RAAH Productions
Welcome to the blog
This is the blog for RAAH Productions, here our group consisting of amber, holly, aimee and rosie blogs what we do on each date towards our coursework
Friday, 17 December 2010
Answered Questions from Brief
- In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
It has similar features to a real media production as we have used similar equipment to create it such as Camera Tripods, Tracking Dolly, Clapper boards, Tascam and other materials. We also used an editing software; Adobe Premiere Elements.
Our production uses similar conventions of thriller, by using a powerful scream to signify the discovery of our murder victim. Another thriller that uses this convention is "Dead Silence- James Wan".
Another convention that we used was to root our plot to an original idea, in our case we used 'Cluedo' a popular board game, an example of a film that used the same convention was 'Se7en- David Fincher' They used the 7 deadly sins as their original idea and plot. Another convention used in our film is to show the murder and murderer at the begginning of the film, a film that uses this similar technique is "Sunset Boulevard", this style of conventions is Enigmatic,this makes our film mysterious and unusual.
Another convention we used in our film was the bright red lipstick worn by our main charcacter this is to attract the audiences attention and to keep "scarlett" as the focus.Another film that uses a similar conventions with the lipstick to make a statement is "Black Narcissus-Michael Powell "
Our production uses similar conventions of thriller, by using a powerful scream to signify the discovery of our murder victim. Another thriller that uses this convention is "Dead Silence- James Wan".
Another convention that we used was to root our plot to an original idea, in our case we used 'Cluedo' a popular board game, an example of a film that used the same convention was 'Se7en- David Fincher' They used the 7 deadly sins as their original idea and plot. Another convention used in our film is to show the murder and murderer at the begginning of the film, a film that uses this similar technique is "Sunset Boulevard", this style of conventions is Enigmatic,this makes our film mysterious and unusual.
Another convention we used in our film was the bright red lipstick worn by our main charcacter this is to attract the audiences attention and to keep "scarlett" as the focus.Another film that uses a similar conventions with the lipstick to make a statement is "Black Narcissus-Michael Powell "
- How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Within our production we are trying to represent the upper/middle class. We have shown this in different ways, one example of this is costumes ,we used suits and evening dresses to emphasises the importance of class. We have also shown this by using props such as glasses filled with "champagne" which signifies the class of the characters. One aspect of our film that did not represent the class of our characters successfully was the location, this was because we could not find a large/ grande house,this was an issue when filming however we overcame this issue by using the school building and creating an office party instead.
- What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
We think that ‘Paramount Pictures’ would create/consider our film as ‘Paramount Pictures’ make a variety of different films, including mystery and thriller, some examples are ‘Crime and Punishment’ and ‘Area 51’. We also think that to promote our film to its best ability 'Paramount Pictures' would be the most suitable.
When distributing our film we would use Dvd and Televison Exhibition and Cinema Exhibition. We would do this to maximise the interest in our film. It would also be easier to reach more of our target audience. We would use the BBFC to rate our film and provide us with the correct Certificate
We would also sell our film in HMV as its aimed as film lovers, we would not sell them in supermarket as its not a mainstream film but aimed at a smaller market.
When distributing our film we would use Dvd and Televison Exhibition and Cinema Exhibition. We would do this to maximise the interest in our film. It would also be easier to reach more of our target audience. We would use the BBFC to rate our film and provide us with the correct Certificate
We would also sell our film in HMV as its aimed as film lovers, we would not sell them in supermarket as its not a mainstream film but aimed at a smaller market.
- Who would be the audience for your media product?
The audience for our media product would be teenagers and adults, our film would also be aimed at those who like thrillers and also those who take a high interest in unusual film styles. This is because our film is designed to make the audience think, as it is enigmatic and mysterious.
Our film is not aimed at a mainstream audience this is because it is a unusual filming style by showing the end of the film at the begginning then flashing back to show you why the murder occurs.
Our film is not aimed at a mainstream audience this is because it is a unusual filming style by showing the end of the film at the begginning then flashing back to show you why the murder occurs.
- How did you attract/address your audience?
There are many ways to entince the audience into our film, this can consist of the shots, the plot and props. Some shots that are used are enigma shots, this is also similar to the plot as we do not reveal everything. Also, a character, Scarlett, who is seen as a glamorous alluring woman. Men feel attracted to this and women want to aspire to her as her elegance and her appearance will get her what she desires. With Scarlett looking elegant the audience could make the assumption that she has a luxiurious lifestyle, again this makes the female part of the audience desire her.
- What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this project?
During this project we have learnt how to use different equipment and software. Within filming we had to use a camera, tripod, tascam and clapperboard. We learnt how to use the camera, delete the shots and transfer the clips to the computer, with the tascam we were able to pick up on sound and interference, this allowed us to let the director know when it was appropriate to start rolling. Also, while editing we learnt how to use the tools on Adobe Premiere Elements 8.0, this consisted of syncing sound (from the tascam), cutting, splitting and dissolving. Using these techniques we were able to create our film sequence.
- Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product? This should be addressed by each individual member as part of the group’s presentation.
Rosie – I think I have learnt and experimented with more than a few angles/shots to use. For example, I have become more confident with expanding the shot variety just to test to see if the scene looks better even if we were not going to use it.
Amber – I think I have learnt to use a Tascam more effectively and also I have learnt to make better decisions in editing and how to use new software. I have also learnt I need to be more authoritive and confident when directing cast and crew.
Holly – During the time in between the two tasks I have learnt how to use a Tascam effectively. I also have learnt how to fill out sound sheets. By putting my opinion across I have learnt how to be more authoritive when working within a group and on set.
