The preliminary task was designed to introduce us in to the use of Final Cut and Motion as programs which were relatively new to all of us, with only our previous project "The Package" utilizing them, and even then only Final Cut. The Final product we produced shows, in my opinion, a whole other level of what can be achieved through the programs we had at our dispense than anything previously produced. The introduction of other technologies such as Motion, artificial lighting and microtracks to sync audio are all paramount in achieving what we did in our final film opening compared to the very amateur and low value first tasks.
Becoming more familiar with these products has allowed my partner and I to produce a whole other level of production quality, which has lead to not only better looking results but also a product of higher quality and care. Implementing such things as visual and sound effects which come as default with Final Cut, as well as the multiple more advance perks such as the true effects program motion and other editing programs such as Sony Vegas 12 and Adobe After Effects, allowed us to create something quite different from what was originally produced, even since our first draft of the fished product "Existence". Taking a look at the preliminary task (Shown below) the main skill in making it look like it does is the syncing of the shot reverse shots and music in conjunction with what was occurring in the scene. The more complex and advanced transitions and change in location in our final product however meant that these techniques could only be used to a certain extent, with a majority of the shots in our final product being action shots in locations with external conditions that could be detrimental to the look of the final piece. An example of this was the weather in the tower between the two days we shot the scene - from a tranquil and warm night to one where it was raining, bitterly cold and windy to the extent no voice could be heard even through the directional microphone. This meant that the voices had to be recorded separately, which could have had a majorly negative effect in the look of the shot (Bad lip syncing etc.) In this way, I learnt to take account for other variables than the actors and equipment as when filming in a real life situation, these are more likely to effect the look of the final product. It also helped me to learn back up shots should be taken for every shot, as if one has some sort of problem it is less hassle than reassembling actors and retaining permission for use of location.
Another way in which I have improved the way in which I made the opening scene to my film than the preliminary task is understanding of the media industry in general. Constant research as to our target audience, what people find interesting in different genre's of films (And in turn what is overdone and considered boring), certification and finally representation of social classes in media has allowed us to create something on basically no budget but with an interesting feel of something which hasn't been done much before. The idea, previously unoriginal and considered overdone, was added to by bringing in elements of the psychological. As shown in our audience research published earlier (http://alleynsmedia-levart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/target-audience.html) there was a major love for suspenseful, ambiguous action films in the 16-24 group especially. Because of this we tried to cater the opening especially to this group, with them also preferring films such as "Se7en" and "Dark Knight Rises" than "No Country for Old Men" and "Dual" of those who had seen all films. Likening our product to these, we had to focus on atmosphere and major character development than simple, everyday shots and characters. We also saw that this type of film had a niche market in the prime of life males, at around 40-50. This means that we would not only be attracting one type of audience, increasing popularity and almost making it a family film, being something a father could take his son (or even daughter) to. The Male Female gender difference was not emphasised much as in our target audience many of the females interviewed preferred an exciting, fast paced action film than the more stereotypical rom-com. In terms of characters, close observations as to everyday teenage/young adult tendencies and behaviours allowed us to not only develop characters in a more realistic way but also avoid the problem of obvious and derogatory stereotypes which represent the younger generation in a negative light. Implementing this research in to our film opening was vital in differentiating it from something made by School Students to one made by aspiring media amateurs.
A final way in which me and my partner have majorly improved since our preliminary task was how we use various equipment and the variety of shots taken. Taking the preliminary task as an example, the only shots used were that of shot reverse shot (Not very well done) panning shot (Shaky) and match on action. These are very easy to do as all include a steady camera with no artificial lighting and no need for additional sound being recorded. In our final product however (Shown below) the type of shot vary from panning establishing shots, to moving action shots, to perspective shots and everything in between. The sheer variety of shots without additional effects or music is enough to entertain an audience who understand the story. There was also a distinct lack off effects and technical skill involved with the making of the preliminary task. The Titles were made from a motion template on a regular black background with no skill needed. In our final product however a use of the effects program motion allowed us not only to make more interactive titles, with better looking colours and font type but also our production companies Ident. Completely animated in motion, we took individual layers of a Photoshop .PSD file made by both of us and saved them as .PNG, then imported them in to a motion project and added movement. Not only did this give us a greater ability to make more complex titles with various fades and colour schemes but also would differentiate ours from other Media A level students who would use regular templates.
Overall, since the making of me and my partners preliminary task we have not only learnt technical skills as to the programs we used but organisational skills and general practices which can be applied to future projects. The importance of thorough research with reference to target audience, certification and other films in the same genre has allowed us to create something fitting the topes of the thriller while having another dimension of the psychological. A highly detailed level of preparation is also required to create a high quality of the final product, two things that we found had a strong correlation. Obviously, regarding the editing stage, increased levels of understanding of Final Cut, Motion and Adobe After Effects has allowed us to create a more professional looking project. Overall, the development of editing skills, research techniques and use of general technical equipment usage has allowed us to create something much better looking and advance than our original project.
JL
JL
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