Evaluation Question 4 - how did you use new media technologies in the different stages?

How did I use new technologies in the different stages within the coursework? on Prezi

Evaluation Question 3 - What have you learnt from your audience feedback?

Audience Feedback on Prezi

Evaluation Question 2 - How effective is the combination of your main ancillary tasks?

How effective is the combination of my main task and ancillary tasks? on Prezi

Evaluation Question 1 -In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Print Work on Prezi

Print Work 2 on Prezi

Trailer on Prezi

Trailer

Film Poster

Above is my finished and constructed version of my film poster, I believe it to be effective and applicable to the genre I am trying to represent. For the use of cinematography within the poster, I tried to go with a varied amount of camera shots and distances with my models; ranging from close up to long shot. I changed the image I was going to use due to the original image (flat plan) leaving too much dead space and not really expressing the mood I wanted to portray with my poster, so I took a variety of shots of my models in various poses, to add more activity to the poster, while showing some of the confusion within the film. With the images I wanted something that was expressive of my genre, so I tried to get my models/characters in foreboding or expressive poses that showcases my horror/thriller genre, this was done with the use of facial expressions, clothing (hood) and body language. With the image I also wanted to do some adjustments on photoshop to add to the feeling of the genre, so again like I did with the magazine I played around with the adjustments; this time brightening some of the colour and increasing the contrast minutely to make the images stand out more, but also using the filter; dark stroke, on the image to give a depressing dark impression to the images. With the text I stuck to my flat plans plan as much as possible, using a large red font as my title, this had the bonus of standing out, but also has negative connotations, when you consider the colour red. The font for my title was something I gained from dafont.com when looking in distorted classification, the use of such a font meant not only did the colour express something but the font itself showed the genre of the film. With all the text I used a variety of fonts, for the text that was not to be a focal point I used a less characterized font, so as to be less noticeable, but still be seen as it is white on a black background. With the layout, I tried to make the product look as professional as possible by looking at other pieces of work such as Eden Lake and trying to use that as a template, this would mean that the audience would be more responsive to the poster. Like my flat plan I included a review, so as to remain professional, but also get the audience more interested, as it is one persons view on the film.

Magazine Front Cover

Above is the constructed version of my magazine front cover, I tried to keep the cover as close to my previously planned flat plan as possible, yet still made some changes here and there. With the type of shot and shot distance, I didn't stick to what I had previously planned, as I found that a mid shot of my models head was not appropriate for a film magazine and did not appropriately display the thriller/horror genre I was trying to portray, this was due to the fact that it was too reminiscent of a happy chatty sort of magazine. With the actual image, I wanted an image that stood out, so with the use of photoshop I used a dark strokes filter, to give it a more roughed out appearance, which would be more appropriate to a horror film, while I used image adjustments, to leach some of the colour out of the image and brighten the little that was left. The text font was something I put into contrast with other magazines, as I found that all fonts, were reminiscent of the genre they were portraying or linked in with the image itself. So to continue on this trend, I found text that i deemed applicable to the cover on dafont.com. With the header I wanted something that stood out, so I constructed it so that it dominated the top of the page in bold red colour, which would attract the audiences attention and draw them into reading the magazine, also the colour red has negative connotations, such as blood and death which link in with my genre. The colour scheme itself was inspired by other film magazines, as they seemed to go for colours which were quite basic, yet stood out, so I tried to do a similair thing, with the use of red, blue, black and white, with the use of these colours also signifying a sense of patrionism in the reader as it is a british magazine and three of those colours are on the british flag, which my make the reader more indeared to the magazine and more likely to read it and buy it. With the layout and items on the page I wanted something that was busy yet not overbearing and also very reminescent of any other film magazine, so I set it out with special offers and incentives, so as to appear realistic and attract an audience to it, also my audience of a younger generation would probably be very endeared to the idea, as they would get more for there money.

