1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
We followed typical conventions of most thriller films in our first two minutes; low-lighting, unsettling locations, (cold garage, dark alleyway) and stalker elements to represent our antagonist. We used these to create an eerie atmosphere, uncertainty, and to establish the superiority of the antagonist and the vulnerability of the protagonist. One film that conveys typical conventions – and that hugely influenced us – is Se7en, which establishes the superiority of the character during the title sequence, demonstrating his control.
Our Film:
Seven:
Also, we used a close up over the shoulder shot to create the idea that it’s private information and significant, commonly used to demonstrate secrecy.
The music we chose also follows typical conventions; first, atmospheric and simple tones that began to build tension, then silence to create uncertainty. Finally we used an aggressive, quick paced track - which can beseen in Se7en - to show the peak. We took inspiration because it puts the audience on edge, setting them up for the rest of the film.
Our use of props; black wire, red ink, key and a locked file further demonstrate typical conventions that are found in thriller films such as a danger and uncertainty.
Our title sequence displayed elements of mystery, suspense and uncertainty. The colours black and white were used to demonstrate the battle and contrast between good and evil, whilst the font within shows that they can interlink. Also we decided to use small simple font so it doesn’t distract the viewer.
2. How does you media product represent particular social groups?
Our media product represents males around the age of 40 and females aged 19-21. I believe that in our films first 2 minutes we portray these social groups in a stereotypical way. For instance, our main male character Daryl is portrayed as a strong, superior character. This was achieved through the use of low angled shots, which allowed us toestablish the characters power. Moreover, we used props such as a red pen and a black wire to create the impression that this character was the villain, as these are commonly associated with this role. However, we challenged the male stereotype throughout the rest of the film.
This can be seen as he assumes the role of the protagonist for the remainder of the film, or more accurately, the false hero. This sets our film apart from other psychological-thriller films,where in most cases the antagonist is played by a male. This can be seen in the Silence of the Lambs.
Silence ofthe Lambs - ‘Buffalo
Another stereotype we set is inferior female characters; this was used early on in our film, with the death of Evie. This is common in most films – particularly psychological-horror films -
where the female characters are either the‘damsel’ or the victim. We further conformed to this stereotype with the use of shot-reverse-shots in our first two minutes.
Our main character 3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
After researching different institutions that distribute both high and low budget films, we decided that our distribution company should fit our high-budget. From our research on Se7en – a film similar to ours – wedecided to research into the film distributor, New Line Cinema. 
Their success can be seen in the film Se7en, which was a commercial success, receiving positive reviews from critics. From our research we found this film to be extremely similar to ours, due to its thriller element. The film’s plot is linked to ours as there is a series of murders that are the main focus of the film. However, the target audience for the film is ‘18’, which differs from ours, due to the gory murders, whereas we decided to have ours tamer, those that aren’t wont be shot but instead suggested.
We feel that our film would be best distributed at the Cinema, due to the evident fan base for psychological thrillers such as Silence of the Lambs. Due our high-budget we would be able to distribute our film using blanket release. New Line Cinema will give us the chance to release eye-catching posters that will be seen globally. Target our audience through the internet, with an official website and other social networking sites that offers downloads, games and information about the film. All this would be possible due to our high-budget film and distributor.
4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
The audience we decided on for our media product was males and females 15-40. Our decision was influenced by our results from the questionnaire we posted on our blog. The results saw a majority of females (13) interested in the film, but also males (6), as well as the age range of 15-40 years (19 people), showing a particular interest from the audience we have chosen. From our results we also found all of those who had taken the questionnaire were either interested in films distributed at the cinema or home-TV which is what we intended to release ours on. After researching into film certificates and following the guidelines set by the BBFC we chose the 15 certificate (only viewers 15 or older can view). This decision was due to the strong use of violence and suggestive death and murder themes. These themes and use of violence can be seen in our first 2 minutes, so we needed to make the audience aware and use the BBFC to correctly identify the certificate required.
Full guidelines at: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15-2/
The results from our questionnaire showed that those who voted, ¼ deemed our filmto be a 15, so upon this knowledge we researched into similar films that were also 15 certificates, such as Insidious, which also contains violence and intense scenes of horror, as well as strong profanity.The audience that we chose would probably have an interest in horror-thriller films, and may have links to our film in some sort of way, such as mental illnesses seen in our film. We wanted to have our audience intrigued from the first 2 minutes, appealing to their interests; we feel that the audience chosen would be satisfied by this and the complete film.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15-2/
From feedback we realised that some elements were extremely successful, such as our title sequence and the themes of secrecy, highlighting their popularity, ‘The film was really good; I particularly liked the title font and the secrecy of the film.’
