QUESTION 7

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

The initial idea that I struggled on was storyboard. With my prelim task I didn't group my storyboard in the order of which I’m filming. I learnt that it was time consuming and made me had to rush the ending of the prelim task as there wasn't enough time. Not having the storyboard done in detail also made the film time consuming as I had to think about the position of the camera and the framing on the spot. It also made me miss out some shot which was vital to have. I learnt that in order to produce a good prelim I had to make very efficient use of time and having things such as undetailed storyboard has a negative effect on the film. In comparison to the main task the story board was done in detail as it included the framing of the shot and the angle of which I was to shoot the film. It also included the type of shot e.g. close up, mid shot, cut away. I learnt to include variety of shots and use it effectively rather than use it to fill up the gaps in my storyboard.


Another initial idea that I struggled on was my location. My location for my prelim task was in a history room and outside the room. Since it was shot after school there were people walking in and out of shots which also made it very difficult to get the outside shot of the person opening the door. The scene alone took most of my time and didn't let me have enough time to record the same shot about three times in order to choose the best one. Once I knew the room was available I made no attempt to look at the structure of the room in case it affects my movie so I would be aware of this and make few changes if necessary. However in my main task I took notice of the location and knowing it being in an open area which is available to everyone I decided to close the path of which people were shooting and informed people of this with a sign at the Alley way. I went there to check whether the structure would fit my film in my own time and became aware that due to it being narrow there wasn't enough that could be done of which I decided where to position the camera without a struggle. With these changes I had time to do each shot twice or three times in order to choose the best one.


Rehearsal was another initial idea that I struggled with due to the lack of it in my Prelim task. Not having to rehearse before shooting meant that I had to stop or cut in the middle of a shot as some of the cast were not aware of what they were supposed to do. I learnt it waste time which has a negative effect on the film as it means that most of the film has to be
rushed and not done appropriately. However with my main task I made sure we rehearse everything with the camera off and made sure the cast was directed in a way where they don’t have to ask the director what to do every minute or so. I learnt that having rehearsed made it easier to make use of the time and not spend too much time on one shot.

Production

Variety of shots was also something I struggled with during my prelim. With my prelim task I repeatedly use shots in order to fill the gaps of my storyboard. I learnt that without a variety of shots in my prelim is didn't portray the film in a creative but rather a simplistic way. It also show that my film in a very basic mode and didn't make it seem interesting. In comparison to my prelim, my main task included a variety of shot which were place for a reason rather than to fill the gaps. For example I included an extreme close up of one of the characters turning up a dial which was used to engage the audience rather than to show a mid-shot of the character doing it.


Another thing I struggled with was the timing. Not keeping an eye for the time of which I was to spend on each shot resulted in spending a large amount of time on the first couple of shots and having to rush through the last couples of shot. However with my main task I elected someone to keep the time in mind and remind us every now and then how much time we have left on each shot. In my prelim task the time spend editing was wasted as the group spent our time watching back on what went well and what could have been improved before cutting the shots which wasn't needed. We didn't spend enough time on the editing of the film but rather what went wrong and watching the bloopers. Nevertheless when I was editing my main task I made sure to use the continuity sheet whereby I wrote which shots went well and bad so it was easier to edit. It made the editing process faster as I could delete shots that were bad rather than having to watch every shot and then having to decide whether to delete. I also came back to edit my movie on my free periods rather than just relying on the one hour lesson that we have a day to do it. I learnt that using continuity sheets and having spent extra time editing makes it easier and less time consuming.


Continuity of shots was one of the things of which I struggle with during editing my prelim task. With the prelim I was more interested in deleted the unwanted scene and grouping the shots in order of the film. However with the main task I was more concern about the match on action and
how well the film flow and also choosing the best shot out all the shoots that I had taken.

Post Production & Feedback

During prelim I didn't take the feedback of the teachers and the others into action but focus more on how to make it look better. I learnt that if you don’t take critics on board you wouldn't know how to improve your work. However with my main task I took everything on board and actually made notes of what I've been criticized on and what I’m to improve on. The things I have been criticized on:

* Continuity of movie
* Pitch of the music

I have made note of these and will act on them if I have the chance to.

Not saving my work on the lacie but on the computer instead was something that I did and really regretted. I forgot to save my work every now and then which made me loose some of my work when the computers decide to freeze. I learnt that I would lose my work and everything if I didn't save my work on the lassie. With my main task I made sure to save my work every five minutes in order to avoid losing my work. I also made sure to save all the changes that I made in the film.

