EVALUATION of whole project

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My media product uses the conventions of classic Film Noir by using the character styles, atmospheric locations , lighting, narrative, use of shots, editing methods etc. Although my media product has developed on them in a more modern style, the desired effect is maintained by using similar methods as contemporary film noir. By following such genre stylistics, I have created a more up to date film noir, or "neo-noir". By using similar characters as a previous modern production like Brick(2005) Rian Johnson , I have included a femme fatale and a male protagonist who will ultimately manipulated and betrayed by her. By using low lighting and real life locations, I have created a visual image of the mood represented, similar to "Double Indemnity" (1944, directed by Billy Wilder). The props and costumes in my media product are basic like in most classic film noirs, also the use of voiceovers to show the characters thoughts, this is one of Film Noir most commonly used technique, the music chosen represents the mood and the tone is also a typical trait of film noir. One of the more obvious things that defines my opening as a film noir is the similar narrative, the ideas of love, betrayal, money, gangs and crime are all included in my product and are all part of the genre characteristics. Overall I believe my product uses and update the noir genre.

2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My media product represents a few social groups. The femme fatale is a attractive, controlling and mysterious woman, the male protagonist is your average working man led into a dark life which is a possibility with almost any man. The "Mr. Big" character is represented as a dark shadowy character and represents the darker side of life in crime. By using lighting and costumes we have created these characters effectively and by using locations to create a mood and atmosphere that fits the character and genre style.

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
at the standard my product is at the moment only smaller film companies would be interested in distributing it. This is because of the low budget and limited resources it would always remain a student film meaning that my product wouldn’t be of high enough standard for the larger distributors to be interested in it. Of course anything with a large enough budget and resources could have the possibility to grow larger so if someone was to redo it with unlimited budget and resources it could be a success globally. Unless my product was a large success, it would initially only be seen at film festivals and independent cinemas for instance the sun dance festival or an art house cinema, which would only draw in a small audience. If my product was to be broadcast on television, it is most likely to be on late night and on a smaller channel like film four.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
I believe that my media product would be aimed at the main cinema audience from age 15 to 30. I think that this category of audience is appropriate because of the characteristics of my product. The idea of gangs and crime appeals to a wide audience because of the excitement in the stories and characters used. I think that the product would be rated a 15 by the BBFC which would obviously limit the younger audience. I think it would be a 15 because their is some violence and content may be inappropriate the younger audience. I think because the product is not a major production, only an active cinema going audience would go and watch the film reasons for this are the places it would have been shown are more popular with the audience and because it wouldn’t have a large marketing campaign or widely disrupted also because its not filled with famous stars of special effects.

5. How did you attract/address your audience?
I think by using younger talent in the product may attract younger viewers to view the product this would be because it would be easier to relate to them and it would seem more plausible, and by using a strong female character I have targeted a larger male audience but, also female because they may idolise the fmae character or be inspired by her . I have also attracted a large audience with the story of violence; crime and money.

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Technologies I used in the initial research stage include: the internet, Blogs, You Tube, text books etc, that all proved to be useful in the process of planning and finding out information about film noir. I thought that blogs were very useful in getting inspiration from other people. Other technology I used in the planning stage was: adobe premiere pro to start my animatic and windows media player . The animatic software allowed me to put my storyboards onto a computer so I could edit them and see in rough how my film noir would flow and work out. windows media player allowed me to try out some music for our piece and play small video files like our animatic to see if it works. Technology I used in the production was a Sony DV camera, this allowed Dylan our cameraman to film the opening. also using rifle microphone's to record any dialogue that’s in the opening, tripod which was used to make using the camera at height easier and much smoother. Finally, adobe premier pro, which was the editing software we used, this allowed me to capture all of the footage together and add the music, titles and effects that we wanted on our opening.

7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I feel I have developed my skills in all areas of production since the preliminary task, but mainly on the editing software which was my main job, I feel that I have gained many new skills. As before I didn‘t know how to work a camera although still not a master I know the basics. I think since the preliminary exercise I have improved my editing ability and confidence. I also feel that more detailed planning allowed me to get better results. Because there was not much wasted time discussing how we would edit it also seeing the Detailed storyboards and location maps allowed me to visualise the final cut. Also doing all of the pre-production work allowed me to make sure that everything was prepared for the day of the shoot and have a back up plan in case something went wrong on the day. For the preliminary exercise we did not have much planning time and it shows in the final product, in contrast the film noir product had more planning and preparation time and was of a much higher quality. Also the content of my products have improved, I am now able to use editing, cinematography, mise-en-scene and sound effectively to create meaning more effectively than in the preliminary exercise.

feedback of 'STERLING'

First screening: audience feedback
We screened our product to our class and lecturer and these are the results we got back. I think this was a good idea because we’ve all studied this subject know so we should all show some understanding. Which means they should know what they are looking for, also should mean their feedback should be more detailed.

