1. EVALUATION QUESTION 4
How did you use media technologies in the construction
and research, planning and evaluation stages?
Tuesday, 1 April 14

2. PRE-DIGITAL AGE
Before digital technology was fully developed and available to the
masses, the overall production process of a film would use analogue
technology. Some examples of these processes are:
•Filming and cutting using physical film; expensive as it required special
equipment such as a Moviola, therefore limited only to production
companies.
•Exhibition was also limited, films were limited as to which cinemas
they could be exhibited due to large distribution costs and limited
film.
•‘Heritage Marketing’ was used to advertise films, using analogue
advertisements such as posters, or television adverts, unable to
market on a global scale.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

3. INTRODUCTION
• Thanks to advancements in digital technology, the entire process
creating of my advanced portfolio has been made much easier.
• Digital technologies have played a major role in the research,
planning, production and post-production of my main product and
ancillary texts.
• Advancements such as Web 2.0 have allowed me to easily
distribute and exhibit the work I have produced for free and on a
global scale.
• I have used various software and internet programs which have
been extremely useful for the various stages of my coursework.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

4. STAGE 1: RESEARCH
For the research section of my coursework, I primarily used
presentation software to display my research in a more visually
interesting way than just plain text.The software I used was:
•Prezi (Internet presentation software)
•Keynote (Presentation software)
•Grab (Screenshot software)
Tuesday, 1 April 14

5. RESEARCH: PREZI
What is Prezi? - Prezi is an internet programme used to create presentations. Prezi uses
animations to move between areas of information and images, rather than conventional
slides.
How did I use Prezi? - I used Prezi as a way of presenting my research. I used Prezi’s unique
layout tools to display my information in a logical layout, and used the animations to switch
between different topics. Below is an image of the overall presentation layout.The software
changes the view to different areas of the presentation in a specified order. I also used it a
later on in post-production, as its layout tools and features were suitable for making a post-
production workflow/pipeline.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

6. RESEARCH: PREZI
Evaluation of
Prezi is a great way to present information, as its interesting layout presets and
unique animations can be used to present information efficiently and keep the
interest of the viewer. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to learn how to use,
and it provides a great variety of preset presentations. It also takes advantage of
being an website based programme, as it allows the user to access their
presentations on any computer with an internet connection.This is a key
improvement on software based presentation programmes, which require a file
in order to edit or view a presentation. It also allows me to embed the
presentation onto my blog for viewing. Prezi does, however, take more time than
usual to create presentations.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

7. RESEARCH: KEYNOTE
What is Keynote? - Keynote is a piece of presentation creation software
exclusively for apple computers, essentially the apple equivalent of Microsoft
Powerpoint. It uses the conventional slide-by-slide presentation model.
How did I use Keynote? - I used Keynote as another way of presenting my
research. I chose keynote over other similar softwares because I
preferred the more simplistic and professional presentation designs, plus
the advanced design tools located
in the ‘inspector tab’.This allowed
me to layout my information in a
way thats easy to digest. Keynote
also has a record function, where
you can record you presentation,
with or without a voice over, and
export it as a video.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

8. RESEARCH: KEYNOTE
Evaluation of Keynote
Keynote provides some unique presentation features and a good
selection of well designed presets. Its record function provides a great
way of presenting information using a video and voiceover.
Unfortunately keynote does lack some basic features such as text
wrap, and is only available on apple computers. On top of this, it uses its
own presentation file format which is not compatible with other
softwares. However, it can read the majority of other presentation file
types, and created presentations can be exported in more compatible
file types.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

9. RESEARCH: GRAB
What is Grab? - Grab is a piece of free apple software which can be used to
take screenshots of whatever is on your screen.
How did I use Grab? - I used grab to take screenshots of various video clips on
youtube that I was analyzing as part of my research. I used the ‘selection’ function
to specifically capture only the video box on the youtube website page the
video was located on. I did this so that I could upload the images and integrate
them into my analysis, to give evidence to my points I made in the analysis.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

