Opening Sequence

Question 3: What Kind Of Institution Might Distribute Your Media Product And Why?

Question 2: How Does Your Media Product Represent Particular Social Groups?

Question 5: How Did You Attract/Address Your Audience?

Here is our Video Along With Examples We Talk About

Question 4: Who Would Be The Audience For Your Media Product?

Question 7: Looking Back At Your Preliminary Task (The Continuity Task), What Do You Feel You Have Learnt In The Progression From It To A Full Product.

Question 6: What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product?

What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product? 

Within our opening sequence, we used various technologies to help us create the vision we had from the start. Sofware and hardware such as:

Research and Planning
Powtoon
Prezi
SlideShare
Emaze
Survey Monkey
Mac Computer
Blogger
Adobe Photoshop

Filming
DSLR Camera
GoPro
Tripod
GoPro Headset

Editing
Adobe Premier Pro

Each of these technologies allowed us to experiment, use and learn more about them, it provided us an opportunity to use technologies we had never used before; and therefore giving us more experience in using them. Firstly, within the research and planning we used various technologies to aid us in creating our vision. A programme i used to display my research was Emaze which was an advanced slideshow programme that i used to display conventions of an opening sequence. this allowed me to learn to use it so i can present my work in the future. Using the programme prompt me to create something visually appealing so my ideas can be more creatively spread. Without this technology, i would of just used Powerpoint which is quite bland in showing creative ideas. with the introduction of Emaze it allowed me to create a more visually stunning presentation.

I also had learnt to use Survey Monkey which was a huge help in getting data from our target audience. Survey monkey was easy to navigate around as the presentation was easy to get around. i had developed my skills in creating a digital survey which allowed me to create surveys that were simple and easy rather them being scruffy, complicated and time consuming handwritten survey. During the process, we realized that we had a large range of question styles we could of used rather then going straight in and using simple answer questions. This was a problem as we wanted to add more choice to our target audience.

From the research and planning we went on to filming with the addition of brand new hardware we could use. We were able to use brand new DSLR cameras which were top of the range video cameras we could use. We first used this camera for the Preliminary Project which was one of our first uses of the camera we filmed. Using the DSLR camera allowed us to shoot in high definition and got a new filming experience. We then used these cameras to film our opening sequence. The cameras were great in using as they allowed us to get shots and add effects which we could not use on a normal camcorder. For our opening sequence, we did not just use the DSLR but we also used a GoPro to film some of the scenes.

The music we used for our opening sequence we discovered online from the website incompetet. This meant we can take the music and upload it to sound cloud where we can show to our target audience what music we used. Soundcloud was a programme I used to use before as I put my friends music on it to promote his music. 

For the titles of our opening sequence, we used a various number different types of software to produce the titles to a standard. we firstly wanted to get the font for our titles so it can have a font that resembles an action movie. We done this by going on Dafont to identify a suitable font. once we did this, we went into adobe premier where the real magic happened which made the titles as good as they are. Once we added the names of the titles that will be included in our opening sequence, we started to develop a unique way of doing the titles. We researched and researched until we came to a conclusion... We decided to add a sheen to add a mysterious yet powerful effect. this took little time to construct but took a while to add to every title. this way was very simple yet time consuming. in using adobe premier, it widend my knowledge of advanced video editing software. this allowed me to display my wokr in a very creative way which helped our opening sequence.

How Did The Tech Help Us: The tech allowed to create new meaning within our shots, such as the first person viewpoint from the GoPro. The GoPro allowed us to engage in the audience and allows them to feel the characters emotion and shows their perspective upon the situation. Also, the editing allowed us the create meaning through the use of transitions and jump cuts. The reason we used fast paced editing was to create a sense of urgency at hand, which therefore makes the audiences confused and wanting to find out more.

Question 1: In What Ways Does Your Media Products Use, Develop Or Challenge Forms And Conventions Of Real Media Products?

In what ways does your media products use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? 

Within an opening sequence, there are many conventions that will convey the typical clichés that are shown within a specific genre. Conventions such as the titles can give the audience an idea of what to expect within the film. The titles give the audience an idea of what mood and atmosphere the movie is going to portray, for instance, in the film Django Unchained, the titles are stylized in a western theme and link with the soundtrack being played; informing the audience that they are about to watch a western film that has been modernized. Titles in our opening sequence are unique as they give the sense of a gritty action/adventure film. We showed this through the font and the sheen to give it an edgy look.