Model Release Forms

Examples of Model Release Forms -

To use actors within my trailer and be able to show the footage I had to get their written permission for its use, here are some examples -

First cut of Trailer (Without music)

Shots from Magazine shoot

Some shots from the Magazine shoot -

-Good Lighting

- Applicable to the genre and storyline of the film

- Good shot distance

- Dosen't show some amount sophistication

- Good lighting of models

- Nice shot distance for potrait magazine image

- Good picture to manipulate with effects

- Good lighting

- Slightly blurred at edges

- Good close-up, could be used in contrast to usual shot for film magazine, gaining the audiences attention

- Good contrast in lighting, brightness may want to be reduced

- Applicable to the storyline, as being trapped is within the storyline

- May not be good for potrait magazine, as the image is a landscape one

- Nice shot distance

- Good lighting, slightly blurred

- May not be suited to film magazine

Shooting Schedule

For the shooting schedule I didn't include time codes because I was still playing with the idea of mixing up the chronological order. While the dates I was unsure about, due to the actors other involvements, but, while the filming was spread out over a two week period within late october.

Skills Development

Teeside University trip (Skills Workshop) -



Upon arriving at Teeside University we were taken to a room, were we were given the chance to look at the technical workings of some sophisticated cameras, such as looking at the focus and white balance and how to adjust them to be suited to the setting needed. The lecture was great in developing my knowledge and skills with camera's as it allowed me to have some hands on experience, by allowing us to do it all ourselves. After being shown how to work the camera we were given a chance to work in pairs and use the camera to develop a variety of shots highlighting the Teeside campus and adjusting the camera's settings manually to get some good shots with optimum settings. After this we uploaded the clips to final cut pro and edited them together to produce a small clip, with some music placed into the background, this gave me the chance to use final cut and gain some experience with the software, as we would be using that to construct our own trailer in the end. At the end we were given clips from the film Gladiator and asked to piece them together to construct a trailer, this gave me more experience with final cut, such as putting sound files underneath clips so that the sounds can be heard while clips play over the top of them, also it gave me a chance at looking what the narrative of a trailer would be better as, such as how to start the trailer of and how to hook the viewer. I also gained some experience with the tools within final cut, such as the knife tool, which i used to cut clips to the size I wanted, or to get the clip I wanted.

*Images wont upload, so needs trying at home.

Skills Development Promo -

In preparation of making a trailer, we were instructed to construct a promo for Media Studies, using a variety of shots to tell people of the benefits of the subject and why they might enjoy the subject. This activity allowed me to learn some skill with Final Cut Express the software in which we used to construct the promo, this involved using tools like the knife tool to cut scenes to the size that I wished and overlaying scenes so that you could hear certain sounds but you couldn't see were they were coming from.

Skills Development Promo 2 -

Costume

For my costume choices, before going and looking for my desired clothes I decided that I would design some different variations on paper, so as to gain a better perspective of what I would be looking for. To this I drew some basic model outlines and the different clothes that I would like to see on my models/characters in. The clothes here; are just a few idea's of what the characters could be wearing for the trailer and could be changed on the day, due to practicality on the day and whether the costume actually suits the mood.

Scans of Pictures -

Party Outfit -

This outfit was inspired by my own clothes as I think the use of skinny jeans and a chequred shirt in something that is very fashionable with the youth at the moment and would therefore portray someone of a younger age. Also the clothes have a very edgy party look to them, because they are something which you could picture the actor dancing and socialising in, due to the fact that they are very fanciful looking they portray something that people would picture being worn for a night out. These clothes also have the benefit of creating the impression of popularity, as people who are popular are usually well dressed. I will be providing the clothes.

Trapped/Normal Clothes -

I thought of these clothes for the scenes were my character is trapped in the room, as the clothes have the benefit of imposing the idea of vulnerablity, due to the fact they are without any accessories and the colour is very neural, meaning that the audiences attention isn't drawn to them, but their attention is more drawn to the character. I already have these clothes and will be providing them for the shoot.

Party Outfit -

This outfit was very basic in construction, due to it's basic appearance it imposes the idea of something that would be worn in the evening or at a party, therefore showing that the character will be at a party. The clothes also give the impression of belonging to someone who is fashionable and popular but aren't over bearing, placing the character in any specific social group, so it has the bonus of appealing to many different groups. A friend own these clothes and will try and provide them.

