Saturday, 11 February 2012
Friday, 10 February 2012
Evaluation Question 2
How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?
In order to create a professional look for our poster, magazine and trailer we had to use some media technologies which included, Celtx, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe AfterEffects and Apple LiveType. With using these, we felt that this would result in our production work looking as advanced as possible.
Whilst planning our production, we used a programme called 'Celtx' to create a rough script of our trailer and storyboard, which allowed us to have a clear view of all the props, characters and shots needed for each scene which allowed us to be organised throughout the production work. We also used Adobe Photoshop to experiment with different fonts and find the most suitable for the genre.
In the production of the film trailer, we used a Canon EOS 550D to capture all of our shots. As I hadn't used this camera before, I found it difficult to use all the functions of it at first. However, we were then taught how to use specific effects such as the F-Stop and how to change the shutter speed. The F stop mean't we were able to change the focus which we used throughout our trailer, for instance in the first scene of Danielle running she is in focus while the background is blurry, which allowed us to create effective shots. Changing the shutter speed allowed us to adjust the exposure in which we used to make some of the footage which we had to film in day time darker in order to fit in with the rest of the trailer.
In order to edit our trailer, we used Adobe Premiere and AfterEffects. Before this production work, I had never used these programmes and especially found Adobe Premiere difficult to use, but after some practice and help I was able to use most tools and felt more confident to experiment more. We was able to put scenes together, add text, add sound, add transitions, cutting scenes and speed up/slow down parts of the trailer. The speeding up tool was extremely effective, as we used this to create tension in certain parts, and also for the voice over of 'Do you trust your friends', as speeding this up created a creepier tone of voice. Also, adding transitions to the shots was effective, and we chose to use the fade-to-black as this fits in with most horror trailers. However, sometimes where we wanted the editing speed to increase, we used cuts to create suspense. Adobe AfterEffects was used for one shot of Danielle running her hand down the tree, as this had to be filmed in day light due to timing therefore we had to manually darken the scene.
Our horror film poster and magazine were both created on Adobe Photoshop. I had used this programme before therefore had some basic knowledge on how to use some tools, but whilst producing these I started to use more advanced tools such as, blood brushes and creating image adjustments. We used the blood brushes in both the poster and the magazine to create the blood seen on the wall in the background with 'kill you' written which added more fear. This involved us downloading the letters, then colouring in it red, followed by using the blending tool to make it appear more realistic. Both images are of the voids, but on the magazine we added a picture of one of the main characters from the trailer. This involved cutting around the image using the Pen Tool then adding it to the image of the voids. We then created some image adjustments, changing the saturation levels and adjusting them to make it slightly darker.
For the Typography in our horror film trailer, we used Apple LiveType as we wanted a certain type of effect and we weren't able to find this on Adobe AfterEffects. We found one which created a shuddering, distorted effect on the text. To create this we adjusted the perimeters for the key frames.
In order to create a professional look for our poster, magazine and trailer we had to use some media technologies which included, Celtx, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe AfterEffects and Apple LiveType. With using these, we felt that this would result in our production work looking as advanced as possible.
Whilst planning our production, we used a programme called 'Celtx' to create a rough script of our trailer and storyboard, which allowed us to have a clear view of all the props, characters and shots needed for each scene which allowed us to be organised throughout the production work. We also used Adobe Photoshop to experiment with different fonts and find the most suitable for the genre.
In the production of the film trailer, we used a Canon EOS 550D to capture all of our shots. As I hadn't used this camera before, I found it difficult to use all the functions of it at first. However, we were then taught how to use specific effects such as the F-Stop and how to change the shutter speed. The F stop mean't we were able to change the focus which we used throughout our trailer, for instance in the first scene of Danielle running she is in focus while the background is blurry, which allowed us to create effective shots. Changing the shutter speed allowed us to adjust the exposure in which we used to make some of the footage which we had to film in day time darker in order to fit in with the rest of the trailer.
