From the research, the planning and construction I have used a huge amount of different technologies. I have split this evaluation question into 3 so I can discuss the technologies of each stage separately.
1. Research
Looking back on this blog, the research stage starts with an in depth analysis of Paranormal Activity trailer 1. I have analysed this trailer frame by frame. I found the trailer on the video hosting website, YouTube. This included loading the video over and over whilst writing out my analysis. I then used a word processing program called ‘Microsoft Office WORD 2010’ to type up the work. I prefer the font ‘Calibri’ so decided that all of my work on the blog will be the same. As blogger doesn’t offer this font, I used Word to type all my work, and then transferred it to the blog.
Further into research, I also used the internet as a powerful research tool. I needed to find the codes and conventions of a Horror movie. In order to do this I used a series of search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask Jeeves etc. It is all too easy to type into a search engine ‘Codes and Conventions of a Horror Movie’ and just copy and paste the results, so I decided, to get better results, I used advanced searches.
In an advanced search, you can choose exact words and phrases that you want the page to include, specify words that you don’t want to be included. You can also narrow results by language, region, site, terms, safety and usage rights. This means that, although it takes my longer to search, I gather more reliable data, without infringing any copyright. I then took the data I gathered and analysed it, picking out the information that I needed to help me in my task.
I took an in depth look into the ratings systems from MPAA and BBFC. For this piece, I needed to display many images on my blog. This involves saving the images on my hard drive, then uploading them to the Blogger server where they can be positioned in my post. This meant that I could show my relevant images in a well presented manner, next to the relevant text.
One part of research that I wanted to include on my A2 media blog was an interview with myself, analysing a trailer. I decided then to analyse the Paranormal Activity trailer. I interviewed myself by setting up a camera and a chair. I discussed the trailer and some theories. In order to do this, I had to film the footage, transfer to my computer, import into my video editing software (will be discussed in construction), edit the footage, insert the trailer, master the sound then export and upload to my YouTube account. I then posted the video on my blog. A series of skills and technologies used to produce a single post. Fortunately, Blogger offers a feature where I can link my YouTube video to a Blogger post. This is an example of using a combined technology, two sites working together which I have utilised.
In order to pinpoint my exact target audience, I produced a research questionnaire. I produced this in word and handed them out to a sample. In analysing the questionnaires, I wanted to produce a visual aid for the reader. To do this, I used another Microsoft program, ‘Microsoft Office EXCEL 2010’. This meant I could produce an accurate pie chart. I saved the chart as an image and uploaded to Blogger.
In analysing the Questionnaires, I had to show these on the blog. To do this, I used the first of many scans. I have an Epson BX300F All in one printer and an Epson Scan utility program. I scanned a couple of completed questionnaires and also an empty one. These are automatically saved as JPEG’s in my chosen directory. I then uploaded them to Blogger. Another example of using scanning was in my research for my ancillary tasks. I printed off posters and magazines from the Internet, analysed them and scanned them back in.
2. Planning
In the planning stage, I have used even more different technologies. I started with a location shoot of the castle and surrounding area. I used a Canon Compact Digital Camera to take the photos. All Photos were taken by myself. These high quality (8.1megapixel) images were saved to an SD card. I then used an SD/USB adapter to transfer them to my PC, where I then uploaded them to Blogger.
Another use of scanning in my blog is in the planning stage. I produced a set of storyboards, which were then scanned into the computer and uploaded. I did this twice as I had a first and second draft storyboard.
On the day of filming, I set up my Toshiba HD Camcorder on my lightweight tripod. I filmed interviews with myself, Joe, Lucy and George. As these were digitally saved to an SD card, I simply transferred the file to my PC, imported to my video editing software, edited by cutting the mistakes out, exported as AVI and uploaded.
On stage I have missed out in the video production sequence is file conversion. I will go into this in the construction section.
3. Construction
The construction, for me, contains the most advanced use of technology. My role in this production is Cameraman and Editor. I am the one physically producing the product. Therefore I had to be comfortable with my equipment and software.
I used a Sony Handycam to film with. This is quite a large camera that records video and sound to a DV tape. The reason I chose to work with this camera is because it is the best quality one at my disposal. It is owned by our school’s media department. It has 3 charged couple devices (CCD) which means it captures the Red Green and Blue light separately. This produces a fantastic output. I then captured using a DV cable (as I explained earlier in the blog). The skills I learnt with the Sony Handycam were mainly at GCSE and AS level. I have built on them constantly since.
Also, as Editor, I had to be comfortable with some of the most powerful software around, video editing software. I chose to work with Adobe Premiere Pro 2. It is my favourite of all the Adobe programs and I know it back-to-front. Once I have edited the footage (which takes many hours to have it how I want) I export the final video as a DV AVI (high quality and uses a lot of storage as it isn’t compressed). I cannot export the video to YouTube as it is else it will become disproportioned. On my blog I have made sure that the video you see is how it should look. You will notice that the video is in true 16:9 widescreen. Before uploading to YouTube I converted the file to Mpeg1. This is a relatively high quality format, but with a much smaller file size. This means that my 500MB trailer was only 22MB when uploaded.
I also used a powerful effects program called Adobe After Effects CS5.5 to generate my animated titles.
In the production of the ancillary tasks, I again used a wide range of specialised software. In creating both pieces, I used Adobe Photoshop CS5. This is one of the most recognised and powerful photo editing tools in the world. I used many different areas in this production, such as colouring with the RGB curves, gradients, advanced text transformations, and producing custom shapes.
Therefore, all in all, I have used many different techniques and a wide range of equipment. I have used skills and knowledge from previous media studies qualifications and built on them throughout this task.
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