Casual Outfit -

This outfit again is another basic outfit, which does not push the idea of any particular social group and was inspired by a friends own outfit, so is drawn from reality. The clothes give the impression of a casual sense, with the coat adding a sense of realism. A friend shall be providing the clothes for this outfit.

Outdoor Outfit -

The idea behind this outfit was a blend of fashion seen today and what I thought would impose a mysterious edge to the character, for example the use of a hooded black jacket, imposes the idea to the audience that the character is trying to hide something, making the scenes with it in more tensional. Also the colour of black has negative connotations, which will enforce an idea of mystery and violence. The idea of the hood was my main thought for this outfit as I didn't want the audience to necessarily know who the character was and therefore I wanted to keep them guessing. The idea will be provided by myself and a friend.

Casual Outfit -

This outfit is to be used in only a few shots and will play on the idea of clothes that would be worn at home, but I also wanted to impose the idea of desperation within the outfit, due to this characters act within the trailer. I think the use of clothes that look like they have been worn to bed, gives the impression that this character is distracted and there mind is somewhere else, adding to the crazed undercurrent within the scenes it will be used. The colours are very neutral and do not draw any unnecessary attention and make the characters reactions and expression more of a focal point within the shot.

Script

For the lines, I will expect the actors to talk in a clear, understandable and believable dialect, the accent of the actors, will most likely be reminescent of the setting, therefore a northern english accent. As to the amount of text present within my script, it is based on the fact that my trailer is made up of more fast moving shots, so as to heighten the tension within the trailer. The content of the script is mainly done so as to have the bare nessecities needed to create tension and suggest the storyline to the viewer. On the day of filming, if I decide to change the script or add more, due to personal preference, I will be posting a updated version.

Voice Overs -

I have decided that I would also like to use voiceovers in some scenes to add more of a story to my trailer, due to its short length, not a lot of shots can be shown, therefore some sense to the narrative will be brought along by the use of voiceovers through out the trailer. The use of voiceovers in some parts, such as the title sequence at the end will also be a chance for me to inject a bit more tension or more of a thrill to the trailer, which will be something the audience will remember and possibly make them more desperate to see the full film, which is therefore the purpose of a trailer.

Call Sheets

Example of Call Sheet -


Models ( * = Call Sheet Constructed) -

Stephanie Pattison *
Bryony Killey Scaife *
Jess Godkin *
Daniel Horsfield *
Aaron Horsfield *
Dajana Plona *
Eddie Horsfield *

Example's of constructed Call Sheet -

Photoshoot Plans

Magazine and Poster -

Studio, Plan -

Rationale -

I have chosen to place my model in front of a plain white background so as to produce a more highly lighted picture, but while also allowing me to easily edit the background later on; because of the use of one singular colour. The two lights to either side of the model will light the model in a more high key light and therefore working with the idea of a fresher picture, while the lights may possibly be dimmed so as to give more of a dramatic effect on shadow which could be more directly applied to my genre of horror. The camera will be allowed to work in a 180 degree angle so as to get a variety of pictures from different angles; which I can later select the best from.

Bedroom, Plan -

I have chosen to place my model in front of the door the bedroom as it will supply the best lighting and is applicable to my genre, as it will potray the fact that my character is trapped within the room. Lighting will be provided by a window and light within the room, so as to the control the shot my throughly. The camera will mainly stay were it is, taking pictures from its position, but allowing the model to try different poses. The lighting within the shot will most likely set to a low key setting so as to provide a more eerie feeling to the shots.

Reece

Reece of location for the Trailer -

Forest -

Rationale -

The location of a forest is ideal for my trailer, as it corresponds to a key scene within my trailer which takes place within a forest. Also a forest applies my genre, as it appears to have negative connotations, by how dreary and isolated a person would feel in there. The lighting within the forest will be very shadowed, so therefore again being applicable to the negative vibes of my genre; which horror and thriller. The location is also away from the public meaning that, it will be safe to shoot and no one who wouldn't like to be shot will be seen within the film. This set will be used later on in the shooting of the trailer, as the scenes taking part here are later in the trailer and also it will need a bit more prepariation and planning.

