Sunday, 22 April 2012
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Final Ancillary: Digi-Pack
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Evaluation: How did you use new technologies in the construction, research, planning and evaluation stages?
Without new technology this project would not have been able to happen. New technology has been used throughout the whole project from research to planning to production.
Research: youtube, google, google images
Having access to such sites as youtube allowed me to research the same genres and take inspiration of location and themes. This particular use of new technology helped make the final music video as conventional as possible, as the website allowed me to understand conventions and similarities with in the genre
Planning:
Facebook was mainly used to keep the group interactive, it was decided that this would be used as everyone in the group already had an account and it was simple. It was used to set up meetings and discuss general questions and queries. This was all done via facebook messenger.
The Adobe suite was used for planning, Photoshop was used for the manipulation of images, Illistrator for the manipulation of text and InDesign to combine everything together. Constructing test pieces helped as they then progressed into final ideas.
Youtube and google were also used for the planning stage, to help develop knowledge and understanding.
Construction:
Premier Pro was used in the construction to put all the shorts together to make the final video. The group already had previous experience on how to use this piece of software so when it came round to using it we could get stuck in.
The Adobe Suite was again used for the construction of the ancillary tasks. Across PhotoShop, Illistrator and InDesign a promotional package was created to advertise the music video that was created using Premier Pro.
Across the whole project other equipment was used throughout such as, a tripod, a dolly, a Nikon SLR camera for stills and a HD Sony handy cam. These pieces of technology were the most vital to the whole project as they captured the footage giving it a professional feel and captured the stills that were used for the Ancillary tasks.
Blogger.com was also used throughout the project to publish development on how the project was going, giving pros and cons about certain aspects.
Research: youtube, google, google images
Having access to such sites as youtube allowed me to research the same genres and take inspiration of location and themes. This particular use of new technology helped make the final music video as conventional as possible, as the website allowed me to understand conventions and similarities with in the genre
Google and mainly google images helped for the research of the ancillary tasks. It was used to view different promotional posters and CD covers and digi-pak's. This particular research was also very important as it gave an understanding of codes and conventions of real media products.
Planning:
Facebook was mainly used to keep the group interactive, it was decided that this would be used as everyone in the group already had an account and it was simple. It was used to set up meetings and discuss general questions and queries. This was all done via facebook messenger.
Dropbox was another piece of technology that kept the group interactive when we were apart. A shared folder was created in which the group could upload documents and images which were then accessible to the rest.
shared dropbox folder |
Youtube and google were also used for the planning stage, to help develop knowledge and understanding.
Construction:
Premier Pro was used in the construction to put all the shorts together to make the final video. The group already had previous experience on how to use this piece of software so when it came round to using it we could get stuck in.
The Adobe Suite was again used for the construction of the ancillary tasks. Across PhotoShop, Illistrator and InDesign a promotional package was created to advertise the music video that was created using Premier Pro.
Across the whole project other equipment was used throughout such as, a tripod, a dolly, a Nikon SLR camera for stills and a HD Sony handy cam. These pieces of technology were the most vital to the whole project as they captured the footage giving it a professional feel and captured the stills that were used for the Ancillary tasks.
Blogger.com was also used throughout the project to publish development on how the project was going, giving pros and cons about certain aspects.
Monday, 16 April 2012
Evaluation: What have you learned from your audience feedback?
From the very beginning of the project it was clear that audience feedback was a critical aspect. To make the projects appealing to the target audience, gaining enough feedback was needed. Having other media students analysing the work was extremely beneficial as they analysed the products in a connotative and denotative manor. Yet having other people giving feedback was also very beneficial as a wide variety of comments were needed from the target audience, for the group to be able to make the video a success.
