Sunday 31 March 2013
Evaluation feedback
This is the feedback from my teacher with the corrections and how I can make it better. Firstly I am going to correct the content of my evaluation, I am then going to put my questions and the answer in to individual interactive formats.
Friday 22 March 2013
Entry
I really think that we would benefit if we had some feedback from children who we would initially target the film at. I have created a survey online to get some feedback, and I have also asked some people to watch and write back on what they think. I think we would benefit from this as we have only got criticism from an older audience, if we were to get some comments from our actual targeted audience, and their opinions I think this would really help in trying to get the best possible media product.
This is the link for the survey that I have created:
Click here to take survey
This is the link for the survey that I have created:
Click here to take survey
Thursday 21 March 2013
Editing
After looking at all of these shots, I feel that they should be lighter and also, again, after speaking to our teacher we need to include more shots, to also show the power of the individual character as they are unclear within the sequence. We have decided that after every shot of someone putting on their top, we are going to show shots of each one doing their power. For example, after Bobbie puts on her shot, we will show a shot after this where she is doing something with fire, Holly with bubbles, Megan laughing, and myself with Air. I think that if we do this, it will not only make the title sequence longer, but it will also subtly show to the audience the powers that each girl has, as I have previously stated, this is unclear within it.
Editing
Editing
Editing
Editing
Diary Entry
We have received feedback from the class and from our teachers regarding the title sequence. At the moment it is on a D grade due to the title sequence not being long enough. After discussing with the group, we feel that we need to include more shots that focus around the fantastagirls powers. Having said this, another aspect that will be required is the lighting of our shots, because in some cases they can be too dark. Taking this on, we are going to analyse the title sequence and edit it more thoroughly, and lighten it up in some places, in order for it to be a lot more diverse and fun feeling. Also, we are going to shoot more and include the shots into the title sequence, in hope that it could be more clear about the power that each fantastagirl obtains.
Evaluation (First)
This is the first draft of my evaluation, I am going to put it into a powerpoint and film myself speaking for the final piece.
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
In our media product we have used the conventions of real media products in our title sequence. We have included the main conventions into our title sequence, for instance the title of the film, the introducing of the characters, the titles of the people who have produced the film and we have also included conventions that are associated with the genre of superheroes. We also used conventions of media products regarding to the mise-en-scene, for example, it could be said that with female superheroes, they would typically wear tight fitted clothing for costumes, and when there is more than one superhero, they would have a similar look, and we have acquired this convention in our title media product to create the stereotypical look for superheroes. When we researched into other superhero title sequences they are frequently upbeat and optimistic, which we too have done with the use of the music in the title sequence. From using the cheerful music, we felt that it would be more convenient towards our target audience of children as this would be seen as fun, which is an essential element that needed to be created. Another aspect which adds to the fun atmosphere of our title sequence is through the use of the editing. Instead of using a long narrative, which could be seen as boring, we have used quick cuts which feel quicker and more exciting for the audience. In our media product we also challenge the typical stereotype associated with super heroes. Stereotypically, it could be said that most superheroes are associated with males, where as in our media product we have represented a team of four superheroes as young females. From doing this, we feel that it creates a positive view towards females and we go against the stereotype of female superheroes as being sexually viewed; instead we have portrayed the characters as young and fun, creating a positive and possibly creating an idolising figure for the audience.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
In our media product, the social groups that have been represented our young females. We wanted to portray an optimistic view towards the females included in our product, as our target audience is of a younger age meaning that we would need to portray model type females, as previously stated, where a younger girl could idolize them. I personally think that in our title sequence, we portray positive and stereotypical elements towards the characters. For example, the audience would see the duration of the characters getting ready in the morning. As a stereotypical girl, this would include showering, doing their hair, eating breakfast, doing their makeup and getting dressed. We have included this in the sequence, setting up a stereotypical example of girls, but it also indicates to the audience that the girls are all ‘normal’ except from the point of being superheroes. We felt that it was very important to portray a positive view to young girls, as often in British society young girls can often be viewed in a negative stereotypical way, we wanted to contrast against this, and therefore the above reasons go against negative representations of young females. By representing a positive view to this social group, it is a lot more suitable for our target audience as most parents would not want their children to be picking up bad habits, as children can often be influenced highly by what they watch in films.
What kind of media institution might distribute you media product and why?