Street/Road -


Rationale -

The location is to be used in a key scene within my trailer, therefore this location is very applicable to my storyline. The location also has a vast open space, which could be ideal as it may represent the isolation of a particular character, while also a driving scene could come into play. The lighting in this shot will be very natrual and open, meaning that it will represent an everyday life and could therefore increase the tension in the audience as the storyline could happen to them. The location is in a public area, so filming will have to be careful, but from my own experience I know it to not be busy. This location will be used mid way through the shoot for a couple scenes, with the added use of a car and possibly some constructed special effects, the feeling behind this shoot will be that of desperation.

Garden and Front Garden/Front door -

Rationale -

This location's again are appropriate as a garden will feature within my trailer and so will a front door at the start and therefore it is following my storyline. The area are very light open, which is something which could be used as a contrast to the negative feeling of the storyline; making the trailer more realistic. The lighting as mentioned is very light, open and natrual meaning that like the street area, it can be used as a comparison to the everyday life. The areas are away from the public and totally accesible to myself and actors. This location will also be used mid way through the shoot, for one key scene, the effect will be a contrasting feeling to the genre of the film, giving it a more surreal feeling.

Living Room/Party Room -

Rationale -

The location is a possible one, as a party will feature within my trailer and the living room, could be used as a possible space to represent it. The area is very enclosed and personal, with the added use of blinds and curtains to the darken the room, so as to give the room a party vibe. The lighting of the room has both use of natrual and fake lighting, with the added use of dimmer switches, meaning lighting is greatly controllable. The area is away from the public, meaning it would be an appropriate spot. These location will be used early on in the film shoot, as it provides the introduction to the film, the feeling and the emotion at this point will be that of a relaxed party vibe.

Hallway/ Landing -


Rationale -

The location is appropriate to my trailer, as a closed space with a door features in my plans, meaning that this space would be ideal. The lighting of this spot, is mainly fake due to the enclosed quaters it means that very little natrual light gets in, which could be a benefit, as it could represent the negative feeling within the trailer. The area is again away from the public, so is appropriate. This location will be used at the very end of the shoot, to provide a eerie and thrilling cliff hanger to the trailer.

Bedroom -


Rationale -

This area is ideal as a bedroom is highly featured within my trailer, meaning that this being my own would be totally under my control. The dark colours which feature within the room would be great as they could create the dark negative feeling of the characters emotions in the scenes within the room. The lighting is both natrual and fake, meaning it is controllable. The space is away from the puble and therefore more usable. Most of the shots within this trailer, will take part within this room, as it is the key location of the film, it will be used to provide the feeling of isolation and claustrophobia.

Reece of location for Poster and Magazine Cover -


I believe this location to be ideal for a location within some of my shots in the magazine and poster, firstly due to the fact that it provides a plain white background which is key to my magazine and poster as I will be able to control the colour of it through editing, while also adding more effects or objects in the background with more ease. The studio is also ideal as it provides key lighting to either side of the background, which will provide a high key image; perfect for the front cover of my magazine and the enviroment of the location is completley controllable by me as the director which may not be applicable factor within out-door locations. This location is also away from the public meaning their will be no distrubance to them or the shoot, meaning a more easyily done photo shoot and better pictures.

