Final Finished Product - Institutionalised

Institutionalised - Final Film from Holly Jones on Vimeo.

G321 - Evaluation Question 7

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

Technical Skills

In my preliminary task I was required to use the video camera and trip to record the scene and film a steady shot. This was very easy. I also learnt how to adjust the tripod height using the extended neck and legs. This made filming interesting shots (high angle/low angle) very simple. I used these skills during my actual film to make the shots look clean, interesting and professional. When making my preliminary task I used Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 to edit my shots. I learnt how to cut scenes at the correct moments. This lead to a full understanding of how match-on-actions are created. I then used this skill in my film opening (picture on left). I thought it was effective because it not only speeds up an action but also makes it look interesting and professional if done correctly.

Time Management and Organisation

I think my time management and organisation skills were very good considering the usual rate of my working pace. I enjoyed and took pride in my project and therefore was very motivated to get everything done on time. However, due to a few complications with getting hold of equiptment, costume and actors we could not film as much as we liked. If I had more time I would have re-filmed dark shots, completely cleared out our set so we had more freedom instead of cutting out a huge half of the set and thought more about costumes for the nurse. It also took a lot of time uploading our audience feedback, test shots, audience research and storyboard onto vimeo to be embedded on this blog.

Team Skills

I worked with my partner, Joe in creating our final media product. He was a very easy person to work with. Joe and I had many ideas between us to which we discussed together and came up with a suitable solution. For example, near the end of our film I wanted to make the shots of the insitution, janitor's closet and forest jumpy, messy and in different time lengths. However, my partner wanted to layer these shots and use fades to give a flaskback effect. Instead we kept to the jump cuts as we decided it made the film more edgy and exciting. We used a flashback effect on the end scene of the 'hanging body' as we agreed it was more effective there in giving of a ghostly look. 

Joe and I always organised times whic suited us both best for filming. We communicated thoroughly and helped each other out with different tasks, whether that be our blogs, filming or editing.

Effectiveness of Finished Product

My final product, I feel, is effective in some ways. I think the eerie, minimalistic atmospere I was going for has been achieved. This is through the blank, dull colours from the setting, costumes and the main character's facial expressions. I have made sure my character's have very clear personalities such as with Inspector Hodges and his passion. However, I was a little disappointed that I did not have enough time to add more horror to my film. A bit of gore or some more violence would have made my genre clear. Instead I feel my film is more of a phsycological thriller. All together I am pleased with how my film together and I think it would attract my specified target audience.

G321 - Evaluation Question 6

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

Filming a successful scene:

In gaining the raw footage I needed, two instruments were used. One, a tripod; and two, a video camera. Using a tripod was very simple. There was one basic handle which controlled the panning of a camera from left to right, up to down (or visa versa). The tripod was very useful for keeping the camera still, giving footage a clean, balanced, professional look. The three legs could extend to 3 times the size of it's original length and the neck can be craned up further also giving the camera extra height to film from. I have learnt that this is extremely useful for high angle shots, making the subject look small and/or insignificant. The video camera is an essential part of filming. All the basic knowledge that was needed was where the record, pause, stop, fast forward, rewind and playback options were. Once that was settled, filming was a lot easier. We borrowed a different camera each time we went out to film. This wasn't a problem as every video camera that was available to us had the same layout.

 

From using these tools, I have learnt that keeping the camera still is very import for a clean scene (unless intentionally shaky for effect). Being able to playback your footage is useful as it enables you to check out what you have just filmed and helps you decide whether re-filming would be a good idea. I made the mistake of not checking the footage I had before leaving the building I was filming in. This resulted in several more trips back to the set so we could correct the lighting and re-shoot pieces of dialogue. 

Panning was considered during the film of my opening. However, using a tripod to pan was awkward as it tended to stick or wobble, causing the scene to look unprofessional. We did not follow through with this idea.

Editing the raw footage:

Once I collected all my footage, I uploaded it to the hard drive of my computer. From there I added all the different clips into Corel Videostudio Pro X3. This programme enables me to edit, cut and stick together different pieces of footage. It took a while for me to figure out how to use the cutting tool, but my preliminary task helped me learn and made it easier for me in the long run. It helped me cut and stick together clean, smooth match on actions and reverse shots (for dialogue). I took a while playing about with the timings of actions until I was happy that one shot flowed into the next.

