This blog has been marked. SJA 08/05/11

Thriller Opening

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

Since creating the preliminary task I feel I have improved dramatically and have made a much more succesful opening sequence. As I had never studied media before, creating the preliminary task helped me to learn what each piece of equipment does and some different terms for camera shots and angles, however creating the opening sequence allowed me to adapt my knowledge a lot further.

When we created our preliminary task, we just used cuts inbetween shots, which made it a quite simple final product, and did not include any effects or music. In contrast, with the opening sequence, we used a range of camera angles including extreme close ups and panning shots, as well as using transitions of effects inbetween to help shots run more smoothly. The opening sequence also included music which improved the film by adding an atmosphere, unlike the preliminary task.

As well, when editing the opening sequence we used a range of different programmes including imovie, livetype and final cut, whereas when editing the preliminary task we just simply used imovie, this ensured that our opening sequence was completed at a much higher standard.

Since creating the opening sequence my skills and knowledge of media terms and equipment has improved, which is one of the reasons our film was succesful. If I could now go back and improve the preliminary task, I would use a wider range of camera shots, and edit it in more depth by adding music and transitions where applicable.

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

When filming our opening sequence, I had to use a number of technologies and media devices in order to make a succesful opening sequence. These devices included:

-tripod: we have to use a tripod when filming to ensure that all our shots are steady and clear.

-SLR camera: we used our own camera as it had a clearer lens, and therefore produced a better quality film.

-macs: once we had collected all of our footage, we had to use the macs to upload our clips to begin editing.

-imovie: this is a programme on the macs in which you can cut any clips and edit your film to however you want it.

-livetype: this is another programme in which you upload your edited film and you can add any titles you want, this was obviously perfect for adding the titles for the opening sequence.

-blogger: we used blogger to plan, analyse and evaluate our movie.

Evaluation-How did you attract/address your audience?

The target audience for our film is teenagers aged 15 upwards. We attracted this type of audience by using characters of a similar age because the viewers would be able to relate to the characters and the problems that occur to them throughout the film. We also used typical stereotypes in our film, this helps to attract our audience because they would be familiar with the characters. Finally, once our viewers had watched the opening sequence to 'Pulse', they would want to watch on due to being intrigued to find out who the teenage girl is, what's she running from, and who has killed her? Therefore, our audience would be attracted.

These are the characters involved in the film that the audience could relate to:

Audience Feedback:

Evaluation-Who would be the audience for your media product?

For our film 'Pulse', our target audience would be teenagers aged 15 and upwards due to the characters being a similar age, therefore the viewers could relate to the characters personalities and what they are doing. As well, teenagers are more likely to find grusome thrillers more appealing than perhaps other generations, and more appealing than maybe sci-fi films. 'Pulse' would also cater for people who are intrigued by mystery and films with a slight twist, which makes them try and work things out for themselves. This film will also provide the viewers with an element of surprise.

I think that 'Pulse' should be certified as a '15' movie. I think this because it is very similar to the thriller film 'Brick' which is certificate 15. By certifying this film as a 15, it means the audience are allowed to see strong threat as a thriller film, however not if it is carried out in a sexualised or sadistic way. As well, in a 15 film no infliction of pain or injury is allowed when strong violence is used and strong gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Our thriller opening of 'Pulse' fits in with the guidelines of a certified 15 film, which is why our movie is a 15.

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

There are many production companys that could produce our film, however I think that production company 'Vertigo Films' would be ideal for a number of reasons. Firstly, Vertigo films is a British company, and 'Pulse' is a British film with British actors, and Vertigo have preiviously produced other British films such as 'The Firm'. Another reason in which Vertigo Films could produce our film because it is a thriller, and Vertigo have also produced other thriller films in the past, these include 'WAZ' 'Wake Wood', and 'Shrooms'.

WAZ: