Evaluation: Progression of Skills
- Written by Manisha Dhokia and Lucy Parsons
15 March, 2014
Evaluation 6: Technologies
Skills Acquired From Technologies
In order to explain the ways in which I had gained new skills from the development process of the media product, I created the Prezi presentation in order to explain what I found useful, the strengths and limitations of the software and perhaps why they are used by bigger film developers and studios. The points cover the basis of the use of digital cameras, Final Cut Express, lighting, Live Type, Pixelmator, blogging and social networking.
14 March, 2014
Evaluation 5: Audience Research
Evaluation 5: Audience Research
How we changed the opening sequence to tailor needs for
audience:
We increased the volume of the production so that it
delivered a larger impact, as well as taking on board the audience feedback in
order to suit their needs. We had also added a heartbeat sound to build tension
so that the audience felt the music bought more suspense when watching the
opening sequence. We had also tried to brighten the start of the sequence where the setting was rather dark, however this had created a static effect and blurred the image on screen that had slightly detracted from the higher quality footage. It was difficult in order to follow all the feedback as some
of those who were interviewed were not fond of the thriller genre of the
sequence, so we had left the sequence how it had been in order to not contain too many genres within the same production.
Genre Signifiers:
We used genre signifiers throughout the sequence in order to
portray a realistic representation of a horror/thriller genre. We included the
generic conventions of the colour ‘red’ within the sequence, a connotation of
danger, blood and fear. In addition, the photographs were printed within black and
white, creating a mysterious tone as the absence of colour makes the sequence
generate narrative enigma. The ominous music overlaying the sequence,
created a foreboding tone which generated fear within the audience, a common
convention of other films within this genre. The general dark setting and shadows also are conventional of the thriller/horror genre, further creating more signifiers in order to clearly show the audience what the opening sequence genre is.
How was the opening sequence engaging:
Within the clip, we asked the respondents whether they
wanted to keep watching the film, most of which had replied yes. This was due
to the several narrative enigma codes that was present within the film, leaving
the audience questioning what may occur next. For example, the shot of the axe
makes the audience wonder why he has it as well as whether it may be used
within the end of the film. The various photo to camera shots give an indication as to where the film may also developing, making the audience wonder what may happen within the sequence later on. However, some respondents said the opening sequence was perhaps not very engaging, purely due to that fact that they are not interested within the genre of the film, which we could not change.
Audience Theory:
The uses and gratifications can be found within our opening
sequence, it provides escapism from their normal boring lifestyle, with
something to in capture their attention, however it may also fulfil entertainment needs as the sequence may seem to have suspense and tension. Our sequence also falls into the
Social interaction aspect of the theory as the audience gain an insight into
the circumstances of others, in this case, the teenage victim that is being
stalked upon, allowing the audience to identify with others and empathise with them. The opening sequence could also satisfy information needs as they audience are informed about serious issues, in this case, stalking. The fact present at the start of the sequence further emphasises this.
Audience Feedback:
Using the focus group, as seen within the video, we were able to gain feedback about our opening sequence from a range of genders who were the target audience. We had further asked more people within our class to watch the opening sequences and made changes in order to minimise the weaknesses of the production. Though the production had also been added onto YouTube, there had not been much feedback surrounding the comment box, however, we had people from the school further tell us about the opening sequence during lunch time.
- Filmed by Manisha Dhokia, Lucy Parsons and Alexandra James
- Written by Manisha Dhokia and Lucy parsons
13 March, 2014
Evaluation 4: Target Audience
Target Audience for ‘Obsessed’
Age: 15+
Gender: Male/Female
Social Demographic: Working
Class/Middle Class
Occupation:
Students/University students/Retail Jobs
Hobbies and Interests: The general
teenage target audience may enjoy socialising, going out with friends regularly
and visiting various clothing and food. They may typically enjoy watching
movies of the ‘thriller/horror’ genre as they may enjoy the thrill of getting
scared. The students may be dedicated to their education and work hard to
achieve their full potential at various forms of education they are currently
studying in. Other interests may include going to mainstream/popular events
such as concerts. They may often keep up to date with new trends in fashion and
technology, often buying the newest products that are released, allowing them
to relate to other characters within the opening sequence, such as the victim
‘Sarah’, and so may potentially be interested within a product like ‘Obsessed’.
