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I am pleased to say that I have finished my blog for my AS media Studies. We as a group worked extremely hard throughout the project and hope you find my blog pleasing. Feel free to watch our Preliminary Task videos and our Final Piece. Enjoy.

Evaluation Task - Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task - 

Since our preliminary task, there is an amount of aspects that have changed, concerning the organisation of our group. Our planning has become more structured and our organizational skills have rapidly improved. Our communication has enhanced swiftly and we worked better as a group. As a group we connected, and set each other different tasks in order for all of us to make the deadlines and achieve high standards.  Our understanding of each other’s abilities has helped us to identify where we work best and use those skills to perform tasks to the best of our abilities.

When comparing our preliminary task to our main task, the opening sequence, we see a big change and mass development in our work. Our main task look very professional compared to the preliminary task. We noticed that because of the organisational factors that changed due to commitment and seriousness, our preliminary task looked like a sketch where as our main task looks more like a film that we would enjoy watching in the cinema.

We stuck to continuity editing to make the sequence look very realistic and not put off viewers of what they were watching. We used a variety of shots in our sequence ranging from ‘Close Ups’ to ‘360 Degrees’ shots, we were very dynamic with our shot choice. There was a scene where dialogue was shot in the opening sequence. The dialogue was picked up nicely and saved us from going to purchase a microphone in order to film the dialogue.

Evaluation Task - Technologies

Technologies - 

During the filming of our main task, we used a variety of different technologies to put it together. From cameras to software’s we picked out and used different technologies and demonstrated the use of them in our final piece. The camera that we used to film our opening sequence was the fantastic ‘Canon EOS 60D’ which we found was light and easy to work with. Canon's X0D series has throughout its life, attracted a wide range of photographers, from fans and semi-pros through to some pros who appreciated having a lightweight option. The camera was a great choice because it offered us wide range of colour variations (or 'Ambiences') which could be applied to the image when using the scene modes, and whose effect can be previewed on screen in Live View.

The 60D gave us the ability to convert raw files to jpeg in-camera, including the option to correct for lens aberrations including distortion and chromatic aberration. As an added bonus, we could looking back apply new 'Creative Filters' to files that we had shot, including 'Grainy Black and White' and 'Toy Camera' looks. The video allowed us to upload our video in the HD option of 1080p.

 Next we used the Glidecam HD 2000. This camera stabilizer assisted us to transform the hard to watch, shaky camera footage into hypnotically smooth, professional footage. The stabilizer enabled the camera to float, be balanced and isolated from our hands undesirable motions. We were free to move with the camera - panning, tilting, booming or running without any camera instability or shake. This benefited us in many ways e.g. filming specific shots such as the 360 degrees shot in our opening sequence.

Next we used a Tripod which is the standard piece of common equipment used for still-shot filming also similar to the Glidecam Camera stabilizer, helped with panning and tilting in still shots. The tripod helped us in spaces where the Glidecam was not efficient and unnecessary. 

We used a range of lenses like the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II Lens and the Canon EF-S Zoom Lens 18 mm - 55 mm - f/3.5-5.6 IS MK II, which assisted us in filming shots in and out of focus when needed.

To edit our opening sequence, we used the software iMovie. A built-in library automatically organized our footage, so all the clips we’d captured were just a click away. iMovie made it quick and easy to browse the library and create our opening sequence and was also very simple to upload our video to YouTube with options to do it straight after editing. Enabling us to put our camera shots together simple all that was left was to add music and a few effects and the sequence was done.  The work was exported from iMovie and shared to YouTube so we could post to the blog.

We used music from an underground artist from Islington named ‘Joe Black’. We used two tracks from his mixtape named 'Reallionaire'.

Overall the technologies that we used in this season has benefited us massively, giving us the professional effect which is reflected in our work and final piece.

Evaluation Task - Target Audience

Target Audience - 

Our target audience for our piece was set after our market analysis research and focus group with the students ranging from the age of 15- 18 was completed. For our film to appeal to this particular audience we chose young characters and themes which people of this age group would normally be able to relate to. After all of the research was completed, we found that a lot of teenagers between our bracketed age range preferred the movie genre of drama. Since this was the type of genre that we first planned on doing we decided to continue with it.

