Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Question 7 from Mattie Goddard

Question 6: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

To produce our thriller to a high standard we used  a range of technology. The key item of technology was the Canon DSLR camera we used. We had the option of using a standard video camera but we decided to achieve the highest quality of filming we could,we wanted to use a DSLR. Not only did this ensure we achieved high quality shots and overall footage but it enabled a efficient playback allowance. This meant that while filming we could quickly watch footage back to decide whether we needed to re-shoot specific shots there and then, rather than having to wait until we uploaded it prior to editing. Additionally, due to having a auto-focus and manual-focus option, we were able to focus shots ourself to create our desired visual. We were able to shoot some of the footage slightly out of focus and continue to adjust it while actually shooting to create a 'grainy vintage' aesthetic to compliment our film noir style. On a standard camcorder, we would not be able to experiment with the visual and technical elements of the camera itself. Furthermore, the ability to experiment permitted us to be more creative which increased the standard of our work.  From the beginning of the planning process, we knew it would be crucial to use a tripod. This is essentially to create clean, steady high quality shots, yet it also permitted us to be more creative with angles and shot types as we could smoothly change the position of the camera and use more obscure radical angles, with the footage still looking professional and concise due to the absence of camera shakes.  A key technological device we used was a external microphone. Firstly, a large part of our film was shot outside on a reasonably busy road that connects two main roads. This meant that there was a lot of background noise, which was distracting when watching the film and lowered the overall quality. When shooting the scene on the road we used a external microphone to increase the volume of the dialogue, but the microphone picked up the background noise entirely and we realised this when it came to the editing process. So, to eliminate the bad quality dialogue we decided to re-record the sound individually by plugging the microphone into my iPhone and recording a black screen while the actors were speaking. We did this in a quiet classroom with no background noise and had the actors speak directly into the microphone while listening to and watching the footage with original sound so they could achieve the correct timing. We then were able to upload the blank video as a sound file and edit the dialogue simultaneously against the footage as ADR (automatic dialogue replacement). This increased the quality of the sound massively, and we were able to mute the original volume of the clip and add a sound effect of some background traffic noise to make it appear more realistic and natural. From using this technology, I have learnt that it is crucial to have not only a mass amount of footage but also a variety. I have also learnt that sound is almost as important as the actual footage and has to be as high quality as possible in order to create a high standard film. 

For the post-production stage of the process we decided to use the apple software, imovie. This is because my partner Anna has a macbook laptop, therefore it was easily accessible and convenient for us, and we  found it a lot easier to use after experimenting and testing Premier Pro software. A major element that assisted us in the post production stage was the use of sound editing. As previously mentioned, we had to focus on sound in our film massively. With imovie we were easily able to reduce the volume percentage of background noise in some clips and even mute it. There was also a tool which allowed us to increase the dialogue in clips specifically rather than the whole soundscape in that certain clip. Again as mentioned beforehand, we were able to use basic editing tools that permitted us to edit ADR onto the film to improve the quality of the soundscape. To aid the film noir theme of our film we used the colour editing tool to add a monochrome filter onto the footage. At first we decided to only do this in selected clips in the film, however after watching it back the contrasts between colour and monochrome looked disorderly and messy so we decided to adjust the colouring entirely.  Another technique we used that helped us massively in terms of aesthetics and practicality was increasing the speed of certain clips. Initially, we decided to do this as our film went over the timing allowance and we were yet to add title sequences and so on. But after experimenting with the paces of different clips we decided it added to the narrative of the film. For example, in the final scene where Angelo is panicking prior to the phone call, where he is flicking through his bible, we decided to increase the speed of the clip so he appears extremely frantic and hysterical. Due to being over the time allowance, we also cut the majority of the clips to fit the time allowance. We used a lot of quick cuts between clips, this is a common technique used in thriller films, it consists of a short duration of consecutive shots. Fast cutting can be crucial in implying tension and suspense, which is consequently reflected by the audiences feelings.

On my blog I have used a wide range of presentational devices. Examples of this are essays, mind-maps, powerpoints and prezi's. I have embedded the latter few onto my blog by using websites such as slideshare. I found prezi's extremely helpful when executing large pieces of writing  as it is a unique, efficient way of presenting a lot of information and it is also engaging for the reader. Similarly with powerpoints, you are able to break down large pieces of writing into more concise, clear points. Moreover, photo's and video clips can be easily inserted into powerpoint or prezi slides which was extremely helpful in my research when analysing screenshots or video clips of films in great depth. Mind-maps produced on word documents which were later uploaded to my blog were helpful for some stages of the planning process, such as my initial ideas post. I was able to use text boxes and arrows to divide different information/points and additionally create links and add further information/explanation in a clear and structured way that would be aesthetically pleasing to the reader.

