Friday, 27 February 2009
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Media Evaluation
I also decided to put a copy of the transcript there for fun....
This is my evaluation of my thriller opening media project, for AS media studies.
Question 1
In what ways does your media project use, develop or challenge the forms and conventions of real media products?
My project uses the conventions of a real media product by having the beginning section in black and white. This is very film noir and is also true in ‘Momento’. I think ‘Momento’ is a very good comparison to mine, because it also uses a voice over and is not in chronological order, like ours. We also went for having a blond girl as the victim, which is quite stereotypical and used in many films to give the sense of innocence and naivety.
We challenged the conventions by having upbeat and modern music, rather than the traditional orchestral music. This is the only way I think we challenged the forms of real media products, however we had the idea of using the sound of handcuffs against metal, but decided that this was too cliché, therefore choosing against it.
We also shot in the day time in a busy public place which is unusual as the location in a thriller film is normally in a secluded deserted place.
Question 2
How does your media project represent a particular social group?
The criminal in this piece has an east
The victim in this piece is portrayed as being weak and vulnerable, which is a common stereotype for young blond women. She is also an ordinary girl making the audience relate and sympathise with her
Question 3
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
I think that Universal Studios would distribute our product, due to the fact that we share a target audience with the type of films they produce. They have made many different films with the same themes and I think they would be good at making the film, how we want it giving us freedom and advice where appropriate.
Question 4
Who would be the audience for your media product?
I think that the audience best suited to my product would be male aged 1816-25. This is because; the film would be composed of quick moving action but would have intelligent twists. The main character is also young, giving the audience someone to relate to. The background music is quite modern keeping the young audience engaged and entertained.
How did you attract/address your audience?
Our opening section was intriguing and encouraged audiences to want more by having good lighting effects and engaging action. We also used informal language to connect with the young target audience.
Question 6
What have you learnt about technology from the construction of this product?
I have learnt how to the use Final Cut Pro and soundtrack pro, which has given me a wider knowledge and understanding of how to creates a successful, engaging opening. This included cuts, fades, split screens, layering, voice over and contrasting effects. I also learnt how to dub non-diajetic sounds onto the timeline.
Question 7
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I have learnt much more about editing and now feel confident in using black and white, audio dubbing, split screen, transitions and advanced camera movement. We had to think about the artistic style which were going for so using different angles and positioning lighting effectively. I also wanted to be more creative and so the freedom of doing whatever we wanted helped to inspire me a lot.
Friday, 30 January 2009
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Shot List and Prop List.
Shot 1
Close up Shot of a Clock (not too much light, out on fade)
Shot 2
Shot of an Ash tray with a Half smoked cigarette (out on fade)
Shot 3
Close up of a smashed photo frame picture
Shot4
Papers mixed up on a desk (some about to fall off, out on fade)
Shot 5
Slowly tracks up a mans body (he is wearing black, Cuts)
Shot 6
Point of view shot, of lift doors opening (out on cut)
Shot 7
Walking pace shot, following a girls foot steps as she walks (out on cut)
Shot 8
Far away shot of girl walking towards her car in a car park (out on cut)
Props include
ClockAsh Tray and CigarettePhoto and FrameFoldersPhone
Black trousers, jumper, shirt and black shoes.
Synopsis of final idea
We had the plan for our opening scene a long while ago, but it had only been recently where we settled on a story line interpreted from the opening scene that we had made.
The Film cross links between the past and the present; the present, being an interview between a police officer and a criminal. And the past being led by the interview, telling the story of how his mental illness drove him to commit his crimes.
The opening scene begins in an office, as it pans across the office desk you gather information that adds to the suspense, such as papers being dragged, a phone off its hook, a note pad saying that he needs to meet his daughter, and Origami bird.
The shot continues to pan onto a picture in a picture frame which has been cracked, identifying his daughter to the audience. And further on, you see a dead body on the floor.
The location changes to a Café, and straight away you recognise the girl from the picture frame, looking worried that her dad has not come to meet her. Once again, relating back to the notices on the note pad. A man places the bill on her table, with an Origami Bird, consequently relating back to the paper craft in the original office.
After the opening scene the next scene would probably continue from the events this criminal is exposing to his interrogator.