Throughout the project the group constructed different ways to get feedback, from simply asking peers and teachers to developing questionnaires (see post: Development: Audience Feedback) to creating video booths (see post: Audience Feedback: Creative Arts Eveneing). If the group was unsure about a certain part of the video, simply asking other media students was preferred, where as half way through the construction, the video was played to year 10 and 11 media students and then a questionnaire was filled in. This was a benefit to the group as it allowed a different opinion of a different age, who picked up some very important aspects, such as lip synching not being quite right in certain parts. This enabled the group to change the video making it as strong as it can be. Most of the feedback was constructive saying how well the lip synching was since it was edited, that the locations and characters worked well with the lyrics, yet when it was viewed again, A-level media peers explained that a few seconds of the video didn’t fit in. We listened carefully and then decided on a new plan and replaced the footage. The footage that we replaced, the group decided it would be best to incorporate more of the songs iconography ‘pebble beach’, so this is where the filming took place.
With the CD magazine advertisement, audience feedback helped with the simple mistakes, such as spelling. When I first started my peers were critical about the design as I took an unconventional approach. The feedback I got was to ‘play it safe’ but I chose to ignore this feedback and carry on constructing an unconventional promotional poster. I did take on board what my peers said and started to create a conventional poster as well in case it did not work out. Fortunately my first idea worked.
When the first draft of the CD digi-pak was created I showed it around to get some constructive criticism. The text inside the booklet was all sideways, in which I was advised to change it to up right. This was a very key point as it helped me understand even if the booklets I researched were this way designed, I should not always copy simple aspects such as this yet I should just take inspiration instead.
By gaining this feedback it has enlightened me to the way in which others think and understand a product. This also gave me a greater knowledge into the conventions of certain products and the way in which they are perceived.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Evaluation: How effective is the combination of your main and ancillary texts?
Due to the house style being created the main and ancillary tasks linked well together as they all incorporated the specific features chosen, such as: font, logo, colours and the record label Syco. These also linked in with the other people in the groups ancillary tasks as the house style was designed to be usable across everyone, which made the groups ancilary tasks look like they came from the same production team due to all of the simularities. Also a vintage and retro feel was added to the music video and across the production. The retro and vintage theme was also created in the ancillary tasks by brown and orange tones being used.
I also managed to link the video with the ancillary ask by the images used. Throughout the video 'Olly' was quirky and fun, so the images that were decided on for my promotional package had to be quirky and fun also.
I also managed to link the video with the ancillary ask by the images used. Throughout the video 'Olly' was quirky and fun, so the images that were decided on for my promotional package had to be quirky and fun also.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Evaluation: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
When researching for the ancillary tasks i hadnt decided whether i wanted to conform or subvert the conventions. It wasn't until the pearl jam poster was found that i decided to subvert the conventions. Having the effect the poster shows below instead of an image of the artiszt was the convention that I went against. Also considering the pearl jam poster was not from the same genre as Olly Murs, this subverted the convention that bit more.
Although i subverted one of the conventions for my ancillary tasks i decided to conform with the rest of the conventions. This made it easily recognisable for the audience and allowed them to identify what type of product it is.
The music video follows the codes and conventions of real media products with the pop genre, the group made sure that it was a conventional video by researching in depth of other videos from that genre as well as the artist Olly Murs.
The videos that were researched all had similar narratives, all revolving around love. The group decided to use this convention also as it is a simple yet effective plot. Todorov's theory of equilibrium was used to create the story; from the character being in a relationship, breaking up and then coming out the other end happy.
From researching some of the olly murs videos a particular location looked familiar. In the video dance with me tonight, a location near greenwich market was used, which the group decided to incorporate with in our production.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Audience Feedback: Creative Arts Evening
A creative arts evening was held on the 20th March 2012 to exhibit the Sixth Form's work to a large audience. This evening allowed the group to show case the first edit of our video to the audience, aged between 11-80. A video booth was set up to allow the audience to give constructive criticism and feedback.
The audience analysed the video in a connotative and denotative manor allowing the group to understand the constructive criticism given and to change the video if necessary.