10. RESEARCH: GRAB
Evaluation of Grab
Grab is a highly useful piece of software for taking all
kinds of screenshots. It might be lacking a UI, however its
simplicity is what makes it user friendly, and it provides
enough options to get the right kind of screenshot. It
does, however, not have enough preferences to change
settings like resolution or image quality, requiring some
images to be edited after being taken.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

11. STAGE 2: PRE-PRODUCTION
The pre-production section of my coursework mostly consisted
of creating documents such as shot-lists, storyboard, scripts etc.
In this section I conveyed my initial concept and created visual
representations of the outcome of my film. I also created
various organizational documents in order to make the
production section of the coursework run smoothly. I did this by
primarily using two digital softwares:
•Pages (word processor)
•Scribd (document uploader)
Tuesday, 1 April 14

12. PRE-PRODUCTION: PAGES
What is Pages? - Pages is a word processor software, exclusively for apple
computers. Pages provides lots of features, guidelines and presets to create
professional looking documents, wether it be a CV or subject report.
How did I use Pages? - I used pages to create all of my pre-production
documents; scripts, shot-lists, call sheets, prop list and risk assessment. I used
pages instead of other similar softwares because it came with some easy to use
presets of different documents used in filmmaking, such as a screenplay preset.
The presets had built in paragraph and character styles based on the document I
was creating. For example, this would allow me to switch between writing an
action paragraph to a character name paragraph in my screenplay with the click
of a button, without having to capitalize or center the text. I could also create my
own paragraph style presets, so that when I was making various shot-lists each
one had the same layout and style.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

13. PRE-PRODUCTION: PAGES
1. Using paragraph styles function. 2. Using the inspector to create custom
tables for my shot list.
How did I use Pages? - Example functions
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14. PRE-PRODUCTION: PAGES
Evaluation of Pages
I found pages a great piece of software to design and create my pre-production documents.
The software provides a number of excellent features implemented to help design my
documents. It also was compatible with all types of word processing documents. I found the
paragraph style’s feature particularly useful as it meant I didn't have to keep changing small
setting such as font or character size; I could input my own presets into the program to save
time. I also found the screenplay preset very useful, as it allowed to me to produce a fairly
accurate screenplay without any prior knowledge to their layout. I did find some of the
more useful and creative functions of the program were not easy to find, as the main user
interface was fairly minimalistic and only displayed the essentials.This meant I had to learn
my way around the software before using it, making it not as user friendly as other similar
softwares.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

15. PRE-PRODUCTION: SCRIBD
What is Scribd? - Scribd is an online program which allows the user to upload
and organise various word processing documents, as well as embed them onto
other websites.
How did I use Scribd? - I used Scribd to not only upload my pre-production
documents onto my blog, but to distribute them to my group members and
actors.This is an example of how digital technologies have changed the film
making process. Originally documents such as scripts and shot lists would have
to be printed and distributed physically to all members of a film crew.With
scribd, I can distribute my documents to my crew without with ease using the
internet. I also used scribd sometimes when on set, to bring up a shot list on my
smartphone instead of printing it off. Scribd also allows me to embed my
documents onto my blog.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

16. PRE-PRODUCTION: SCRIBD
1.My Scribd library, where my uploaded
documents are organised.
2.An embedded Scribd document
on my blog.
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17. PRE-PRODUCTION: SCRIBD
Evaluation of
Scribd is a great online tool for uploading and distributing word process
documents. It was easy to use and free, requiring only a login. It made
distributing documents amongst my team much easier and saved
wasting time printing or doing things by hand. I did find two issues with
the service though. Firstly, when uploading word documents it can
sometimes automatically change the layout and fonts of the text.This
can be solved by uploading the file in the PDF format.The embedder
can also sometimes be faulty, occasionally failing to display the
document. Overall, the online software was very useful and made the
process of pre-production much simpler.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

18. STAGE 3: PRODUCTION
For the production section of the coursework, I mainly used media
technology in the form of hardware. I used a digital SLR (DSLR for short)
to capture my film in a digital format, saving it
onto an SD card. Using a DSLR was useful as
it allowed me to get a professional look on a
tight budget, due to its large sensor and
interchangeable lenses.
By using a digital format I could easily move
the video files between storage devices, and
easily import them into editing softwares.
Digital filmmaking has allowed independent filmmakers like me to be able
to create professional looking films without the need of expensive
equipment such as film reels and film cameras.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

