Tuesday 30 March 2010
Evaluation - Activity One
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
The first screenshot is the title of our film 'Cherry Blossom'. This is a common trait of most opening sequences, as the title always appears. As the genre of our film is Horror, we used the black background to indicate that our film is 'dark' and the red font to connote to the audience that there may be blood, violence and death This screensht has the codes and conventions of a Horror, as the audience are aware of the eerie atmosphere.
The second screenshot that I have chosen, is a two-shot involving the two main characters. This was a key moment in our opening sequence, as it shows Sakura and Jennifer's relationship/bond. This is common within most Horror films as it has two messages; the fear and true emotion of the protagonist and the frightening image of the antagonist. This prepares the audience for the rest of the film. The mise-en-scene used for this shot shows that Sakura is a ghst, with her white robes on and Jennifer's costume and location has the connotations of being a geek. A medium shot was used to show Jennifer's fear and her longing to escape.
This point-of-view, medium shot, is my third screenshot This shows the first appearance of Sakura's character. It is fairly common in Horror films, as most directors like to create a fearful atmosphere from the moment the film starts This POV shot shows Jennifer's shock and fear of the appearance of Sakura's character It is a combination of light and dark as there is a dull tint through out the film, which balances the brightness from Sakura's costume. The atmosphere is a mixture if fear; anxiety and shock.
This screenshot shows the use of special effects when editing. This close-up shows Jennifer's face and her expression of desperation. This type of shot is common among most opening sequences of Horror films, as it helps the audience to understand the emotions and to gain a better character recognition. With the use of special effects, this shot shows the feeling of disorientation, confusion and being ill-balanced.
This screenshot shows the beginning of the opening sequence. This is to explain how the protagonist got locked into the radio room. This shot has the connotations of being lonely and helpless. With Jennifer's character now being alone, it set the scene, as the audience are now aware that something will happen, giving it a tense atmosphere. The medium close-up shows Jennifer's rage and desperation to get out, with her fists pounding on the door. To add to the tension, the dull tint remains to give an eerie feel to the sequence. The portrayal of the protagonist, shows that she is alone and scared.
The sixth screenshot is an establishing shot of the corridor This is to show that Jennifer is alone and that no one is there to help her. Corridors are narrow and long, which has the connotations of a never ending journey and also gives a claustrophobic feel to things This location and setting, is fairly common in Horror films, as it represents the youth The dull tint with the combination of the corridor remind the audience of the quote 'no light at the end of the tunnel'.
This shot shows the use of props. The prop shows the protagonists desperatin to escape. In Horror films, it is usually predicted that mobile phones either have no service or they have ran out of battery. This is to show that the victim cannot escape and this creates fear within the audience. This medium shot, captures Jennifer gripping the phone in such a way that it shows her longing to be safe and free
The eighth screenshot, is another establishing shot, it shows the room where the protagonistis trapped. It captures the hi-tec equipment, which follows the representation of Jennifer and the stereotype of her being a geek The dull tint, shows that it is now late evening. It is usually common for such situations to occur during the evening, as t is dark, which connotes an eerie atmosphere, that something bad is going to happen
The final shot, is a close-up of the antagonists face, this captures her badly bruised face which indicates a scene of violence.Her expression shows a lack of emotion, there is no feeling as she is in fact lonely. This shot takes place in another long corridor, it connotes that Sakura rules the hallways, that it is her domain and no one should be there unless they want to put their selves in danger.
The first screenshot is the title of our film 'Cherry Blossom'. This is a common trait of most opening sequences, as the title always appears. As the genre of our film is Horror, we used the black background to indicate that our film is 'dark' and the red font to connote to the audience that there may be blood, violence and death This screensht has the codes and conventions of a Horror, as the audience are aware of the eerie atmosphere.
The second screenshot that I have chosen, is a two-shot involving the two main characters. This was a key moment in our opening sequence, as it shows Sakura and Jennifer's relationship/bond. This is common within most Horror films as it has two messages; the fear and true emotion of the protagonist and the frightening image of the antagonist. This prepares the audience for the rest of the film. The mise-en-scene used for this shot shows that Sakura is a ghst, with her white robes on and Jennifer's costume and location has the connotations of being a geek. A medium shot was used to show Jennifer's fear and her longing to escape.
