The student used various online tools and technologies throughout their media project. In the research stage, they used Google, Media 2.0, and videos on YouTube to research conventions in their chosen genre of alternative music. They discovered common themes of dark color schemes, dim natural lighting, and nature imagery. In the planning stage, they used Timetoast to organize schedules and Adobe Photoshop and Premier Pro to practice effects. They also took practice photos and video. In the construction stage, they shot photos and video using various cameras. And in the evaluation stage, they used Premier Pro to edit feedback videos and PowerPoint for a slideshow, uploading the final video to YouTube.

1. Question 4
Danielle Bufton

2. Research Stage: Video
I used PowerPoint to create a pitch that I
could use to get feedback and I used voice
recorder to record the audience feedback. I
also used the social network Facebook.
Both of these allowed me to get an idea of
what my target audience wanted and this
helped me to adapt my ideas at different
times in the process. I decided I wanted an
active audience during the planning stage.
For my research stage I used Google and Media 2.0 to establish the conventions of the genre I have
chosen. Through this research I discovered the face-paint and typical medium shots used in the
alternative genre. I used videos from Florence and The Machine, Biffy Clyro and Birdy (screenshots shown
above).
The conventions I discovered helped me create my print products and music video, as I could mimic
common themes such as dark colour schemes, dim natural lighting and nature imagery.
Without the use of the internet I would of not been able to research sufficiently into the genre and then I
would of not picked out the importance of being entropic in my music video or posters.

3. Research Stage: Print
I created a Facebook group for my media products where I could
receive feedback on ideas. This allowed me to change the products
as others saw fit as well as myself. I found it very interesting to see
people’s response to my work and offer constructive criticism in
order to improve it before I made the final copy. The image to the
left shows my first draft for my digipak and due to feedback I was
able to improve my print product and produce my final draft.
This direct feedback has been very useful in my media coursework
overall.
When I was completing this stage of my work I used different
pictures from google, this way I could see previous versions of
Florence and the Machines work and any common themes or house
styles used in each. I also used
This took work out various types of
Typography and imagery on the covers
that I could use on mine.

4. Planning Stage
In the planning stage I used a different range of
technologies. I used timetoast and in order to
organise the dates for my print and video production.
This helped me a lot because it allowed me to allocate
time and stick to a particular schedule for my work.
Another technologie I used was Adobe Photoshop I used this to practice different
effects on images I’d already taken to see which one might suite my photo the best. I
also practiced using the magnetic lasso tool and the feather effect to making overlaying
images more realistic.
I also practiced using Adober PremierPro to practice using different effects of lighting
as I knew with my final music video when filming I wouldn’t have access to as much
lighting as I would have wanted.
In this stage I also used a practice shoot of my dancer and used a panasonic HD video
camera. As well as this I went to my locations and took photos with a nikon d60, this
allowed me to use the photos when showing people my ideas and practice imagery for
my digipak.

5. Construction Stage
In this stage I used a Nikon D60 DSLR Camera, a Panasonic HD Video Camera and a
Samsung WB100 Bridge HD Camera. I used the Nikon to take photos I could use for my
digipak, in doing this is used the manual focus setting so that I had more control of the
final outcome, I also change the exposer of the camera as well as utilising the portrait
setting when taking a photo of my model.
When using the Panasonic HD and Samsung HD I used auto focus as I wanted it to be
shot in the exact way you would see it if you were watching it live. I used the zoom effect
on both and this meant I could get more explorative angles and shots. Without the HD
camera I would have risked my work being pixellated and not looking professional.

6. Evaluation Stage
In the evaluation stage I used a variety of technologies.
For Question one I used Premier Pro to edit similar gifs
onto my music video. This showed where I got my
inspiration from and how I picked up on conventions of
my genre to create my final product. I also edited the
speed of certain clips to make the points I was making in
my narrative more clear. I also filmed reactions to my music
video where people answered a set of questions about things
they enjoyed and how I could have improved my piece for
Question 3. This allowed me to get feedback in the form of film which I edited together in
Premier Pro to create a short set of audience opinions. I also added a voice over
demonstrate how I put together my media pieces. It provided better sound quality
than the other videos so my voice over is prominent in the question.
For Question 2 I utilised Microsoft PowerPoint, where I put together a slideshow
highlighting colour theory, props/costumes and lighting. I found it easy to create on
this programme and I have finished with a professional looking slideshow.
Youtube allowed me to upload my final music video and embed it with ease into my blog.
It’s the best way to send my video to other people in order for them to feedback their
opinions to me.