Video

Moderators Message

Hello moderator, welcome to my AS media blog. I have used tags which you can find on the right side bar which you can use to navigate around my blog which is an easy way to find particular coursework task.
The tags includeproduction, research, planning and evaluation. 
I have also added a link photo to the St Thomas More student moderating page- clicking the photo will take you through to the page.

Thank you and happy marking :)

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

Freeze frame of how i used the180 rule 

Freeze frame of match on action. 

Freeze frame of short reverse.

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

 
Create your own mind maps at MindMeister

The Audience for this media product

Audience 

 Joe (16)

Joe is a college student studying part time and spends the rest of his time hanging out with his friends around his area. He usually wears trainers, hoodies and tracksuits or jeans. He shops at JD sports, footlocker and sports direct. Likes most music but mainly listens to Hip hop, rnb and grime. 

He watches blockbuster action and comedy films. Normally he waits till the film is on dvd or available on Netflixs. He watches films with a-list and b-list stars as they are spoken about often with friends. He also watches sequals or similar films of previous ones he watches.

Joe is a perfect candidate to watch 'The Debt' as he would be attracted to the cast and also likes these types of films. 

Zack(18), Charlie (19), Gaz (18), Ste (18), Lola(18),Katie(19),Tiff(18), Rosie(18), Amy(18) This group of students are all first years in university. They wear popular clothing which is currently seen as the must haves, they shop at Topshop, Topman, Primark, HnM, NewLook and so on as well as online shopping. As they are students they are offered a discount on certain activities for example they are given 10% off clothes shopping, 20% off on some beauty  treatments.
These students are seen as the mainstream pop culture audience.

At cinemas students across the UK are given 10% off and also there is a promotion on wednesday for 2 for1, this attracts students as its cheap fun giving time for these students to see this MUST SEE.

Lisa(28) Primary teacher & Tim (30) Handy Man 

Lisa wears a simple white top from HnM, plain black trousers from NewLook and a HnM cardigan. She enjoys spending her spear time with her boyfriend of 3 years Tim and going out to the local pub for lunch.

 Tim wears Levi jeans and a basic white t shirt from Primark.

They both live together and frequently go out together for nights out or have nights in.

This couple are perfect audience as they like to spend their lesuire time together. They could either watch the film at cinema, rent after it comes on dvd or stream it when its available.

        James Thomson

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

I have put together a short presentation via Prezi in which I have looked at what media insituion would distribute my product, influences of The DEBT and why using opening titles were important.

Representation of Particular Social Groups

Social Groups

Social groups are people sharing some social relation or share the same characteristic. In my film opening I have used two characters. The two are in two different social groups.  

Character Profile

Name: María Covas Callas /Special agent M (SAM) 

Age:  29

Ethnicity: Spanish

Occupation/Education: Spy. Intelligent 

Other information: She was orphaned and fostered by all girls home that trained the girls to be spies. Her work is her life

Representation of social group

The protagonist represent independent woman around the age 30. Both woman are in power stances and show power and strength.

They are dressed in black which show how serious they're characters are.

They are holding a weapon which show their power and show that they are

Action movie’s mainly have male dominate leads. Breaking this convention isn't the first but going against the norm would attract more audience because they would like to see how the movie plays out. More females would be attracted because it would be more relateable , more males would be attracted because the good looking cast.

Character Profile 

Name: Joel Smith

Age:  Adult (around 21) 

Ethnicity: White and black Caribbean

Occupation/Education: Not highly educated, but streetwise. Unemployed.  

Other information:In the RRW gang a rough group. Been in prison. Known to law

Representation of social group

The antagonist represents the stereotypical British gang member.

In the picture we the similar adolescents dressed in dark clothing with powerful stances.  Both males are straight faced and show little emotion.

They are dressed to look around 18/19.

