Nathan Wilkins Evaluation

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
http://prezi.com/vxzb2fehnudx/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

2.How does your media product represent particular social groups?

In our opening sequence to 'Gone', we presented many social groups to match conventions of predominantly modern Thriller films. From our research into other Thriller openings, we understood how different social groups were represented, so we could therefore apply many of these ideas to our film.

Gender:

• As it is set in the modern day, we set out to include current representations of gender that are used more commonly in recent films which are set in the 21st century. There is more equality between males and females in Thriller filmmaking nowadays, which defies the conventions of traditional stereotypes.
• Made during a more patriarchal time, Thriller films were once far more male oriented and featured predominantly male casts. By featuring one male and one female character in the opening sequence, we have immediately created more equality in the representation of genders and more fitting for a modern audience.

• Just two decades ago, Thriller films were more male oriented. They targeted a masculine audience with mainly male casts. The main characters in each film were overwhelmingly male, as seen in the screenshot showing a selection of Thriller cast members from twenty years ago. In today's society we see many more female leads. Though it might not yet be equal, it is more common now than ever before to see Thriller films with more female stars. In 'Gone' we have included a strong female character in this opening who represents modern femininity, as we see more of a push for stronger female characters than ever before.

• Thriller films were once dominated by males, as seen in marketing such as the poster for The Usual Suspects in 1995. However, it is now more common to see females on Thriller posters, such as Alicia Vikander's character in Ex Machina in 2015.
• Thrillers, as well as the entire film industry, were once fixed on the idea of female characters being used for a 'damsel in distress' archetype. Over time, this has become less common, and modern Thriller films are more realistic in their storytelling, with less sexism which once portrayed most women as inferior. When creating 'Gone', we have played with this idea, as despite Addie being in distress during her death, it was far more unexpected to happen to her due to her strong and extroverted characteristics.

• We presented these characteristics of Addie through the use of low angle close ups. This therefore gives her more of a sense of power, as the spectator is positioned to be looking up at her. We used close ups in her conversation to highlight her emotions during the conversation, but also to show her importance in the film by showing her at such close distances for prolonged periods of time. We also used sound in this scene to achieve the same effect of Addie's dominant personality, with loud diegetic sound as she gets more aggressive. Her language also gets more insulting and angry towards Marcus as the scene progresses. We ensured that Addie defied traditional conventions of women in Thriller films who often didn't get a say in a conversation.

Class & Status:

• Addie and Marcus are both upper class characters, and are presented that way through the use of props. Some props such as Addie's car, phone and hot tub all signify wealth. Addie's costume also gives this impression, as she wears a clean jacket and smart shirt which looks professional and sophisticated. Her outfit also suggests that she has a high status in her profession, as smart attire can often indicate a highly regarded and well paid job. We have also suggested her high status through their dialogue as Marcus and Addie discuss their money over the phone, as Addie claims Marcus spends it on his "stupid addictions". The fact that they share their money and both have jobs suggests that they are financially stable.

• The representation of Addie as a prosperous wealthy young adult was intentional to generate a sense of stability for spectators. Money is often related to security as wealth can lead to being more protected physically and mentally. We see Addie drive into a gated community which looks secure and hard to break into. This instills a sense of tranquility as we feel that Addie is not at risk of anything happening to her, as she is surrounded by large fences and gates. The gates at the entrance of the community are a symbol of sanctuary.
• The security that has been suggested by the representation of high class and status creates shock for spectators when we see someone in Addie's garden as she rests in the hot tub. Enigma is also created as spectators are uncertain as to how they entered. This adds to the suspense as we prepare for her death, and makes the whole sequence more thrilling.

• The false sense of security is a common convention of Thrillers, for example in The Purge (2013) there is a similar concept of a very high security house with many contraptions to protect against the crimes that are now legal for a day. Like in our opening to 'Gone', there is a feeling of invincibility as it is so seemingly difficult for anyone to break into the house. This protection provided by the high class and status of the family makes for a big shock when the son allows a man into their home, and it then escalates when 'purgers' come looking for him. This is a similar shock that we aimed to create as we see someone on Addie's premises holding a poisonous substance.

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

• For the distribution of 'Gone', I think using an independent distribution company could be best. As we are a very small independent production company, ENH Productions wouldn't be able to get a film like 'Gone' into cinemas on our own. The only real opportunity to get the film into some smaller cinemas would be with an external company to help, as they could have expertise and the right contacts to be able to exhibit our film in independent cinemas such as Curzon or Everyman Cinemas. In these cinemas, screenings of independent films are more likely and could boost our chances of 'Gone' being seen by a wide audience.
• Independent cinema franchises such as Curzon are perfect for exhibition of smaller productions as they give more of a chance to independent filmmakers. Films like 'Couple in a Hole' are exhibited through Curzon, as it is a smaller production without famous actors or a high budget that would be found in a high concept Hollywood production. Independent films are often for more specific audiences, so are shown in independent arthouses and smaller cinema chains as they often cater for smaller, more niche audiences.