This point-of-view, medium shot, is my third screenshot This shows the first appearance of Sakura's character. It is fairly common in Horror films, as most directors like to create a fearful atmosphere from the moment the film starts This POV shot shows Jennifer's shock and fear of the appearance of Sakura's character It is a combination of light and dark as there is a dull tint through out the film, which balances the brightness from Sakura's costume. The atmosphere is a mixture if fear; anxiety and shock.
This screenshot shows the use of special effects when editing. This close-up shows Jennifer's face and her expression of desperation. This type of shot is common among most opening sequences of Horror films, as it helps the audience to understand the emotions and to gain a better character recognition. With the use of special effects, this shot shows the feeling of disorientation, confusion and being ill-balanced.
This screenshot shows the beginning of the opening sequence. This is to explain how the protagonist got locked into the radio room. This shot has the connotations of being lonely and helpless. With Jennifer's character now being alone, it set the scene, as the audience are now aware that something will happen, giving it a tense atmosphere. The medium close-up shows Jennifer's rage and desperation to get out, with her fists pounding on the door. To add to the tension, the dull tint remains to give an eerie feel to the sequence. The portrayal of the protagonist, shows that she is alone and scared.
The sixth screenshot is an establishing shot of the corridor This is to show that Jennifer is alone and that no one is there to help her. Corridors are narrow and long, which has the connotations of a never ending journey and also gives a claustrophobic feel to things This location and setting, is fairly common in Horror films, as it represents the youth The dull tint with the combination of the corridor remind the audience of the quote 'no light at the end of the tunnel'.
This shot shows the use of props. The prop shows the protagonists desperatin to escape. In Horror films, it is usually predicted that mobile phones either have no service or they have ran out of battery. This is to show that the victim cannot escape and this creates fear within the audience. This medium shot, captures Jennifer gripping the phone in such a way that it shows her longing to be safe and free
The eighth screenshot, is another establishing shot, it shows the room where the protagonistis trapped. It captures the hi-tec equipment, which follows the representation of Jennifer and the stereotype of her being a geek The dull tint, shows that it is now late evening. It is usually common for such situations to occur during the evening, as t is dark, which connotes an eerie atmosphere, that something bad is going to happen
The final shot, is a close-up of the antagonists face, this captures her badly bruised face which indicates a scene of violence.Her expression shows a lack of emotion, there is no feeling as she is in fact lonely. This shot takes place in another long corridor, it connotes that Sakura rules the hallways, that it is her domain and no one should be there unless they want to put their selves in danger.
Evaluation - Activity Two
2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
I will be doing a comparison between Sakura, the ghost from our two minute opening sequence, Cherry Blossom and Toshio from Colombia Pictures, the Grudge. The reason to which I have chosen Sakura is because she is in fact the main focus, due to her frightening image and mysterious characteristics. Toshio's character is portrayed by Yuya Ozeki, his character is a 'cursed spirit', he lurks in the house where the Williams family now live. The reason to compare such characters, is due to their similarities within their haunting nature and tragic past.
Sakura's character
Sakura was born in Japan, she came from a wealthy family. Her father was British, whereas her mother was of Japanese heritage. Her parents were divorced and Sakura resided with her father. She was a spoilt child, who studied at Havering College. It was her first year studying at the college, she had decided to re-sit her GCSE's. One day she disappeared from her college, all that can be now said of Sakura, is that her spirit still remains inside the college corridors.
Toshio's character
Toshio was born in Japan. His parents, Kayako and Takeo Saeki were both Japanese. During his childhood, he loved to draw and to care for his pet cat. When he was eight years old, he witnessed his father murder his mother. His father then drowned Toshio in the bathtub. His cursed spirit remains in the house, where he was murdered.
These two characters, share a fair amount of similarities, in relation to their heritage and their 'cursed spirits'. However, Toshio's character is known to be drowned whereas Sakura had never been found, dead or alive, which leaves more of a mysterious factor. Both characters are fairly young in age and had shared an innocent upbringing. It was proved that both childs parents, shared problems, which led to Sakura's parents divorce and Kayako's death. Now that both of their spirits remain, their appearance is horrifying and frightening and they both claim their own territory to haunt. Overall, the two storylines have very few similarities whereas the characters share very similar characteristics, even to the smallest detail.
