1. Foundation
Evaluation
Tom Holmes
-Group 12

2. In what ways does your media product use,
develop or challenge forms and conventions of
real media products?
The opening sequence of my film’s form
The opening of my film’s conventions and how it
reflects the paranormal horror sub-genre
How the technical aspects of my film are used
(Conformed to conventions)
Opening with a number of establishing shots with iconography
included (church, church bells) and stock locations (graveyard,
isolated forest) that also connotes the tone of the film, paranormal
horror, as it appeared bleak and mysterious.
The protagonist’s character exposition was developed through
close ups of his face, which showed his innocence in the situation.
The mise-en-scene of his costume isn’t very important in the plot
but his attitudes that are presented on-screen are; his non-verbal
language. Non-verbal language is deemed to be used in more
films of the horror genre than any other, because the audience is
expecting thrills rather than plot.

3. The sound effects along with sound mix used such as
church bells and ambience set the scene for a horror
opening because of the iconography linked to them
conventionally.
The soundtrack juxtaposed the plot well, whilst
maintaining the plot as the song the protagonist
listened to whilst jogging, inviting the audience to
share his feelings.
Most of the shots were filmed on the protagonist’s
left. This maintained the 180 degrees rule.
Throughout the whole film, the protagonist’s
costume was the same too and the lighting of the
forest remained constant. Continuity editing is
conventional of a mainstream film in that it is very
hard to achieve.
The titles appeared on the trees and at the
end of the sequence on a cut to black. The
typography was conventional of a
paranormal horror because it looked sinister
and dark. These titles are seen on screen
during tracking shots. Tracking shots are
used in all films as it is a professional-
looking technique. An example of tracking I
particularly like in a horror scene is the
camera following the boy in the famous
extract in ‘The Shining’ (Kubrick, 1980).
Stanley Kubrick was also the first director
to use a steadicam shot in this film, which I
find particularly interesting.

4. The first appearance of the antagonist is
dramatic and sudden, signifying the severity
of the situation. The character blocking used
in the first shot we see, shows the antagonist’s
prevalence over the protagonist in the
situation. This furthermore sparks an enigma
in the plot as the audience then wish to find
out what will happen involving this new
character.
The ‘jump scare’ used in revealing the
antagonist in my film is very commonly used
in conventional horror films of all genres,
especially of the paranormal sub-genre.
The antagonist is shown in a black cloak and
hung by a noose; both of these props are
quintessentially iconographic of horror.
The protagonist’s reaction is supposed to
reflect the reaction of the audience upon
seeing this. This is to say that the initial shock
is used as another iconographic device in my
horror opening.
After the climax of the plot, a POV shot shows the
protagonist fleeing through the forest. As with a
number of other horror films, this technique is used
to create a sense of threat and fear and induce this
effect on the audience.
Upon fleeing, the protagonist’s facial expressions are
highlighted in big close ups and these develop his
character further, indicating his fear.
The climax of the plot is a result of the protagonist
finding himself cornered up against a tree and an
extra-diegetic blood-curdling scream is audible (a
conventional sound used in all horrors) as the
audience is then led to believe he has been murdered
(an iconographic event in horror).

5. (Challenging to conventions)
To begin with, the editing techniques are simple but
not conventional on reflection. A black screen and
slow cuts open the sequence with little pace and
urgency, as would normally be found in a horror
opening perhaps.
Mise-en-scene in the form of costume for the
protagonist are not conventional but nor are they
challenging. He wears a normal outfit for a young
teenage jogger in essence.
There is no low-key lighting in the sequence, where
there often is in horror films. The setting of the forest
provides a suitable lighting though.
The device of most significance in challenging
the sub-genre of horror is the soundtrack,
certainly. The dense soundtrack juxtaposes the
situation by being an upbeat song. It somewhat
reflects the attitude of the protagonist in the
opening sequence.
There are few signifiers of the climax in the
build-up to it, as I wanted the jump scare to be
more intense and surprising to all of the
audience. This is not too common in
paranormal horror films but when it appears,
the audience are certainly surprised and this
concept is reflected in this scene.
During this scene towards the end, newspaper
articles are flashed in intercuts and radio
reports heard in the background of sound.
These aspects develop a further sense of
mystery but are not conventional to a
paranormal horror film.
(click the photo to see song’s
official music video)

6. Finally, the title choice of my film is
challenging of the genre. Not all paranormal
horrors are serious throughout, and the title I
created for the film is not completely serious
either. It directly links to the film’s plot but
with a sense of irony or humour to it. Despite
this, the typography and the fade in appears
very professional to me.
As the story continued, the
woods became more and more
dense and the protagonist was
the only individual in the
location, showing his isolation.
This theme is often explored in
horror films, especially
paranormal.

