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.