2. The Big Picture
From the a-level and as course, I have been able to progress my
technology skills and access a variety of hardware’s. Prior to the course
starting, I had never used an actual camera, the closest comparison
being my phone. To film both projects there was two hardware options:
The Sony Handycam HDR- CX210 and the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC
HX400. We avoided the first camera, as the quality was fairly low. As a
result of this, we opted for the latter, as it was of much a better quality,
and only used when making videos discussing ideas. Another piece of
hardware we used was the IMac. This allowed us to access the
programme iMovie in which we made our products on. The final piece of
Hardware we used was a mobile phone. Whilst in AS we used it as a
prop, in the production of our A2 media.
3. Foundation Portfolio
Initially in our AS media, we used the Sony Handycam HDR-CX210 to film our AS
thriller. After obtaining some of the shots and uploading the footage onto iMovie, we
realised the quality was insufficient. As a group we had high standards, therefore we
wanted to create a video which looked as professional as possible. Consequently,
we decided to switch to the more advanced Sony camera. Concerning the actual
features of the camera, it was fairly efficient as it was portable and handheld. The
camera features an adjustable strap on the side. This helped keep a steady shot and
meant we wouldn’t drop the camera. In addition the camera featured a touchscreen
rotating display screen. This allowed us to see what we was filming and view again
after. However when analysing how advanced this hardware was technologically, it
proved to lack features. There was a lack of buttons and in-camera settings,
affecting how ambitious we could be with our video. Overall, I feel this was a good
foundation for learning the basics of filming and cinematography, making it easier to
use the more advanced software.
4. Advanced Portfolio
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC HX400, was the main camera used for a bulk of
the AS project and all of the A2 project. This piece of hardware was much
larger, however still remained portable enough. On the bottom was one of the
key features. Despite very simple, a hole for a tripod was used on the bottom.
This allowed us to install a tripod which in turn helped stabilise our shots,
giving a professional look. The main reason for using this camera was its
quality. It produced far better definition than the other camera, once again
making our products look high end. Another reason this camera was superior
was because of its array of functions. A small dial on the top along with
several buttons allowed us to access different functions. One we had
particular success with was one which create a blur effect. Similar to the
other camera mentioned, this camera featured a display menu, allowing us
easy access to see what we was recording and re-watch the shots after
5. Hardware- iMac
The iMac proved to be one of the most useful pieces of hardware during this whole process.
When completing my research and planning blogs, all the information was sourced of the
internet, a function the iMac allowed us to access. An example can seen in the picture
below. It also gave me access to other useful software's such as Prezzi, PowerPoint, Word,
Photoshop and more. Perhaps what this piece of hardware was most useful for was the
iMovie Software. This is what allowed us to edit and create our whole thriller and music
video. Similar to the cameras, my knowledge with computers was very limited and basic.
Using this piece of hardware along with all the software it offers, helped me develop my
overall computing skills. Although we used the iMac for both years, prior to starting our A2
product, the school upgraded the iMac’s to a newer version. This meant the computers ran
smoother and tasks such as researching were made much easier, making the whole
process more efficient.
6. Hardware- Mobile Phone
In our AS product, a mobile phone proved to be a key prop, as
the Title was ‘Straight To Voicemail’ with the storyline including
the victim not answering his phone. In our A2 video, we actually
used a phone to record some shots. The camera quality on the
phone proved to be very much similar to the actual camera,
therefore it didn’t look contrasting or unprofessional. The main
use for us using a phone, was for the RAD VHS app, an app
which gave a camcorder effect. This helped us create a
throwback scene of the relationship, perhaps making the
audience sympathise with Jacob more.
7. Software- Adobe Photoshop
This piece of software was only used in
our A2 project. In AS, we lack ambition
and creativity, consequently taking
shortcuts which lead to amateur looking
outcomes. An example was the ending of
our thriller where we displayed the title of
our video in a font from ‘dafont’. However
this year we played to josh’ photoshop
skills and created our digipak and
magazine on this software. Although josh
was the most experienced, we all
contributed in this section, and I soon
began to pick up the programme quite
quickly, despite never using it before.
