CONSEQUENCES FINAL FILM

Evaluation- Tom Morris

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

To begin with, we gathered as a group and decided on what genre our film would be and also what the storyline would be. In turn, we each came up with various ideas and had roughly the same thinking. We then gathered all of our ideas together and decided on a plot. We had watched similar films from our chosen genre (Psychological thriller). Once the preparation side had been completed, we then were assigned various roles in the group.

Next we decided on the actual storyline for our film. After much discussion, we came to a decision on a Psychological thriller. We also decided that we’d produce a non-linear narrative. This meaning that in our film, it would not be ordered in terms of sequence. This contains flashbacks which takes us between the past and present tenses. This tells our story better and looks deep into the main character’s (Amy) life. This also complies with the genre, of course. We used effects such as ‘black and white’ to differentiate these differences in time.

In terms of using conventions of real media products, we used similar camera angles to achieve similar effect. The tracking shot, where we follow Amy, uses conventions of existing Psychological thrillers to build suspense and to also focus on this character alone. This also creates a ‘feel’ for our film. Close-up shots were used to show emotion, Long shots to set a scene and Tracks/Pans to follow the story and focus on what you’re supposed to.

To challenge forms and conventions of existing films, we used fluidity in our editing. This continuity helps the viewer follow the film and prevents them from getting confused or thinking something else. Features such as shot/reverse shot were used to help the viewer follow a conversation easily and this also obeyed the 180 degree rule, which is important in the editing stage. Passage of time was shown by fade effects, which informs the viewer of a change in time.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cb3ik6zP2I

link to The Shining trailer which uses similar effects to our film



The sound we used was non-copyrighted and sets a tone for the film. This being a sad, almost depressive tone, which reflects Amy’s life.  To challenge current conventions, we used parts which contain no dialogue whatsoever to make a large impact. Instead of dialogue, we used facial expressions and body language to send a message to the viewer.

In terms of mise -en –scene, we used props, costumes etc. to comply with our genre. As the film focuses on Amy and her life, mainly within school, school bags are used. Also, to challenge stereotypes, the bullies are dressed in casual clothing such as hoodies. Also, as Amy in the film commits suicide, a rope is shown in the opening sequence to give the viewer an idea of this.

For typography, the logos we show at the beginning are in an eroded, distressed font which fits in with the tone of this film. Researched films such as Se7en use a similar tactic of this distressed font. This gives the viewer an idea of what kind of film they are to see. I then produced a production logo, which also follows these same connotations and effects. The use of the colours black and white also fit in with the film to follow.

Iconography is also used. In films such as Taxi Driver, you expect to see locations such as a largely populated city, a taxi itself etc. We used for our film locations such as woodland areas to establish this.

        How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The film uses characters such as Amy, who is portrayed as a lonely, quiet girl with little friends. In fact, her only friend is James. The way we portray her as this is by her walking around by herself and being bullied.

Stereotypes were used in terms of the bullies. They wear hoodies in the film. However it is only Amy who has hers up. This is because she is ‘shielding’ herself from these bullies. They are also angered by Amy and are deeply unsympathetic.

A low angle shot is used when Amy is confronted by the bullies. As they appear higher in the shot, Amy is seen as weak and outnumbered by the bullies.

Also, the bullies raise their voices, which further conveys their unpleasant attitude towards Amy.

   

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

From research that Matthew did, we found that Metrodome distribution would be fitting for our film. We also discussed that if we were to distribute to foreign audiences, we’d use Columbia Pictures. This is because they work in TV, Film, etc. so they have experience in many media formats. As our film is low budget, this would also suit Metrodome distribution. Columbia pictures distributed Taxi Driver as well, which is in the same genre bracket.  

      Who would be the audience for your media product?

After research in pre-production, Matthew produced a questionnaire to discover who our audience were and to get an idea of who’d watch it. Obviously, our target audience would be one that likes Psychological thrillers and possibly horror types. Results also showed that 80% of feedback was from females. Also, we had responses mainly from people in Yorkshire, but this doesn’t truly reflect the audience as the questionnaire was mainly distributed in Yorkshire. 

      How did you attract/address your audience?

The questionnaire contained a synopsis for our film which possibly attracted those who completed it. Also, film posters were produced to attract our audience and these were produced using information and research of existing posters.

As I produced the production logo, I used the distressed, eye catching font and this was put into the opening sequence. This in turn, attracts the particular audience and makes them want to continue watching.

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

During pre-production, I used various formats such as the internet, books etc. to complete the research needed for our film. The whole project has been done using Blogger, which I found useful and effective in promoting our work to everyone else. Youtube was also used frequently as we used this to analyse other film’s aspects. Finally, we used Final Cut. This was effective for editing our film to the standards we wanted (through use of its effects etc.). Also, I used Celtx to write the script, which helped a lot as it contains useful features to get the script written in the best way possible.

     Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full production?

I learnt a lot from the previous task that we did where we had to film a conversation between two people. From this, I learnt about the 180 degree rule, match on action, shot/reverse shot etc. Then, these new skills were implemented into this main production. I feel I’ve got better at recognising certain shots and where they would be most effective, as the role of director. Also, I have learnt a new skill of scripting, as I wrote the film.