A media institution that would be relevant to distribute our media product would be Walt Disney as it has distributed many films associated with similar genres, such as ‘the avengers’ ‘sky high’ and ‘the incredibles’ all of which are familiar in target audiences and genres. ‘The Avengers’ is similar to our film regarding the coming together of more than one superhero. ‘Sky High’ is also similar when referring to the genre and the type of characters that are shown in the film too. Although ‘The Incredibles’ is a cartoon, which contrasts to our media product, the target audience is similar as it is for children. Concerning all the above points made, it would seem clear that Walt Disney would be an appropriate distributer for our media product as many of the films that have been produced are for a younger audience, and all of which are similar in the upbeat and entertaining aspect that we wanted to grasp for our media product.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
When we firstly discussed our target audience for our media product, we decided on the target audience for the ages of 10-18. However, after presenting to the class and receiving the feedback it was felt by other members that our target audience should have been lower. We realized that the age of 18 was far too high, and that somebody at that age would probably not be interested in watching the film. Taking this into consideration, we lowered the target audience for our product as we felt that the idea of the film would be much more appropriate to a younger audience as the idea of the film was essentially a lot more childish. Saying this, we kept the idea of targeting the media product at females as they would be able to relate to the characters regarding fashion and idolization. We also felt that the secondary audience for our media product would be for families; this is because we intended the film to be entertaining and fun, which would be appropriate for all audiences. Also, if the children seeing the film were young, it would seem appropriate to have the secondary audience for families as their parents may also watch the film with them too.
How did you attract/address your audience?
The main feature in our media product that addressed to our audience was through the characters in the film. The young girls portrayed in the film would appeal to younger girls as they would be attracted in watching an entertaining film that was associated with girls. The overall tone of our title sequence represents an entertaining, diverse and fun feel towards the idea; this is another aspect that is attractive for our audience, whom would want to watch something that is fun and enjoyable. In our group we also discussed, in reference to the idea of the film, merchandise, this is an element that would go beyond the film itself, but the idea arose and the thought of merchandise would be exciting for younger audiences. For example, happy meal toys from McDonalds could also help in the influence of watching the film, which we felt was another way that would address the audience. It would also seem appropriate to mention that the title sequence itself is enjoyable and cheerful from the previously mentioned use of music and mise-en-scene which would initially entertain and possibly influence the audience to watch the film as it would draw them in. I also think that the initial idea of the film would be presentable to our audience, this is because a superhero film featuring four girls is quite unique and new, fun ideas would be an exciting thing for the audience to look forward too, seeing as our audience is of a young age.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
The very main technology that took place in regards to construction of the product was final cut pro. The editing software itself was the most prominent element used in the making of the title sequence. From using the software I have learned a number of features that enabled us to create our product. This includes: adding footage; cutting footage, including sounds; the editing process itself and more, all of which seem small, but were essential in the construction of the product. The editing, at times, was very confusing and also very frustrating in regards to fitting together the bits of footage and making them fluent. Having said this, once you have watched over a section that is continuous and fits well, it is more than satisfying to watch your product slowly come together. When we were including the titles into our sequence we had to keep finding places to put them, and for it to also look professional and presentable, which was another difficult task that we had to learn and grasp in order for our product to look how we wished. Although I did learn a lot from final cut pro, in regards to learning about technologies during the process of the construction, I personally believe that the key component in our media product was due to the filming process itself. We had many filming sessions, which at times were very entertaining, but also very frustrating when it came round to the editing process. Through the process of making the sequence, we have learned that in order to get the best possible footage, it is essential to film as much as possible, from all angles, and to have multiple shots. Doing this allowed us to choose the best possible footage and to then go on and edit it. The above stated are probably the most important parts in reference to what we learned during the construction of our media product.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Regarding what I have learnt in reference to our media product, I have learnt that in order for our group to have the best possible product was for us all to communicate well with each other and for all of us to listen to each other’s ideas too. We did have many difficulties when it came to the construction of our media product, for example, our ideas. We all had many ideas that we wished to share with each other, but in some cases it was that we did not all agree with each other, or that it was just not possible for us to complete the specific idea. During the filming of our title sequence, we decided to change our first idea, this was because when it came to the actual filming of it, and when we were watching over the footage, we were not fully happy with the outcome and we felt that we needed to portray the ideas that we had better. From this, we then changed our story boards. From the above, I believe that an important part of the completion of the full product was planning. It is definitely essential to plan when it comes to completing the product. This includes: story boards; the dates of when we would film; what we were going to film; the different angles and when we would edit the footage we had shot. I think in regards to what I have learnt, I think that we would have had less problems if we would have planned the filming more as when it actually came to it, we often found ourselves going off on tangents and not being very aware of what we were filming. Having said this, I do believe that in regards to the production and planning, I worked very hard in trying to control the situations, the editing process and essentially getting the best possible shots that we initially wanted. I personally think that during the progression of making the title sequence, my skills regarding final cut pro have improved. This is because I was often doing the editing, and staying after school to complete the editing. As we had a lot of footage in our title sequence, this also helped with my editing skills because we had to be very thorough when we were editing it, in order for the duration of the title sequence to be smooth. Another essential component that I have improved on is my leader ship skills. This was by assigning certain areas that needed to be completed to other members of the team, and then completing certain areas myself too, I felt that in order for us all to complete the media product we all needed to be doing similar amounts of work. By taking on the role of the leader, I had to make sure that everyone was doing the right things and putting enough work into them. Another point that I have improved on, is working in a team. I often find myself wanting to take control and do a lot of the work, but in this case I realised that it was impossible to everything alone. From this, it has improved my skills in being able to listen to everybody’ s ideas, and also making sure that everybody was heard in the group. I felt that it was essential that we were all working together and that no one was left out and felt comfortable with what they were completing.