The audience analysed the video in a connotative and denotative manor allowing the group to understand the constructive criticism given and to change the video if necessary.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Development: Audience Feedback
Below are a few of the constructive comments that have been given by year 10 and 11 media students after a viewing of the video.
Male.16
Fade effect linked well throughout. Good motif
After the screening the group asked the classes to fill in a simple questionairre. The questions which were were asked were:
'Did you enjoy it?'
'Was the mise-en-scene constructed well?'
'Did you enjoy it?'
'Was the mise-en-scene constructed well?'
Below are some other examples of the feedback given:
Male.14
Kept with the mise-en-scene
Kept with the mise-en-scene
Kept with the theme of the original video but manipulated it to suit
Some of the shots were a bit fuzzy at times
Male.16
Fade effect linked well throughout. Good motif
Camera work a bit fuzzy
Fits perfectly with the genre
Female,15
The settings fit gloriously
Female,15
The settings fit gloriously
One of the scenes didn't quite work
Editing was good
The group took this feedback on board manipulated and changed the video so these aspects were no longer issues.
Editing was good
The group took this feedback on board manipulated and changed the video so these aspects were no longer issues.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Development: Filming and Location
This location is used as part of the iconography. The lyrics in the song refer to a beach, which is why the group decided on a similar type of location.
'Do you still pick up the sea shells on that pebble beach?'
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Ancilary Tasks: CD digipak Progression
The same technique that was used for the promotional poster was used for the digipak. This was decided as it would link the two print advertisements together, letting the audience recognise that they belong to the same project.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Ancillary Tasks: Promotional Poster Development
As an image previously chosen of 'Olly's eyes '(put link to post here), it was decided that this was to be created as well as the Pearl Jam inspired poster. Having two posters with two completely different designs to choose from would enable audience feedback, helping the decision in which poster appears to be more effective to the target audience. The use of the image 'Olly's eyes', although still not a conventional feature, was a slightly more conventional approach.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Friday, 24 February 2012
Ancillary Task: Promotion poster Progression
When the research had been completed for the conventions of a promotional poster, it was decided that an unconventional approach would be used. The Pearl Jam poster below was found and inspired me to use the same effect as it grabs the audiences attention.
A rough copy was made just by using a basic overlay, but it did not have the same effect.
The poster below was then created by making a background layer and then using a deep knockout using Photoshop.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Filming: Location
This specific location demonstrates the quirky British feel that the video has. The red, white and blue bunting was perfect use of iconography to help enhance this. As well as this location demonstrating the British feel, the colours and bunting also help create a fun and happy atmosphere enabling the group to use the shots at the end of the video, giving it a typical happy ending.
This location was used to portray the character as lonely as the wide space shows emptiness. The shot of 'Olly' on the bench also enhances this aspect of the video. Manipulating the camera angle so that it shows the whole bench was another way in which the lonely aspect of the video was created.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Development: Filming and Technique
The studio was used to give the effect of a dreamy feel. The group decided on a white screen. When editing it was agreed that the video effect 'lense flare' was to be used to enhance the dreamy feel.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Ancillary Tasks: Photography
Images were taken in the Photography Studio against a white screen and a black screen using such techniques as high and low key lighting. This gave the images a professional effect, which will make the ancillary tasks much more effective and professional. The images were then changed into black and white using Adobe Photoshop. Other changes were also made to the images such as changing the brightness, contrast and levels.
The use of this image on a CD promotional poster would be unconventional as it is not a face shot or full body shot. It was decided that experimental CD promotional posters would be made using this image, as although it would break the conventions, it was decided that it would look effective if used in the correct way.
This style of image was also taken as it is a conventional shot for promotional packages.
A full body shot can be used in a double page spread of the Digi-Pack or also on the promotional poster as the key image.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Ancillary Tasks: Photos
Aselection of test photos were taken and then edited using PhotoShop. The pictures that were taken were cropped and then transformed into black and white, with a brown tint. This linked in with the House Style that was agreed on.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Camera Angles
Eye-Level
This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.
