Continuity Task

In class yesterday I had a little play with the new cameras that we will be using for our filming project. These cameras are really versatile and are a really good piece of equipment, most of us came across some technical problems which was that the sound didn't work. I think this was because the sound settings were not set up right on most of the cameras or we were just poor camera men/women.

But this has given us some practice with the cameras and now we can learn from our mistakes with them.
We were given a storyboard to use and then had to recreate it as best we can and to our imagination. This gave us practice in being able to create a movie from a storyboard.

Evaluation - Technologies Used

Blogger:

I had never used Bllogger before taking this course, I had never even heard of it to be honest. But I have found that this website is very useful of keeping track of your work and receiving homework, I prefer receiving homework this way as opposed to the more conventional way in class.

Youtube:

I have used youtube before in the past loads of times. But then again everyone has youtube and there isn't anything new to me since being on this course. But I have found this website to be very useful with this work, uploading our videos to this site helped us in receiving feedback and able to view our work from wherever we are.

Final Cut Express:

Final Cut is very new to me, I have used a film editing software before but Final Cut is a bit more powerful. I have learnt loads of techniques and transitions to make my movies look better. At first I was worried about editing and cutting but as soon as I got used to it I became very comfortable with it. It's very easy and versatile.

Adobe After Effects:

I started using this program a few days before we learnt it in class. I only learnt the basics and a few effects, then in class our teacher had taught us a few more effects and techniques. Then at home I was learning some more advanced stuff and this helped me in making my movie sequence.

Equipment:

I have used all of this equipment before, some of what we was using is slightly more advanced compared to other cameras and video cameras that I have used. Since being on this course I have expanded my knowledge and camera techniques.

Evaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? (i.e. of film openings):

I think that in my opening sequence I have used the convetional way as to which superhero movies start out. Alot of superhero action movies start of with a past of the hero, showing how he got to how he is or what he is. Makes you feel more for the character adds emotion to the movie and is a what to trap you in the movie right from the very beginning.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?:

My opening sequence represents the "family" social group. A group that is intent on securing eachothers safety and looking after eachother. The dad is traditional in his love for his family and insists they escape out of the house first. Putting his own life at possible risk to save theirs.

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

A big hollywood company looking to create an action packed superhero movie full of special effects.

Who would be the audience for your media product?:

The target audience for my movie would be males from the ages of 14 - 40. generally the sort of person who goes to a cinema to watch a superhero action movie would be males, because at times this genre can be cheesy and only males can not see the cheesyness of this genre.

How did you attract/address your audience?:

The emotions that are captured in the opening sequence are a mixture. We have love , compassion, fear, distraught, confusion and worry. These are a good mix of emotions to keep the audience entertained and attracted to the movie. Also after having seen how the hero got to how he is, peoplen would be interested to stay in the movie to see how his life turns out.

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

My skills in Final Cut Express have improved and in a way I feel like I have outgrown this software and would like to move onto another program such as Vegas in my spare time. I have learnt alot about the program Adobe After Effects, I had learnt some stuff prior to this project and having done this helped me with my project and also allowed me to be able to help anyone else in class needing assistance. There is still much I could learn with this program.

Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product? :

I have learnt that it is really easy to make stupid little errors in filming, such little minor detail and timing can easily crush your movie and make it look really surreal. After having done my continuity exercise I had learnt some of the mistakes that I had made and I didn't do the same mistakes in my main project. Such mistakes as props not being there in the next shot or timing with a hand opening the door.
I'm really glad that we had done a continuity exercise this really helped me get to grips with filming.

Evaluation - Social Groups And Characters

There are not any particular spcial groups in my opening sequence that are divulged as of yet. The main Character is meant to be a superhero but in his own way. He is like a vigilante just like the Batman and a criminal in a way just like the punisher is. He seeks to fight crime and evil in a way that is not upholded by the law, he is the law.

I found it hard trying to find some other characters that resemble my main character.
Seth Green from Buffy The Vampire Slayer, I chose him because he has some similaritys to my character by looks and somewhat his attitude, he is laid back and seems to let the world float by.

I also chose The Punisher for psychology traits, The Punisher is a vigilante, a criminal but above all a hero, and this is what my character is.

Evaluation - 9 Frames Of Our Film Sequence