Sunday, 8 May 2016
Thursday, 5 May 2016
End Product
In my opinion I believe our product turned out very well, all the aspects of what makes a Horror Movie recognizable is here and also with a story line that makes the viewer think about what would happen next makes our Product even more thrilling. My favorite part of filming was the fact that we could expand into dynamic uses of different types of angles that we were able to use and not just normal generic shots. The main issue that we had was the times that we could all film together since we have other subjects to study for. Also the time of day for it to be dark enough for us create the full effect of a horror themed film. Although we had some hold backs we pushed through and created our film opening.
Evaluation Question - In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Thriller/Horror films often open with scenes in which it gets the audience asking questions and keep them in suspense by using techniques such as music building up in pace and sound. The locations often give the impression of the type/genre of the film.
Our film incorporated these techniques for example the location, we used a forest area which is traditional of most horror flicks. Like other horror films there is one character that is targeted out of the group. We used this to our advantage and had our character Chelsea be the target in our film.
Dialogue as well as sound/sound effects were used in the traditional horror way as the dialogue for our targeted character was scared, confused and desperate. Horror music was a must for our film opening, so we incorporated it into the tense and suspension parts of the opening.
Mise-en-Scene was also very important for the movie as we had clothing designated for specific characters. Lighting with the candles in the room was important to get the glare effect that we needed for the genre of our film. The time of day was also important as we scouted our areas during the day but filmed at night to get the full horror feel. As most horror films are in the dark we used it as the professional film industry would.
Just like the real media products we had used all different forms and conventions in our movie opening to create a horror film that would be easily recognised by anyone who were to view it. I believe that we developed upon our mistakes and have created a better product out of it.
Frame 1 of my chosen frame from our film, I chose this one because it shows a close up as well as lighting from the candle.
Frame 2 was chosen due to the expression on Kelbie's face since it showed concentration on her task (Summoning a demon). As well as the camera spinning on a Lazy Susan that we made.
Frame 3 was also due to the expression on my face as it showed what was happening on the scene.
Frame 4 was used as the POV was of the demon chasing Rebecca and I picked it since not many media products use POV shots.
Frame 5 was used to show the actual demon as well as the makeup work done by Rebecca.
Frame 6 was picked as it showed eye line match between the character and the object (bloody hand) that she was looking at.
Frame 7 was chosen since it showed the desperate expression on the characters face and the reflection of the phone screen.
Frame 8 was used to show the vision of the demon and the environment of the area where the scene was set.
Frame 9 was picked as it shows that her life is over and the battery on her phone is dead so there is no way of her to contact anyone. This is followed by the title "The Evoke".
Our film incorporated these techniques for example the location, we used a forest area which is traditional of most horror flicks. Like other horror films there is one character that is targeted out of the group. We used this to our advantage and had our character Chelsea be the target in our film.
Dialogue as well as sound/sound effects were used in the traditional horror way as the dialogue for our targeted character was scared, confused and desperate. Horror music was a must for our film opening, so we incorporated it into the tense and suspension parts of the opening.
Mise-en-Scene was also very important for the movie as we had clothing designated for specific characters. Lighting with the candles in the room was important to get the glare effect that we needed for the genre of our film. The time of day was also important as we scouted our areas during the day but filmed at night to get the full horror feel. As most horror films are in the dark we used it as the professional film industry would.
Just like the real media products we had used all different forms and conventions in our movie opening to create a horror film that would be easily recognised by anyone who were to view it. I believe that we developed upon our mistakes and have created a better product out of it.
Frame 1 of my chosen frame from our film, I chose this one because it shows a close up as well as lighting from the candle.
Frame 2 was chosen due to the expression on Kelbie's face since it showed concentration on her task (Summoning a demon). As well as the camera spinning on a Lazy Susan that we made.
Frame 3 was also due to the expression on my face as it showed what was happening on the scene.
Frame 4 was used as the POV was of the demon chasing Rebecca and I picked it since not many media products use POV shots.
Frame 5 was used to show the actual demon as well as the makeup work done by Rebecca.
Frame 6 was picked as it showed eye line match between the character and the object (bloody hand) that she was looking at.