The youth of today’s society is very much aware of the thrill of gangs, gang violence and gun crime. Quite recently, being in a gang has become a trend among them. This video is aimed to make the youth of today aware of just how dangerous getting involved in gangs, gang violence, and gun crime really is. The video is aimed to make them streetwise and to understand that being involved in petty gangs and gang crimes is pointless and not worth you putting your life at risk. We want them to see that it shouldn't be the majority of them getting involved in this ‘trend’, but instead, should be a minority.The props we used also related to the stereotype of gangs as the characters involved were hooded and used a tool [in this case a gun]. Also, the use of street language/slang was included in the film. This was done so that the target audience would be able to relate to the film more. The location setting of the film may also have appealed to the audience as the estate would be seen as a typical place where a scenario similar to this is more likely to occur.

We [as a group] have decided that, because of the themes used within the film e.g. [moderate violence], it should be restricted to the age group of 15.

Evaluation Task - Institutions

Institutions-

Revolver entertainment is a marketing-lead, all rights film distribution company that was founded in 1917. It has operations in both London and Los Angeles. One thing that revolver is well-known for would be the promotional stunts that they host. Examples of this would be the Zombie gathering in Leicester Square, in which they tried to beat the world record for this as a promotional stunt for their film ‘The Zombie Diaries’. Another example would be the fact that they were superimposing the facers of political leaders onto Kidulthood billboards in London. One of their most recent successes would be the action thriller Shank. Revolver entertainment films are usually distributed by Magnolia home entertainment. We decided that Revolver entertainment was the most suitable film institution to support, sponsor and help produce our film. This is because of the fact that they have previously sponsored a range of national-scale drama films like Kidulthood and Shank. These films were all successful and reached the aim and standard that they wanted to achieve.

I would say that the budget for our filming would be around 400,000 pounds. This is including the costs of the payment for actors, props, production, equipment, marketing campaign and anything else that we may need for the production of the film.

If everything goes to plan, the film will hopefully be shown in multiplex cinemas. This would work to our advantage because of the fact that they have a wider audience range, they offer deals such as orange Wednesdays which again will increase the amount of people that come to the cinema’s to watch films. This especially appeals to younger audiences as they only have a limited amount of money to spend on things like films. This is because the majority of teenagers are in school/college and aren’t working. I would say that channels like ‘Channel 4’, ‘E4’ and ‘BBC Three’ would show our film; this is because of the fact that their main audience are young teenagers that would be interested in this type of movie genre. They would most probably put it on in the evening after 9’o’clock as the film does contain some moderate violence.

Evaluation Task - Representation

Representation -

In terms of social groups our production has focused on British youth. All of our actors were of similar age between 16-18, which shows how people of similar age and background will come together to do something in order to make the task easier for both good and bad reasons. Age and levels of power were not related in our production as, in reality just because a person is older does not necessarily grant them power, as even though the older character Damien had the car, Cavell possessed the firearm, which gave him a higher sense of power although his confidence had been taken by the loss of his mother. In today’s society it is common for youth to become independent of their parents at a young age as many single mothers cannot afford to provide for their children’s expensive lifestyles and as a result they feel they need to provide for themselves. In our character Cavell’s situation he has lost his mothers support completely due to her passing away and has no official job and now has to live with his girlfriend. Though his situation may seem little farfetched, parents giving up on their children is becoming more and more of a reality each day. Many young prisoners in the UK claim that they “had no choice” or the “had to commit crime to get by”. We believe that Cavell’s situation captures these comments and his actions reflect somebody in a similar position.

Our location is a block of flats in Ponders End in the London borough of Enfield with an electronic security door, which regulates who enters and exits the building. Flats and estates are where most gangs are formed due to the close proximity of each flat and the community that is formed by this. Many flats are owned by the council and are rented cheaply to poorer families. This poverty and the want for expensive mobile phones and clothes lead to crime as there are very few jobs available and it is quicker and easier for gangs to do. 