• Whilst we would like to reach a large audience with our Thriller film, we couldn't attract the numbers of people that modern blockbusters like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This is due to us not currently having a fan base already anticipating the film in the way that comic book fans would look forward to Batman v Superman. We also don't have the budget to meet audience's needs for expensive visual effects or actors as well as not having a high enough marketing budget to reach mass audiences. For these reasons, it could be ideal to exhibit our film to more specific audiences on a smaller scale in independent cinemas.

• Another popular method of distribution for independent filmmakers is to release the film online to a video sharing website, the most favoured being YouTube with 1 billion users and a staggering 4 billion video views on the site every day. This allows for a massive potential audience, as videos can go viral if they catch the attention of enough people, and social media can then work as a great platform to share a film. Feature length films such as Lawless have been released onto YouTube for free, with the profit coming from advertising due to the video being monetised. Adverts are then placed around the video and before the video, generating profit for the filmmaker without having to pay an external company to distribute the film. Instead, the filmmaker holds the rights to the film but must give up 45% of the revenue from the earnings to YouTube for supplying the platform. This is a large part of the revenue which is being given away, however many see it as worthwhile as YouTube makes film distribution an easy, fast process with a huge audience having access to watch it with a few clicks.

• With YouTube being another major media institution as a platform for film distribution, it also provides a way of generating revenue by charging people to watch the film. With a wide collection of movies on YouTube that can be purchased, many charge up to £10 to buy and keep the film. This means that far more revenue is made for every time a film gets a view, however there will be significantly less views on these paid videos. Also, it is more difficult for audiences to get a preview of what the film is like, as with the free videos they can watch the first few minutes to decide if they like it. For this reason, I feel that it is important to keep 'Gone' as a free video if we were to release it onto YouTube, as it is important to allow the audience to get an idea of what the film is like before watching all of it, as it doesn't already have a fan base such as the likes of the Twilight or Star Wars films which have been released as paid films on YouTube.
• I feel as though for a company like ENH Productions, just starting out in the film industry, the best method of distribution is through YouTube. I would release 'Gone' for free on YouTube looking to generate profit through monetisation. Through this method, it would be a perfect launch pad into the film industry as it could reach massive recognition for future films and we could gain subscribers, which generates more of a fan base for our company. The internet is currently the best tool for sharing films on top of word of mouth, as with a couple of clicks one person can share our film with hundreds of their friends. Releasing 'Gone' on YouTube would be the best way to propel our film to success.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?

http://prezi.com/h69azvyzumqu/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

The audience highlighted in my Prezi have also enjoyed films such as The Silence of the Lambs, which includes similar uses of gender with a strong female lead and a varied cast. They also enjoyed Se7en, which includes restricted narration to create enigma similarly to 'Gone'.

5. How did you attract/address your audience?

We attracted an audience of 15-25 year olds through the narrative of our opening sequence and the way we constructed it. From the age of 15, audiences are at an age where they want to be thrilled as many are entering into a new world of more adult films. They may be experiencing for the first time what shocking issues films can deal with and how frightening some scenes can be. This is very exciting for a young audience and we incorporated many of these factors into our opening in order to engage our target audience. 
For this shock effect, we decided to show the death of a crucial character within the opening 2 minutes of the film. This creates shock and defies conventions of other genres that people watching a Thriller for the first time may not be used to. Not only is Addie killed, but it is unclear who committed the murder which intrigues spectators further. The intensity of this scene along with a dramatic drone shot and low key lighting at the end of the sequence addresses the need to excite younger members of the target audience.

We also set out to attract spectators within the target audience who are likely to be more used to the shocks that can come with a Thriller film. We crafted the narrative in a way that intends to catch spectators off guard, so that even people more adjusted to Thriller films will be shocked and thrilled. With Addie having a scare on the road already as she comes close to a car crash, the spectator is lead to feel as though this was the only shock for the opening of the film as we created a false sense of security when Addie is relaxing at home. With a hot tub being associated with relaxation and comfort, we hope to create a feeling of shock within all spectators at the moment when they discover what is happening to her.


The characters initially live similar lives to what many of the spectators may experience themselves. In modern day Britain, there is more of a push for all young people to be successful in a career after education than ever before. According to media reports, education is at its most difficult in history, with exams proving difficult for many teenagers. This push for intelligence in young people has lead to many having aspirations to get a well paid job, similar to the likes of Addie. Addie is presented in a higher class manner through the use of her smart costume and well spoken dialogue. She is immediately represented as someone with a well paid job, something many of the target audience will aspire to and therefore form more of a connection with Addie. We have attracted the target audience by using a lead character who they can try to see in themselves as they may strive to be her, and therefore empathise with her more profoundly. This adds excitement and intensity to the opening, as this target audience feels such desperation for her to survive.

