How did you address/attract your audience?

I knew that, when planning the construction and factors within my piece, an important concept which would arise is location, location, location!

Bearing in mind that members of the population who actually live within an urban surrounding attend the cinema more often than those of rural surrounding, i knew i would need to mold my piece around this factor. I wanted to predominantly display familiarity within opening to create more relevance, hence many shots displaying locations recognised as an urban area (left). But as you can see i have incorporated images recognised as rural locations (middle) and even a mixture of the two types of area (right). Not only does this fit well with the unfamiliar storyline, but it also creates a sense of variety, which was credited within my audience responses.

when adapting a media product, every part of it, down to what titles you use needs to become relevant not only to the story, but your audience. Realising that the genre of my piece could fall under the 'art house' style and what audience it would attract, i knew that big bubble writing wouldn't do. I decided to use the 'snellround' font within Final Cut Express as this quite italic looking wording had quite a mature, polished look to it. I wanted to display titles that would work in parallel with the style of the piece, as i believe that creating too many in-ordinary factors in the construction would over-complicate the narrative, hence leaving the audience disconnected.

Within my audience research i asked several willing candidates the question 'What do you think makes a good psychological thriller?'. Answers include that, 'it's a bit scary, has a bit of mystery', 'choppy scenes' and 'gradual increase in pace'. As i digested these views, i could get a clearer picture on the ideal structure of my narrative. As you can see from my piece, i have incorporated the change of pace e.g variation of length in shots, moving shots. I have, to hopeful appreciation, achieved a sense of mystery through my choice of mise-en-scene e.g. supernatural being (suited man), black and white colouring. I would have incorporated many other ideas, but i was restricted to only the views of those within the school. So in this case, concepts such as regional identity would have played a part, meaning that an audience within a different part of the U.K or elsewhere might have a different taste or viewpoint.

I would consider that the most attractive factor for my chosen audience would be the 'supernatural' concept. This concept tends to be quite widely appreciated through the age range as it is different ; unconventional in relation to every day occurrences. And although this film would tend to attract the more aficionados viewer, mainstream viewers can appreciate the story also, as the 'supernatural' concept allows the viewer to lose themselves in the cinematic world of fiction, providing escapism from everyday stress.

Director's commentary

this is in response to question 1

Who would be the audience for your media product?

After seeing the completed product, i find it harder to outline a specific target audience for my media product, as i believe it varies slightly. If i were to create a focus group, they would ideally be aged from 16 to 30 and of middle class.  This isn't my choice simply due to that fact that the highest proportion of cinema goers are within this group, but because of the taste this specified group would tend towards.

The younger proportion of this group would hopefully find the piece popular, as the main character 'William' is of similar age, and so they can relate and connect more intimately. A disadvantage may be that there's more 'Psychology' than 'Thriller', causing less focus and induced boredom. But that's the fine line you have to balance on when making a psychological thriller.

Alternatively, the older proportion would be more attracted to the thought provoking factors of the film as, bearing in mind their social class, they would thrive in media products which challenge their intelligence. The art-house influences, such as the black & white mise-en-scene should be a popular attraction also. But again, the disadvantage would depend on the equilibrium of 'Thriller' and 'Psychology'.

Ideally, they would have an interest in films of a similar genre, such as 'Donnie Darko, memento and Shutter Island'. Independent, Art house films are seen when they have the time, although it is easier for them to attend the local city cinema to view more mainstream films. This is why i have chosen this sort of audience, as they enjoy both the art-house and mainstream style, which is what i have tried to converge in my piece.

here is an example of the ideal audience member: 'Brad is 22. He enjoys his social life, spending much time with his mates e.g. hitting the pubs, clubs or other social recreations. But in his spare time he likes to take part in more intellectual activities, such as reading or watching psychological thrillers.'

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Research:

To form my research, i studied information on various websites such as YouTube and Wikipedia. I focused more on the facts and advice in concern of filming technique, as i wanted to be prepared with a larger range of filming skills before i actually got the camera rolling. YouTube was used predominantly as i find it far easier to learn practical skills through a visual image medium. This website not only helped with research on filming technique, but also editing technique and strategies. Many step by step videos are available, which make using the editing software seem highly user friendly. I have to admit, i frequently alternated between my editing software and this savior of a website.

