Sadly this is my last post I have finished my blog. In a way I am happy it is all over as now I can concentrate on my exams. But I really enjoyed creating the opening title sequence even though at times it was a struggle. I hope everyone enjoys the sequence that my group and I made.
Its been fun bye x
Sunday 29 March 2009
Saturday 28 March 2009
Evaluation - Question 7
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I have learnt a lot about media studies during the months of doing the opening title sequence. I have gained many skills throughout this whole process.
I realised that working in a group can have its pros and cons, when I first joined a group I thought it would have been straightforward, yet I found out at times it was extremely complicated to work with three other girls. I believe this happened as we all had our own individual ideas for our group tile sequence and we all had to compromise and take on board everyone Else's ideas. In the end I am glad I joined the group as I feel that I have gained some much needed people skills. When I was working with the group each of them gave me great advice and we were able to support each other this helped me gain skills in every process of creating a title sequence.
During the preliminary task I have attained more confidence as I had to act in front of the camera. At first I was hesitant but this was for my project so I put my confidence issues aside and I did the part I was given.
As I was taken out of my comfort zone I have achieved a lot more than I expected. When I began the opening title sequence I just thought I would come out of the preliminary task with an opening title sequence and some knowledge of how to film and edit media work.
To summarise the skills I feel I have learnt as far as creating an opening title sequence are how to use a video camera correctly, how to create the right mood for costume and lighting and how to edit. It has improved my confidence the fact I had to be in front of the camera and step outside my comfort zone, how to create a blog, over all it was harder than I first anticipated. I have also learnt that working in a group can have it's pitfalls as you have to compromise, listen to other peoples suggestions and come to a group decision that everyone is happy and comfortable with but also feel the upside out weighs this, as you also have help and support and can also bounce ideas to each other. I am really pleased I decided to do it as a group rather than on my own.
I have learnt a lot about media studies during the months of doing the opening title sequence. I have gained many skills throughout this whole process.
I realised that working in a group can have its pros and cons, when I first joined a group I thought it would have been straightforward, yet I found out at times it was extremely complicated to work with three other girls. I believe this happened as we all had our own individual ideas for our group tile sequence and we all had to compromise and take on board everyone Else's ideas. In the end I am glad I joined the group as I feel that I have gained some much needed people skills. When I was working with the group each of them gave me great advice and we were able to support each other this helped me gain skills in every process of creating a title sequence.
During the preliminary task I have attained more confidence as I had to act in front of the camera. At first I was hesitant but this was for my project so I put my confidence issues aside and I did the part I was given.
As I was taken out of my comfort zone I have achieved a lot more than I expected. When I began the opening title sequence I just thought I would come out of the preliminary task with an opening title sequence and some knowledge of how to film and edit media work.
To summarise the skills I feel I have learnt as far as creating an opening title sequence are how to use a video camera correctly, how to create the right mood for costume and lighting and how to edit. It has improved my confidence the fact I had to be in front of the camera and step outside my comfort zone, how to create a blog, over all it was harder than I first anticipated. I have also learnt that working in a group can have it's pitfalls as you have to compromise, listen to other peoples suggestions and come to a group decision that everyone is happy and comfortable with but also feel the upside out weighs this, as you also have help and support and can also bounce ideas to each other. I am really pleased I decided to do it as a group rather than on my own.
Evaluation - Question 6
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
This is my first year in media studies, I have learnt a lot during the process of making my title sequence. I also study photography which i feel helped as i had the basic understanding of cameras and tripods.
I learnt that practise is essential as you need to get to know your props such as the tripod and the video recorder. I had some experience when it came to the tripod, when using the video recorder it was hard to grasp the vital skills needed to use the recorder. The practise shots were crucial as i gained the experience i needed to handle the video recorder So during this process i learnt how to use a tripod and how to operate a video recorder.
My group and i used light to get the right atmosphere which we found problematic, the light used was extremely bright and we needed a dim light to make the scene work. We tried to cover the light with fabric but felt if wasn't giving the effect we wanted. We then changed the position of the light we moved it against the wall this gave us the dim light necessary to create the right tone for the scene. I learnt that the props and lighting can work well together if you just explore different positions and ideas.