We received some criticisms such as, ‘Sometimes it was difficult to tell what was happening, I would have preferred a clearer storyline.’ I agree with this and feel that if we had more time, could improve on this by portraying Daryl more as a guardian. However we found it difficult to find a balance between a clear plot and surprise. ‘The shot ofWillow
5. How did you attract/address your audience?
We used different techniques to attract our audience, of males and females 15-40. We had to stick to the 15 certificate guidelines set by the BBFC, so we decided to restrict our violence to shorter shots, ‘ Violence may be strong, but shouldn't dwell on pain and injury.’
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15-2/
Our audience are able to associate themselves with the characters and settings as they have realistic elements, such as a normal environment, seemingly normal lives and a side of secrecy.
We used over-the-shoulder shots, to entice the audience and involve them in the storyline through secrecy, deviance and darkness, which appeal to various ages, allowing them to identify with the characters, encouraging them to watch the film. This appeal is clear in feedback, ‘I loved how we were made to feel like we were involved in the film.’
From feedback we realised that some elements were extremely successful, such as our title sequence and the themes of secrecy, highlighting their popularity, ‘The film was really good; I particularly liked the title font and the secrecy of the film.’
Another viewer said that they enjoyed the idea of him living a normal life, ‘he’s just a normal guy returning from work, then you begin to learn more about him, like he’s living a second life...’
We received some criticisms such as, ‘Sometimes it was difficult to tell what was happening, I would have preferred a clearer storyline.’ I agree with this and feel that if we had more time, could improve on this by portraying Daryl more as a guardian. However we found it difficult to find a balance between a clear plot and surprise. ‘The shot of
6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
During our production I feel that we have learnt invaluable information and techniques. In pre-production we used Blogger – something I had never used before - to post our research. I learnt how to publish a post and embed videos, images, text and prezi’s onto our blog. Also I learnt was how to use Celtx, in which I wrote outour script in a professional way, using specific formats required such as:
sluglines(scene headings),
Dialogue:
Characters' names:
We used a DV Camera to achieve a high quality, professional and clear recording. From constructing this product we also learnt not to use zoom or pan too much or too quickly as it looks unprofessional and if not done correctly can lead to a low quality product. We learnt that a tripod provided us with a steady, balanced shot. This was vital as we wanted a steady, professional shoot.
However, we filmed without the tripod on several occasions, as it offered uncertainty and unbalance. We used both methods, providing different strengths from both.
In post-production we used Final Cut Express for the first time, which allowed us to: create a sound bridge, in order to carry the sound onto another shot, change the colouring of a shot, through doubling clips and using composite mode, where we changed the settings to multiply and opacity to 78. This allowed us to darken the scene outside to create a dark, spooky alleyway. Moreover, our decision to plan our shots before shooting them, prevented any continuity errors, so in editing we were able to maximise our time.
Successes of our product came from the title sequence. Using Final Cut Express we were able to create title font that was subtle and unusual. Moreover, we created smooth cross-fades’ in order to subtly swap from different between different shots, allowing us to demonstrate passage of time.
We did experience difficulties throughout of production, such as Blogger, that frequently crashed and refused to publish posts. Moreover, it was difficult to obey the 180 degree rule, when we were restricted to small areas. However, we over came this by shooting certain shots handheld, in order to obey the rule and shoot from the desired angle.
7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do youfeel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Looking back, we came to understand the importance of detailed planning and research, both of which were undertaken minimally in our preliminary task. From researching our specific genres and the guidelines when certificating the film, we were able to produce something that would appeal to the audience we had chosen. I feel that we were a lot more organised when shooting our first 2 minutes,rather than our preliminary, as we didn’t have a fixed shot list
or storyboard
so we kept altering our ideas, which confused us.
Compared to our preliminary task, we used more diversity in our choice of shots. We used techniques we learnt in our preliminary task such as match on actions, medium shots and close up shots – which we have clearly improved on – as well as new methods such as low angled, crabbing and long shots.
Preliminary:
Our Film:
The diversity that we demonstrated shows how comfortable we have become whilst shooting. In this sense I feel we have progressed vastly, and given further specialised equipment, such as a crane, we could be even more courageous in our filming.
However, the preliminary task we undertook provided us with invaluable experience and knowledge. Once we began shooting our first two minutes, we were already aware of guidelines such as the 180 degree rule, continuity editing, etc.
Moreover,our preliminary task made us aware of subtle mistakes such as someone’s ID badge facing the front one moment, then not the next, which encouraged us to be more careful.
I feel that we have learnt invaluable knowledge in our transition from our preliminary task to our full product. We were able to develop from this and use our knowledge of the best quality shots and our careful planning in order to make a smooth transition and produce a good quality product.