When filming the end shot of the hanging shadow my partner and I came across a problem. We had with us a photographer's lighting lamp to create the shadow. Our initial idea was to film the hanging shadow with the lights flickering as if the bulb was about to explode. We needed one person (me) to be the hanging figure and another (my partner) to press record and hold up the rope whilst standing on the stool. We shot the scene and afterwards realised we needed another person to flash the lights on and off. We then came to the decision that we would shoot just the blank wall with the lights flickering and try to merge the two pieces of footage together using Corel. We uploaded the two pieces of footage into Corel. We then Layered the hanging figure scene in the top footage box and the light flickering in the overlay track. There was apprehension as to whether it would work, but through trial and error we found the 'Mask & Chroma Key' option and there we turned up the transparency of the overlay track. This meant that the hanging shadow could still be seen, but the flickering light gave an extra effect.

I learnt from using Corel how to cut footage to the right times and stick them together to form a smooth piece of editing. Match-on-actions and reverse shots were learnt in the Preliminary task, thus making it easier to achieve these techniques in our final film.

Using post-production skills:

After creating the basic template of my film opening, it was time to refine any rough edges and add some extra effects. Firstly, I had to add in sounds. I chose  sound effects from http://www.freesound.org/ so there was no copyright issues. These sound effects were a light bulb humming, switching on and other electric sounds. I changed the volume and playback speed so it fits in with the footage. The volume is made to increase with the pace of editing nearer the climax. Using an effect called 'flashback' on the end hanging scene created more of a flash to enhance the light flickering. We didn't use any other effects as we thought it would ruin the simplicity and eeriness the mental institute had created. 

In the dialogue scenes including mid-shots and close ups of the Inspector there is a window behind his head, letting light in and creating a shadow on his face. To overcome this light issue I used a colour corrector and increased the brightness. This work very well and now my character's facial features can be distinguished.

Adding text was the last touch to my film opening. I chose the 'Text' tab on Corel to create my desired titles and credits. I used a gothic looking font and increased or decreased the size so it fit into the footage. I then dragged my text underneath my desired shots. From there I placed the text in obscure places to match the peculiar mood of my film. I added a fade-in and fade-out to make the introduction of credits look more 'ghostly' and soft.

Through trial and error and previous knowledge gained from my preliminary task, I was able to correct any bad quality scenes. I managed to add the correct sound effects and use effects to merge and transform scenes. I have also learnt how to place titles and credits within footage so it does not disrupt the mood.

G321 - Evaluation Question 5

What elements of your text would attract the target audience?

Our film is very minimalistic to create a theme of emptiness which relates to the genre of psychological horror.

I think the main attraction to my media text is the mystique involved in the storyline and opening. The minimalism stated above lets the audience use their imaginations to build up their own theories on who's bad and who's good. This really helps my text fit into the psychological genre. The storyline also carries a lot of real life occurances that our target audience will view in the media and news. Issues such as suicides, stressful/abusive relationships, etc. With these issues comes the authorities such as the police or nurses. My audience know these subjects are very real and that will help build the fear that this could be reality.

My main character, Quinn Wakely would be a very important factor in attracting my audience. This is because she is around the average age for my target audience. She is young, attractive and full of potential. Another factor of this character is that she is rich, comes from a stable home and is well educated and respected. This creates envy for the C1C2D class audience and can also stem a 'love-to-hate' feeling. In this circumstance, the envy and hatred felt towards the snobby Quinn Wakely can be satisfied when Quinn's life starts falling apart and she becomes someone who is talked down to by Inspectors and Nurses. This is what we can call a guilty pleasure.

Another factor of Quinn Wakely's character is that she has just graduated from University. My target audience will be within the University student/leavers age and so they can relate to the fear of leaving education to find a successful career.

I've made sure that Quinn Wakely's costume during the forest scene is quite grown-up and casual, appealing to the older audience. However, there is a young, sexiness to the outfit that would appeal to the younger end of my target age spectrum. These items such as the skinny jeans and leather jacket would either be a common occurance in many wardrobes belonging to my target audience or they would want to buy these items after seeing them on a young, attractive star.

Although most of the main settings are not included in the opening to my film, it is indicated in the synopsis. One of my main settings is the town house which Quinn Wakely shares with her fiance. Being on the edge of the city, it would have the quiet and luxury of a country house whilst still being close to the heart of business and modern society. This is a much desired location and one that would spark more envy or longing upon the audience.

The editing pace used in my film will not only appeal to my primary audience but also my secondry audience. This is due to the increasing speed. The quick, choppy editing will be stimulaing and exciting which keeps my primary audience in suspense but also allows the male secondry audience an adrenaline rush.

G321 - Evaluation Question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?

