Evaluation

Evaluation

In What way dose your media Product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

When planning and producing my media piece I had to think carefully in how my film would achieve its purpose and hit the target audience. A way of enhancing this necessity was to achieve the specific forms and conventions to a genre, in my case a Detective mystery. To discover what these were I did some research in to the genre, analysing each form and convention used. 

A common convention is to show a dramatic event or some form of mystery at the beginning of the film, preparing the viewer for twists and a resolution later on in the film. As my brief was to make the beginning of a film I thought it would be a necessity to place the mystery, which sets out for the rest of the film. However to do this whilst keeping to my audience had to be done discreetly, rather then say suffocated, which would be to graphic. Thus I decided to use poison as it keeps the image of mystery hiding the identity of the murderer. As well as this the use of poison refrains from blood or a gory death in which would be un-pleasant for my target audience.

I wanted to create a visual oxymoron of the ‘Billionaires’ death contrasting with the false happiness and all his riches and how easily it was taken. From my research it is shown that the ‘victim’ at the beginning is normally portrayed as innocent. I decided to make him as an unfriendly character as I wanted to refrain from the common cliché as the detective being the hero, but allow the audiences empathise with the murder.

Conventions used in all films, in modern day film rather then my genre is film titles. This was essential to include within my project, as it was listed in the brief. However when bringing the titles to screen I thought I could take advantage of the font used. I decided to use ‘Edwardian Script’ it fitted with the conventions of Detective mystery, in that it is associated with 19^th century calligraphy and of the classes.

 Another common convention used by real media products is the use of a sound track and music. I went with a classical track; this was used in other films of this genre such as the original Sherlock Holmes movies. The Sherlock character him self-plays the violin enhancing the appeal for the audience. Of sophistication and an intellectual aim audience. I tried to establish this convention with my sound tack.

2) How dose your product represent particular social groups.

The main use of representation with in my film was class orientated, this is portrayed though the classical music, font type and mis-en-scene. I wanted to portray a character (The Billionaire) that grew up on ‘old money’ from the colonial era, via violation of human rights and exploitation. However this is a stereotypical view, portraying all British colonialists exploited the natives and earned their way via force. Never the less this character in particular fits these conventions and I used them in such a way it would cause distain towards the man. I wanted to make clear that the rest of the cast were considered ‘lower’ class. I tried to show this mainly though mis-en-scene and dialogue. For example there is a key shot where, the Billionaire talks to his Bodyguard. He makes direct reference to his salary “What’s it like earning £25,000 a year?” the next clip shows the Bodyguard in a well-worn suit, symbolising his position.

I included both male and female roles in the production, as I wanted to represent both genders, adding a ‘sense’ of equality. However all the roles within the film were allocated to what would seem the conventional choice. For example it is not commonly associated with females playing roles such as Bodyguards. If this were to be a commonly accepted principle with in the media world it could stir some controversy within the topic. However I chose a man to play the role for the reason that the Billionaire still holds old-fashioned views on women’s positions.

All members of my cast are white Caucasian this was don’t done intentionally as I didn’t know any mixed raced people who would be willing to participate in my film. However if I were using a casting agency to find actors I would try to include mixed race actors, with the intention of show diversity. In my film it wouldn’t apply because it didn’t have many actors. Yet if my film were to later have a flash back of the Billionaires party, with people of his status and class. I would choose a mixture of male female and mixed raced actors. In order not to discriminate.

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

The type of institution, which would most likely distribute my media product, would be a British independent.  From research I have seen independent films distribute low budget and ‘Arty’ films which is where my film would fall, compared to major Hollywood blockbusters.

 My budget was minimal, because of this I had to make efficient use of contacts in acquiring my location; I would have had to drastically change my idea if any problem arose attaining the building, which is a common problem for low budget filmmakers. Where as conglomerates have the power and resources to pay for there locations with ease. All props used were of my ownership reducing any unnecessary cost, a lot of the film was written in the knowledge I had the appropriate props. If I wanted to purchase them it would go over my budget, being impossibility. Proving that independent films have to be written with-in resource, impairing them to be as ‘glamorous’ as conglomerate films. As well as this I chose close family friends with some acting experience, who were happy to perform for free, again reducing any costs. As I have seen from other independent films such as ‘London to Brighton” none of the actors were paid, yet being apart of the film gave the actors good exposure.  Meaning good acting will entice the viewers rather then a big name, such as ‘Johnny Depp”, hopefully my film has achieved this, which is what I was aiming to do.

