Evaluation 3- What Kind Of Meida Institution Might Distribute Your Media Product And Why?

Voice Over

https://youtu.be/mxyfr_2fwYI

We have designed of this company logo to be in monotone colours. This is so it does not take any attention away from the main logo of the film. It is minimalistic so it isn't fixed to one genre. Our logo is made out of arrows and the letters are staggered. The arrows within the word create a play on words and the logo looks more interesting.

We would choose Paramount pictures as our film distributers as we think they are a popular company that produce a range of film genres from cartoon comedies to serious dramas. Paramount pictures distributed Clueless in 1995 which is similar to our product as it's an upbeat teen angst.

We would produce our film independently, and we would seek funding from various sources such as: Film4, BFI, the Arts Council or try get a grant from the lottery.

This is appose to pitching our idea to a major Hollywood company where we would loose creative control. Although we could get a bigger budget.

Therefore greater possibility of a box office hit and high takings. As we are producing our film independently so it will be aimed at a more specific, niche audience.

Our unique selling point for our film is British teenage lifestyle. This is our USP because the majority of teen angst films are from an American perspective. We think this will attract an audience as it is different from the mainstream.

We would release our film between spring and summer just before the academic summer holiday. This is because it will manage the weather on the sequence and as it comes out before a holiday, it will attract a bigger audience as they are less likely to be busy.

To advertise our film we will use posters, online adverts on social media and trailers on YouTube as adverts.

The information that would be on our poster would be the release date, the title, the directors name, production company, and review ratings. This is so that the audience that the audience can receive information about our product.

Our product would be shown at the BFI London Film Festival because our film is an independent production and it is close to where we filmed.

Evaluation 5- How Did You Attract/Addess Your Audience?

• The main characters are females so this will attract a female audience as it will address situations they are familiar with. 
• British film attracts British teenagers, clear understanding. American teenagers might not understand because their lifestyle might be different.
• Teenagers attract audiences of similar ages as they can relate to the characters and possibly narrative.
• Characters wear up to date clothes like short dresses and jeans which makes them trendy and they look like regular teenagers.
• The characters like to do the same things as the audience (see mates, hangout), they share similar hobbies and experiences.
• As our audience like to watch comedies and films with characters of a similar age to them, our film will attract them because it has comedic elements as well as teenage characters.
• Our audience prefer popular upbeat music so they will like our film as there is pop music in the beginning and upbeat music throughout the rest of the film.
• Gossip addresses situations that teenagers may encounter during their time ta school, our film may help them with their troubles as they can relate.

 Notes on our annotations for Gossip.

https://youtu.be/Laf3peHw60Y

Evaluation 1- In What Ways Does Your Media Product Use, Develop Or Challenge Forms And Conventions Of Real Media Products?

 

The first frame in our teen angst shows an establishing shot of the school location which informs our audience that our characters are still in school and they are teenagers. This is used in the beginning of the opening to set the scene. Our characters were introduced in the second screen grab. In the screen grab the audience can see one of our main characters with their name layered over them. We did this for both Brittany and Jinx with the actresses names before hand so the audience can clearly distinguish the fictional name from the real one. How the character's name is in the same font as the fictional title helps show this.

Within the third frame we can see the characters talking to each other. In this scene the characters talk about the events that are going to happen later on (the party). From the content of this conversation, we learn that Brittany is going to meet Jinx at the party and she's borrowing her black dress which shows some their characteristics as Brittany is more dominant when she says 'don't look better than me' and Jinx replies with a simple 'okay' like she isn't fussed.

The title appears in the fourth frame. We decided to include it this far on in the opening so the audience are intrigued to watch so they know what the film is and will want to continue watching as they have already seen a glimpse of the narrative. Gossip is a suitable title for our product as the main characters are teenage girls who are stereotypically known for gossiping within their social groups. This title also fits the film because gossiping is one of the main themes towards the end of the opening and throughout the whole film.

