Evaluation Activity 2

Voice over of trailer

I decided to record a voice over on the film in order to explain a few of the chosen shots and the intended effect on the audience. I also discussed some of key aspects in the film to make it successful scubas the production titles and the the names at the end. One aspect i forgot to discus was the use of the the social media at the end, this allows the audience to understand how they can get involved with he film and how they can become more interacted with the promotion. We believe this is a key part in making the film successful and it helps to spread the work with cross media convergence and semiology. 

Evaluation Practice Question

How did you use Technological devices in the construction and research?

In my As production, i used a variation of different technological devices in order create a professional opening two minutes of my film. the genre of my film was a triller action film based around two teenaged girls. The target audience was a 15-18 predominantly female group.

The camera we used for the production was a sony handy-cam camera, which recorded high definition footage. We were able to create the high budget effect we were aiming for.Also the camera had different effects on it to suit the lighting of surrounding and time of day. This helped us to create the best image and work around the change in lighting during the shoot. Additionally the camcorder also recorded audio very well and therefore we didn’t need to prerecord the audio. I decided to use Adobe Premiere Pro software in order to edit this trailer. Initially, I was going to use Premiere Elements however it believe that Pro has a more sophisticated and advanced software and can allow  me to be more flexible with the editing. I did, however, find it slightly hard to work around the new programme as I edited at home and therefore didn’t have a teachers help to edit the piece. 

Some cons of the digital technology during this process were I shot some of the opening images on an iPhone, as I found some establishing shots of the location that I wanted for my film, while walking to school one morning. This therefore meant that the image was slightly different as the cameras have different quality of footage. Another problem we occurred with the compatibility of the camera to the editing software was the difference in lighting, despite remaining in the same location. This was disappointing because despite how precisely i made the cut, the lighting was still disorientated which made it look like we changed location or lighting, affecting the theme of continuity.However some of the pros during the process were that I spotted some nice shots while out and about and managed to create a really nice opening of the film. Even though the iPhone was as high quality, I managed to sharpen up the image in order to make the shots look seamless to the rest of the film. Another element that made the opening two minutes effective were the diegetic sounds I achieved by placing the camera outside in the garden to capture the sounds of the birds. The audio on the camera is very clear and picks up sounds from very far away. I played the sounds over the top of the non-diegetic music to create an eerie atmosphere. 

In A2 I have developed some of the skills I gained in As and became more confident in the technologies I used. Although I used the same camera in As in A2, I have been able to experiment with new angles and setting within the camera and have become more experienced with how the camera works. Additionally I have learned how to successfully use a tripod when using the camera to create steady and professional footage. When looking back at the opening two minute I realise how armature it looks compared to my trailer this year due to the carelessness of the shots, I understand the tripod controls this. Additionally last year I had problem when it came to the lighting changes as I filmed it in different times in the day. However this year I filmed two or three shots in the same time of day so the lighting was the same and therefore made the trailer seamless and professional looking. Another skill that I discovered when moving into A2 was the use of transitions of the software we used. As the trailer had to be quick and snappy, we used fades to black to create suspense and also to build tension. The last thing that  became better was the use of the premiere pro as I became more confident in how to use it and also discovered some new tools within the programme.  

Evaluation of all production elements

In our magazine poster and our film poster, we have use the same image as the main image on both covers to show that they are advertising the same film. On the film poster, we used a long shot of the image to show the surrounding buildings around her, suggesting that she is alone which is the main story behind our trailer. We had this in black and white and so it contrasts against the image of eyes that we have positioned at the top of the poster. On the other hand we decided to do the image ion the magazine poster to be much more zoomed in and so the audience can focus on her as she is the main character throughout the film trailer. We decided to have this image in colour and fade another image of smoke over the top and so it still fits into the genre of horror but makes it aware to the audience that it is a magazine.This all links in with our film trailer as we have used the same character with the same costume on and so we can show the relevance between all three.