They both are holding a weapon on their right side and have their body facing out toward the left of the shot. The light is dark on their faces to show the nature of their characters. Neither show beyond their forehead which only allows you to see a bit of their faces. Both are shown in typical clothing for the social group as they are wearing branded hoodies, however Reqeal is wearing a darker colour than Noel Clarke's. They both are wearing trainer which is typically worn by British Gang members. Both of their body posture show dominance and control they have their left hand in their pocket to add that it is natural. They both are mixed race/black- these ethnicity at this age are usually are associated with the 'thug' label'. In conclusion I would say Reqeal successfully  represents someone in this social group, his stance, ethnicity and costume helped portray a real gang member. 

This Antagonist challenges conventions is not conventionally. In most actions the antagonist is typically a white middle aged male aged are expected to be the anti hero. However research shows that the villain in action movies changes with the 'new threats'. In this day society see's gang members as a threat

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

I have created a presentation to answer this evaluation question.

In what ways does this media product use from martellekumar

Audience Feedback

For this task I asked a test group audience some questions about  my film opening. Their response to is in colour

Editing
Do you think my editing was successful? Yes, it looks like a real action movie
Do you think the transition were correct? The transitions look effective. No action is missed out
Do you think the pace was at a good action speed? The speed was good as it made me feel like a actual film
Reflection: 
The editing was successful and looked real. This aspect of the production needs little change as it looks good

Music
Do you think the music was fitting to the genre? I think it built tension but it could be better
Do you think I could have added more music? The music was put in the right places, more would have been unnecessary 
Reflection: 
I used music in relevant places but the song type could be changed. If this was a real film I would put a point in my schedule to re do the music

Mis En Scene
Do you think the mod en scene was effective? I think the mid en scene was good because it looked realistic
What do you think made the mid en scene good?the fact the garage had props everywhere. The decor was minimal which looked real
Reflection:
The Mis en scene is great and looks real

Costume:
Do you think the costume fit the genre?the costumes were dark and looked like what you'd see in a action movie 
Do you think the protagonist costume is appropriate for the 15 certificate? I think it was appropriate  the female lead could have had more revealing clothes, I think you played it safe
Reflection:
If this was 

Production Log

Filming: 

With my first footage I saw a lot of room for improvement in my filming, due to the brightness and noise the footage was not to its best it could have been with my camera.The three point lighting didn't look right as I swapped angles frequently; this made the different shoots it look to brighter than others. Also the camera looked blurry and unclear in positions as it concentrated on other things.

 With this in mind I re-filmed. The first filming was on schedule but re filming put me a week behind schedule. The second time I filmed I knew what to avoid bad lighting, wind and unwanted noise, but because of the location I had to wait for less noise from surrounding spaces. 

Editing

Due to the re filming I altered my personal scheduled and allowed myself to have a extension for editing (I had planned to set all deadlines for editing and filming one week ahead so I had one week left to do anything which could be improved). Editing allowed me to chose the best shots possible which would make the film look more realistic. The previous filming which I had started to edited allowed me to see what works with the genre and what doesn't. 


I have learnt how to add effects and successfully cut shots down using iMovie.
iMovies has both advantages and disadvantages

iMovies advantages:

•  a easy to use format to new users. Everything is clearly laid out and you can see the most useful tools (eg cropping tool). 
• You can see the overall time of the product
• You can optimize videos so they are larger and clearer
• You get to test thing out and then undo them if necessary 
• iMovie allows you to detach audio form the clip for a voice over effect

iMovie i found that iMovie has some disadvantages:

• Doesn't have alike other programs available- no timeline for what you have edited so far, it only doesn't tell you what clip is at what time
• iMovies has limited range of things on of for to change the clip- there are only a few editing options, cropping the image is hard to use and 
• Music is hard to gain access to on iMovies it has to be on iTunes this means you have to change the format if it isn't listed on iMovies
• iMovie takes a while to import videos and images. This held me back for a few hours as it optimized videos. 

Diegeis

Are you sound levels all the same? Make sure no section of the film opening is much louder/quieter than the rest

  I have used music in the sequence which build up tension and suspense. The level for background music that is involved in the opening sequence is lower than the voices because the audience have to be able to listen to the sound, using the same levle would make it hard for the audience to concentrate the dialogue.

