This document is an evaluation of Amber Salomone's media product. It discusses various ways the product uses, develops or challenges conventions of real media, including using a linear narrative, introducing characters in a non-traditional way, developing the main character through physicality rather than exposition, using simple titles, and establishing the setting. It also discusses the target audience as younger people who can relate to the main character, and how the product represents particular social groups through the character, music and setting. The document considers what type of media institution and distribution platforms would be suitable, including 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures. It reflects on what Amber has learned about technologies and skills from constructing the product.

1. Evaluation
Amber Salomone
8140

2. In what ways does your Media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Conventions
of media
products
Use/develop/c
hallenge
How your media product does that Evidence
Linear
Narrative
develop I used a slow yet slowly developing linear narrative to introduce my character
(Achmed) and his story. The linear narrative of the opening allows the audience to
slowly be introduced to the character and the setting, allowing the audience to
make their own assumptions of what is going to happen in the film.
Introducing
characters
challenge I used the conventions of film openings by introducing the protagonist only in the
film opening. In the film opening my main intentions were to focus on the main
character Achmed and his phycoligal pain. I did not want to give the story away in
my film opening, so I mainly stuck to focusing on Achmed and his feelings towards
his brother and sister, without giving away what he would actually do in the film. I
introduced the two of the other characters, one being the antagonist (Sabeen),
through a photo. I believed that this was much more effective to the audience as it
allows them to question when we can see these other characters and why Achmed
is looking at a photo of them.
The main character overall is developed through his physical movements and facial
expressions which I believed was a much more effective way to build a character,
allowing the audience to make their on mind up on him.
Titles use With my titles I decided that I did not want to incorporate the titles into the
actions of the shots, purely because I believed that my main aim was to introduce
Achmed and the setting to the audience. I made the decision to stick to simple and
subtle titles throughout which appeared in the corners/top/bottom of the shots.
Although I did not want them to stand out and take focus off what was happening
in the scene- I incorporated the titles so that they appeared when the music came
in/on a specific tone.
Setting develop I set the setting by two establishing shots in the beginning of the film. It was
important that I did this as the first setting of the film is in Central London. As a
famous landmark, I decided that it was key the audience knew where the main
character lives. Following this, I initially set the setting again through the
flashbacks during the middle of the film opening. Set in Syria, where the civil war is
ongoing, I believed that this would be very important to the audience so that they
can get a small amount of background information on Achmed and his life.

3. Conventions
of media
products
Use/develop/ch
allenge
How your media product does that evidence
Title The title of my film is called Return Me, which in sense tells the audience
that the main character will be returning somewhere. I chose this title
because due to the story line I felt like the title ‘Return Me’ was more like a
statement from the main character, expressing his feelings. I believe that this
made the film much more personal to people and allowed the audience to
understand the main character Achmed’s desperation to be returned back to
his home country Syria to find his brother (although the audience are
unaware of this at the start of the film). In relation to existing film titles such
as I Am Legend (2007) and I Don't Know How She Does It (2011) all contain
the word ‘I’ which insinuates that it an opinion or feeling of a character.
Costumes and
props
When filming I requested to my actor (Ibz Yildiz) who plays Achmed that he
wore dark clothing and laid back, which will express his feelings or lifestyle.
Mr Yildiz wore a black jacket, black trousers and black Timberland boots. This
overall was an outfit which for one being black, represents his mood and
state of mind as quite dark and lonely, and additionally his boots represent
that maybe he is used to being a workman, opposing a typical boy of his age
which would probably wear trainers. This was a challenge of my media
product. Furthermore the use of props were important. The only prop used
in the scene is the photograph of his little sister, Lilith and his elder brother,
Sabeen. The prop was used to show the audience that these characters are
close to his heart and introduced them to the audience without having to see
them in body. The prop was simply printed out on a computer onto paper so
that it was easy to scrunch up seen in opening.
Genre Initially, the genre of the film is a Thriller based on a 17 year old teenage boy
in desperation to locate his brother, whom still is a child solder, a life that
Achmed was lucky enough to escape with his sister. As it was a film opening,
and not a trailer, it was difficult to show the audience clearly that it was a
thriller film, as the start of the film simply does not show any sort of action
and only introduces the character and his emotions. However the film
opening does express that it is an emotional thriller which expresses the
harsh reality of all civil wars today. If I was to change this I would probably
put in the film opening some sort of genre relating nature such as a change
of music or expression of the character as I do not think this was expressed
as clearly as it could be.

4. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
It was important that my media product represented a particular social group, however with only one actor in
my opening, it was important that his expressions and personality expressed this.
In the opening sequence, the establishing shot of London is a different and possibly not a ‘usual’ way of
expressing social groups, however I believed that it was a simple yet clear representation of what sort of
people will be participating in the scene or what social group the actor is apart of. For example, the scene of
London represents to the audience that the social groups will vary around working/middle class people who
are constantly busy. In addition, expresses the multicultural nature of London which relates to Achmed and his
nationality- Syrian.
The music I chose for the opening is a slow and emotional track which illuminates Achmed’s distress and his
personality. Because he is a young boy living in central London, and additionally a child solider, the
interpretation of Achmed from not only the audience but the people around him may be negative. However
the music in the scene makes it seem to the audience that Achmed is in fact not dangerous nor to be weary
about but very gentle and is suffering with dealing with his desire to see his brother again.
See commentary for continuation of evaluation on this question

5. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
The distribution company in definition terms is the company responsible for marketing the film, setting its
release date and what method the film will be exhibited.
My media product uses 20th Century Fox (Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation). Founded on May 31 1915
by William Fox. While I was researching what sort of media institutions might distribute my film, I decided to
research many films that I thought were similar to my own film, Return Me (see blogger). During my research I
found that films such as Taken (2008) and Driven To Kill (2009). Both films are based upon searching for
someone, both being action thrillers, a genre that I believe my film came under. I decided from my research
that the best media institution to use would probably be 20th Century Fox, as it distributes the same type of
films that my own is, I also believe that as 20th Century Fox also distributes TV show series such as 24 and The
X-Files, my film could possibly be a film to be shown on TV, as well as in cinema’s.
I further chose the production company of my film to be Paramount Pictures. Paramount is a film and television
production/distribution company and is additionally the fifth oldest surviving film studio in the world. From my
research of production and distributing companies (see blogger) films such as Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Mission Impossible (1996) and Jack Ryan (1990) I believe that again, these films are mainly action thrillers, with
the exception of Saving Private Ryan which is more of an Action Drama War film- they all still resemble
characteristics of my own film. Many of the films I have researched and spoken about represent the theme of a
mission or finding someone, or something, which is entirely what my film is about. I therefore decided that my
production company would be Paramount.
In terms of where my film would be shown, I thoroughly believe that Return Me is a film to be shown in
cinemas such as Vues and Odeons. I believe that Return Me is too much of an action thriller similar to very
successful films such as Taken, to be shown in Art House cinemas. My distribution companies additionally
rarely ever previews in Art House cinemas and therefore produce films to be shown on the large screen.

6. Who would be the audience for your media product?
When creating my media product, it was important for me that I aimed at specifically
at my target audience throughout. From start to finish of development, my target
audience has been specially a younger demographic ranging from the ages of 15-25.
As my film is based on the life and personality of the main character Achmed, but also
the ongoing civil war in Syria, the war scenes would partially be not suitable for a
younger audience regardless of whom it was targeted at. Overall I believed that the
film was more suitable for young adults as they are able to sympathize and connect
with the characters possibly more than an audience who are older, would be able to.
Achmed, the main character additionally is 17 years old therefore his emotions
expressed and what he is going/gone through would allow young adults to imagine
what it would like to be them, in his shoes. Hopefully, allowing the young population
of today to become more aware of the issues going on in the world around them,
especially the issues of child soldiers, possibly even convincing them to try and help
make a difference to their community. However, although my media product is
specifically aimed at young adults aged 15-25, I still would like my media product to be
viewed by an elder demographic as although they may not be able to connect to the
young character, Achmed, as much as the target audience, they will still be able to
understand and be made aware of the devastation that is ongoing in Syria today.

7. “I like how the music
represented the
mood of the
character”
“I think I would of
preferred it if there
was some sort of
action in it”
“I think this film is
brilliant in terms of
educating young and
old people about the
issues in our world
today”
“I think this film
would be really
emotionally gripping
but exciting and
happy at the same
time!”
“I didn’t like the
music throughout the
opening, I felt like
there could have
been more than just
one song”
“I struggled a little bit
in working out what
the film was about, I
think I would have
had to of seen a little
more to understand”
“I think the war clips
made such a
difference to the
opening, really made
it clear as to what it
was about”