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
In our media product we have used the conventions of real media products in our title sequence. We have included the main conventions into our title sequence, for instance the title of the film, the introducing of the characters, the titles of the people who have produced the film and we have also included conventions that are associated with the genre of superheroes. We also used conventions of media products regarding to the mise-en-scene, for example, it could be said that with female superheroes, they would typically wear tight fitted clothing for costumes, and when there is more than one superhero, they would have a similar look, and we have acquired this convention in our title media product to create the stereotypical look for superheroes. When we researched into other superhero title sequences they are frequently upbeat and optimistic, which we too have done with the use of the music in the title sequence. From using the cheerful music, we felt that it would be more convenient towards our target audience of children as this would be seen as fun, which is an essential element that needed to be created. Another aspect which adds to the fun atmosphere of our title sequence is through the use of the editing. Instead of using a long narrative, which could be seen as boring, we have used quick cuts which feel quicker and more exciting for the audience. In our media product we also challenge the typical stereotype associated with super heroes. Stereotypically, it could be said that most superheroes are associated with males, where as in our media product we have represented a team of four superheroes as young females. From doing this, we feel that it creates a positive view towards females and we go against the stereotype of female superheroes as being sexually viewed; instead we have portrayed the characters as young and fun, creating a positive and possibly creating an idolising figure for the audience.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
In our media product, the social groups that have been represented our young females. We wanted to portray an optimistic view towards the females included in our product, as our target audience is of a younger age meaning that we would need to portray model type females, as previously stated, where a younger girl could idolize them. I personally think that in our title sequence, we portray positive and stereotypical elements towards the characters. For example, the audience would see the duration of the characters getting ready in the morning. As a stereotypical girl, this would include showering, doing their hair, eating breakfast, doing their makeup and getting dressed. We have included this in the sequence, setting up a stereotypical example of girls, but it also indicates to the audience that the girls are all ‘normal’ except from the point of being superheroes. We felt that it was very important to portray a positive view to young girls, as often in British society young girls can often be viewed in a negative stereotypical way, we wanted to contrast against this, and therefore the above reasons go against negative representations of young females. By representing a positive view to this social group, it is a lot more suitable for our target audience as most parents would not want their children to be picking up bad habits, as children can often be influenced highly by what they watch in films.
What kind of media institution might distribute you media product and why?
A media institution that would be relevant to distribute our media product would be Walt Disney as it has distributed many films associated with similar genres, such as ‘the avengers’ ‘sky high’ and ‘the incredibles’ all of which are familiar in target audiences and genres. ‘The Avengers’ is similar to our film regarding the coming together of more than one superhero. ‘Sky High’ is also similar when referring to the genre and the type of characters that are shown in the film too. Although ‘The Incredibles’ is a cartoon, which contrasts to our media product, the target audience is similar as it is for children. Concerning all the above points made, it would seem clear that Walt Disney would be an appropriate distributer for our media product as many of the films that have been produced are for a younger audience, and all of which are similar in the upbeat and entertaining aspect that we wanted to grasp for our media product.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
When we firstly discussed our target audience for our media product, we decided on the target audience for the ages of 10-18. However, after presenting to the class and receiving the feedback it was felt by other members that our target audience should have been lower. We realized that the age of 18 was far too high, and that somebody at that age would probably not be interested in watching the film. Taking this into consideration, we lowered the target audience for our product as we felt that the idea of the film would be much more appropriate to a younger audience as the idea of the film was essentially a lot more childish. Saying this, we kept the idea of targeting the media product at females as they would be able to relate to the characters regarding fashion and idolization. We also felt that the secondary audience for our media product would be for families; this is because we intended the film to be entertaining and fun, which would be appropriate for all audiences. Also, if the children seeing the film were young, it would seem appropriate to have the secondary audience for families as their parents may also watch the film with them too.