19. STAGE 4: POST-PRODUCTION
The post-production section of my coursework
consisted of two parts; editing, and distributing. For this
I primarily used software and web 2.0.The media
technologies I used were:
•Final Cut (editing software)
•Adobe After Effects (compositing software)
•Youtube (video sharing website)
Tuesday, 1 April 14

20. POST PRODUCTION: FINAL
CUT
What is Final Cut? - Final cut is an industry standard film editing software, exclusive to apple computers.
Unlike most editing softwares, final cut offers variety of advanced tools for both video and audio editing
How did I use Final Cut? - I used final cut as my primary editor for the video and audio in my film. I
used it the software to:
•Organise my footage
•Edit my footage
•Colour correct my footage
•Edit my audio
•Add sound effects
•Export my edited footage as a final film
I chose Final Cut because it has a user friendly interface, and provides all the tools I need to edit my
film. Functions such as the ‘match colour’ were extremely useful in making the cinematography and
colour of my film consistent throughout.The sound editing tools were also very useful in cleaning up
my sound and syncing any sound effects to the action on screen.
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21. In the industry, sound editing and colour correction would usually be edited in a separate
program, however, since our film was an independent film and I was the only one editing the
film, using Final Cut to perform these tasks was a more efficient and easy way of editing the
film.
Digital softwares such as Final Cut have replaced the former analogue technology for editing
film, now that digital filmmaking has been developed.This has allowed independent
filmmakers like me to be able to get professional results without needing expensive
equipment.
POST PRODUCTION: FINAL
CUT
Tuesday, 1 April 14

22. POST PRODUCTION: FINAL
CUT
Evaluation of Final Cut
Final cut has been vital to the editing process of this film, and has
helped improve the quality of the outcome. It has a user friendly
interface and intuitive design so that even the more advanced
features are easy to find and implement.The software does however
crash a lot, and can be very slow when dealing with large amounts of
footage, resulting the editing stage being longer than it could have
been. Overall Final Cut is probably the most important software I
have used throughout the coursework; it has a great range of
features, and it has helped improve the audio from its original state.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

23. POST PRODUCTION:ADOBE
AFTER EFFECTS
What is Adobe After Effects? - Adobe after effects is a professionalVFX
software. It has a huge number of effects plugins (both built in and third party)
and is used primarily for compositing.
How did I use Adobe After Effects? - I used Adobe After Effects to composite
my footage with other keyed assets, such as muzzle flashes. I also used it with a
third part plugin to create the CGI Planes in the third scene. I used Adobe After
Effects because I had the most previous experience with the program above
other similar softwares. Visual effects have become a vital part of production in
modern films, opening up the possibilities of what can be achieved in
filmmaking.VFX are not as conventional to be used in a short film because of
low budgets, however due to advancements in digital technology, programs and
learning tutorials have been made accessible by anyone with an internet
connection.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

24. POST PRODUCTION:ADOBE
AFTER EFFECTS
Evaluation of Adobe After Effects
Adobe after effects is a great, well designed program capable of a lot of
different effect solutions.The software can be very complicated,
however there are lots of online tutorials to help you to learn the
program. It has a great range of output resolutions and codecs, and in
my case was easy and quick to use when adding pre-keyed footage on
to my film.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

25. POST PRODUCTION:
YOUTUBE
What isYoutube? -Youtube is a online video hosting and sharing website, which allows the user to upload
their video content to be displayed worldwide.
How did I useYoutube? - I used youtube to upload and distribute my rough cut and final film. Using
youtube I can upload and organise my videos, add details and adjust settings, distribute my world wide
and receive feedback from the comments section.Youtube is a great example of how the film industry
has changed, nowadays filmmakers can use websites like youtube to distribute their films worldwide for
free.
I also used youtube for target audience research.Youtube allows users to look at what percentage of
various demographics make up their film’s views. This way I can see what age group is watching my
video and judge if the film is attracting the desired audience.
I also usedYoutube's comment section for feedback, by allowing users to comment on the video with
their opinions and critique.
I usedYoutube's annotation feature for my evaluation section, as It provided me with the tools to
effectively communicate with the viewer through both text and visuals.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

