has lost for example she smiles when finding the mans passport, almost like she has been searching and wondering who he was for many years.
I have also noticed by relaying the video several times that because 'Madison' the mermaid is smiling at one point I the clip and doesn't really look scary/sad , the music doesn't really fit the scene . However, this is my own made example video of how music can change your mood and feelings towards a film.

Defining the audience

Uses and Gratifications- Blumler & Katz theory

In 1974 two theorists named Blumler and Katz came up with a theory. This is probably the most important theory for us to know. According to the uses and gratification theory , we all have different uses for the media and we make choices over what we want to watch. In other words, when we experience media texts, its not just some brainless, idiotic entertainment, we ultimately expect to get something from it .

The theory suggests the audiences use media texts (any)for various reasons . For example:


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