Filming:

I had filmed my main piece using a Canon HF M306 HD camcorder. Holding shots steady on static shots was far from taxing, due to the help of my trusty ole tripod. However, moving shots posed a challenge as they took a lot more effort to keep steady, while holding the camera. Next time, i would probably bring a bike when shooting as i would imagine it makes moving shots a whole lot smoother. certain shots were made in manual focus e.g. The mirror shot, as wanted certain material elements to appear more in focus, but on more wide shots e.g. The pathway shot, autofocus was used to create a more natural picture. I was quite lucky in that i was using a Micro SD camcorder, as opposed to DV tape, because the quality of picture would have been noticebly worse using DV. In that respect, i am very happy with the quality of footage i have captured.











Editing:

 I used Final Cut Express as my editing software, as owning a Mac made using this program very convenient. I could have used IMovie as it came stock with the computer, but final cut seemed so much more appealing and, although i didn't use many of its facilities, i took full advantage of the ones that posed beneficial to my idea. Perhaps if i had used specific effects such as the 'Unbleached processing effect', which was discovered after completion, the clips would have looked more washed out and hyper-real. This process was used in films such as 'Se7en" and 'Saving Private Ryan' and gives the film more of a rawer, edgy look. After realising the vast amount of tools and facilities this software uses, I've decided that i would gladly use it again in future projects.

   

                    Both Facebook and Blogger, predominantly Blogger, have allowed me to share my ideas, display my progression and give others the opportunity to comment and criticize. Blogger has made coursework far less strenuous as it saves writing information down on paper (which can be lost) and instead, provides a reliable and readily accessible network.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Bearing in mind that my film falls beneath a more 'art house' style, i can not see it being produced by any mainstream film studios. So bearing in mind that the film is highly unlikely to reach the Mass market, i would need to converge with a film company who specializes in independent films.

these are the possibilities:

Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation is a Canadian-American entertainment company. The company was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, but is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. As of 2007, it is the most commercially successful independent film and television distribution company in North America.

Focus Features (formerly USA Films, Universal Focus and Good Machine) is the art housefilms division of NBC Universal's Universal Pictures, and acts as both a producer and distributor for its own films and a distributor for foreign films.

Working Title Films is a British film production company, based in London, UK. The company was founded by Tim Bevan and Sarah Radclyffe in 1983. It produces feature films with notable films such as Billy Elliot, Shaun of the Dead and The Calcium Kid under it's belt and produces several television productions.

 Despite all producing independent films, I think 'Working Title Films' would be most interested. Being a British written, directed and produced film, 'Seraphim' would not become an oddity among the other known titles produced by this company. The most convenient would be to go for 'Focus features' as previously stated, they distribute their own films. This means i wouldn't have to be responsible for releasing the film to the public, through theatrical release or DVD.

In terms of advertising, in the case that neither companies contribute, due to a predictable lower budget, i would have to rely more on social networks e.g. Myspace and facebook, printable advertising e.g posters, billboards, in addition to word of mouth.

If my film was accepted by one of these production companies I would hope to have it premier at 'The Sundance Film Festival. This is a film festival that takes place annually in the state of Utah, in the United Staes. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The main character (William) vaguely represents the social group of urban teenagers, although he conveys more meaning. He seems isolated, misunderstood, and riddled, but this is just a phase everyone goes through as they grow up, right?

As i compare William in my opening with the character of Jimmy Smith (8 Mile) in that opening, i begin to see similar traits.  Both of these characters share the characteristic of isolation, even though Jimmy is beyond his teenage years. This tells me that, although people are generally categorized into specific social groups, human beings are all capable of experiencing the same feelings.

Both characters spend a large proportion of the opening alone, either by personal choice or social influence. The difference between the two though is that Jimmy's isolation is emphasised through the fact that he's practically the only white male within the local underground hip-hop scene, so there are clues to possible social influences. On the other hand, William seems to have taken solitary by choice, seeing as he hasn't been outcast by all social groups; we see his mate 'Jonesy' at the end of the sequence.


Despite initial reasons of isolation, both characters aren't as purposeless as you may think.  Deeper thought is conveyed within both characters, for example- the shot of William, alike Jimmy, staring into the mirror long and hard, as though he's trying to find something. Jimmy aspires to be a well known hip-hop artist and has the skill aswell as mental clarity to reinforce manifestations, but his path is blurred and it's a struggle to find his way. William's block is more obscure, as he does not actually realise his potential and what he's destined to achieve if he simply grasps the opportunity. In this respect, William's dilemma is far more psychological. It is quite ironic that both characters problems present a strength in the other's world, reinforcing how non-beneficial isolation has become.