7. How does your media product represent particular
social groups?
What social groups are used in my opening
sequence?
How are they represented (how are they constructed
through technical aspects)?
What are the macro issues present?
Does my film reinforce or challenge any ideologies
linked to the genre?
As with other horror films – paranormal
or otherwise – my film does not feature
many characters. This is not only
because it is only the opening to a
horror film but as with others of the
genre, the plot is kept simple with
minimal characters and the
thrill/excitement conventional to the
genre is heightened.
The main character – the protagonist –
is a young, white male. The only other
figures that the audience is shown in
the sequence are two other young,
white people (another male and a
female), and the antagonist; a dead non-
human entity. A male adult is also
present however. The audience does not
see him and may not be aware of his
presence as it is merged into the
sequence without any notification. He
is present as an extra-diegetic voice,
reading out a news report over the stills
of the newspaper articles.
On reflection, the protagonist is the only character in the
plot whose attitudes and values are explored. The other two
figures are only on screen for a second or two. This can be
interpreted as the male figure in a horror plot to be more
significant than his female counterpart perhaps.
Some may perceive the lack of significance of females in
the sequence to be a negative absence; whereby the fact
that the only girl in the sequence features for a very short
amount of time and does not have an influence on the plot
– a cameo role. Such a factor is often seen as patriarchy;
where women perceive themselves to be situated in a
society that favours men.

8. Given the resources available and the time constraints, it
would be exceptionally difficult to include a female actress
as a prominent cast member. However, statistically there is
a twenty-five percent female cast. The genders of the
characters in the film do not affect the plot line and there
are no implications that males are more or less likely to be
attacked by an ‘ominous being’.
The concept of death is everywhere: trees, leaves, the
graveyard and the body. This is conventional of horror of
any sub-genre.
The ‘final girl’ concept is not present in
the sequence. Instead, the ideas included
in my film are of an emergent ideology
because it challenges the dominant
ideology of the female existing as the
victim in a horror movie, by the
protagonist/victim being a young male.
The scenario of female victims is included in one of my case studies, ‘Halloween’
(Carpenter, 1978). The ideological discourse present connotes the idea that in horror films
it is always the female character that plays the victim of the antagonist and in the opening
sequence to this thriller it is indeed a teenage girl. My film challenges this dominant
ideology by placing the victim as a teenage boy.

9. The protagonist’s clothing is un-branded, non-descript and casual.
He is not presented as ideologically loaded to be upper or working
class. In comparison to other horror films, this lack of branding
perhaps shows the fact it was an independent production with a low
budget, compared to the high production values of larger (but still
independent like mine) paranormal horror films such as Cross
Creek Picture’s ‘The Woman In Black (Watkins, 2012).
The mise-en-scene of the protagonist’s clothing is further represented in the choice of colour of his coat;
green. This colour connotes youth, innocence, and a juxtaposition of death. Not only is this because of
the connotations linked to the colour green, but the binary opposition present between him – young and
fit – and the death all around him including the dead entity.
The protagonist’s stance and actions suggest he jogs a lot. This perhaps could be linked to his social
class background because jogging is seen as an activity for those with free time.
Another criticism that may arise is the lack of diversity of social groups. The only three people are
young and white. Despite this, I do not believe any of them are figures of stereotype.
No deliberate indication of
social background is included.
The paranormal investigation of
later on in the plot (after the first
sequence) influences the fact
that not a great deal of character
construction; a sense of mystery
is present.

10. Some people may not believe in life after death, which the
paranormal sub-genre, and indeed my film, is centred
around. This means that the myth of ghosts is very
significant in whether an audience appreciates the plot.
Such an issue as this links to the macro context in religion
featured in my film. With the church setting the scene and
the dead figure haunting the woods, the ideologies
associated with Christianity arise and some audience may
question the likelihood of life after death and the binary
opposition present between good and evil.

11. What kind of media institution might distribute
your media product and why?
Who might distribute my film?
Is my film’s production style reflective of an
independent production or an industrial?
My film would certainly attract the
attention of an independent distributer
more than an industrial one, as the
budget, casting, props and effects are not
as impressive or extensive as an
industrial tentpole for example.
My first case study was in fact an independent paranormal
horror film, ‘Paranormal Activity’ (Peli, 2006), an
independent film, produced by Solana Films. Captured on
a high definition (1080p, similar to the camera used in my
film) SONY camera and printed on 35mm
film over digital, the production reached cinema screens
for the low production value of $15 million.
Distribution of the film took great advantage of the viral
marketing campaign aspect of Web 2.0. The feature was
essentially an online voting system used to allow the
audience to vote for the film to come to their local city.
Once a certain amount of people from an area had selected
the "Demand It!" button to screen the film, it would
be exhibited in a local cinema. Such a campaign could be
used for my film, cheaply and quickly to generate a buzz
and furthermore accumulate a larger audience too.