During the research stage of this coursework, the internet played a pivotal part. I was easily able to research codes and conventions of the thriller genre, and the context of this genre. An example of this would be when we were set an independent study task and I decided to research the role of women in film noir; there were many different articles available on this topic that were easily accessible and included a wide range of information and opinions from experts of film. I consistently used youtube, which was a highly valuable resource when searching for an array of different clips to analyse for each of the tasks; camerawork in thrillers, motifs in thrillers etc. Technology was also a prime part of the planning process, when dividing up the group tasks or working on them together we were able to use email to ensure we both had a copy of each task and could send feedback to each other instantly and without fuss or hesitation- this made the whole process quicker and efficient. When completing the mind-map of initial ideas microsoft one drive was used simultaneously by myself and Anna so we were both able to work on a piece of work together and even at the same time if needed.  Using mobile phones were also helpful when gathering ideas for the location of our film, as the filming location was on my road I was able to easily and quickly take photos on the way to school and then upload them to my blog using a USB chord. Finally, texting and social media such as Facebook was helpful when we were completing work outside of school, so we were able to stay in touch and keep each other aware of our own progress, as well as planning shoot dates and so on. 








SCREENSHOTS

1) Due to more advanced technology, we were able to produce high quality shots and interesting, concise composition.

  

 2) As we used a tripod we were able to shoot obscure, interesting shots and angles whilst making the camera steady ensuring a professional look and high quality.

Question 5: How did you attract/address your audience?

Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?

Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Our thriller portrays multiple social groups. Predominantly, our representations are rather simplistic and easy to grasp, furthermore, the characters can be easily categorised and identified in the different social groups. However, the character of Angelo, the protagonist of the film is a critically complex character with a high amount of depth and conflicting personality traits. For example, at times it is hard to identify him or categorise him into a specific social group as such, due to his complex character and the fact that he is, in my opinion, represented in numerous ways and could conform to a number of different social groups at different parts of the film. The character played by Annie, the antagonist of the film is represented in a simplistic way, this is because she is meant to be an extremely relate-able character and to some extents, a 'simplistic' character. I feel that binary opposites could be identified in our film, such as the binary opposite of antagonist vs protagonist. However, we hadn't intended to portray this and for this to be evident in our film. This is because there is never any direct, active conflict between the two characters, there is only what could be interpreted as tension between the two characters when the exchange of the bible takes place. However, I think this is just confusion on both behalf's of the two characters, as the exchange is in a sense awkward. In addition, it could be said that there is a binary opposite of  boy vs girl, but this isn't relevant due to no conflict being based upon the two characters genders, there was never any literal intention for Annie to be weaker than Angelo based on the fact she is female, yet this could be interpreted this way be audience members and offers broader contextual links in terms of how the character's genders are represented. I believe the representation of social groups are putting the audience in multiple positions. For example, I believe the character of Annie is approachable as the representation of the social groups she could be identified as in a progressive, realistic, contemporary way. For example, I believe when her character is introduced and shown she seems extremely approachable and the way she is presented is  refreshing, particularly as it contrasts the dark narrative of the film. The representation of Angelo, in my opinion places the audience in an extremely inconsistent and contrasting position. It is evident he is a devious criminal, however, his mental instability is also apparent. Therefore, his representation is neither explicitly challenging nor regressive. This is because he is both conforming to the stereotype of youths being aggressive and deviant, (in a more extreme way) but also places him in a light that shows him as vulnerable and perhaps even weak to some people. 

The male character in the film ,Angelo,isn't emasculated, as such. I believe he is portrayed as a character who is confused about his identity and has inappropriate beliefs and sexual desires, as shown when he strokes the deceased face of his victim and then places a ring on her wedding finger. I feel as if he had never been in control, in everyday life and sexually/romantically and this is his first feeling of it as he appears smug yet almost overwhelmed and excited. Due to being under strict control by the cult in his everyday life he appears confused about what to do. It is almost as if he is able to explore and experiment, as it's his first time being around a woman,alone. During the exchange of the bible it is blatant that he has difficulty socialising, and when his victim is there lifeless, he doesn't have to worry about socialising or how he is viewed by her, he just has control.To the audience, his actions towards his victim seem immediately wrong and would cause them to feel uncomfortable due to the overall moral wrong shown. However, the sexual nature of his actions and apparent intentions place the audience in a awkward, almost voyeuristic position. Due to the vulnerability shown in Angelo's character towards the end of the film opening, it would change the views of the audience towards him and stray away from the idea of him being a villainous criminal and more towards the attitude of him being a troubled, damaged and unwell boy. Annie's character isn't presented as extremely feminine, yet appears happy and confident in herself. Due to the film noir style of our film, Annie's character isn't conforming to any of the typical female roles (femme fatale, the good woman, the marrying type) which again, deems her as refreshing and this would be rejuvenating for the audience. Although, this is arguably why she is a victim to Angelo, as she doesn't fit in his authoritarian, confined, uncompromising lifestyle. I feel like in the bathroom scene she is being sexualised as Angelo has deep-rooted, revealed desires. The two characters in this film are polar opposites in terms of personality and gender. Angelo is a mysterious, disturbing, unsettled boy whilst Annie is a positive,  joyful friendly young girl; they have entirely 'rival' personalities. At first thought, the gender of the characters seems irrelevant to the narrative and context of the film, however once you explore this, it conforms to negative and regressive stereotypes of both genders. For example, the female character is weak and victimised whilst the male is powerful and in control. It is arguable that parts of the content represent gender as being a key issue and having relevance in terms of significance. Consequently, a key theme of the film is power and the power shift between the two characters, and this is arguable whether their genders are relevant to this. There is a clear balance of equality between the two characters at the beginning and then this abruptly changes to Angelo being dominant and powerful. 

