Final thoughts

Overall I am happy with how this project turned out. I am satisfied with our final product and the work I have accomplished together with my group.

Evaluation question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in progression from it to the final product?

Though this long process I feel as though I have learned quite a lot.

When we first started filming we didn't have a lot of communication   and we found it difficult to set up but as we progressed we found that we came together more in order to complete our task. By the end of the final video I became confident in my ability to produce a video and grew more confident directing people and making sure that my group members were on task. 

We came up with the idea of trying out different shots and experimenting. It was hard at first to produce what we actually wanted and it didn't come out how we were expecting but this was valuable knowledge and experience that we gained for our final opening. The editing was also basic because this was the first time our editor learned how to edit. I had help out and get involved because I have edited before and knew how to edit.

The final cut of our opening sequence was much improved compared to our preliminary task. This is due to the fact that it was more of a collective effort and because of group cohesion. I think I did well in bringing the group together and encouraging communications, this way we were able to discuss more and generate more ideas. 

When it came to filming we knew what we were doing could direct people in an effective manner. As producer I had to make sure the group was sticking to the right time frames and filming the right stuff. Meeting the deadlines is crucial and we managed to complete the film on time. 

Editing was a long process but this was good because it meant that we were doing it properly in contrast to the rushed editing of the preliminary task. Because we spent more time we were able to put together more possibilities and try out more things. I played around with different transitions, shots and sequence timings. With the input and help of the rest of the group we put together a final sequence that we were all satisfied with.

  

Evaluation question 6

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

The technologies that I used were: Blogger, Adobe premier pro, Adobe after effects, The production kit, YouTube and The internet. 

Blogger

The first thing I had to do was learn how to use Blogger. Blogger is easy to get to grips with but it can be frustrating at times, fortunately I like everyone else got used to it and learned how to embed things and upload images and videos from you tube. Blogger became an essential tool as this is where all our coursework is put up.

Adobe Premier Pro

Adobe premier pro is the main editing software that I used. It was easy to learn as i had past experience with  final cut pro. choosing the right footage and cutting the length was a long process and as time went on i grew more efficient at it and improved the quality of the cut. i also had to learn how to colour correct and add the title sequence transitions. the sound was also difficult to time with the clip but experimenting eventually paid off and now the soundtrack fits in with the footage.

Adobe After Effects

This software was hard to learn and use, I had to get a tutorial from the teacher as I had never used it before, he helped out through the process and I got my ideas down and incorporated them into the production logo.

I would like to improve my skills with this piece of software because it will be useful for me in the future. I have had a look at some tutorials and would really like to learn some of the effects that after effects is capable of. I am happy with the way the logo came out, it fits I well with the overall product.

The production kit

We used a Sony HD Handycam for the preliminary task, audience research and the final opening sequence.

I actually filmed the audience research and got experience with setting up the tripod and using the camera. The camera was easy to operate and it was easy to film. I have also had previous experience filming using a sony hdv camera so this was no problem for me. The benefits of this camera are that it was light, portable and easy to use. It uses sd cards so the data is easily transferable to a pc and you can then edit straight away, this is an advantage over tapes because setting up a tape deck takes a long time.

YouTube

YouTube was an incredibly helpful resource as this is where the final video was uploaded and many other clips that are found on this blog. It is easy to upload clips from youtube onto the blog and so this feature became invaluable. It was also a good place to do research and watch videos to help us with our film.

The internet.

The internet is the most incredible and valuable resource on the planet. All manners of knowledge can be attained with a simple web search using Google and I have learnt that you can always solve problems by using Google. It is a great way to network and communicate with people and i used this function to stay in touch with my group and keep updated. Wikipedia and IMDb are also incredibly useful websites. Google images was also very helpful providing most of the images in this blog.

 

Evaluation question 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

Evaluation question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?

I have made a video to explain the target audience.

Evaluation question 3

What kind of media institution would distribute your product and why

This article summarises the role of a media distributor. http://www.creativeskillset.org/film/jobs/distribution/article_4958_1.asp

Film distribution involves launching and sustaining films in the marketplace.

Film Distributors must connect each film they release with the widest possible audience.

In general, the more money Film Distributors spend on a release, the more interest is generated, which should also heighten what every Distributor wants from the public - publicity by word of mouth.

Paramount is a well known distribution company and has vast amounts of money. They are very experienced within the film industry and would be perfect for our film. in the past they have distributed such films as Saving Private Ryan and so our film will be in good hands.

A link to a list of paramount films. http://www.imdb.com/company/co0023400/?ref_=tt_dt_co

Evaluation question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

A comparison of the green soldier and Tom Hanks from Saving Private Ryan.

SPR: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/?ref_=sr_1

Tom Hanks: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000158/?ref_=tt_cl_t1

Costume: they are both wearing army uniform to signify that they are soldiers. They wear it proudly during combat to represent the side they are fighting for.

Body language: They are both trained soldiers and are wielding a firearm. It looks as though they are ready to take the shot and wont hesitate, they are soldiers and that is what is required of them.

Role: They both play the role of a soldier. Whereas tom hanks portrays the role of a leader the green soldier displays more of a lone wolf archetype. 

Dialogue: Tom hanks is an active soldier and needs to have command of the group but there is no dialogue coming from the green soldier which suggests he is not a normal field soldier and there is something secret about him which may or may not be revealed.

Make up: They need to look like they have endured hardship and struggle because they are soldiers. Tom hanks is covered in dirt and blood showing he has been through a tough series of circumstances, the green soldiers uniform and face show how the environment and survival have taken its toll on him.

Props: They look almost the same wearing a green uniform and wielding a trusty pistol which their lives depend on. They look seasoned and ready to pull the trigger.

Both characters are in the group: hardy soldiers. They play the role of a serious soldier who know the meaning of combat they hold their weapons close and their expressions show that they are always looking out for the enemy and ready to shoot.