12. The challenging aspects to conventional independent
production are found in the potential signifiers of high
production values. This is to say that some factors of the
film suggest a bigger budget than conventional of an
independent film. Examples of this is the cost of a 1080p
camera, the use of a track and dolly used to produce a more
professional visual aspect and the use of Adobe editing
software (Premiere Elements and AfterEffects). However,
horror films are generally low budget and this is no
exception with my afore-mentioned case study of
‘Paranormal Activity’.
Indeed, the titles required after effects that locked the text
in place instead of tracking with the rest of the footage,
which could not be done simply in Premiere. Instead, using
AfterEffects, the end result resembled a professional title
sequence, similar to that of another case study, the
television series of ‘Durham County’. The positioning of
the texts in the sequence is presented on the background of
the opposite colour; black or white. This reflects the titles
in my film being placed on pieces of the background in
juxtaposition to the foreground. The static positioning of
text maintains the unnerving nature of the sequence. From
analysing the extract I learned about the importance of
background incorporation in title sequences.

13. Very little make-up or high standards
of costume/prosthetics are used. This
is because my film does not register
under gore horror or zombie horror,
sub-genres that require these pro-
filmic effects. Despite this, the lack of
this addition to mise-en-scene can
connote that the production is
independent.
Editing effects such as the titles are
linked to relatively high production
values because they appear
professional and they took a
significant amount of time and skill to
complete.
Whilst the use of a low budget set
location (public woods) may be
perceived as a low budget,
independent characteristic, the fact that
only one set is used in the sequence is
conventional for the horror genre. This
is because the storyline is kept simple
and effective in evoking an enigma
and tension throughout.
Few props feature because I felt that
the film did not need a great deal of
props in the opening sequence,
especially as the story is just showing
an event that took place, the viewer is
focused on what will/has happened in
the plot.
No A-listers are included in my film’s opening. This is not extraordinary
for any film, but it is certainly more a characteristic of an independent
production. The film would therefore most likely be distributed by a
British independent company such as my case study Vertigo Films.
However to be found by such companies it would have to be shown at
film festivals.

14. How and where would my film be distributed and
exhibited?
Any promotional activity would most likely be symbiotic and/or
Web 2.0 as these are the cheapest forms and more successful for
independent companies, as opposed to convergence which involves
partnerships with other companies. Not only this, but the
paranormal horror sub-genre often uses such platforms.
Teasers, previews and trailers presented as viral videos are often
used to promote horror films, so this strategy could be a possibility.
On reflection, a plan similar to this would certainly be more
possible than anything on a larger scale.
Partnerships/symbiosis with venues such as SecretCinema or even larger
venues such as Odeon and Vue Cinema promoting the film with
previews and trailer screenings, may not be possible for such a low
budget set on marketing. The latter of these would be less likely due to
the scale of my film being relatively small, but the film should not just
appeal to a niche audience, more the mass audience of horror films
altogether.

15. In terms of Web 2.0, one of my case studies would not have been
possible to complete without the device. Watching the opening
sequence of the pilot episode of ‘The Vampire Diaries’ for a
technical analysis allowed me
to consider how expansive the audience of certain videos can be.
I shared a link to the film on YouTube using Facebook and within
days the view count had increased significantly.
A website linked to and promotional of a film in the modern
industry is very common to see and accounts for success in a
number of ways for films of both independent and industrial status.
As well as this, vertical integration is still used in the market by
both independent and industrial companies.
The issue of piracy is often overlooked in considering exhibition of
films, despite maximum caution being taken at the cinema itself. As
the film could be found online, illegal download and viewing is a
possibility.

16. Who would be the audience for your media
product? How did you attract/address your
audience?
-Demographically, my film would not attract a specific age bracket of people and exclude
everyone else. Generally the film would be more attractive to younger people but this is common
place with any horror film I believe. That is to say, however, that it would not be surprising if an
older audience did wish to watch my film. But it is designed to entice a younger core audience for
sure. I say this because of the plot of the sequence as well as the filming style amongst other
things. These aspects will be discussed later.
-I believe that my target audience would be the core audience of 15-29 year
olds that regularly attend horror films of any genre. I think this because there
is nothing obviously unconventional in my film’s opening to suggest it is
any different on a significant level to generate a cult audience for example.
Paranormal horror is not different to other horror sub-genres in truth, in that
it encourages a young audience to the cinemas to watch the films but also in
that the plots for many horror films are simple and easy for the mass
audience to follow. This is a problem of arthouse or cult films in some cases
as they are ‘specialist’ films; they require a certain kind of audience to watch
them.
So, in essence, I believe that my film would appeal most to the likes of the
core audience of horror film lovers in the 15-29 age bracket.
Who is my core
target audience?
What makes this
the case?

