1. EVALUATION QUESTION 1:
"In what ways does your media product use, develop,
or challenge forms and conventions of real media
products?”
The Cheat
Lily Hawkins

2. THE CHEAT
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As a group we decided to set our short film revolving around the love life
of teenagers. Our short film ‘The Cheat’ is based on the relationship
between characters Poppy and Karl.
Our short film ‘The Cheat’ is based on a love triangle between a group of
teens. As a group we have realised the necessity of using typical codes and
conventions of a real product. These include a script, actors, soundtrack,
and a storyline to name a few. Our script has been written to comply to a
typical script in the film industry with the effect. Our short film takes
place in the ‘Romantic Thriller’ category. I feel that it is the most suitable
category for our film. Our film fits the romance category through the
romance element of a love triangle and mystery as well as coming across
and overcoming obstacles. Poppy remaining to be the current paranoid
girlfriend of Karl with every suspicion as to where his loyalties lie. We
decided to limit our short film to having three characters in it, Poppy,
Karl and Kath. I made this decision due to the fact I believed it would be
more convincing and realistic to focus on specific characters and elements
linking to their life. This allowed for a deeper understanding of characters
to be interpreted and greater knowledge for our audience. As well as a
specific and focused storyline.

3. THE PLANNING
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I felt that it was important when preparing our ideas
for the short film to consider what type of narrative
we felt to be most appropriate. Although our short
film does not conform to a specific narrative type,
however it does display an obstacle in order to be
overcome as well as a sense of conflict and resolution
which can be questioned as the film comes to a close.
The idea for our film originated due to the fact that
we felt as teenagers, it was a topic we found portray
and reflect through the film with relationships.
Although not maintaining self experience, we
attempted to indulge the situation in order to form
both a communication and connection with our
audience.

4. CHARACTERS
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It is a typical convention of a short film for there to be minimum characters for
example 2-3 main characters whereby the story is focused.
This can allow a deeper understanding for character analysis and allow our audience
to relate and emphasise with characters.
I feel that fewer characters is more beneficial in order to allow our audience to follow
a clear narrative, without become confused by brief characters.
Characterisation
Characterisation is an important feature of films. Without significant and relevant
storylines a story is impossible to follow an form any sense of a relation towards.
Characterisation is usually improved through features such as an antagonistic and
protagonist character which is visually present in our film.
Poppy follows the typical convention of a victim, through her mind set of cheating
and at the end of the film appears to be a positive figure.
The character of Karl, by the end of our film is proven to be unfaithful towards Poppy
which allows him to take the role of the antagonist figure.
As well as this ‘best friend’ Kath is also presented to be a negative figure.

5. NARRATIVE
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The typical and norm narrative type known and used by many is
Todorov’s theory based on the idea of an equilibrium.
The equilibrium is presented to be a pleasant, normal, everyday situation
which is communicated through a storyline.
A disequilibrium is known as the disruption of narrative which links to
destructive behaviour and problems. This is present in our short film and
follows the typical conventions of a film due to the fact that our
equilibrium is destroyed as Poppy becomes insane.
This is portrayed through:
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Poppy’s insanity and paranoia believing Karl to be unfaithful.
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Messages (using a iPhone)
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Script work
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Imagery and scenes

6. JUXTAPOSITION WITHIN NARRATIVE
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Looking at the different stages of Propp’s narrative it is evident that our
storyline does not specifically follow the typical conventions
Due to this it has become clear that our short film does not typically follow
the narrative conventions which are most common in successful
Hollywood films.
Our short film carries traits of Propp’s narrative theory – such as the idea
of an antagonist and protagonist character.
Our film takes a twist with the character of Karl. Presented to be a hero
at the beginning of the film as Poppy appears incredibly insane. However,
is turns out that Karl is a false hero and instead a villain.
This has come from the idea of Propp presenting a false hero, and
allowing characters to be presented different to their true nature which is
eventually revealed.

7. ROMANTIC THRILLER HYBRID
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It is a typical convention for a short film to follow a specific narrative
type. In our short film we felt this to be relevant through the Romantic
Thriller Hybrid Genre.
We have attempted to create a realistic and believable situation which
links to the genre, is easy to follow and relate to as well as conveying a
deeper understanding with characters.
Romantic Thriller Genre:
Our film fits the Romantic Thriller Genre due to the fact that there are
elements of both romance and thriller; similar to the Black Swan. A film
of a variety of feelings and emotions, hidden truths and secrets in order
for the audience to follow and engage with.

8. OUR TARGET AUDIENCE
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We believe our film to be most suited for the 12A genre because:
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There are no signs of violence (other than mental)
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No swearing or bad language
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No suggested profanities
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People from the age of 12 may be able to understand and relate to
the film

9. FEATURES OF OUR FILM
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Our Film Montage:
In our film we have decided to use a Montage. The Montage in attempt to
connect and demonstrate the fears and paranoia of Poppy’s mind as old
images appear on the screen, of girls and memories with the belief that
Karl is cheating on her.
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Mise-en-scene:
The typical Mise-En-Scene conventions are portrayed through features such
as our school cantine which demonstrates the location of our film. Karl’s
house to create a sense of character appreciation.
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Editing:
We have appreciated the importance of a continuity shot, to help establish a
clear storyline which is easy to follow and understand.