In order to edit our trailer, we used Adobe Premiere and AfterEffects. Before this production work, I had never used these programmes and especially found Adobe Premiere difficult to use, but after some practice and help I was able to use most tools and felt more confident to experiment more. We was able to put scenes together, add text, add sound, add transitions, cutting scenes and speed up/slow down parts of the trailer. The speeding up tool was extremely effective, as we used this to create tension in certain parts, and also for the voice over of 'Do you trust your friends', as speeding this up created a creepier tone of voice. Also, adding transitions to the shots was effective, and we chose to use the fade-to-black as this fits in with most horror trailers. However, sometimes where we wanted the editing speed to increase, we used cuts to create suspense. Adobe AfterEffects was used for one shot of Danielle running her hand down the tree, as this had to be filmed in day light due to timing therefore we had to manually darken the scene.
Our horror film poster and magazine were both created on Adobe Photoshop. I had used this programme before therefore had some basic knowledge on how to use some tools, but whilst producing these I started to use more advanced tools such as, blood brushes and creating image adjustments. We used the blood brushes in both the poster and the magazine to create the blood seen on the wall in the background with 'kill you' written which added more fear. This involved us downloading the letters, then colouring in it red, followed by using the blending tool to make it appear more realistic. Both images are of the voids, but on the magazine we added a picture of one of the main characters from the trailer. This involved cutting around the image using the Pen Tool then adding it to the image of the voids. We then created some image adjustments, changing the saturation levels and adjusting them to make it slightly darker.
For the Typography in our horror film trailer, we used Apple LiveType as we wanted a certain type of effect and we weren't able to find this on Adobe AfterEffects. We found one which created a shuddering, distorted effect on the text. To create this we adjusted the perimeters for the key frames.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Evaluation Question 1
TRANSCRIPT
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
In our trailer, we used typography, using the font 'Subway Novella', in order to inform the audience of what is going on with some of the characters, without giving too much away. The font was a grunge style, which we then added the effects of flicker, blur and scatter to in order to create a distorted image. This also involves the viewers personal thoughts, as its based on friendship and could lead to them questioning their own peer groups. For instance: 'do you trust your friends?'. Also, we decided to have the release date in October, as this is the month of Halloween and when most successful Horror films come out in cinemas worldwide. Furthermore, we used a review from Empire magazine which adds some realism to the trailer.
We have included some aspects of Vladimir Propps eight broad character types:
- The Villain - This character is used, but it isn't given away in the trailer who it is.
- The Donor - This character isn't used, as there isn't one particular hero but instead they are all portrayed as victims but trying to help each other get away.
- The Princess - You could argue that this character is used, as Tyra is portrayed as the most vulnerable as she wanders off and gets discovered dead by the group of friends.
- The False Hero - This character is used, as one of the friends is the killer, but acts as a Victim/Hero with the rest of the friends, but this character is never revealed in the trailer in order to keep the audience guessing.
We challenge and develop some of the broad character types, especially the False Hero. However, there is also some that we don't conform to, such as The Helper, as it says above this is no Hero.
We also used some stereotypical characters in our trailer:
- The Wanderer - This is Tyra, who hears a noise and decides to wander off on her own in order to investigate. She is then found dead in the Voids.
- The Final Girl - This is Danielle, who's security is taken away from her when she is left alone.
We didn't use character such as 'The Jock' and 'The Popular Girl', as we wanted to challenge the forms of these stereotypes, and have all the characters seen as equals. This links in with 'Mulveys Male Gaze', which is the theory that the camera is from the point of view of a male, sexualising women, which we didn't conform to, as I said above we wanted to repel against the normality of having girls shown as sexual objects in Horror films and have them seen as normal people. We challenge this theory by including a brave female character, and using the 'Final Girl'.
We did follow Todorov's Narrative Theory to some extent:
A state of equilibrium of the outset - Our trailer starts with a disruption of the equilibrium by some action, with the end being shown at the beginning which goes against Todorov's Narrative Theory, as it normally starts with a state of equilibrium of the outset.
A recognition that there has been a disruption - This is when Tyra is then found dead by one member of the group.
An attempt to repair the disruption - The rest of the group try to escape the Voids, and keep everyone safe.
A reinstatement of the equilibrium - This isn't included as it creates suspense as to how the characters solved some of the problems shown, rather than given two much away.