"I think people between 20 and my age would enjoy this type of film. Mostly women would be attracted to it because there is a female lead who faces real troubles. Plus the career as a nurse is very feminine. However, males may enjoy it too due to the horror side of it and the mystery and excitement." - Ann, 50

My Typical Audience Member:

Gender: Female

Age: 20-50

Class: Lower middle class/Working Class

Nationality: British, Caucasian

Personality Traits: Hard worker, imaginative, thoughtful. Aspires to lead a happy, healthy life. Is open-minded enough to believe in things that cannot initially be proven. Can be easily subjected to stress.

Interests: Reading, other creative hobbies, travelling, having a close family.

Second Typical Audience Member:

Gender: Male

Age: 15-30

Nationality: British Caucasian

Class: Lower middle class/Working class

Personality Traits: Outgoing, daring, joker. Always up for a good scare. A bit of a dreamer. Loves the outdoors.

Interests: Gaming, playing an instrument, biking, kayaking, other extreme active hobbies.

Items My Audience May Spend Their Money On:

Products such as books, furniture and music albums would be bought by my primary audience. As my audience is very much adults, it is assumed that they own their own home. Therefore could be interested in furnishings and decorating. Books and music albums would appeal to their creative streak and they would enjoy relaxing with these items. 

For my secondary audience, products such as games and games consoles, bikes, sports cars, guitars, etc would appeal to them. More materialistic, active items.

Foods and drinks such as traditional British meals and fine wines for my primary audience. More refined tastes for the older women. Possibly feeding a family on a budget.

My secondary audience, however, would prefer more energy drinks. As well as foods such as pizza and microwave meals.

My primary audience, being fond of seeing the world may indulge on travelling to other countries. So buying holidays would be of interest. Also going to places closer to home such as theatres, concerts, cinemas, etc. Which would accompany travel costs.

My secondary audience, being of late teens to early thirties, will be quite fond of their cars, which most will have. So, petrol costs would be a big aspect of their spending. Going to sporting events or concerts would also be quite important to them. And so travel costs very much come into this.

Potential Advertisers:

 Shops such as WHSmith and HMV will want to advertise their books and albums. And for my secondary audience Audi would step up to advertise their latest cars. As well as this, Xbox would make a lot through advertising their products.

For my primary audience, advertisers for such foods as Birdseye would be willing to join in. Wine companies such as Rosemount would also advertise for my audience.

My secondary audience would attract advertisers of such food and drinks companies as Dominos and Monster Energy Drink.

See Tickets are a great website to purchase concert tickets on. Both my primary and secondary audience's will want to see this company being advertised. The Vue is another cinema company who would be willing to advertise.

Car companies such as BMW and Audi would want to advertise to my secondary audience. This would be because of the young male need-for-speed personality. An airline company such as British Airways would want to advertise to my primary audience who has a passion for travel.
Audience Media Consumption:

My secondary audience would prefer genres such as action adventure and comedies. The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull  would be enjoyed by this audience. Other films such as Run, Fat Boy, Run and Paul would also appeal to them as they contain a certain amount of rude or 'slapstick' humour.

My primary audience would enjoy other genres like Animated and Supernatural films. Movies such as Finding Nemo and A Bug's Life, although movies for children, can appeal to the parents too. My primary audience would enjoy watching these particular films with their children. Supernatural films, however, would appeal more personally to them. Movies such as Sleepy Hollow, The Lovely Bones and The Village.

TV programmes such as wildlife documentaries would appeal to my primary audience as it gives a peaceful, realistic look to the world. Chat shows such as The Graham Norton Show and Alan Carr: Chatty Man would also appeal it's quite casual and comic to watch.

Whereas for my secondary audience, comedy shows such as Jack-Ass would appeal more as it shows other people doing extreme activities. Other animated shows such as Family Guy and South Park would also be widely watched by this audience for pure entertainment on an almost childish level.

The music I see my primary audience listening to would be more classical genres. However, classic rock may be preferred. Bands such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Journey, etc. This could possibly be because of the era they were born in or because they like and appreciate a variety of old and new music.

 My secondary audience would share a liking for rock, but on a bigger scale. Classic rock, new rock, progressive rock, metal, alternative, etc. They should also appeal to the new drum and bass scene. Fast, low beats and electronic sounds as it is very modern. 

My film's primary audience would use websites such as Tescos, twitter and Ebay. Tescos to do the weekly shopping without going out to a store. Twitter would be useful to keep up with all the celebrity gossip and news. Ebay would be useful for picking up items of worth for quite a cheap price.

The secondary audience would use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, etc. Youtube would be used also either to watch videos or upload their own. Other humorous websites such as College Humour and I Can Haz Cheezburger would be used for entertainment.

