Evaluation Question 4

Below I have written up an answer to evaluation question 4:

By the completion of this coursework I have realized how essential and also beneficial technology is in our modern world today and in terms of helping me complete my publicity campaign for 'Midnight Massacre 2'. Media Technology in itself has developed immensely and ongoing developments are being made. Whilst completing this piece of coursework I mainly used the Apple Mac computers available to me by the media department in my sixth form. This was beneficial as they are probably the most useful technology I could've used in relation to photo editing etc. Mac computers have also been beneficial as they offer many programs that cannot be found on ordinary computers. Whilst using the Macs, the programmes we mainly used were iMovie HD and also photoshop. iMovie HD was the programme we used to put our trailer together and also edit it. It offered us the opportunity to add subtitles to our trailer, increase the tempo of shots, add a soundtrack and also control the sound levels, to only name a few. This was also an advanatage as it gave our trailer a more professional look and benefit the overall productoion of it.




Also, on the computers I used Microsoft Word and also Microsoft PowerPoint regularly. These are both well known programs in which I was familiar with and therefore did not have difficulty in using it. I used microsoft word to plan and construct things which would benefit us as a group for example I used it to create a shooting schedule and also plan the types of shot angles we would be using for each shot. I used Microsoft PowerPoint to create many slideshows which are shown throughout my blog. I then uploaded these slideshows onto slideshare in which I then posted it on my blog.




Similar to last year, we were required to submit our coursework via a blog as appose to an essay. www.blogger.com has been the tool in which I have used the most I would say as it is where I recorded all the information needed for my publicity campaign. It includes many posts ranging from research into props and locations, to images of my finished publicity campaign. Blogging to me is a beneficial facility as it is easy to record information and is also accessible. I can blog using my mobile phone whilst travelling or on my laptop at home. It also gives bloggers the opportunity to upload videos, slideshows and links onto their blog. This I also took advantage of as it made my blog more interesting to viewers having different ways and formats of recording information, instead of plain text. As I was fairly familiar with blogger because of my coursework last year, I was able to develop my skills this year and increase the quality of my blog in comparison to last year. As I became more familiar with my blog, I began to blog at least once everyday for at least half an hour and also record the most detailed and specific aspects of our publicity campaign.


Another useful media technology which assisted me through this coursework was the internet. The internet gave us access not only to blogger but to other websites in which we could do research for our campaign. I used Google to mostly search images in which I could put on my blog to illustrate and make it easier for viewers to understand what I was saying. I also used the internet to enhance my blog in the sense that I used Slideshare to upload my presentations before embedding them to my blog increasing the diversity of information on my blog. During this coursework, I also found YouTube a very useful tool. It helped me look at other similar trailers and compare it to my own. I also uploaded some of my own videos to YouTube before putting them on my blog and analysing them. I used Prezi, a visual zooming presentation facility to make a few presentations which I uploaded to my blog. As prezi is a fairly new way of creating presentations, it was challenging to get a grip of however once I did it was enjoyable and was also a more exciting and interactive way for viewers to access information on my blog.







In conclusion, we used a wide range of media technologies throughout the construction and also production of my publicity campaign. These technologies helped us to create a dynamic and also interactive piece of coursework in which the range of technologies are evident in itself. For example my blog features posts which include many different uses of media technology available to me such as slideshows, edited images and also YouTube videos.

Evaluation Question 3

Below I have created a slideshow using Microsoft presentation and also slideshare in order to answer evaluation question number 3.

Evaluation question 3

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Evaluation Question 2

Below I have constructed a prezi presentation to answer evaluation question 2.

Evaluation Question 2 on Prezi

Evaluation Question 1

Below I have created a slideshow answering evaluation question 1:

Evaluation question 1

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Organisation of Camera

As we were filming, it was important to keep the camera safe as they were property of the school. The equipment we got were:

• We recieved a tripod before we went to film. This was beneficial as it ensured that the camera was entirely still whilst filming and created a professional effect rather than the effect of a hand held camera.
  
  

• We also got a 3 megapixel camera to film our film on. This camera gave us the facilities of fast forward, rewinding, play back and stopping.



• When we were going to film we also got a case to keep the camera in, in order to make sure it was easier to look after and also easaier to carry.

In order to ensure that we kept the cameras safe we made sure we did not mis-handle it. We also assigned different people within the group to be in charge of the camera each time we recorded. This ensured there was always a specific individual whose priority was the camera.

