In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Our opening thriller sequence shows conformity to the forms and conventions of the thriller genre. A key element to any thriller is the soundtrack- our film demonstrates drama that is created through the track used. The tone of the music doesn't have any orchestral value, as associated with many thrillers, yet the acoustic instrumental tones give a subtle sinister edge to the sequence. I think we have developed the typical characters considered in the thriller genre- a protagonist features prominently in a plot, whereas we have used a male and female character within the opening to our film. A sense of wonder is put amongst the audience, as the characters who appear to be at the centre of the storyline, are no longer the focus, after the event takes place. This creates suspense on some level, as the audience are left thinking about the remainder of the plot. We have challenged the conventions of the thriller in some respects with the fist camera shot, as the audience see action straight away, the combination of slowed down editing and acoustic music gradually eases the viewer into the storyline.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our thriller opening sequence doesn't necessarily represent a particular social group, however, in terms of character, the focus on a young couple could apply. The representation of the lengths people will go to for the one they love are demonstrated by the end scene, where a killing has happened, yet we are not sure who is the victim, nor who has committed the crime. As the couple are fairly young, the raw emotion of devotion can be seen by the way they never leave each others side, in a way showing vulnerability of young age.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
I think an established independent film company, such as Film 4 or a wider known company such as Paramount would be best to distribute our media product. British corporation Film 4 are known for producing realistic, and poignant films such as 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008). To contrast, international institution Paramount pictures are responsible for unassuming action thrillers such as 'Hard Rain' (1998). The combination of the two would allow higher budget for film production, as well as new media convergence, allowing access to an audience ranging from teenagers to adults.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
The intended audience for our media product would be aimed at teenagers and adults- for film classification purposes, the footage would be certified at '15' (according to the bbfc). As the content may be associated with audience imagination, as opposed to visual footage, out product would be most suited for this age range. Although no actual scenes of violence are portrayed during the opening sequence, further storyboards indicate scenes of a more graphic nature, hence the stated classification.
How did you attract/ address your audience?
We aimed to attract out audience with the use of sharp titles with black and white footage in the hope the audience would be intrigued by the methods. Another factor was our selection of music- the acoustic guitar strings give a subtle squeak when played, catching the attention of the viewer. The edits we applied are fairly gradual, therefore slowing the pace of the sequence, yet the contrast between filmed footage and what the audience sees, is aimed to attract.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
I have learnt that there will we setbacks and limitations on initial plans, due to the development of modern technologies, and natural surroundings. As we filmed during dusk, the scenes inside the house had to be lit artificially- due to the diminish of natural lighting outside. This seemed to work during filming, but when it came to editing our opening thriller sequence, we found the light given was too warm, so had to apply a gray scale effect. Although not intentional, I think this has resulted in good footage, appropriate to the genre. I have also learnt how to work the version of software used for editing on Apple Mac Books, giving me a wider knowledge of how effects/ transactions are applied efficiently and within context. I now also know how to apply music to the desired scenes, and how to export the finished product onto DVDs, and upload onto international websites such as YouTube.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I feel our continuity piece lacked the professional touch in certain places, for example when the victim is 'beaten up'- it was intended to look good, but the reality of not wanting to cause actual harm to the actor resulted in a slightly pathetic slap. Taking this into consideration, we should have re shot that particular scene; we have progressed in terms of striving for a finish without amateur mistakes, meaning it would have been re-done if it were part of our thriller. I believe my knowledge on camera shots, angles & editing techniques has improved, allowing more accurate transitions between scenes, and I feel this is seen within the finished sequence.