Risk Assessment's -

Project Title - Trailer/Bereft

Filming Date - 18/9/10

Forest -

Location - Forest

Producer - Aaron Horsfield

Hazards -

- Animals/Insects

- Slipping, tripping, falling

- Weather

Hazard 1 -

What could cause harm? - Animals within forest

Likelihood of this happening? Unlikely

How much harm? Slight

How will the risk be managed? Control

Hazard 2 - Slipping, tripping, falling

What could cause harm? Muddy hills, branches and ditches

What is the likelihood of this happening? Possible

How much harm? Not much

How will the risk be managed? Control

Hazard 3 - Weather

What could cause harm? Lightining

What is the likelihood of this happening? Very Unlikely

How much harm? A lot

How will this risk be managed? Control

Street/ Road -

Location - Street/Road

Hazards -

- Audience/ Public

- Roads

- Vehicles

Hazard 1 - Audience/ Public

What could cause harm? People

What is the likelihood of this happening? Unlikely

How much harm? Depends on control

How will this risk be managed? Control

Hazard 2 + 3 - Roads and Vehicles

What could cause harm? Vehicles

What is the likelihood of this happening? Unlikely

How much harm? Depends on control

How will this risk be managed? Control

Garden -

Hazards -

- Heights

- Weather

Hazard 1 - Heights

What could cause harm? Steps

What is the likelihood of this happening? Unlikely

How much harm? Slight

How will this risk be managed? Control

Hazard 2 - Weather

What could cause harm? Lightining

What is the likelihood of this happening? Very unlikely

How much harm? A lot

How will this risk be managed? Control

Living Room/Hallway/Landing/Bedroom -

Location - Living Room

Hazards -

- Electricity

- Fire/ Flammable material

Hazard 1 - Electricity

What could cause harm? Electrical items

What is the likelihood of this happening? Unlikely

How much harm? Considerate

How will this risk be managed? Control

Hazard 2 - Fire

What could cause harm? Electrical items

What is the likelihood of this happening? Very Unlikely

How much harm? Considerate

How will this be managed? Control

Animatic

(Please excuse the final clip, as it is not my own)

Flatplans

Magazine Front Cover -

Rationale -

With my magazine front cover flatplan I have chosen to use a mid shot of my model(s) so as to get the image to the audiences attention and then draw them in. I decided to use a large bold text for the title of the magazine, because this would stand out more than a smaller finer font, therefore grabbing the audiences attention. I have chosen the text to be red due to its negative connotations and its application to my genre, but it also contrasted appealingly and fit in well with my image, this would attract the reader, but also inform them of some hidden horror connotations. I have used a pull out quote from an interview with my character, so as to attract the audience and to act as an incentive to read the magazine. Finally I also included some sneak peak images at the bottom of the page, so as to add some more activity to the page, while also like the pull quote acting as an incentive to read on.

Poster -

Rationale -

For my poster I decided on using a long shot of my character sat in front of door, so as to potray the isolation and negative emotions within the shot, therefore reflecting the genre and the story line of my trailer and informing the audience of this. I placed the shot to the left of the poster, as this would mean that it would be seen as a focal point, due to the fact that we read from left to right, meaning the image would more than likely be seen first. The image is faded so as to portray the dull, negative emotions of the film through the colour and tone. I decided again to use a large bold red text, because again, it grabs peoples attention, but also the colour acts as a portrayal of the genre. I used a quote from my invented magazine so as to combine the two, while also the positive criticism of the film would act an incentive for people to go and watch the film. I also included my logo's in the poster, because the audience usually like to know that this is a professional film, so by being there on the poster, they act as an incentive to watch the film. I set my poster out in this way, due to the fact that many other posters, such as Eden Lake have a similar layout and its therefore unconciously informs the reader that this is a film poster.

Storyboard

Institutional Logos

(For my institutional logo's I constructed multiple variations, so as to have a variety to later choose from)

From the variations I constructed here I am leaning more towards the logo's of "Proposal Studio", "Heresey" and "Keyhole Production", as they all seen to project a certain sophistication, while ones like "Heresey" also fit the genre of film, as it is very spooky looking and therefore applies to horror. The logo's will feature at the start of the film, with about a few seconds to each logo, while they will also feature on the poster, so as to give the film more credibility.

Some Finished Logo's -

With these logo designs I played with a variety of images and texts from dafont.com to get a sophisticated professional looking product. While these products are not identical my original plans, when constructing the logo's I found that I liked different styles or wanted the logo to have different names, but all in all I did try to stick to my original plans. I would like to use these logo's for my final trailer, due to their sophisticated and creative appearance. I could possibly see animating some of them to possibly have a certain aspect of the logo move.