2. I think I have improved my media skills in a variety ways during this unit,
most of which I learnt from by making the mistake from the preliminary
tasks. These mistakes I have learnt from and the work and skills I have
researched, I have tried to apply to my product (within preproduction
and also during the construction) to try produce a good quality Thriller
opening with a clear narrative, interesting camera shots and that is
enjoyable to watch.

3. One of the key aspects of the unit I have learnt from the most is that
working alone is much more productive, which I learnt from the
preliminary task. I think this because not only do you not have to rely
on other group members to get the product done in time but the
product will be more likely to reflect your views on the thriller genre,
making it easier to justify why certain decisions were made. I think my
Thriller opening was finished quicker because I worked alone and
didn't have to arrange time to work with other group members for
filming, editing or planning ideas. In addition to this, as in the end I
only needed one actor for my Thriller opening, planning filming time
wasn't much of an problem with only two peoples needs and
arrangements to be considered. I'm glad I worked alone because I
broke some conventions which others might not have agreed were
beneficial.

4. I felt that I used time more efficiently during production compared to
the preliminary task, mainly because I was more confident with the
editing software - Adobe Premiere Pro, I knew more camera shots that
were effective and the planning before filming proved most effective.
Also, as mentioned before, time management was much easier by
working by myself rather than worrying about when other team
members are free to complete work. There was also less need for
communication, the only contacts needed were those for emergencies
and for the actor within my product to schedule a time for filming. As
weather conditions wasn't relevant in the preliminary task, I realized
during the construction of the product how weather conditions affect
the continuity of the narrative, that is why I made sure there would be
enough time to do the outdoor filming in one day that has suitable
weather conditions.

5. Over the unit, I have realized how important the codes and conventions of
genres are for defining what genre or sub-genres film fits into. Without using
some form of typical codes or conventions, such film, such as the preliminary
task, can be easily mistaken for what genre it fits into.
I think my research on the Thriller genre majorly helped my product be
defined to the Thriller genre. To make my product fit into the Thriller genre, I
explored the use of the codes and conventions; mirrors, darkness, cold tones,
forests and many more. I think it was important that I didn't go against too
many conventions otherwise it would have been too misleading that my
product was in the Thriller genre. I used the internet to do research on the
Thriller genre such as on Wikipedia and film blogs, as well as watching films
within the Thriller genre and noting codes and conventions I found effective.
I definitely think there is a contrast between how strong the genres are
defined between my full product and the preliminary task, courtesy of the
typical codes and conventions that are recognized within many films that
belong to the genre that I looked into, including the sub-genre 'physiological
thriller'.

6. I have learned more about what certain audiences expect and what
appeals to them from my survey and also especially from research on
the theory 'Uses and Gratifications'. This theory made me realize how
you can appeal to a certain audience but not include what they expect.
My survey gave me a rough idea on what codes and conventions
appeal, so I included some that were rated important, such as
suspense, to make my product appeal more. Because such codes and
conventions were not included in the preliminary task, it probably had
minimum appeal because the audience didn't know if it included
elements that fitted their preferences.

7. As I didn't do any major research on editing techniques it isn't the area I have
progressed on the most but particularly continuity editing has been improved.
The narrative flows better in my final product as I was able to improve on certain
areas by noticing areas of improvement in the preliminary task and then try
avoiding making the same mistakes in the construction of the product. As I
worked alone for my product, I could make better use of time by filming more
camera shots, angles and movement to make the narrative flow better. One major
mistake I made was that if the second scene and stage of filming my main
character had a slightly different costume which could have affected the flow of
the narrative. However, it could be interpreted differently, that the change of
location meant the change of outfit. To not make this mistake again, I should take
a picture of the character(s) during the first session of filming so that I can
accurately copy the costume again, then it won't confuse the audience.
I have used Adobe Premiere Pro more effectively for the construction of my
product compared to the preliminary task by changed the speed duration on a
variety of shots to tense or calm the audience, a convention used widely in the
Thriller genre. I have also corrected the colour more frequently for my final
product - therefore ensuring better quality and a more consistent narrative.

