EVALUATION: Q1) IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP AND CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVENTIONS?- MS BEGUM

Q1) IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP AND CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVNETIONS?

FINAL PRODUCT: IN HER SCENT

IN HER SCENT

 

 

 

 

EVALUATION: Q7) LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO THE FULL PRODUCT?- MRS. QUINLAN

EVALUATION: Q7) LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO THE FULL PRODUCT? - MRS QUINLAN

What was the preliminary task and what were its main aims?

The preliminary task was based on shooting a short sequence and editing it on our own. The aim of that was to familiarise ourselves with the camera and its functions, in order to prepare for the final shooting. The camera handling was not complicated but needed precision and some experience in order to shoot a proficient footage, therefore the preliminary task was beneficial when it came to filming the opening thriller as I was able to practice beforehand. Simultaneously, the preliminary task familiarised me with the editing program (Final Cut Pro X) and I managed to learn some basic editing techniques to enhance the footage. Due to the preliminary task I knew how to cut footage and add basic transitions. From this I was able to further develop my knowledge in order to create good visuals for my final product. Lastly, the preliminary task aimed to set group roles and improve our cooperation skills, as we could only rely on one another. Therefore the task allowed us to taste what it will feel like when we go out to film our thriller opening, which improved our independence skills and trust within the group.

 Preliminary Task:

 

4 things I am now more confident in.

·         Filming: I am now more confident in using the zoom in/out button when filming. At first I was not aware of the pressure that needed to be applied on the button and often ended up with a very fast zoom in, which distorted the frame too much and did not look professional. In order to get it right I have practiced zooming in/out while filming our preliminary task and improved for the final product.

 

·         Filming: Additionally I am now much more comfortable in handling the camera when filming and shooting a steady footage without distortion. At first my shots were unsteady because of the shaky handling and fast movement. However, after the preliminary task I have practised and got to use the tripod, which helped me to steady my shots and create fluent camera movements that allowed me to film a good footage for the final product.   

 

·         Editing: This was the first time I have used Final Cut Pro X and edited my own sequence, therefore when editing the preliminary task I struggled with assembling the shots so they match the timing and the scene makes sense. To improve that I gave more attention to my footage and analysed the shots in order to plan which frames go with one another, thus allowing me to create natural and unnoticed cuts. I also used my storyboard and shot list to know how to assemble my shots.

 

·         Editing: I am also more confident in creating fluent transitions and adding effects such as overlays and filters.  When editing my preliminary task I was not aware of the possible features in Final Cut and needed to learn how to enhance a shot by adding various effects. After looking at guides, tutorials and experimenting on my own I am now more comfortable in using this software to enhance a footage.

 

Some examples from the final product.

 

 

 

Comparing Preliminary Task to the Final Product.

1)      Setting Awareness/ Framing

 

 

In my preliminary task I wasn’t aware of my framing and setting as much as I was in my final production. In the preliminary I didn’t consider the rule of thirds and location which I would film in. This resolved into unnecessary objects in my frames. However in my final product I was better at my framing and used the rule of thirds which resolved into a natural-for-the-eye shot. Additionally, the setting in my final product was much more appropriate and relevant to the narrative which made my footage realistic.

2)      Camera movement



A panning shot from left to right.

 

Secondly, in my preliminary the camera movements, such as the panning shots, were distorted and unclear. This is because the takes were not planned out well and it was hard to keep my hand steady without the necessary equipment. However in my final product we have used the tripod and captured few more movement shots in order to get the best shot possible. This allowed us to have a wider selection during the editing stages and use the best footage, whereas during the preliminary task we had to use the shots we took although they could have been improved. 

3)      Camera handling

 

 

Lastly, in my preliminary task the camera handling was unstable and often there were distortions during the sequence due to the lack of the tripod and a shot list which would able us to plan ahead what shot to use and when to stop filming. However, during the filming of our final product we had clear idea of the shots were needed due to our previous planning tasks which we used during the filming. In addition we used the tripod to shoot some of our footage which also improved the quality of our sequence.

 

 

Reflection:

In closure, I think that I have created a successful thriller and there is a clear progression from my preliminary task to the final product. I have completed the task through the new skills, which I gained throughout the process, and with the essential help from other group members who fully committed to the task. In addition, I think that the planning and research tasks were crucial in order to create a proficient feature and fully acknowledge what happens in a real production and what I needed to do in order to create a good opening.

I have enjoyed working on the project throughout, however I think the most exciting part was the actual filming and working on the footage where my group and I got to fully engage into the production and constantly debate about the best options for our product. I found it interesting to work with programs such as Final Cut and Logic Pro because I was able to learn new skills that could help me in the future. I was really absorbed by the information I have gained about the process of film making and I enjoyed looking at how my opening developed from the filming to the final product.