QUESTION 6

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

The hardware I used was camera Cannon XHA1. The editing software I used was adobe premiere.
The filming techniques that I learnt and used are
                                                       * The 180 degree rule
 * Continuity
* Framing
* Action/reaction shots
* Match on action
* Safety shots
* Rule of thirds


I learnt about the 180 degree rule which involves the invisible line that you are not supposed to cross. The 180 degree technique demonstrated in the film when the main character greets his friends. The 180 degree rule consists of the camera being placed at the side of its axis for every shot of the same scene. It helps as a guideline in order to avoid any awkward changes throughout a scene or shots.
I also understood the use of continuity. It is the consistence action of the movement of characters or props shown in the film. The use of this demonstrated in my film is the positioning of the boom box being carried by the same character and positioned at the same side of his shoulders. I also learnt about the rule of thirds technique. Another technique that I have learnt is the importance of framing. I learnt that I was to use an extreme close up when drawing the attention of the audience to a particular thing. This is shown in my film when one of the characters turns up the dial. Another example of framing in my film is the panning shot at the park. It was to capture the comical expressions of the characters. I also learnt that in order to present flow from one shot to another we needed to repeat the movement continuously which is the match on action technique. I also realized that for smooth transition in between shots I needed to use continuity. Another technique that I learnt was the use of action reaction shot. It is when you see the characters reaction after the action occurs. An example of an action reaction established in my film is when the character turns up the dial and you see their reaction which is of them dancing. I understood the purpose of a safety shot. I used several safety shots in my film in case a shot was accidently deleted which would be used as a backup shot.

The editing techniques that I used in my film include:
* Titles
* Sound
* Assembly editing



The way in which titles appear and exist on the screen of my film was due to the editing technique that I learnt. I recognized that in order for titles to fade in my movie I had to change the opacity level from 100% to 0% gradually. This is shown through my film by I also learnt that I had to change the font of the title and the color of the title for the audience interest. I also understood that I had to merge two sounds together to achieve the astonish effect I wanted of the audience. By merging the sound, I had to change the Opacity level of the music to 0% when the character starts turning the dial and gradually gets to 100% when is turned to the max. A change of the music occurs purely for the audience interest. I also understood the importance of assembly edit. I did this by deciding what to keep and delete in the film. The assembly edit was based on the continuity sheet which simplified the decision of removing or keeping shots. The sequence of my film was influenced by the storyboard and also by the realistic appearance of one shot to another. E.g. The character opening the door and the audience witnessing him going to the alley.

QUESTION 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

The film uses some codes and conventions expected of comedy as its setting being an alley way and the park makes it realistic and also making it easier for the audience to relate to. The use of this to inform the audience and make the characters world seem believable. The dialect used is also a typical code and conventions of comedy as most comedies use jokes and humorous language. The tone of the characters also reflects on the genre of the film. E.g. When Don Mo tells Don S to hurry up at the alley way. The dialect used by the characters mirrors the genre of the film which is done for the mere interest of the audience. The use of “bruv” and “moist” is to demonstrate this .

Non-diagetic sound used right at the beginning of the opening sequence is to grab the attention of the audience and seek them to watch out for what happens next. The music creates tension as the audience would not be expecting a classical music for such genre. The music used is parallel to the action caused on the screen as the opening sequence is MC Don coming out of his house and walking to the alley way. This match the action caused on the screen as nothing major or disruptive is happening during that time of period. The music used triggers the audience to suspect something negative happening in order to disturb the peaceful atmosphere created at the beginning of the opening sequence. This would keep the audience interested due to the music leading to a climax when the characters turn up the music.


The use of close up used when the character is turning the dial up is to excite the audience and to make them have a personal experience of what the characters are experiencing themselves. The mid-shot of the characters facial expression purely for humor which is a great interest of the audience which is based on the genre of the film. The dance scene in the alley way is used to entertain the audience and demonstrate to them the real personalities of the characters as their costume represent them in a negative way which seems as if they are bad for the society but the scene portray their innocence.


The themes explored in the movie are success and hope. The themes chosen will attract the audience as it educates the audience about morals of succeeding. E.g. MC Don not giving up on his dreams when he gets knocks down later on in the movie teaches the audience to believe in themselves. The movie “BROWN SUGAR” explores the theme of believing which is similar to the ones used in my film. It’s also similar as the artist in the movie goes through great difficulties on his way to fame but overcomes it by the end of the movie.

QUESTION 4

Who would be the audience product?