17. -In terms of gender, my film does not set out to appeal to the likes of one sex rather than the other. In
relation to which genders were present in my opening sequence, certainly it would seem like the film
would be more attractive to males as there are more in the story. However, I do not think this is the case.
Conventionally, horror films appeal to both males and females, specifically maybe males slightly more.
Paranormal horror is much the same story. Initially, people would expect more men to visit the cinema to
see horror films, but why? Is it because horror films are expected to be violent, gory and scary?
Iconography in horror films determines the audience a great deal, as most horror films follow the
conventions of the sub-genre. Indeed, I believe my film is mainly conventional of paranormal horror.
What effect this fact has on my audience, there is no telling. In spite of this uncertainty, I believe that my
film certainly appeals with equal depth to both men and women because there is no content to claim one
way or another a certain group of people would like it more than others.
-Class and occupation is taken into account when films are produced, distributed and exhibited. The style
of filming as well as the content will appeal to different people, the way it is advertised and who it is
advertised to will too and where the film is shown will have been considered in relation to the people
who will watch it. I have already established that my film is much more likely to be exhibited in a
smaller cinema chain rather than at a multiplex. Similarly, my film would not have the financial backup
of larger films with bigger budgets and so reaching everyone, particularly upper classes for example may
not be so easy because of the financial strictness and limitations.

18. -The only belief/value really
touched upon in the opening
sequence is the matter of good
against evil/life against death.
This set of binary oppositions is a
topic often linked to Christianity.
This factor is linked more towards
psychographics rather than
demographics.
The psychographics element to
my film relates to what things a
group of people like. This can be
anything from gore to ghosts or
from mystery to murder in horror
films. I believe that my opening
sequence suggests that my film
would attract those with
paranormal psychographic tastes
because of the nature of the plot
being void of blood and the more
creepy aspects of horror, but
rather it focuses on the mystery
and supernatural side.
-Another demographic concerning my film is ethnicity. The
social background to an audience is often more important than it
appears to be. This is to say that definitely a certain ethnic group
would prefer to go and see a particular genre of film rather than
any other. Moreover, certain ethnic groups may have values that
restrict them to only watching films of specific content that
would not offend.
I do not believe that my film explores any ethnic groups’ attitudes
nor does it cause concern for prejudice.

19. As I just mentioned, I think that
my film would appeal to those
interested in paranormal horror,
much more than anyone who
likes the more gruesome aspects
of horror in slasher and zombie
horror, such as ‘Shaun of the
Dead’ (Wright, 2004). This is a
very gory comedy horror film in
truth. There a number of reasons
I think this way, namely in the
style and plot of the opening.
The style of my film’s opening
is not intense, it sets the scene
for the rest of the
film with character development
and paranormal events taking
place. When I refer to my film’s
‘style’, I speak of the technical
aspects and how these make my
film conventional of paranormal
horror.
Jump scares are conventional of horror and so an audience would
expect to see this if they went to the cinema to watch a film of
this genre. On psychographic terms, I expect regular film goers
that anticipate scares and thrills from horror films would go to
see my film; younger adults and teens perhaps find this more
attractive. Despite the fact that there are not a great deal of scares
in the opening, there would be more as the story. I believe that
this is evident given the style of the sequence.
What appeals my in film
to my target audience in
terms of genre?

20. The setting for the opening is a stock location; a forest has
strong connotations to horror and mystery. This factor was
considered during the film ‘The Blair Witch Project’, a
very famous horror film.
The soundtrack appeals to a younger audience and shares
connotations of youth due to its upbeat-feel and its genre.
Mystery in the plot up until the end of the opening sets the
stage for the rest of the story to continue on from a opening
which does not explain a lot but creates a cliffhanger to
introduce the film. Mystery is conventional of paranormal
horror.
The protagonist and the antagonist are both generic
characters in my opinion. This meant that my audience can
understand their attitudes and values simply and enjoy the
story. They can relate to the protagonist too I feel, as he is
presented as just another teenage male out jogging. This
links to the aspect of verisimilitude; it could happen to any
jogger. Verisimilitude as a characteristic of film is very
important in horror, increasingly so, to induce fear.