Our film communicates how it can be living in contemporary Britain. For example, with reference to the character of Annie it is representative of how even the worst things can happen to anyone, unexpectedly. With recent studies showing that woman are more vulnerable to becoming homicide victims than men and overall crime and violence to woman in England and Wales reaching a record high, it is evident woman, especially young woman (like Annie) are at high risk. Concerning the character of Angelo, his mental instability is distinct throughout the film. Examples include his difficulty socialising, the crime he commits in itself, his treatment towards his deceased victim and finally, his mental state at the end of the film which appears as a type of a cathartic episode. It is apparent that Angelo has had no diagnosis or help for his mental health, he just try's to continue on with life. Contextually, this is representative of the lack of mental health care available to young people and the failing services. With the rate of suicide and non diagnosed mental health problems in young men particularly being critically high, it shows that although Angelo seems 'odd' he is just a victim of these statistics. There also a compelling correlation between males with mental health problems and males who commit crimes and are in prison. A website about males mental health (1) states that males make up 95% of the prison population and 72% of those males are mentally unwell. The position Angelo is in would prompt the audience to empathise with him more due to his downfall at the end of the film. As both characters are of a similar age there is no binary opposition or differentiation of portrayal between age groups. Owing to the fact that multiple social issues (specifically applicable to young people) are explored in this film clip, I feel that the audience are therefore placed in a position of being educated about current issues surrounding young people in today's society, it would therefore give them a sense of attainment and hopefully encourage them to research some of the subjects touched upon and leave them feeling well informed. Due to the dark narrative of the film this would cause some relief to the audience. On the contrary, a older audience group may feel completely alienated from the youth of today due to issues they may perhaps be unaware of. 

I feel that despite the old, film noir style of our film it is a product of its time. As mentioned earlier, some of the topics explored in our film are current to today's society. As film noir was representative of a time of critical despair, our film hypothetically takes inspiration from the philosophy of film noir. This is because it portrays the struggles and 'times of despair' for today's young people, it is almost a microcosm for some of the issues in society today.
Throughout the film, there is never a direct reference/any wider evidence of the characters social class, due to this the audience can only assume, therefore reinforcing the fact that there social class has no deeper meaning or relevance to the narrative of the film. Furthermore, there is no information presented about the characters in terms of background, education, heritage, money and so on.l However, due to the power shift previously mentioned there is a hierarchy of the two characters, in favour of Angelo. It could be argued that his smart costume is representative of his status, as the assumption when someone wears a suit is that they are in a high position of power or have a high status. Although, due to other factors about the character of Angelo, such as his age, background and on the whole, his self-presentation- these override the potential social status he has. I don't think there is any reflection of aspiration and/or social mobility in our film. Firstly, there isn't a wide range of  social groups presented in our film, and the two social groups that are presented (male and female) have a victim/attacker relationship therefore aren't socially mobilising. Finally, there is no evidence of prejudice or discrimination within the film due to the lack of binary opposition, direct conflict and variety of social groups. 

When looking at Vladimir Props character types, Angelo identifies in some way as his 'villain'. This is applicable due to his dark clothing and crime committing. Having said this, it is debatable whether Angelo fits smoothly into this bracket, as previously mentioned. The case studies I researched while planning the film that include character types helped influence the representation. An example of this would be in Kill List, where the 'villains' are particularly socially awkward and introverted, they are also evidently mentally unstable. This ultimately helped us a lot when deciding how we wanted Angelo's character represented and portrayed.








(1) http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/men-and-mental-health-stats.html  

Question 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

The title of our film is 'Ascendancy' and it is a Psychological Thriller, with a Film Noir style. 

Question 1 from Mattie Goddard