The technology i found difficult to use was imovie, I used this when editing my title sequence, I struggled with this as i had only used it briefly before when editing my continuity piece which was scene by scene, whereas with the opening title sequence i wanted to explore new ways of editing. Music was an element i found quite difficult as it was a new experience for me eg:- had to learn how to up load music/sound to my work.
As far as technology I feel i have learnt and become more confident in cutting/ editing scenes, how to add sound to work, adding text and how to add effects
This is my first year in media studies, I have learnt a lot during the process of making my title sequence. I also study photography which i feel helped as i had the basic understanding of cameras and tripods.
I learnt that practise is essential as you need to get to know your props such as the tripod and the video recorder. I had some experience when it came to the tripod, when using the video recorder it was hard to grasp the vital skills needed to use the recorder. The practise shots were crucial as i gained the experience i needed to handle the video recorder So during this process i learnt how to use a tripod and how to operate a video recorder.
My group and i used light to get the right atmosphere which we found problematic, the light used was extremely bright and we needed a dim light to make the scene work. We tried to cover the light with fabric but felt if wasn't giving the effect we wanted. We then changed the position of the light we moved it against the wall this gave us the dim light necessary to create the right tone for the scene. I learnt that the props and lighting can work well together if you just explore different positions and ideas.
The technology i found difficult to use was imovie, I used this when editing my title sequence, I struggled with this as i had only used it briefly before when editing my continuity piece which was scene by scene, whereas with the opening title sequence i wanted to explore new ways of editing. Music was an element i found quite difficult as it was a new experience for me eg:- had to learn how to up load music/sound to my work.
As far as technology I feel i have learnt and become more confident in cutting/ editing scenes, how to add sound to work, adding text and how to add effects
Evaluation - Question 5
How did you attract/address your audience?
I addressed and attracted the audience through mise-en-scene, casting, sound, camera and editing.
Mise-en-scene attracts the audience through props, scenery, lighting, and setting the stage. I feel that my title sequence does this as the mise-en-scene was essential to the making off my work. Props were really important to the making of my title sequence as my mini scene was made just for the work and was part of the story line for our sequence. light was extremely significant to the opening title sequence as this made the eerie look i wanted.
The scenery for my work was crucial as i wanted it to look abandoned, if i used a clean shower room then it would not have worked, I feel this would help attract the audience. When the stage was set i was exceptionally precise as the way the cast was placed was vital for the whole scene to work.
Casting is a way to attract/address the audience, if the viewer relates to the characters they get more involved in the film.
The music in my sequence is soft but tense which would attract the audience. which was a big factor for me because sound in a thriller is what can help make the film. With the music choice i believe I conformed with the expectations of a thriller as the music was eerie and gives a tense feel to my opening title sequence.
I feel the way a film is edited is crucial, at first my group discussed having our scenes flash from one to another but then decided to edit it scene by scene which I think works better for the audience.
I addressed and attracted the audience through mise-en-scene, casting, sound, camera and editing.
Mise-en-scene attracts the audience through props, scenery, lighting, and setting the stage. I feel that my title sequence does this as the mise-en-scene was essential to the making off my work. Props were really important to the making of my title sequence as my mini scene was made just for the work and was part of the story line for our sequence. light was extremely significant to the opening title sequence as this made the eerie look i wanted.
The scenery for my work was crucial as i wanted it to look abandoned, if i used a clean shower room then it would not have worked, I feel this would help attract the audience. When the stage was set i was exceptionally precise as the way the cast was placed was vital for the whole scene to work.
Casting is a way to attract/address the audience, if the viewer relates to the characters they get more involved in the film.
The music in my sequence is soft but tense which would attract the audience. which was a big factor for me because sound in a thriller is what can help make the film. With the music choice i believe I conformed with the expectations of a thriller as the music was eerie and gives a tense feel to my opening title sequence.
I feel the way a film is edited is crucial, at first my group discussed having our scenes flash from one to another but then decided to edit it scene by scene which I think works better for the audience.