 The first character to be introduced is Cavell who at first looks like a normal teenager getting out of bed but in the morning but this changes slightly as he look very downbeat as if he has no fight left in him. Cavell leaves the flat dressed in dark colours with no emotion on his face further emphasising his sorrow at the loss of his mother. From the setting Cavell is in he looks neither poor or wealthy as the bedroom he woke up in was well furnished but not over the top and the whole block of flats look well maintained showing that the area is quite good. From the flat door all the way to the car Cavell walks lethargically and once he enters the car doesn't even greet Damien just sits down and waits until Damien speaks first. This fully captures his sorrow, as he doesn't even want to speak to his close friend in a time like this. Subsequent to this Cavell presents the gun to Damien which completely changes the audiences perception of Cavell from an emotionally trouble teen to a young criminal. He is now represented as a menace to society as opposed to his earlier representation as a victim of society [no parents].

Evaluation Task - Conventions

Conventions - 

One of the most obvious conventions of a UK film is the accents and the music it contains as only UK films use “Grime music”. The first sound the audience hears is an un-copyrighted track by the UK grime artist Joe black. Automatically this points to a UK youth film coupled with typical UK flat layout the audience is shown afterwards. The clothes Cavell is wearing is typical of British Films with its dark theme, in other countries on a sunny day it would be out of the ordinary to see somebody dressed in dark clothing and a body warmer however this is a typical convention of British teens. A typical convention of gangsters is the way they walk or bop around, Cavell walks with a swagger regardless of his emotional position, this could show how he’s been a thug for so long it has become part of his while life affecting everything he does. Another convention used is the use of a hood, Damien is driving his car whilst wearing his hood behind heavily tinted glass, this connotes that he is trying to hide himself or something from somebody possibly the Police. Just the possession of a firearm is a crime that is highly punishable in the UK, knowing this to have one would mean you have to have a lot of money to get a hold of one and guns are created to kill people so to need one would make one assume that they are murderers or are involved in deep criminal activities.

Our opening sequence does look like an opening sequence as we have used many cuts to show the pace of the story; we have also introduced the main characters in the film quite early in opening. From only seeing the film opening that we have created we believe that an audience would know what type of film is to follow. Opening sequences from similar films such as ''Kidulthood'' and ''Adulthood'' make use of both of the aforementioned techniques and have been successful after using them. I showed the film opening to some of my colleagues at work and asked them what they thought the film was about and what Genre they thought it belonged to. The main response was that they thought it was a story about a boy's life and what he has to do to survive and at the end he would be killed. The thought it was a British drama film that showed the wayward actions teenagers of today do. This was an excellent response as the assumption of the genre was very accurate; the prediction of Cavell’s death or imprisonment was very realistic for this kind of film so this was also deemed as good feedback.

The Fast Lane - Opening Sequence [Official]

This is the final video with our chosen film distributor "Revolver Entertainment" We checked with our teacher to see if this was copyright free and were given the go ahead to include this in our final piece. Enjoy.

Final Product Trailer -

This is something that the group did in our spare time. We put together a short trailer in the lead up to our final piece.Enjoy. :)

Media Opening Sequence - Location Scouting

Media Opening Sequence - Location Scouting

Waltham Cross alleyway: 

This is the location that we shot the main scene of the opening sequence. We decided to do it in the Waltham Cross alleyway because of the fact that its quiet, which meant we most likely wouldn’t have had any distractions or problems with the sound and filming of the scene. Also, the fact that this scene was shot here meant that we would be bothering less people then we would have bothered if we shot it in the main road, which is considerably busier. All of these factors made the Waltham Cross alleyway the ideal place to shoot this scene.

Ponders End flats:

The Ponders End flats were another ideal location to film the beginning of our opening sequence. The appearance of the flats gives us the exact image and persona that we were trying to achieve in the fact that it is an estate looking area that looks like it could be quite dangerous. This increases the dramatic and thrilling aspect of the film. We also had access to a flat in one of the buildings, this allowed us to get shots of the character actually coming out of a flat, into the corridor and outside of the building itself.

 Bedroom shot:

The bedroom shot was filmed at Benjamin’s house, this was because we felt that this bedroom would be more suitable for the film then the one that was in the Ponders end flats. 