The name titles that we used in our film trailer were very similar to what we have used in our film poster as we think that it is important to keep the names the same to show who is in the trailer and who is involved in creating the final out come. We have presented both the names in the trailer and the poster the same as we would see them in successful media products and so the names that are not the main characters in the trailer are presented together at the end but also in the poster, the names are displayed along the bottom and so it is set out how we would see it on DVD covers. We have used the same font on both the trailer and the film poster and so we can keep it simple but effective for the audience viewing it. When creating the name and the font that we have chosen for our film name, although they are not in the same font as we found that it did not look as effective and professional on both the magazine and the trailer, we did keep the font the same for the trailer and the film as it is clear to the audience that we are advertising the same film product. 

Evaluation Activity 4

How did you use new technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages? 

We used many different technologies within the research planning and evaluation stages. The camera we used was the Sony CX405 Handycam camera to film our trailer as it is has high definition image and high quality sound recording facilities. We believe it is very important to have a high quality camera because the trailer will look high budget and professional. 
When we were filming we found that the camera was very good as it could adjust to some of the lighting, there are certain effects that allow us to make the images stream together seamlessly as the camera adjusts the lighting depending on the time of day. We also used a tripod with some of the shots in order to make sure the shots were steady and professional looking. Last year i did not use a tripod as much and therefore found it hard to create the high budget feel. 

In terms of the editing format, our group used adobe premiere pro. We were given the opportunity to use the school's computers and the format of adobe premiere elements, however we found the format hard to use and didn't render the footage as fast as we wanted. The editing format that we used allowed us to become very experimental with the footage. We also used transition tools such as the fade to black etc, I allowed us to create a high budget effect for our trailer. On one of the days of editing, we prioritised the titles. We spent hours looking through the fonts and different shadowing effects for the titles. We found the software extremely effective when achieving our titles as there was a wide range of choice and styles. 

Some cons of the digital technology during this process were I shot some of the opening images on an iPhone, as I found some establishing shots of the location that I wanted for my film, while walking to school one morning. This therefore meant that the image was slightly different as the cameras have different quality of footage. Another problem we occurred with the compatibility of the camera to the editing software was the difference in lighting, despite remaining in the same location. This was disappointing because despite how precisely i made the cut, the lighting was still disorientated which made it look like we changed location or lighting, affecting the theme of continuity. A skill that I discovered when moving into A2 was the use of transitions of the software we used. As the trailer had to be quick and snappy, we used fades to black to create suspense and also to build tension.

When making our poster, we spent a lot of time, learning how Photoshop works and how to create a professional look for the poster. We wanted to fade the picture into the back ground by creating a black blur around the picture. One we had found out how to bur the edge with the paint tool, we wanted to change the contrast and colour of the image, this created a darker and more intense look for the cover.  This also allowed the poster to look high budget and professional. 

We edited the eye by using a brush tools, using the enhancing effect and the lightening tool. We believe it made the eyes look like the main focus and also allow the audience to draw there eyes to the eye. This helped us to create a professional look in the poster and made it look high budget. 

Evaluation Annotated Trailer

Annotated Trailer

To help illistrate some of the meetings behind the shots and specific editing techniques, I decided to  use the annotation tool on Youtube to pick of key aspects. By putting these annotations on to the video, allowed me to gain some technology skills and how to analyse the trailer in an easier way. I decided to  discuss some of the  the choices I made and how they helped to improve the final production. For example the non-diegetic sounds of the music that complimented the layering voices of the parents arguing in on of the initial scenes. 
Additionally I included aspects that we wanted the audience feel a certain was about for example when he music is times to the editing when the tension builds up creates a suspense for the audience putting them on the edge of their seats. This also created enigma as the audience were asking question about what they are seeing in the trailer. Another aspect the i addressed in the annotations is the use of the production titles, and all what tools I used in making the titles so professional looking. The production titles were a key aspect in making the trailer look high budget as it puts a name and a company to the production so that the audience know who made it and if they recognise them.