We chose to use the Voids in Acland Burghley as the main setting for our trailer, as it has a creepy atmosphere and is extremely dark; making it appropriate for a Horror film. Also,
we used parts of Acland Burghley school including dark areas, as it is supposed to be based on a normal event which turns for the worst and a school is seen as a safe environment.
Our trailer also relates to some aspects of the Uses and Gratification theory, especially diversion and personal identity. Personal identity as they are able to relate to the characters, as they are portrayed as normal teenagers, therefore may find some similarities between a character and themselves. Also, diversion as they watch how the characters are shown suffering, and they can be thankful that they aren't going through this making their own lives seem better.
we used parts of Acland Burghley school including dark areas, as it is supposed to be based on a normal event which turns for the worst and a school is seen as a safe environment.
Our trailer also relates to some aspects of the Uses and Gratification theory, especially diversion and personal identity. Personal identity as they are able to relate to the characters, as they are portrayed as normal teenagers, therefore may find some similarities between a character and themselves. Also, diversion as they watch how the characters are shown suffering, and they can be thankful that they aren't going through this making their own lives seem better.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
.jpg)
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
No Amnesty Storyboard and Plans.
Before starting the production work of our trailer, poster and magazine, we created flat plans in order to have a clear outline of what shots were needed for all three.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Learning Horror Makeup and Effects
On the 3rd of November, we had the chance to meet Cliff Wallace (specialist in prosetics) and Christine Blundell (professional Make-up artist). They both gave us information on how they got into their career, where they have worked, their budget and much more useful information.
They brought along Props (an image of one shown below) which were used in films they worked on. These gave us ideas as to what effects we could use in our own horror trailers. However, we were aware we don't have as high of budget as they did, therefore they gave us some useful tips on how to create believable effects without spending too much. For instance, to create fake blood you can simply use; golden syrup and red food colouring mixed with blue.
Furthermore, Christine Blundell showed us how she would create a scar using some wax and mold. This was extremely useful as we are now able to do something similar in our group, creating more lifelike effects in our trailer.
They brought along Props (an image of one shown below) which were used in films they worked on. These gave us ideas as to what effects we could use in our own horror trailers. However, we were aware we don't have as high of budget as they did, therefore they gave us some useful tips on how to create believable effects without spending too much. For instance, to create fake blood you can simply use; golden syrup and red food colouring mixed with blue.
This Image shows a lifelike mask which was used in Sherlock Holmes.
Adorno's Culture Industry theory.
Culture Industry is a term discovered by Theodor Adorno, arguing that popular culture is related to a factory which produces standardised cultural goods - through film, media and the masses. This causes 'passive satisfaction', making people docile and content no matter what their economic circumstances are.
Culture Industries -
False Needs -
Commodity Fetishism -
Standardisation -
Pseudo-individualisation -
Culture Industries -
False Needs -
Commodity Fetishism -
Standardisation -
Pseudo-individualisation -
Monday, 14 November 2011
Character Research and Narrative 'Propps' Theory.
In films there are certain character types shown in order to create a certain genre/follow a story line. I am going to look at each of these characters, and link them to examples from modern films.
The Popular Girl - The Popular Girl is someone who you ever love or hate. They are always portrayed as two faced wealthy and popular. She is normally respected by most people due to them being scared of her, or wanting to be popular themselves.
One example of this could be Megan Fox in 'Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen' who plays Carla, a girl who gets what she wants and is the most popular, 'perfect' girl in school.
The Wanderer - The Wanderer is the character which puts themselves in situations which are hard to get out of, and sometimes even fatal. They are often the weakest in the group.
An example of this could be Bella from Twilight, who gets herself caught up with Vampires who wish to kill her. As she is in love with Edward, she falls into a trap which results in her having to sacrifice herself into being a vampire.
Jock - The Jock is the character who is good looking, muscular, in to sport and not very intelligent. He is usually the one which the popular girl falls for.
An example of this character could be Troy (played by Zac Efron) in High School Musical. He is a Basketball Player, who Sharpay Evans (the most popular girl at school) fights to get.
An example of this could be Bella from Twilight, who gets herself caught up with Vampires who wish to kill her. As she is in love with Edward, she falls into a trap which results in her having to sacrifice herself into being a vampire.