21. Compliments
-People explained how they liked the variation and ambition of
shots we plan to use to meet criteria for technical excellence.
-Many people also agreed that our storyline/plot was original.
-Relating to our Wilderness Woods filming, people asked
whether we would be replicating or interpreting some of our best
shots in this film, as it is also situated in a forest.
-Once the treatment was explained in relation to the music
soundtrack, people seemed to like the idea.
Questions/targets
-Some people did question our decision on why we did not
choose the favoured title our audience questionnaire concluded
upon. On reflection, we will need to explain in-depth as to why
we chose a different one.
-On the topic of the title, some people also theorised that the
audience - or at least some of them - would maybe not
understand our title, 'Psychedelic'.
-Practically, our location could be busy, as a number of our
audience picked up on.
-Despite the fact our Wilderness Woods shots were praised so
highly, people questioned whether we thought we would be able
to match or improve upon their quality.
-In terms of the advice our audience provided, people suggested
we should research into after effects before we start shooting so
we know what to expect when editing.
Comments:
-People liked the low
angle shot of the ball.
-People liked the music
syncing a lot.
-Where the titles were
positioned went down
well.
Targets:
-No indication of horror
genre?
-The clip was too long.
This is a collection of the
response we received
after our rough cut was
screened.

22. What did my audience
research provide in
terms of results and
evidence?
-For my audience research I mainly utilised questionnaires and open
screenings. The first allowed me to collate data and ideas on the
sequence from a number of people and generate a group of graphs to
show the results. The second refers to my film sequence being shown
to numerous people while I reviewed their reactions. This enabled me
to judge the reactions of an audience who had seem the film for the
first time. Such an activity will have provided me with a very useful
understanding of the views and attitudes of my target audience and to
judge whether it is positive or negative.
Was the setting effective?
Yes No
Was the setting effective?
Did you like how the entity was shown, and
was it shown enough?
Feedback was generally positive, praising the
shortness of the sighting adding to the intrigue,
however it needed to appear more malevolent.
Again the feedback was almost completely positive,
people liked the sound in our piece, and thought the
juxtaposition of the music was interesting and
engaging, however some found it odd at first.
Did you like our choice of
soundtrack? Please explain.

23. Opinions were mixed, some thought the title
was too colloquial for a horror film, while
others liked the theme of juxtaposition
throughout the piece and the memorable aspect
of it.
We decided to not use the Patriarchy question
as it was very difficult to determine without
several characters, the terminology also led to
confusion.
Do you like the title?
Was tension built up enough? Please explain.
Was the font suitable?
Yes No
Was tension built up
enough?
Yes No
Comments were very positive, however most
people were unsure of how it was built,
however it was accredited generally to the
sound mix and fast cutting.

24. The viewers seemed to understand the plot perfectly well,
commenting mainly on the discovery of the noose and death
of the protagonist. The disappearance of the tennis ball was
only mentioned once but the summary constraints may have
been two small for details such as this.
Please summarise the plot in two
sentences.
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
1
(heartwarming)
2 3 4 5 (terrified)
How scary was it?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Yes Don't Know No
Did the film appear professional?

25. What have you learnt about technologies from the
process of constructing this product?
Blogging was an essential part of recording my film’s progress. Using this device was not only an
example of just how useful Web 2.0 can be, but also it allowed me to collaborate all ideas,
developments, research and progress in a form that was attractive, quick, effective and a good example
of IT skills. Essentially, the use of blogging falls under these skills:
-> embedding
-> analysis texts Group 12 Blog – Group 12 - Foundation Production
-> design of the blog YouTube – Tom’s channel
-> timeline of production
-> contextual analysis
-> adding images
The term ‘embedding’ refers to the method of taking footage or a piece of information from one place
on the internet on one webpage and placing it in a blog post somewhere else on another webpage. The
device allows a blog post to be written with text stimulus to describe a piece of filming or the
advantages and disadvantages of it and also a visual aid of the film itself; it provides great detail and
interactivity. Such a device is very characteristic of Web 2.0’s inclusive nature.
Online, I used a total of three different programmes to present the planning of my work and distributing
progress. These programmes were the blog posting website Blogger, the presentation website used to
promote information in a professional-looking manner Prezi and the ever-growingly popular video
sharing social media website YouTube.
How did I use aspects of Web 2.0?