However, I could improve on the soundtrack which accompanies my opening thriller. I think that the non-diegetic music could be developed to effectively emphasise on the most significant moments of the opening and draw audience response. I also think that my edits could compliment the sound more precisely in order to cause a bigger effect on the audience.  I think that these improvements would help me to create a good thriller with an unique and original narrative.

Overall, from completing this production I have learnt how to create a thriller opening, including the stages of thorough research and planning. I also learnt what happens in real productions and tried to apply this knowledge to my product. Furthermore, during this task I was able to work with different technologies which enabled me to gain experience in using professional programs.
Simultaneously, I was able to improve my cooperation and teamwork skills as working in the group and being dependent on one another was crucial when creating such product. This also helped me to communicate with my peers which made the production easier and fun. From this process I am now aware of how to create an opening and what is necessary to create a good product.

EVALUATION: Q6) WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTING THIS MEDIA PRODUCT?- MRS. QUINLAN

EVALUATION: Q5) HOW DID YOU ATTRACT/ ADDRESS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?- MISS BEGUM

The importance of doing the secondary research into existing products.

Researching into existing thriller products was highly beneficial for developing my micro-element knowledge, own thriller ideas, character representation as well as thriller conventions and what makes a successful product. I needed to know this in order to create a proficient product that would appeal to the right target audience. I also needed to be aware of the factors that create a thriller, whether it is the audience response or the narrative appeal. Simultaneously, knowing what the conventional/ stereotypical thrillers include allowed me to think about subverting these ideas and therefore creating something original that will intrigue the viewer and help me to compete with other productions.

The target audience of thriller films?

Thriller films are widely popular within the younger audiences, which is what I found out from looking at different thrillers and comparing them. I believe that the usual target audience that this genre appeals to is as follows:

·         Age: 15-45

·         Gender: Unisex

·         Occupation: Mainly students/ casual workers

·         Hobbies and interests: Socialising, going out and spending exciting and thrilling time with friends

I believe that this target audience enjoys the suspense and thrill that they receive from watching thrillers. This is because many young people enjoy self-scaring as well as adding fright and suspense to their lives. In addition, the emotions that the viewers are likely to experience are psychological and physiological.

·         Psychological, the way your mind reacts.

·         Physiological, the involuntary body response, such as sweat.

These specific responses are only available to viewers who watch thrillers, which is why this genre is so successful. Additionally, many young people enjoy the adrenaline rush and experiencing something completely different and out of the ordinary.

From this research I have to consider what emotions and responses I would like to draw from my audience, which will help me to choose the right conventions and create an appealing opening. I also have to consider the expectations from my target audience in order to know what will affect them. This research helped me attract my viewers through the intended use of conventions.

My Target Audience.

From my research and group discussion, the target audience for my thriller is as follows:

·         Age: 15+

·         Gender: Unisex

·         Ethnicity: Any

·         Occupation: Casual Students, Students

·         Hobbies and Interest: Any, but particularly fashion lovers.

This decision was also made from looking at the rules of BBFC and the factors that influence the age certificates. This was important as lawfully we could not have a younger audience than the age certificate of our opening. After settling for 15+ we could start and plan our conventions knowing what was appropriate to display. In terms of demographics, we decided on very broad and non-specified range. This allowed for larger audience, therefore a bigger chance of making a successful thriller.

Addressing My Target Audience.

In order to directly address my audience, I have deviced a questionnaire based on my initial idea. The questionnaire was a quick way to interact with the public and ask for their opinion. I handed it out to twenty people who fitted the category of the usual thriller viewers. This allowed for credible and relevant information, knowing it is coming from someone who enjoys thrillers and is willing to watch them. After collecting all the feedback, I have collaborated the data into graphs and charts in order to visually portray the information I received and see what the audience finds appealing. When I was placed into my group, all of us used the graphs and thoroughly compared and evaluated the feedback we received, in order to make a decision for our final idea. This analysis allowed us to create something that will appeal to the target audience and make a successful opening.  This task was crucial because a questionnaire was a base for our conventions and ideas. In addition without a questionnaire we would not be able to decide on what the public wants and could not have a steady target audience. This is how I have addressed my target audience.

Some Key Questions I Asked To Ensure I Was Attracting My Target Audience.

·         From asking this question I was able to identify the audiences’ preferable sub-genre. This was significant information because when you establish your sub-genre you can start deciding on the possible narrative ideas, character portrayal and themes within your opening.  

·         This question allowed me to see whether the audience wanted subverted conventions. This would allow me to create something original and unique. Asking this question was important because without knowing whether the viewers are prepared for something new I was at risk of losing my target audience.

·         From asking this question I was able to see whether my audience is comfortable and mature enough to see a feature touch upon mental health. Knowing this allowed me to create more complex narrative and character representations within my opening.

