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

My media product uses many forms and conventions of a real media product. For instance in my opening sequence i used eerie music at the begginning which is typical of an opening thriller sequence. This is a main convention of a thriller film as they use slow and eerie, creepy music throughout there films. Also the shot types i used were successful of a typical thriller, as i included close ups and panning shots of creepy areas where i filmed. Also i used many effects such as slow motion and black and white, which emphasised thriller conventions as they give a creepy and eerie effect to the sequence. The close up of the ring during the opening sequence is a typical thriller convention, as we did not see how the ring got there. This plays mind games on the viewer.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My media product presents particular social groups by stereotyping certain people. For example when my character is walking through the park towards Casey, Casey is wearing normal college clothes and looks innocent, where as my character is has an evil look on his face to show the audience/viewer that something is about to happen.

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

Once i completed my full product (thriller opening), i had a look back at my preliminary task and i noticed alot of things were different. For example i used more conventions in my thriller then in my preliminary and i have learnt how to use the camera for effectively such as different shot types and keeping the camera steady when shooting. I have learnt other things such as the music being in time with the film and being suitable to the film. Also i have learnt that you may not always use your plan step by step, because when you are filming you could find a better idea or shot, however you must make this look effective.

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

In this media project i have learnt a lot about the technology used to make my film. I have learnt how to use the MAC computers and the program we was using (iMovie). On the MAC i learnt how to do a number off different things on Imovie such as editing and including transitions, effects and adding in pictures and music.

Secondly i learnt how to use a video camera effectively to make my work look better. When i was filming my project there was a number of skills i used on the video camera such as zooming in and out, changing the brightness and other effects. I also learnt how to make effective shots from the tripod. For example i learnt how to pan shots and use the tripod effectively.

How did you attract/address your audience?

In my opening thriller movie i did a number of things which would attract and address the audience. I used many conventions of a thriller such as

- black and white effects
- eary music
- characters in dark clothing
- signs of death such as blood

I also included a train track in the background, and added in a effective noise which emphasises the train to show the tension building, almost showing that someone is watching and he is not alone once he has been killed

I believe that these things caught the readers attention which helped my opening film better amd attract the audience.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

For my short film i have created, i think the target audience would be for people around the age of 15-18 like me. This is because is my opening sequence i have created a thriller and lots of convetions for thrillers, such as murder and violence. Thrillers are usually aimed at the teenage category and most teenagers enjoy them. People in my class enjoyed the opening sequence of my thriller and these people are all around the age of 17/18.

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

Many institutions that make films, especially thriller type films would distribute my product as a thriller movie.

Editing

Once we filmed our peice as a group we started editing. Once i put a rough draft of my film together i added effects and transitions. I changed my film around a few times to make it look as best as i could make it. When my film was done my teacher gave me some tips to make my film better, so as i was doing the editing independently i booked out a camera and the equipment to film some more of my film and make my film better. I did a number of shots types and different scenes. I added a lot of close ups and uploaded these to the mac, which i am going to add into my film next lesson.