  I believe this shows that problems arise within every persons life, despite social background or culture. Opportunities come and go, but it takes realisation and drive to grasp them

evaluation questions

In the evaluation the following questions must be answered:

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?


How does your media product represent particular social groups?


What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?


Who would be the audience for your media product?


How did you attract/address your audience?


What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?


Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression 
from it to the full product?




I think if i were to answer these questions only in essay or short answer form, the audience wouldn't have a real idea of what's going on in my head. So i think if i answer at least a couple, if not all, of my questions in the form of a director's cut, it will become far more interesting as well as understandable.

audience feedback

•  "actors were good. Performance didn't look fake at all! logo was good and had relevance."
• "good range of movement, shots follow him then turn into being stationary. Great use of stopping music in the market to add effect. Could have been more innovative in the way you move from location to location"
• "good use of camera angles although the music seemed a bit fast for the pace of editing. I like the change of colour in the last shot. Overall it's pretty interesting though."
• "really cool! I like the man in the suit with no face as it draws in the audience. good editing with a range of shot angles. Music also seems to fit the genre of the film that you're going for. So good, i wish it was a real film!"
• "used a great range of camera shots which really help to create a sense of mystery. The use of the black and white effect was working well with the effect you were trying to get across, and the way that you fitted in the titles worked well with piece."
• "like the camera shots used-especially the one from above and the graffiti shots. Ending was interesting and also quite funny as well."
• "I liked the idea with the creepy man as it was something different. The reflection in the mirror was also effective + I liked the scene at the end walking through the deserted market."
• " The mise-en-scene is used well e.g. the low key lighting fits well with the music and storyline."
• "I would have kept it all black and white. Spinning in the market was awesome. Good shots with holly and the man walking under."
• "some excellent shots. Use of black and white with location works very well. The last few shots make it seem a bit like a trailer rather than an opening. An excellent piece of work though! would love to see more."
• Really good shots & editing.  Black & white mise-en-scene is very effective with the character contrasting with the background. Very good, well done!"

I have read these criticisms thoroughly and agree to the accuracy of the vast majority. It seems that the black & white effect was rather popular as well as the range of shots. In concern of the ending making the piece seem like i trailor, i had done this purposely as explained in the video, the next sequence of shots after the opening reveal a different perspective on William's life and so i thought it would be fitting to place in a split, so the audience would clarify a contrast.  Overall, I'm very pleased with the reactions!

After the shoot

'Seraphim'- the final cut

'Seraphim' Narrative

My opening sequence will be told from the perspective of William. The narrative would develop into a mix of outside perspectives as well as William's after the opening two minute sequence, which would allow the audience to get the impression that there's an oddity in William's point of view. Material elements will include a drain with running water, the jouney of the main protaganist walking through the city, the city itself and short images of the supernatural being remained still. I will have the films' title appear at the end of the sequence, which may make the piece seem like i trailor, but i feel that it's necessary as the next sequence of shots after the opening reveal a different perspective on William's life. So i thought it would be fitting to place in a split, so the audience would clarify a contrast.

I find that having events withing the story take place chronologically quite ironic. Excluding the possibility that flashbacks may take place at some point in the film, creating a non-linear narrative would blur the mise-en-scene. I want to convey the message that the oddest of things can happen in the most bland or straight frorward situation, and so, I don't think that it would fit in with the concept of my film; the main character goes through a journey and the audience need to see William's progress from a confused young man who has no sense of purpose, to a person of a higher calling and more purpose than he could imagine.

credits order

1. 'Hide & Seek productions'
2. Hide & Seek productions presents
3. a Jack Gould production
4. Shaun Mckay
5. Josh Mantle
6. Alex Warner
7. John Woods
8. Omar Ross
9. Matthew Johnson
10. Andre Liotta
11. Jason Conrade
12. Alex Cartwright
13. Bruce Dillinger
14. Casting- Bob Silva
15. Costume designer- Mark Brown
16.  Music by- Murdok
17. Written and directed by- Jack Gould
18.  'SERAPHIM'

opening sequence soundtrack

I've come to the conclusion that i'll be using 'Imogen Heap -2-1 (Murdok remix)' as my soundtrack. I sent Murdok a message on his facebook page and this is what he said...

storyboard

costume

When trying to picture the supernatural being I couldn't imagine how it would look facially, as i wanted certain human aspects to be absent. So one night i watched a few films in hope to find some sort of inspiration. After having having a skim through the film 'Watchmen' I'd found it! The character 'Rorschach' visually captured the characteristics and mood i was going for. I believe that we, as humans, have become increasingly scared of what we don't know and so i wanted this characters identity to be uncertain and out of the ordinary.

items of clothing:

• morphsuit-ordered especially for production
• suit jacket, trousers, white shirt, black tie,  formal laced shoes- my sixth form outfit

I think the suit matches the characters role within the film, as you find out after the sequence that he's there because it's its job to be there, hence the business like suit.

