Power Cut.

Power Cut.

Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task

Evaluation Question 7.

Evaluation Question 7.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the finished product?

I feel very confident in saying that my final thriller product is exceptionally better than my preliminary task product. This is for a few main reasons. The main one being the speed of the editing. In my final product, the editing has a fair few complex edits within where as the prelim was fairly standard. Another reason is because of the video quality. Instead of recording in standard quality (like the prelim) we used a HD camcorder and also rendered in the best quality that was available to us.

Throughout the entire project, I have learnt a number of new skills that I didn't necessarily know before and I also have improved on many other skills. Firstly, I have set up my own blog (which I have never done previous to this) not only have I managed my blog. I have edited many features within it such as titles, dates, sizes of text/pictures and also the entire layout and design of the blog. 

I have also learned/improved how to accurately use a camcorder and mic as well as a number of other recording equipment(s). I now know how to utilise a camcorder in the sense that i can now accurately position the camera in the best position for the shot and where to position the mic and stands etc.

Not only have I improved on my recording skills, I have also learnt how to edit using a completely new programme that I haven't used beforehand, I feel that this could be my strong point out of the overall project (editing). 

In my preliminary task, there isn't any sort of intro/titles where as in my actual thriller, there is. This is an example of the progression from prelim to thriller. I feel that adding titles/intro to the film adds a more professional impact to the media.

 

Another example of progression would be the render that I decided to use. Instead of using the standard full colour option; I decided that the film would have a better effect if it was rendered in black and white. Lots of other people from outside the media department have commented on this change and have said that they feel it works very well.

Evaluation Question 6.

Evaluation Question 6.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Throughout the whole filming and editing process, I have used a number of different technologies, software programmes and websites. Some of which include things like: Blogger, YouTube, mini HD digital camcorder, LiveType, Final Cut Express and many more.

Software such as Live Type were used in order to create an Ident for my company and the programme Final Cut Express was used in order to edit and render the final film project. For me, this was the first time I had used both of this programmes. Therefor I learned a number of new skills and techniques within the editing department. I know feel very confident with both of these programmes and I look forward to editing more in the near future.

  

Online websites such as YouTube, Blogger and Wordle were used within the construction part of the film making. YouTube played a more major role in the 'research' part of the film making in order to look for inspiration, however, I also used it so i could upload my projects (actual film and preliminary exercise). Blogger was used throughout the whole film making in order to record what I have been taking part in and also carrying out any more research that i felt necessary. Finally is Worlde, this was used in order to create a Worldle for my evaluation. This is a programme that I didn't use before so it was fun getting to grips with it and learning how to use Worlde in order to create more advanced and effective Wordles.

Finally, and probably the most important piece of technology used, is the mini HD digital camcorder. It was fun using this as it was the first time that I'd filmed before and I was constantly learning new tips and tricks when recording. Thankfully, with this type of camera, and due to the lack of audio in the film, we didn't need to use an additional mic. However, I did a quick test just to see what is was like so this is also something new that I had learnt.

Evaluation Question 5.

Evaluation Question 5.

How did you attract/address your audience?

The above Wordle shows comments I received from my chosen target audience. After I received these comments, I tried to incorporate some of these devices in with the filming and editing. Throughout the film their is aspects/areas of suspense, mystery and excitement. This is due to the fact that the audience do not know what Klaus is planning to do and then by the time they realise, they do not know why he is doing it. The fact that I used a cliffhanger at the end of the video (when George sees Klaus at the window) would hopefully have the audience wanting to see more. Also, I decided to emphasis the weapon that Klaus was holding as this is something the audience wanted to see. By doing this, it also creates shock and excitement because George and Klaus appear to be friends/work colleagues, therefor this behaviour would be shocking to some and also create excitement as you would want to see what is going to happen next.

The use of young actors within the film would appeal to the target audience as they are the same age, therefor they could try to imagine/feel the emotions that both characters are feeling. Also, from the survey I carried out, the 2nd most popular target audience was between the ages of 25-30. Therefor the fact that the film is based in a working environment(night shift at work), this audience would be able to relate to what is happening and also would be feeling the emotions felt by the characters. This will also allow them to get into the film more as they would start to make up scenarios in their mind about what they would do if this happened to them.

Evaluation Question 4.

Evaluation Question 4.

Who would be the audience for your media product? 

After a little research, I decided that I would aim my film at teenagers(16-21). The reason for this is due to the results from my research. I decided that in order to find out who the film should be aimed at, I should conduct a survey. During this survey I asked the question: 'Do you enjoy thrillers?'. I asked this question to 20 people from each age category and the results are shown below.

Not only did I ask this question, for the people who said yes, I asked them why? Some of the comments I received back can be seen from the Wordle below.

Evaluation Question 3.

Evaluation Question 3.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

If I could have a choice on how my film was to be disributed, I would like it to be veiwed within the UK via channels and services such as Film Four, Working title and Metrodome. I would also like it if this was to be carried out with help from 'the Microwave scheme'. This is as alot of their films have become very recognised and have achieved huge success. For example, the film 'Shifty'. This was distibuted via 'the Microwave sceme'  and became hugely successful, however, it did also have help from other services in order to increase the amount of people they was reaching. For example, things like flyers, adverts, social media advertisement and also its own website. These types of things would also be a good way in order to help the film become recognised.

Distributing the film this way however would not achieve the same amount of viewers compared to if I was to partner with a big american film company such as 'Paramount' or '20th Century Fox'. This would definatley be the best way to attract audiences, not only in but also out of America, as these firms are known and recognised globally.