Conventions of a teen angst are suggested in frame as the main characters are getting ready for the party. This conveys the teen angst genre as teenage girls are stereotypically known for partying a lot and taking a long time to get ready as they do their make up. Then props such as phones are used from frame six onwards, they are important in the opening to Gossip as they are the source of the problem when it comes to gossiping.

An example of editing is shown in the seventh frame. This is where Brittany puts her heels on at the bottom of the stairs. The original clip was we filmed was too long and it disrupted the upbeat flow of the whole sequence, so we edited the footage by inserting three small jump cuts to make the clip cut down to a few seconds and keep  it interesting.

Special effects were added during editing, for example the split screen. We did this by taking two separate pieces of footage and overlaying them so the audience can see the two different settings at the same time. This is so that the viewer can clearly see that the main characters are going to different places and doing different things.

Frame nine is an example of a camera shot we used that would have an impact on the audience. As it is a close up it dramatically shows Jinx's expression up close after she hears the Gossip that begins the drama of the whole teen angst film.

 

Evaluation 7- What Have You Learnt In The Progression To Your Full Product?

We have learnt a lot about the equipment and the programmes throughout our progression to our full product. We have compared our preliminary task to our teen angst to show improvement in different areas.

Camera Shots

For our preliminary task that Joe, Zoe and I completed at the beginning of the topic, we used a school video camera with no tripod. This way all the shots were hand held and shaky so the quality of the image was very low. For our teen angst opening we made sure that we used a tripod for all the tracking shots and stills. All of the low angle and over the shoulder shots are on the tripod too. As well as ensuring footage was stable we made sure to use a high quality camera. I bought in my DSLR camera so we could manually change the white balance and focal points. This has improved the overall quality of the film and looks more professional.

To make our preliminary task we had a booklet with a set story board of camera angles we should use. The camera angles used in our were match on action, tracking, P.O.V, shot reverse shot, long shot, close up, and two shot. From this task we learnt and understood the 180 degree rule and why it is used.

In mine and Zoe's teen angst sequence we used a wider range of camera angles to make each scene more interesting and helps the tension build within the dramatic scenes. Some of the camera angles we used were establishing shots, high angle shots, low angle shots, over the shoulder, two shots, tracking and following shots. Also, we used long shots, mid shots and close ups with extreme close ups. We decided not to use shot reverse shot camerawork in the first dialogue scene as we thought this would make the scene too jumpy as we already had lots of jump cuts before it.

Camera Movements

We used certain camera movements for our preliminary task such as tracking movement to follow the character that walks into the room and sits down (me). This is so that we didn't purely use still shots. For our teen angst we used a wide range of camera movement, such as: pan, zoom and tracking. We used panoramic camera movements when we watch Jinx walk down the path towards the camera, this is so the camera was still and the audience could take in her surroundings. We used zoom movement at the end of the opening to move from a mid close up of Jinx's face to an extreme close up. This increased the drama within the scene.

Framing

For our preliminary task we didn't plan anything as it were given a booklet, the setting was our classroom and we didn't move anything in or out of shot.

For our feature film we planned each scene very carefully using a storyboard and step outline. One of the key scenes where framing was important was when Brittany ran down the red stairs and put her heels on by the red plant. We planned to show the colour red because it's fierce, eye catching and it foreshadows that something bad is going to happen later on in the sequence.

During the getting ready scene we ensured that Brittany's table was covered in make up products and brushes to show how much she uses as it connotes that she want attention and is an outgoing person. For Jinx's dress choice we used black and white dresses and she choices white as this portrays her innocent characteristics. There is also another white dress in the background which is significant because innocence overpowers danger that black implies.

The canted angle shot is used to show disorientation which implies that something negative is going to be said by Brittany. As she is placed with her legs over this person she's with it connotes that she's the antagonist of the sequence. The framing shows her dominance in the setting which links to how confident Brittany is as a character and this furthers how much power she has over Jinx. To show Jinx's reaction at the end we wanted her face to cover the screen so the audience know how serious the sequence has become.

The framing of our sequence will have a subtle impact on our audience which is good as we want the change from upbeat and happy to dramatic and serious to be smooth and steady.

