By Luke

2. 76323 uses the conventions of a real media product by introducing the production companies
at the beginning of the sequence; Unique Name Productions and SEAL Productions, which
we developed with movement and technology to present realistic institutions. Our whole
opening sequence is aimed at grabbing the audiences’ attention, creating an urge to see
more. We’ve included cliff-hangers and presented unanswered questions to create an
exciting and thought-provoking production. Throughout our production, we’ve made use of the
many varied shot types to continue to enthuse our audience, such as the initial extreme close-
up of a shoe, and the aerial shot of somebody running across a field. Our opening shot is
canted, to confuse the audience, and add to the overall extreme, adrenaline-fuelled,
exhilaration of the production. We use three different music tracks in our opening sequence,
each of which support the narrative at the point in the production; although contrapuntal music
is highly effective within film, we did not feel it appropriate to put it into our opening sequence.
Another effective element of our opening sequence includes the use of black and white film
when credits are shown – this is to all the audience to take in the credits, which stand out
white against the darker background, and also emphasises the current action on screen. We
also made use of iconic locations, which will interest audiences around the world. We
challenge conventions of real media products by including a huge action sequence and a
flashback scene before the main titles appear, which sets up the narrative very successfully.
By including a flashback scene in our opening sequence, it adds to the narrative and develops
the characters for the audience. Moreover, included in our opening sequence is the apparent
death of the male protagonist. This goes against conventions of a real media product, and will
draw in the audience as they desire to understand what truly happened…

3. Within our opening sequence, there are three characters shown. Of these, we
wanted to present their different backgrounds and motivations, and develop the
characters through the mise-en-scene within the frame.
Our female protagonist was represented as very naïve and innocent, but in a positive
approach. She represents purity and virtue, through her dress, make-up, and
performance. She is dressed in red during the date scene, which is the colour of love
and beauty. Her hair is curled, showing similarities to the purity of a child, and her
make-up is plain but beautiful.
The male protagonist of the production is also represented positively. Throughout
the production he is wearing a shirt and suit, which demonstrates that he is
powerful, profession, and, alongside his performance, in control. However, his
costume is always somewhat messy or dirty, which shows that he is hardworking,
and enjoys getting involved in the dirty work. Our aim was to present the male
protagonist as a professional spy, similar to the likes of 007. We presented him in a
way for the audience to side with him, as he behaved fairly and somewhat pleasantly,
in contrast with his opponent.
The opponent in our production was dressed in black to show how mysterious and
dangerous he is. He wears black leather gloves, similar to professional assassins,
which would make the audience fear him somewhat.

4. Our production is an exciting, expensive, high-tech, special effects rollercoaster ride… We
want to thrill and electrify the audience, while entertaining them with a high quality narrative,
alongside an exceptional micro-construction. Previous to creating our opening sequence, we
analysed similar productions in terms of genre and content, such as the recent Casino Royale
(Martin Campbell, 2006), from which we discovered effective conventions to use within our
own production. We also noticed that this production was distributed by Sony Pictures, who
have enormous amounts of funding to effectively promote the film, and offer a blanket release
for exhibition, allowing as much revenue as possible to be obtained. As our products are
somewhat similar, we believe that by distributing through Sony Pictures, we would be able to
have a worldwide release, and make huge amounts of profit and exhibiting the production
multiple times each day. Sony Pictures would be able to fund the costs of each print needed
for such huge distribution, which itself is highly expensive. Without a successful distribution
such as the one stated, we may not be able to even get the production exhibited, unless we
made use of the digital exhibition made generously possibly through grants from the UK Film
Council. Sony Pictures may agree to distribute our film if synergy is used within the
production, advertising their latest electrical goods or products. Moreover, in order for them to
agree a release worldwide – or at least in the United States where a huge audience would
enjoy the production – an American, or star from another country, could be included in the
production to appeal to an even wider audience.

5. Our production, although an action-thriller genre film, encompasses such a wide
range of action, narrative, and characters; we aim to appeal to many varied
demographics. Our narrative is constructed to include action, violence, romance,
betrayal, humour, and puzzle solving, alongside attractive actors and actresses;
thus appealing to a wide range of demographics. Our target audience was
teenagers and adults; our production is not suitable for children, neither was it
intended to be. It was, however, intended to include conventions such as intimate
scenes and exaggerated action violence to entertainment a teen and adult
audience, who would be much more responsive to it. The response we were aiming
for as we created our production was a sense of excitement and enjoyment.

6. Our opening sequence begins suddenly, and explosively. One of our
main aims in creating the production was to immediately have a fast
pace to enliven the audience. The pace is set through the use of
frequent cuts, shaky cameras, and intense music. The music was
chose has a very fast tempo, and makes use of instruments such as
guitar, bass guitar, and drums, to create a high-speed, extreme
atmosphere within the production. We also included exaggerated
versions of everyday activities – such as relationships, problems, and
vendettas – to allow the audience to relate to the onscreen action.

7. Previous to beginning this media project, I had had very little experience into actually
executing the three stages of production: planning; shooting; and editing. Therefore,
I also had very little experience with the hardware and software involved in it, and I
thoroughly enjoyed learning how use to technology such as Adobe Premiere Pro,
video cameras, and sound editing.
As we was filming, I learnt the importance of constantly making use of the tripod to
ensure all footage is smooth and professional. I learnt about the types of features
cameras include, such as integrated lights, zoom features, and playback. I also
previously didn’t know how to upload footage from a tape to a PC, and know how to
do so effectively and proficiently.
I have learnt much about the terminology and rules involved in filming, including the
180-degree rule. As I was learning this theory, I didn’t understand how such a
seemingly unimportant rule could affect the footage so greatly, but I soon discovered
the reason as I was photographing my storyboard and spotted the disorientating
error. I have also learnt more about the rule of thirds, and the uses of shallow depth
of field. I have learnt much about the different types of camera angles and shots, and
their related meaning.
I was also learning more and more about the editing software – Adobe Premiere Pro
– as I was editing. I was discovering different features and effects as I needed them
to enhance our production. Also, I have gained knowledge and experience into
sound editing, which can also be achieved on Adobe. This is vital, and having the
correct diegetic and non-diegetic sound within a production can enhance or falter it.

8. Firstly, I have learnt just how much time, effort, and initial planning it takes to
effectively and properly execute the three stages of a good production; that
nothing should be left to the last minute, and everything should be constructed
and framed properly. I better understand how to create meaning through
editing, and the importance of sound within a production. The sound and music
within a film can really change the whole feel of the film; choosing sound and
music that creates the atmosphere the director wants to show is vital.
Even apparently minor details, such as the font in the credits and titles, are
important; absolutely everything within a production should constitute to the
aims and presentation of the production.