Frame 7 was chosen since it showed the desperate expression on the characters face and the reflection of the phone screen.
Frame 8 was used to show the vision of the demon and the environment of the area where the scene was set.
Frame 9 was picked as it shows that her life is over and the battery on her phone is dead so there is no way of her to contact anyone. This is followed by the title "The Evoke".
Evaluation Question - What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
We used a tripod for the first time and learnt how to set it up. We learnt some of the basic parts of the tripod by research labelled images this helped us as when we filmed it made it a lot easier to use even if it is already very basic.
We had to use two different cameras, we used a friends camera to film the first lot of interior shots. However, the quality was extremely bad and it also had a dead pixel on the screen. We changed cameras and learnt that checking camera quality before going out filming is best.
We also used another camera on the side to take pictures of our costumes and set to avoid continuity issues we found this extremely useful to have an extra camera. We used our phones to take any extra photos and could easily share them with each other by creating a Facebook chat.
Social media helped us publicise questionnaires and videos to help create audience feedback and research on people opinions on horror films. We learnt that by using social media it helped get quick and easy answers for free. Social media also helped us to communicate with each other, when editing I filmed snippets, asking the groups opinion and changing anything necessary.
We used Song Vegas Pro 13 to edit out film opening. At first, it was difficult but slowly, with trial and error we started to understand how to create the film opening we were looking for.
We had to use two different cameras, we used a friends camera to film the first lot of interior shots. However, the quality was extremely bad and it also had a dead pixel on the screen. We changed cameras and learnt that checking camera quality before going out filming is best.
We also used another camera on the side to take pictures of our costumes and set to avoid continuity issues we found this extremely useful to have an extra camera. We used our phones to take any extra photos and could easily share them with each other by creating a Facebook chat.
Social media helped us publicise questionnaires and videos to help create audience feedback and research on people opinions on horror films. We learnt that by using social media it helped get quick and easy answers for free. Social media also helped us to communicate with each other, when editing I filmed snippets, asking the groups opinion and changing anything necessary.
We used Song Vegas Pro 13 to edit out film opening. At first, it was difficult but slowly, with trial and error we started to understand how to create the film opening we were looking for.
Evaluation Question - How does your Media Product represent particular social groups?
Our main character Chelsea is based upon the stereotypical female, ditsy character that would typically be in a horror film. We wanted to include this type of character because it was a common occurrence in most of the horror films we looked at. We kept all of our characters costumes true to real life. This is because we wanted them to look like teenagers do now as if it was just any normal day and keep the realism of the production. All of our characters are really stereotypical, we have the jock, nerd, level headed and dumb characters.
The Antagonist character was based upon other demons we had seen in similar movies. A lot of these movies have a high percentage of teenage audiences which is who we were aiming our opening at. We all found images of what we wanted our characters to appear like and then base our costumes off those resources.
Our jock character is dressed in branded items, this makes his character appear to have money.
Our ditsy and nerd character are siblings which works well as they are the polar opposite to one another, this is a great juxtaposition of the characters as it is with all of the characters. Not one is the same.
We used the dumb character as the victim as she was vulnerable clearly from the beginning of the piece which means that the audience can almost foreshadow what we going to happen next.
Here is an example of one of our characters:
Evaluation Question - What kind of Media Institution might distribute your Media Product and why?
I think our film would be distributed by Film 4 because it is a British company that like to showcase British talent a lot in the film industry. They normally show films and documentaries that other channels would be afraid to distribute. This is because they are open to more ideas and originality. I think this is a great company for our film to work with. Film 4 would also allow us to show our film over the UK and some countries in Europe which would allow for a fan base to arise.
Film 4 aren't as strict as the BBC and less expensive to distribute films with. The BBC is an iconic company where as Film 4 is new and fresh and is viewed very often by the audience we intend to target our film opening to.
To create a buzz for our film we would send teasers to the potential distributor and make posters, trailers and other forms of advertisement to attract the target audience. We would have to think about anything that would rival the film and talk about that with the company and work out a time where our film would be the main interest for viewers at the time of showing.
Evaluation Question - Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt from it to full production?