 

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_sFuzYdBl-2OFBqSUVmTWh5ZzA/view?usp=sharing

7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full product?

https://youtu.be/ZD3ACnoDPnY

 

Evaluation - Harry McHale

Evaluation
1) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Prezi Here

2)How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Our thriller film 'Gone' represents many social groups in the same way as the conventions of most modern thriller films. In our research on social groups and thriller openings, we learned the conventions used to do this and applied them in our own thriller film.

As this film is set in the modern day, gender is portrayed more equally than of that of traditional thriller films. Our thriller film represents gender very similarly to most 21st century modern thriller films. There is more equality between males and females in thriller films, which goes against the conventions of traditional stereotypes. For example, in our thriller film we have a female as our main protagonist. By doing this we have created more equality in the representation of genders which is good as this targets a modern audience for a modern film.

In the 20th century, thriller films were more male oriented and dominated the advertisements of these thriller films, however the advertisements and actual thriller films are more equal and show female protagonist(s) for example in the film Lucy where we see a female face on the poster and the movie's lead character is 'Lucy'.

Thrillers, as well as other genres of film stereotyped females as these 'damsel in distress; characters. This cliché is less common as time has moved on and modern films represents females more realistically and use less sexism. In the production of 'Gone' we made sure we stayed away from this old cliché and use more modern conventions in order to appeal to a modern audience.

In 'Gone' we used a female protagonist in the opening of the film. We used various close-ups mixed with multiple low-angles. This creates a sense of power within our protagonist as the audience are positioned below her as they have to look up to her. Her dialogue shows a strong woman who isn't afraid to speak her opinion - the complete opposite of the 'damsel in distress' stereotype.


3)What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Prezi Here

4)Who would be the audience for your media product?
Our film 'Gone' is designed to attract females and males by using equal amount of gender in the cast. The film is also designed to attract an audience of 16 - 28. The film contains scenes which simulate murder and other forms of violence throughout which some viewers may find disturbing; this limits our audience to a certain age. The age group we are targeting tend to view movies through streaming services such as Netflix therefore if we were a bigger producer company. We could release our movie on Netflix as it targets the audience we produce the movie for.

5)How did you attract/address your audience?
From the very beginning, we decided that 'Gone' would aim to attract 16 - 28 year old males and females. The genre of the movie could be consider as a action-thriller; most action thriller films attract males therefore it was important to maximize the potential audience therefore our protagonist starts as a strong female character as we feel the audience would be able to connect more and empathise better with the character. Female protagonists not only attract females to watch the film, but they also attract males to watch the film for example, films such as Ex-Machina have a female protagonist but the audience is equally divided in terms of gender according to wikipedia.



6)What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

• I have learnt more about technologies from the process of constructing this product. Although we learnt the basics on how to use a digital camera for the preliminary task, I felt I could have learnt much more on it considering my experience with filming wasn't a lot, therefore operating sound equipment and cameras was a new experience. Making the preliminary thriller has boosted my confidence with using theses tools.

• I have learnt that when using a digital camera to film, in order for the film to be successful and easier to edit; it was important to 'make a sandwich'. This means that you leave excess footage on the beginning and end of your recording in order to edit and trim them at the end. It is also important to take multiple takes as this gives you more footage to play around with: also making editing easier.

• I have also learnt to set the white balance before every shot. I learned this before the preliminary task however we only incorporated properly in our filming for the main thriller task. It's important to set the white balance otherwise the video gets a yellow orange like tint which can ruin continuity if other shots do have white balance set; it's also a undesired effect when filming any genre unless you're a fan of low budget home-made movies with low quality cameras.

• Due to some shots in our preliminary task being hand-held, resulting in the camera wobbling slightly, we used a tripod through-out the sequence which looked more professional, especially when filming a tracking shot, or attempting pan movement. With the drone shots, we used a stabiliser which does a similar job except it's operated by the drone.

• In the preliminary, some of the audio clips towards the end weren't separated. This made editing a nightmare as we had to trim 10 minute audio clips and match them with separate scenes whereas in the main thriller task, all sound was recorded separately and we also recorded the sandwich so we can match the audio with the clips more easily.

• In regards to editing, I expanded my knowledge and expertise in it by advancing from basic cut transitions to more ambitious transitions including using fades and dissolves with a graphic match which would of previously not have been attempted in our preliminary thriller. I found that editing was very time consuming as I didn't realise the full extent of the time that goes into it in order make sure it is better than satisfactory. What's more difficult is to get the film and sound to synchronise together but we did a much better job at this compared to the preliminary thriller. 

7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full product?
Our main task product, in comparison to the preliminary task product has had many minor improvements but more importantly a few major improvements which have helped the full product prosper in areas such as continuity.

