My media product; planning

Before we started working on our media product, we devised a plan in order to follow and make sense of what our opening was based around. The rough drawings shown above represented the action taking place in each of the shots used, however, the more time we experimented with the camera, the more shots were gradually included. As a group we personally feel we stuck to the plan as an overall, trying our best efforts to include everything we hoped to require in our product. The description of each shot is visually displayed in our opening, sustaining the genre and elements significantly seen by the protagonist. Finally, after filming and uploading our media product, we included a track which fit in best with what we wanted, this being, rock music suited to teenagers between the ages of 16 and 25.

Scene in The Amityville Horror

In the Amityville horror, the fear in it is builded up and created through the use of many techniques, mainly on the use of sound. The backing music played up the stairs represents the desire to escape, with the instrumental use of the orchestra and more significantly the violins. These are typical instruments which can effectively be played in minor key inflicting a fearful mood and tone.

There are many sound effects which appear in this particular scene of the film, some being the cocking of the gun to build tension as to whether the male protagonist is going to fire it, and evetually the actual gunshot itself which gives a jumpy, anxious effect because the hole caused by the shot is in a hard object and not yet a person. other noises such as the smashing of the glass frame exhibits the anger from the man and physical objects in the household being broken, so he is not concerned with his possessions let alone his family. The window slamming is abrupt. Due to its suddeness, the viewers fear is sustained as they are not ready for another sound to 'stand their hairs.'

The noises made from the characters themselves are also effective for the sense of fear, terror and dis-comfort. Examples of these include the heavy breathing which denotes them panicking. The feeling can reflect on viewers as they also become curious for what horror may occur next. The screaming from the family victims is also evident as their panic is verbally released as their reaction to the situation. During the mans flashback to past memories is an instinctive constrast to the fear of the present moment as the lighting is vividly different because of its general brighter weather and playfulness from the whole family. However, while this is visualised, the words 'kill them' is played over which shows the reality of the moment and that it will not go away. The tone of the voice is not of an everyday one but as a whispery, guttered insect which makes the flashback creepy and not happy, calm and jolly like it is ironically meant to be.

Lighting is also significant to the overall effect of fear because of its use. There is a constant flashing/flickering of lightening outdoors. These weather conditions are often grey and glum, inflicting a negative and hopeless mood onto viewers in this case. They are also factors to what add to the dramatic scene as there is no sustainable source of light despite is mainly appearing natural. When the man falls off the roof into the mud, his eyes open with the timing of the thunder and lightening flickering which may symbolize the fear having not yet gone nor soon to be going. The house light indoors also flickers when the man passes it, so perhaps he has more power than we suspect as he is in control of everything around him.

There are many images which are visually fearful and frightful to look at during the scene. The face which suddenly appears at the window which looked through by the woman is unexpected and resembles an old man who as we know, haunts the house. This disturbing element is enhanced as we are aware the film is based on a true event. Skulled images of the characters faces are also images which occur more than once on the protagonists faces when the man looks directly at them, and due to him being possessed, views his family in this light which continues to force the urge for him wanting to murder them.

The way the shots are used, present the element of fear effectively, many of them being medium and close-up shots as they display the body language and facial expressions of each character to the moments in the scene. The tensed faces and hunched backs are evident of the anxiety and fear the victims preserve unlike the straight faced man whom is trying to kill everyone in his family. There are close-ups of objects such as the hole in the door caused by the gun which had been shot, showing the whereabouts the bullet was fired and the damage it had caused. An object such as the long, straight stick the man is holding in intention of hitting his son over with is also displayed as a close-up, as this dangerous object inflicts a sense of fear as we are aware of the damage the man can physically case. Very low angle shots are also common in the scene to display the characters on the roof top, focusing on their slow, steady foot movement in order to present the man hearing them pace along it. The overall camera work is primarily filmed with a tracker shot, so the action is followed. This makes the audience feel part of the action as it is done at such a fast speed.

Overall, everything which takes place in this particular scene basis around creating fear and for the audience to also feel the sense of fear the protagonists are so they are able to relate to the reality of what happened, and sympathise with what happened.

This scene in the film resembled the opening of my product and was influential in the sense of creating a character who was vunerable aganist another, and whom displayed their sense of fear, inflicting this onto the viewers which grasps their attention making them wanting to watch on. The use of many close-ups was vital in my opening as well as this particular scene, so significant objects were focused on, displaying their importance and representation.

My media product; evaluation

The synopsis of my media product is as follows: Poppy Iris appeared to live the life of a typical teenage girl whom was raised in a stable household, having no outside problems to her family life. However, what her friends and others known to her don't know is that in fact she is going through a tough phase in her life where being bullied by another is taken out of hand, inflicting pain and torture onto her loved ones as well as herself. The only way she is able to overcome this trouble is economically, paying money in exchange for the lives and well-being of the entire Iris family.

