DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY

Director's Commentary 

TARGET

What Targets Will You Set Yourself For G324 Next Year?

Overall, I am happy with the end result of our opening two minutes. I feel there are a lot of strengths in our film, but also room for improvement. The areas that could be improved, has allowed us to learn from it for the upcoming year.

Next year we will be making a trailer for a film, which is very different from an opening two minute. It will allow us to develop skills we have learned this year, in terms of editing and filming, in order to create an effective trailer. I am looking forward to it, as we can include variety stages of the film in trailer e.g. best parts. This will allow us to be more creative with different elements of filming such as Mise en scene, editing, camera, and sound.

Personally, speaking I have gained new skills and in-depth knowledge about an area that was unfamiliar to me, so it’s been a huge learning curve. The progress we have made can be seen through, the difference in the preliminary task and final product.

Strength in our opening two minutes was the use of camera angles/shots they were very effective. Before we started filming we had a list of camera shots and angles we were going to use planned out, for each scene. We felt it was important to include much camera angles and shots as possible in order to engage with the audience. Additionally, we used a range of camera shots and angles, however, most camera shot we used was the medium shot. This is because we wanted to create an intimate atmosphere between the audience and the character.

Moreover, use of Mise en scene was a strength, as it successfully highlighted the genre of the film. I am mostly proud of the special effect to make up we did ourselves because it looks realistic. Another strength is the teamwork between Pear and I during the planning and production. We were able to overcome barriers that occurred during the process of filming but still managed to produce a successful opening scene.

Our main weakness was our time management and if we were to do it again I would make sure to be more organaised. Planning ahead would have reduced the chance of making small mistakes that could have affected continuity. This is because we would have been able to split filming days, reducing the stress of rushing through filming to capture all the footage in a day. Having a set schedule and sticking to it, allows us to reflect on the footage; spot errors/mistakes during editing process earlier, giving us time to re-film scenes/fix them. Another weakness would be the use of sound in our opening two minutes.  From the audience feedback, few people mentioned the soundtrack could have been more conventional.

In the upcoming year, I feel we should focus on the quality of sound effect/music. We could do this by using Foley, to get the exact sound we are after; perhaps even create our own soundtrack. Another focus is to film extra shots of the same footage to ensure there are no errors. 

My personal target:

Camera –film multiple footages of the same scene from different angles and perspective to give more variation when it comes to editing.      

Editing –To use more continuity editing such as Match on action, shot reverse shot,30-degree rule, and 180 degrees. This would give us the option to have different camera cuts when editing.

Sound – Use sound effect and music that are conventional to enhance the genre of the film

Mise-en-scene – think about the use of costume, make-up, setting to enhance the genre.

EVALUATION ACTIVITY 7

Looking Back At Preliminary Task 

Looking back at our preliminary task it’s clear we have improved with the different aspects of filming such as the use of camera angles/shots, editing techniques, Mise en scene, sound. 

With the preliminary task, we filmed the footage using the school’s camera. The camera we borrowed didn’t capture high-quality footage, as it was a low-quality camera. In our preliminary task, we didn’t have much time to plan however still managed to use the 180-degree angle, shot reverse shot and match on action. The task allowed us to think and understand the importance of continuity for our film. Additionally, we were able to identify areas where we lacked in the preliminary task. This allowed us to improve our skills for our opening two minutes. Overall, I believe we have a better understanding on the use camera and editing techniques than at the beginning of the year. 

Match On Action 

An editing technique that was used both in our preliminary task and our opening two minutes is match on action. This technique 

involved cutting from one shot to another, showing a specific action in the scene. For example, in the preliminary task, we used it when the character opens the door and enters the room. Additionally, we experimented with different angles to give other perceptive of match on action, such as when the character turns a corner. This type of editing is very important to ensure continuity.

