Theo Seah AS Blog: 2016

Monday, 9 May 2016

The Reaper - Psychological Thriller

Friday, 6 May 2016

Evaluation 7 - Looking back on your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

The Preliminary

The skills that I was developing in the preliminary we're significantly different to the skills that I developed in the final product. These skills were sometimes similar but largely different in all areas of each role. To begin with, in my preliminary I played the role of the director so my job was to make sure that everyone is fulfilling their roles and organising the structure of each filming session. Furthermore, my focus was to keep everything together and properly planned to fit the schedule. I also participated in a relatively small amount of editing, where I learned a few of the controls within iMovie. Although I was not the cameraman I learned a lot about camerawork, particularly the effects of the 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot, match on action and general filming skills. I had no experience with acting during the preliminary but I soon learned how important it was to act within character, in order to conserve precious time when filming.

Thursday, 5 May 2016

Evaluation 6 - What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Evaluation 5 - How did you attract/address your audience?

Attracting The Target Audience

Our target audience for our film is between the ages of 16 and 25. To engage and entertain this audience we have used a variety of techniques surrounding camerawork, mise-en-scene, sound track and editing.

Camerawork:

The camerawork that we used was regular and conformed to the usual camerawork of most media products. However, a key aspect of camerawork in our film was he use of a hand held camera, which gave the shot a shaky frame. This is what entices the audience and engages them into the film, as the unsteady camerawork brings in another perspective. This attracts our target audience in particular as it related to the thrill-seeking nature of the younger generation.

Furthermore, the camerawork we used also includes particular and purposeful framing, which increases the appeal to our target market through the build up of anticipation and slight thrill. A good example of this is where we have a focus pull as the two teenage 'detectives' search for Alex Robinson's body. In this shot Joel's shoe and sock is foregrounded out of focus, while the two other characters slowly approach the body. This technique attracts our target market because they are laregly hooked and intrigued by such camerawork and appreciate the intensity and drama that comes with it.

Mise-en-scene:

The mise-en-scene within our opening title sequence appeals particularly to the our target audience through a variety of aspects. Firstly, the clothing worn by all three characters is resemblent of the current attire that is trending for people between the ages of 16 and 25. This attracts this particular age group because the style and brands of clothing are relateable to, which allows our media product to appear more realistic as nothing is out of the ordinary. In addition, this definitely has a certain appeal to the younger generation as it is preferable/easier for them to relate to the emotions, attitudes and actions of the teenage characters within the sequence.

Secondly, the bikes that we used as props in this film are essential props that relate to our target audience. While one character makes the journey to the quarry on a mountain bike, the other takes a road bike. This is important as a large proportion of our target audience are likely to enjoy cycling of some kind, and both mountain biking and road biking appeal particularly to this age group.

Moreover, the location of the quarry is a popular place for our target audience to hang out with friends walking or even climbing, getting space from home or just relaxing. This would therefore attract this audience as they can relate to the situation.

Sound Track:

The main sound track that we used in our title sequence was made using garage band. This audio is especially appealing to our target audience as it somewhat resembles the genres of music that this age group might listen to. Another reason for this particular audio is that it adds a sense of pace to the travelling shots, which (along with the bikes) adds a slight sense of action/adventure into the movie and this appeals to a younger audience.

Editing:

Our primary use of editing that appeals to our target audience comes towards the end of the title sequence. The cuts between shots speed up during this part of the movie to increase the pace along with the sound. Once again this helps to bring a little action/adventure into the foreground of our film which entertains our target audience as this genre often appeals to them.

Evaluation 4 - Audience Profile

Our target audience is a modern, mainstream teenager to young adult: between the ages of 16 to 25 years old. They frequently watch YouTube videos/podcasts or television advertisements to keep up to date with the latest films and trends. Although following the mainstream movies they will also use wider media such as the Empire magazine and visit similar website to keep up to date and informed with the latest news and critics. They are very keen on film and like to purchase DVD's, while also having an online account for watching movies, such as Netflix. Furthermore, the younger side of the spectrum would most likely use online social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr to stay informed about the latest films. This is most relevant for the teenagers ages (16-20). Conversely, the older end of the spectrum may participate in social clubs and events, to be with others who are interested and excited with the same types of film.

A recent example of a successful action/adventure/thriller is Spectre. As part of a series of 007 films, Spectre received a comparatively high amount of votes, at 206, 892 rating it at 6.9/10. Although having a larger range of audiences, Spectre has a relatively similar target audience to that of our thriller and suggests the incorporation of action is essential to a popular thriller. This film particularly appealed to a generally younger audience, which implies that action is what attratcs younger viewers.

Bridge of Spies is a biography/drama/thriller, released in 2015. It received 101, 877 votes giving it an average rating of 7.7/10. The biographical genre of this film allows it to convey the meaning behind the set, which viewers said were historical and meaningful. However, overall reviews suggest that this film is not really designed for thrill-seekers unlike Spectre, which is significant because it demonstrates that action is not compulsory for a successful thriller. In addition, this reflects how the target audience age group movies up as the action decreases.

The contrast between these two movies heavily suggests that it is the action adventure genre which causes demand for a teenage and younger adult audience, whereas movies that require a deeper level of focus and perhaps thought for an underlying meaning comes as you get older. This results in the more insightful films aiming towards the young to middle aged adult age group. This is positive as it suggests that the target audience we have chosen is suitable.

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Evaluation 3 - What kind of media institution might distribute your media and why?

Evaluation 2 - Social Groups

If video above does not work, use video below:

In our opening title sequence, the social groups that are portrayed are also all teenagers. However, the young characters in our first title sequence cut strongly challenge representations of teenagers in social media.

This becomes apparent in the first few scenes, where the character playing Alex Robinson (16 years old) is seen walking his dog in the quarry.

The social media often portrays teenagers as violent or wasteful with their time, revolving their lives around technology indoors or drinking and partying etc. In contrast to this, the scene of Alex walking his dog portrays teenagers in a more positive light, suggesting they are more productive with their time and do not lounge around indoors on their technology all day. Furthermore, as he is the victim in this sequence, the idea of teenagers being irresponsible and even dangerous is reversed. On the other hand, the mise-en-scene portrays Alex with his hood up, which could reflect the common concept of teenagers being unsociable shifty.

The other two characters in our film are also teenagers: acquaintances of Alex. These two teenagers have a mixed portrayal when considering the stereotypes given by the social media.

Although in the first cut it is not made clear, these two teenagers are depicted on their phones and watching television. This corresponds with the stereotypes that they are given in the media and so portrayed them in mostly a negative light. Conversely, the teenagers are engaging with the news that is on the television, which gives a very different perception of youth.

The fact that the teenagers then decide to go searching for the missing character Alex could be interpreted in both a negative and positive way.

On one hand, this could convey the mischievous and troublesome nature of the two young characters. On the other hand, the more likely perception is that they are outdoors and exercising, which portrays them as healthy and active rather than lazy and up to no good. The positive perception is what we have tried to create, challenging the social media stereotypes.

Evaluation 1 - Comparison of my media product with real media products

Friday, 22 April 2016

First Cut

Advice from reviewers for improvement:
- Decrease the length of the title sequence so that conforms more successfully to the thriller genre and nearly all films
- Edit the cycling shot reverse shot so that it cuts more quickly
- Include shots that highlight Theo and Seb watching TV more clearly, to inform the audience how they have found out about Alex Robinson
- The TV report needs to be presented so the audience understands the situation more clearly