High Angle
A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.
Low Angle
This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant.
Bird's Eye
The scene is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and some what unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
In drama it can be used to show the posisions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things that the character can't.
The bird's eye view is also very useful in sports, documentries, ect.
Slanted
Also known as a 'Dutch Tilt', this is where the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle. This creates an interesting and dramatic effect.
Dutch Tilts are also popular in MTV-style video production, where unusual angles and lots of camera movements play a big part.
This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.
High Angle
A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.
Low Angle
This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant.
Bird's Eye
The scene is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and some what unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
In drama it can be used to show the posisions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things that the character can't.
The bird's eye view is also very useful in sports, documentries, ect.
Slanted
Also known as a 'Dutch Tilt', this is where the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle. This creates an interesting and dramatic effect.
Dutch Tilts are also popular in MTV-style video production, where unusual angles and lots of camera movements play a big part.
Camera Shots and Explinations
v EWS (Extreme Wide Shot)
The view is so far from the subject that he isn't even visible. Often used as an establishing shot.
The view is so far from the subject that he isn't even visible. Often used as an establishing shot.
v VWS (Very Wide Shot)
The subject is visible (barely), but the emphasis is still on placing him in his environment
The subject is visible (barely), but the emphasis is still on placing him in his environment
v WS (Wide Shot)
The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible.
AKA: long shot, full shot.
The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible.
AKA: long shot, full shot.
v MS (Mid Shot)
Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject.
Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject.
v MCU (Medium Close Up)
Half way between a MS and a CU.
Half way between a MS and a CU.
v CU (Close Up)
A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.
A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.
v ECU (Extreme Close Up)
The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail
The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail
v Cut-In
shows some (other) part of the subject in detail.
shows some (other) part of the subject in detail.
v CA (Cutaway)
A shot of something other than the subject.
A shot of something other than the subject.
v Two-Shot
A shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot.
A shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot.
v (OSS) Over-the-Shoulder Shot
Looking from behind a person at the subject.
Looking from behind a person at the subject.
v Noddy Shot
usually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting to the subject.
usually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting to the subject.
v Point-of-View Shot (POV)
Shows a view from the subject's perspective.
Shows a view from the subject's perspective.
v Weather shot
the subject is the weather. Can be used for other purposes, e.g. background for graphics
the subject is the weather. Can be used for other purposes, e.g. background for graphics
Friday, 6 January 2012
Production Schedule
Having a production schedule helps and guides the group so they stay on track and acheive their full potential. This is why this schedule was created.
Date? | What? Where? |
28/11/11 | Meeting to begin first stage of filming/ plan |
12/12/11 | Beginning Green Screen (chorus) |
02/01/12 | Meeting for group to see where we are...make plans (including ancillary) |
02/02/12 | Pictures for ancilary tasks |
03/02/12 | Reminising studio white screen video of girl |
12/02/12 | Greenwich villiage shots and filming for retro scene |
15/02/12 | Greenwich embankment |
24/02/12 | Editing and Review for filming |
26/02/12 | Editing and review of filming |
29/02/12 | Greenwich filming any redo’s |
06/03/12 | Editing all footage |
Home: Ancillary Tasks
Follow house style to create:
v Cd digipak
v Cd promotional advert
v T-Shirts
v Vinyl (maybe)
v Website
All need to complete at least 2 designs of each
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Filming: Green Screen
One of the groups ideas was to use a green screen. The intention of this was to give the music video a some what comedy genre, which would be created by a studio based segment in the video. The humour in this shot was to be created by having the background on the green screen and then zooming out to show the whole of the studio and behind the screens footage.
After viewing this footage on the Video Editing Machines it became clear that this was not the most effective shot that can be used for the video. Instead of humour being created, the video looked very amateur as it was clear that the location was not a professional studio.
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