Skills development

Research

Audience research method

Before we were able to complete or even begin planning our final products we had to undergo quite in-depth research. This began with the work we were given to complete in the summer that required us to develop our Internet research skills to a higher level as we weren't only looking at the horror genre as a whole but the different aspects, conventions and elements that make up the horror movie genre.

This academic year we have also conducted our audience research using different platforms such as social networking sites and Blackberry Messenger which is a good way to reach members of our target audience and find out what it is exactly that they do and do not like.

Planning

Our planning skills too have come a long way, as for this task the planning of our final products played a major role in how successful the end result would be. The main steps of planning we went through were creating a storyboard, shooting script, and trailer treatment. This shows that we are now able to effectively able to plan our ideas through images as well as writing. Not one element of our planning process was more important than the other as eventually they all work together to convey the ideas of the group.

Production

Canon DSLR EOS 7D camera

Over this past year we have all developed several skills that are associated with and will help with the production stages of our teaser trailer. We were first introduced to the DSLR cameras that we will be using and have practiced using them to film different shots and angles. Whilst practicing this we also came across  the different difficulties that are involved with filming, for example keeping the shot in focus whilst both the camera and subject are moving. Where the DSLRs are involved, we also discovered how to set them safely upon a tripod to give a variety of different heights and effects.

Example of the rule of thirds

Another aspect of production that we recently learnt was the rule of thirds, which is an important rule for the composition of photography and images. In this, the picture should be divided into nine separate sections (two equally spaced horizontal lines, and two equally spaced vertical lines) with the main compositional elements falling on these lines or their intersections. The difficulty with this technique is keeping a moving image within the rule of thirds.

Lighting is another major element of production that must be taken into consideration as it can have a immense impact on the finished product. For this particular task we will have the choice of using two different types of lights - LED lights, and Kino flo lights. LED lights are smaller and more easily manageable whereas Kino flo lights are bigger and are able to create the effect of daylight indoors.

From our AS coursework we have seen the importance of taking more shots than needed so we then have a larger selection to pick from as well as back-up shots to use just in case others don't go to plan.

Post-production

Final Cut Pro, a work-in progress

Although we are yet to complete our final products we are still aware of the importance of interpreting editing especially when the footage being edited is a compilation and merger of different people's creative ideas coming together. We will use Final Cut Pro to construct our teaser trailer which will give it the most professional end result.

Below is the complete order of production that we must go through to complete our products:

Digitization / capturing > rough cut > effects and sounds are added > captions are added > final cut


Gabrielle