1. Question 1 – In what ways does your media product use, develop
or challenge forms and conventions of real media products ?
I have selected 5 frames from my opening
titles sequence, to show how I have challenged
or developed conventions of real media
products.
Frame 1; Establishing Shot.
This frame is the first thing which
is shown in my production, which
is an establishing shot of a dark
alleyway. I used this shot first, as
I thought this would create a
good setting, and also create
enigma, which leaves the audience
questioning why this eerie alleyway
is being shown.
This first frame develops and uses
conventions, as the darkness, and
emptiness creates enigma, which
is conventional to the genre of
my production (horror).
2. Frame 2; Establishing Shot.
This second frame shows
woods in the dark.
This is conventional to the
horror genre, as you cant fully
see your surroundings, due to
the dark light, which creates a
sense of enigma and suspense,
as you don’t know where
exactly you are, or who could
be around you.
This shot also uses
conventions, as the lighting,
and setting is used in other
successful horror productions
such as Mama (2013),
Pumpkinhead (1988), The Blair
Witch Project (1999) and many
more.
3. Frame 3; Close Up.
This frame shows a protagonist
in the production, who is the
killer. The positioning of the
lighting creates an eerie effect,
as you cannot see their facial
features fully, creating a sense
of enigma.
However, I think this shot
challenges convention, as in the
horror genre, the killer wouldn’t
usually be shown in the opening
titles sequence, as they are
usually shown near the middle
or end, where the narrative is
coming to an end…however this
shot is only shown quickly,
which I think is effective in
adding to the narrative and
enigma, as you aren't completely
sure who is being shown.
4. Frame 4; Mid Shot.
This next frame shows the main
protagonists arm tied to a chair.
This frame shows a sense of
narrative, and enigma, by the dark
lighting and use of props and
costume. The white coat stands
out from the darkness, therefor
the audience's attention is
automatically draw to the main
character. Making the main
protagonist wear white suggests
purity and innocence, therefor
reinforcing they are the victim.
This shot uses convention, as the
main protagonist (usually the
victim) is shown during the
opening titles sequence of a
horror production, as this allows
the audience to familiarise with
them, and grow an attachment to
5. Frame 5; Mid Shot.
In this shot, the victims is shown
tied to a chair, with a weapon (saw)
coming towards her. Her face is part
covered, however her eyes are being
shown staring worryingly at the
weapon.
This shot is conventional to the
genre as the lighting and props and
costume being used create enigma,
and are horror conventional. The
dark lighting makes the victim the
main centre of attention, as they are
dressed in white. The weapon being
shown also uses conventions, as it
is very common, for weapons to be
used or shown in the opening titles
sequence of a horror production.