26. Analysing texts and film clips for project
research through blog posts was very useful in
the project as well as quite enjoyable. The use
of blogging allowed everyone to view and
comment on my work and this was very
beneficial in constructive criticism and advice.
This also helped me record progress, as well as
the timeline feature of Blogger. More simply,
adding images to blog posts was very useful in
working in multiple media forms.
All in all, I learnt a lot about blogging on Web
2.0. I believe that the most significant thing I
learned about was how to utilise all aspects of
the website. Doing this has also allowed me to
open my eyes and truly appreciate Web 2.0.
This project allowed me to use Prezi for the first time. The programme is similar to Powerpoint but
it uses aspects of Web 2.0 in that its inclusive elements allow people to view and share
presentations. The programme also allows the user to create much more attractive slides compared
to Powerpoint in truth. The variety of design allows the presentation to reflect my film, and this was
important considering what it was used for in relation to my film.
Despite not creating the actual Prezi for this
task, it was very useful when pitching my film.
The appeal of the presentation was a great
asset and it allowed me to pitch my film with
more confidence I feel. I have learnt how to
use Prezi through this project and also the
attractiveness of the programme over any
other similar presentation device.

27. In terms of using YouTube, I already
understood how to navigate the social media
website but uploading videos was new to me.
Through the process, I have learnt about:
-> time problems
-> quality problems
-> embedding
-> view count
-> tagging
-> thumbnails
On reflection of these aspects of YouTube use,
embedding videos and analysing view counts
were important to my project. The first I
mentioned earlier but the latter was useful
because it enabled me to understand what
methods of video sharing worked best.
Embedding videos on the blog increased the
view count for sure, but I found that sharing
the video on social media website Facebook
was most beneficial. Furthermore, tagging my
videos on YouTube with other popular topics
on the website expanded the channel for
viewers to find out about my videos through
similar uploads elsewhere.

28. The SD card and card readers used were not
obviously conventional methods of filming,
compared to 35mm film and so on. My first case
study of ‘Paranormal Activity’ was filmed on
35mm film, such is the convention of film
making. It is often cheaper to use than digital, as
this low budget production showed. The SD
device is similar in some essential ways to digital
film making in that compared to celluloid film,
using an SD card is a lot quicker. Not only this but
also, the footage can be transported a lot quicker
than print and it is furthermore a lot less likely to
be damaged in transit. In conclusion upon this, it
would appear that the use of SD cards for filming
was a lot easier (albeit sometimes digital is a lot
more expensive but not on such a small scale) and
more effective for those using cameras as
relatively amateur in filming.
Regarding the actual filming aspect of the
sequence, I used a 1080p camera to shoot the
footage. Before anything else, this provided a
high definition aspect to the filming and so it
appeared professional enough to be a genuine
horror film opening. 1080 HD is in fact the
highest resolution possible in film-making
standards. Moreover, in regards to YouTube
upload, it is the highest possible resolution.
Whilst on the topic of YouTube upload, filming
on this high resolution created some issues.
Uploading took a considerable amount of time
and with the constraints attached, this was
problematic.
So, in terms of filming equipment, I have learnt
about the different resolutions at which a camera
can record but also, just generally, I believe that
my filming skills have developed a great deal.
Moreover, I have learnt about the technical
features of camera equipment.
How did I film the sequence? (Reference
to filming equipment).
I learnt that in relation to small-scale filming,
SD cards are by far the easiest and most
effective way of capturing footage. It is also a
relatively cheap option. I have also learnt skills
in transferring footage from camera to computer
whilst avoiding corruption or damage.

29. The next basic aspect of filming was the use of a tripod. This device
enabled filming to be carried out – in my case in the woods – at any
angle whilst maintaining a steady and level ground for footage to be
recorded. A relatively easy piece of equipment to use, the tripod could
be carried everywhere so every position could be explored. When not
using it, I could shoot steadicam shots. The device also allowed the
camera to shoot at a variety of heights. The only problem I
encountered was the stability of the tripod when used in the track and
dolly (discussed next). This issue resulted in a shaky product in some
shots. Luckily, such a hindrance could be resolved in Adobe
AfterEffects. It meant some time had to be spent on this, when it
could have been spent elsewhere.
I have learnt about the different pieces of equipment associated with
filming. On reflection, I have learnt most about using the equipment
to film in different ways rather than the actual devices.
Technically, when using the camera, I was able to view what I was filming using the screen on the
camera. With this addition, I was able to position aspects of mise-en-scene in such a way that it would
align with the lines of the camera frame and rule of thirds could be incorporated.
The quality of the camera too meant that I could also take depth of field into account and so another
professional aspect of film making was used.
I have learnt about using a camera in a professional manner to shoot everything whilst considering the
end product consciously all the time. I have learnt about the importance of all aspects of film; mise-
en-scene (what to include in shot and what to avoid), camera angles/movements and the implications
they have in relation to the story, and recording sound.