Evaluation Targets

In your responses to your final production make sure you are clearly referring to choices and outcomes in an evaluative way - make sure you are addressing the areas outlined by me below:

What did you do? Explain a transition or effect you opted for in the editing process.  What effect did you achieve?  Explain how the choice you made was intended to make the target audience think or feel.  How does this show progression in your use of skills? Explain how this is better than your AS production's outcomes by linking to what you did in your portfolio last year.

These choices are really important for you to reflect on to show you fully understand how you have developed your skills - and make sure you evaluate the comments made by the test audience (the class) using specialist terminology.

We do not have long until the deadline for this final stage of your portfolio - so make sure you are pushing yourself and achieving the marks your efforts this year deserve!

Evaluation Activity 3

Audience Feedback

from the audience feedback we received, we felt very confident about the production. however the constructive criticism that we received helped us to understand how we could improve. For example, One of our peers said that they though there should be "Titles throughout the trailer, telling the audience what actor's were in it!" 

I Believe that this would have made the trailer better as the audience hay have a par-asocial relationship with the actor and therefore be a unique selling point. Also if they were snappy and fast, it would add tension. The titles would also make the audience feel connected to the characters. Another interesting point someone made about the titles was the final title, with the name of the Film. They said that the 'Elle' font wasn't very eye catching as the grey colour was too dark. I completely agree with this comment believe to improve i would need to make it a lighter color and perhaps include a shadow effect to create another dimension. 

Another point that someone said about out trailer was that they didn't believe there was enough background information around the characters. We decided that we would add in some fades to black during the trailer in order to create some titles about the characters. For example "From the beginning, Elle always knew she was different, She was Alone!" This added some context behind the character of Elle and created another dimension to her character. From what one of our peers had addressed about the background of the characters, allowed the trailer to not only have more context but also allowed it to have a more snappy and tension building opening 

In the comments there was also constructive criticism which we found was key as it was good to take on board and improve. For example, it was stated that at the end of the trailer the camera should have been focused on the character of the girls face for longer to add emphasis to the enigma of what was going to happen next, giving the audience more time to think about it. Another weakness was the fact that the beginning was quite slow which could possibly mean it takes the audience longer to get into it. Therefore, by making it a bit more upbeat we could engage the audience faster which is successful for a trailer. Finally, due to only having time to film in certain parts of the day we could not adhere to the lighting of the genre in the outside shots. For example, it would be much more eerie if the shots were taken at night time instead of in the day. 

Evaluation Activity 3

Audience feedback 

I think our film is similar to other film trailers as it follows the codes and conventions of a horror/ thriller film. The build up in tension  creates a anticipating atmosphere for the audience as they are unaware of what will happen. This also creates and enigma so the audience are asking questions throughout the trailer. We wanted our audience to feel as though they had to keep watching to find out what was going to happen to our protagonist. This is important in a film trailer as you want the audience to be gripped and ready to go and see the film. Also they dramatic music (non-diegetic sound) and surprising titles gives out more information to the audience such as the background of what is happening and so the audience are able to get a slight understanding of the story line. It also helped to create tension for the audience as we cut the shots along with the music. This creates a more high budget effect while also giving the editing a fast and rhythmic style. 

I think we have many strengths in our film trailer which has made it unique and interstice for our target audience while also conforming to the codes and conventions of the genre. One of the main strengths I think is the way we have layered non-diegetic sound over the top of each other which allowed us to add dramatic 'bangs' in with the quieter piano music which contrast and makes the audience aware that something may happen. The diegetic sound that we had included of the two parents arguing, they voices were layered on top of each other as it gives a more exaggerated argument sound, we also added an echo to the voices. This created a more eerie sound as it almost sounded as if it was in Elle's head and it was all becoming to much for her. Because of the layering voices, the echo and the piercing  sound of the arguing, the audience would feel empathy for Elle, and therefore would dislike the parents. Another strength that I believe we had as a group is using different camera angles and so the audience saw footage from different angles making it more dynamic and interesting to watch. for example one of the shots we executed very well was the shot form inside the cupboard. There was complete darkness and the door was in front of the camera, then the door opens and Elle starts to look for clothes, and then a hand snatches from behind her and grabs her mouth. The shot then changes so that the audience are left wondering what happens to her. We also cut the shot in time to the music so that there was a  loud thud when the hand grabbed her and therefore creating a shock effect.