8. Software- iMovie
Behind blogger, this was potentially the second most
used software. We used this for both products
however there was a clear difference in ability when
using the programme. In our AS thriller our
preliminary task was not of a high standard and
although we did improve during the editing process,
our final product was fairly basic. To combat this, we
decided to be more adventurous and utilise the
many useful functions the software has. For
example we used a lot more transitions, which made
our video flow better. We also learnt how to
incorporate overlays, green screens, and filters
which all made our video look more professional and
displayed how much more ambitious we were when
editing. We also used the software for editing minor
things such as auditions. This helped the audience
see everyone’s audition clearly.
9. Software-
Blogger was probably the most used
software throughout the whole course. The
website allowed me to deliver a written
account of my whole experience. However
due to its versatility, it also allowed me to
include videos, GIFs, Prezi's, PowerPoint’s
and other forms of media. All of the above
made my blog appealing perhaps prevented
the reader from getting bored as consistent
lots of writing may be unattractive. When
looking at both sets of blogs, I feel I perhaps
put more effort in last year with my blog, as it
remains more aesthetically pleasing and
features a wider range of media however this
is because I prioritised more on the actual
final product itself. Blogger has further
coincided with my English A Level and has
bettered by writing skills. This course has
also made me consider setting up my own
personal blog which I will upload on in my
free time.
10. Software-
Youtube, one of the most popular media
platforms worldwide, was another key
piece of software in both projects. It
allowed us to upload all auditions,
discussions and final products within
minutes. In addition its accessibility and
millions of users meant our video could
be shared and viewed by a varied,
mass audience. In addition, I valued
promoting the video and artist more in
my second year and took advantages of
some of YouTube's features. For
example a feature we used in only A2
was the tags. These specific words we
used meant the video could be found
using a broader search term, increasing
the potential viewers. It also allowed us
to view other media coursework,
allowing us to analyse it and take
inspiration.
11. Software-
This software choice was one of personal favourites and one I used in
both years. Prezi is an online presentation software which offers a wide
variety of designs in which your work can be delivered. Whilst
PowerPoint is simpler to use, it is stereotypically quite childish and
boring. On the other hand, Prezi offers a fun and exciting twist on
presenting while still remaining sleek and professional. When uploaded
I feel Prezi looked far more appealing and created a much better
reading experience compared too PowerPoint .Also I found it easier
much quicker to embed the video into blogger, saving me valuable
time.
12. Research Social Media- we used platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram to see what our target audience liked
and was interested in, helping us make the most relevant and realistic videos possible. We also used it
to advertise for our auditions for roles in our A2 video. Finally social media helped us gain feedback for
our videos, meaning we knew what we did well and would we could perhaps improve.
iMac- The iMac helped me access a variety of useful software's such a the internet, blogger,
Prezi and many more. The internet allowed to obtain images and GIFS to make my blog look
appealing. It also allowed me to carry our further research about artist’s and genre’s, along
with looking at current and professional videos to help us gain inspiration.
Prezi- This was an advanced alternative to PowerPoint. It allowed me to present my work in a
more creative and eye catching way, appealing to my reader more.
Blogger- This is where all my research was located. I was able to present and upload it in
various ways. The layout allowed me to look at all my previous blogs and evaluate them, even
from last year.
13. Planning As a group, we had good communication, as we
were all friends prior to he course. Consequently we
had a group chat on Snapchat titled ‘Media’.
Outside of school hours we would organise film
days and suggest ideas to each other. In addition if
we needed any pictures of each other though the
production stage we would all send them in here.
My production schedule was made on word them
imported onto blogger. This listed all the dates we
were filming and what props, costumes, and
locations we would be using.
Finally I used a website called ‘Storyboard It’ to
make a storyboard for our AS thriller. This gave a
clear visual representation off what we wanted to
include, meaning it was easy to interpret and go by.
In A2, we didn’t use this website as our music video
included a lot more shots as it was a much quicker
pace, meaning creating a storyboard like this would
have been very time consuming
14. Evaluation
Blogger, PowerPoint and Prezi were all methods used to
evaluate my work. The chronological, dated structure allowed
me to find past blogs easily on Blogger. I also used my social
media platforms like Snapchat to receive feedback on my
video
SurveyMonkey was another website used. It allowed me to
make a questionnaire which was answered by my target
audience. This allowed me to identify the strengths and
weaknesses of my product. I mainly opted for closed
questions, therefore I could get clear answers.
