EVALUATION Q4: HOW DID YOU USE NEW MEDIA

TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND

RESEARCH, PLANNING AND EVALUATION STAGES?

Forms of technology

Throughout my A2 coursework I used a range of technologies varying from different programs and software’s, which has helped me during the research, planning, construction and the evaluation process of my trailer, film poster and magazine cover.

Some of these forms of technology I was familiar with, whereas some of them were new to me therefore was a challenge. However I have developed my skills in both familiar and new technologies.

Mac computer One of the most important forms of technology that I have used in all parts of my coursework,(research, planning, construction and evaluation) was a USB stick, and a Mac. The use of a USB stick was essential as this is I where I saved most of work, from simple ideas for the planning to research and construction. This means I wasn’t limited to the time given during lessons, I was able to use the USB anywhere and do work in my own time. The mac was the key form of media technology as this is how I was able to access the internet therefore being able to do research, as also able to access the programs and software's needed for the construction. Even though I had used a Mac previously in my AS media, I still learnt need things therefore I am able to use a mac more confidently. 

Survey MonkeySurvey Monkey is a website that I used to create various audience surveys. This website was advantageous as it was an easy and simple way of finding out more about my target audience, their preferences and their dislikes. This way allowing me to get effective feedback on how to make my film trailer more appealing to my audience. The first survey I done was for my planning, I asked questions such as “what name is more suitable for a horror movie?”, this helped me decide what name was most appropriate for my trailer. In addition, I made surveys throughout the construction process, in order to get positive and negative feedback and make changes with the aim of improving my work. 

Google and IMDbAnother form of media technology that I relied majority of the time was  Google. By using Google I was able to get access to a lot of information which has helped me during the construction stage. For example, searching camera movements and their effects on the audience, as well getting access to real magazine covers  in the research stage of my film trailer. Similarly, the website IMDb  (internet movie database) gave me access to trailers, film posters and film institutions, once again this all part of research stage. This helped me understand what is contained in horror movies, for example conventions, as it was essential to understand this when analyzing trailers, film magazine covers and film posters.

Slideshare

Slideshare allowed me to upload all my work such as PowerPoint and Word documents and publish it on to my blog. Although it was my first time using it, I found this website simple to use and beneficial as it was an easier and more ordered way of presenting my work. As usually I would have to post the link on my blog and it would then have to be downloaded by the person who wanted to see my work. This website was used in all stages (construction, research, planning and evaluation stages) due to its effectiveness.

Youtube and VimeoAdditionally, I used Youtube and Vimeo to watch videos explaining camera movements and camera angles. This was important as in the beginning of A2 I was not fully aware of the effect that some camera movements and angles could have on the audience, or when to use them appropriately.   I also uploaded some videos on to YouTube and Vimeo then published the videos on to my blog. This was an efficient and simple way of sharing my product with the audience and getting feedback by commenting on my video. Furthermore, these websites were mainly used in the construction stage as the videos on camera movement/angles were very useful while I creating my product.

Construction Stage The use of a camera was an important in the construction stage as I needed a professional video camera to shoot my film trailer. I ensure the camera allowed me to record high quality videos, which I believe it did. I also used a digital camera to take pictures for my film poster and film magazine cover. During my construction stage I also used Adobe Photoshop for my film poster and film magazine cover and Adobe Premiere Pro for my film trailer. Adobe Photoshop allowed me to manipulate pictures and edit them in a manner that would successfully represent my genre (horror). I can confidently use this program as I had previously used it, however I still developed my skills as I discovered new editing techniques      

On the other hand, it was my first time using Adobe Pemiere Pro therefore I found this software quite complex in the beginning of the construction stage. However, when I began experimenting and exploring the video editing techniques provided, for example adding transitions. This is easy as I simply have to click on transitions which will then show me a selection of different transitions. After selecting a transition I then gave to drag it to the shots I that prefer. I started feeling more confident and was able to use these techniques effectively, which I believe it shows in my final product.

Evaluation

Lastly, for my evaluation I’ve used PowerPoint, Word, Prezi and WordPress. I can confidently use all as they’re simple but effective. It was my first time using Prezi, however I found this website easy to use and efficient. I’ve also used Wordpress, this is a blog I created not only for the teachers to have easy access to my work but also for my audience.