26. POST PRODUCTION:
YOUTUBE
Youtube is a very easy to use, with an intuitive design and
simple well laid-out features. It is very easy for anyone to
upload and distribute their content worldwide for free, and
allows users to make their video private if they wish to do
so.The uploader does take a long time, and can sometimes
fail to upload due to an unspecified error.WhilstYoutube
does allow HD uploading, it still reduces the quality of the
uploaded video in order to optimise online playback. Overall,
Youtube provides an excellent service and a
Tuesday, 1 April 14

27. STAGE 5:ANCILLARY
PRODUCTS
For making my ancillary products I mainly used photos
editing software and the internet to sourced images
and assets I needed to create my poster and magazine.
The main software I used was:
•Adobe Photoshop (Photo editing software)
Tuesday, 1 April 14

28. ANCILLARY PRODUCTS:
PHOTOSHOP
What is Adobe Photoshop? - Adobe Photoshop is a graphics editing program,
which allows users to create, manipulate and transform images and graphic
designs. It is used in the professional industry to create all sorts of products, such
as feature film posters or company logos.
How did I use Adobe Photoshop? - I used Adobe photoshop to adjust my
photo’s and screenshot’s, and composite various images and elements to create
my Final Poster and Magazine design. I used all sorts of tools to bring together
my compositions, from the ‘magic lasso tool’ for selecting areas of photos to the
‘Curves’ colour correction adjuster. I imported font typed of the internet, and
used the assortment of character and paragraph settings to alter the titles and
text to my liking. Overall I created two professional looking ancillary texts by
utilizing the vast range of tools the program has to offer.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

29. ANCILLARY PRODUCTS:
PHOTOSHOP
Overview of Photoshop
Tuesday, 1 April 14

30. ANCILLARY PRODUCTS:
PHOTOSHOP
Evaluation of Photoshop
Photoshop is a well designed software capable of creating complex designs
and fantastic photos.At first it can be complicated to use, but easy to pick up
thanks to online tutorials.The software runs on both OS X and Windows, so
projects can be switched between both without any difficulty.The program
was particularly useful in clearing up and correcting problems with my
images and screenshots.Another benefit for me was that the program
offered lots of options for organising all my various layers on my poster
project, which increased the efficiency and speed of my work. Overall
Photoshop is a fantastic program, and when fully utilised can have some
amazing outcomes.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

31. STAGE 6: EVALUATION
When completing the evaluation section of my coursework, I used most
of the same presentation software I had previously used in the research
section of my blog. I tried to use as much variety of digital medias to
effectively communicate my answers.The softwares I used were:
•Slideshare (presentation hosting website)
•Keynote (Presentation Software
•Prezi (Internet Presentation Sofware
•Youtube (video sharing website)
Since I have already evaluated three of the four technologies I used, I will
only be evaluating Slideshare.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

32. EVALUATION: SLIDESHARE
What is Slideshare? - Slideshare is a internet software service which allows users
to upload presentations onto the website to then be viewed online either
publicly or privately.
How did I use Slideshare? - I used Slideshare to upload my presentations
(created using keynote) and distribute my research online. I chose
Slideshare because it was the most used internet
service of its kind and required only a short time
to create an account. Using Slideshare is very
simple and allows me to share my presentation
with my group and embed them in my blog. Like
youtube, it allows me to distribute content
worldwide. It has a uploads page that help
organise and tag your presentations that have
been uploaded.
Tuesday, 1 April 14

33. EVALUATION: SLIDESHARE
Evaluation of
Slideshare is a very useful tool for uploading my presentations onto the
internet and display them on my blog. However, it only works with a
limited amount of presentation file types, the most common being pdf
and ppt. It is not compatible with the Keynote presentation file,
requiring a conversion which can alter the presentation itself. I found
that by exporting the presentation as a pdf I could get around this
issue, but I think Slideshare needs to compatible with more file types.
On the whole, the service Slideshare provide is excellent, and provided
an easy way to distribute my content on my blog.
Tuesday, 1 April 14