Sound Editing

Sound plays an important part in any trailer and it may be used to control the viewers emotions at the time of watching it. For example fast music with an upbeat tempo may lead the viewers anticipation to rise and also suggest a build up of suspense. Whereas a loud smash may frighten them. As I am creating a horror trailer, it is important that I use sound wisely to keep the viewer on the edge of the seat and entertained.

I researched many different possible horror soundtracks we could use. It was quite difficult to find some as most of the material available on the internet were horror sounds such as a scream and not sound tracks which could be constant played throughout the whole horror trailer.

Finally a found a range of soundtracks which we could've used as a group. I saved the sounds on a USB and played them to the other 2 members of my group. We discussed why we would or would not use each soundtrack. Below is my own personal analysis:

	Horror Movie Soundtrack - Rosemary's Baby Theme 128good .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I feel this soundtrack is quite good for our horror trailer as it sets a scary, atmosphere for the viewer . Also as the tempo is not too fast at first, it would suit our horror trailer which starts off with slow motion shots. However I don't think we should use this as a couple of seconds into the track it introduces a church like sound and as church settings are quite common locations for horror films to be set I don't think it would make the trailer as unique. Also, our trailer has no religious connotations therefore it would not link together.

	Parapraxis - Horror .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I felt this soundtrack was not a good option as it goes straight into its peak point and therefore fails to create suspense for the viewer. This is not beneficial as the whole point of the soundtrack in the trailer is to be able to scare and control the viewers emotions, making them jump when they least expect.

	Parapraxis - Horror .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Although this soundtrack does have quite a scary and sinister build-up, I feel the fast tempo ruins the 'scary' perception of it. Also, I don't feel it represents the seriousness of our horror trailer very well.

	Douglas Edward - Horror Music from The Locker .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I found this sound very interesting and felt we could introduce it in the build-up to the peak scene of our trailer in order to frighten the audience. If this is agreed and decided on with the rest of my group, I feel we should stop it at 0:30 seconds in which there is a loud banging sound which is likely to frighten or shock viewers.

	Kevin MacLeod - Classic Horror 1 .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Out of all the soundtracks I found I felt this was the best and most suitable. This is because the pace of it starts slow before gradually heightening. I feel that if this is combined with the previous sound I found it could create a good horror soundtrack. Also, it brings forward a serious approach towards the horror film which suits our actual trailer as it is a psychological horror.

Whilst editing our film trailer, it was also important to pay attention to the sound levels as this can also have a major effect on the trailer.

Analysis of Film Magazine (Film Mag. Explained)

I have also created an image in which I analyse each aspect of my film magazine and why I included it when designing the magazine. (Please click the image to enlarge it)

Production of Film Magazine

We wanted our whole campaign to tie with each other well and therefore we felt that our film magazine should have a symbolic image which related to our trailer as a whole. We chose to include the image of the mask. As I had created the film poster and the others were impressed we decided that I should also take on the role of designing and producing the film magazine.

I again used Corel to produce this. It took quite sometime as the magazine needed to fit together well. I chose to use black as the main background for the magazine in order to make the main image of the mask which was a white/cream colour stand out more. Rather than included the full image of the mask, I only made the viewers see half of the mask which enhanced the notion of mystery. I also ensured that I used the typical elements expected of a magazine such as a tag line and an issue number for example.

Below are images of my film magazine during the process of production:

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Analysis of Film Poster (Film Poster Explained)

In order to analyse my film poster, I have created an image on a photo editing programme in which I explain each element of the film poster I created. (Please click the image to enlarge it)

Other Ways of Advertising My Film

As a publicity campaign it is important that I am able to represent and advertise my film in many different ways and in many different locations. Advertisements on the side of buses are quite popular in doing this as they move around a lot and therefore the amount of people who view these adverts are informed of upcoming or new films, products or services.

It is also important that I am able to show that my film publicity campaign can be represented in this format also. Therefore below, I have edited images to show what possible advertisements for midnight massacre 2 could look like in terms of bus advertisements. In order to create this, I used the image editing programme named Corel. I have also included images from our film poster and also magazine in the advertisement in order to create a link between them.

Below I have included the images:

Production of Film Poster

As myself and Vanessa were happy with the flat-plans and decisions we had made, we both went home and created a film poster.

Below my film poster is featured on the left hand side whilst Vanessa's is on the right hand side.