Media Opening Sequence - Camera Shots list

Media Opening Sequence- Shots list

1.       Close-Up - The main character Cavell is asleep, his alarm is going off the background

2.       Medium Shot - Cavell is woken up by his alarm

3.       Medium Shot - In frustration, Cavell picks up his phone and turns off his alarm.

4.       Medium Shot - Cavell lies on his bed and thinks about his Mum who recently passed away and the ahead of him. *Music* - (Joe Black ft. Mad Sam - Live My Life)

5.       Medium Shot - Cavell looks out the window, to check what the weather may be like, and starts looking for something.

6.       Medium Close-Up - Cavell gets out of bed and seems to pray, the audience can see that he is lonely.

7.       Close-Up - As he leaves his room we come across a close up of a framed picture Cavell's mother.

8.       Long Shot - Cavell walks out of his room start proceeds out of the house

9.       Medium Shot - Cavell approaches the door and opens it

10.   Medium Shot - Cavell walks out the door and closes it behind him

11.   Medium Long Shot - Proceeding outdoors to take on the day ahead

12.   Landscape Shot- Shot of the flat/estate building that Cavell is now living in by himself *pans downwards*

13.   Medium Long Shot - *Pan/tracking* Cavell walks along the entrance of the building.

14.   Medium Long Shot - *Pan/tracking* Cavell walks along the entrance of the building, towards his friends car.

15.   Long Shot - Cavell approaches his friend’s car.

16.   Medium Close-Up - Damien, Cavell’s friend, tries to comfort Cavell about his mum's loss

17.   Close-Up - Damien continues to comfort Cavell and tells him that they have work to do.

18.   Medium Close-Up - After being asked if he had the 'ting' which is the street term for a 'Gun', Cavell showcases it to Damien confirming he had it

19.   Close-Up - Damien starts the car, turns up the music, preparing to drive to a secret location from a drug deal.

20.   Medium Long Shot - The car starts to move.

21.   Long Shot - The vehicle is moving towards the exit of the estate

22.   Extreme Long Shot - Cont.

23.   Medium Shot - Arrival at the secret location, Cavell gets out of the car.

24.   Medium Shot - Damien gets out of the car. To do the deal

25.   Medium Long Shot - Damien and Cavell approach the two customers.

26.   Medium Shot - Cont.

27.   Over The Shoulder Shot - Over the shoulder view of Cavell and Damien

28.   Over The Shoulder Shot - Over the shoulder view of the customers

29.   Medium Close-Up - View of the deal taking place

30.   Over The Shoulder Shot - Over the shoulder view of the dealers [Cavell and Damien]

Media Focus Group & Market Analysis

Media focus group & market analysis

View more presentations from Aduhene94.

Questionnaire - Main Task

 

The Opening Sequence - Script

These are the scripts for the opening sequence.

The Official Shooting Schedule

Conclusion/Evaluation - What needs to be done!

I need to plan my conclusion for the project and add the shooting schedule for the main task. I will be spending vast amounts of time doing this in order to achieve a good grade and aim to submit the work for the deadline day set by the teacher.

Media Opening Sequence - Target Audience Research

In the research done for our target audience, we looked at the different types of film classifications and categories that are used to outline the age in which a film can be viewed.

'Universal'

This classification would be used for a film that is suitable for all ages; nothing in this sequence was seen by critics to be unsuitable for children.

'Parental Guidance'

This is when all ages are admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for young children which is why they don’t allow anyone under the age of 12 in without an adult over the age of 18. 

These films may contain mild language and sex/drugs references. It may also contain moderate violence if justified by context.

'Aged 12 or Over'

12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the DVD/Blu-ray version unless any particular extra material has been added that would mean the film requires a higher rating. 

No one under the age of 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated DVD, Blue-ray Disc, UMD or game. Films in this category might include infrequent drugs, use of strong language, moderate violence, etc.

'Aged 12 or Over'

The films that are under this category are considered to be unsuitable for young people. The only way in which those under the age of 12 would be admitted into this film would be if they were accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. 

However it’s generally not recommended that children under the age of 12 should watch this film because of the fact that films under this category contain mature themes such as discrimination, moderate swear words and moderate violence/sex references.

'Aged 15 or Over'

No one under the age of 15 can rent or buy a 15-rated DVD, Blue-ray Disc, UMD or game with this rating. They also can’t watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category often contain adult themes such as hard drugs, strong language, moderate violence/sex reference and undetailed sexual activity.