8. How did you attract/address your audience?
Following through from the description of my target audience, ways in which I targeted my audience was not
only just through the age of the character, but additionally his clothes. In the scene Achmed (Ibz Yildiz) is seen
wearing all black Timberland boots, a shoe in which is/has become very popular among young people today,
sold in high street stores such as Office. As younger people view this, they are able to relate to the clothing of
Achmed, again, connecting/relating with the personality of the character even more.
Another way in which I attracted my audience was through the setting of Central London- Southbank. London
is the capital of England and is known by everyone. I believed that setting it in London would attract the
younger audience more as they are more likely to relate to the settings and possibly recognize them much
more easily than an elder demographic. London overall is valued and considered to be the most cosmopolitan
and stylish place in England and therefore younger audiences are therefore more interested in Achmed’s
lifestyle in the Capital.
Interviewing a member of my target audience, Zarenna Porter aged 17, was happy to give her view on what
attracted her most to the media product. One question I touched upon was ‘What did you think attracted you
most to the film opening?’ she answered- “One of the main things that attracted me to the film Return Me was
the fact that you could easily see that Achmed was young and therefore I could allow myself to imagine
possibly being friends with him, or even someone who just goes to my school. When I saw the short clips of the
war footage in the film opening, I could then sympathize with him and try to imagine what it would be like to
be him, or even know him. His clothing also made it clear that he was young. His choice of clothes made him
seem like he was just an ordinary boy like the rest of us”. I then asked her – ‘Would you be interested in
watching this film from the opening you have seen and why?’- She answered- “Yes I would. Particularly because
I would be very interested in knowing about his life or his struggles, especially as he’s my age. I don’t think that
we, as teenagers, are taught enough about civil wars and the use of children in them, we are not educated
enough on the subject to want to make a difference, in my opinion. I think that this film will illuminate how
severe the problem is and make us want to make a chance for not only the people of Syria but also the children
and teenagers, who are just like us really. I would definitely be interested in watching the film with my friends
in the cinema.” Finally, I asked her ‘If you could describe the film opening in three words, what would they be?’
she replied “Emotional, unpredictable and educational”.

9. What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing this
product?
Through the practical side of my AS MEDIA course, I have developed my ability to use different software’s, my techniques on
editing and also the skills to create an interesting and eye catching product. The first media technology we were introduced to was
blogger (www.blogger.co.uk) a site in which allowed us/I to upload and create almost a timeline of how I have developed my
media product from start to finish. On blogger I learnt how to post information onto other people’s blogs, upload my own work
and writing. Every lesson I uploaded something new and slowly but surely developed an interesting story of my product. I found
that using blogger was really helpful to my work, not only because it was easy to get onto to or to view, but also because I was
able to share and discuss my work with other students to get feedback on my work. Viewing our pages was easy and I believe
improved our blogs as we were consistently striving to have a full and exciting blog.
I also used how to use many different types of media equipment. Not doing media before, using the cameras and equipment that
goes with it was very different. I used media equipment such as a video camera which is what I filmed my media product on, a
tripod and a dolly. All in which were vital for my media product throughout. I first used this equipment in my preliminary task of
Life on Mars and also the continuity exercise in which I filmed my friends in a short scene which followed all important media
rules such as the 180 degree line. This was good practice for my media product as I learnt how to set up quickly and efficiently. In
my community exercise I specially focused on filming techniques such as the 180 degree line and shot reverse shot (see blog for
video). This was very helpful in my filming as I made sure I included all of the techniques I learnt.
When uploading/editing my product I had to use different programmers such as iMovie and Final Cut Express. The first time I used
Final Cut Express was when I was sorting out my titles on a story board in which I drew. We took photos of the drawings using a
camera and then uploaded them onto the Mac where I then put them onto final cut express. On the programmer I was able to cut
and edit the clips and then add my titles where I believe they should go on the real product. I was also then taught how to add my
chosen music to the clip. When I was happy with it I then booked the equipment and went to film. When I was uploading my
footage I was very confident about my skills of using Final-Cut and found it simple and easy to edit and put together the film.
Titling and sound control then became very simple as I have done it before.
Finally, for my music I used audio network (www.audionetwork.co.uk) which is a free website in which allows students like myself
to use and download non-copyright tracks. It took me a while to find the right one but the layout of the site made it much easier,
especially through its categories of the different genres of music. I then simply downloaded it where it went straight onto the
programmer iTunes where I then imported it onto my media product.

10. Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task) what do you feel
you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?
From carrying out the preliminary tasks, I have learnt the many different ways and skills to create an interesting
and eye catching media product. I have especially learnt how to do this through my learning of Miser-en-scene,
Camera Movement, Editing and Sound. These aspects allowed me to develop an understanding of how to
target different audiences and also how to make my product look professional and realistic.
For example, mise-en-scene came in use when I was developing my character Achmed. The use of his clothing
is a type of mise-en-scene and from the interview in question 5 seems to of attracted my target audience the
way I wanted it to. Furthermore, the continuity exercise taught me about techniques of camera movement and
angles such as the 180 degree line, close up’s and mid-shots all in which I used throughout my media product.
See examples.
In conclusion, I have learnt that a film opening is probably one of the most important parts of a film as it is
what sets an opinion for the audience of the film from start to finish. Before making the film opening, I didn’t
think that it was so vital and important to a film and learnt that it was not just about the titles, but also the way
it is constructed through the four different aspects. It has been a very important lesson to me that the two
minutes of a film opening says more about the film than it does at the end as it is what makes the audience
interested to your product.