 In the preliminary task, the footage is blurry and some of the editing techniques cannot be seen clearly. The camera we borrowed had limitations that stopped us from experimenting with different distances to capture different editing technique. This is because the camera couldn’t capture clear footage from a further distance, so when it came to editing it looked weird and messy. However, there is a huge difference in the quality of footage and sound in our film because we filmed with a Canon Eos 70D.This allowed the area where there are cuts and editing technique such as match on action and shot reverse shot to run smoothly.

Shot Reverse Shot    

    

In the screen grabs above shows the shot reverse shot, we used in our preliminary task. To be able to achieve this editing technique we used an over the shoulder shots, which shows the audience the view from the character's perspective. Additionally, shows the relationship between the two characters. When filming we had to shoot the footage from the point of view of each of the characters and when editing we had to cut and crop the footages in order for is the flow continuously.
Moreover, because we had practice using this editing technique in our preliminary task when it came to making our film, we were able to avoid errors that could affect continuity. For example, we made sure to place the subject in the same position as the previous scene.
In our opening two minutes, we used shot reverse shot to show the characters reaction when looking at her phone. In our opening two minutes we were more focused on introducing the protagonist, so we didn’t add additional characters to the scene.
 The software we used to edit was filmier to us, as we had used it before so when it came to editing it was easy and straightforward.
When we were editing we made sure to stick to rules of filming, such as continuity to make our film look professional.  

Overall, the preliminary task was beneficial to us as it allowed us to practice our editing skills before applying it to other final product. We gained an in depth knowledge about filming rules e.g. continuity, that helped us make  a successful film.      

EVALUATION ACTIVITY 6

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

    

We have used multiple online and computer programs such as YouTube, Blogger, Adobe premier and moviemaker.

For the film production, we used mostly Adobe premier throughout the editing process of our opening two minutes. This software is very efficient, as it includes all the functions we needed to edit our films such as effects, cutting, cropping, and transitions tools. In addition, the software includes a clear timeline making it easy for us to trim footage that was irrelevant in our opening two minutes.

Likewise, also allowed us to split clips to create continuity editing like match on action.  Furthermore, we could view the footage very clearly because it had a lengthy timeline; gave us different opposition to look at footage such as timeline or scene line. When using the software it was easy to use without needing much help. This was because I have had previous experience with using the software in our preliminary task.

An advantage of this software is there is a wider range of transitions and effects, which we used to adjust lighting and fonts size/style. These features were not able on other software such as moviemaker. This is because moviemaker has limited choice in effects, transitions, and variation of cuts. However, it was useful when making simple videos for example when adding connotations to clips like interviews. To create the soundtrack for our film we used moviemaker, as it was very simple and quick. Furthermore, to get non-copyright free conventional sound effects we used Free Music Archive. On the website, it has a range of sound effects. These sound bites were easy to download, cut and prolong depending on what you wanted. To do this we used Moviemaker and also Adobe premier.

To research fonts for our title we used “1001”, which is a font generator. It allowed us to explore, choose and experiment with fonts rather than only have the oppositions on Microsoft software -Word; fonts on the software we were using to edit.Moreover, we were able to find a font that was perfect for our movie.Adobe Caslon Pro is the font we chose, which we adjusted the size, boldness, and colouring. 

YouTube is where we uploaded our opening two minutes.Its an online site/app where individuals can upload, view and comment on videos of others. It is open to the general public, which allows us to gain positive and negative feedback on our movie. On this site, we uploaded our storyboard, BTS footage, and planning process of our film. By doing this it attracts a larger audience, as they can see the build up to the final product. Sites like YouTube is used by a lot of famous distributors to promote their films by uploading trailers and etc.This is because it promotes the film to gain a wider audience.Additionally, gives distributors an insite to how people may react when the film is realised through the feature YouTubes has e.g comment section and like & dislike opposition. 

I had never used Blogger before so it was a new experience for me. It allowed us produce detailed blog pages, to record and share the planning process for our film. We were able to evaluate and keep all the research in one place using the software. Additionally, it is linked with other forms of software and devices such as YouTube, mobile phone and computers. This made the process of importing videos and pictures very simple and quick. To make the blog our own we could change the layout, font and colours of the blog pages.   

