Media Studies AS Level

1. Film Production Evaluation
Question 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms
and conventions of real media products?

2. What are the genre conventions? (compare to existing examples.)
 My respective film production complies with the expected codes and conventions of
the chosen film genre (horror) in an array of ways, most notably the image, as well as
the general character of the production's primary antagonist.
 In order for the antagonist to associate entirely with the horror genre, I conducted
research on the internet, which in fact comprised of analysing iconic antagonists,
deriving from a collection of classic horror productions. Notable examples I analysed
are; Pennywise the clown (It, 1990), Dracula (Dracula, 1958) and Leather face (Texas
Chainsaw Massacre, 1974). In addition, it was important that the target audience of
the genre which relates to our production was fully analysed. This extra research and
planning resulted in my group and I having a greater understanding of how we
should configure the characters, so they as a whole would suite the stereotypical
expectations of those watching the film production.

3. What media platform have you used to present your video and
ancillary texts?
 For the respective film production, the primary piece of media technology is
IMovie. This applications main function is to assist in terms of editing a film,
and creating more overall effects for the film production. Even with its
limited range of functions, it offers a reliable value of assistance. In due time
however, the project will be transferred to a more updated film editing
application. This will probably enhance the effects added to the production.

4. How have you conformed to the forms and conventions? (consider technical, symbolic,
verbal, genre) Reference illustrative examples from your own products.
 Furthermore, the respective film production does in fact conform to the
form and conventions of the objected film. This is as a result of the specific
techniques, in terms of both technology and acting deployed throughout
the production. One crowning example of technology-revolved techniques
used effectively in the film production, was the variety of camera shots
included; close-up shots were used to express one’s facial expressions. In
the process of this, the specific shots used connoted the typical features
included within the horror genre. As well as this, my colleagues and I
approved of the excellent use of varying forms of lighting, which either
created suspense, or established a scene.

5. Did you make a conscious decision to challenge any forms and conventions? Explain
with reference to illustrative examples from your own texts and compare to examples
from professional media texts.
 As a group, my collogues and I decided to stay intact within the typical
stereotypes and conventions that are expected within a horror antagonist.
Our production’s one and only antagonist comprises of a variety of aspects
including; scare-factor, mysteriousness, as well as identity/iconography. If
these, as well as other typical conventions are not achieved, the audience
may believe that the film production is in fact not the intended target genre.
Another reason to why the usual codes and conventions are applied, is due
to the convenience when comparing to professional films that influenced
our own production. For example, Pennywise the clown (It, 1990), was a
primary influence, and possesses the same forms and conventions as our
antagonist.

6. Have they proven successful? Have you developed (extended/improved/made
more prevalent) any existing conventions in your own video and ancillary
texts?
 In my personal opinion, the film production meets a variety of typical codes
and conventions, through the use of camera shots, as well as certain uses of
dialogue. The effective uses of camera angles and props create improved
the plot of the film, which was simplistic. The codes and conventions of the
horror genre was further enhanced by our production, as there is a clear
antagonist, who displays no intention other than to cause harm to the only
other character within the production.

7. How did YOU demonstrate this? What was YOUR contribution? What were
YOU inspired by and why?
 I contributed to the overall plot and background of the production through
extensive research, analysing possible influences for the production e.g.
films, characters, as well as assisting in terms of creating the storyboard.
 My primary function within the process was to record the scenes using a
camera, as well as lead the editing once the recording had been successfully
completed. As I had experience with editing previous productions, I felt it
was necessary that I would participate in this particular aspect of the film
prodcution.