I will be doing a comparison between Sakura, the ghost from our two minute opening sequence, Cherry Blossom and Toshio from Colombia Pictures, the Grudge. The reason to which I have chosen Sakura is because she is in fact the main focus, due to her frightening image and mysterious characteristics. Toshio's character is portrayed by Yuya Ozeki, his character is a 'cursed spirit', he lurks in the house where the Williams family now live. The reason to compare such characters, is due to their similarities within their haunting nature and tragic past.
Sakura's character
Sakura was born in Japan, she came from a wealthy family. Her father was British, whereas her mother was of Japanese heritage. Her parents were divorced and Sakura resided with her father. She was a spoilt child, who studied at Havering College. It was her first year studying at the college, she had decided to re-sit her GCSE's. One day she disappeared from her college, all that can be now said of Sakura, is that her spirit still remains inside the college corridors.
Toshio's character
Toshio was born in Japan. His parents, Kayako and Takeo Saeki were both Japanese. During his childhood, he loved to draw and to care for his pet cat. When he was eight years old, he witnessed his father murder his mother. His father then drowned Toshio in the bathtub. His cursed spirit remains in the house, where he was murdered.
These two characters, share a fair amount of similarities, in relation to their heritage and their 'cursed spirits'. However, Toshio's character is known to be drowned whereas Sakura had never been found, dead or alive, which leaves more of a mysterious factor. Both characters are fairly young in age and had shared an innocent upbringing. It was proved that both childs parents, shared problems, which led to Sakura's parents divorce and Kayako's death. Now that both of their spirits remain, their appearance is horrifying and frightening and they both claim their own territory to haunt. Overall, the two storylines have very few similarities whereas the characters share very similar characteristics, even to the smallest detail.
Evaluation - Activity Three
What kind of media institution might distribute your product and why?
The opening sequence for 'Cherry Blossom' is similar to most Horror films of today, as it creates suspense and fear but does seem too predictable. The short sequence aims to build fear and anxiety within its audience. So when discussing a media institution suitable to distribute our product, we have to consider a company that has produced similar Horror, preferably J-Horror to ensure that we capture our target audience.
Lightening Productions is 'Cherry Blossoms' production company. It shows an animé character glaring or bserving something. The reasons for choosing such an image for our companies logo are; we thought that an animé character would show that we specify in the asian arts, as animé originates frm Japan; the character seems to be staring which indicates that someone is being watched; it has a dark glow to shw that it may be frightening. The name of our company 'Lightening' is a word that we think is suitable as it is a mixture between enlightening (our audience) and a storm (ahead), to create fear.
When researching the roles of production companies, I learnt that they are 'responsible for the development and physical production of new media' and the 'raising of fundraising for the production'. The aim of the production company is to supervise the development of the film, to be able to fund the production aswell as dealing with the legal aspects such as gaining permission to film and then represent the film once its edited Our company had to ensure that we were well prepared and well planned, everything was done to the highest standard (camera techniques, editing, continuity), keeping to a schedule, well distributed and that our audience are satisfied with our final result.
The film that we have created could be released under a company such as Ghost House Pictures as it has already prduced the Grudge, which means that the distributor is aware how to attract our target audience, as we share similar plots/characters. The distributor will know the correct release options to also gain a larger audience and how to appeal to the younger audiences, which benefits our set age range and TMG.
Evaluation - Activity Four
Who would be the audience for your media product?
Who would be the target audience for 'Cherry Blossom'
Within the group, we came to the conclusion that the most fitting target audience for 'Cherry Blossom' would be between the ages of 15 - 25. This appeals to the youth and the majority of teenagers. Teenagers have a tendency to enjoy and seek the scariest storyline. This is to gain some excitement, as there is most likely a lack of excitement in their own lives. We as a group, have certified this film as a 15, this is to ensure that the audience/viewers arent affected or influenced by any of the issues raised in the film.
The tastes of our target audience
Considering that our target audience are between the ages of 15 - 25, they would be active and socially involved. Spending their time out with friends and doing hobbies and activities. They would most likely spend time in places like HMV, Game, Apple store and other media distributors, media is a large part of todays youth. Also, appearance is very important to most teenagers, they take interest in high street shops, such as; River Island, Primark, New look and Topshop. Such shops are popular, as they produce and sell trendy, cheap and good quality clothing.
