Question 6: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

PRE-PRODUCTION

HARDWARE

·        Personal flip camera

o       Used to document evidence of processes throughout the project.

o       Easy and efficient to use on location / whilst scouting and planning.

o       Helpful to create a visual storyboard.

SOFTWARE

Mainly used as methods of communication:

·        Our blogs

·        Facebook – also allowed us to contact our target audience in post-production

·        Skype – Video calling and screen control, meaning we could show each other    techniques by controlling the other person’s screen.

·        Blackberry Messenger

o       We created a “Madhouse Media” group, which allowed us to communicate using instant messenger, and also keep organised by syncronising key dates and lists of information in the Blackberry calendar.

• Xbox live - We new we would be on this console a lot since we enjoy playing on it together so we also used this opportunity to talk about our coursework project.

PRODUCTION

·        We used 1 hour long tapes and since we only recorded around 45 minutes on each shoot, we didn’t have to change the tape on shoot.

·        We encountered a technical failure when inserting the tape, however persistence prevailed and were able to record over that shoot weekend.

·       
 I learned how to use manual settings, which enabled me to experiment with shot variations including contra-zoom and focus pulls.

·        Cameras were HD compatible, however we shot in standard definition to avoid complications in post production. This caused grainy footage --> in future I would shoot in HD to get a more professional finish.

·        Boom-mic

·        Shotgun-mic

    3 settings depending on the distance you want to record sound from. You should use the “shotgun” setting when recording dialogue, however a whirring sound can be heard from the tape inside the camera. à in future I would use a boom-mic to reduce interfering noise.

·        Tripod

·        headphones

·        Halogen lights

POST-PRODUCTION

TITLES

·        Livetype

     Software on the Mac, which enables great customisation in titles, which were most appropriate for our opening sequence. We used this software and then exported them to the PC.

      Easy software to use, however we did encounter issues with pixelation after exporting. These issues were rectified.

AUDIO

·        Internet – Searched and downloaded royalty free drones (inspired by Paranormal activity and The Dark Knight)

EDITING

·        Adobe Premiere Pro

    Here we could capture footage, organise our shots and edit it together in separate sequences.

    Enabled us to experiment with grading, transitions 9both audio & visual), slo-mo.

·        Main issue was the grading often pixelated images, which was key in our project since aimed to heavily contrast the reds with the blues.

EXHIBITION

·        We screened our film to an audience
            Projector / Whiteboard

Surround sound system

·        In hindsight, I would raise the volume to ensure the drones had maximum effect.

·        Facebook

·        Posters

Together they proved to be effective since the audience turnout actually exceeded the projections, meaning some didn’t get a seat.