Mise-en-Scene

Mise-en-scene is the biggest progression that has been made since our preliminary task. This is because in that task we didn't plan any of the settings which means the lighting wasn't in our control, or choose any costumes so me and Zoe were just in our normal clothes. Also, we didn't use any props. Therefore, Gossip! shows a massive improvement as we controlled and planned all the above to suit each scene we shot. For example, the lighting at the beginning is bright and continues to be this way up until the characters are walking outside. This change in lighting connotes that the mood has become serious and sombre.

We used four different settings for our teen angst sequence: school grounds, Brittany's house, Jinx's house and the estate they both live in. This creates excitement as the various places keeps the audience intrigued and interested.

Editing

Within iMovie for our teen angst opening we used cross cutting for the phone conversations and during the getting ready scene because we were switching quickly between different locations. Jump cuts were the main form of editing we included because they helped speed up footage but also kept every scene run smoothly. For example, when Jinx unplugs her phone in the kitchen. The main transition we used was fade to black; used at the beginning of the sequence and when Jinx shuts the door later on. We used this transition to compliment the jump cuts and this is slow and smooth. Other than using the editing software to adjust the white balance we used it to add the effect of split screens twice within our product.

The titles used for our product were well thought out so they clearly link into the teen angst genre. To edit the title Gossip! into the beginning of the sequence we had to make sure the image was transparent so the title could clearly be seen and subtly enter the screen.

For the preliminary task we only used jump cuts when editing on Premier Pro because this helped all the footage link in together to create the final outcome. We didn't edit much into the footage because we wanted to keep it simple. There is a fade to black included at the end but we added no titles.

 

Evaluation 2- How Does Your Media Product Represent Particular Social Groups?

We have decided to compare our character Brittany to High School Musical characters Sharpay Evans. This is because we think that they both have a sassy nature and they are the most popular and loved by all. Light colours on Sharpay represent innocence on the outside but her facial expression and hand pose connote that she is two faced and stuck up, hence why we took similar pictures of Brittany. These two characters are similar in looks because of the makeup and bright blonde hair which connotes to the audience that the characters are fake as bleach blonde hair is unnatural. Barbie dolls are iconic for their bleach blonde hair as well as being the stereotypical and unrealistic version of perfect that a teenage girl is seen to be like, especially within the teen angst genre.

 

Another example of this characteristic is Regina George from Mean Girls as she also has platinum blonde hair and is known as a 'plastic' in the film. Unnatural hair colours connotes that the characters have physically gone through the effort of changing their appearance. This suggests that they are trying to attract everyone's attention and stand out.

 

In all of these images all the characters are supporting bright colours which disguises their personalities. However, with Brittany we have clearly shown her in a black dress with red accessories to connote danger and cheek. The light colours suggest innocence to the audience, the pink and red suggest danger. As white is the dominant colour its almost as if they are trying conceal themselves as friendly which hides their true personalities.

 

For this character representation we have stuck to the stereotype of a popular girl. However we think we have challenged stereotypes in the way that Brittany and Jinx are friends. We think that in a mainstream teen angst film they wouldn't be friends and Jinx would stay away from Brittany. In our teen angst Jinx puts up with Brittany and forgives her every time for her personality traits.

We have decided to compare our character Jinx to the High School Musical character Gabriella Montez. This is because we think they are similar in characteristics, actions and emotions. In these photos of the characters they both have smiles on their faces so their eyes are squinted showing how happy they are. Also, their looks are quite similar as they have brown hair which is commonly used when creating a certain character to portray kindness and innocence. Whereas, blonde hair connotes sass and a 'fake' look to some degree especially within the teen angst genre.

They are both pretty and wear little/ natural makeup which connotes that they don't feel the need to impress anyone, which could suggest that they are quite timid people so they don't need or want attention.

We have represented Jinx as a placid follower of  friendship group, she is not the leader but doesn't mind. She is just happy to be around friends and will not hold grunges against anyone. Jinx is always reliable as she doesn't have any social priorities for herself, she isn't trying to be the main leader so will do lots to help other and take care of herself.

