I found this students A level media opening sequence title on youtube and it caught my attention instantly. The students use many good effects and really great camera shots. The music also went really well with the video and looked totally professional.
If this was a real movie I would honestly want to watch it as it looks very thrilling and looks like the kind of movie that would keep a person on edge. It has received many comments on youtube such as "This is really impressive" and "wow, that was so good!"
This was clearly well thought and a lot of effort has been put into it. It has also received 13,000 views! All only on youtube.
This is a way we could distribute our video, using youtube. There are other places we can upload videos to such as photobucket and then we can upload them to personal blogs or social networking sites like Facebook.
Another way to distribute it is by creating posters to put up everywhere and also billboards.
This video is of the preliminary task that me and my group did before the opening sequence title for our thriller movie. Clearly we have, as a group, improved very much since then. It was our first time using the cameras to record properly and we also had an issue with getting the mic to work so we could record any sound.
We had subtitles on this video because there was no sound since we didn't know how to work the microphone. They are there to let the audience know what it is we were saying otherwise without it they wouldn't understand. It would be more like a silent movie. The film looked very unprofessional but it was our first time and we improved on it and learnt from it.
We didn't have any Mise en scene as we were not told beforehand of our filming. It would have been a lot better if we had been told before but alas we were not. We filmed the whole thing in the classroom and out in the corridor.
I learnt many different shots while filming this and also filming 'The reading', both to be honest. Some of the shots were long distance, high angle, low angle, over the shoulder and so on. I also learnt how to edit using Final cut pro, which is something I didn't know how to use before. We also didn't have a sountrack for this as we had not learnt how to use Sountrack pro yet. However when we done 'The reading' we used Soundtrack and created music to go with the opening sequence title.
Overall I think we improved so much when we done the opening sequence title to the movie, doing this preliminary task helped us see our mistakes. It got us prepared for filming our sequence title and putting it all together. I have learnt how to edit, video and use programs I had never used before.
Final cut pro was pretty complicated at first but we were guided well on how to use it.
When we first used it we started a task of rearranging video shots and also changing the length of them, this helped me use Final cut pro easier.
Getting the shots to the right length was a huge task and was probably the hardest things to do.
It was hard getting the shots to look continues aswell.
I also used soundtrack Pro for the music and found it easy to use.
I tried to have the music fit into the mood of the movie while at the same time making sure it does not clash together. Honestly, all in all, it was pretty smooth to use.
As with Livetype it confused me too much to use, I had to ask for help on several occasions with it and in the end I left it to the other 2 in my group to do as I was not very good at it.
Lastly using the Macs, blogger and cameras was very easy for me as I have used all 3 before on several occasions.
my target audience would probably be teenagers aged 16-19.
It would mainly be targeted for girls who fit into the stereotypical 'goth' look.
They are into vampires, tarot cards, witch craft and so on.
They would listen to heavy metal music, hence the headphones, keep up with the latest stuff like the Iphone and read vampire books.
This is the prelim me and my group did before we made our opening titles for the thriller film. I think we have learnt many skills since we did this, as we were only just learning the buttons on the cameras, and we didn't know how to work the sound either, which we now know how to do.
We also learnt how to do better camera angles in our finished film, for example, over the shoulder shots, close ups of faces, shot-reaction-shots, etc. Also, there was a match cut in our prelim which i thought was very good, but the one in our final film was a lot better. Also, we didn't have a soundtrack or anything in the background of our preliminary film, whereas in the new one we could have had speech if we'd wanted, but we decided to mute it and stick with just havign a soundtrack, as, in our opinions, it worked a lot better than way and was much more effective.
The subtiles on the prelim are obviously there to let the audience know what we were saying, as we forgot to turn the microphone on when we filmed! This made the film look very badly done, as it gave it an air of 'art student foreign language film', which is not what we wanted at all!
The mise-en-scene in the prelim is virtually non-existant, as we were not told we were filming until the day we actually did, therefore we filmed in a classroom with just what we had on us. this proved to be very hard work, and so on our final coursework film we tried really hard with the mise-en-scene, especially in the fortune teller's room scenes.