How did you attract/address your audience?
The main feature in our media product that addressed to our audience was through the characters in the film. The young girls portrayed in the film would appeal to younger girls as they would be attracted in watching an entertaining film that was associated with girls. The overall tone of our title sequence represents an entertaining, diverse and fun feel towards the idea; this is another aspect that is attractive for our audience, whom would want to watch something that is fun and enjoyable. In our group we also discussed, in reference to the idea of the film, merchandise, this is an element that would go beyond the film itself, but the idea arose and the thought of merchandise would be exciting for younger audiences. For example, happy meal toys from McDonalds could also help in the influence of watching the film, which we felt was another way that would address the audience. It would also seem appropriate to mention that the title sequence itself is enjoyable and cheerful from the previously mentioned use of music and mise-en-scene which would initially entertain and possibly influence the audience to watch the film as it would draw them in. I also think that the initial idea of the film would be presentable to our audience, this is because a superhero film featuring four girls is quite unique and new, fun ideas would be an exciting thing for the audience to look forward too, seeing as our audience is of a young age.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
The very main technology that took place in regards to construction of the product was final cut pro. The editing software itself was the most prominent element used in the making of the title sequence. From using the software I have learned a number of features that enabled us to create our product. This includes: adding footage; cutting footage, including sounds; the editing process itself and more, all of which seem small, but were essential in the construction of the product. The editing, at times, was very confusing and also very frustrating in regards to fitting together the bits of footage and making them fluent. Having said this, once you have watched over a section that is continuous and fits well, it is more than satisfying to watch your product slowly come together. When we were including the titles into our sequence we had to keep finding places to put them, and for it to also look professional and presentable, which was another difficult task that we had to learn and grasp in order for our product to look how we wished. Although I did learn a lot from final cut pro, in regards to learning about technologies during the process of the construction, I personally believe that the key component in our media product was due to the filming process itself. We had many filming sessions, which at times were very entertaining, but also very frustrating when it came round to the editing process. Through the process of making the sequence, we have learned that in order to get the best possible footage, it is essential to film as much as possible, from all angles, and to have multiple shots. Doing this allowed us to choose the best possible footage and to then go on and edit it. The above stated are probably the most important parts in reference to what we learned during the construction of our media product.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Regarding what I have learnt in reference to our media product, I have learnt that in order for our group to have the best possible product was for us all to communicate well with each other and for all of us to listen to each other’s ideas too. We did have many difficulties when it came to the construction of our media product, for example, our ideas. We all had many ideas that we wished to share with each other, but in some cases it was that we did not all agree with each other, or that it was just not possible for us to complete the specific idea. During the filming of our title sequence, we decided to change our first idea, this was because when it came to the actual filming of it, and when we were watching over the footage, we were not fully happy with the outcome and we felt that we needed to portray the ideas that we had better. From this, we then changed our story boards. From the above, I believe that an important part of the completion of the full product was planning. It is definitely essential to plan when it comes to completing the product. This includes: story boards; the dates of when we would film; what we were going to film; the different angles and when we would edit the footage we had shot. I think in regards to what I have learnt, I think that we would have had less problems if we would have planned the filming more as when it actually came to it, we often found ourselves going off on tangents and not being very aware of what we were filming. Having said this, I do believe that in regards to the production and planning, I worked very hard in trying to control the situations, the editing process and essentially getting the best possible shots that we initially wanted. I personally think that during the progression of making the title sequence, my skills regarding final cut pro have improved. This is because I was often doing the editing, and staying after school to complete the editing. As we had a lot of footage in our title sequence, this also helped with my editing skills because we had to be very thorough when we were editing it, in order for the duration of the title sequence to be smooth. Another essential component that I have improved on is my leader ship skills. This was by assigning certain areas that needed to be completed to other members of the team, and then completing certain areas myself too, I felt that in order for us all to complete the media product we all needed to be doing similar amounts of work. By taking on the role of the leader, I had to make sure that everyone was doing the right things and putting enough work into them. Another point that I have improved on, is working in a team. I often find myself wanting to take control and do a lot of the work, but in this case I realised that it was impossible to everything alone. From this, it has improved my skills in being able to listen to everybody’ s ideas, and also making sure that everybody was heard in the group. I felt that it was essential that we were all working together and that no one was left out and felt comfortable with what they were completing.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
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