G321 - Evaluation Question 3

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

G321 - Evaluation Question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Quinn Wakely

Quinn Wakely is the healthy, well-off daughter of a high class parentage. She is in her early 20's and is fresh out of a prestige University. Apart from the media, her cushy life has disabled her from seeing a bad world. Quinn seems to be an innocent, kind-natured person. However, she does not know she suffers from mild bi-polar. The easy, high profile life with her parents had kept her from turning her personality. However, when she takes up a job as a nurse to give back to society she realises just how much pressure comes with it. The career puts much stress on Quinn, which she cannot handle and is shown later on in the plot as her dark side comes through.

Quinn, although stays away from places such as the more dodgy sides of town, knows her place above the less fortunate has always been considerate of that. However, she could never relate to a person who was, for example, of working class. She does not understand the ways of the world as she has not had enough experiences.

In the love aspect of her character, she does show quite a lot towards her fiance in the beginning. However, she seems to put herself before him as she takes out her frustration of her job on him in their domestic setting.

In the introduction, I wanted my character to come across as mysterious and blank. I also wanted to show that no matter how passive and 'out-of-it' Quinn may seem, inside there is mental chaos. This is how I achieved my goal:

Costume

Before filming my product I decided to research the clothing a patient would typically wear in mental asylums. There were many variations, but I thought the straight jacket looked best. It was traditionally white and plain which contrasted with the insanity of the setting, but at the same time, gave off a sense of nothingness. The colour also blended in to the walls of my mental institute so as to give the impression that Quinn was fading into the background, like a ghost. The plain style would also be a sign that normality was trying to be restored through restricted colours and styles. However, I thought the straight jacket brought with it too many connotations of danger and inhumanity. I wanted Quinn's character to be subtle so it would not give her personality or the plot away. The simplicity of the white vest top, white trousers and bare feet shows a dismissal for all things materialistic. 

Make-up

In the institution, I thought using make-up would be a bad idea as it would add more depth and expression to the character's face. We needed to show Quinn wakely as more of an object who blended into the background than a real person. The make-up would also signify beauty and material products which is completely the opposite the the institutionalised Quinn Wakely. A clean, blank face to match the clean white walls and clothes.

Body Language

When Quinn is sat on a single chair in the institution we made sure her body language reflected her insane character. She is sat bolt upright. Her shoulders are squared unlike the casual slump that relaxed people get. This shows a certain amount of an uptight personality. It shows that she is not comfortable in such a place, which does reflect a little more of the pre-murderer Wakely. Another way of seeing this position is that there is almost like an invisible straight jacket on her. Although her arms are not crossed, the straight, square shoulders may be a sign of being restrained. In contrast to this upright position, Quinn's arms are slumped in the most peculiar of positions. Her right arm is resting on her lap with her hand bent in such a way that her palm faces upward. Her left arm is left hanging beside her, hands relaxed. This twisted contrast shows that something is not right with her. There is a lot of contrasting body language to make up for the lack of dialogue. In one scene, there are varied close ups of her eyes darting to each corner of the room. These sudden movements paired with the close up body twitches in the beginning show that there is something more to this character. It signifies that Quinn wants to break free from her invisible straight jacket.

Facial Expression

Throughout most of my movie opening Quinn Wakely's expression remains distant. Keeping a straight face and showing no emotion was a hard acting concept, but I think overall I achieved the look successfully. The distance in the character's face shows that her mind is elsewhere than the current situation. It makes the audience wonder what is going on in her head. When the darting eyes scene appears, she takes on a little more panicked/paranoid look to show her serene mask is cracking. Quinn obviously cannot be contained in such a place as a mental institute, which means she is quite uncontrollable and has a strong character. When the climax of my film nears, Quinn's façade finally breaks and turns into an explosion of emotions. Mainly fear and laughter. The manic look as she laughs gives off the impression that this character is well and truly insane. The fearful expression  creates a sense of pity for the character. This mix of emotions is what truly shows she may have bi-polar.  



Near the end of my film sequence we see clips of Quinn Wakely running through a forest. I wanted to represent her as panicked and hurried. However, I did not want to portray much fear as to not give the impression that she is being chased. It could easily be the other way round - she may be the chaser. (We find out in the plot that she is the one chasing). Here is how I showed my representation:

Costume

During the forest scenes Quinn Wakely is in completely contrasting clothes to the institutionalised character we saw earlier. I have dressed her in black, tight jeans, a white blouse, a leather jacket and high heeled boots.