8. I am much happier with the camera use in my product than the
preliminary task as the research gave the opportunity to practice
and learn a wider variety of shots, angles and movement and
therefore improving the quality of my final product. I especially
improved my camera use for the opening the door scene, in my
product I used a wider variety of shots for that particular scene
which I felt was effective in building up tension, especially with a
POV shot to make the audience feel like they are participating
themselves into the product.
The dolly zoom is a shot I looked into most notably, this shot was
very helpful in the narrative of my product by emphasizing how
disorientated the character felt. This is an example of the
practice I did to ensure filming went more swiftly and that my
shots were well used:

9. As well as the dolly zoom shot
which I familiarized myself with, I
also tried make more effective
use of the POV shot to address
the audience, I learned how
effective this shot can be within
my stage of research. I didn't
think of the effect certain shots
can have on the audience as
much in the preliminary task so I
tried make better use out of
certain shots for the final product
to improve the quality. Practise dolly zoom shot above.

10. There weren't any drastic contrasts between my final product and the
preliminary in terms of sound. This is because I didn't consider a major
element in my narrative, other than perhaps the menacing door knocking and
the sudden jolt of the door opening. What I did find out during the time
between the preliminary and the finish of my product is how useful sound
can be in some thrillers, such as Shutter Island and Women in Black which
uses sound very effectively in provoking a response from the audience.

11. I strongly think theory has helped my understanding on why film directors
and other various members that contribute in bringing a film together choose
certain decisions. I researched a few theories before the construction of my
product and this research has helped pull not only the narrative of my
product together but also the elements I have incorporated in.

12. This theory helped me make decisions relating the narrative of my
product. From watching Shutter Island which also includes
physiological themes, I saw how effective mystery can be for reeling an
audience in. This pushed me to try make the plot very mysterious
which is shown by the coincidences between the book and what
actually happens. An additional mystery could be whether the change
of location was in the characters head or not. If my product was to be
extended then this gratification when the mystery is solved would be
revealed to the audience with a plot twist. The preliminary task
doesn't involve any mystery so it is seen quite dull to watch and not
very appealing, so I made sure to include mystery for my products
narrative.

13. Propps’ narrative roles Levi Strauss’ Binary Opposition theory
Although the role of my character There are a lot of contrasts within
is confusing and misleading. I my narrative which helps the
decided to include two of main audience understand what's
distinctions is what defines the going on, such as:
characters role. At the beginning Location: warm, domestic home -
of the narrative my character cold, eerie forest.
looks innocent and friendly, Character: innocent, friendly
making her a typical
protagonist/victim but at the end victim - sinister looking
she puts on one of the most antagonist.
typical conventions for an Lighting: warm and yellowy - cold
antagonist - a mask. and dark.

14. Todorov’s Equilibrium Theory Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze
The initial equilibrium of the product This theory isn't as widely used as
is her just at home, relaxing with a the rest, but it is effective in
book and hot beverage, the
equilibrium is emphasised by the fact addressing the male audience by
the cup she is using is stained - this using a series of voyeuristic camera
signifies a cycle. This cycle which is shots. It is also useful in creating a
the equilibrium is majorly disrupted contrast between the voyeuristic
when she ends up in a completely
different location. Which makes her camera shots at the start and the
feel disorientated and isolated - this more sinister, dark voyeur shots at
is signified the looming trees, the the end to emphasize how things
hand held shot and the dolly have changed.
zoom/close up which shows the
audience her confused face.

15. I have used semiotics more effectively in my product compared to the
preliminary task. I choose to do this because I think it has an interesting effect
on the narrative and helps the narrative solve the enigma. For example, the
book has meaning behind it - links to mental stimulation which is perhaps a
hint to a mental issue about the character. Doors and door handles are
symbols for opening opportunity which in the case for the character
unintentionally happens. The mask also has a great deal of symbolism, it
suggests she is hiding her true identity from the audience, whom is left to
interpret and guess who she really is.

16. In terms of narrative and how I represented my character, I think I focused on
these more compared to the preliminary exercise much more. From watching
Shutter Island, by understanding how and why the main character was
represented into a certain way really helped the audience understand the
plot, so I made sure to give not only the narrative but the character some
mystery. If I had the choice whether to watch my preliminary or my product, I
would definitely choose my product. This is mainly due to the elements I have
incorporated into my product over by planning over preproduction and also
during production.