June 2011
1. Explain how far your understanding of the conventions of existing media influenced the way you created your own media products. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how this understanding developed over time.
To depict the Thriller genre effectively I had to research the conventions of that genre; analysing several film openings such as 'Orphan' and 'Hide and Seek', studying how effectively the enhance the thriller genre. A comparison essay enabled me to analyse the connotations and denotations of those film openings as I analysed detail and mise-en-scene, deconstruction the implied meanings in elements such as prop use and the introduction of characters. Thriller conventions create tension and suspense; leaving the audience intrigued and perhaps frightened through effective sound effects and of course the important elements of mise-en-scene. Low key lighting is usually frequent in the Thriller genre; this could also be seen in effective openings of film's like 'Se7en' - where I analysed the effective opening title sequence. The Cohen brother's 'Fargo' challenged stereotypical thriller conventions; being set in high key lighting with comical elements in the way the characters are presented - the titling 'FARGO' in itself painted in bright, almost amusing red on the DVD cover. The way this film challenged these media conventions inspired how I depicted the thriller genre in my own opening - in the sense that I didn't necessarily use dark locations, with obvious horror elements straight away. Personally, straight away I assumed that it was mandatory for thriller conventions to be the same and follow regular stereotypes. I developed my skills after studying a range of openings/ films which imply that this isn't always the case.
Jan 2011
2. Describe how you developed your skills in the use of digital technology for media production and evaluate how these skills contributed to your creative decision making. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how this understanding developed over time.
I developed my skills strongly as I was introduced to a range of programmes and software's that enabled me to enhance my product development and strengthened understanding of digital technology; therefore I was able to progress and take risks in order to make creative decisions. I had previously developed mediocre skills on Adobe Photoshop, however after experimentation I was able to develop ideas further such as creating a stencil of my opening title sequence, creating and effective production company logo. I had first sketched a rough idea of my logo, but Adobe Photoshop enabled me to enhance it further by using a digital photo, applying colour and then using several tools to create a professional and creative logo - using the smudge tools or creating a 'blur' effect. I developed my skills further - Adobe After Effects allowed me to firstly practice creating animations such as recreating the 'Teletubbies' title sequence, or imaginary titles. I was able to experiment with these technologies, importing my image/ logo from Photoshop to create a moving title sequence - Phantasm Films. The software allows me to experiment with ways of movement and animation. The most important use of digital technology use was Adobe Premiere Pro - I was able to understand how to finally edit footage in order to create what is simply an 'opening'. After importing footage into the software; I would then filter through it, editing out unwanted footage/ cropping in order for it to be suitable lengths using the tools. This really enhanced my understanding of important digital technologies; the softwares used allowed me to experiment regularly as I could decide the quality of my outcomes and media product. I was also able to develop my photography skills, and video as we used Canon Camcorders and experimented with the different settings that affect footage outcomes; such as the focus in the image etc. Again I could experiment, shooting in a variety of ways as I create my final opening of the film.
Jan 2010
3. Describe how you developed research and planning skills for media production and evaluate how these skills contributed to creative decision making. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how this understanding developed over time.
I developed my skills in planning and research for an effective media product outcome by watching Thriller films for inspiration - taking creative ideas in ways that the conventions are depicted. Research allowed me to watch a range of film openings and title sequences so I could understand how they were created - how element's of mise-en-scene can be effective. I researched how lighting can be effectively used to create mood and atmosphere in an opening - how elements as simple as colour can have such a vast effect - openings such as 'Cabin Fever' create a ghastly effect, simply with the font used in the titling sequence. These lead to creative decision making as I learnt how font and it's colour can lift an opening sequence - a ghostly white colour emphasized the emptiness in the opening of Room Mate - and a clinical atmosphere was created by high key lighting - which was a juxtaposition to the typical thriller genre feel.
I developed my skills in planning and research for an effective media product outcome by watching Thriller films for inspiration - taking creative ideas in ways that the conventions are depicted. Research allowed me to watch a range of film openings and title sequences so I could understand how they were created - how element's of mise-en-scene can be effective. I researched how lighting can be effectively used to create mood and atmosphere in an opening - how elements as simple as colour can have such a vast effect - openings such as 'Cabin Fever' create a ghastly effect, simply with the font used in the titling sequence. These lead to creative decision making as I learnt how font and it's colour can lift an opening sequence - a ghostly white colour emphasized the emptiness in the opening of Room Mate - and a clinical atmosphere was created by high key lighting - which was a juxtaposition to the typical thriller genre feel.
