The document discusses various media technologies used in the evaluation of a media project. It describes how iMacs were used for their internet access and editing software. Google resources like YouTube and Google Images were used for initial research. Prezi, Slideshare and Haiku Deck were used to present research findings. Facebook was used for group communication. A Blue Snowball microphone and SoundCloud were used to record podcasts for evaluations. Equipment like a Nikon DSLR camera, studio lights, tripod and dolly were used to film a music video. Software like Final Cut Express, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Wix were used to edit videos, add visual effects, design graphics and build a website.
2. Research and Planning +
Evaluation
iMacs
Google Resources
Prezi
Slideshare
Haiku Deck
Facebook
Blue Snowball Microphone + Soundcloud
3. iMacs
The iMacs were used as they
were the computers available in
the college.
These computers were used
throughout the entire project, as the
Internet access and editing software included proved to
be very helpful in the formation of our final products.
Though Windows computers would have fulfilled the same
function, the Macs were used as a convenience since they
were already in the classroom.
4. Google Resources
In the initial research and planning stages, we were able
to find existing music videos using Youtube, existing
digipaks using Google Images and existing band websites
using Google.
In addition, we were able to research and find
particular fonts to use using DaFont.com and symbols
and other reference images, i.e. those for our Pinterest
board, using Google Images.
5. Prezi, Slideshare and Haiku Deck
These three online tools were used throughout the
project as means of presenting research findings and
other information.
Slideshare and Haiku Deck were more simplistic in
nature so made for conveying information efficiently
but effectively, whereas Prezi was much more stylised
so more thought was given to those blog posts that
incorporated it.
6. Facebook
Throughout the project, facebook proved to be an
invaluable tool for communicating amongst ourselves,
particularly in the planning stages.
After setting up a group for the project, we were able
to share items in preparation for shooting days i.e. shot
lists, storyboards, model release forms etc. and also
enabled each of us to gather feedback from the others
regarding any progress made, i.e. sharing rough cuts of
the music video.
7. Soundcloud + Blue Snowball Mic
For my evaluations, I included a new method of
presentation in recording a podcast outlining my
own, off-the-cuff thoughts on a particular topic.
This method of presentation enabled me to
convey a large amount of information in a relatively
short space of time without having to worry as much
about the aesthetics of the presentation.
That said, I did have to plan briefly what I was going
to say otherwise my commentary would have been
incredibly disjointed, so some planning needed to be
undertaken.
8. Construction
Nikon D5100
Hama Tripod + Dolly + Rig
Studio Lights
Final Cut Express
Adobe After Effects
iPhones
Adobe Photoshop
Wix
9. Nikon D5100
The camera we used was DSLR as we
were able to elicit a higher quality
image from this more sophisticated camera than
the camcorders the college had. Using the manual
settings, we were able to shoot well in the low light of
the studio, and eventually enabled us to export our final
product in High Definition.
Some stills we took would then go on to be featured in
the digipak and the website, so the camera was not
solely used for the music video.
10. Tripod, Dolly, Camera Rig
The Hama Tripod, Dolly and
Camera Rig were all used to
create different camera
movements. The tripod was used
for locked-off shots as it kept the
camera static, the rig enabled us
to capture dynamic-looking
handheld footage and the dolly
allowed us to get some nice
sweeping shots of the band inside
the studio.
11. Studio Lights
The overhead lighting
system in the studio was
used to properly light
the performers against
the dark background.
We had full manual
control over the lights,
so were able to perfect
our image in-camera
there and then.
12. Final Cut Express
Final Cut was the editing software of choice to
refine the music video. This was used because it was
already on the Macs, and we had gained experience
using it in the first year during the construction of the
foundation portfolio.
Using this software, I was able to lip sync our footage to
the chosen track, and then cut between the different
shots we had taken.
13. Adobe After Effects
After Effects is, unlike FCE which is a piece of video
editing software, designed solely for visual effects
shots. For the music video, I used AE to mask around the
close-ups of the actors and combine them in the same
shot to create the Queen-esque shot in the opening of
the video.
AE’s ‘Warp Stabilizer’ function was also used on some
clips, notably the dolly shots, to smoothen the motion
of the camera and create a more professional looking
final image.
14. iPhones
Throughout the construction stage of the project,
we used our phones with in-built cameras to capture
‘behind-the-scenes’ footage which recorded our
progress and setups.
The phones were also used throughout to communicate
amongst the group, particularly on the main day of
shooting when we had to arrive at a different location,
but also to add items to the aforementioned facebook
group.
15. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop was the piece of software used to
design the digipak. This was used as the college’s
computers already had the Adobe suite preinstalled,
and Photoshop is renowned as the most powerful image
editing tool.
Using a template downloaded from the Internet, I was
able to construct a rough initial design, which served as
the basis for the later final product, which were both
designed using this software.
16. Wix
Unlike the previous pieces of software I used, it seemed
apt that the tool used to design the website existed
online. Wix was used as it is a free online website
designer.
Using it we were able to manipulate much of the
functionality of the template so as to arrive at a final
product that resembled our original flat plans.
