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

1.   Adobe PhotoShop Elements – In order to create the logo background using the ‘swirl’ and the ‘diagonal line’ tools. I have learnt that when making a background logo, it is probably best to experiment with the tools on PhotoShop in order to get an unusual background that suits the ‘Enigma’ title.

2.   Adobe Premiere Elements – In order to complete the post-production stage of my film opening – using the transitions and some of the colour effect tools. I have never used this software before now and so I have learnt as I have produced (experimenting with the features along the way). This therefore did not limit down what tools to use (because I did not just use the ones that I knew about).

3.   HD Camera – For use during the shooting process and throughout. I have used the movie recording feature before and so have just given me the opportunity to experiment with its usage (angles, movement etc.)

4.   Tripod – For use during the shooting process. I have learnt how different angles and positions of the tripod/camera can give a certain effect to the whole piece.

5.    DVD Disc – In order to transport/backup the footage that I had filmed. Also, I used a DVD as one of the ways to present my work to the audience for feedback.

6.    IPod – Another method of exhibiting my product to my audience for feedback.

7.    Prezi – A presentation tool that I have used to mind map my ideas when researching and evaluating.

8.    YouTube – For research methods into film openings and also to present my final product/prelim task.

9.    Blogger – The method that I have used in order to present the process of creating my product from research to finished product.
10.  Google – Mainly used for researching ideas to see what products were already out in the market.

11.  Roxio Sound Editor - For editing the music and some dialogue to enhance and make it clearer/more tense for the audience.

12.  Microsoft Office Software (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher) – In order to present my work while researching. Also, I used PowerPoint and Publisher to convert screengrabs into JPEG images for presentation.

7. Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?

As I have used the Apple Mac Software for my Preliminary Task (IMovie) and have used Adobe Premiere Elements for my product, I have used two different pieces of software. However, I have gained and developed skills that I did use previously in IMovie using Premiere Elements such as changing the audio to try to get the character’s voices as clear as possible (which was quite a tricky job with the strong wind in the background). I have developed the skill to really fine tune the work so that the whole film flows and keeps the audience interested but yet gives them enough information still and have made sure that my creativity has been shown in the dialogue and the mise en scene.
    In terms of cinematography, my skills as to plan exactly where the camera will be placed on set (to make sure that the 180 degree rule was followed) has improved and has shown me that organisation is key when producing a film. I have improved on the range of shots that I have used since my preliminary task (different angles and different shots such as close ups, mid shots, long shots and some zooming effects). This has made the final product more interesting and more creative as the varying of shots can build tension in horror films (POV Shots for example).
   I have also learnt on how important the camera shots are and how empty space above the subject can really break the flow of the film (as there was in my preliminary task). More time was spent trying to match on the action and focus the audience’s attention to the actual subject matter and not empty space around it. Reverse/Parallel shots have been used more effectively in my final product because I have used closer shots and a stationary tripod to make sure that the over-the shoulder shots do not suddenly change and disrupt the attention to the dialogue and mise en scene.
    As I had never used Adobe Premiere Elements, I think that I have gained a lot of knowledge about the software and what effects can be generated with it as well as using it in conjunction with PhotoShop in order to make the logo. Experimenting has been the biggest skill that I think I have improved on because I have learnt to try different techniques/effects/camera angles before saying that they won’t work or ‘suit’ the whole product – when they actually might after testing them. A lot of work has gone into making sure that my creativity side has shown through the product by really picking the mise en scene, makeup effects and cinematography (such as the lighting). I hope and think that the audience feedback has supported this idea and has shown that I have developed through this course by enabling my artistic side to show in my filmmaking (for example, the Enigma Studios logo).

Prelim Exercise

Final Film Introduction - The Grimm

After many hours of refining, I have finally finished my film opening:

Transitions Experimenting - From Logo

I wanted to include a transition effect from the institution logo to the main body of the film intro in order to bring the audience into it instead of it just playing. I therefore looked carefully at the different transitions that I could use on Adobe Premiere Elements and the ones that I thought would suit the fantasy/story book style would be a ‘page turning’ transition. This was one of the transitions that I looked at:

I am going to use a similar transition to this in my opening but it will be from the opposite corner (in order to make it look like an actual book page was turned). This will hopefully link to the fact that it is based on The Brothers Grimm tales.

Institution Logo - Premiere Elements

On Adobe Premiere Elements, I have used the image from the previous post (Logo Designs) and added the institution name with a whirling effect to give it that extra mystery effect:

Logo Background Designs - Photoshop

These were the three names that I have thought about for my institution name:

-        Enigma Studios (Enigma means Mystery)

-        Paradox Productions (Paradox means Puzzle/Contradiction)

-        Obscurity Productions (Obscurity means Vagueness)

I have decided to go with the Enigma Studios name because mystery is the atmosphere that I want to achieve. These are the ideas that I have created on PhotoShop for the background of the instiution name:

The second background is the one I am going to use in my institution logo because I like the arrow effect going down into the centre of the image.