From constructing their thriller product, the student learned about several new technologies: [1] They used a Canon digital camera, iMac computer, and iMovie software which they had little experience with previously. [2] There were challenges with using new equipment like the digital camera and tripod, and editing software they were unfamiliar with. [3] Through completing the project, the student gained valuable experience with these technologies and feels more prepared to use similar equipment in the future.

1. Question 6
What have you learnt about technologies
from the process of constructing this
product?

2. Technology over the years…
Technology has enhanced over the years with the likes of internet, mobile phones, ipods and
computers. These new types of technology have become popular and interactive, increasing
the levels of distribution and marketing. When we were researching thrillers we had to use
the internet to access Blogger, Youtube and Goggle which we used to find information about
our target audience and show our take them through the production process. I found these
in easy to use because I’ve been using the internet for along time now so I’m used to certain
sites. The only one I would say I encountered problems with was Blogger because at first I
was confused as to how it works but once I done my first blog I got the hang of it and now I
can work my way around it. During production stages you’ll either use a Digital cameras or
HD cameras. When we were constructing our product we had to use many of these
technologies and a digital camera which had their ups and downs…

3. The beginning…
From the beginning of the construction process of our thriller opening , I was introduced to a new range of
technology that I was not familiar with such as the Canon digital compact camera & imac/imovie. At first
when we got the camera, I didn’t know how to use it so I had to keep asking my team members for help, but
as the days went by I started to play with the camera to get to know it a little better. I only wanted to
know the how to use the basics such as recording, taking pictures etc and how to delete video and picture
files I didn’t want, but I found it hard so I just waited until the editing process. Although there were a few
issues, I enjoyed filming with it because it allowed me to experience new technology which is apart of our
society and what we use in everyday life. So it was a good learning process and towards the end I started to
feel much more confident when using the digital camera compared to the blackberry camera we used to film
our preliminary task.

4. During the shoot!

5. During the shoot: Evaluation
During the filming process when we were shooting the first scene of our thriller, we
encountered a few problems with the tripod which was affecting the type of shot we
wanted. We wanted to do a high angle shot of the detective holding the pictures of dead
people but we couldn’t quite get it right with the tripod so we reverted to handheld. I think
because we had to use handheld shots for most of our scenes, I think it would have been
better if we got the actual camcorders which have a strap specifically for handheld shots,
therefore we wouldn’t have to worry about the safety of the camera when holding it because
the strap it had was too big. Also the zoom on the camera wasn’t that great because when
you press the zoom button it goes really quick and also gets blurry the more you zoom in.
Therefore we had to adjust ourselves in ways that we wouldn’t have to zoom that much into
shots, but we managed to overcome these issues and not let the camera get in the way.
Furthermore when we were filming the main segment, it started to get dark and we had
trouble with lighting. I think another drawback was that it didn’t have a torch on it or if it
did we couldn’t find it. This would have been really helpful because if you watch our film
you’ll notice that in two or three scenes its really dark so you cant see the girl lying on the
floor.

6. During the editing process…
After we finished filming, we then had to begin the editing process which was the hardest part
for me I think. When we had to use the iMACs for editing I found it hard because I’m used
to the software on my compute at home which is the same as the ones in school in the ict
rooms. Although the imac has similar programmes, it’s a whole new software which I’m not
familiar with and I think I speak for my whole group too because we found it hard
transferring our footage to imovies. Because of these complications we had to keep
borrowing an A2 student Paul’s, time for him to help us since he’s had experience with them
during AS. This just goes to show how technology is changing rapidly, particularly with Apple
who are constantly updating their software and products to suit the new environment. What
I’ve learnt is that technology isn't as straightforward as it seems and it takes time to get
used to things you’ve encountered for the first time. There’s a first time for everything so I
think it was a good learning process for me because next year I’ll know what to expect
instead of going in unprepared.