Firstly, in terms of continuity; one of the more important changes to our full product is setting the white balance for every shot unlike our preliminary task where some of the scenes haven't had any white balance. It's important to set white balance otherwise the colours are tinted which makes it look grainy and poor quality. It also ruins continuity as two shots in the same setting would have different colours.

These two shots from our full product are both set in the same setting and they both sustain continuity.
The shots from the preliminary however break continuity.

The title helps foreshadow the plot

In our film for the main task, we incorporated titles and credits into our product, whilst it wasn't required for the preliminary, the option was still available to us. The titles for the main task help give our product a identity and the titles also give the film more meaning and help foreshadow the plot of the film. The preliminary without a real introduction makes it slightly confusing. Titles can also help create enigma which is very important when making a thriller film as it one the most used and effective conventions in thriller film production.

Fades out - Emphasise disappearance

The sound has improved from the preliminary to the main task in terms of use of sound, and in terms of ambiance. What we found in our preliminary is that recording ambient sound in the beginning scene was difficult to record as there were various background noises that disrupted the filming including a vacuum going off every so often. Despite editing the audio clips to remove the sound, you can still hear white noise from the trial of sound removal of the vacuum;  this has also distorted some of the dialogue slightly which also ruins continuity as some of the dialogue isn't distorted. In the main task, the dialogue is much more clearer and more developed than that of our preliminary. We used much more foleys in our main task than our preliminary, and the foleys we used in the main fitted more well in the main task and wasn't too overpowering when being play with the other sounds in our main such as the ambient sound and dialogue. On the preliminary, the foleys are quite generic and overused which could ruin immersion for the viewer.

Our preliminary compared to the main task, was lacking in editing techniques. The editing techniques used were much more basic than that of our main. In our main we used more advanced editing techniques such as cross-cutting, sound-bridges and we used green screens plus other advanced edits in programs such as Adobe After Effects. The use of these techniques aren't overpowering and make the main task incredibly better. The preliminary is much more basic in terms of editing include only using cuts whereas the main uses fading in + outs and graphic match we creates more variation, making the film stand out more. The preliminary does contain what was required for it to be satisfactory including continuity techniques such as match on action, shot/reverse shot, eye-line match etc.

Also, in our preliminary task the camera work was quite basic and in many scenes, the camera isn't steady as they were hand-held shots. This massively reduces the quality of the sequence as when you're watching, the camera shakes, resulting in the spectator losing concentration (and being slightly disorientated). However, in our main task the camera is very still (due to the majority of the scenes being filmed using a tripod or a stabiliser in the drone shots) therefore the shots flow together very well enticing the viewer. In the main task there is a lot more variety of shot sizes and angles to create a more successful and interesting thriller whereas in the preliminary task there were only a couple of close-ups, the other majority of shots were medium shots. Different angles were used but only once or twice, most angles were medium. As well as shot sizes, we expanded our use of camera movements such as panning shots and added more camera angles.  

Example of variety of camera angles in main task

   
 
 


   

Antagonist (Left)

Protagonist

When planning for the preliminary task, we were very prepared in terms of costume, location and lighting. When filming the preliminary, we were unorganised therefore we wore our normal, everyday clothes and didn't think about how other costumes would help construct the story line, or conventions of a thriller. However, in our main task we though more deeply about the characters role and purpose in each sequence, therefore we chose appropriate clothes which we thought would suit an antagonist/protagonist(s). For example, the antagonist was wearing dark clothing and a hoodie to disguise themselves, creating enigma (important for thrillers) and foreshadowing the plot. The protagonist's clothing also lets the audience make assumptions about the character's occupation, social class, etc.

In terms of location, we were very restricted as to where we could film on the preliminary task as it had to be on college grounds, therefore the main task was immediately better in the sense that we could venture out and choose a location to film our thriller sequence in as long as we had permission for the premises. This enabled us to be creative and experiment with locations, and in the end we chose a generic motorway for the car scenes (filmed on green screen) and a generic house setting with a snazzy hot-tub. When filming our preliminary task we were under pressure as the location we wanted to use was only available at a certain time therefore we had to do all our filming in one day which some aspects of the film would have been rushed. In our main task, we had much more time to do the filming and were able to take much more shots of various scenes in our film making the overall quality of our thriller film for the main task so much better.

With the lighting, in the preliminary task we mainly relied on the light from the ceiling in the room we filmed in, adding little additional light for effect. In our main task we experimented with lighting more and used more lighting techniques. Various examples in our main of lighting include creating shadows on the antagonist's face to make it difficult to identify him to create enigma, the lighting in the hot-tub and spotlighting the hot-tub to create more focus on hot-tub without ruining the night scene.


  

2 Editing Decisions

This is a video clip showing me and Harry discussing a few editing decisions about whether or not to add more footage into the part between Addie entering her gates at home and Addie entering her kitchen. This was important to discuss as, in result we chose to put a transition between those two shots, creating the effect of time passing. This dissolve transition worked much better than adding more footage. We could not really afford to add in another shot as we found it really difficult to keep to the 2 minute mark. 