Style: People of both genders may like
to follow trends and fashion in order to fit in with other people of their age
group. The may also care about their appearance and often buy products in order
to make themselves feel better. Though there are a mixed people from various
social demographic backgrounds, most of the viewers may be influenced by style
and want to consider that they can keep up with trends. The actors within the
opening sequence could be used to reflect its target audience, who in this case
may be fashionable and use the latest technological products like those within
the sequence. This may make the viewing experience perhaps more personal to the
target audience, and becoming absorbed within the product as it affects people
of their age and style views.
 |
| (Use of 'Twitter': New Technology) |
Personality: The typical
audience type may like to socialise with their friends and perhaps have a good
sense of humour, but can also be serious when necessary. Some other people who
fit within the target audience may be outgoing, bubbly and friendly, but often
influenced by the opinions of others and base their decisions on what they say,
typically a mainstream audience of teenagers. However, due to the increase in
‘indie’ products and styles adopted by new trends of teenagers, the film, being
an independent style, may appeal to the audience with this
personality. The general personality of the target audience may all have
the common liking for the film of our chosen genre, thriller, and their various
personalities allow them to view different situations through diverse
perspectives, allowing them to interpret the events their own ways, becoming
captivated by the visual representation of other characters similar to
themselves.
Media Grouping: The favourite
films for this target audience may be those that make them jump and feel
anxious about their surroundings, typically watching films that are new from
the horror genre such as ‘Insidious 2’ or thriller films like ‘Zodiac’ that
contain mysterious elements. The scenes may give an adrenaline rush to the
audience due to heightened tension, a common convention of films of the
thriller/horror genre. Though the audience may enjoy watching these films, they
may also enjoy watching mainstream television such as soaps (Eastenders) and
entertainment (X-Factor), being a mainly teenage audience.
Audience Theory: The Uses and
Gratifications theory is an approach to understand why people seek out various
media content for different purposes. This audience theory can enable our group
to target the audience specifically to suit their ‘entertainment’ needs. The ‘Personal
Identity’ aspect of the theory may also be fulfilled, as the audience is able
to find models of behaviour. Blumler & Katz theory suggests that a text
must ‘gratify an audience’s needs’. The use of ‘education’ could also be
loosely applied to the media product as the audience are given real statistics
on the screen, becoming aware of the problems that are encountered in real
life, making for a more sinister and freighting viewing experience.
Research:
We gave a questionnaire we designed to 15 volunteers
who completed the survey that offer both open and closed questions. The age
range for questionnaires were those aged 16-17 years old of both genders, who
were our initial target audience. This creates a varied response from different
genders so that we gain a good idea of what people think about our idea. This
gives our group a clear idea of what our target audience thinks about our
opening sequence idea and how it could be altered to create a more effective
opening sequence. From the results, we analysed what people had thought and
took their ideas into consideration when we film and create the opening
sequence.
The first question asked on the questionnaire asked
the respondents what their favourite genre of film was. This allowed us to gain
an understanding on what the most popular genre of film was and whether our
chosen genre, thriller, appealed to its target audience. From the results, we
found out that the preferred genre of the film is Thriller. This is
encouraging, as our group had decided to create the opening sequence within
this genre, with the second few favourite genres of Horror and Mystery also
likely to be present within our opening sequence, so the genre our sequence may
appeal to the target audience. We then asked what are expected to see within
the films of their favourite genre. There are various conventions within each
genre that cross over from each other, such as the use of weapons, narrative
enigma and hidden identities. These conventions listed by the volunteers allow
our group to select certain features that could potentially be used within our
opening sequence to make the audience aware of the genre of film they are
watching. These conventions could also give possibility of our group to gain a
chance to challenge conventions and create a slightly different opening
sequence within the same genre.
 |
| (Response to Question 1) |
The next few questions are based on the plot of our
opening sequence: “a mentally deranged man becomes obsessed with a typical
teenage girl who lives near him. He creates a project starting with just a few
pictures, however, over time his obsession grew to a point at which it drives
him into a spiral of despair that he cannot escape from.” We asked the
respondents what they thought of the plot and any ideas of how it could be
improved. The results showed that the majority of the volunteers felt the plot
was good. One respondent felt the plot was bad as it lacked a sense of danger
or uncertainty. Some other volunteers also felt that the plot lacked a ‘scary’
feel for the genre in which the sequence fits into. We felt the results were
promising as it shows that the majority of our target audience believes our
trailer is good or excellent from the 7th question. However, we took
on board the various concerns with the plot and slightly altered some scenes in
order to create a scarier feel. For example, by leaving weapons on show within
the last scene creating an eerie and sinister tone.