The mainstream media has represented Gabriella as a timid young adult who has high aspirations and dream. She doesn't worry about anyone stopping her or getting in her way because she has a determined nature.

Their soft features and pretty looks mean that they don't go unrecognised or pushed aside, however they are not as popular as those who wear lots of make up and bright clothes for attention.

 

Final Gossip! Title Sequence (Finished Product)

http://youtu.be/N7cZLN1rpUI

For this sequence we took in our feedback from previous drafts and improved all the areas we could to the best of our ability. We have layered some subtle music under the beginning to add more rhythm and make the first clip upbeat. We re-recorded dialogue for the beginning when the girls are out of the doors talking about the party because the original dialogue was hard to hear due to the wind.

Evaluation 6- What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product?

We have used YouTube to do research on the teen-angst genre with openings from various films in order to understand the genres different conventions. We achieved this understanding by analysing each film opening. Also, we have used YouTube to upload our product drafts.

We have used Blogger throughout our research and project planning in order to keep track of where we are up to on our title sequence. This meant recording all of our processes and actions. On blogger we usually insert screen grabs or links in order to publish.

We have used PowerPoint and Photoshop to layout and present our ideas for our blogs. This has mainly been done by screen grabbing and saving the documents and then posting them with descriptions/ annotations.

Microsoft Word was our main program for planning as we used it for making timetables for filming, storyboards and step outlines.

We have used Zoe's laptop to draw photos for the storyboard. Also, Zoe's phone and iMac was used to film our first draft, to communicate with our actors and to plan a filming schedule. On the iMac we used iMovie to edit all of our drafts. We started to use Premier Pro for our second draft but had difficulties so we found that using iMovie was simpler.

Imessage was used to communicate with our actors which mainly included arranging where to film and when to film.

We used my DSLR camera to take photos of the settings that are included in our sequence, we posted this on our blogs with a description on the locations. Also, we photographed the actors to clearly show on our blogs who the main characters are, within the posts on the characters we had explanations on their outfits and personalities.

The tripod was used to capture steady shots for the footage where the characters are walking and getting ready apart from when Jenna is going down the stairs and Bryony is putting on her heels.

As me and Zoe are the directors, producers, editors and camera women we have us in the photo below with my camera and tripod.

Here are some screen shots from mine and Zoe's conversation about filming.

These are all the photos and videos taken/ recorded on Zoe's phone.

 

 

 

All of the photos have been included in our blog posts.

To create the split screen in iMovie, Zoe placed the clip on the left on top of the on eon the right. Zoe then selected video overlay settings and clicked on split screen. She cropped each image to make sure both characters stayed in scene.

We added the title by dragging the transparent image into the place in the media that we wanted it to appear in and selected crop and crop to fit. This is so the whole image fit on the screen.

We then went back to video overlay settings and selected picture in picture. This enables us to drag the image around and place it where we would like it to appear on the screen.

To insert each transition Zoe dragged the transitions we wanted e.g. fade to black; in front or after the clip we want and then edited the length of the fade.

Third Draft Feedback On Gossip!

Strengths

- Use of split screens
- Conversations on the phone
- Cross cutting between locations
- Good titles as they fit the genre
- Clear narrative
- Good establishing shots
- Music choice

Areas of improvement 

- Bad audio, record audio of first conversation again
- Bad fade out
- Music quiet when walking through doors, subtle
- Jump cuts on shoes
- Rain during inside phone call
- Sharpen editing

Evaluation 4- Who Would Be The Audience For Your Media Product?

Psychographics

Interests: Most teenagers like to spend their free time going out with friends and it's common to socialise by going to the cinema where they would choose a film that is suitable for them. As our film is categorised within the teen angst genre we feel that teenage girls from the age 13+ would be able to relate to our characters (as the plot is from females perspective)  and the situations they face.

The music must make our audience feel happy with the upbeat tune but should keep them intrigued as it gets more serious.