·         From asking directly how the audience expects to feel from watching my opening I was able to decide on the things that will provoke these responses, thus determining on my conventions, which were crucial to my opening.

I have also asked some open questions, where the participator was able of express him/herself. This was beneficial as the person was not minimalized by the provided answers but could freely write something that would help me to make a choice regarding my opening. These open questions were crucial when I addressed my target audience as I allowed them to put forward their views and receive their exact thought on what will attract them.

One question I asked was:

·         Do you enjoy watching Thrillers? Please Explain.

One of the answers I received was:

·         ‘I enjoy watching thriller movies as they seem unique and original rather than cliché’- Amanda, 18

This answer was useful as clearly Amanda stated that she enjoys originality rather than repetitive narrative ideas. From this I was able to infer that my opening needs to be unique in order to create something successful and appealing. This answer showed me exactly how to attract my target audience.
From this, my group and I have decided to create an opening where our antagonist would be portrayed in an unconventional way in order to subvert conventions and create an original sequence.

Another question I asked was:

·         Why is this sub-genre so effective in your opinion?

One of the answers I received was:

·         ‘Because psychological thrillers always have a great twist at the end’- Joe, 16

This answer is significant as Joe seems to enjoy plot twists and suspense in psychological thrillers. Therefore, I knew that my opening needed a twist in order to engage the viewer as well as have a bigger impact on them. This response allowed me to know exactly how to attract my target audience.
 
My Questionnaire: 

 

 

 

Some of the Graphs which I created after collecting my questionnaire results:

Completing the primary research was highly beneficial because I was able to discover the different factors that affect the target audience, considering the importance of BBFC as well as the overall concept of how to address and attract the right one. Without this information I was at risk of attracting/ addressing the wrong audience which could resolve into a loss during the intake and unhappy viewers, causing bad reputation. This primary information helped me to attract and address my target audience because I was aware of the aspects that are needed in order to find the right audience as well as could be secure about the success of my product and whether it will find its appeal.

 

Audience Feedback.

After completing a rough cut of my feature I held a focus group. A focus group is a small number of people who are brought together to discuss a product before being launched into market. They can critisise as well give positive feedback in order to help you improve. I decided to have a focus group concerning my thriller opening in order to measure my success and see what I can still improve before finalising my opening. I also wanted to check whether I have created a good product and if I have addressed/ attracted the right target audience. The people that I gathered for my focus group were young adults. I have made sure I asked media and film students in order to receive  feedback concerning the technical aspects of my production. These are the images I took during the viewing from my focus group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is some of the constructive feedback I have gathered form the focus group.

                                                                        

      

Positive feedback: Danielle, 16

"The soundtrack made me very tense as it fit very well with the visuals. The contrapuntal sound added realism to the opening and I liked that."

How did this make you feel in terms of attracting your audience?

This feedback made me feel pleased for my group and myself, knowing that our narrative was different from the norm but still found fans and was able to attract an audience successfully.

Positive feedback: Trang, 17

"Hi, I thought that the thriller opening was really, really good. I really liked the character and how they seemed to be really intriguing and frightening at the same time, because there was so much mystery around who that person was, I thought that was really, really effective. The costume that they were wearing and the body language, it did allow the audience to identify that he was the antagonist of some sort, however what was quite effective about it was at the end it was a male, because it subverted stereotypes, so I though that as really effective."    

How did this make you feel in terms of attracting your audience?

This response made me feel happy that the overall effect was positive and the viewers enjoyed it. It allowed me to realise that targeting a young audience with something unique was beneficial for my product.

Negative Feedback: Helen, 16

"Basically, I thought that the location could've been better because I wasn't really sure where the antagonist was."

How did this make you feel in terms of attracting your audience?

This feedback made me feel conscious about the location we used and the way we have portrayed it through out cinematography. However I think that hiding the location helped to create mystery around the character.

Negative Feedback: Lola, 16

"The antagonist could've worn darker clothes to make it clear that he was the antagonist."


How did this make you feel in terms of attracting your audience?

This feedback made me realise that the antagonist could have a darker attire to create further fear and intimidation around the character. I agree with the statement.

Conclusion.

In closure, attracting and addressing intended target audience was very important before creating a product. This is because without a steady target audience you are risking on making the wrong choices later on, whether choosing your conventions or characters. I think that the questionnaire was a good start to a product as it helped me to address my viewers and hear to what they have to recommend. Simultaneously the focus group was also beneficial to see how successful we were and to receive more feedback in order to improve my product and finalise the feature.

EVALUATION: Q2) HOW DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT REPRESENT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS?- MISS BEGUM

EVALUATION: Q3) WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND WHY?- MRS. QUINLAN