1. What have you learnt about
technologies from the process of
constructing this product?
2. Which technologies have you used in the
production of your thriller?
We used a variety of different technologies during the production of our thriller. For example,
we used a Canon Legria HFR26 video camera to film our footage. We chose to use this model
because its high quality and has a range of functions that allowed us to film in a sophisticated
and professional style. We also used a tripod, this meant that our shots were steady as
although shaking shots can be effective it wasn’t an aspect we wanted to use in our thriller. The
tripod allowed us to film from a variety of different heights, changing the perspective of our
shots. Another technology we used was an external microphone, this meant that when we were
filming in windy conditions outside, specific sounds that were key to our thriller could still be
heard. An example of this is the sound of the train, this is a very important noise because it
emphasises the impact of the decision our protagonist is making.
3. Which technologies did you use post
production?
To edit our thriller we used PremierPro, a professional editing platform, this
allowed us to do a variety of different things to our footage. For example,
we were able to crop our footage, this meant that we could remove any
continuity errors that we had. To do this we had to enter the video effects
folder and drag the crop effect onto the clip we wanted to edit. This then
allowed us to open another window where we could change what
percentage of the shot could be seen. After adjusting this, we had to rescale
the clip so that it would fit the screen properly. This scaling effect also meant
that we were able to zoom in on shots to make them more intense. The
ability to mute sound meant that we could remove continuity errors. On
several occasions external noises could be heard which we didn’t want as a
part of our thriller because by the time we filmed the next shot, whatever
was causing the noise had moved away. PremierPro also allowed us to add
scores to accompany our footage, adding to the atmosphere and tension
that the events in our thriller created. Another technology we used was
colour adjustment, this enabled us to desaturate the colours in our thriller,
creating a bleaker, more unsettling feeling as traditionally darker colours
represent a lack or loss of hope. We also used a fade in during the opening
of our thriller, this made the cut to the shot of our protagonists restrained
hands less abrupt and more natural. It could also reflect the protagonist’s
actions as it mimics someone opening their eyes, much like our character
opening his eyes as he regains consciousness.
Cropping Process
4. Which presentational devices have you used
on your blog?
I have used a variety of different presentational techniques on my blog in order to make it
engaging for a reader. For example, I have used Prezis and PowerPoints as well as longer, essay
posts. I have embedded PowerPoints into my blog via websites such as Scribd and Slideshare.
This has allowed me to breakdown longer posts into more accessible, smaller points.
PowerPoints also make it easier to insert photos and to annotate them, making it simpler to add
more detail to blog posts. I have also included several Prezis on my blog, this is a diverse and
unique way of presenting information which could engage the reader. Similarly to PowerPoint,
photos can be inserted into Prezis, making it easy to connect the reader to an example of the
point being discussed. Another presentational technique I have used is video clips, this again,
connects the reader to what’s being explored or explained and makes the points being made
easier to understand,
5. How has technology helped in your research?
When doing research for our thriller the internet and YouTube were very helpful resources.
For example, the internet made information from articles regarding topics such as the
tradition of the femme fatale and conventions of thrillers, easy to access. This in turn, meant I
was able to gather information quickly and efficiently. It also meant I could use websites such
as IMDB which allowed me to use key facts and information within my blog posts.
YouTube was also a valuable resource, it made it very simple to show the reader what
features were being discussed when clips from YouTube were embedded within a post.
Furthermore, it meant that I was able to research a variety of different options before
choosing one to use for my blog. For example, when analysing how sound is used in thrillers,
I was able to watch several different clips before picking one to use. This also meant I was
able to gather inspiration from other thrillers whilst learning the conventions of the genre.
6. How has technology helped in your
planning?
Technology has been very helpful during the planning of our thriller. For example, phone
cameras made it very easy to take photos of the different locations we could use. It also meant
that we could take photos of our props and costumes without having to find or use a more
complex camera. Email has allowed us to send work to one another, meaning we were able to
share the workload instead of everyone having to do the same piece of work. Texting and
messaging meant that we could stay in contact with each other when we weren’t at school,
discussing ideas and planning shoots.