EVALUATION- Emily Ferguson

EVALUATION- GONE

(Question 1)

In our thriller opening ‘GONE’ we use many typical thriller conventions. For example we include: Low-key lighting, quick cuts, shadows, changes in angles and shot sizes, diegetic sounds of breathing and shots of protagonist in the mercy of the antagonist. 

We made sure we researched into thriller openings to gain understanding of what typical thriller conventions are used. Looking back at my thriller research, I studied: Drive, Alice Creed & The Usual Suspects. All of these thriller films have the typical conventions of the thriller genre. These films do this by using all four technical codes: Mise En Scene, Editing, Sound & Camera work, generating enigma and showing restricted and un-restricted narration to engage spectators to a point were they are 'on the edge of their seats'. 


Comparisons between researched thriller openings & GONE:

GONE

Alice Creed

These two shots from Alice Creed & GONE have similarities due to the black costumes covering identity, generating restricted narration and then in turn creating enigma from spectators. 

                        GONE

Alice Creed

These close-up shots from Alice Creed & GONE allow spectators to see facial expression, in turn allows us to sympathise with the characters. Both facial expressions look innocent and hurt in one way. This is a convention in thriller films as the protagonist is to be sympathised with. 

In our final media product, we used typical thriller conventions and forms that are being used in real media products, for example the film opening I studied, 'Drive':


The film 'Drive' starring Ryan Gosling has extreme restricted narration in the opening of the film. The way in which camera work and low-key lighting does not reveal his identity, creating a response of enigma from spectators, this is because the audience will want to know why the face is not being revealed. In our film 'GONE' our main and only male  character Marcus is never truly revealed creating restricted narration.

-This is a shot from the first scene in 'Drive'. This shot contains low-key lighting and a medium-long shot of the male characters reflection in the mirror. However, it is so dark spectators cannot identify the characters facia expressions generating restricted narration, which in turn creates enigma.

-This blocking shot from our opening sequence of 'GONE' clearly shows the generated restricted narration we had created by positioning and framing the camera in a certain way. This restricted narration then creates a spectator response of enigma and fear. 

Title / Thriller Conventions

Title sequence for thriller film 'GONE GIRL'.

Title sequence for thriller opening 'GONE'.
(Our final product)

Looking back to the title sequences I studied, one that really took to my interest and engaged me was 'GONE GIRL'. This title came across simple and plain, overlapped on a moving image, however really generated an interested response from me and my group. 

As you can probably see, our title is extremely similar to thriller film 'GONE GIRL', especially the way in which we used our font, colour and positioning. The colour is white on a low-key lighting background, allowing the title to stand out, which draws spectators to speculate what the meaning and message behind the title is. 'GONE GIRL' inspired our title sequence as the font is very simple yet intriguing. Our thriller opening has a story of someone disappearing, therefore we named our film 'GONE'. However, we did not narrow it down and say what has 'gone' as I find it is much more engaging and alluring being just a single but catchy word. 

However, there are differences between the two titles. 'GONE GIRL' is titled at the beginning of the film, 'GONE' is titled about 2 minutes into our film. But there is also a similarity, which they both are being filmed in a linear and chronologically order, linking to Todorov's theory. This clarifies a sense of balance in both films, however, despite the similarities between the titles, both use thriller conventions in their own way. 




During our opening thriller sequence, we also use editing techniques which are typical thriller conventions. For example, the scene were the 'undiscovered' character' prepares the hazardous poison, we cut it in a high frequency, resulting in jump cuts, this connotes time passing. This fast paced jump cutting also contributes to spectator response, as the non-diegetic music is parallel to the jump cuts in editing, creating an uneasy feeling and anxiety felt atmosphere. 



(Question 2)

Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

GENDER & AGE
















In our opening sequence from our film 'GONE' gender and age is represented through the use of Mise en Scene. From our research of thriller openings, we gathered inspiration about different social groups, giving us a better understanding, therefore allowing us to embed it into our own project. In the opening sequence, we have one male and one female role. The way we present their gender is stereotypically modern. This is because our female character has as much right as our male character does, therefore, no matter the gender, both are equally as strong and foreshow their own opinions in the dialogue, costume, make-up and body language. Traditional thriller conventions are used to portray our characters in the specific way we imagined too. However, using these conventions, most are set in our modern day. 

As our opening sequence is set in the modern day, we included more commonly and current used thriller conventions of gender and age. In the modern day, females and males are seen to have more equality than ever before. We show this between our female and male characters in our opening sequence 'GONE'. 