Do you have royalty free music? and evidence of where you got it from
I am using royalty free music via freesound.org. The sound on this are free of copy right. Using a song with copy right is against the law as you have to inform the artist that you are using it and pay, using a copy righted song a negative way you can be taken to court. Freesound.org has music and sounds that are free to the public to use.

 Does the music fit the pace of the action on screen?

The music fits to the action genre. I have download a heartbeat sound effect and fasst paced fighting music.

Does the music create the mood you want the audience to feel?

The music that i chose has the effect of adding suspence.

Story board

I have produce a storyboard for the 2 minute opening sequence of 'The DEBT'. I will use this for reference while filming and editing. 

                       

Using a storyboard is beneficial, it helps as it means not wasting time as it gives directions of what shots are wanted. 

Costume

Protagonist



I am using a very simple outfit for the protagonist. The actor will be wearing black leggings and a black top. Although this costume is not very fitting to the genre its a modern take on the cat suite worn by female leads in older action movies.

Antagonist

The gang members in this opening sequence are going to wear suites and hoodies. The suits are convention to action movies as they add a sense of serious nature to the film. The hoodies help add a rough and tough to the characters.

Timeline

I have created a timeline for my opening sequence for 'The DEBT'. The timeline shows what title will appear and what is going on in narrative, main music is also featured in the timeline. The timeline helps to show visually what the sequence will show.

In the title sequence I will be using 'A Martelle Kumar Film' twice as it emphasises the importance to the audience. The timeline aslo shows that the titles are not all together at once, I noticed in research that titles tended to have space in between  this makes the audience pay attention to them individually.

Location

The location I have chosen to shot at is located at Avenue farm,fenton,warboys,pe28 2sn. This space is a storage area. The unit I am using is used for breaking and altering cars. I think this is an ideal location to use as it is authentic to the action edgy theme as it is full with tools, cars and also looks like it belongs in an action movie! The unit is both also a great location to use as it has electric supplies so I can use lamps to brighnten and adjust for filming

Script

I have made the script I want to use in my opening sequence. The dialouge is little as it is only the begining of the film, it is more intriguing as it doesnt give away the main films plot

Key: 

A- Antagonist/gang member

P- Protagonist/main character

*

A: You think you us, aye?!

  Well miss, now i've got you 

  What...Nothing to say?! haha

P:  Well there is one thing, I always had you!

*INTELL BACK TO HQ*

P:   Request for arrest...sending coordinates now... en-route to

   location now

Prop List

Prop list 

   Black wheel tires        

     The tires are simple and plain and really highlights the antagonist and the protagonist are of complete different nature. The tires will be used for the protagonist to sit on. They run in theme with the garage looking set and fit in with the mis en scene more so than a ordinary chair.  

                

       Pillow case 

The pillow case is plain and not colourful. This will be covering the victims head. The pillow case is to hide the identity of the protagonist  This prop will help create tension and suspense.

Rope

The rope will be used to tie up the protagonist. This will be black or a dull colour.

 Fast car

The first car will either be black or white a plain colour palette which shows the serious nature of the film. The car is authentic to the character and fast cars typically appear in most action movies

Metal pole

The metal pole is considered old fashioned in terms of action movies but it does introduce the theme of violence the same as any weapon. The pole adds edginess and danger

.

Mood Board

Mood Board 

I have created a mood board for my opening sequence. I selected and used photots and words associate to action movies and what help inspire my film opening. I have such words as power, money and respect and more because they help creae a theme. I used photots of car cases, criminals and guns. All are conventions of action movies

Film Opening synopsis

Opening Sequence Synopsis

I have made a mind map for my opening synopsis and stated the following:

• Plot
• Music and sound
• Charectors
• Cinemotography
• Editing
• Props 

 http://www.mindmeister.com/240105906/film-opening-synopsis-the-debt

Video

Video

Storyboard

Storyboard

Script

Script

*Irene walks into sixth form study room*
Tegan: Hey Irene
Irene: Hi Tegan
Tegan: Today i saw a girl, she was on the bus
Irene: What was she doing?
Tegan: She was eating an apple
Irene: Was someone watching you?
Tegan: I was watching her and someone was watching me. Its a never ending cycle.