Our film would attract a variety of stereotypes within the age range, as Cherry Blossom has the characteristics of many different representations. Thus leading to the conclusion that our film appeals to a wider audience.
Why would they watch our film
With our film overing topics that are filled with suspense and elements of the unknown, we would gain a large audience within the age range as curiosity strikes, in relation to the majority being intrigued by 'spiritual happenings' and other similar events and the longing for the feeling of excitement, fear and adrenaline. When discussinf the popularity of male : female ratio, it would be a fair division as it is an all female cast, which is quite a rare occasion to which female viewers can relate and sympathise. Wherreas male viewers look for excitement with thrilling and horrifying story lines, which Cherry Blossom's criteria meets.
Who would the audience be for your media product?
We aim to attract an audience that are mature mentally but physically quite youthful. As our plt touches on some topics that are sensitive or frightening for younger viewers. As a group, we are aware that our film may also appeal to an older audience, as some scenes and topics can be interpreted differently from the perspective of an older viewer, who can sympathise and connect emotionally to the characters. There are also ethnic preferences for our film, as characters share an asian heritage. This gives a preference to people of the asian community, another reason for this preference is due to the growing popularity of asian media, such as anime and manga as well an increase in the distribution of J-Horror.
Who would be the target audience for 'Cherry Blossom'
Within the group, we came to the conclusion that the most fitting target audience for 'Cherry Blossom' would be between the ages of 15 - 25. This appeals to the youth and the majority of teenagers. Teenagers have a tendency to enjoy and seek the scariest storyline. This is to gain some excitement, as there is most likely a lack of excitement in their own lives. We as a group, have certified this film as a 15, this is to ensure that the audience/viewers arent affected or influenced by any of the issues raised in the film.
The tastes of our target audience
Considering that our target audience are between the ages of 15 - 25, they would be active and socially involved. Spending their time out with friends and doing hobbies and activities. They would most likely spend time in places like HMV, Game, Apple store and other media distributors, media is a large part of todays youth. Also, appearance is very important to most teenagers, they take interest in high street shops, such as; River Island, Primark, New look and Topshop. Such shops are popular, as they produce and sell trendy, cheap and good quality clothing.
Our film would attract a variety of stereotypes within the age range, as Cherry Blossom has the characteristics of many different representations. Thus leading to the conclusion that our film appeals to a wider audience.
Why would they watch our film
With our film overing topics that are filled with suspense and elements of the unknown, we would gain a large audience within the age range as curiosity strikes, in relation to the majority being intrigued by 'spiritual happenings' and other similar events and the longing for the feeling of excitement, fear and adrenaline. When discussinf the popularity of male : female ratio, it would be a fair division as it is an all female cast, which is quite a rare occasion to which female viewers can relate and sympathise. Wherreas male viewers look for excitement with thrilling and horrifying story lines, which Cherry Blossom's criteria meets.
Who would the audience be for your media product?
We aim to attract an audience that are mature mentally but physically quite youthful. As our plt touches on some topics that are sensitive or frightening for younger viewers. As a group, we are aware that our film may also appeal to an older audience, as some scenes and topics can be interpreted differently from the perspective of an older viewer, who can sympathise and connect emotionally to the characters. There are also ethnic preferences for our film, as characters share an asian heritage. This gives a preference to people of the asian community, another reason for this preference is due to the growing popularity of asian media, such as anime and manga as well an increase in the distribution of J-Horror.
Evaluation - Activity Five
How did you attract your audience?
When addressing an audience, who thrive on terrifying, gore related subjects the imitation of blood is an idea that could be used for fonts. Which we thought would suit our production company, as it not only represents us as a group but also us as a film.
These two characters, have locked Jennifer in the radio room. This kind of behaviour is considered as bullying. Bullying can suggest many different things, one of them being violence. Many well known horror films, include acts of violence, some more extreme than others, such as Friday 13th. In doing this, we addressed violence in way in which it could not be influencial among others.
The close-up's of Sakura, show her bruises and her tired eyes. Again another indication of abuse and violence. These injuries against her pale white face, seem very extreme. This leads the audience to wonder what happened to Sakura the night she went missing, leading the audience in suspense and awe to see what happens next.