Friday 27 March 2009
Evaluation - Question 4
Who would be the audience for your media product?
My target audience would predominantly be around the age of 18 - 25, I also feel that the older viewer and thriller buffs would be an ideal audience for our sequence as it has many components of a thriller.
I feel that the main audience would be female. Men would also appreciate the opening title sequence as it stars and all female cast, but feel that both men and women would enjoy the twist of it having a female serial killer.
My target audience would predominantly be around the age of 18 - 25, I also feel that the older viewer and thriller buffs would be an ideal audience for our sequence as it has many components of a thriller.
I feel that the main audience would be female. Men would also appreciate the opening title sequence as it stars and all female cast, but feel that both men and women would enjoy the twist of it having a female serial killer.
Evaluation - Question 3
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Rogue pictures because it is a well know producer of thrillers so my title sequence would be well advertised and they have a lot of experience which is a plus. Also as people know the name rogue pictures it gives the audience trust in my film. Rogue pictures released a film called 'The Strangers' which has been a big success in ways this film is similar to 'A Dolls House' as the j#killers both want to be in control and want revenge for something.
Rogue pictures because it is a well know producer of thrillers so my title sequence would be well advertised and they have a lot of experience which is a plus. Also as people know the name rogue pictures it gives the audience trust in my film. Rogue pictures released a film called 'The Strangers' which has been a big success in ways this film is similar to 'A Dolls House' as the j#killers both want to be in control and want revenge for something.
Evaluation - Question 2
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My title sequence is aimed at the younger generation 16 - 25 but i also feel that some of the older generation would watch 'A dolls house'.
As my work has an all female cast i believe a lot of women would be interested in watching my film. Also because it has a woman playing the lead roll females will also like this as in many cases the lead roll is played by a male. Even though my sequence has solely women i think it will also appeal to men. This is because the three victims are women who concentrate on their appearance and are infatuated with them selves. This will get some men interested in the film.
If i had to selct a social group i would choose too, working class and middle class. This is because i believe working class and middle class are very similar. Some people say they are middle class when other people see them as working class. They are both more likely to sit down with the family to watch a DVD or to go the the cinema.
I chose those social groups as the four girls cast in the film were working class or middle class. They didnt look upper class or lower class so i think the social groups i selected were just right for my opeing title sequence.
My title sequence is aimed at the younger generation 16 - 25 but i also feel that some of the older generation would watch 'A dolls house'.
As my work has an all female cast i believe a lot of women would be interested in watching my film. Also because it has a woman playing the lead roll females will also like this as in many cases the lead roll is played by a male. Even though my sequence has solely women i think it will also appeal to men. This is because the three victims are women who concentrate on their appearance and are infatuated with them selves. This will get some men interested in the film.
If i had to selct a social group i would choose too, working class and middle class. This is because i believe working class and middle class are very similar. Some people say they are middle class when other people see them as working class. They are both more likely to sit down with the family to watch a DVD or to go the the cinema.
I chose those social groups as the four girls cast in the film were working class or middle class. They didnt look upper class or lower class so i think the social groups i selected were just right for my opeing title sequence.
Evaluation - Question 1.
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My title sequence uses but also challenges forms and conventions of of real media products. My media title sequence is a classic thriller it has:
- A serial killer
- Many victims
- An abandoned location
- Blood splatter on the walls
- And eerie music
Most of these things are in many thrillers so my piece of work resembles many thrillers. We used many different title sequences to get ideas for our opening title sequence like a remake a student did for the film 'The Ring'. We got the idea for the models from 'CSI' (crime scene investigation) it is a series shown on channel five and living. Although it is a series and is not classed as a thriller some parts of this program can be similar to a thriller as in some episodes the CSI's can get kidnapped. At the time we were deciding which direction to go with there was a trailer out for the new film 'Quarantine' (2008). On part of the trailer there is a scene where a girl is dragged across the floor we all liked this scene so we decided to use it and that is how we came up with part of our opening title sequence (the trailer for this is on my blog). This is how it uses forms and conventions of real media products.