Also, another convention opening sequences normally use is the implication for the audience to ask questions through the techniques the film makers use. This covers everything, from mise en scene to camera work; these are done to allow the audience to get involved with the movie and to think about the story creating a sense of escapism within the film. For example, in the movie 'Sixth Sense' we start to ask questions about Bruce Willis's character as we see a certificate and a psychopathic adult who wants to kill Willis's character. This makes the audience ask questions to wonder who the psychopath is and why is Willis's character the best child psychologist. within our opening sequence, we use props to allow the audience to ask questions. for instance, we use the jewels that the main protagonist possess to let the audience think why he has the jewels and why people are chasing after him.

To add on, opening sequences will generally start off with a soundtrack/score to really convey the mood the filmmakers want to show. The soundtrack takes the audience on a ride of escapism and to capture the mood and atmosphere of the film. Some soundtracks will be composed to add familiarity such as Star Wars. Star Wars uses soundtrack at the very start to take the audience on an adventure; it also allows them to familiarize themselves with it so they can fully understand the mood and atmosphere of the film. In the opening sequence we made, we used the soundtrack to add hype and action which will stereotypically be shown in action/adventure films but not necessarily at the start. using it at the start creates a sense of urgency and tension within the film.

Furthermore, an opening sequence will normally set the story for the film. The opening sequence should allow the audience to understand the basics of the story so they can be intrigued on what is going to happen. for example, in the film The amazing spider man 2 we see that the opening sequence is action packed showing of the violence/combat that we can expect later on in the film. this is a typical convention as in done to allow the audience to prepare for the journey they are about to embark on.

The characters are very important within an opening sequence to show the audience who the characters are and their persona. this is very important as it develops the relationship and first impression the audience have the characters in the film. in the film Hitch, Will Smith shows his character straight away revealing he is a smooth ladies man. This allows the audience to understand who he is as a character and develop their relationship with him. The characters show are hugely important to the story and demonstrate the conventions of an opening sequence,

Moreover, Costumes and Props also have a very big role in showing of the conventions as this allows the audience to look deeper then is expected. The Costumes and Props are part of Mise En Scene and shows the filmmaker has put these in place to hint or reveal a certain fact and links in with the audience wanting to ask questions. For example, in the film Momento, we witness a picture with a man dead in the photo as he is bathing a in a pool of blood. This tells the audience that he maybe either involved in some type of murder or he has lost someone and is reminiccing about the death. The costumes and props let the audience look beneath what is being presented to them showing it to be a typical convention.


Conventions Used In Our Opening Sequence:

Titles And Font:
Within our opening sequence, we used the title and font to convey to the audience what genre of film it is and what can the audience expect. We used a font that was  gritty to represent the south London gang driven society. this is shown as the title has the outline of London on the lettering and a sheen goes through each of the titles to convey this feeling.



Soundtrack:
For this we wanted to resemble a typical action chase scene which allowed us to experiment with different scores to emphasizes the chase scene. What we found was two scores which add two different moods within the opening sequence. The first builds up the anticipation to the chase and ends with the score making the chase scene more thrilling to watch.



Race Against Time:
For this convention we came up with the idea of the main protagonist having an item of significance. This would then prove why two henchmen are chasing him. this shows the race against time as the protagonist must escape before he is captured by the henchmen. this allows to audience to almost cheer on the protagonist hoping he escapes.


Exotic Location:
For this convention, we went against the typical exotic locations which action adventure films are known for having. we as a group wanted to create a location which was familiar to the audience so they could imagine this sort of circumstance happening within our area. As most of our audience would be from England, most would be able to relate to the location creating a better connection with the viewers.

Violence And Combat:
Within Our Opening Sequence, we decided to go against the typical conventions and not show as much violence or combat. we wanted to show more of a mysterious tone within the sequence. there is a bit of violence when the protagonist brings the bins over to stop the henchmen from reaching him. This will allow the audience to anticipate for a bigger action scene later on as we wanted to leave the audience wanting more.