EVALUATION ACTIVITY 5

 Who would be the audience for your media product? 

The images show the target audience of our film SEEN 23:59 PM. It's is targeted at 15-25-year-olds both genders. The target audience of our film would be interested in watching the genre horror because most plot lines in horror films consist of relatable and realistic content. This provides the target audience with the thrill and excitement they are after. Depending on the gender and age of the audience they may have different interests/ hobbies.

Girl’s aged15 have interests in shopping, hanging with friends and listing to pop music in the chart. In addition, they may watch TV shows such as Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf, and Gossip Girls. On the other hand girl’s aged above 15+ are typically more mature, less frequently shop and are more likely to go to parties. They have interests in watching reality TV shows such as Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Love and Hip Hop or Orange is the new black. Theses shows tend to have a high amount of violence, swearing and sexual nature, which the older audiences are interested in.    

Boys, on the other hand, are interested in their game consoles such as X-box and playing video games like GTA. This may influence their behavior, as they are exposed to heavy violence and roughness. Furthermore, the stereotypical male teenagers are involved with lots of sports such as football, rugby, and hockey as their hobbies. In addition, the music genre they are interested is on the powerful and aggressive side. For example Hip Hop, R&B and Rap listening to artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake, 50 cent and Kanye West. This conforms to the stereotype of boys being more sustainable to violence than girls.

As most horror films are targeted at the male audience we wanted to expand our target audience by attracting the female audience. The Q&A video we conducted helped us reach more of the female audience. This is because we were able to create a character the audience could empathise with, by having similar characteristics.

Moreover, this age group would be suitable for our horror film because they enjoy the thrilling and intense atmosphere. They are young and at the stage where they are rebellious, experimental and social.This suggests they may are more open to watching different genres as they are still finding their likes and interests. In addition, we made sure the content in our horror film was age appropriate because there is a limit to how much gore the audience can be exposed.Using the bbcf .. 

EVALUATION ACTIVITY 4 AND Q&A

How did you attract/address your audience?

Q&A

By doing a Q&A it helped us decide what characteristics would be suitable for the protagonist in our opening two minutes.We asked individuals aged between 15-25 about their interests and lifestyle, which we then used to create a character profile.In order for the target audience to relate to the protagonist, there needed to some aspects they could empathise with.

The List of Question asked in the video 

What do you do in your free time?

“I like to go shopping and watch movies”

This answer briefly informs us about a teenager’s lifestyle, especially for a girl. We took this into consideration when making Ivy’s character. We wanted to create characteristic the target audience are familiar with in order for the audience to empathise with Ivy.

Do you see yourself as an introvert or an extrovert person?

"Introvert"

From the answer, we acknowledge that not every teenager are extrovert and outgoing. We tried to develop Ivy’s character to make her an introvert individual. Although it subverts to the stereotype, it’s still interesting as it reaches out to a different target audience with a similar personality to Ivy. In addition, it raises curiosity in the audience's mind, as they would wonder why 

 The antagonist is after Ivy.

How do you spend your money weekly?

“Probably going out with my friends”

This answer conforms to the stereotype of a typical teen in almost as horror films. Especially, because we know that teenagers like to hang out with a close group of friends. In some horror films, the killing scenes usually take place within the main characters close circle of friends. For example in horror films such as The Cabin In The Woods and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

What is your music taste?

"R&B"

People who listen to R&B have a high empathy and emotional depth, according to Greenberg.This is relatable to teenagers, as they may be dealing with lots of emotional highs and lows.
   

Are you Team Villain or Team Hero?  

“Team Villain”

From this answer, it's very clear that teenagers enjoy the aspects of thrill and excitement.This conforms to the stereotype of a typical teenager, who are at the phases of experimenting with life.

Do you prefer Netflix or cinema?    

"Netflix"

The reason why we asked this question was because we wanted to find out the impact of proliferation on the audience. In the recent years, online distributors have gained popularity due to the internet and social trend.This will enable us to decide the decide the best and suitable platform distribute our film.