The Reading was probably a lot better than this prelim, as we learnt a lot of things not to do when filming, but also a lot of things to do with the camera to make our film as good as we could. This led to our coursework film being edited better, and just overall being a lot better than this orginal tester film.
By doing the preliminary task, it made me more aware of what to do in the real thing. For the task, we done diferent shots: over-the-shoulder, shot revirse shot, meduim shots - we experimented with it. Alos, by doing this, it gave me an idea of how we are actaully supose to do for the real thing. But, I really enjoyed the task we wer set. :)
As it being a task in college, I didn't really see the importance of mise-en-scene, because that is one of the most important things in a clip/film. We just pushes a few things aside, so it'll look alright, but didn't take much notice to it.
I did the task (as a camerawoman) using a tripod, which made it smooth and not shakey. It looked good. However, I didn't see a tripod in my film, because i wanted it to give it some effect and an edginess to it - by being (sometimes) 'unstable', it links in with my story with the pysco lover. i haven'y actually thought of it that way, untill I watched what I did.. :)
For the task, I didn't use any sounds - I only used the natural sound of them talking. It was pretty simple, but I didn't realise how much of importance it is - for it changes the whole thing. But, once I did my film i used sound. It really did change the way the film was like. i think it created a more creepy feeling to it and it was as if you were almost exspecting something to happen...
For my film, I used a lot of mise-en-scene as i know it plays a big part in the film. Some of the mise-en-scene were naturally there, and I think it created really gud effect. I especially liked how the roses were on the bed and was thoughtfully scattered all over the bed.
If I were to do the task again, I would have thought of little details, such as: books on the tables, a drink etc - something small, but would mean so much in that role. And i would ahve added simple but effective music to it as well, to give it a sincer feel to it... :)
DOing that preliminary tak definately helped me to the real thing. i put a lot of considaretion into what was there, what place it had to be in, sound and how different angles of shots can be a huge effect of the film... :) Plus, knowing what I had to be careful about, i took care, and I think that because of it, my film: 'Broken Chain' became really creepy in a sick love kind of way. :)
- When I first used LivetType, I found it a little hard at first, because it looked so complicated! But, once we had a lesson on how to use it, it became reaaly fun and interesting. First, you write someting in the text box. Then you can use different fonts, backgrounds and effects. There's a lot of choices, so you can be creative as much as you want. after, you click apply... :)
- When I first used Soundtrack Pro, it was similar to LiveType - it just looked like one of those complicated music site that music producers use! :) But, as LiveType, I got the hang of it really quickly. It became real enjoyable and creative. :) There a a lot of choices you can use, different sounds and effects. You can experiment withchoices, and can change the length or volume to your choice. there's different tracks, so if you choose a different sound, it won't ruin it.
- When I first used the JVC, it was a little tricky at first, because I wasn't used to these sort of cameras - but after our tutorial, it became fairly easy. Although, my arm hurt a lot at times, when hand holding it! ... Once you finish filming, you can either press ' Quick media' whic shows the very last thing you recorded or press play and watch the whole thing. It was pretty straight forward. :)
- using google is a good way to find your stuff. i found it really useful when you can find images or information, depending on what you want. Although, it did get a little annoying when i couldn't find the things I need! But Google is always good!... :)
- When I first used Blogger, I didn't know how to use it and for some reason, I used to get confused about what to press! But, once with practice, it became pretty easy and fun to post stuff on! :)
For our sponsors we would probably contact Film Four and Film London for their help to screen our films or to at least help us with the promotion. This would mean that our film would be seen by many different people, including big names in the film business, like Working Title directors, etc. Another thing would 
be to ask college if they would allow us to put up posters around the place, for example in the main hall to generate more interest. Local shops would be approached too, as they could put flyers in their windows around schools and other areas teenagers are seen a lot.
For synergy, we would make our own tarot cards to sell to people as merchandise, as well as t-shirts with 'the Reading' printed on the front to advertise on people on the streets. The soundtrack could also be released on CD or download if it was popular enough, as all of this would help us earn profit to make bigger films next time around
Here are two screen shots from Drag Me To Hell, a horror thriller film from spring 2009. It is about a gypsy woman who curses a band worker for not giving her a loan. It is not exactly like my group's film, as it has nothing to do with tarot cards, but it is supernatural and therefore links in other ways. 