Jock - The Jock is the character who is good looking, muscular, in to sport and not very intelligent. He is usually the one which the popular girl falls for.
An example of this character could be Troy (played by Zac Efron) in High School Musical. He is a Basketball Player, who Sharpay Evans (the most popular girl at school) fights to get.
The Final Girl - This character is the final person left to confront the killer. She is normally the most intelligent out of the other victims, and then may be recognised as the 'hero'.
An example of this character could be Laurie Storde who survives to confront the killer but then is also saved by another male character.
An example of this character could be Laurie Storde who survives to confront the killer but then is also saved by another male character.
The Pervert - this character is usually male, and gets himself in situations where him and a girl are alone together. He often tries to sleep with her at any given opportunity.
Vladimir Propps eight broad character types:
- The Villain - struggles against the hero.
- The Donor - Prepares the hero, or gives them some kind of magical object to help them.
- The Helper - helps the hero
- The Princess - the character most threatened by the villain, father is the one to give her away
- The Dispatcher - character who sends the hero on his task, which could typically be the princess' father
- The Hero - Restores the equilibrium by embarking on a quest. Usually marries the princess
- False Hero - tries to take credit for the heroes actions, and tries to marry the princess
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Technical Experiment
Today, we experimented with how to do manual focus, and F stop on a canon E0S 550D, and experimented with using a Zoom Handy Recorder to record the sound. This was an extremely helpful lesson, as we will be using these when producing our horror film trailer, meaning we will be able to create more of a professional looking piece of film.
With the manual focus, we learnt that we are able to focus on one specific object/person, whilst the background can be blurred, rather than an an auto focus, which automatically chooses what to focus on, which could be something that isn't needed to be.
With the Zoom Handy Recorder, we experimented with recorded from distances, and how close you had to be in order for the dialogue spoken to be clear. Also, how we are able to sync the voice and film footage together in perfect time, by creating a loud noise at the start of each scene so it is made clear.
With the manual focus, we learnt that we are able to focus on one specific object/person, whilst the background can be blurred, rather than an an auto focus, which automatically chooses what to focus on, which could be something that isn't needed to be.
With the Zoom Handy Recorder, we experimented with recorded from distances, and how close you had to be in order for the dialogue spoken to be clear. Also, how we are able to sync the voice and film footage together in perfect time, by creating a loud noise at the start of each scene so it is made clear.
Multi-Modal Texts
A multi-modal text is when it has been combined with two or more ways for someone to understand the text. Film trailers frequently use this to persuade the viewer to go and watch the film, and give them hints as to what it is about, without giving away the whole story line. This could be through spoken language, text on the screen, music/sound effects, moving images and voice overs. I have analysis the multi-modal text on the film trailer 'Smurfs'.
The trailer starts with text showing the name of the production and distribution companies, in order for the audience to be aware of who the film was produced by. Typography is also used; 'No one knows where they came from', 'no one understands what they are', 'but this august', 'they arrive', and a few more. This gives the viewer a brief idea as to what is going to happen in the film, also 'August' gives us a release date.
Voice over is also used; 'The Smurfs', 'This Summer', 'Our turf, gets Smurf'd', 'The Smurfs, in 3D'. All these quotations give the viewer the information they need, with the title of the film, that it will be in 3D, and the season of release. Also, 'Our turf gets Smurfed' is a effective pun, which highlights the film will include comedy and 'fun'.
The sound effects and music are dramatic, starting off with a quiet sound of wind, increasing to dramatising music to create suspense. Also, a well known song is played at the end, making it relate to the genre more and not make the film appear to be so serious.
The trailer starts with text showing the name of the production and distribution companies, in order for the audience to be aware of who the film was produced by. Typography is also used; 'No one knows where they came from', 'no one understands what they are', 'but this august', 'they arrive', and a few more. This gives the viewer a brief idea as to what is going to happen in the film, also 'August' gives us a release date.
Voice over is also used; 'The Smurfs', 'This Summer', 'Our turf, gets Smurf'd', 'The Smurfs, in 3D'. All these quotations give the viewer the information they need, with the title of the film, that it will be in 3D, and the season of release. Also, 'Our turf gets Smurfed' is a effective pun, which highlights the film will include comedy and 'fun'.
