Media coursework

1. Q4: HOW DID YOU USE NEW
TECHNOLOGIES IN THE
CONSTRUCTION AND
RESEARCH, PLANNING AND
EVALUTATION STAGES?
Sofia Mazmanidou

2. Use of knowledge within my portfolio
Throughout the process of the production of my portfolio, my
knowledge and skills have improved significantly especially from my
foundation portfolio, which was the production of a music magazine.
Creating my own advertisement allowed me to explore creativity and
develop on my knowledge of different technologies that I have never
used before. Throughout the process, I was heavily reliant on different
technology in order to make my work more professional. The support
of new technology has made my work of a higher quality, for example
the Canon camera, tripod, green screen which allowed me to capture
better footage and explore my creativity, which I couldn't do in my
foundation portfolio.

3. Research and Planning
• Blogger
• Google
• Microsoft
• YouTube
• Survey Monkey

4. Blogger

5. I have used Blogger throughout my foundation portfolio and advanced
portfolio. It helped me at all stages of my production as I was able to
complete tasks and upload them, especially my research and planning tasks.
My teacher was also able to access my blog and mark my work in order for
me to improve it.
Through Blogger, I was able to not only store my work online on a safe
platform, but to also access it at any point from any location. This was
beneficial when I filmed, as it allowed me to follow my planning procedures
by keeping myself organised and following methodically what I had to do and
therefore completing all my productions to a high standard.

6. Google

7. I had used Google as my main source engine to complete my research
tasks as well as my planning tasks accurately. I had used Google, in
order to research different theorists such as Barthes, Richard Dyer and
many more. This allowed me to use their theories within my
production in order to make my work more successful and appeal to a
mass audience, rather than a niche.
Furthermore, through Google, I was able to choose which information
would be useful to me, therefore I ensured through my tasks that I
would not be repeating information I have already researched or
mentioned.

8. Microsoft

9. I used Microsoft for many of my research and planning tasks. For
example, the analysis of already existing perfume adverts which helped
me use similar conventions in my own production. Also, I used
PowerPoint in order to present my primary research results and
develop my the information I had gained.
Using Microsoft software allowed me to present work in a professional
and neat way by not confusing myself, or anyone who is handling my
work. Also, as I am accustomed with Microsoft from the previous years
I was able to save time and store my work safely.

10. YouTube

11. I had used YouTube in order to watch existing perfume adverts to gain
knowledge as well as creativity for my own production. Through YouTube I
was able to get different ideas of what to include in my adverts. For example
the type of cinematography I should use or the mise en scene. Through this
observation, I paid close attention to how micro elements were used and
adapted them to my own ideas. Moreover, when I had to publish my adverts,
I had to upload them onto YouTube first and then embed the onto my
Blogger. This was beneficial as my production was safe on YouTube and it was
advertised publicly worldwide.
As a result, YouTube was beneficial as it elevated my knowledge of perfume
adverts. It also allowed me to independently learn things that I did not know
previously. For example, learning how to use Final Cut Pro X.

12. Survey Monkey

13. I had used Survey Monkey in my Foundation as well as Advanced
portfolio when completing my primary research results. I was able to
make a questionnaire and after distribute it publicly in order to gain
results. This was a better way of gathering results as it was all
completed online, therefore was quicker and easier as I did not have to
physically collect them. Also, when gaining my results, Survey Monkey
automatically made my results into different types of charts. This also
saved me time and equipped me.

14. Construction
• Canon camera
• Tripod
• SD Card
• Final Cut Pro X
• YouTube
• Tascam
• Green Screen
• iMacs

15. Camera
The camera which I used was the Canon EOS 600D and it was used to film all four of
my productions. This allowed me to capture different shots and angles of my actor
and actress. Through the manipulation of the camera, I was able to portray the actor
and actress in different ways aiming to evoke a reaction from the viewers, especially
my target audience. Moreover, the quality of the camera benefitted in many ways as
it created clear footage but also permitted me to use manual and auto focus. This was
beneficial, as my product placements zooms were smooth.
My knowledge of the camera use since my foundation portfolio last year has
developed dramatically. I was using pictures last year, whereas this year I have used
recorded footage. I have learnt how to use the camera more professionally and how
to film without always needing the support of the tripod, despite the tripod still being
used and needed for some shots. This enabled me to use different shots and angles
such as mid shots, tilts, and panning shots.

16. Tripod
In my foundation portfolio, I did not use a tripod as every picture was
taken by hand. This year for my advanced portfolio, I had used the
tripod to support me when trying to make smooth shots. For
example, the panning shot in my female advert as I needed the
camera to be steady. This ensured that I completed a smooth, steady
pan which automatically made my work seem more professional.
Also, by adjusting the tripods height, I was able to manipulate the
way I was trying to portray my actress/actor making my work more
effective. Ultimately, the tripod made filming easier, better, and less
time consuming.
Although I did not use a tripod last year, this year I was able to learn
quickly and effectively the ways of using it to my advantage. I became
more familiar the longer I spent recording.

17. SD Card
The SD Card was used to store all my footage on as this was
the safest method as I did not want to lose any of my work.
Last year for my foundation portfolio, the SD Card was 16GB
in comparison to this year which was 32GB. This allowed me
to film more footage without having to think that I will not
have enough storage for all my work.

18. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro X was what I used to edit and put my footage together in order to finish my
productions. Through this format I was able to add effects such as dissolves to create
smoother transitions. I was able to intergrade music to create effect along with the
footage, and add texts. All these micro elements made my work more professional. Final
Cut Pro X allowed me to explore my creativeness and put my planning and research into
use, by adapting existing elements into my own work, such as transitions, playbacks and
many more things.
Last year, I did not use Final Cut Pro X, but Photoshop. This was difficult and different to
use but I became familiar with it. Although this was difficult as I have never encountered
it my teacher, YouTube as well as my peers helped me out.

19. Tascam
The Tascam was used in all of four of my adverts as I
recorded my voice overs in them. The reason for using
a Tascam instead of a microphone or a phone was to
ensure that my voice overs were high quality and
blocked out any background noise. This was beneficial
as it allowed to add clear voices to every single advert,
as well as allowed any voice effects to work effectively.

20. Green screen
This was the green screen which was located in our media
room. I used this to record my male advert and my TV
Sponsorship as I wanted to complete my adverts by using
both a real setting as well as CGI. This allowed me to
create a different effect in my adverts as I included high
class backgrounds of rich houses which I wouldn’t be able
to find in real life.
I had never used a green screen in the past and neither for
my foundation portfolio. When editing I had to use
YouTube to assist me.

21. iMac
When editing my production, I was using an iMac as it was the only way
to use Final Cut Pro X. This was beneficial as iMac’s are better computers
than any typical brands. This ensured that I was using professional
equipment which allowed me to finish my production with a higher
quality as well as faster.
In my foundation portfolio, I was using any simple laptop or computer
but through my use of iMac this year, I have developed my knowledge
on a better software.

22. Evaluation
• SlideShare
• Blogger
• PowerPoint

23. SlideShare
I used SlideShare when answering evaluation
questions on PowerPoint. This allowed me to
upload the PowerPoints and then be able to embed
within my Blogger account. This process allowed
me to publicly share my work for my audience to
view when needed.

24. Blogger
Blogger was not only used to upload my
planning and research tasks but also
complete my evaluation questions on.
Uploading them directly onto Blogger
allowed me to publish my work publicly
but also safely in order to be viewed
whenever.

25. PowerPoint
PowerPoint was also used to create
my slides on for my evaluation
questions. The reason for my use of
PowerPoint so often was due to the
familiarity as well as easy
allowance to publish large amounts
of information without time
consuming.

26. Difficulties I encountered and how I overcame
them
• Final Cut Pro X
 I had never used Final Cut Pro X before therefore it was difficult for
me to understand how it worked. I overcame this difficulty by spending
time with my teacher and asking for help when needed. Also, I had
watched videos on YouTube in order to have at least the basic
knowledge of it.
• Green screen
 Another difficulty was the lighting and green screen as it created a
fuzz effect around my actors/actresses. I overcame this by watching
YouTube videos on how to use the sample key to create smoother
edges.

27. Conclusion
Overall, I believe my knowledge from Foundation to Advanced
portfolio has improved dramatically. I have become familiar with
Final Cut Pro X and I am able to use it with no help. I have also
learnt how use the camera and tripod more confidently. I no
longer fear new software as I have had to deal with it this year
and have enhanced my knowledge on it which I hope to be able
to use in my future.