My blog also challenges the forms and conventions of real media products because it has:
- A women serial killer
- All female cast
We heard of a book called 'A dolls house' which is about feminism and that is why we decide to use an all female cast.
We discussed how our tile sequence would be exclusive and we decided that a female serial killer would make our work distinctive.
My title sequence uses but also challenges forms and conventions of of real media products. My media title sequence is a classic thriller it has:
- A serial killer
- Many victims
- An abandoned location
- Blood splatter on the walls
- And eerie music
Most of these things are in many thrillers so my piece of work resembles many thrillers. We used many different title sequences to get ideas for our opening title sequence like a remake a student did for the film 'The Ring'. We got the idea for the models from 'CSI' (crime scene investigation) it is a series shown on channel five and living. Although it is a series and is not classed as a thriller some parts of this program can be similar to a thriller as in some episodes the CSI's can get kidnapped. At the time we were deciding which direction to go with there was a trailer out for the new film 'Quarantine' (2008). On part of the trailer there is a scene where a girl is dragged across the floor we all liked this scene so we decided to use it and that is how we came up with part of our opening title sequence (the trailer for this is on my blog). This is how it uses forms and conventions of real media products.
My blog also challenges the forms and conventions of real media products because it has:
- A women serial killer
- All female cast
We heard of a book called 'A dolls house' which is about feminism and that is why we decide to use an all female cast.
We discussed how our tile sequence would be exclusive and we decided that a female serial killer would make our work distinctive.
Friday 6 March 2009
Problems uploading !!
We had a few problems with uploading our work on to our blogs :(. First of all of our story board was misplaced on the computer system. So we will be doing redoing it and uploading soon !. Also we had trouble editing and putting sound on a title sequence we wanted the sound to fit exactly with the sequence and build suspense at the right times so it was really difficult to find the right track for it. Also when we were editing it was quite difficult because we all had different views on what the final sequence should look like. The main decisions we had to make as a group was weather to take out a running scene from our title sequence which fortunately we decided to take it out. This has made a sequence easier to watch and it does not get boring.
Thursday 5 March 2009
Continuity
This is the continuity piece me and my group did. We finally have got it on our blogs as we had a lot of trouble with putting it on our blogs we also could not locate it on the computers at one time. So i am extremely glad we got it on our blogs.
Practise shot.
This is our practise shot we decided to do this so when we filmed the real thing it would be easier and we know what we would be doing. It helped us a lot because when we got round to filming it we knew what we were doing. Also it helped us decide how we wanted Nichola and Emily to act which helped. So on the day of filming we all knew what to do.
A dolls house !!
This is our opening title sequence we have had a lot of trouble with the location, editing, filming and sound but it was all worth it to have this as our final title sequence. i am glad we went with our original idfea as i think it has worked really well.
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Storyboard !
This is our storyboard we had to put it on our blogs as photos because our video was missplaced. We decided to do it as pictures because we did not have a video to upload and we thought we needed a storyboard. So we are quite happy we got pictures uploaded.
Monday 16 February 2009
Update after filming.
We had some problems whilst filming the first one was, The room was very light so we had to shut the door to block the light coming through under neath the door. Also we had to stick black bags up on all of the windows to block the light coming in even then the room was still not as light as we wanted.
The second problem was there was not enough blood for the scene and it was not runny enough to flick against the tiles so we had to mix the blood with water and ketchup but, in the end it did not look to bad.
The third problem was that the corridor was very light as the doors were glass so the light came straight through. We shot it anyway but we did not like it and thought it did not work with the rest of our title sequence. So we decided to shoot it in one of the school corridors i was not to happy with the end result of this shoot either s i thought it was to dark but, Nichola and Emily liked it so we stuck with it.
The last problem was the sinks were very clean so it did not fit in with the rest of the scenes we filmed it anyway and did not like it so we decided to leave the whole sink scene out as it was very unoriginal and most of the class doing thriller had a sink scene in it.
The second problem was there was not enough blood for the scene and it was not runny enough to flick against the tiles so we had to mix the blood with water and ketchup but, in the end it did not look to bad.