The sound effects and music are dramatic, starting off with a quiet sound of wind, increasing to dramatising music to create suspense. Also, a well known song is played at the end, making it relate to the genre more and not make the film appear to be so serious.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Postmodern Theory
Pastiche - these are often 'tongue in cheek' imitations of another persons style. An example of this 'genre' could be Scary Movie, which imitates the horror films: Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Usual Suspects and many more. It over exaggerates the stereotypical characters shown in horror films. CLICK HERE
to view the trailer of Scary Movie.
Flattening of the Affect - this 'genre' displays violence, drugs, and the media lead to detached, emotionless, unauthentic lives. An example of this could be Fight Club. This film has extreme amounts of violence in, which is there to shock the audience. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Fight Club.
Hyper Reality - this type of film creates a world which is often desirable to the audience, and not lifelike. This could be linked to a film such as; Inception, which is about a world in which technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Inception.
Time Bending - this 'genre' allows the protagonist to play 'what if' games, as it plays with time travel and shaping reality. A good example of this could be the film; Donnie Darko. This film is about a boy who is led into committing crimes by an imaginary bunny. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Donnie Darko.
Altered States - these are often with drugs, mental illness and technology which provide a gateway to new realities. An example of this could be; Naked lunch, which is about a man who becomes addicted to the substance he uses to kill bugs, an exterminator accidentally kills murders his wife, then gets involved in a secret government plot. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Naked Lunch.
More Human than Human - this 'genre' uses robotics or technology. An example of this could be; Avatar, which is about a paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, and finds himself torn between his orders and the protecting the world he feels is his home. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Avatar.
to view the trailer of Scary Movie.
Flattening of the Affect - this 'genre' displays violence, drugs, and the media lead to detached, emotionless, unauthentic lives. An example of this could be Fight Club. This film has extreme amounts of violence in, which is there to shock the audience. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Fight Club.
Hyper Reality - this type of film creates a world which is often desirable to the audience, and not lifelike. This could be linked to a film such as; Inception, which is about a world in which technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Inception.
Time Bending - this 'genre' allows the protagonist to play 'what if' games, as it plays with time travel and shaping reality. A good example of this could be the film; Donnie Darko. This film is about a boy who is led into committing crimes by an imaginary bunny. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Donnie Darko.
Altered States - these are often with drugs, mental illness and technology which provide a gateway to new realities. An example of this could be; Naked lunch, which is about a man who becomes addicted to the substance he uses to kill bugs, an exterminator accidentally kills murders his wife, then gets involved in a secret government plot. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Naked Lunch.
More Human than Human - this 'genre' uses robotics or technology. An example of this could be; Avatar, which is about a paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, and finds himself torn between his orders and the protecting the world he feels is his home. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer of Avatar.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Voiceover.
Voice over Functions
2. Inform us about the characters
3. Showcases the stars appearing in the film
4. Gives us information about important production personnel such as the director and producer and their previous work
5. Helps us to build a sense of anticipation about the film's release
6. Reinforces the title of the film
7. Sets the tone for the film
8. Summarises the story in around 5-8 lines. It does not give away the ending, but helps us anticipate what is to come
ANALYSING VOICE OVER IN HONEY 2 TRAILER.
1. We are made aware that this is an ongoing dance battle and this is her second chance.
2. The character focused on is Maria, who 'had all the right moves'
3. Features music from; Estelle, La Roux and Far East Movement.
4. From Universal Pictures and the director of 'Honey'.
5. 'Featuring music by..' helps the viewer build anticipation about the film's release as they will be able to relate the music to the film.
6. It then reinforces the title of the film by saying 'Honey 2'.
7. The upbeat, energetic voice sets the tone for the film.
8. 'When the battle begins, go every step of the way'. This gives the viewer clues, and makes it clear there is going to be dance battles, and they will do everything they can to achieve their best.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Further Horror font practice.
Five ideas for Typography
I got the following font types from Adobe Photoshop, which I thought could fit well with my Horror Movie Title.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)