Amiee – Throughout the tasks I have learnt sound recording skills, and also how to document them. I have learnt some skills about editing so I am now able to do it independently.
Questionaires
We showed our film to 5 volunteers then asked them to fill in a simple questions heres what they said .
Our Evaluations
Amber-Rose Hocking
Evaluation
During the film production process we all worked together as a group for things such as pre-production, combining our ideas and using all our opinions to decide things such as the location and our basic ideas about cast and characters and the roles we would take during filming.
The roles performed individually were that of director and editor. During my role as director I supervised the actors and made sure they understood what shot we were filming and where they needed to be etc. I also was working closely with our camera operator Rosalyn on decided what shots were good quality and deciding if we should change the angle to get the best quality shot. I also worked closely with our sound operators to ensure that there was no one talking on set or any other interruption from anyone else who was on the set. The things I did well during filming was I was able to communicate clearly between the cast and crew and explain to them clearly about what I wanted them to do. If I was to adopt the role of director again in future I would be more assertive as there were some moments when the cast and crew weren’t listening and as we had a time limit we needed everyone to be more alert and to get things done quickly and precisely.
When I was editing “Bisous Rouge” I found it a challenging but exciting experience, whilst editing the film I had to choose which clips we were going to use and at what points we were going to cut the clips. During editing myself and the rest of the group decided that we would have to leave a lot of our clips that we recorded out of our opening sequence as the time would be over 2.00-2.30 minutes long, we decided we would end our clip at Miss Scarlet scream as this is an iconic point in the film. The problems I faced when editing was cutting the clips to short which made the scene short and jumpy, to solve this problem I had to lengthen the clips which made the film play at a steadier speed. If I was to edit in future I would try to use more transitions, I would also like to have experimented using different audio to see what different feel it would give to the style of our film.
Overall I found this experience a positive one if I could make any changes to our film I would use a different location other than the school, as I feel this did not show the true style of our film.
Holly Dobson
Evaluation
For the media studies coursework I had to work within a group consisting of myself, Aimee Kerr, Rosalyn Fenton and Amber-Rose Hocking. In this evaluation I am going to state the amount of work I did to participate with the coursework and project. First of all I would like to state that during both continuity task and main task I posted many of the posts on the blog via www.blogger.com posts included the work from everyone within the group. For some of the posts on the blog I had to use the scanner to scan paperwork into the computer and post them on the blog to show things such as storyboards and scripts.
When filming the main task (film title sequence). I participated with this by recording the sound; this included recording the atmos sound (clanging of glasses, people laughing etc.) I didn’t have to record any dialogue because it wasn’t included within our film sequence.
When editing, our whole group participated. I personally gave suggestions about what to edit. For example there was a part of the film sequence that looked as if it repeated so we cut part of the film out.
If I where to do the project again the things I would do differently where to experience different roles to further my ability.
In conclusion I think I have shown my ability very well to plan and construct a film title sequence and continuity using creative skills. I also think I have shown an understanding of the coursework. Overall I think over the period of completing this coursework I have developed skills in contemporary media technologies.
Rosalyn Fenton
Evaluation
Within this project the majority of work was done in pairs or as a whole group .i.e. helping to set up a scene. For example the party scene in ‘Bisous Rouges’ with the birthday and party decorations, some of which props I brought in from home. Also that ‘Scarlett’s’ red dress costume which was also from home. However, we did do some work individually, for instance filming for continuity and main task. Within filming I experimented with different types of shots, for example, panning, tilt and two shot and different equipment; tripod, tracking dolly and free hand. I made sure that the composition was accurate and that anything that was inappropriate or misplaced in shot was moved away to continue filming or that if the shot was ruined by background activity it was re-shot and noted down, and that the camera was charged and kept with the equipment safely. Lastly, I put in some ideas that were considered and some used, for example the close up of Scarlett’s lips was tested in different ways, such as from a side angle so some background was in view and hand held, as the shot was quite difficult to do instead I used the tripod from a short distance, so I could see from the tip of her head to her shoulders (medium shot) after the clapperboard I zoomed in and adjusted the shot then ‘action’ was called. However, to improve I would be more authoritive with people that weren’t on set as we could have got the scene done a lot quicker and that I re-check the shot every time after shooting it.
Amiee Kerr
Evaluation
Throughout the filming project we worked both in groups and in pairs, I also did some individual work, for example I was working on the backing sound for the party scene. These sounds were created by clanging glasses together, people laughing and general and general atmos sound. However theses sounds were not used as they were to quiet over the party music and didn’t sound realistic as in the film clips, none of the characters were moving the glasses or laughing.
Secondly I acted in one of the scenes in the film, Playing Mrs Peacock. Mrs Peacock witnessed the murder in the storyline was shocked by her discovery then fled the scene.
Thirdly I helped create the blog which we up dated regularly to show our progress such as scanning in the storyboards and scripts for our productions.
Finally I feel I have achieved the skills for sound recording and sound assisting so that I am able to further my ability independently during our next production. If I was to do sound again I would make clearer and more realistic atmospheric sounds.
To improve I would in the future take part in editing to learn to create the film, and I would like to be more involved within the post production and be more authoritive.
Another role I would wish to do during production of the film would be camera operator as I feel doing different jobs such as this would help me further my skills and would advance my ability in other areas.
Atmos Sound
Holly and Aimee created the atmos sound by using different instruments such as glasses and the use of other people to make it sound busy.
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