A weakness of our final production was some the shots being filmed on different camera's and on different days making the editing process extremely hard as the shots were not seamless. For example, when we filmed at our studio flat location, the lighting was fairly dark, however the next day we realised we wanted to include a scene from inside the cupboard. We decided we would film it at my house, however it was much earlier in the day and was therefore much lighting. This effected the way the scenes were cut together. We therefore decided we would play around on adobe premiere pro and find a tool to darken the image. In the end the shots appeared fairly seamlessly, however if we were to do this process again, I believe we would have made sure the lighting complimented the other shots in the production. 

Evaluation Activity 1

In the first frame we used a panning shot of the location in the garden. This was effective as it allowed the audience to understand the difference between her lives before and after she grew up, giving in depth prevalence on the young victim allowing the audience to therefore feel sympathy for her. However, as it is a horror the non-diegetic music added over the top created an eerie atmosphere, representing that even though everything does look normal it doesn’t mean it is. Which could create suspense following the conventions of a horror genre. The lighting of the surrounding is quite dim and the autumn season represents cold and darkness. This again is ominous which adds to the genre of our trailer.

This links with the second frame which is a close up of a man’s hand playing the piano. This was used as a special effect as the non-diegetic sound was placed over it and we fitted it within the time scale of his fingers allowing it to be efficacious s and make it look like he was playing this eerie piece. This was a successful prop used as pianos can connote sadness e.g. when played at funerals. Therefore, it allowed our audience to know what emotion to feel and when. These two frames are calming, emphasising the build up to the climax which is effective as the audience would be on the edge of their seat. 

The third frame introduces the victim as a young girl. She is portrayed as playful and innocent with a close up of her smiling and laughing around the table. This shows her family to be a neutral and normal middle class family, at this point. Then the fact she is dressed in her school uniform, looking very natural which emphasises her vulnerability and helps create that atmosphere of everyday life. This is effective as it enables the audience to potentially relate to the trailer which could increase popularity. 

In the fourth frame we used match on action. This is a skilled shot as is effective due to it being the trailer look more advanced, rather than just following the characters around. Through this process we had to trim each shot to make it look seamless in our trailer. This medium shot is effective as again we see the happy home environment, which soon disappears. The fact that when the young girl sits down in the centre, with both the parent immediately standing up to argue could connote she has no protection or support, again allowing the audience t feel sorry for her. The effect of this is that we can see why in later life she has no contacts to report back to and nowhere to go. 

In the fifth frame we are shown a low angle shot of the flat that the young girl has moved into. The effect of having a long shot of this shows the rural area and shows an immediate contrast to where she used to live before. This also helps to create the atmosphere that something is about to happen as the music immediately juxtaposes from calm but tense music to just upbeat music telling the audience something bad is about to happen. The rural area expresses the vulnerability of her as something bad is more likely to happen is a lonely detached house compared the a middle class street. 

This then links with the sixth frame, where we see a man, dressed in all black with his hood up. The fact he is wearing black connotes danger and allows the audience to understand clearly that he is the protagonist. Again in this shot we used match on action just to emphasise the protagonist showing him in the shot for longer. This is an effective shot as I begins to tell the story of the trailer. The fact his hood is up and we are never introduced to his face creates mystery and enigmas. I sit somebody in the past? Who is it? This is effective as the enigma will make the audience want to watch the film which is the purpose of the trailer. 

In the seventh shot we are actually shown the protagonist and the victim in the same shot. Here the victim letting her hair down ready for the bath, with the door slightly open and the protagonist subtly walking past. This is effective as it creates real tension for the audience. This also represents how easy it is to unknowingly knowing somebody Is in your home, making the audience feel uncomfortable to what will happen next. The girl is shown in high key lighting, still showing her prevalence and the fact that she is harmless compared to the protagonist shown in the dark which connotes evil. Having a male protagonist and a female victim follows the conventions of a genre as this is commonly shown in horrors and men are known to be more dangerous compared to females who are always portrayed as innocent and less powerful. 