The black skinny jeans and the high heeled boots paired together create quite a sexualised look. I want my character to come across as attractive and conscious about her beauty. She is almost vane in that aspect. The boots are very 'Tom Boy'-like as they are an army green and add quite a tough look to the outfit. The black skinny jeans are also quite smart and neat to show Quinn must keep up appearance. The leather jacket is more of a luxurious item as they are notoriously expensive. This indicates a liking for materialistic goods of the expensive sort. It also gives a hard, rock-chick edge to the character, indicating that she has a solid outer shell. Quinn wheres a cute, white blouse underneath, which softens up the outfit and makes her look a lot more feminine. It is fitted to give a sense of style and adds to her figure. Which links back to the earlier point of being sexualised. The white underneath all the black stands out and could signify the aspect of my character's innocence.

Make-up

Quinn's make-up in the forest scene is a lot more than in the institute. However, the simple application of black eyeliner, mascara and some foundation is very minimalistic and cannot be noticed due to the lack of close ups. This make-up indicates that she is wearing her casual day-to-day look, whereas at night going out into town she may where bright, bold colours because she is very young and modern. The foundation covers any blemishes and makes the skin look smoother which shows she very much cares about her appearance, even casually in the day. This could be seen as quite vane. The eyeliner and mascara can be seen as a mask. Quinn gives the impression that she is not very confident about her beauty and uses materialistic products to disguise that.

Body Language

I've made it very clear when Quinn is running that she is in a panic/rush. Her arms and legs are fully devoted to running. The crouching, jumping and dodging of obstacles within the forest shows she is physically fit and able. We see a lot of head spins as though paranoid of something within the woods and from that we assume that she is being chased. However, at the very end Quinn has slowed her pace and is now casually walking along as though going for a stroll. This confuses the viewer as it is a complete contrast to her panicked body language earlier on.

Inspector Hodges

The Inspector, although his appearance is dated, is a professional official. Being in his 30s, it would be expected that he has power over a lot of people. However, he is very down-trodden by more modern, young and harsher inspectors. The reason for this is that he is seen as an old 'push-over'. This is not the case. Inspector Hodges is a very sincere man with a huge respect for his clients. He is passionate and relates to the feelings of victims and suspects alike. He speaks in a soft voice to match his soft personality. Hodges is always persistent with his cases and likes to put all his effort into his job.

The Inspector puts all of his time into his career which does make up for the lack of family. His parents have passed away and his wife divorced him for being a push-over.

Costume

Inspector Hodges' costume is very bland. There is a lot of greys, blacks and whites. This shows that he is an official of some sort and takes his job very seriously. The blazer is very formal although quite a dated style. The grey takes away the business-like chic and replaces it with a dull, vintage look. He wears sensible, black shoes that have been neglected. This shows a lack of self-pride and appearance. These components together create a sense of pity for this middle-aged man.

However, we added a colourful scarf to his image. This lightened up the dull colours and showed that the Inspector had a flare to him. It makes him appear stylish and also shows a resemblance to the Tom Baker of Doctor Who's, who was notoriously known for his unique personality. My older audience can relate to this similarity as Tom Baker was probably around at their time of childhood.

 Facial Expressions

Inspector Hodges' main expression throughout the film is concern. He is very worried about his client and the situation he's been given. We can see that it is not a fake expression of concern as a comforting, almost sympathetic look comes through to show he is very passionate about this case and the client.

Hodges always keeps his facial expressions soft but serious. No smiles are used, to show this is a very sombre scene.

Body Language

The Inspector is stood quite upright for a lot of the introduction. His posture mimics that of a soldier to show that he is taking control of the situation at hand. Hodges then resides to a kneeling position to show that he is no longer in control of things and has been forced to retreat from his former position of power. At one point he brings his hand up to his chin in a way that makes him look quite thoughtful.

Camera Shots and Editing

When we were filming these two characters would had to use every technique available to put across their personalities. For instance, we needed to make Quinn look vulnerable in the introduction so we used a lot of high angle shots for her. The Inspector needed to be the figure of authority at first and so he appeared in the low angle shots. When the situation does not go the Inspector's way we see a shift in roles. Now Quinn appears in all the low angle shots and the Inspector in all the high angle shots. We then get the indication that Inspector Hodges has given in to his submissive behaviour and Quinn's mental silence over powers the scene.

A lot of close ups were used on Quinn to emphasise her empty facial expressions. Mid-shots were used mostly for the Inspector to show off his dated clothes and strong shoulders to show his male dominance in the introduction to the scene. Later however, when the roles change, more close ups of Hodges are shown to emphasise his concern and passion for the case.

Faster, jumpy editing was used on Quinn to show edgy, unstable behaviour. Inspector, on the other hand, appears in longer, steady cuts to give normality to his character.