For example: 

This medium-shot of our female character 'Addie' is dressed  in a black and dark purple sophisticated suite and pencil skirt connoting the importance of the role she plays and also generates a response from spectators, by creating enigma about her job and class. From her costume, it really creates a high class aura about her character, this costume also gives 'Addie' a powerful reputation. The phone 'Addie' is holding, which is a prop that is used, is an iPhone, which shows that it is set in the modern day and her taste is expensive. This then links to the iconography of everyday, as today most people own an iPhone and is seen to be a popular device, which is also part of globalisation. 

• Our male character 'Marcus', we wanted spectators to build a dislike to his character, as we set him up to be the antagonist, through the use of dialogue and his aggression. We made 'Marcus' character aggressive and rude towards 'Addie' as spectators would begin to guess that it was him who killed 'Addie' which in reality, it was not him. We positioned 'Marcus' in a way that manipulated his character by making him become the antagonist, when in reality he is not. 

• In an earlier time period, male characters were predominantly seen to play the strongest roles and protect the female character, stereotypically, males would go to work and the females would stay at home to do the housework. A good example of male dominating Thriller films, is a film that I have studied called 'The Usual Suspects' released in 1995. There are several male roles in this Thriller film with all extremely dominant roles, this is because their characters are seen to be dangerous and strong. Women in that day and age would been seen in a completely different light. An example of males dominating 'The Usual Suspects' is the DVD cover case:

In recent thriller films, we are exposed to strong, female protagonists. This is due to the equality change from 30-40 years ago. Instead of being stereotypical and casting 'strong males', to reach a wider and to maximise the target audience, females began to be casted. These female roles, exited the traditional 'damsel in distress' and became much more equal to males. In todays society, males and females have become increasingly equal. An example of this is through film is: Gone Girl. This thriller film involving a strong female lead also inspired us with our title sequence as shown in question one. 

Immediately we receive an important message from the film poster itself. The titling is suggesting a female, which reflects this also through the imagery- a female in front of a male. This denotes the strong female role in this thriller film. The facial expressions from both the female and male is connoting the thriller itself, due to there emotionless expressions. This is also reinforced through the darkened colours and low-key lighting, which is a typical thriller convention. 

However, there are still some stereotyping within the representation of gender. For example: There are still films of all type of genre in the industry that represent women as emotional, a mother and looks up to their husbands or partners in a way of security. This tends to occur a lot in thrillers. The male will go and check on the 'bang' or 'creepy noise'. An example of this is the US film Insidious. This film uses certain shot distances and angles to connote the strong male role, for example:

This shot is a medium-shot at eye-level. However, the way in which the characters are positioned in the frame suggests different representation of their genders. As you can see the male character is far closer to the frame than the female, denoting his strong male role. His body language also looks broad and emotionless, how a stereotypical male is represented. In 'GONE' we try to stay clear of stereotyping our characters, as both of the female and male roles have strong characteristics that are represented through the use of: Mise en scene, sound, editing and camera work. For example: The diegetic dialogue we hear from Addie becomes aggressive in the car scene during their argument about their relationship. 

• However, in our opening sequence, we wanted to set it in the modern day, generating a more equal gender roles. This meant we clearly represented both characters with different characteristics, both showing traits of being strong, emotional and mysterious characters. 

• Having a female and male character in our opening sequence, widens our target audience. This then targets both genders as both characters in 'GONE' are represented equally through the power they present forward through, mise en scene and sound, for example: the tone in which their dialogue is expressed. 

During the telephone argument between Addie and Marcus, certain mise en scene elements begin to take place to represent thriller conventions. For example: as we hear the diegetic sounds of Addie becoming more aggressive and angry at Marcus, high frequency cuts are used to emphasise the rise in aggression, allowing spectators to understand Addie's personality. As the diegetic sounds begin to crescendo, Addie begins to become more insulting towards Marcus as the scene develops showing Addie's dominant characteristics. 

CLASS & STATUS


In our opening sequence, class and status as a social group is question upon by spectators. This is due to the ways in which camera work and mise en scene represent the concept of the argument between our male and female characters, 'Marcus' and 'Addie'. 

• Here is a gif of a clip from our opening sequence 'GONE' showing our female character Addie relaxing, drinking her red wine in the hot tub. The way in which the high-key lighting reflects onto the hot tub, really generates an expensive looking shot as hot tubs are known to be very expensive, therefore, spectators immediately think of our characters are of a high class and status. 

• Our male character Marcus, who is thought to be the antagonist, is not represented in a way of high class and status through mise en scene or camera work. However, the diegetic, on-screen dialogue we hear from Marcus is represented in a way that shows his aggressive emotions and addictions we discover through the argument that Addie brings up during the argument. 

• As you can see Addie and Marcus both live in a gated community, which connotes that they both are wealthy and prosperous people. By portraying the young wealthy adults in a expensive surrounding, intentionally should make spectators build a sense of stability, tricking their emotions and anxiety to the intense scenes which slowly builds up. 
• Money is often taken to concept of being a way security. Wealth can lead to being more protected physically and mentally. The large steel gates and modern looking setting and decor instills a sense of tranquility, therefore, spectators begin to believe that Addie is not at risk of anything and is safe. The large steel gated community acts and is symbolised as a sanctuary. 