 |
| (Axe shown within last scene) |
We also asked some questions on some of the ideas we
decided to put within the sequence, such as masking the identity of Vincent,
the main character (stalker) within our sequence. Around 85% (13) of the
respondents felt that it was a good idea to mask the identity of the villain to
create a sense of mystery and uncertainty around the main character. However, around
15% (2) of the respondents felt that masking the identity of the stalker was
not a good idea as it was ‘cliché’ and that it would be more exciting if we
challenged conventions. In order to do this we did not completely mask the whole identity of the stalker, with some shots showing a side view of his face to create tension and questioning. The last question on the questionnaire asked if the
audience felt the plot of the film fits well with the genre we have decided to
go into. All the respondents felt that the plot does fit well within our genre
as various aspects links with other films within that genre. The majority felt
that our idea was good and related to the genre, however some felt that though
it related to the genre, that our sequence needs to be unique compared to other
films of the genre. We looked at the concerns and tried to adapt our film to
make sure it is convincing and effective in portraying our plot and
genre.
 |
| (Identity not compeltely masked of the stalker on the right hand side) |
As further research, I had created some question on my
blog page to allow audiences from around the world to directly and anonymously
give their opinions on the matter. The first question ‘what is you’re favourite
film genre?’ has had 52 responses so far, however still with extra days to make
further contribution. The results found that the first genre, horror, was the
most popular choice with 26% of all votes going to that genre, with joint
second with 17% of mystery and the action genre. This proves promising again
for our sequence, as the majority of those who visited the blog had picked the
genre of our opening sequence. Another question that was placed on the blog was
‘do you like to watch horror/thriller films’. The majority of respondents, 76%,
had said they did enjoy films of this genre, with 24% saying they do not.
Overall this is a good, strong basis for the film genre we have chosen as the
majority of people enjoy films from this genre. The final question was ‘how
many films do you watch each month?’ 67% of the response said 1-2 films each
month, perhaps suggesting they only watch the newer, mainstream films because
of popularity. 20% of respondents said they watch 3-4 films, which may be more
interested within the film industry and watch films as a hobby or interest.
Overall, the results displayed on the blog have helped our group to define its
genre and to ensure that it may prove successful to its chosen market.
 |
| (Questions used on Blog) |
It is essential for our group to target a specific
audience for our opening sequence as it enables us to make a convincing film of
the chosen genre. The audience will gain information on specific characters
within the film, however, narrative enigma may be used in order to make the
audience question why certain things happen, creating a sense of tension and
suspense. These techniques can all be used to entice the audience and make them
engaged with the opening sequence of the film. Targeting a specific audience
also affects certain events and features of the opening sequence, with the
majority of the target audience being teenagers, a teenage cast was needed to
allow the audience to relate to the characters on screen and so become
engrossed within the film, and successfully entertaining them.
12 March, 2014
Evaluation 3: Distribution
Media Institutions: Film Distribution
A film distributor is a
company or individual responsible for the marketing for a film. These
distributors may set the release date or when the film is available for
viewing, such as theatrically or home viewing. A limited distributor may deal
only with particular products such as DVD’s or Blu-ray, or perhaps act in
particular countries or markets.
Film Distributors control
the marketing and circulation of movies in theatres and also home viewing,
playing a huge part within the success of a film. The film itself is the
biggest factor in whether or not a film is successful, however the distribution
is nearly as important. The distributors decide how much and often the film
should be advertised, such as through TV commercials, on the Internet, within
magazine, posters, trailers (as well as within the cinema), special promos, and
other methods. This is crucial for the film as it gains awareness within the
media and entice the audience to become interested about the product.
The distribution companies
also decide how many theatres the film will be screened in, as well as the
length of time. This gives the film financial support allows the companies to
maximise their revenue, depending on the success of the film.
Film distributors could be
seen as more important for smaller, independent films as they are less known
and need to utilise marketing methods to build awareness of the film. Also, as
these films tend to use new, upcoming actors rather than established ones, it may
be harder to gain an audience as the consumer are expecting big name stars who
they admire or enjoy watching on screen. Film festivals like ‘The London Film
Festivals’ and the ‘Sundance Film Festival’ are so important as it is a common
place where distributors sign films, with smaller films now gaining support and
funding for the marketing of their products.
Maxim Media:
Maxim Media International
is the largest worldwide distributor of independent horror and thriller films.