During Horror films, the audience await the feeling of being startled. Usually characters hide and 'jump out' or just appear. In these two screenshots, it shows Sakura appearing under the table where Jennifer is hiding, which startles her. All of these motions aim to scare the audience, so that we gain a reaction. With the adrenaline running high, the audience are now vulnerable and any sudden movement can cause alert.
One of the most scariest thoughts, is being left on your own at night. So when Jennifer is locked in college and unable to get out, it seems like the perfect scenario. These long, empty corridors, set the scene for the upcoming event, which builds a large amount of tension.
The protagonist is often given the opportunity to escape. This usually gives the audience a shred of hope that the victim may survive. When attempting to escape, it generally involves a chase with eerie music. This again leaves the audience very vulnerable.
Aswell as visual aspects, we include a lot of sound effects to frighten or shock the audience. The score music used, keeps the viewer inticed.
When addressing an audience, who thrive on terrifying, gore related subjects the imitation of blood is an idea that could be used for fonts. Which we thought would suit our production company, as it not only represents us as a group but also us as a film.
These two characters, have locked Jennifer in the radio room. This kind of behaviour is considered as bullying. Bullying can suggest many different things, one of them being violence. Many well known horror films, include acts of violence, some more extreme than others, such as Friday 13th. In doing this, we addressed violence in way in which it could not be influencial among others.
The close-up's of Sakura, show her bruises and her tired eyes. Again another indication of abuse and violence. These injuries against her pale white face, seem very extreme. This leads the audience to wonder what happened to Sakura the night she went missing, leading the audience in suspense and awe to see what happens next.
During Horror films, the audience await the feeling of being startled. Usually characters hide and 'jump out' or just appear. In these two screenshots, it shows Sakura appearing under the table where Jennifer is hiding, which startles her. All of these motions aim to scare the audience, so that we gain a reaction. With the adrenaline running high, the audience are now vulnerable and any sudden movement can cause alert.
One of the most scariest thoughts, is being left on your own at night. So when Jennifer is locked in college and unable to get out, it seems like the perfect scenario. These long, empty corridors, set the scene for the upcoming event, which builds a large amount of tension.
The protagonist is often given the opportunity to escape. This usually gives the audience a shred of hope that the victim may survive. When attempting to escape, it generally involves a chase with eerie music. This again leaves the audience very vulnerable.
Aswell as visual aspects, we include a lot of sound effects to frighten or shock the audience. The score music used, keeps the viewer inticed.
Evaluation - Activity Six
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
During the process of making the product, we have used a lot of technological equipment, for many different things. As I took the role of director, i had to oversee each part of the project, which helped me to become familiar with filming equipment aswell as editing software.
During the development process, we used many different softwares to publish/network some of our work.
During the production process, I became familiarised with the filming equipment. As I assisted the camera person as much as I could, to benefit the both of us.
During filming we used the VX camera and the mini-tape, which enabled us to capture and store the footage for Cherry Blossom.
Whilst capturing the footage, we used the tripod to ensure that the camera was well balanced and gave us the ability to adjust the height and angle of the camera swiftly.
After we finished filming, we had to log and capture the footage via the mini-tape deck.
Once this process had finished, we then began editing via Final Cut Pro and Sound Cut Pro.
From all of this, I have learnt how much effort is involved when making a short sequence. Throughout this project, I have learnt how to set-up all of the equipment and I have learnt editing techniques. I didnt realise how much editing and sound effects, can improve the overall quality of the film.
During the process of making the product, we have used a lot of technological equipment, for many different things. As I took the role of director, i had to oversee each part of the project, which helped me to become familiar with filming equipment aswell as editing software.
During the development process, we used many different softwares to publish/network some of our work.
During the production process, I became familiarised with the filming equipment. As I assisted the camera person as much as I could, to benefit the both of us.
During filming we used the VX camera and the mini-tape, which enabled us to capture and store the footage for Cherry Blossom.
Whilst capturing the footage, we used the tripod to ensure that the camera was well balanced and gave us the ability to adjust the height and angle of the camera swiftly.
After we finished filming, we had to log and capture the footage via the mini-tape deck.
Once this process had finished, we then began editing via Final Cut Pro and Sound Cut Pro.
From all of this, I have learnt how much effort is involved when making a short sequence. Throughout this project, I have learnt how to set-up all of the equipment and I have learnt editing techniques. I didnt realise how much editing and sound effects, can improve the overall quality of the film.
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