30. The most expensive and professional device used in the process of
filming was certainly the previously mentioned track and dolly.
This was utilised to provide a very high quality piece of filming
through tracking sideways along a fixed point to show the
protagonist jogging, for example. The device is commonly used
on-set in high production value industrial films.
Unfortunately, using the track came at a cost. Using the device
took a considerably long time. On rough and unsteady terrain, the
poles used for the dolly to run along were uneven and kept
breaking. This setback meant that filming in different locations
took much longer than envisaged.
From using the track and dolly I have first of all learnt to
appreciate just how effective it is in creating a professional-
looking end product. It can create a piece of filming that appears
original of any high-budget tentpole movie. I have also obviously
learnt how to use the track and dolly to its full potential.
However, I have also learnt about the negative features in using a
track on rough terrain. The time cost of setting up the poles and
shooting multiple takes was considerable. I believe that the end
result was worth it but nevertheless it is certainly worth
considering this factor prior to shooting with it.

31. How did I use editing
software effectively?
What issues were there in
the editing process?
What have I learnt about editing?
Adobe Premiere Elements was the software I used in editing
and compiling my film. The programme composes essentially
of a viewing screen, an import section that allows footage to
be brought into the project and finally a timeline that
references the whole project from start to finish. This section
also allows me to make cuts and edit the sound mix.
I already knew the basics of using Premiere before editing
this sequence, through projects in earlier years and other short
films such as my preliminary task. Although, I have learnt
about some specifics like cutting rates in the programme,
titles, sound mixing and exporting projects to enable them to
be uploaded to YouTube.
I also very shortly used editing programme Adobe AfterEffects.This
enabled me to create titles on the footage that appear a lot more professional than the ones
available on Premiere as default.
First, I transferred the footage from my Premiere project to AfterEffects. Next, I was able to
track a null point in the clip where I could place the titles. Titles in Premiere are very basic
in both typography and transition. Using AfterEffects was much more useful. They allowed
the end product to appear with the kind of professional product envisaged to begin with.
In truth, I only took part in a very small part of this process.
Even after only using AfterEffects for a short amount of time, I have learnt to appreciate the
complexity in title design in film. I have also learnt how to edit existing clips from Premiere
Elements and finally how to edit titles onto a clip and make it follow a null point in the
footage.

32. Sequencing all the footage was the first task. This involved importing all of the footage from
the SD card onto the D-drive of the computer. Once in the D-drive, all of the footage could
be gathered in the Premiere project. The final step was dragging the footage onto the
timeline and sequencing it into the right order.
The accessibility and ease of use in Premiere with regard to cutting and sequencing is very
noticeable. Matched cuts are very easy to incorporate as well as motivated cuts too as the cut
tool allows you to snip one piece of footage anywhere and drop a new piece in.
I have learnt a lot about sequencing
footage in a Premiere project. I have
learnt about the importance of cutting
clips at precisely the right moment in
order to main continuity and keep the
sequence seamless. Technically, I have
leant about the numerous tools that
Premiere offers. The sound level tool,
the fade in/out tool, the unlink video and
sound tool and many others.
I have learnt about the D-drive too. This
component acts as a storage device for
an individual computer and has the
capacity to hold a significant amount of
data. Using it was very useful in saving
a lot of projects, footage, sound clips
and images related to my project alone.

33. Maintaining continuity in a sequence is one of the
hardest elements of film making. Breaking the 180
degree rule (making sure to film the subject on one
side) would be disastrous and verisimilitude would
no longer be present. Continuity editing itself is an
aspect of industrial/professional film making and so
doing this was very rewarding.
I have learnt about the importance of maintaining
the 180 degree rule and constant awareness of
continuity is essential in producing a good film. I
have learnt methods in achieving continuity too,
such as avoiding filming differences in setting,
costume and expression.
Sound is a very important aspect of film. In
editing terms, it is often place as second in
priority behind video. Premiere allows the user
to edit the sound mix and order of sound very
simply and effectively. Using the green bar
underneath the video sequence, one can make
changes to the sound levels but also the order in
which sound is organised within a project.
Another use of editing in Premiere in terms of
sound is incorporating sound effects (sfx).
Downloading certain sound clips from the vast
catalogue of FreeSound.com and placing them
in my film was a simple enough task, after
which all that had to be done would be to
sequence them into my footage.

34. Transitions are another important element of some
films. In mine however, simple cuts were all that
were needed. In horror movies, transitions are not
often used, certainly not in comparison to other
genres.
Issues concerning the editing process mainly
include little struggles in Premiere and a recurring
problem about the programme not being able to find
the required footage on the drive. In the end, all
setbacks were resolved.
One particular problem I encountered was in
relation to the timeline. Sometimes aspects of it
would not work the way they should, for example
sometimes the cut tool would result in the footage
jumping. Despite this, I overcame all hurdles I
faced, in the end.
-I have learnt a little about Freesound.com. This
website acts as a hub for sfx for inclusion in films.
They are free to download and import into
Premiere.
This is a clip of sound used in the
tension build up as the protagonist
assesses the situation towards the
end.

35. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do
you feel you have learnt in the progression from it
to the full product? I believe that it is certainly quite plain to see that
my filming skills have developed since the
production of my preliminary task. I have learnt a
lot of this through researching existing professional
films but also just my general development of
media knowledge has helped I think. When filming
now, I take great consideration of what is in shot
and what the techniques being used will connote to
an audience in terms of plot as well as possible
existing ideologies.
What have I learnt in terms of
professional filming?
Have I learnt about the importance of
content in shots?
What have I learnt when reviewing
and comparing my preliminary task to
my final piece?

36. I have already explained what I believe I have learnt over the course of this project on a technical
platform. In relation to planning and creative thinking in film production, I have developed my
knowledge a great deal. In both the W-W (Wilderness Woods) and preliminary task, the brief was in
fact a lot more complex and detailed compared to the final piece brief. The task for the first was
‘there’s something in the woods’ and the latter ‘a conversation between two people including
someone opening a door, maintain continuity and the 180 degrees rule’. In comparison, the final
piece was set as ‘the opening to a horror film of maximum length two minutes’. In this development
of available content for each film, I have expanded my imagination to conjure up more abstract
concepts through my now further extended knowledge of film making.

37. In relation to actual filming, this
is where I feel I have learnt the
most; rule of thirds, what was in
shot, how the style of filming will
affect plot, ideology and
logistics, to name the most
significant developments. Rule of
thirds was only touched upon in
the first two tasks, in a few shots
where it did not really affect
much. In the final, I actually did
not really consider rule of thirds,
instead I just appeared to film
everything, where possible, in a
state of rule of thirds without
even thinking about it. This also
helped what I chose to keep in
shot and what to exclude when
setting up shots.
In developing my awareness of how certain shots and the style of filming would affect the
plot and story, I believe that I have strengthened the sequence’s macro elements, which is a
more professional feature. This also meant more thought went into the creation of the
storyboard for the film. This again was something I learnt about; the importance of a strong
concept in the storyboarding phase.

38. Post production was something I had never used prior to the
final. The titles can be classed as the only post production
aspect of my short films in truth. Despite this, I learnt a lot
about the importance of professional looking titles in a film
opening.
I have learnt a lot about character
background; in the first task there
is no indication as to who the
person in shot actually is. This
skill then developed and in the
preliminary task more of a clue as
to social class was included as the
two characters featured were
wearing suits and the location as
well as plot seemed to shed more
light on these aspects. Finally, in
the opening sequence, there are
lots more hints as to who the
protagonist is, helped by the
contextual knowledge that it is a
horror opening. I learnt about how
to include more information about
the characters and how filming
would help this.
I have learnt about the importance of costume and props; there
were no props in the W-W film as there was not a lot of time in
planning. There was one prop in the preliminary task, which
was quite central to the plot. And finally, in the horror film,
there are five or more iconographic props such as the noose and
others that are not so such as the music player.

39. Use of diegetic/extra diegetic sound and
soundtrack has developed quite a lot. In the W-
W task there are some repeated sound clips
such as walking and lots of Freesound clips as
well as no soundtrack. So, this task was simple
in terms of sound editing and sound mix. The
preliminary task was just a conversation but a
soundtrack was introduced to develop tension
and significance of the situation. In the final
piece all sound aspects were covered and this
was because I understood the importance of
them as well as how to incorporate them into
the story.
In terms of location and lighting, the filming of
W-W was very restricted in terms of where I
could film, stuck on location. This meant that
content was also restricted in depth. I had to
make do in the preliminary task although the
brief was strict, filming in school limits the
possibilities. The final task was all planned and
iconography associated with horror was
available in the forest. I learnt about the
immediate impact a location has on the
audience’s perceptions and readings of what is
happening.
The narrative of all films were different; the W-W
one was quite open but generic in some ways in that
the setting was restricted, the preliminary task was
also very restricted and no contextual background
was available to be developed, and finally, the
horror opening was very in depth and detailed with a
lot more planning and consideration dedicated to it.
This is the self-interview we
performed to summarise our
question seven with some visual
and audible aids. Dan wrote the
script and I edited the piece.

40. In conclusion, I believe that personally I have learnt the most
about the many different aspects of film making. Before I had
very little knowledge of what actually went into producing a
film in terms of logistics and camera work too. Now, I
appreciate all of these things. I have developed my skills in film
making and I feel comfortable with all aspects of the industry as
a whole. I really enjoyed all of the project and now my intellect
on the subject has been strengthened, I would love to film many
more sequences and carry on developing my skills.