The target audience for this film would be teens between the ages 14-20. It would be mainly males who would be targeted for this product due to the action and behavior carried out by the characters. They are most likely to still be in education. This varies from secondary school, sixth form or in university. Their ethnicity could either be Black, White or Asian. They would be interested in this film due to some of them being drop outs from school and some struggling in life just as the characters in the film. I chose this targeted group because they seem to be around the same age as the characters of the film so could empathize with them. They would be interested in genres such as
* Rom-com
* Action Comedy
* Dramatic Comedy
* Surreal comedy
* Black comedy
* Horror Comedy

Codes and Conventions of Comedy of which the audience would be expecting in the film. These are the typical aspects of comedy.
                                                      * Eccentric characters

* Crazy Outfits
* Realistic Settings
* Domestic Characters
* Personality difference in characters

QUESTION 3

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

Distribution of a film is when the company launches the film making people aware of the product. They require a legal way in which they can develop and make most of the film. The company then decides how many prints of the film to make after making a licensing agreement.
Independent film distributors that may consider distributing the film

* Axiom film
* Momentum Pictures
* Revolver Entertainment

As a distributor, Axiom directly exploits all rights in films acquired and is widely respected for its innovative and bespoke marketing that includes distinctive campaigns for films. Knowing that the entire film project that the company has been involved in has been both a “critical and commercial success, frequently winning awards and sold for distribution in most key markets” I believe that with their excellent distribution Axiom films is the company that would bring success to the film and make it known worldwide.

Momentum Pictures being “one of the leading independent motion picture distributors in the UK and Ireland” that releases approximately 20 theatrical films a year, it’s likely to distribute my film because of its high level releases and it’s constant accomplishments as in February 2011 it won 8 BAFTA awards which is more than any other UK distributor. It releases includes:

1. Red Hill
2. Limitless
3. The Crazies

Revolver Entertainment is one of the leading independents and a multi-award winning, marketing-led, all rights film distributor in the UK. The company is likely to distribute the film as they are “experts in youth entertainment and exploiting both physical and digital home entertainment distribution channels.”

PROPS AND COSTUME

Props 
Ther Props we will be using in our Opening Title Sequence Include: A slim-black Boom-box.
Costume
The Costume in which the charcters in the Opening Title Sequence will be wearing Include:
     
Character one:

• A grey hoodie
• A black  Sleeveless Bomber Jacket
• A Black cap
• Light Denim Jeans
• White trainers

Character two:

• A Dark grey hoodie, with a vivid design on the front
• Denim Jeans
• Black trainers

Character three:

• A Black jacket with white stipes on the side of each sleeves
• A Blue t-shirt
• Dark Denim, baggy Jeans
• White trainers

Character four:

• ANavy hoodie
• A Black cap
• Light Denim Jeans
• Black Trainers

QUESTION 2

How does your opening sequence represent particular social group?

The characters of the film:

MC Don

Don Mo

A Dot

Don S

The characters of the film have dreams of becoming big in the music industry and being well known all over the world. However Don Mo seems to be more aware of the difficulties which they would face in order to become world known artists. The costume used in the film by the characters is to portray their lifestyle and also their attitude towards fame. Most the characters wearing hoodies reveal to the audience the typical attitudes of teenage boys. They are teenage boys who have dropped out of school.

Based on our research on teenagers from The Independent News   we decided that the group  would represent teenage boys and also delinquent teens.  The gestures and dialect used by the characters adds to the realism of the film. Unlike “Kidulthood” where the characters deal with serious issues surrounding teenagers,

 this film takes on the lighter side of teenagers which reflects on the genre of the film. E.g. the use of body language and facial expression used in the movie adds to the humor which is expected of the film.The actors had to wear jeans, trainers and hoodies in order to achieve the typical appearance of teenagers and their love of Hip hop.         

. The cast had to change the way they walk and how they normally talk to accomplish the attitudes of the characters. However (Don Mo) was to be the serious one who seems to be aware of reality. 

QUESTION 1

In what ways does your media product Use, Develop or Challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

The genre of which my film is based around is comedy. The film include typical aspects of the genre such as

•    Eccentric characters
•     Realistic settings
•    Personality difference in characters

An Example of eccentric characters in real media products is “Queen Latifah” who played the character Francine in Brown Sugar. She is portrayed to the audience as extrovert which is shown through the wedding scene. The character “Albert Brennaman” is also an example of Eccentric character in the movie  HITCH.