The library of indie horror, thriller, paranormal, and reality/shock films are
the main focus of the company, especially similar to the area of our film
‘Obsessed’. Founded in 2000 by industry veteran Darrin Ramage, the company has
grown to represent a library of over 300 films. Through the horror film
distribution channels of ‘Maxim Media’, they are able to reach the global
entertainment market and have licensed film rights to nearly all major
territories.
Most, if not all, the films
Maxim Media distribute are from independent or indie film companies, targeting
a niche market rather than mainstream market. They specialise in horror and
thriller films, linking to the genre of ‘Obsessed’, being focused within a
mixture of these genres. Some of the films they have distributed currently include:
‘The Innocent’, ‘Nightmare Asylum’ and ‘Wild Justice’.
‘Obsessed’ may be a
suitable film for this distribution company as it is designed and created to
fit in within a niche audience appose to large mainstream audiences. The use of
camera work and shots, such as POV shots and many tracking shots, give a more
indie outlook that may be successful within a smaller, niche market. The use of
sound is also ambiguous and unique, unlike the generic audio used by large,
established films, allowing the opening sequence we have created to be used
with this distribution company.
Having many international
distribution channels, the company may be able to create DVD’s and Blu-ray
copies of the film, Limited theatrical release (with smaller films perhaps not suitable
for trailers, being a highly competitive market), Worldwide cable, satellite
and Internet video on demand, allowing partnership within cable, hotel, box-top
and other methods of video on demand. The Internet may also be used to allow
audiences to stream, download or to rent the movies. International DVD release
is another method that may be used, having regularly selling DVD rights to
distributors. Some of the companies they are in partnership with include
Netflix, Amazon, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, iTunes, Xbox Live, Verizon and
Sony Entertainment.
New Line Film
Productions inc. (New Line Cinema):
New Line Cinema is an
American film studio founded in 1967 by Robert Shaye as a film distribution
company, later becoming an independent film studio. It became a subsidiary
first of Turner Broadcasting, then Time Warner in 1996 and was merged with its
larger studio Warner Bros in 2008. This company had continued its long and
successful history of producing critically acclaimed hit films that resonate with
both mainstream and niche audiences globally. Throughout its history, New Line
Cinema has created some of the most successful film franchises in history, with
its most popular films including ‘The Mask’, the ‘Austin Powers’ titles, ‘Hairspray’,
‘Rush Hour’, ‘Elf’, ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Wedding Crashers’. New Line became
a unit of Warner Bros. Entertainment in March 2008. The company maintains
separate development, production, marketing, distribution and business
operations, but coordinates those functions with Warner Bros to maximise film
performance and operating efficiencies.
The films produced by this
company are both for niche as well as mainstream audiences, with a well
established marketing, production and distribution reputation, they may be able
to use ‘Obsessed’ within their practises. One of the mainstream hits they had
distributed in the past, that our opening sequence had been based on, is the
film ‘Se7en’. Many similar technique and aspects had been taken from this film
into our own sequence, such as the short clips or props and images throughout
the sequence. With Se7en being a well-established film with much success, it
could be replicated with the ‘Obsessed’ sequence as it has the ability to
target a wider audience, despite using many independent filming techniques.
This film company also does not focus on a particular genre, perhaps a downfall
for the thriller/horror genre movies, however many of its hits were from this
genre, such as the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’,
again allowing the ability to target wider audiences who may have similar
interests.
‘Obsessed’ comes under a
category of horror, thriller and mystery films, perhaps relating to some of the
previous hits distributed by this company. Its independent style may prove a
change to the conventional films of this genre and allow the audience to
experience a different sort of film that may prove successful. Though aspects
had been taken from Se7en, it still remains unique and different with the use
of specialised props, actors and cinematography, yet the similar aspects to the
film allow audiences to relate to the genre of the film. New Line Cinema
distribute a variety of various films, so in some way the genre may not be as
important, their audience is highly diverse with various films accounting for
the different successes for the films that had been distributed. However, being
a large, multi-national firm, they may be suitable to distribute ‘Obsessed’ as
they have experience, funding as well as reputation to distribute the product
and perhaps make it a success.
Supernova Studios:
At the start of our opening
sequence, we created a distribution/production company to create an authentic
feel for the product. ‘Supernova Studios’ could be described as an independent
film distributor, offering products to a niche market. Not being as large as
other companies such as New Line Cinema, it still has the ability to create
awareness for the product. This ‘made up’ company could perhaps reflect those
like Maxim Media, who focus on a smaller niche market rather than large
multinational organisations.
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