Having a sense of false security in a film is a typical thriller convention. This is because when creating a false sense of security, it becomes real to spectators that the characters are in safety, however, when things begin to take a turn, it becomes more of a shock to spectators due to the safe setting which is parallel for example: to the hot tub scene of Addie relaxing after a stressful day at work and argument with Marcus. 

(Question 3)

Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?


As we are a small independent British film production company who have created a low budget thriller opening to our film 'GONE', if we were to contact a large production company for example: Universal, it would not work for our production company. This is because we are independent, have not produced a big block-buster and are not very well known by the public, however, film production companies such as: 20th Century Fox and Disney are huge, global and known production companies that produce mega franchises and big block-busters! 

To distribute our low-budget film, there are two options:

1) Have our film distributed through an independent film distribution company, for example: Studio Canal or Curzon.

2) Distribute the film ourself via modern platforms for home viewing, for example: YouTube, TV, DVD, Vimeo etc. 


Before the rise of streaming through the internet and the significant rise of home viewing, the most popular place for the audience to watch a film was at the cinema. However, due to the huge increase of home viewing films, UK cinema admissions have significantly dropped and continue to drop as we speak. 

 -As you can see, there is an almighty decrease in Cinema admission in the UK, this is due to home viewing, for example: NETFLIX, Amazon Video, YouTube, Streaming, DVD, TV etc. 










-Although ticket admissions to UK cinemas have been decreasing since the significant increase of ways of home viewing, average cinema ticket price has rocketed up! Although a large amount of people still visit the cinema, many will be pushed away due to the price. However, the price has risen due to the technology advancements such as: IMAX, 4DX, 3D and the interior of cinemas nowadays. Cinema experience has become more materialistic, however, the result of this is increase ticket prices. 




Cinema

The main issue with Cinemas today is the extreme focus on these mega franchises. For example: Exhibitors such as Cineworld & Odeon would be highly unlikely to exhibit independent films with such a low budget. Therefore, trying to exhibit your film into one of these cinemas into mainstream films, would be very unlikely. Current films at Cineworld & Odeon are all from large-scale production companies, for example: Universal or 20th Century Fox. 

ODEON

Cineworld

Often feature films have different distributors representing them in different territories and different distributors handling the home-viewing circulation. Independent film distribution in the UK is generally managed by indie distributors such as Metrodome, Optimum Releasing and Momentum.

Although we would struggle exhibiting our film in Cineworld, it would not be impossible to distribute our film with an independent distribution film company, therefore exhibit our film in an independent cinema. An example of this is The Duke Of York cinema, in Brighton. They offer to show low-budget, independent films in co-operation with the Brighton Film Festival, allowing to gather an audience for your film. 

Picture House (Brighton)

The Technological Revolution of self distribution : YouTube

• •   Since the activation of Youtube in 2005, it has allowed independent film producers to upload their films to Youtube, which costs them nothing, and in return if their film gains enough recognition, in return they receive money for their product they uploaded. 
  
  •   With more than 1 billion users on Youtube a month visiting Youtube, independent film producers have such a brilliant advantage of getting their film really recognised, by building an audience and reaching contact with distributors and other well skilled film producers/distributors/exhibitors. 
  
  •   However, with the amount of users on Youtube, there becomes competitive advertising, meaning, your film needs to be different and unique, it needs to engage your audience. Some say it is luck when you finally begin to increase your views, however, it is the way in which you promote your film though other social networks too, for example: using twitter to share and interact with your audience and Facebook to create a page with your films allowing your audience to be updated with your most recent projects. 
  
  You need at least 1000 subscribers before YouTube begin to offer you any money. 
  
  
  
  
  Using Youtube completely cuts out the part of hiring your distributing agency, therefore saves your independent film company money, which is highly needed with an independent film due to the tight budget. This makes Youtube incredibly unique to many film producers. 
  
  
  

            Advertising on Youtube is what increases your income. You can monetise your videos. Monetization means that you authorize the presence of advertisements on your videos, and YouTube charges advertisers for these and shares the fees with you, allowing you to make some money from people viewing your videos.

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  Conclusion

  
  

  
  

          No matter what option you decide to go with and how to really achieve what you want with your film whether it is distributing it with an independent film distribution company or self-distributing it with the likes of platforms such as: YouTube. You are always going to run the risk of your film not making any money whatsoever or being a success. In my opinion, I would rather distribute my film with an independent film distribution company as I feel as they would have so much more experience than myself and have certain contacts that would be able to help me with future projects. However, it would be difficult due to our tight budget with our low costing film. 

  
  

  
  (Question 4)

Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?