Another instance for why my media project wouldn't be distributed by a conglomerate is because i intend the audience to emphasizse with the murderer, counter acting common conventions for blockbuster films. For example in major realise films such as 'Lord of the Rings' 'Transformers' and 'Tron' the good always prevails. this is because they are hosting for their audiences, as many may feel cheated if they are shown something which dose not follow 'normal' conventions. Where as independent audiences like to see new takes on genres and expressing ideas. 

If my film were to be showcased it would likely be shown at art house cinemas, such as ‘The Little Theatre Bath’ compared to a major chain such as ‘Odeon Cinemas’ commonly where conglomerates are shown. Ordinarily independents are show in Art house cinemas to the public, before DVD launch. Independents can be shown at film festivals giving them a chance to be reviewed by critics, if at a high quality they can make it into mainstream cinema. A key example of this is ‘The Kings Speech’.  If I were to take the none institution route, I could take advantage of the wide use of social networking and communications, making it possible to advertise my film efficiently for free over the internet, available for a wide audience to view. 

4) Who would be the audience for your media product?

The target audience I aimed for was for young adults, who have a keen interest in mystery and unraveling a story.  I discovered in my research that an inclusive beginning, which shows the opening to a mystery were common and well understood for my audience in particular.  I believe I completed this factor effectively allowing the film to commence in any direction.  Giving several story plots, which could be established, for example the Billionaires death – who was the murder? Was it one of the three employees? All of which had connection with the man before his demise. Could the murder be also responsible for his father’s death, a family grudge? The film has still yet many questions to be answered, which is designed to keep viewers watching and appease the target audiences, upholding the mystery. Commonly Mystery/detective novels came into fashion in the Victorian period, and upholding the Victorian conventions is important. I tried to do this though the location and the music. Having classical music is thought to be dated, representing ‘old English’ upper classes.  The location of the building is important, as famous detective mysteries have been set in old ‘gothic’ styled houses such as Bram Stokers ‘Dracula’.  From our peer assessment I was given positive feed back in connection to the location and props, in how they give depth realism towards the story. 

 

The kind of audience I was aiming my piece for would cover a few individualistic ‘types’ people. First of witch would be an 18 year old male, private schooled and still in full time education.  He would be taking four A-levels, math’s, physiology, Ethics and English literature. His ambitions in life would be to continue in education and become an author.

Another person’s criteria would be a female graduate student of ‘history of art’ her favorite hobby is copying the impressionists paintings to the finite detail. She has a studio apartment in greater Chelsea London. Her ambition in life is to open her own art gallery in London. She likes to cycle around the city, and is very concerned for her carbon foot print. 

5) How did you attract/address your audience?

As the creator of my film it was vital for me to gain a wide knowledge and understanding to the key codes and conventions with in the Detective mystery genre. In order to do this I had to do extensive research, on the history of the genre how it developed and the varied ways in which it is distributed to the specific audiences. As well as this I made detailed research into understanding the key types of people interested in watching the style of film I will be making. All of which is necessary in addressing my target audience.

It was made clear to me that the audience was seeking, hidden messages and mysteries with in the film, rather the senseless violence that can often be found in modern-day actions or thrillers. It became apparent that the audience I was aiming for is looking for a well-developed story that has several possible leads. Along with this convincing acting and Mis-en-scene is a key attribute to attracting the audiences I was wishing in appealing to. To hit these criteria I put vast amounts of effort in attaining my location, as the story wouldn’t have proven to be convincing with out the grand estate, and which would ultimately un-interest my audiences. I wished to use visual hyperbole to again entertain the viewer, highlighting the Billionaires over indulging in his ‘false perfection’ of a life and his attitude referencing his position within society. To do this I made I exaggerated his alcohol abuse, via having very full glasses and downing them in one. However originally I wished to have ‘The Billionaire’ smoking a cigarette, but Matthew doesn’t smoke therefore the cigarette had to be unlit. On set we improvised and had him pretending to smoke one yet it was still noticeable if closely examined. However I do not think this minor problem would detour my target audience.

I thought my choice of actors was very influential in attracting audiences. I intentionally asked those with previous experience and knowledge with in the industry, as they can emphasise with the task I was performing and acted professionally and reliably. This added as a bonus because the cast were all at the appropriate age range of the characters I was trying to portray, emphasising the believability of the film. Enabling a deeper connection available for the viewer. If I were to have my own peers perform I believe it would show it be an armature production and unconvincing which is not what I would be aiming to do.

There were several techniques in which I used sound and music to interact with the audience. Firstly the constant classical piece running throughout the film. I purposely chose some thing that fitted with the conventions of old England and the idea it connotes wealth. Often Detective Mysteries are set in rural middle class Britain derived from the Agatha Christie novels, and it is these audiences I am aiming for. Also from my audience research it is proven the audiences I am aiming for pay attention to finite detail, which is key in sound. When filming my piece there was a specific scene where the glass and the decanter ‘chink’ however this sound didn’t come up properly in the original film. Thus in attention to detail I used the camera as a recorder, recording up close to the glass chinking in order to produce the correct sound.