The main themes explored in my film are Success, Hope and Fame. Fame is hinted in the opening sequence by the rap battle which occurs at the park. Hope and Success are explored later on in the film. The film follows coded and conventions of a comedy by using realistic settings. E.G.

1.     The house shown right at the beginning of the film

2.   The alley way of which the audience are introduce to other characters in the film

3.The park where the battle takes place

Another code and convention demonstrated in my film is the personality differences within characters. The character Don Mo behavior is portrayed differently from the rest as although sharing the same dreams as them, seem to be aware of their illusion. This is shown through his body language and facial expression during the dance performed by the characters. Similarly, Rush Hour also demonstrates personality difference as the character “James Carter” seems to be ignorant compared to Inspector Lee in RUSH HOUR 1.

The Film challenges codes and conventions of a comedy by having morals presented in the film where by the audience learn to never give up instead of being a typical comedy which evolves around solving a dramatic problem. This challenge the narrative as the story-line is different from your usual ones of comedy for example dumb and dumber is clearly only for entertainment purposes.

The film develops certain codes and conventions such as sound as the use of sounds are creatively used throughout the film. E.g. The close up of the character turning up the dial with a different music playing instead of the non diagetic sound which was being used for the first 20 seconds of the opening sequence.

Target Audience Research

The typical target audience of a Comedy genre is men and woman, aged between 20 to 40 years old. These particular groups of people come from working class families. They may have occupations which array from teachers, nurses or receptionist, altogether they are family orientated individuals who enjoy watching comedies with members of their family.
  During the film an obstacle tends to get in the main characters way. Most comedy films are in a natural environment making it easier for the audience to relate to. However some comedy films could take place in exceptional places, especially if they are a satire or spoof movie.The hobbies and interest of this targeted audience may also be projected throughout comedy genres. In general the interest of adults who come from a working class family include: Sports, Gardening, reading, watching television (family orientated shows), going to the cinema, and other interest associated with their family members.

There are three main particular comedies in which further categories this particular target audience.  
 These are: Rom-com, Action Comedies, and animated comedies. Rom-com's would generally be watched by females, between their teen years or early adulthood. A Rom-com is a hybrid genre in which a romance story generally emerges and is presented in a comedic way. There is an archetypal formula that Rom-com’s follow in terms of narrative; this is because an insight of emotions and thoughts are presented through introducing a Narrator.For example films such as ‘50 First Dates’ and ‘The Proposal ’ contain strong aspects of love and happiness, which particularly interest young females.

However, Action Comedies such as "Hancock" would particular interest males. This is because they display violence and conflict in a comical approach, these aspects appeal to males because they enjoy the tension and excitement action comedies contain.Animated comedies however are particular aimed at children. This is due to the unrealistic settings and characters.   The audience are children aged between 7 to 13 years old.

Feedback

The initial draft of our storyboard had to embark several adjustments in order for it to improve. Several aspects of the feedback our group received suggested that we lacked a wide range of camera shots as shots were continuously repeated. Therefore our group members decided to include more interesting shots in order to engage the audience. For example we incorporated several close-ups, long-shots, mid-shots, establishing shots and over-the-shoulder shots. This change helped to improve are basic comical story line into a more appealing and engaging one.  The group’s main focus was to adjust the way in which the titles appeared. Our first vision was to present the titles on a blank screen; in-between each frame. However, this idea prolonged the movement of the characters and the actions which occurred on screen. As a result each shot didn't correspond with the next and so the storyboard lacked a consistent flow. 

We realized that this wouldn't be beneficial for the audience because it created confusion and inconsistency. After the teacher’s feedback, we decided to completely change the way in which the titles appear on screen. We collaborated that in order for it to be effective the titles would appeared on the actual moving image in each shot. Also the group also confirmed the titles should remain in the same mid-right potion. The group found that consistency was a key aspect we needed to include, in order to present clear readable titles to our audience. Another improvement which the feedback suggested was to include small aspects of comical dialogue when the characters were interacting; to ensure the audience are aware if the genre of the film. It also adds understanding to the personalities of the characters. After hearing this suggestion the group decided to incorporate a scene where the characters would ‘rap’ against one another in an amusing way. This idea helped tie up the end of the title sequence by aiming to further engage the audience and make them laugh.

The feedback are group received really help to put our story line into perspective, and encouraged us to re-think the ending of our title sequence so it would interest the audience. Altogether I think our re-drafted storyboard provides a visibly clear story but remains appealing and relevant to our chosen gene, comedy.