Evaluation

Our coursework was to produce a two minute thriller opening. We successfully done this as our thriller opening challenges conventions of real media products through the storyline. As it is a flashback, it has two different tenses and in a way two different storylines. The match cuts and different angled shots also help, as does the vinagerette effect placed on our flashback scenes. The use of natural lighting also helps our thriller as it makes it look more realistic as well as thrilling. The quality of editing and camera shots are done very well, and help add to the conventions of a thriller.

As we did not have a budget we did not have much choice when choosing the costumes, however due to the storyline our actor and actress were able to provide themselves. It was a simple costume for each character. For the woman; a white blouse, skirt, high heels and a jacket; giving the impression of a young business woman. The key item in our thriller is the bag, therefore we have many shots of the woman and her bag, at one point the audience is able to become the inside of the bag. This makes the thriller more mysterious as it still doesn’t allow the viewers to know what is inside the bag.



Our male character played two roles, and the only necessary switch between the two costumes was the jacket. The male character had the same shoes, as in the end when we returned back to the young woman on the floor the audience were left to figure out what had happened to her and who had done it.
The close up of the shoes is important, as along with the bag being a possession in the thriller, the trainers is key in the thriller.

The thriller represents mainly students as a social group. This is because it has been produced by students, and it seems important as it shows just exactly what students are capable of. It doesn’t represent any specific race as we are of all different cultures and it is not a factor in the thriller.

I would have a independent media institution distribute our thriller, this is due to the fact that although major film studio’s would reach a wider audience, an indie institution would make it seem more exclusive and show just the realism of the film, as well as in a sense letting the audience know about the people behind the thriller; students, independent people trying to create something for people to enjoy.

Our audience is 15+. We decided on this age group as we feel that it is suitable for people of this age. This is because the storyline is thrilling and somewhat scary, however the thriller itself does not contain anything gruesome or imagery too strong for people of this age to watch. This age also allows us to get a bigger audience; secondary and college students, as well as everyone else above that age. The thriller is not aimed at any particular gender nor culture or social background. I believe this as the thriller stars, is filmed and edited by students of different cultural backgrounds, therefore should be aimed at all different cultural backgrounds.

We are hoping to attract our audience through the storyline in itself. This is because it focuses on one thing; the bag, but without making it too obvious. The mystery of the characters and not knowing what is inside the bag keeps the audience on a cliff-hanger.
We chose not to use speech in the thriller, as it added more anonymity to the characters, leaving the audience wanting to know more.The location as well as the media company distributing the film, should attract a British audience. This and the genre of the film should attract an audience interested in the thriller.
One of the main attractions however should be the opening pan and the zoom in and out of the eye. I believe these three shots are our strongest shots as the pan shows the mise en scene, as well as establishing and introducing the audience to the scene. The zoom in shows a new scene and tense. The thriller is not confusing, however is filmed to make the audience think and wonder about what is going to happen, the thriller hopes to pose questions in the audiences mind, leaving them to want to watch more.

Our thriller will be advertised through posters and the internet, mainly on social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace as it will help spread the word of the thriller, as people can pass it on to friends.

From the process of constructing our thriller, I was able to learn how to confidently use the Apple Mac’s and much of the software. We had used Macs twice before, however during the production of the thriller I was able to learn how to use Final Cut pro in detail. I personally feel that I am quite good on it, as we spent a few hours every few days on it, editing and learning new techniques such as adding transitions and effects. We learnt the basics of editing and slowly developed how to use the software, as I now know how to log and capture and upload all our shots.

I also learnt how to use Soundtrack Pro, as like before we had already used it once before during our match cut practical. Because of this, we were able to produce the soundtrack for our thriller in less than two hours.

I used Livetype for the first time, and this personally was very easy to pick up. We had only the last ten minutes before our thriller deadline was up, and we were able to pick up how to use it in a few minutes, and find the perfect font and style for our title “possessions”.

Although I shot only a few scenes, I am also now very comfortable with using the cameras. I confidently know how to use a camera, the basics of how to put it on a tripod, how to film; zoom in and out, playback and what to do when uploading it onto the Macs.
Due to using the camera, I am more aware of the shots and the many different angles that can be used.

Looking back from when we first began filming, I think our skills in filming and editing have developed highly. I believe this because, before we were unable to match cut and we knew little about rules such as the five second rule.

I think that from when we first began doing the thriller, we are now more aware of how to plan shots, the different angles and where to film from, and more importantly editing and the difference between a good shot and one that works well within the film. I know which shots are necessary and which ones waste time, and does not fit the film.

I also feel much more positive in using Apple Mac’s and filming. Whereas before we started we were quite hesitant with what to do. I do not think that our planning was that much of a problem as we used our time quite wisely. When we were unable to film due to the snow, we spent time looking through our clips, logging and capturing ones that were definitely needed and removing the ones that weren’t, uploading and planning our next shots.

We did however have a problem of order of events. We were all sure of which shots and what type of shots were needed, however when it came to editing we were quite confused to which shots would take place next. We changed our mind a lot when filming and not all of this was noted in our storyboards. I think this was one or main problems.

Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed making the thriller, although it was a lot of hard work it has made me more interested in editing and I am very pleased with our end result.
After being given the chance to watch it in the cinema, I was thrilled with what we had produced. I believe that we worked brilliantly as a group, as we went ahead with things we all agreed on. We confirmed with each other before everything was done, and therefore think that the making of this thriller has taught me many practical things and made me a stronger group member.