What's your favorite holiday season? 

 "Halloween"

 Halloween is known to be for celebrating the remembrance of the dead.Most horror films are released during this time and season, as it matches with the main concept of the season.

What scares you the most?
"when people they come round corners  it makes me jump" 
The answer shows that teenagers are easily startled because they are more likely to express their emotions than adults.The answer to the question helped us recognise a good cliche for our film.

Do you believe in paranormal?
"sometimes"
From the answer to this question, we can prove our target audience, teenagers , are at the stage where they exploring with their life.This means they are indecisive, as they are still unsure about life.

Describe yourself in three words?
"happy, hardworking, relaxed"
Compared to adults, teenagers don't have much responsibility.This means they don't have a lot to worry about and have the freedom to do more things.On the other hand, some might find it difficult to break away from parental influence, as they're gaining more independence.

How would you describe your taste in fashion? 
"Quite plain with a few little patterns thrown in" 
We asked this question because our target audience is at the age where they become self-conscious. This which means they are likely to express their emotions /themselves through fashion, music, and art.

EVALUATION ACTIVITY 3

What kind of media institution might distribute your media film company?

What is a production company and what do they do?
The production company has the role of making/funding for a movie.It aids with the budgeting, scheduling, scripting and casting. In addition, they are expected to watch over the creation process making sure ever everything is going to plan and perfect before being sent off to distributors.

My production company: Luminescence Production 

luminescence

ˌluːmɪˈnɛs(ə)ns/

noun

1. the emission of light by a substance that has not been heated, as in fluorescence and phosphorescence.

   "honey fungus produces a ghostly greenish luminescence"

During the planning process of our opening minutes, we came across an article on Buzzfeed about "32 Of The Most Beautiful Words In The English Language". Luminescence was one of the words that really stood out to us. This is because the word itself relates to the element of light.We decided the word would be suitable, as the name of our production company, because the lighting is an important aspect of a film.      

 Logo of the production company in our opening two minutes   

What is a film distributor? 

Distribution Companies are responsible for the marketing campaign /distribution of a film, in other words  the ownership of publishing a film theatrically. They decide where and when a film will be released, choosing which countries and cinemas the film will be shown. 

There are two types of intergeneration vertical and horizontal. Vertically intergeneration means the parent company has full control of distribution ,production and exhibition, On the other hand, horizontal integration has control of only certain stages of  distribution, production and exhibition; in addition they are owned by subsidiary company.  

My Distribution:Elixir  

SEEN 23:59 PM is a low budget film made by an independent company Luminescence.  Films made by independent companies, like ours, get sold to big distributors in order to market and promote the film. Traditionally, it would sold to big distributors such as Waner Brothers or Universal etc. An example of a low budget film like ours is  Paranormal Activity. The film had the budget of $15,000 and after Paramount, a major studio, distributed the film it made $190 million at box office.     
Despite that in the recent years online distributors are gaining a lot of popularity e.g Netflix.   


Netflix is an online distributor, which is very popular at the moment. They would be perfect for the distribution of our low budget film. This is because we won’t be making a loss; by selling our film to an online distributor, as it reaches a bigger audience, meaning our film is more likely to be profitable and a successful.

In addition, the proliferation of technological convergence means devices are becoming multi platform, which allows users to stream and download films.Likewise, online content distributors will promote our film to the target audience, teenagers/ young adults, who are technologically aware. 

Netflix is getting one over the top distributors such as Disney, Paramount pictures and Universal. A reason to for this is because film production companies especially, the small independent ones, are selling their movies to online distributors to reduce the chance of their film flopping at the box office. Smaller film production companies don’t have the money to promote their films like the big distributors. However, when online distributors like Netflix buy the rights to a film it’s more likely to become successful. This is because the films will be online/ available to Netflix users everywhere. Moreover, Netflix can view users history, which is an advantage, as they can directly promote/suggest movies similar to other films the individuals have viewed in the past.