Our group done a match - cut, over shoulder shots, shot reverse shot and different camera shots for our preliminary task. This was a mini clip of practise shots to gain knowledge and understanding about what is expected from the actual trailer and also to get used to the cameras.
The editing in the preliminary clip in my point of view was okay. However the final trailer had several match cuts which were much better. As our skills on using Final Cut Pro improved, we started to get better editing skills and better scenes.
After a while of producing the preliminary clip we had relaised that the clip wasnt fully edited in the way that we are able to do it now. I believe that the preliminary task has a big affect on how we filmed, orgainsed and edited our thriller title sequence.
Ive realised that the camera could have been used better and is not as good as it was on the final title sequence. We could have used extreme close -ups and extreme long shots etc. Luckily this is one of the reasons why our final outcome is better than our preliminary!
We did not use any sound on the preliminary because we didnt realise that the sounding wasnt working. Instead we wrote down what the characters had to say! I dont think thats its our fault that we wasnt aware that the sound wasnt on, but to make the preliminary clip better, we could have used voice overs to create an effect rather than just writing it down. Again this has helped us expand on our knowledge in the long term!
For our mis-en-scene in the preliminary scene we didnt have much. Although we were in college we could have moved out the ways of some stuff, but we never thought about how serious the mise-en-scene could be at the time. However we did have some props such as the scarf to tie the girls hand and mouth and we used a red marker to create the 'bloody' look on the other character (atacker!).
We have improved on this on our thriller title sequence as we had a lot of things for our mise-en-scene such as candles, clothes, cards, candle holders, bangles and some others. Once again this made us realise that we had to have a variety of things that are placed infront of the camera on purpose to make the scenes look realistic.
I think the preliminary task has a big affect on helping me and my group get better for our final draft for 'The Reading'. We gained knowledge and got better and editing, camera work, sound effects / music and the mise-en-scene.
When i first started Media AS, i didn't have any skills with any of the programmes on the Apple MAC's. I actually wasn't very good or had any skills with the MAC's too. I have used them in the past for GCSE media as we had to edit our little video we done but i didn't really know much.
When we first got introduced to the Apple MAC's i thought it was going to be something i could never figure out and be good at! But it didn't take very long to get the hang off!
We were firstly introduced to the Final Cut Pro, which is clearly the main programme to edit our trailer. We used clips from the Bait tutorial to bring some clips together for it to make sense. This was basically just an exercise us to get used to tools such as the razor tool, input, output etc.
We were also introduced into Live type pro, SoundTrack Pro and the actual equipment to film: JVC video camera, Tripod, Sound kit and Lighting!
It took us roughly half a lesson to be able to use each programme. Live Type Pro was another programme were i learnt to create titles for my title sequence. We learnt how to get effects onto the words, different styles, font, size, colour and animation etc. We also learned how to put them onto Final Cut Pro and rend them to get the final piece!
We filmed with the JVC digital cameras and i really enjoyed doing this. This wasn't the first time i had used a tripod or camera because i had been filming for my GCSE course works too. However i had gained skills into camera movements, angles and shots.
We were taught the really basic aspects of what we needed to do while using the camera (health and safety)
We were taught how to lengthen a tripod, open and close lenses of the camera, turn on and off, insert memory card and battery and how to check for the voice, to see if its working!
I really enjoyed using all these programmes and gaining new skills for the media society!
- Keys - essential!
- Water - keep hydrated at all times!
- Purse - one of the most important things!
- Mascara - make those lashes a little longer...!
- Liquid eye liner - simple but attractive!
- Ipod - listening to music is a must!
- Iphone - with the lastest gadget and easy.
- Glasses case - were else is the glasses going to go?
- Hair band/clip - for a quick touch up!
- Magazine - so you won't feel bored on the bus/train!
Mirror - Check if you look good!
"Paige, age 21, is a fashion designer who is now training to be an actor. She loves going out, she's determined at anything she does, a family person and her hobbies are: Hockey, Baseball, Swimming and Bowling. She is currently engaged to Aussie (actor) throb-heart Alex O'Loughlin.