 In terms of the character of William, i had no clear picture as to what he would wear specifically, other than using darker apparel. So i had a skim over some of Shaun's (actor) Facebook pictures to see if he owned anything that would be suitable and i had found the ideal top. As you can see it is a black, 3 buttoned jumper.

I took preference with items such as this over something like a hoody as i wanted a more mature taste to match his adolescent age, in addition to the art house style of film. I had him keep it simple with what he wore on his legs and feet, restricting his choice to darker jeans and smart, black shoes

William has conformed with the society around him for all of his life and i wanted to match this lifestyle with what he wears. So hoods, leopard skin trousers or 'Bling' would be a big no no.

potential film names

• Lacuna
• Pith
• Arc
• Seraphim

I've decided that it is to be called.............Seraphim!

Seraphim is the plural form of the word 'Seraph', meaning a type of celestial being in Judaism and Christianity. Literally "burning ones", the word is normally a synonym for serpents when used in the Hebrew Bible, but they are mentioned in the Book of Asaiah as fiery six-winged beings attending on God.

In medieval Christian theology, the Seraphim belong to the highest choir of the Christian angelic hierarchy.

Audience research

Research into narrative

Narrative is the art of storytelling, something we all do in our day to day lives. It's an important part of our lives and something that we value quite highly, considering the amount of time we all spend in front of the television screen ingesting narratives.




  PSYCHO-shower scene narration analysis

Each shot has been joined to the next using straight cuts e.g. (shot1) of her sitting at a desk in her dressing gown, writing in a notebook. Following the rules of continuity this is then matched with the next shot (shot 2), a detail shot of the notebook showing her calculations. The dissolve technique is used between the shot of the shower drain and the shot of Marion’s eye.

Abrupt changes of pace are employed within the scene e.g. As Marion starts her shower the pace accelerates and remains measured with each shot lasting 4-5 seconds until shot 18. The next shot of a figure of darkness positioned behind the shower curtain, raising a knife lasts 17 seconds. The function of this is to take us from the peaceful solitude of Marion’s shower through rising tension to the moment of crisis.

The shot of blood flowing down the shower drain and the eyeshot is matched within the same sequence. Graphic matching is used to create a smooth visual transfer from one shot to the next.

This sequence is constructed in a discontinuous manner. The scene runs for three minutes and includes fifty cuts. Like previously explained, many shots are placed within the sequence before the appearance of the dark figure to create a contrast. Tension is built up to moment of crisis, then as the figure begins to stab, shots return to a faster pace, conveying the frenzy of the attack.

The film-maker utilises compilation sequences e.g. 9 shots are used, showing Marion showering from various camera angles. This is done to follow the rules of continuity so that the narrative is clear and easy to follow.

The film-maker utilises cross-cutting within this sequence e.g. Norman spies on Marion briefly through a hole in the wall and then returns to the Bates house. He is seen from behind slouching resignedly around the ground floor. The action returns to the interior of Marion’s cabin. I believe this emphasises the separation between the two characters (the feelings of love aren’t mutual).

Sound is being used in conjunction with editing in a very obvious way e.g. Sound is kept very quiet and low-key up until the later part of this sequence, matching Marion’s feeling of relaxation as she showers. This all changes at the point by which the curtain is pulled back and the figure of darkness raises a knife. Sudden dramatic violin sounds accompany this moment and further emulate the stabbing motion, dramatically enhancing the sense and horror of what is taking place. The change in music to much slower, deeper notes indicates the next change in pace (after the murderer’s exit).

chosen production title

I decided to go with 'Hide & Seek productions' as it sounded a bit more catchy than 'Gargoyle productions'.

As you can see, i kept the design fairly simple, but still quite attractive. I think that following the words with initials gives the title solidity and allows the viewer to remember the image within its simplicity.