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.

  

     

Evaluation question 1

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

                                                The title of my film.

The title of my film is 'Hidden'. We decide to go for a short and punchy title to reflect our opening sequence. Today films are increasingly having these types of names for e.g. 'Taken' this seems to be becoming a trend and we thought that this would be fitting for our film as it is easy to remember and its an intriguing title which makes the audience ask questions and provokes their thought and attention.

                                                  Setting/Location.

For the setting of the opening sequence we chose a forest location because this suits our scenario. This develops modern codes and conventions because in modern films forests are usually good places to hide and run off to and because of the geography and features they enhance the suspense of a situation as there are many places of hiding and surprise. we thought this would fit very nicely with the idea we were going for, it is also a very secluded remote area and a perfect place to use guns so this is another contributing factor for location.

                                                Costumes and props.

For costumes and props we decided to use existing media conventions because the audience are used to it and they would connect more with the familiarity of army uniforms and guns as in today's society we are used to these things. In every war film soldiers all wear the same types of uniforms and carry guns and we wanted to make our sequence as realistic as possible so this is why we tried to stick to convention and made use of guns and army uniform. I think we were successful in establishing the fact that the two characters were in some way connected to the military because of their attire and the guns they were carrying, we also showed the fact that they were two opposing forces by making them wear two different colours of uniform.

                                            Camerawork and editing.

For the camerawork and editing we tried to both use and challenge conventions of real media products. In the opening sequence we have included a lot of close ups to display the intensity of the emotion contained within the characters, this fits in with current conventions as it shows how the threat on life can be a scary situation and helps put the audience in the characters position, it also gives the characters more humanity and so we are able to show more sympathy as a result. Another effective camera technique we used was a fast moving prolonged pan of the woods and this was done to disorientate the viewer make them feel as panicked as the character. We have also included a lot of sharp zoom ins that coincide with the music to create a dramatic effect and make it seem more realistic, this challenges modern codes because it only occurs when something actually happens in contrast we apply this throughout the whole sequence constantly having the audience on edge. Colour correction was applied to the whole scene to give it a more serious tone   help give it the right feel, we went for more of a darker bluish tone to reflect the nature of the situation.

                                Story and genre and how it is set up.

The genre is basically set up right at the start of the film with the quote we have included: 'all warfare is based on deception'. This is a very thought provoking quote and it tells you the film is going to include elements of war and also espionage and deception, this uses real media conventions because a lot of films use famous quotes to send a message or to describe the nature of the film, we have done the same and the audience will know what to expect, they will also remember this statement for the rest of the film and it will play off it. This also helps set the story up. The film jumps right into the action with two characters in a forest, one of them is predator one is prey but the audience doesn't really know what's going on until the end of the sequence which then sets up the whole film. This fits in with the conventions of an action thriller film because there is a lot of suspense and fast paced action.

                                   

The film. Final version.

This is the final cut of the our film 'Hidden' which I have uploaded onto my youtube channel.

Editing the final version.

All three of us were keen to edit and we came up with the idea that when it came to editing all three of us chose to do our own rough cuts because we thought that the more ideas and variety we have then there would be a greater chance of coming out with a good film. In the end my rough cut was chosen to be the best and then we all put in our remaining ideas and knowledge to come out with a high quality film. As it was my rough cut I did the main editing and also added colour correction and effects. The group helped out a lot giving tips finding soundtracks and helping sort out the storyline. It was a collective effort and we were all involved in making the film a success.

We used adobe premier pro to edit the film. We previously used this for the preliminary task and audience research and have come to be very confident with it because of its simplicity and ability to function alongside adobe after effects. It took a long time to edit and a lot of hours went in to it. Colour correction was needed to make it appear more darker and to make it suit the genre, we also needed to give a high standard finish so we were careful in selecting the best shots and made sure everything was smooth and crisp. We added titles and created fictional names, it was a challenge timing the soundtrack to suit the sequence but I pulled it off in the end. Overall it was a satisfying process.

Influences

These are some of the films that influenced our opening sequence.

The Hurt Locker, Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, The Bourne Ultimatum









The reason why these films influenced me is because the war films contain a lot of action and emotion and I wanted to achieve the same level of passion that the audience feels when connect with these war films. The Bourne series also inspired me because the series is full of suspense and thrilling moments and I think these aspects heighten the quality of a film and this inspired me to incorporate these moments into our film.

Behind the scenes

The filming went very smoothly. We were able to get plenty of footage in the locations previously scouted without any trouble. We did however have to inform the park authorities again that we were using fake firearms and get their permission to film in different parts of the park. These are a few behind the scenes pictures.


















We spent 5 hours with the crew filming and ended up with a substantial amount footage to start with the editing. The weather however was not so kind as you can tell from the pictures we had to wrap up warm and have a breaks in between filming.

Risk assessment

We had to take precautionary measures with the props because we were using plastic guns, we had to ensure that they were not seen by members of the public and that we behaved in a professional manner while filming. Fortunately we were in a remote location and had also got permission from park authorities to film. The filming procedure went smoothly and we took measures to ensure that the equipment and props were being used safely.

Location Recce

Here we have the location of where we chose to film our opening sequence. We sent the cinematographer to scout different locations and capture images. Weather conditions made it tricky because he had to wait for snow and ice to clear before collecting these pictures. The images were taken around Hainault forest on the 26th and 27th of February. 


 
                     
                     
One of the issues that we come across was that we had to get permission to film in the are from one of the park authorities we told him what we were doing and when we were doing it and they were fine with it. We made sure not to disrupt anyone walking through and keep quite for visitors.

storyboard

This is the digital storyboard that was made using raw footage that we recorded. We had no traditional storyboard and thought that this would be more appropriate as we had already taken some footage.

Production Logo

This is an image of the production logo. I created this using adobe after effects. Our opening sequence includes 2 soldiers and the use of guns so I wanted to reflect this in the production logo and so I included the army camo in the background. It also had to be effective and striking so as it plays bullet holes appear one by one in the writing and gunshot sound effects.

It was hard making the logo because you have to time all the effects properly and get all the right textures and images. After effects also takes a while to learn how to use. I discussed with the group about how it should look and everyone was happy the way it came out because it fits in with the film.