These are the still shots from the film
These are the still shots of the film: Cellular. Obviously, this film is in action thriller, but I really liked the idea where they use a mobile throughout the film to give it intensity and and gave impact. It made the viewer on edge all the time. I used that too, because it makes it slightly more freaky using a phone, which makes it more personal. That's why I used a mobile in my one as well, at times. :)
These are nine shots from the opening of the film my group made called The Reading. I think these screen grabs sum up the film very well, as you can see many of our shot types including close ups and the credits. Our production company was called Candi Studios, so our budget was very low and not very well known, so it would be hard to distribute our film. 
They are interested about things like future telling, witch craft, spells and so on.
This is a bag that a girl is most likely to have. The gender doesn’t really matter, but could be females more than males.
A stereotypical person that would come to watch our film would have the things above in their bags.
These are items that a Gothic / Emo person would have. The bag would have a lot of chains and accessories all over.
It would contain:
- Ipod - because a myth about them is the fact that they cant live without music!
- BlackBerry phone as they like to keep up to date!
- Keys
- Ka soft drink, because it isn't expensive!
- Cigarettes and lighter as moth goths / Emos' smoke!
- Purse
- Book about Tarot cards
- Dog chain in Gothic / toxic design!
As shown on my picture of whats in the bag, it is clear that the main target audience are females. A lifestyle summary of somebody that would watch this movie would be:
Louise, 18, Employer at Tattoo shop. Favourites of hers is the colour black, supernatural activities such as Ouija Board. She enjoys supernatural thriller and horror movies. Her hobbies are designing tattoos and she likes body piercings!
3.
I researched online for any AS-level Media students trailer movies on youtube and I found a couple interesting ones. The one that grabbed my attention in particular was what a group named ‘Duties of Fidelity’. It was a trailer made by students that also had done AS media. It was a well created title sequence for a thriller opening. They had used the desaturated effect really well which made the title look extremely thrilling!
It is a long trailer, however it has a meaning and is a powerful trailer, therefore doesn’t necessarily get boring, this could be because it has an interesting storyline. The trailer uses hardly any music or even a theme music and uses a lot of dialogue but its a good trailer which doesn’t get boring.
The group members that produced this title sequence definitely had a very good sense of what they had to be doing and produced a good work.
They uploaded their video trailer on youtube and got to about nearly 6 thousand views! This automatically makes it less critical for them to get the video going around with a low budget. Youtube has a big affect on things that are produced on low budgets and could be hard most of the time because they have very little access to the actual big professional equipment.
This is just a starting idea of what our trailer and better trailers in the future could lead to. We could and have embed our rough cut on to our blogs. We can also upload it on to youtube and other sites as such, like facebook etc and see how many views it gets. Eventually, if the trailer / video is good enough, it would get results with a lot of feedback which would then relate to the trailer becoming popular although its a low budget film and globalise world wide for everyone else to see!
4.
Another way for distributing our trailer could be by advertising our title sequence as a billboard or publish them on local bus stops etc. Posters could be made so the film gets promoted to everybody on road. This would definitely be eye catching and would attract a certain audience type straight away.
They also should be presented on random websites and also we could do something such as having to watch the trailer on youtube before somebody wants to watch a video.
Regarding the fact that the trailer is aimed at teenagers + we can make special posters and put them inside college buildings and universities that are media, film and advertisement related!
Our trailer represents two very similar social groups very clearly, these are "goths" and "emos".
The audeince could clearly see this because of what our mise en scene was and the 'future teller's costume. These things are influential for people that are interested in wearing loads of chains, carless or extreme looks.
We wasnt really inspired by any other movie while producing it, it was something we came up with our self, to make something unique!
However, if i was to arrange the similarities a real goth / emo character with our future teller, i think that our future tellers room (mise en scene) and her costume was realy relating to them. Dark colours, candles, supernatural activities, curses, spells etc are all things that emos and goths are stereotypically meant to do so!
The other charater which is the victim (the girl that goes to the future teller and at the end is found dead! - She has a very careless costume which is how many original goths will be and also in dark colours.
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