Positive feedback
1. Good use of music, goes well with the characters and corresponds with what is going on.
2. Good titles, work well with the mood created and whats on screen.
3. Clear narrative, easy to follow, nice enigma at the end.
4. Good storyline, develops and contains noir conventions.
5. Well constructed flashbacks, works well within the story.
6. Nice variety of effects and transitions.
7. Good quality shots, nice variety.
8. Lighting worked well to create an atmosphere.
9. Nice use of props and make up, excellent locations.

Negative feedback
1. Voice over doesnt fit well within music at parts.
2. Voiceovers voice doesn’t suite the characters.
3. Could have used more noir styled shots.
4. More voice overs could have been used.

Our aim was to attract a target audience of 15-30. Our feedback shows that we met that aim and our use of characters and the way we stylised them, speaks to the audience and entertains them. Also our representations work well, the femme fatale looks convincing and plays her role well, "mr big" looks dark and dodgy and threatening, the protagonist looks convincing, like your everyday working man who gets taken into a world of crime, and we achieved our goals by good use of mise en scene, cinematography, editing and planning.

The final project 'STERLING'

This is our final cut of our film noir project.

titled 'STERLING'

Editing in full

For the editng we used the software called Adobe Premiere Pro. this was the first time i had used this software although i have experience with movie maker which gave a general idea. even with someone who has no prior experience with a movie maker program, once taught the basics is a very simply and effect program to use for this scale of production.

i was the editor along with Muhaimin however all members of the group had a say in the final choice. although it was mainly Hannah and myself that put imput into editing.

picture taken from

http://www.manifest-tech.com/images/links/vid_gallery_scr/adobe_premiere_pro20_scr.jpg

i found editing the voiceovers with the gaps in the lyrics of the songs a hard. and always found wtheres a crackle behind the voiceovers. overall i found editing the pictures easier than the sound.

The shoot in full

The day of the shoot was February 5th 2009. we were given the day off from our other classes so we could focus on our projects. we meet in class then went to the lord nelson pub where we spent several hours. then we had use of my car and went to a quiet lane to get footage of characters in the car (not used in final cut though). then we moved to Alexandra park which is adjacent to college. then moved to street close by to film the corner street scenes.

things that went well.

1. most of the shots we did get, were of good quality.

2. costumes and make up were good i think this was helped by the fact i practiced doing the stage make up on myself.

3. all footage was taken in the 1 day. meaning we got a head start in the editing suite.

things that didn't turn out so well.

1. The noise in the cellar of the cooling unit. This is one problem with filming on location. when we reliased that dialogue couldn't be heard this is the point when we decided to change it to voice overs.

2. the cooling unit made the room cold, this meant we didn't want muhaimin sitting still for too long, meaning we probably didn't get as many shots as we wanted.

3. The location was smaller than what we thought from the pictures the art director showed us. this meant there was certain camera angles we couldn't achieve.

4. the weather although not much we could do about. same situtation as no 2 caused a lack of shots.

overall our shoot was a success because our final piece has turned out well.

Permision for music

If we were to really make this film we would have to get permission to use the music. this is because someone wrote it and they deserve to profit it from it. for our film opening we used a song by 'Portishead' called 'only you'.To get premission for this there is a website PRS

http://www.prsformusic.com/Pages/default.aspx

the following information is taken from the above website.

How to obtain clearance for the use of music in feature films.
What are the rights covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers the mechanical (making copies of the music) and the synchronisation (using music with audio-visuals) rights.
How do you obtain product clearance under the scheme?
If you are using Commercial and Production music you must obtain clearance for both separately before manufacture of the product can go ahead.
Where using Commerical music only:
To obtain clearance you must complete an Information Supply form. Once returned to MCPS, you will receive an application form which must be completed and returned.
Where using Production music only:
To obtain clearance, please refer to the Production Music section of the website.
Please note that separate clearance must be received from the sound recording owners. 'Contact us' for more information.
How much do you pay?
Charges for the use of Commercial music in feature films are negotiable. They are generally set in relation to the budget of the film.
Charges for a film primarily for festival exhibition or for a student film are usually based on affordability.
How does the reporting and payment process work?
Where using Commerical music:
Request submitted to MCPS ---> MCPS discuss charges with relevant copyright holders (where MCPS members) ---> Request approved - MCPS inform you of charges ---> Application for clearance submitted to MCPS ---> Conditional clearance granted until payment received (within 7 days).

when you enter the site you will be welcomed by this;

1. click on playing, broadcasting and online music

2. click on for feature films

3.click on feature film

4 fill in the forms

Animatic

we were given the task to make an animatic.

Definition: a draft or preliminary test version of a movie filmed, taped or computer-animated version of the storyboard. Made up of a sequence of drawings with a soundtrack.

Unfortunately for our group we were unable to complete this task. Because of time constraints.