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

The creation of this product has allowed me to develop my media skills considerably. When working on my preliminary project it became clear that ‘Final Cut Pro’ was a sophisticated piece of industry programming, and it took time getting used to. However by the end of my preliminary project I had a competent level of understanding towards the program. Which was vital in achieving a top quality and completed final project within deadline.

The program ‘Final Cut Pro’ had many different features, with the possibility of adding special effects, to including titles. Originally editing was a slow process, as I manually had to look for the cut buttons and arrow keys. However I soon discovered keyboard short cuts giving me the ability to work at a faster rate. Another important feature I thought I used effectively was the fade. It allowed me to make a smooth transition without acting as an eyesore. There were many other special effects available such as dissolve or swipe, however I found these to look amateur and would not fit with the conventions I was trying to portray. 

Mobile phones are seen to be taken for granted in our modern day and age, how we use them so freely forgetting our privilege to be able to communicate at such ease. My phone was a vital tool in communicating to each individual actor and insuring they know the plan and are easily accessible I something were to change. 

All footage was filmed on a Panasonic hand camera, I was impressed with the quality of the final picture and it was efficient for what I was aiming to do. In that it was lightweight and portable, and most importantly easily used, with pervious little experience. I used the camera for more then one function of filming. I used it as a sound recorder, filming close then taking the appropriate sound, for example if I wanted to do a long shot but still have clear sound.

During the course I discovered that multimedia socialising sights such as; Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were vital tools for independent filmmakers wanting to show their work. As films can be uploaded and shown easily and cheaply, its shown work can be published with out any kind of institution. This Blog is a prime example in how this can be done.

However I have learnt that technology can’t always be relayed on so readily, no incident happened to myself personally. However some peers who forgot to back up there work and only kept it on a memory stick had the misfortune to loosing the majority of what they had done so far. It showed to me that when doing any work that is valuable it is essential to be backup as soon as possible. The same principle goes for footage from a camera in that as soon as its filmed best action to take is uploading it on to a computer.  computer 

7) Looking back on the preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full project. 

From the initial stages of the preliminary task I feel that I have been learning new skills from start to end. Not only have these skills been technological but have spread from social skills to time management. Also my main project compared to my preliminary was aimed for a target audience, which gave a whole new aspect to the creation process, adding new ideas but also keeping to the appropriate codes and conventions to my target audience.

My finished preliminary project was not as good as I would have hoped it to be. One of the major flaws was the fact I hadn’t made specific detail to the brief. A key element was said to have a character enter a room and sit down then share a few lines of dialogue. I didn’t work from the brief and only had my character knock on the door and share dialogue over the doorstep. I learnt that within the industry if the brief is not followed directly it could result in a bad reputation and lessen the chances for further employment. Thus, I made direct effort in order to follow the brief, for example my film was considerably over the allocated time limit. There for I had to alter my original idea in order to keep to the brief. 

Throughout the construction process, it has been highly important for me to keep to a strict time schedule in order to fit deadlines, and still produce high quality results. However detailed your schedule is, it is always important to have back up dates and a quick fit resolution if something were to go aria. For example, I managed to acquire the location with out much hassle, and I was given the time period of two hours to film. This seemed plenty however on the day for official reasons I was only given 40 minutes for official reasons, considerably reducing my film time. This resulted in some scenes hastily shot and if I had the time I would of liked to redo them. After this I tried to find another date in which I could use the same location along with my actors yet it proved impossible. In foresight I should of booked two dates for filming well before and give my actors plenty of time to organize. Time management is not only important for this project but for later life and should prove to be an invaluable skill.

When dealing with people it is essential to be polite and well mannered, and in the film industry this is an essential tool when producing your product. As I hadn’t spent any money on renting the building I had to except the fact of being asked to leave and work to compromise the situation, working with what footage I had and making the most. Another instance I had to work around was Matthew’s cigarette. He was a non-smoker however the script was written in he smokes the whole way through. Never the less I couldn’t ask him to have one as I wanted to respect his wishes and was acting as a favor to me. How ever he was willing to hold the cigarette and pretend witch I was happy with. Learning to come to an agreement.

Over all I thought the experience was a great opportunity in improving all areas and understanding of the media world. I am able in competently use specific editing software, and achieve deadlines. The task taught me to work confidently with people and myself.

Thank you for reading, Cameron Turnbull.