By Lauren Picot

Evaluation

1. In what ways does your media product use,

develop or challenge forms and conventions of
real media products?
I learned a lot about the common conventions of a thriller film due to my
research into it, the basic conventions of a thriller that I found were build-up of
suspense through music, low-key lighting, male character being dominant and
the antagonists are usually unknown. Our media product develops the common
conventions of the thriller genre as we have used a male character for the
antagonist and he is faceless until revealed at the end of the sequence which is
also another convention; the antagonist is hidden to build suspense then is
then revealed to shock the audience. The protagonist is male which correlates
to the conventions that are seen commonly in the thriller genre. However we
challenge the conventions of other thriller sequences as the protagonist is the
victim; male characters are typically not the ones to suffer. After looking at
other title sequences such as American Horror Story we wanted to try to
hybridize the horror genre into our thriller to connote the indifference between
the two genres, we also liked the idea of the audience being apart of the
sequence so that they feel like theyre involved. The title sequence typography
in the product is inspired by another thriller title sequences that was made by
an A2 media group, we also looked at the film se7en and its title sequence.
From se7en, the eerie flashes that are used have been interpreted into our
product so that the sequence includes an eerie tone and the idea of a faceless
antagonist linking to common conventions in a thriller.

Our Title
Sequence

Eerie
Flashes

The Evil
Dead

Our Title
Sequence

PO
V

We used various POV shots of

the antagonist with the
protagonist in view. The shots
were purposefully shaky to
connote the unnerving fear of
being watched making the
audience feel on edge.

After watching the

American Horror Story title
sequence, we found that the
quick sequence of shots that
created a flash effect was
effective in connoting the
eerie thriller therefore we
made our own sequence of
shots then fastened them to
create a flash.

2. How does your media product represent

particular social groups?
In our product we have represented stereotypical male roles in a thriller. Through the
title sequence we have confirmed the stereotypical ideas of male characters being more
significant and having the dominant role, this is shown through the use of one male actor
playing both the protagonist and antagonist however showing different personalities
through the use of the roles. In the opening the protagonist is portrayed as an off duty
detective; to connote that he is alone with no backup, he ends up the victim of the
sequence connoting the weaker side of male which could be seen as a feminine act. He is
also a representative of the police that is usually seen in thrillers, the antagonist
juxtaposes to the protagonist when he is revealed at the end of the sequence to the
audience. The viewers are able to see the two different male role contrast each other
signifying the difference in male personalities in the real world. In other thriller films the
antagonists are usually revealed as a confident, masculine and powerful male character
which is shown through the dialogue in the end, Come on, you know Id never hurt you.
We wanted to make the antagonist seem animalistic and supernatural by shaky POV
camera shots, audio; heavy breathing and whispering to connote the sense of a creepy
horror to intimidate the audience. Even though the protagonist holds more screen time
because he is the main narrative, we wanted the viewers focus to be mainly on the
antagonist s pursuit to the detective as this would reinforce the idea of the viewer sense
like theyre involved. The antagonist is wearing a black hoodie which connotes the idea of
him being a stereotypical teenager in perhaps a typical rebellious place to be; the woods.

We liked the character John from

Luther as he would look for the
criminals in his own time suggesting
that the killer has become his
obsession. We took this idea for our
detective as we felt it would make
sense in our title sequence and it
strengthens the potential storyline.
By looking at the character John
we were also influenced in our
storyboarding as the character is
always seen searching for the
criminals in his spare time and
searching through abandoned
buildings etc. We took this idea and
created the plot of the detective
looking for the criminal in his own
time. However we did create our own
idea of the antagonist being aware of
the detectives presence and makes
him the victim.

3. What kind of media institution might

distribute your media product and why?

Our product has the possibility to become a full

product due to the product not being set on one
genre and is a low age rating. Therefore our product
could potentially be distributed by various
institutions. Depending on what the title sequence
is used with, whether its a film or TV series it could
be distributed by Universal; The Bourne Ultimatum,
Netflix; Gypsy series, or the BBC; Follow the Money
series. These institutions have all distributed thriller
products and have a similar demographic as our
product thus it would make sense for our full
product to be distributed through one of these
companies. After carrying out my own BBFC
research I have found that if the full product was to
include violence or mature themes then the age
rating would have to be changed to a suitable rate.
However even though our age rating is 12, our
target audience is still 16-25 so our audience would
still be the same.

4. Who would be the audience for your media

product?
Even though our age rating for the title sequence is
a 12+, we decided to aim towards older teenagers
(16-19) and young adults that love thrillers/horrors
after doing our target audience research. We wanted
to use the narration of the male detective to reflect
how our audience may feel if being watched by a
mysterious character. The ending of the sequence
brings in elements of a psychological, or mystery
thriller as both characters are played by the same
actor, this is to make the audience feel on edge as
they wouldnt be expecting it. Another thriller film
with an age 12+ rating is Rear Window which is a
mystery thriller whos target audience is young adults
and has appealed to them. Another film that is similar
to ours is Taken, even though the age rating is 13+
the film appealed to our target audience; older
teenagers and young adults. After our final draft was
made, we carried out a focus group of 16-18 year olds
to see their reactions and feedback of our final
product. We did this to see if our title sequence was
successful. The feedback we got was similar for all
viewers which was that they loved it and thought the
ending was unexpected but effective for a thriller.
Very high quality camera work and effective sound
that conveys the thriller genre