We created our with little to no knowledge of professional camera operating or video editing. Our preliminary was much more about just getting the filming out of the way so we could learn how to edit it all together, so time and quality were not our first thoughts when filming it all or editing. After having to manage people's schedules and keep all the equipment and costume available for each filming day we have all become much more organised and learnt how to prepare everything in case of the sudden need for a meetup.
In general we have also improved our teamwork. Compared to the beginning of filming when each of us would just take charge and create the shots we personally wanted, by the end we were discussing shots to ensure everyone's satisfaction before filming. This way we could speed up the process of filming because there were no creative conflicts.
Most importantly however, looking back at the original preliminary that we made, the camera work is shaky and unprofessional especially the moving shots. However looking instead at the final piece, our camera work has become smooth and everyone has a much better ability with manipulating cameras now.
Finally, when we first had a camera in front of us we often found that we couldn't stop uncontrollable laughing. A mix of nerves and embarrassment. Whereas towards the end we could easily do a scene with neither the actors or the camera operators laughing.
Overall, we have improved our abilities behind and infront of the camera and our teamwork in general has improved.
In general we have also improved our teamwork. Compared to the beginning of filming when each of us would just take charge and create the shots we personally wanted, by the end we were discussing shots to ensure everyone's satisfaction before filming. This way we could speed up the process of filming because there were no creative conflicts.
Most importantly however, looking back at the original preliminary that we made, the camera work is shaky and unprofessional especially the moving shots. However looking instead at the final piece, our camera work has become smooth and everyone has a much better ability with manipulating cameras now.
Finally, when we first had a camera in front of us we often found that we couldn't stop uncontrollable laughing. A mix of nerves and embarrassment. Whereas towards the end we could easily do a scene with neither the actors or the camera operators laughing.
Overall, we have improved our abilities behind and infront of the camera and our teamwork in general has improved.
Evaluation Question - Who would be the audience for your Media Product?
We were aiming for a target audience of around 15-25 years old as they are the most avid horror movie viewers. Most people in this age range are 'adrenaline junkies' and love scary films because it gives them a rush whenever something terrifying happens. Often they will not go alone and will come in pairs or groups because the films are either too scary to go alone or it is seen as a bit of a laugh and a joke between friends. It is not so much of a family viewing so the only groups you would expect would be young teenage friends who will then spread the news much more rapidly on social media or in person.
We hoped that we could attract fans of other horror films and TV shows. Shows like American Horror Story, there is a new story each season so fans can easily accept new characters and settings, or films such as Insidious, which is also a film based around demons and satanic things. Once again, our film's and their audiences are very similar so by sharing themes we felt that we could attract the right people.
We hoped that we could attract fans of other horror films and TV shows. Shows like American Horror Story, there is a new story each season so fans can easily accept new characters and settings, or films such as Insidious, which is also a film based around demons and satanic things. Once again, our film's and their audiences are very similar so by sharing themes we felt that we could attract the right people.
Evaluation Question - How did you attract/address your audience?
The way in which we attracted our audience to our product was through social media and family and friends. Just like real media products we used the internet to gather market research on our audience then find out the best way to attract them. We decided on social media for our main attraction tool since the majority of people now use the internet to socialise with each other.
We also told friends in and out of our school and family member about what we were attempting to do. This not only gave us an audience but also a boost of confidence to finish our media product to the best of our abilities.
Editing our media product
Editing our media product was a job for Kelbie and we believe that she did very well. Kelbie used Sony Vegas Pro 13 to add sound effects, visual effects, sound/music, to the main media clips that we filmed. Audacity was also incorporated in creating our own sound effects then exported to Sony Vegas to be added into the film.
Through trial and error and the help of the rest of the group in our group chat, we helped to finish the editing process and finish our film opening. As you can see from the picture below, the video clips and sound were cut to size for the timings had to match up to one another so that continuity was not a problem. Kelbie also had sound turned down for certain parts of the movie opening so that we could still hear what the characters were saying.
Visual effects like red filter when the demon is in view were added through editing, as well as the phone effect when the character Chelsea is trying to call her friends and the low battery symbol which appears when Chelsea screams and the screen turns to black.We believe that this added suspense to film opening and made the audience think about what happens next.
Through trial and error and the help of the rest of the group in our group chat, we helped to finish the editing process and finish our film opening. As you can see from the picture below, the video clips and sound were cut to size for the timings had to match up to one another so that continuity was not a problem. Kelbie also had sound turned down for certain parts of the movie opening so that we could still hear what the characters were saying.
Visual effects like red filter when the demon is in view were added through editing, as well as the phone effect when the character Chelsea is trying to call her friends and the low battery symbol which appears when Chelsea screams and the screen turns to black.We believe that this added suspense to film opening and made the audience think about what happens next.
Camera Shots
Through our filming we used these shots and angles:
Establishing shot
Tilt x2
Over the should x4
Medium long shot x3
Extreme close-up x2
360-degree camera turn (pan)
Medium close-up x2
Close up x3
Pedestal
Tracking x3
Still deep shot x3
Wide shot x2
Establishing shot
Tilt x2
Over the should x4
Medium long shot x3
Extreme close-up x2
360-degree camera turn (pan)
Medium close-up x2
Close up x3
Pedestal
Tracking x3
Still deep shot x3
Wide shot x2
Wednesday, 4 May 2016
Logo Change
A last minute adjustment was made as we were not happy with the outcome of our logo. Also, whilst editing we discovered that we needed it with a black background to keep with the dark tones and also for it to transition between shots.
Fear,Surprise and Suspense
Fear, Surprise and Suspense
Fear is by the far the most important factor of a great Horror Movie, the point of fear is to create a fear that can scare people with fears they may have but do not recognise. Doing this will create a more tight and tense atmosphere which will hopefully bring more viewers. Surprise comes hand in hand with Fear as it catches the viewer of guard and will make the film that much more exciting. Suspense is the point that the viewer wants to know what happens next but there is either a pause in the storyline or in a scene which the viewer is waiting to end. Once this ends either a big finale or a huge change in the storyline occurs which will mutate the storyline into either something else or making it more exciting and thrilling. Accidental Ambient Sound when filming
Accidental Ambient Sound
Accidental Ambient Sound was an issue when filming our movie opening as cars would interrupt us when we were doing a shot. When this happened we either had to wait or time the next shot with the next car. To stop the ambient sound that we didn't from ending up in the final product we took many different shots of the same scene then picked from those. Make-up
Make-up
Make-up was also used in our movie as we had the demon (Kelbie) in one of our shots, as well as the protagonist (Rebecca) having blood on her hands. The make-up emphasises the characters in the story as it shows realism in the film and also we can see the different emotions on the characters faces.
Friday, 22 April 2016
Music Research
Music Research
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Re shooting
Re shooting
Last week we looked back at the clips that we filmed and then saw that our protagonist (Rebecca) had removed her scarf during the filming, thus removing some continuity in our film opening. After realising our mistake we then talked it over and Re shot the scenes where Rebecca had removed her scarf. After an hour or so we finished the Re shooting and returned back home.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Costumes in film
Costumes
Costumes in film expresses a characters emotions and their personality. This also rubs of on the audience, since the way they see the character is how they judge the character when they first see them. You could say that first impressions are key for characters and character development in the film.
For example, if a character comes into scene with a large fury winter jacket, winter boots and sport bottoms; yet the environment is a summery hot seaside, the viewer may judge the character as a foolish self centred person that only cares about how looks. But if throughout the story we then find out that the character is actually a smart, wise and brave, then the first impressions of him/her were wrong. Either the clothing has to be changed to match up with the characters personality or the story has to be changed in order for the characters clothing to make sense.
We took this information and used it to create our characters that match up with their clothing and personality.
Target Audience
Target Audience
The target audience for our short film is mainly aimed at young adults and teenagers it has some scenes in the film that are only aged for people over 15. Also through Secondary research (Internet) we found that the majority of horror films are aged over 15 year old mainly due to the age restrictions on films. Wednesday, 13 April 2016
13th April 2016
Re-filming interior shots
We changed where we wanted our camera to be positioned and even made it spin in the middle of the pentagram. We did this by sitting the camera and tripod on a makeshift Lazy Susan, this allowed us to rotate the camera to each person while Sam and Rebecca took turns at moving it while it was on one another. The interior shots were much better second time round as we planned it out and took our time.
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