As a group, we discussed which poster we felt was better and for what reasons. In the end, we concluded that we were to use my poster as appose to Vanessa's as mine looked 'more professional'.

HOW I MADE THE FILM POSTER

To construct the film poster, I used a photo editing programme named Corel. This is much like photoshop which I was used to and also gained experience of using it during my AS in year 12, creating a music magazine. Although Corel had some differences and therefore it took a bit of getting used to. I used some of the images we took whilst shooting and edited the brightness and contrast if them and also airbushed Jess' skintone in order to portray a more professional effect. I also inserted an image of bloody hands which we took whilst filming and made it more faint and flipped Jess' picture in order to create a sense that Jess is oblivious to the hands behind her. I included the title of our Horrror Film in 'Horror type' font and included the production details at the bottom and icons/logo which film audiences are familiar with such as the paramount logo.

Below are images of my film poster in the programme: Corel and also the original image I used

Beginning Magazine and Film Poster

I was fairly confident when beginning to plan the magazine and poster for my group as we had carried out good research and planning and therefore I was pretty sure what audiences wanted and expected from this. Myself and Vanessa sat down and created a flat plan after school in which we decided where we wanted things on both the magazine and the poster.

An Insight To Filming Day 1

Shot Content: Victim running in corridor
Location: Art Corridor

I couldn't wait to start filming after all the research and planning I had done between me and my group. The first time which we filmed was during my lesson time which meant that Vanessa and Chantel could record and I couldnt. So, to help out, I help them set up the scenery in which we were to film. Although we are using a range of locations in our horror trailer, our first setting was using the art corridor in our school. We wanted to make the scenary quite dark howver not too dark in order for the viwers to still be able to see the victim running. To do this, we found A2 size black paper and began to stick it on the windows of the art corridor, at first it did not seem to be making it darker however after the job had nearly been completed we could see the clear difference. We then used brown sellotape to create a wild and discomforting affect. After we used red paint to paint the words 'YOU CAN'T TURN BACK THE CLOCK'

We filmed Chantel running through the corridors scared and panting heavily. To ensure that we would get the best shot for our trailer, we recorded many shots from different angles. We also recorded a scene with a mysterious person in the background to see whether this would make our horror film scarier or cliché.

Film Production Still Images

Whilst filming, we also took images of what we were doing in order to show our work not only through clips but through images too. This ensures that we have a record of our work done and it also simply nice to be able to look at the photos and refer back to the process. Below is a slideshow of all the images we took whilst filming:

Photo shoot-Still Images

As a group, we visited Highgate Cemetery to take our still images in which we wanted to initially use for our magazine cover. We met up with Harriane who plays the cold hearted serial killer in our trailer. We all went to the cemetery and took various images from a range of different angles in which we felt would be beneficial to us in terms of our production work. Below is a slideshow containing the images we took whilst at the cemetery. We done this with the aim that we would show our peers and friend in order to gain other perceptions of what images other people felt were most appropriate.

Evaluation of Research & Planning

Evaluation of Research & Planning.

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Certification for Midnight Massacre 2

As a group we decided to aim our film at 15 years and over. We decided to do this because we feel that we will be covering a wider audience base , as that is the age that they are more prone to watch horror films. Also because our film will not contain any explict scenes or hardcore violence will feel it would be a suitable age to set it for.

Below is a classifcation outline of what it means for your film is your plan on aiming it and 15years and above.

BBFC 15 CERTIFICATION RULES:

These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 15 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 15 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘15’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘15’ are not recommended for a child below that age. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 15 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘15’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Below is a video which I found on youutbe explaining briefly the BBFC 15 Certificate:

Importance of Camera Angles and Shots

Camera angles and movements combine to create a sequence of images, just as words, word order and punctuation combine to make the meaning of a sentence. Camera shots are very important in shaping meaning in a film.

There are many different types of camera angles and shots.

CAMERA SHOTS:

• An extreme long shot contains a large amount of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to establish general location(setting).
• A long shot contains landscape but gives the viewer a more specific idea of setting. A long shot may show the viewers the building where the action will take place.
• A full shot contains a complete view of the characters. From this shot, viewers can take in the costumes of characters and may also help to demonstrate the relationships between characters.
• A mid shot contains the characters or a character from the waist up. From this shot, viewers can see the characters' faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters. This is also known as a social shot
• A close-up contains just one character's face. This enables viewers to understand the actor's emotions and also allows them to feel empathy for the character. This is also known as a personal shot.