5. How did you attract/address your audience?

Audience feedback is very useful, as it helps to understand what their expectations are
in a thriller so that I can make a fitting and effective product that would be successful.
Therefore we did some audience research; we made a survey where we asked particular
questions that we needed the answer to so that we got feedback that will inspire and help
improve our product. After making the first draft of our title sequence, we held focus
groups to gain criticism and tips on where to improve.
Once we carried out our audience research through the survey and focus groups, we
were able to see who our target audience is specifically. Although our age rating is 12, we
wanted to aim towards 16-19 and young adults as we are 17 we felt that we would create
a product that attracts them. We found that the viewers thought the ending of the
sequence is the most significant part as it reveals the antagonist in a surprising way that
makes them feel uncomfortable which is a common convention of a thriller; putting the
viewer on edge. We have used editing and camerawork in order to portray both
characters, as theyre done by the same actor we had to use a mid/long shot to show both
and shoot the shot with each character then edit both shots together so that it looks like a
normal shot, this helps to show the narrative of the sequence. The typography is simple
but effective as it connotes the modern view on thrillers. However the setting being in the
woods contradicts the modern view as its natural yet gloomy denoting the eerie mood
that we wanted which is reinforced through the diegetic sound of heavy breathing and
whispering as it distorts the viewers. Most of the viewers in one of our agreed that the
ending of the sequence shocked them in a good way and that they would go see it if this
was a film. I was not expecting his to be the same person! I love the plot twist, makes me
want to watch the actual film!

Theses are the questions and answers that we thought were the most helpful to us whilst
planning our main task.

From this Target Audience research our planning improved a lot since we had made our idea
correlate to the answers that we had gotten. Our audience believe that the music is the key
thing to build up suspense in a thriller therefore we made sure that we used sound effectively;
whispering, heavy breathing and soundtrack. They also believe that the setting and the plot is
the most significant part of a thriller film therefore we wanted to have a good plot that is in a
fitting setting and I feel that we have achieved that in the setting of the woods and the plot
being the double of the character. Our actor Arthur played both of the roles and successfully as
he managed to portray the two different characters personalities, which our target audience
said that makes them want to carry on watching a film. Overall I feel that we have taken the
research in the account and included it into our title sequence which ultimately makes our
sequence very successful.

6. What have you learnt about technologies

from the process ofconstructingthis product?
Within the process of creating my title sequence, I have had to use a lot of technology to
make the product as successful as possible. Before making the film we had to do lots of
research using Google and YouTube so that our planning is high quality, we then also used
Survey Monkey to carry out our target audience research efficiently. When filming the scenes
we wanted, we used two cameras; hand held and a DSLR camera. With the DSLR we
managed to get very clear and effective shots which made the sequence look professional.
However we had difficulty with the hand held camera as it either didnt work or the battery
died very quickly therefore to resolve this issue we had to use several hand held cameras
and carry spare charged up batteries. Fortunately because we filmed outside in the woods
we used natural lighting for both the majority of the sequence (woods) and last scene in the
abandoned barn therefore we didnt need to take any lighting equipment. When editing we
used final cut pro, which I was unfamiliar with at first however have learnt how to add after
effects; colour correct, stabilise shots using the stabilization tab, how to get a smooth
transition. Our editor Joe helped me understand how to use final cut pro so that I got a better
understanding of what hes doing so that I could contribute. The clone effect at the end is the
most effective part in the sequence as we rely on the camera, mise-en-scene and editing to
be accurate so that the shot looks as realistic as possible. Though we had to use the built in
microphone in the DSLR camera, we still managed to get a good quality conversation at the
end. Moreover, to complete my blogging I used a Mac as they are quick and efficient and I
wanted to save as much time possible and Blogger and Google Docs to record all my work.
However even though I was able to blog continuously, I feel that I should have taken
advantage of all the different ways to blog; video blogs, as I would of saved a lot more time.
Although I believe that we did use all the technologies that were available to us effectively.

7. 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 product wasnt successful due to the minimal knowledge we had in
planning, filming, editing etc. Our planning reflected within the preliminary, some of the
pan shots were shaky therefore our camera skills needed to be improved as well as our
organisation as a group as we didnt set a specific date to film and therefore we made
mistakes such as the costumes changed in the mise-en-scene making it look
unprofessional. Learning from these mistakes we made sure that our planning was
detailed, I made a storyboard with the help of Joe, who then made an animatic to show to
focus groups. However throughout the process of planning I did research to further my
understanding on DOP roles and explored the thriller genre title sequences/films. By doing
this research and planning we gained more of an idea of what camera shots, sounds,
settings, lighting to use in our title sequence. Once we made anything that reflects our
ideas we presented it to focus groups to help get advice on how to improve. We also
carried out target audience research so that we attracted the right audience and included
their expectations as well as including the common conventions of a thriller title sequence.
In general, after going into more research and planning I have improved my skills in
camera, sound and editing. I have learned how to create a clone effect as well as use a
DSLR camera to get high quality shots therefore I have become more confident in using
this equipment although I feel that I can improve my knowledge in editing further .
Overall, I think that our preliminary task has helped us understand that a lot of planning
and research needs to be done before to get a high quality product. Our product is high
quality, its clear that its a thriller sequence and it meets our target audience
expectations.

No
Knowledge
Limited/ Getting
there
I
Know