Production Company Logo

Production companies

The importance of the production companies

The production company is responsible for fund raising, budgeting, scheduling and scripting for a film. They are also in charge of casting and finding a suitable director as well as being the suppliers of all the resources needed for both on screen and off throughout the entire production.
The production companies are also heavily involved in the post-production, distribution, and marketing of a film. They are also responsible to respond when things go wrong, for example, if a set has been damaged they are expected to resolve these types of problems.

The difference between a major and an independent production companies

Independent production companies make films that do not use major studios like 20th Century Fox and Warner Brothers. Some independent films are only shown in a select number of cinemas however many people believe that independent production companies make films that are more creative and 'artistic' than major films because their audiences are neech. Independent companies are not made for a specific audience as they want to try to attract anyone. Independent films also have a much smaller budgets than major production companies. 

Example's of major production companies:

All of the companies above have created action movies. For example:

20th Century Fox- Die hard

 Universal Studios - The fast and the furious 

Paramount Pictures- Lara Croft Tomb Raider

Relativity Media is another company which produced Fast and Furious, Smokin Aces and American Gangster

 Major production companies don't specify their logo for any genre as they are major companies and cover many genres not just action movies.

My Production logo

 The production logo I have designed is a massive element to my opening sequence.

I have chosen the palette  black, white and red in the logo. I have used this colour scheme because red represents blood, danger and power you expect to see in a action movie; the black and white used represent reality.

I have used veins of stone in the logo because stone is connoted as hard and solid -a lot like the people who appear in action movies. I made the picture appear to have motion as it helps indicate that the movie will be fast paced and non stopping with action. The motion reminds us of the veins in both the body and the stone.

I called the production company 'ADRENALINE' because the word it self is impacting and strong. The production company name is linked to the photo as the blood pumps faster (veins). I hope my audience feel adrenaline whilst watching the film and witnessing the fast paced, stunt packed gritty film.

I used an impacting font for all the writing on the production company because its bold and eye catching. The white writing attracts the eye instantly as there's a loud background.

I have used a specific theme for my action movie because it is an action movie based company. 

      

Audience Expectations

Audience expectations

I am going to create a action film. I will be using generic conventions used in the action genre. I have chosen this genre because it is current and popular. The genre has a massive audience and I think I can produce a successful opening sequence for the genre. I have researched into the genre and also watched many action films, with this knowledge i think i can make a successful opening which will make people want to watch a entire film.

I think the average audience will be to be males 15-35 and females 18+. Male 15-35 because they would be attracted to the fast pace, fast car and females. Females of the age 18+ would be attracted to the edgy narrative, attractive males and 18 year old females in relationships tend to watch action films with their partners.

The demographics I think would be most likely watch my film  would be ,C2,D and E.

C2 like to spend their time well whilst keeping cost to a miniume. D's simarly like to spend their lesuire time efficantly.

Students (E on the Jincnar Scale) aged 16-24 are given offers on cinema films on weekdays. Students tend to be the main audience as they have a lot of free time and get discount in many places.

Using the jicnar scale I am going to target my audience 
(Below the Jicnar Scale- it puts people into categories A, B, C1, C2, D and E based on their job.)

9 Frame Analysis

Dirty Harry- Nine shoot analysis

Shot 1- In shoot one you see an weapon. This is the first shoot and instantly sets the tone for the film. The identity of the shooter is covered and this engages the audience and starts a narrative. Weapons and fire/explosions are genre conventions. The blue sky indicates that the setting is an idyllic location- in action movies the setting is either an luxurious location or a busy it is always set in well-known city.

The shot is tilted up this makes the audience feel inferior to whoever is behind the gun.

Shot 2-  In this shot the audience see the camera capped to illustrate a gun being aimed. The audience gain an idea of who the victim is. The actor on shot is an attractive female (generic convention of action movies) she is swimming and the only person shows she is swimming leisurely this tells the audience that she people in this film are wealthy (convention of action movies). The camera is tilted is down from a upwards position. This shows that the actor on shot is powerless to the shooter.

