Evaluation Question 2

How does our media product represent particular social groups?


In our thriller opening our cast is made up of two females and one male, in order to appeal to both genders. It could be said that Christy is a stereotypical 'dumb blonde' and comes across as weak and vulnerable. However it is countered by the fact that the powerful character is also female. Myself and Beth created this slideshow together: 

In our film there was little input from ethnic minority groups but we did not take this into consideration at the time. At no point in our thriller opening do we include any offensive or racist language or actions. We did not feel this was a relevant issue during the making of our film. The characters (other than the hooded figure) are shown quite positively, however because it is only the opening of a thriller, we do not know their backgrounds, or much about their personalities at this time. 

Also, we did not feel that sexuality was a relevant topic in our thriller opening and therefore no views or opinions about sexuality are expressed, however we were not offensive in any way throughout the film. The film is appropriate for viewing for a person of any sexuality. The characters are displayed in a way where their sexuality is unknown and unimportant. 

In reference to age, we would consider it to be to disturbing and scary for younger people, and believe it would be deemed inappropriate. 

When looking at the age of the characters in the thriller, we only used teenagers, because this was our target audience and we wanted them to feel as though they can relate to the characters. Looking back, we realise that we maybe should have varied the age of our characters to reach a wider audience. 

I think the film represents ordinary middle-working class people. by having our characters as ordinary people means that more of the target audience would be able to associate with the characters, making them feel more included in what is going on in the film. 

Evaluation Question 1

In what way does our media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?


Most thrillers all use the same conventions and techniques and are generally expected in all to make it effective. This can include;

To create an effective Thriller we incorporated a number of these conventions. The thriller opening me and my group have made uses, develops and challenges forms and conventions in a number of ways. We have used very similar techniques to which are used in psychological thrillers. Included in this would be the element of mystery, as well as the usual forms of action and fear, which are typical for a thriller.  


One film that influenced us was 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly'. As shown below, we attempted to recreate the scene with extreme close ups on the eyes of the characters in order to show their emotions such as Christy's fear. 

Another film that influenced us to make a good thriller was 'The Grudge'. We based Beth's costume and make-up on that of the grudge. We did this because we believe it to be scary and unnerving.   

Without referring particularly to a specific film, we used the idea of a stalker in our opening, which in used in a number of thrillers. The camera is set up in a way which suggests the character is being watched, for example:

When it came to the setting of our thriller our main inspiration was 'No Country For Old Men'. When watching the film earlier in the year in class, we discussed how having a deserted and isolated setting portrayed the idea of the character being alone and helpless. We used the warehouse and no other people are seen other than Christy which means if someone was to happen to her, no one would be around to help her. 

Evaluation

I am currently working on my evaluation. However nothing is yet posted on my blog about it as I am going to post it all at the same time when I am finished which will be by the end of the week.

Audience Feedback Interview

The other day we filmed interviews to gain knowledge of what our audience think of our thriller opening. We asked the following questions:
1. What were your initial thoughts upon watching the thriller opening?
2. What was your favourite part of the thriller opening?
3. Do you have any criticisms?
4. Would you want to watch the rest of the film? 

Final Thriller Opening !

Update

We have now fully finished our thriller ! Mr Johnson has took it in now and we are hoping for a good grade. We are very pleased with our final product, which will appear on my blog very soon !

Sounds

We looked at our film and decided some sounds need to be louder or quieter. So we found out this can be done on Final Cut express. For example when christy hears a loud bang, we obviously need this to be loud, or in shots outside, the wind was too loud. The pink line on the image below demonstrate how we did it: