Media evaluation Question 4

1. HOW DID YOU USE MEDIA
TECHNOLOGIES IN THE
CONSTRUCTION AND RESEARCH,
PLANNING AND EVALUATION
STAGES?

2. Research
◦ Google played an important part in my research for my production. I was able to search for artists,
DVD album covers and websites for artists/bands. Once I had established the artist and song I was
going to use, I could then use google to search for songs in the same genre (pop/dance/indie).
◦ Similarly, YouTube had a huge impact in the research stage, from the research I carried out on
Google, when searching for artists in the particular genre, I searched for their music videos on
YouTube. This helped me establish an idea of the conventions in this genre, what I liked, and what
looked effective. YouTube allowed me to access professional and independent music videos.
◦ I used Microsoft Office programmes a lot throughout the A2 course. Microsoft Excel was used to
create my production timetable which my group and I used to keep on track so that we had
enough time for each stage of the production. I also used Microsoft Word to create a
questionnaire to give to people to gather feedback on what they look for in a music video,
influencing our ideas.
◦ When researching for influence for my ancillary texts, I used the social networking site: Instagram,
by going onto their page and looking at pictures to gather an idea of what they are like.

4. Planning
◦ Blogger has been the biggest help throughout the course. It has allowed me to note down
all the information I have gathered from research, in one place. This was helpful so that I
could continuously refer back to what I have learnt, during the planning stage, as well as the
construction and evaluation stages.
◦ Microsoft PowerPoint was helpful when planning my production as I could use it to display
ideas such as my production pitch, which I was then able to embed onto my blog using a
website called scribd.
◦ I used Microsoft Word to create our scene breakdown and shot list so that when it came to
filming, we knew exactly what shots needed to be done, along with the storyboard. The
outline of the storyboard was also created on word, which was then printed to draw on
what my group and I wanted each shot to look like.
◦ Facebook was used my group and I to contact the artist (Mausi), asking for their permission
to use their song, ‘Sol’, to avoid copyright issues.
◦ I used the camera on my iphone to capture shots of location options.

5. Construction: Filming
◦ Camera: Two different cameras were used for our production. The main one we used
was a Flip Mini HD camera, as it was simplistic therefore easy to use, whilst enabling us
to capture good quality footage. It also fitted onto the Vivitar Tripod, which we used to
steady and level shots and camera movements.
◦ Some shots were also filmed on iPhone cameras. For example, out cloud shots were
filmed on my iPhone, whilst on a plane to Ireland during the holidays.

6. Construction: Editing
◦ The main software program that my group and I used was Serif Movie Plus. Each of us
used this for our AS productions, therefore had a good understanding of the features
on the program and how to use it. So I went into A2 with good knowledge of this
program which allowed me to apply this to the construction of my A2 production. This
meant that I was able to produce a product that is at a good quality and professional
looking, whilst continuing to develop skills on this program.
◦ iTunes was used to download my music track, so that I could upload it onto my
production on Serif Movie Plus.

7. Construction: Ancillary Texts
◦ I used the program ‘Wix’ to create my artist website - http://ainebuller5.wix.com/mausi,
as I felt this website is easy to use, enabling me to create a sophisticated website and I
feel I was quick to understand how to navigate around the site and features. At first, I
tried making my website on weebly, but felt that although I have used it before, it did
not have features as good as the ones on wix.
◦ The photos that feature on both my ancillary texts were taken on an iPhone and then
edited the photos to how I wanted them to look, emphasising the bright colours on the
background.
◦ Word was useful when designing and constructing my DVD album cover. It was simple
to use yet allowed me to create an effective cover.

8. Evaluation
◦ For this question, as you can see, I used PowerPoint, to clearly set out what technologies I
have used for each stage. I also thought that it would be best to use a PowerPoint for part
of question 3, when explaining my survey questions and what I have learnt from results.
◦ The main editing program I used to edit my videos for evaluation questions 1, 2 and 3, is
iMovie. I also used this program to edit video questions for AS and felt that it was easy to use
with a wide range of features allowing me to be creative with my answers. I was also able to
record audio, insert pictures and videos and add text etc.
◦ I filmed my audience feedback at school using my iPhone as it was easy to carry round and
find people to watch my music video, and then film their responses. I also felt it was easy
and quick to upload these from my phone to iMovie. I also used a camera to film my
response for this question. For question 2, I used the same camera to film myself writing on
my blackboard as I could balance the camera on something above to keep it stable.
◦ I used Quick Survey to create my survey for question 3. I found this website easy to use to
create a short survey, which I then embedded onto my blog so that people could answer it
and then I could gather audience feedback efficiently.