The third problem was that the corridor was very light as the doors were glass so the light came straight through. We shot it anyway but we did not like it and thought it did not work with the rest of our title sequence. So we decided to shoot it in one of the school corridors i was not to happy with the end result of this shoot either s i thought it was to dark but, Nichola and Emily liked it so we stuck with it.
The last problem was the sinks were very clean so it did not fit in with the rest of the scenes we filmed it anyway and did not like it so we decided to leave the whole sink scene out as it was very unoriginal and most of the class doing thriller had a sink scene in it.
Update on the filming.
Unfortunately the place we were going to use in the Sam Montague centre there has been problems and we now can not use the facility we first planned to use. We are now tying to get permission to film in another part of the Sam Montague centre it is not as dark and grimy a the other place but is still quite grubby so we would be able to shoot there. We still plan to shoot Nichola and Emily's scene here, the sink scene and mine (Leah) and Monica's scene here.
We have had no other problems withs the places were we plan to shoot the rest of the scenes.
We have had no other problems withs the places were we plan to shoot the rest of the scenes.
The plan for our shooting day.
We have decided to shoot most of our title sequence at the Sam Montague centre. We plan to shoot the scene were Nichola and Emily are in the grubby shower room. Also we plan to shoot me (Leah) and Monica running from the killer and i (Leah) get dragged away. We decided to do this because at the Sam Montague centre there is a grubby shower room and an old corridor we can run down. We are also going to film the sink scene here aswell as the room should be dark and the killer looking blood of his hands will look creepy.
We plan to shot the minature scene in the drama room as they have black walls and it will look dark sort of like a garage or a basement which is what we would like the scene to look like. We are also going to film the jewllery box in the same place as we think it will go with the genre of a thriller if they are filmed in a dark place.
We plan to shot the minature scene in the drama room as they have black walls and it will look dark sort of like a garage or a basement which is what we would like the scene to look like. We are also going to film the jewllery box in the same place as we think it will go with the genre of a thriller if they are filmed in a dark place.
Thursday 12 February 2009
Props for the title sequence
We will need quite a few props to make the film come together as a good title sequence.
The props we are going to use for the title sequence are:
- A jewellery box - for the backing music and for the murder to play with in one of the scenes
- Leather gloves (black) - The murder will wear them when they drag me (Leah) away and also when they are making the scenes of the crime scene.
- Chair - When Nicola is tied to the chair
- Fake blood - For when Emily is lying dead on the floor
- The made scenes - The killer makes exact miniature scenes of her crime scenes.
Monday 9 February 2009
Why title sequences are important.
The reason why most people have title sequences is to draw the audience in. If it is an interesting title sequence it makes you want to carry on watching it and become intrigued about the film but, if the title sequence is boring and not very interesting you might not want to watch the rest of the film. The title sequence can also include names of people that have worked on the film so it is also a chance to know the people behind the work. Title sequences can either be filmed or illustrated. Most of the title sequences in the 1950's were illustrated most of Saul bass's work was illustrated. When making a film the title sequence is one on the most important things in the film it is also one of the first things seen apart from the marketing. So you have to capture the audiences attention with the title sequence or they will not be very into the film.
Thursday 5 February 2009
Saturday 31 January 2009
Thursday 8 January 2009
Making the props.
These are some of the photos we took when were were making the model for our title sequence. It was hard to make it as we had to individually stick on tiles and it took quite a while to do. Also we had to make it look like the real scene which was hard as we had only been there one time. We also wanted to make the blood splatter as much like the real scene as we could which was extremely hard. We struggled a lot with making the models as we used clay and when we put the clay model on the clay chair it collapsed so we make the chair stronger and worked with what we had. If we had the money to make a really detailed scene like the ones from CSI i would have liked to have done this as i think it would of went well with the rest of the sequence.
Wednesday 7 January 2009
More fake blood tips !
I thought i would look through YouTube to see if I could find any tips on how to make fake blood. I found this one and I thought it looked very realistic. In our title sequence you do not see anyone getting hurt or them bleeding so we only needed the mixture as we put it on the floor and splattered up the walls.
Quick tip (fake blood) !
We had to make fake blood for our title sequence so this was helpful to us.
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