Then finally as the music increases to its climax and the audience are aware that the protagonist is in the house but don’t know when he is going to attack we are introduced to a medium shot of a hand with a black glove over. The glove is effective as it allows the audience to think what he is going to do to her. Kill her? Kidnap her? It also adds to the mystery of the protagonist. The fact he has grabbed her at the most unaware time (her reaching in for clothing) allows the audience to jump as they did not expect that it was going to happen then compared to the other times where there was an easy possibility. This is effective as it makes our trailer unpredictable which many people enjoy in the horror genre. 

Finally our last frame which is the ninth is our title. The fact of having our title at the very end means the audience have to watch the whole trailer to see what it is called. As well as this the audience are more likely to remember the name of the trailer compared to if it was introduced at the beginning, before understanding the story. This is effective as it could increase our viewers when it is released. Although modern trailers follow the conventions of white writing on a black background, we decided to use silver which had a gradient allowing it to be lighter at the bottom. This is effective as it made the final product look sharper and the white at the bottom adds a glow making it look eye catching, as it still stands out from the black background. The text we used was Felix Titling as it was really bold which we wanted top again make it stand out. The title was coped and rotated upside down and then faded. This was successful as it created a shadowed look which made our trailer look more skilled but also was different compared to just having it in the centre of the screen alone.

Postproduction

From the audience feedback I have discovered what were the positive and negative aspects of the opening two minutes. Some said that I overly edited and tried to add in too many special effects such as transitions and effects on the editing. It is important to keep some of the editing simple and effective. After I received the feedback, I went back a stripped back some of the editing tools I added in such as the zooms and effects on the image. I then realised how much better it was when it was simpler and the shots were the key aspect and not the fancy editing. Another aspect that the feedback taught me was the importance of time management, I didn’t allow myself enough time to film all of the shots I wanted.
The timing of the day was also an important factor to consider, as I filmed it in the summer, it got very dark very quickly and therefore when I filmed all day, it got dark extremely quickly. During the postproduction process I was able to decide how I would develop my skills and techniques when it came into A2 and I was to creating my trailer. I took from the process that I should focus simply on the shots and the quality of them instead of all the fancy techniques I could include. When I filmed my trailer this year I faced a similar problem when it came to lighting. That is why I reshot some of the scenes when the lighting was right. I made the film have more continuity. It also made it more professional and seem as though the film was high budget. 

Using conventions from real media texts

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

My film has conformed to many media products, some examples are: in thriller/horror opening two minutes, there were often actors name at the beginning that he audience can see and recognise. Ours were extremely effective as we made them out to be famous as they were along side the actors faces. Some other conventions were those of the establishing shots at the beginning of the film that allowed the audience to get a clear understanding of the background of the characters and locations. This also helped the audience to gains a relationship with the actors. With close up shots of the girls, allows them to see the girls up close and personal. This is often shown in the conventions of these kinds of films. One of the conventions of a horror/thriller is often the use of crime such as guns, knives etc., this proved to be extremely hard to achieve successfully, this therefore meant that it didn’t look as dangerous as the real movies. Another problem with the film was due to the different locations, often a convention is to have shots in main cities such as London and New York, I found this hard to achieve due to money and practicalities and therefore I could only shoot in surrey. 

I believe my work was fairly experimental due to some of the edgy shots and editing techniques I used. Due to some of the conventions being conformed to, some aspects of the film were generic. Without doubt the film is exiting and thrilling however if I was to improve I would make it more experimental. Pierre Morel (the director of the three taken films) influenced me to create a tension building film leading to a kidnaper. When moving into A2 I discovered that to make the film effective and suit the audiences needs, it is important to conform to the conventions of the genre.