'Aged 18 or Over'

No one under the age of 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.they also can’t watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not don’t have any limitations on the bad language that is used.Hard drugs are generally allowed, and and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if it is justified by the context.

 

Conclusion

After looking at this information we decided that our film should be rated as a 15. This is due to the fact that our opening sequence is a drama that includes moderate violence.

                                                     

Media: Similar Products to 'The Fast Lane'

Adulthood:

Adulthood is a 2008 British drama film. It was directed and written by Noel Clarke, who also stars as the protagonist, Sam Peel. Adulthood is a sequel to the 2006 film Kidulthood, which Clarke also wrote. The film begins six years after Sam Peel is released from jail for killing Trife, he realizes that life is no easier on the outside than it was on the inside and he's forced to confront the people he hurt the most. Some have moved on, others are stuck with the repercussions of his actions that night, but one thing's for certain - everyone has been forced to grow up. Through his journey Sam struggles to deal with his sorrow and guilt and something else he didn't expect - those seeking revenge. As he's pursued by a new generation of bad boys, Sam sets about trying to get the message across to his pursuers that they should stop the violence, much like Trife tried to tell him all those years ago.Opening: Adulthood opens with a long montage showing all the main events in its prequel (Kidulthood). It shows lots of scenes for a shot period of time showing a high paced story. The montage lacks any music or sound until it ends, this may have been done to ensure the audience concentrates on what they see rather than what they hear. The montage shows high levels of violence and the death of a character. The music that begins after the screen is filled with the words “6 years later” is of a UK grime artist, which adds to the authenticity of the UK film. It will also appeal to the films target audience of young people. The screen is then filled with cars with diegetic sounds of traffic, which is a daily reality of life in London. We see a typical UK rave scene showing young people smoking, kissing and drinking, this is what happens in raves and the audience can relate to it. The music being played is that of a popular UK grime artist, which helps add to the realism of the scene. We then see another gang committing criminal activities and showing how people can use weapons in a situation to give them power. The camera then shows two boys running away from an attempted robbery/murder. This happens at many crime scenes in the UK, it shows how young people never want to be held responsible for their actions. The films title is focused on with it being the only text on a black background with a white font. Subsequent to this we see Sam being released from prison showing that criminals will at some point be held accountable for their actions, which contrasts the previous scene. Each character is then introduced individually in their different settings. Jay was introduced whilst having sex with a woman that is not his wife showing the falling levels of morals within the UK’s teenagers and Moony was in his bed not wanting to be awoken, showing the laziness of the teenagers of today. The official movie trailer is below.

Kidulthood: Kidulthood is a 2006 drama film about the life of several teenagers in Ladbroke grove and Latimer road area of west London. The story focuses mainly upon Trevor, known as "Trife" (Aml Ameen), and Alisa (Red Madrell) who is pregnant by him. Other characters are less developed. The school bully, Sam Peel (Noel Clarke), is the main antagonist adversary of Trife in the film. Opening: The film first starts off with the film production credits (music playing in the background), the credits have a simple black background with white bold writing. The film title is then shown after the credits; the letters are stretched out and are in bold. This is primarily done to attract the audience’s attention to the title. The music in the background is playing at a fast tempo, at the same time the screen is switching from shot to shot showing us different parts of the school and teenagers. By doing this, they increase the atmosphere and build up for the film. It then goes into a close up of a foot kicking a ball in slow motion. You could say that by doing this they are beginning to introduce the different social groups in the school. There is then a cut to a long shot of a group of teenagers. This is also a first person shot. It then cuts to another shot of someone putting safety glasses on and then cuts to a close- up shot of a drill. There is then an extreme close up of the end of the drill spinning. This again creates more tension because we are not aware of what will happen next. We then have a key shot of a girl looking rather upset and worried with a friend next to her. These two people are in focus while the background is out of focus. This is done to keep the viewer’s eyes and focus on the conversation between the two girls and not on the surroundings. They then use a tracking shot on another girl group. There is then a medium still shot of the original group. Throughout the opening the shots are constantly referring to the football and the drilling. Here is the official trailer for the movie.
                         

Media Opening Sequence - Storyboard