CAMERA ANGLES:

• A bird's eye angle is an angle that looks directly down upon a scene. This angle is often used as an establishing angle, along with an extreme long shot, to establish setting.
• A high angle is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject. A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small. These angles are often used to demonstrate to the audience a perspective of a particular character. The example above demonstrates to us the perspective or point of view of a vampire. As a viewer we can understand that the vampire feels powerful.
• An eye-level angle puts the audience on an equal footing with the characters. This is the most commonly used angle in most films as it allows the viewers to feel comfortable with the characters.
• A low angle is a camera angle that looks up at a character. This is the opposite of a high angle and makes a character look more powerful. This can make the audience feel vulnerable and small by looking up at the character. This can help the responder feel empathy if they are viewing the frame from another character's point of view.

Risk Assesments & Health and Safety

When conducting a risk assessment, consider all the likely hazards, who may be harmed, property which may be damaged, and the controls already in place. Then, for each likely hazard, bearing in mind the controls already in place, record the ‘risk assessment’ level which can be seen on the following table. The further actions to be considered will be determined by the level of risk assessment.

Below is a table which I designed on Microsoft word in which to show what a risk assessment looks like. It is important as a media student to conduct a risk assessment whilst shooting as we are not professionals and therefore will need to take extra care and consider all the potential hazards in which we many face in order to ensure filming runs smoothly and everybody whether on set or off is safe at all times.

Hazard & Number of people exposed	Main Risks Identified (H) (M) (L)	Controls to minimise risk
Busy Road / Actors and Crew	HIGH-Cars speeding past which may cause fatal accidents	Whilst shooting is going on, road is to be blocked
Behaviour of dog/ Actors and Crew	MODERATE-Frantic barking of dog which wants to attack when let off lead	Dog will be on leash and supervised at all times. Feeding and recreation areas to be arranged for animal away from location premises
Burns from campfire/Actors and Crew	HIGH- Wild flames which may be very threatening if in contact with human	Request for local fire brigade

LIKELIHOOD	CONSEQUENCES
	Insignificant	Minor	Moderate	Major	Catastrophic
Almost Certain	HIGH	HIGH	EXTREME	EXTREME	EXTREME
Likely	MODERATE	HIGH	HIGH	EXTREME	EXTREME
Moderate	LOW	MODERATE	HIGH	EXTREME	EXTREME
Unlikely	LOW	LOW	MODERATE	HIGH	EXTREME
Rare	LOW	LOW	MODERATE	HIGH	HIGH

S number 5- Script

A script is an essential part of any film or play. It is important that a script covers all the details aspects of the dialogue in the film. In our trailer, there is not a lot of talking. We chose to do this as we thought as a horror trailer, the absence of dialogue and speech is more likely to create suspense.

The speech we included in our trailer was that of a news reporter near the start of our trailer describing the killings that had been taken place and stating it was a 'massacre' helping to establish the viewers understanding of the trailer as a whole. In my opinion this is effective as the viewer is able to gain a lot of information through the news report of the journalist (acted by my friend Mary).

In order to enhance the news reports, we decided to have voiceovers overlapping eachother to again reinforce the fact that there had been many killings in different areas. We recorded ourselves using a mobile phone and recorded a line each in different voices in order to emphasize the fact that the news reporters were of both genders, male and also females. This was quite funny as it meant that I had to do an impersonation of a man.

Below is the script in which we followed whilst recording the reporting scene.

Reporter 1(on screen)- 'Good evening, I am live at Hampshire Valleys where a death has been reported yesterday night around 11pm. The young woman has not been identified yet however police and forensics are now on the case. This is similar to two attacks in the same borough around the same time. This mysterious event has been described as a massacre. This is Mary Johnson reporting for ABC News, Goodnight'

Reporter 2(voice over)- Another murder at 11:54pm in which another girl has been found brutally killed, left with no identification. She was thought to be....

Reporter 3 (voice over)- Yet another young woman found cobvered in blood after walking her dog at the park in Hampshire Valleys. It is assumed she has been here overnight. Police and forensics are....

After we had recorded the reporting scene, we decided that we should shorten the scene and also the voiceovers as to not bore the viewers. We used the editing facilities on iMovie HD and cut the bits we felt were the most important.

Below I have included images of various horror film scripts from films: Dracula and Orgy of the dead. (Please click them to enlarge them)