Looking at the Pearl & Dean website, films that are most likely to be seen by our target demographic audience for our film GONE would also go and watch these films in the cinema or at home via home viewing platforms, for example: Sky Movies. Here are some of the films that would also be seen by our target audience:

VACANCY



As you can see this film has a very similar target audience to ours for our film 'GONE'. Both our audiences are targeted between the age of 15 to 24-year-olds. Also both are rated 15, meaning anyone below that age it would not be suited to them as there are certain scenes that may upset or disturb younger viewers. 



ITS ALL ABOUT LOVE

The second film I discovered on the Pearl & Dean website was the film 'Its all about love'. I have researched statistics and information on this film. This romantic thriller has been rated at a 15- this connotes our audience and 'Its all about love' audiences have already a huge similarity, making the demographics in common. 

Looking into more depth of this film, the narrative presents two lovers and their attempts to save the broken relationship. This is extremely parallel to our film 'GONE' as we present Addie and Marcus with a broken relationship using a range of camera shot distances and angles, allowing spectators to import themselves into the characters perspective, generating realism. 

The genders represented in this film I have researched, are both male and female. This informs us that the target audience is very much aimed towards everyone, no matter what gender. 

The target audience for 'Its all about love' would suit our film 'GONE' as the similarities are endless. From the age rating of 15 to the similar narrative that is about a broken relationship, including typical thriller conventions. 


(Question 5)

Question 5: How did you attract/address your audience?


Having audience feedback from your thriller film is vital, as it helps build a wall of knowledge that helps producers to improve. From audience feedback you also begin to create an understanding of who the target demographic audience is. 

To collect audience feedback, I have asked four people a variety of questions to help me and my group understand what we achieved and what we could improve. I asked two media students, one non-media student and one adult. 

I have asked each person two questions: 1) What is a typical thriller film to you? and 2) After watching our opening sequence 'GONE', have we met any of the conventions you have mentioned and how could we improve? 

The Two Media Students response:

Both of the two media students I received a response from were different however, contained very useful information. 

Connor began to say that the thriller opening sequence raised many questions to mind. As a group, this is what we had hoped for, because we focused on using restricted narration to generate enigma from spectators, so this thriller convention I feel as if we achieved. However, to improve, he said to take more time improving the quality of the green screen to help make the car scene look more realistic. However, we were so focused on editing the whole footage, we could not perfect the green screen. Next time if using a green screen we will take time to better the quality. 


Jess mentioned how our titling and our soundtrack became very parallel to a typical thriller film. Also, similar to Connor, Jess stated how by not showing Marcus' face generated a really effective way to create enigma through restricted narration. Again, this was our main aim during the opening sequence, as we feel a very important thriller convention, is to generate enigma throughout to keep spectators engaged and 'on the edge of their seats'. 




Non-Media Student

 Receiving a audience response from a non-media student was very interesting as it gave us a different response. However, receiving a different response is extremely important, as Kellie is not a media student, we get more of a generalised response, as if the general public were to give us feedback. 

Kellie began to explain how a typical thriller to her is a believable storyline, actors suited to their role and something that keeps you engaged. Kellie then went on to explain what we did well and what we  could improve in our opening sequence 'GONE'. 

Kellie agreed that we had met typical thriller conventions. However, to Kellie, some parts of the plot confused her. This was the killing scene, Kellie was questioning whether or not she was murdered, poisened or just being hurt. However, we see this as an achievement, because we wanted spectators to question all the way through the opening, but to improve, we could imbed a couple more close ups of the hazardous skin irritant when Marcus is preparing to kill Addie. A way in which Kellie thought we could improved, is by creating a stronger storyline to create an even more thrilling sequence. 

















Adults Response

Our adult’s response is very different from either of the non-media students to the media students. This is mainly due to the age difference. As our film is targeted to a 15-24-year-old audience, our adult is middle aged therefore has had more life experience with real events of life. Therefore, will have a different perception of our storyline and characters. 




The adult response of a typical thriller film is a film that generates suspense and something that will make you jump. Also they mentioned that we have definitely met many typical thriller conventions. Our main complement to our film is how well we created restricted narration therefore creating an enigma response from our spectators. However, to improve they suggested we made our shots of the telephone argument have higher frequency cuts throughout to create a more intense scene. 

(Question 6)

Question 6: What have you learn't about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

To answer this question, I decided to present it in a PREZI presentation. 


Click Link Below to see answer to Question 6 of the Evaluation:

Q.6 Evaluation

















(Question 7)

Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full product?

Looking back at my preliminary task and comparing it to my main task 'GONE', I have improved tremendously. I have increased my knowledge and skills in the four micro elements: Mise En Scene, Camera Work, Sound and Editing. 

PRELIMINARY TASK: 
(press play)

FINAL PRODUCT ('GONE'):

CLICK HERE:      'GONE'                         


Here is a PREZI (including voice overs & videos) about what aspects I feel I have improved from the progression of the preliminary task to the final product:

Click on link below:

Q.7 Evaluation