Evaluation

Evaluation
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Our intentions were to create a 2 minute start to a thriller film and capture an audience. We did this by focussing on narrative, mise-en-scene, camera work, editing, sound and sound effects. In terms of narrative we conformed as closely as possible to the specification for the thriller genre including characters such as a hero with tragic flaws (a fear of fire), a damsel and a villain. In terms of story, our villain kidnaps the girlfriend of our hero, creating a sense of panic and unbalance in the film. The theme of fire also creates questions that the audience have about the main character, Tim who obviously has an issue with fire but this is never really explained, leaving questions to be answered in the rest of the film. Our conventional hero with a tragic flaw, Tim, was inspired by Scottie from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, who also has a tragic flaw, vertigo.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Our film includes a middle class man taking his wife out to dinner in a restaurant, this is evident because of his suit and tie and the woman’s expensive looking dress. In terms of the kidnapper on the phone, her voice is American suggesting alienation.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

I think using a small production company such as Film Four and Working Title would be a good idea for introducing unknown actors into the world of film. A low budget would also be workable because we used Sophie’s house to set up a restaurant setting.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

Our target audience would be young to middle aged people over the age of fifteen because it may not be suitable for a younger audience because it challenges scary themes. From our research, it is also evident that the majority of the audience were male, possibly because of the theme, a man of courageous man on a mission to save a damsel.

How would you attract/address your audience?

Before making the film, we researched the thriller genre to get a clear understanding of how to conform to the conventions of a thriller film. We also did a survey to find out who would watch our film in order to target a suitable audience. To promote the film, we would use the classic forms of advertising such as trailers and posters, particularly in multiplex cinemas that will be exhibiting the film.

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

Making ‘RUN’, we learnt how to set up a scene, film and edit a film. I think the editing went well, however there is on particular change in scene where the editing is noticeable. In terms of sound, we also recorded a phone call to make it sound really authentic when the kidnapper calls Tim which I think really worked, although, if we were to do it again, I would re-record it to ensure that the dialogue can be heard clearly and understood as it is a vital part of the plot.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the Progression from it to the full product?

Our preliminary task is quite basic; however we have kept important things consistent in both the films such as continuity and a range of shots to interest the viewer. We have also expanded on the film by experimenting with different techniques, particularly in post production, such as fading between shots and fast, continuity editing. This flicking of fire in the first scene in the restaurant gives small hints towards Tim’s fear of fire, but creating confusion and questions for the audience.