Characters:
The characters stay to the conventions but also go against them at the same time. the Protagonist is a white male which is normally shown within Action adventure films. However, the henchmen in the film are dressed in suits and they would normally be percieved as the good guys. We go against these conventions allowing the audience to question who is good and who is bad.

Action/Adventure Conventions:


Race Against Time:
In action adventure films, a convention of this genre would normally show a race against time of some sort. this could be the main protagonist having to rush to give specific information to someone before something catastrophic will happen. For instance, in Indiana Jones the raiders of the lost ark, we see indie trying to keep a precious object that must be protected; he must run away from the boulder to protect the object. Race against time creates a sense of urgency and desperation that is needed within an action adventure scene.

Characters In Action Adventure:

The characters in action adventure vary but are typically presented in a certain way. The conventions of this genre show that the protagonist is normally a strong, brave and white male. this is seen is most Action Adventure films as it shows the hero to be strong and mighty so he can always win. An example of this is the protagonist in the film machine gun preacher as he is white, brave, strong and wise. This gives the audience faith and hope within the hero of the film.




Logos And Titles:

Logos and Titles are very important within an opening sequence as they set the tone for the whole film. In the Action Adventure Genre, the titles and logos allow the audience to anticipate the film. the Title's and the logos blend in with the atmosphere of the movie and should represent the look the move is going for. For instance, in the transporter film, the titles are done is a digitally stylized way which conveys to the audience what to expect later on in the film

Exotic Location:
In action adventure films, the opening sequence normally show some sort of exotic location which add excitement to the film that the audience will enjoy. if we look at the film Star Trek: Into Darkness, the start shows a vibrant planet showing how mysterious it is letting the audience enjoy and aesthetically appreciate this. With an exotic location it adds a unique selling point for the film as it may show an area that is unknown to the audience.

Violence And Combat:
Within this genre, one convention that seems to pop up again and again is violence and combat. This a typical convention that Action Adventure films will show violence that is suitable for their target audience. A combat scene can get the audiences blood pumping full of anticipation for the film. For Instance, in the Film The Dark Knight, the audience is treated to a scene of violence and combat from Jokers henchmen. this allows the audience to get excited for the movie and keeps them hooked till the very end.


Soundtrack:
Action Adventure openings are known to have an upbeat score if there is a chase scene involved and even when there is not. The soundtrack of the film engages the audience to add excitement into what they are viewing. it adds a depth which dialogue could not reach; the score would normally show a turning point within the opening or show the high intense situations. In films such as Casino Royale with a very specific score that is familiar with the genre, it still adds intensity and blood pumping action to grab the audiences interest.

Retribution Opening Sequence - Final

Retribution final piece.

Filming Days

Whilst recording our Opening Sequence we took pictures of us setting up the equipment and take pictures of the set and recording within our opening sequence. We took these pictures within the locations we had chosen to film our opening sequence, and as a result we took these several photos.


These sessions were strenuous and tiring. however, we managed to use a range of different shots which allows us to experiment with the camera/

 
 

 

The Cast

First Draft Feedback

This is a feedback response to our opening sequence. We will plan to change various things in which we will use to help improve our grade.

Created with Padlet

For our feedback, we had a lot of people comment on how we need to change the sound so we can hear the sequences equally and clearly. For our next piece, we will make sure to equalise the audio in the editing so everyone can be heard more clearly.

Also, we got feedback that we need to change the structure of the phone scene as there is no continuity between the two scenes. For next time we will make sure the scenes match together to create better continuity.

People liked the title sequences and the shot variation. Which is a good because the shot variation seems to be our strongest assest.

Our Priorities To Improve Are:

• Soundtrack
• Continuity



Retribution: First Draft

Editing Process

This is our editing process we went through. The process here was quite long as we just neeeded to get the footage up to edit. Once editing began, it was relatively easy to put the clips in the right place. The only downside was the time it took for us to make the titles.

3 Things I Found Interesting In This Opening Sequence Which Previous Students Have Done.

Here, I have said what i like about this previous students media work. This work was a very high level so I would hope my grade could also be like this. i point out 3 things i enjoyed about this opening sequence.