Teenage girls are interested in relating to characters so in the opening we want to make our audience feel as though they have experienced what happens to the main characters. They will continue watching to find out how Jinx overcomes/deals with Brittany.

Beliefs: We want our target audience to believe in this verisimilitude world, as if they are experiencing what happens in our narrative. Also, we need them to know that it is a teen angst so they find it all easily relatable.

 

Values: Our teen angst opening sequence needs to have various camera angles to introduce the settings and characters effectively. As everything is being introduced we will have a diegetic bell ringing and bird ambience for the sound effects. After the characters finish their first piece of dialogue upbeat music will begin to play as the titles come up. This will create a positive vibe within the sequence so the audience will feel happy  and in anticipation.

 

Demographics

Age: My target audience age range is from 13 to young adults. But it is specifically for teenagers due to the teen angst genre.

 

Gender: Aimed mainly at females so they can relate to characters.

 

Class: Our film will be aimed at semi skilled and unskilled manual workers (blue collar class) as well as unemployed (younger teens unable to work), students and casual workers.  

 

Race: Aimed at all races.

 

Geographical location: Our film will be aimed at female teenagers in England.

 

Our film has two main characters that are the protagonists as the audience only see situations from their perspectives. We think that aiming our film at females between the ages of 13 and 20 is reasonable because this covers the teenage range of viewers. The viewers are able to relate to the characters as a teenager is more likely to have problems within a friendship, especially females.

Third Draft Of Gossip!

https://youtu.be/L4QuuTo6stc

We will use our feedback from viewers to tweak this and upload our final draft.

Feedback For Gossip! Draft Two

For the final title sequence of Gossip! we need to;

- Ensure that we edit smoothly so change of settings shows continuity
- Use sound effects that are suitable for certain clips e.g. phone sounds
- Make sure lighting is bright enough (especially inside)
- Make sure we use correct editing tools e.g. fading
- Record the same footage more than once for safety takes
- Include dialogue and music so it's all clear
- Use high quality camera
- Fix lighting issues
- Use tripod when appropriate
- Make sure weather conditions are the same throughout the scenes that are put together
- Quiet mood music at the end of the sequence
- Quiet music at the beginning to prevent awkward silence

Brittany Character In Gossip! (Party Attire)

 Brittany's party outfit is black with red lipstick, black heels and accessorised with a red rose and red bracelet. The colour red connotes danger and sass which links to Brittany's characteristics. Black is to show confidence, and the combination of the two represents danger. This tells the audience to be slightly fearful of what Brittany can do with the wrong attitude.

Main Characters In Gossip!

    Brittany and Jinx are really close friends in Gossip but as with all best friends there are ups and downs in their friendship. They get along really well but sometimes Brittany disappoints Jinx by not doing what's right for their relationship.

The 'nice' friend and the 'fake' friend usually have a weird love/hate relationship in teen angst films. They are best friends even though one can annoy the other. This links to research we did on Sharpay and Gabriella from HSM.   

Brittany Character In Gossip!

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Brittany is a sassy character and she is a bit bossy so these close express those things, she isn't a very smiley girl and she likes things done her way. The full length photo is to show the characters outfit. It is very casual with leggings and uggs but the added scarf is her way of accessorising and making her outfit more interesting. Also the whole outfit is comfy which shows the contrast between it and her party outfit.

In these photos Bryony is haf smiling to show off Brittany's characteristics.

We linked Bryony's character to Sharpay from High School Musical. This is because we think characters are similar in their personalities.

Step Outline For Gossip!

Actor Changes

Due to actors not being able to be filmed when needed for the draft and final product, we had to change the characters for Gossip very slightly. The roles that needed to be filmed were 'Roxanne' and 'Some Guy' so for the character Roxanne we have enrolled Millie Todd and for 'Some Guy' we have decided to just use my legs and not show my face so we will take the clip of 'Brittany' on the phone from a low side angle.

Final Schedule For Gossip!

Filming Schedule for Gossip!

We will add to the schedule when we decide what days we are filming each scene.