Shot 3- The main actor of the film is given a whole shot to himself. His name is the first title credit. This shows that he is well known and a popular actor. His costume is strong and his glasses show that he is cool and also symbolises authority.  The actor is central in the shoot and the audience instantly looks at him.

Shot 4- The title 'Dirty Harry' is shown next, the dirty is shown in a different colour to the rest of the writing on the opening credits. The shot behind the credit, the two people in shot looking at the woman shows that they are police.

Shot 5-This shot is tilted up and show the actors on building construction. This shows them in a dangerous situation (a common convention). The tilt makes the character look strong and powerful and makes the audience feel weaker than the character. 

Shot 6- This shoot is a crane sets the setting as the shot is looking down at a busy heaving city (convention of action movie). The shoot also shows the main actor this shows his character is in charge. His body positioned is powerful and implies that he is powerful.

Shot 7- This shot is tilted down and shows the crime scene the scene shows that the vitim was wealthy and had a lot to have a private pool seeing a view of a busy city.  The credit on top is to the head of music- music is an important element to action movies as it helps create pace, intensity and dramatic impact.

Shot 8- The next shot is a bullet shell (weapons are convention of action) this shows that weapons are heavily used in this film

Shot 9-The producer and director Don Siegel is shown next as the main actor is driving. This is a long credit and the producer is often shown last in a title sequence. The background of the shot is a luxurious shore view. the blue water could symbolise that the character brings peace in his area.

The font used is bold and clear to see. All writing is in capitals and this shows that its powerful. The orange and yellow used is strong and the colours are often related to danger and this adds to the action theme. The writing dramatically makes the theme

Certificate Ratings

Certificate Ratings

The rating for my movie will be a 15certificate for . I think this certificate suites the film i'm making most because

Genre conventions

WORD CLOUD ON CONVENTIONS OF ACTION GENRE BASED FILMS

I have generated a word cloud which contains words related with action film; these words are generically associated with the genre. I included words like kidnap, car and stunts. These words are what come to mind whilst thinking of action movie genre.
 I will use this word cloud whilst planning and producing the 2 minute film opening sequence. 

Micro Elements

Understanding micro elements

Presentation1 from martellekumar

I analysed the opening scene of a film from the action genre. This film was 'We own the night'. I looked at the pace, performance, sound, mis en scene, cinematography and so on.

Analysing this will opening will help me understand what is generally in a opening action movie. This information will come in use whilst creating my action opening.

This has allowed me to also as a viewer interpret the opening sequence; this opening sequence showed a glimpse of what the characters life is like; the angles helped show there power and there performance affected how the audience saw the actors.

 In the 'We Own The Night' there is a small narrative, it doesn't give away what the main narrative is, the audience only gather who a few characters are and the setting is shared.
Action movies conventionally don't give away much of the narrative in the opening which makes the audience watch on.

Whilst creating my opening sequence i will be sure to bare in mind the elements which conventionally appear in the action genre. 

History Of Genre

History of Action movies

The evolution of action film genre from martellekumar

I have researched into the history of action genre and produced a presentation and how its has changed. The research allowed me to see the changes the genre has made.I now know what decade introduced particular conventions and how it made changes.With this information I can see what is todays conventions and how to appeal to the audience.

With this information 

Film Opening Timeline

The title sequence to 'Super'

I have chosen to use the film opening for 'super' by James Gunn to look at the titles.

This title sequence has 21 credits in the 02:30.

In the title sequence James Gunn the writers name twice showing his significance. Also like many other title sequences the production companies are shown first, these are well know companies so the audience instantly see the reputation of the film.

The cast is shown after the production companies main actors and actresses are shown first the four main are 'Hollywood' stars are shown first  because they are big named and well known- each have a title with only their name on. Other cast share a title.

One song is played throughout the title sequence- this track is also the soundtrack to the entire film.