Questions to ask viewers:

-What is your age? All of the viewers were in between the ages of 16-18.

-What is your favourite genre? Do you enjoy horrors that are disturbing and can occasionally make you jump? Many of the viewers primarily enjoy horrors as there following scenes to come are unexpected, being disturbing and not seizing to make them jump.

-What is you job? How much are you paid? (optional) The majority of the people questioned were students alone, however, four had part time week-end jobs, working behind tills and stacking shelfs.

-Are you appealed to watch complicated movies or movies which are easy to follow? Movies which were easy to follow were mainly preferred as they are able to relate themselves to the plot and understand what the protagonists are aiming to display.

-What is your gender? Seven were females, eight were males.

-Where do you usually go on holiday? Is that holiday ideal for you? Those who went on holiday often went to Spain/Greece/Cyprus. However, their ideal holiday was more expensive and out of Europe, the most popular being America.

-Do you find our film synopsis interesting? Eleven said yes as they are teenagers themselves and would enjoy to view another of their ages group living a life more complex and dis-functional as their own.

-Did you notice any editing techniques? All of those questionned notcied the three snap snots that were used in effect to show Poppy, the protagonist, trashing the toliet cubicle. They also noticed how the title at the begginning appeared and dissapeared from the screen in accordance as they had been edited to do so in a specific way.

-How did you find the vommiting in the toliet? Do you think it was realistic? Ten thought that the vommiting was sickely yet effective whilst the other five thought that it was effective yet hadnt much of a reaction towards it.

-Do you think that the backing track fits in well with the genre? Thirteen of the people answered yes, and that it resembled well with the idea of youth as well as following the action taking place. However the other two thought that although the track was suitable for what was taking place, it didnt resemble the idea of a tragic plots hence the title 'teenage tragedy.'

After watching the opening sequence, are you eager to watch the rest of the movie? All viewers answered yes, and that they were keen to discover what happens to the girl and whether she survives after being left on a cliffhanger whist all they could hear was her screaming.

Evaluation questions

-In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? The situation the protagonist in the opening of the film is in, relates to others in unavoidable circumstances which lead to devasting results, in this case, the cliff hanger of her screaming whilst we are aware she is in the toliet with another person whom she is trying to avoid. The camera work is yet another example of how certain shots are used in order to present a scene in a specific way to convey what you are trying to. In this case, high angle shots in the product displayed Poppy, the protagonist trashing the toliet cubicle, displaying her as a victim as the camera is pointing down to her, making her vunererable which foreshadows what may come next. There are also many close-ups used which focus on features which are significant to not only the location, but also to the character e.g. a close-up of the characters hand slamming the wall was vital, not only to display her frustration being let out, but also on her painted nails and tribal braclets which are typical of what many teenagers would wear. The opening as an overall used the majority of conventions of real products as it is structured likewise to many other film openings through the use of titles, features, themes, location, character, shots, language, features and editing.

-How does your media product represent particular social groups? The media product represents the idea of a typical teenage girl, displayed through the use of her appearance and outfit as well as closer features focused on such as the tribal braclets and painted nails. The fact that she owns a mobile phone is yet another representation of youth as the majority of teenagers own one nowadays. However, the antagonist we do not fully see in the opening but only her converse shoes alone presents teenage girls more negatively, as a bully who wont stop hurting another till they suceed in getting what they desire.

-What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why? Media institutions such as 'revolver entertainment' would distribute my product due to the effective storyline despite the film being of a low budget, However, this was deliberate, making the opening scene more realistic instead of a completely made up plot, highly edited.

-Who would be the audience for your media product? Those between the ages of 15 and 21 would be more of an ideal audience, particulary female as they could be going through or know of a similar experience, perhaps not so drastic. They could be from any background, however, having the trait as being family-orienated as the overall film is based around the idea of a situation causing distress and turnings on relationships within a family. As the film is open to anyone economically, their ideal holiday to choice of newspaper can vary but all of what may be considered as a 'typical teenage choice' . In this instance, the majority of teenages my group questionned, would primarily like to visit places such as America.

-How did you attract/address your audience? In order to gain a wider audience, advertisement was key. However, as the film was of a low budget, adverts on the television were not possible, so as a replacement, film posters and a general synopsis box in local papers were vital with immediate effect, attracting a numerous amount of viewers, a large number being teenagers. The use of bright, primary colours and bold distinctive fonts such as Arial were used to characterize the different sources of advertisement to appeal to many.

-What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product? I have learnt that working on a product with such a low budget, requires more time and effort in order to construct and later develop the product. This can be done be editing on a computer such as an apple to make it unique yet realistic.

-Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product? I feel that I personally have learnt a lot of new skills and ideas since first starting on the preliminary task up to finishing my final product. This includes the variation of camera work and new shots that can be used that I wasnt aware could be done on a basic camera beforehand. After experimenting with these and uploading my work onto a computer, I discovered many ways in which I could edit the product some being by including titles, sound and the different ways the shots can be displayed. For example, two shots shown in a split screen to contrast the two different ideas.

Opening of lock, stock and two smoking barrels

The protagonist has a cockney accent, using coloquial language. This indicates that the setting may be in London. An example of his language use, is light swearing such as "Bloody". He also uses crude jokes to gain the surrounding people's attention "I wish it was as long as something else". Judging by the comments he makes such as "nand made in Italy hand stolen in Stepney" suggests that the majority of the film is based around the world of crime. This is also evident when the people are trying to purchase stolen goods, emphasising that there is an economic state of city people. The overall sound of the movie begins diegectic but once the title is displayed, there is backround music, making the sound non-diegectic, however, also parellel as its fast with a strong rhythm due to the intense guitar sound.

The title denotes 'summit entertainment' in an edgy straight up font coloured white, so it boldly stands out againist the black washed backround so the two opposing colours are juxtaposed within the shot. This connotes the classic crime film as the black may symbolize darkness, crime and keeps it discrete. The font however, also may have been quickly written as if written by a type writer, sustaining the casual element of the film, through no use of capitals which relates to the characters speech.

One of the most significant stills is a median over the shoulder shot, denoting a crowd eager to purchase illegal goods. Their clothing is dull, dark coloured, inflicting a curious mood upon the audience. The fact that there is no direct address or contact between two or more characters alone keeps the scene causal and convincing, as these actions may be an economic affair which is a problem in an more economically developed country (MEDC) today, in this case London. The camera then gradually zooms into the protagonists face, whom is looking down at the goods. The natural daylight is shining onto the close-up of his face which connotes real life daytime.

Likewise to the 'summit entertainment title', 'the steve tisch company' is also presented in the same way in order to keep the titles causal throughout.

After the company name is shown, the protagonists close-up of the face continues so the titles almost interrupt the reality, which engages the audience so as a result, they stay focused and entertained,which is one of the aims the company was aiming to achieve.

The jump cut followed, gives a feeling of being part of the crowd as does the fact there is an over the shoulder shot, making it seem we are standing behind someone in the crowd. The camera moving side to side swaying it another element adding to the realistic atmosphere.

'Ska films title'has the same effect and purpose as the other titles, to interrupt the action, gaining out attention to the people involved in the making and process of the film. However,the text is slightly different in comparison to the previous ones, possible to emphasise the importance of the film title.

There are many futhur close-ups of the protagonists face likewise to the shots used after the other titles.

The next title'presents' follows this, so by not displaying what it presents straight away, pulls the audiences attention in, as we are curious to know what it does present.

After this title, there are many mediam shots of chracters, which display somone part of the crowd whom is standing at the frount. Following on, is a shot reverse shot to the protagonist,who is holding a piece of jewelery high up so it is clearly advertised to the crowd, as well as using persuasive dialoge. After displaying the good, he claps his hands as if he were at an auction 'going once, going twice, sold.'

The close-up dennotes the crowds faces, connoting how shocked and pleased they are about the price of the goods, £10 from orginally £50. The clothing on the crowd is also dark coloured, contrasting with the natural light shining down on their faces. The darkness is also stressed, possible because the scene was set in a back ally, away from the main roads and light pearing from every direction. The view of the shot is what we are viewing from the protagonists perspective.

There is a shot reverse shot back onto the low angle shot of the protagonist, as if he was liturally standing over the crowd, winning them over to purchase the goods as looking up at a character usually highlights there sense of authority over others. However, there is tension in his forehead. This expression could suggest he may be concerned and has thoughts in his mind we as an audience are not quite sure of. The swaying of the camera at this point connotes the crowd is moving side to side, eager to see.

The title is then finally presented as the 'matthew vaughn production', leaving the audience no longer in anxiety. We are now able to respect the producer of the film as this point, as we have had a taster on the topic of the film as well as the themes raised.

The low angle mediam shot of the protagonist is displayed again, to make us feel more as if we are a crowd member, viewing him from our own perspective. The tension in his face has increased, with extent on his frowning. Due to the seriosuness and anxiety his face beholds, we as an audience may predict he is concerned with something which is likely to come, inflicting with his illegal job.

The fullness of the crowd seems to have increased, from the shot reverse shot of the protagonist to the crowd. The shot displaying half their faces so the other half is cut off is also evident of the reality and busy atmosphere. Yet again, the shot reverse shot onto the protagonists face reminds the audience of the tension it is exhibiting.

'A guy richie film' title interupts the scene, so as the film continues, it speeds up.

As follows, there is a panning shot into yet another shot reverse shot of the protagonist and crowd.

Afterwards is a jump cut, and the tension in the protagonists face seems to have abolished as he has sold the majority of the goods needed tobe sold, so there is a sign of relief.

However, to the audiences anxiety the camera circles the protagonists, displaying his identity at a various amount of angles. However, just as in the film 'jaws', circular camera movement indicates the character being an up-coming victim, whom is in danger of something.

The point of view shot from him shows, the unsold goods being put into a suitcase quickly, enhancing the state of action.

Referring back to the crowd, there is an over the shoulder shot, so we being in a postion of being in the crowd, can view the two police man coming in from the right with their hands out,in order to catch the protagonist, however, as he runs away, leads the scene into a chase.

There is a constant refrain of the image and idea of money and illegal goods which are the elements the film is primarily based around. The slow motion of the goods being dropped everywhere allows the audience to focus on the protagonists illegal job and consider the profit he makes from it. There are also close-ups of money through out the opening scene.

This opening is a clear stark contrast to the one I created due to its miminal charcters, locations and dialogne, however this was deliberate. The opening to lock, stock and two smoking barrels distinguised the different themes in the different openings for me, helping me to emphasise the genre I was aiming to accomplish. One thing that the two openings both share, is the use of a point of view shot which is a technique used in many openings in order to make viewers feel part of the action and visualise themselves in the scene.

superman/batman: public enemies

The long animated shots, captures the spirit of the classic 1960's film titles. Bold, and slightly abstract, the animated twists and turns are geometric references to the power of comic heroes as pop culture icons and a playful lead-in for the graphic novel-style drama to unfold.

Each one of the nine images is preented through the use of bright bold prime colours such as blue, red and yellow. These set a comical mood however the use of the black colour indicates a more darker, mysterious side to the movie making people who see the shot anxious. As the images are comical, and present the content of the film understandably, their is no contrast in lighting or colour but instead, the colour remains effortlessly significant through out each shot.

In shot one, the stretch of the american flag may indicate a stretch towards the american dream, and by the two superheros joining forces, they may use there powers to save the world and suceed in that dream as they are both the greatest superheros and by both of them joining together, they can outlaw their moral enemy.

The statue of liberty in shot two is not only a tourist attraction, but was once titled 'Liberty Enlightening the World' and owned by the French which was then given the the United States to represent the friendship between the two countries established during the American Revolution. The torch which the status is holding is pointing upwards, which is a sign of hope that all Americans can look for and gain in their life and this is what the superheros are also aiming to achieve.

Shot three displays the symbols of the two superheros, juxtaposed into one shot indicating the joining forces, however, with a divide in the middle presenting 'Public Enemies' which shows they face a moral enemy.

There are images of shapes created in shot four, so the lines appear sharp, almost resembling the outline of a buildings, which is where the film is primarily based, as buildings is a feature fundamental in the United States. As they slant, is also evident of this point, as the camera shots within the film vary depending on the movement of the characters and this has been vaguely shown on the poster shot.

Shot five is based around the image of batman, with the distinctive washed down darkness and sharp hood ears of the character againist the bold yellow backround. We as an viewers instantly know the superhero is a protagonist highly involved during the movie.

The images of birds in shot 6, resemble the superheros powers to fly and have the strengh to jump far distances in the air. This is an aspect of freedom and authority, as they are above all others on ground and are alone ruling themselves in the sky. The American Dream is for people to have the power of freedom and the shot shows that the superheros have already fulfilled this for themselves but now want to achieve it for others, which shows they are altrustics, expecting nothing in return. This is a significant feature each batman and superman have, which distincts them from all of superheros, especially their moral enemy in the movie.

The constant colours used in the shots, is also presented in shot 7, hightlighting the overall colour scheme which is a vital aspect in the movie. The colours are what creates the image of the superheros so they are distinct in viewers minds whilst watching the film.

Likewise to shot 5, shot 8 displays the image of the other vital superhero in the movie, superman, stressing that he is also a protagonist and holds a significance throughout the movie.

The final 9th shot sustains the originality of the piece, stressing the pop art appearance and use of colouring. The straight lines in the shot could implicate many things perhaps one being a symbolism of bars and that even though the super heros are saving the world and believe they are above other beings, the law is still in place and the law going to prison is a penalty if broken.

The titles in the shots are all shown in white, so they vividly appear againist the bold colourful backround. As they are also in captitals , with a straight typical font, catches the person whos viewing its eye. This allows them to understand the significance of the titled name and their rold during the making of the film.

Each shot is based around the significance of one protagonist in the movie it is advertising for, and likewise to my opening product, it immediatley focuses on one character whom has such a presense, there isnt the need for another alongside it that holds such importance.