The document discusses how the media product uses conventions of real films in its opening sequence. It explores techniques like titles, music, costumes and narration seen in films like Watchmen, Snatch, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It also discusses representing the main character as independent yet inexperienced in business through a tailored suit that hides his troubled background. The document reflects on what was learned through the process, like using cameras, editing software, and working in a group.

1. IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR
MEDIA PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP
OR CHALLENGE FORMS AND
CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS?
Whilst researching opening sequences, I found that the majority of films had an
equal balance of titles and visuals. Usually showing one maybe two (or sometimes
more) titles at one time, this allows us to focus on both the story of which we are
supposed to be connecting to, and the titles that we (if you’re interested in them)
are given. For example: Watchmen (Directed by Zach Snyder) features a timeline of
events, with titles running consecutively. I also covered the order in which the titles
appear; however it seems that once the director, producers and main actors were
out the way, there was no specific order to the rest of the production crew, though a
full list is shown at the end of the film which features cast in order, and everything
ranging from Director to make-up. Music proved to be a challenge. Because of
copyright issues, ALL our music had to be original. From my research, I found that a
lot of gangster, fraud, robbery and crime films had an orchestral piece of music,
consisting mostly of piano and strings, although some big budget films can afford to
buy the rights to a certain song or bad. Snatch for example uses GHOST TOWN – THE
SPECIALS.
Our music had to create a slightly empty atmosphere, creating the feeling of loss and
nostalgia.
When watching the opening scene to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I had the idea
of showing progression. We settled on a man getting ready, though his face is never
revealed, which helps him to remain anonymous. Personally, I don’t like narration in
an opening scene with titles. It makes you focus on too many things and can cause
you to lose interest. However, I am pleased with how Jack was able to create a
powerful speech and I particularly liked how we see a man getting ready, whilst a
narrator reads a letter that he previously read. Although it’s contradictory to what I
previously said: How we are set in the past is a powerful representation of the main
characters modus operandi. He is ahead of the game, which we expect to see in this
kind of film. As in all films, costumes are so important to the realism of the film. Like
in Pirates of the Caribbean (which has incredible sets and costumes) it is clear to see
the social class and separation of pirates and gentlemen. Using this theorem I was
able to subvert the usual criminal look, and place the character in the social elite.
We developed some of the techniques that we used (due to the amount of time it
took to film) such as narration, though it is against my preference, we decided to
have a narrator. To keep the audience attached and focused on the story.

2. HOW DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT
REPRESENT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS?
Due to his fathers death, our main character has become suddenly independent.
Although he has been trusted with responsibilities in the past, he has now been
landed with a multi-billion pound company. So although he is successful, he is still
naïve and inexperienced in the business sector.
I represented his strength and wealth with a suit. Tailor made and clean. These are
the clothes he feels most comfortable in as this is what he has grown up believing his
whole life. His head is not seen in the opening scene so there’s not much to talk
about from the head up.
Overall his representation is perceived as positive through his clothes and
personality. His background however does not reflect this, his father was divorced
and he flunked school, getting by on his own terms using knowledge that his father
provided.
He has a sense of paranoia, growing up in a syndicate has caused him to be sceptical
about peoples appearances, personality and business. He doesn’t trust many people
and only confides in a small group of shareholders with whom he cannot truly
connect. The story could also be seen from many other perspectives. For example:
A story about a young woman who falls in love with a troubled businessman.
This subversion creates a deep and meaningful story.

3. WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT
DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND WHY?
CINEPLEX MOVIE-STARR
An independent cinema located in Canvey island.
Provided that a section of the profits is passed on to them, they may be able to
screen our film. Although small, it is surprisingly popular due to its reputation. On
top of the cinema, they also have places where you can go bowling and play snooker.
CURZON
A well known high quality independent cinema. They show films that are not big
enough (due to distribution costs etc) to be shown in high end cinemas and
multiplexes (Empire, Imax) again this would be a good place to distribute to as it is
well known and would be good for profits.
UK FILM COUNCIL
Well…not anymore. Because they are no longer around, we have to look for other
methods of funding. There are other companies that offer funding, TGFF, F4, BFI and
ITVS for example, provide funding, production AND distribution for independent film
makers. However, the downside being: they own all rights to our film.

4. WHO WOULD BE THE AUDIENCE FOR YOUR
MEDIA PRODUCT?
Ideally, one that would see the movie over and over again. Since that’s unlikely to
happen, this is our ideal audience:
Male OR Female, our movie can appeal to both.
The age of our main character is around 19-20 years old. So most people understand
the problems that he is facing and has yet to face. The questionnaire on the right
gave us a useful insight into what appeals to the public. The majority of responses
we got were from the younger generation, mainly young men who like a crime film,
but don’t want to pay over the top prices to see it.

5. HOW DID YOU ATTRACT/ADDRESS YOUR AUDIENCE?
Blog

6. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT
TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE PROCESS OF
CONSTRUCTING THIS PRODUCT?
Before starting the production I already had some idea about what was needed in
order to film, a camera and a tripod were essential things we needed. Although I
hadn't really given much thought as to what type of camera we needed. I always had
my mind set on using SD cards, however, after having problems with SD cards whilst
uploading our film, I have learnt that if I am going to use the school systems to
upload things in the future it is best us tapes or plug the camera in directly. Because
of media at GCSE level, I was already aware of the basic terminology. Although I had
never used it, I had briefly skimmed the 180 degree rule. It seemed complicated at
first, but I got the hang of it shortly. After we finished filming I found that I knew how
to keep within the 180 degree rule and use it to make our scenes authentic. I am
interested photography in my spare time, I also knew about the rule of thirds. I think
that at the end of the product we have effectively used the rule of thirds where
possible. The idea is for the subject to be placed along the lines I have placed over
the top. As long as the image is divided into three or the main focus is on one two
intersecting lines, the rule of thirds is applied, but is not always necessary.
I had never used a blog before, However after a couple of posts it became really
simple. At the end of the product, I can now say that I am confident with using a
blog.
I have used other websites along the way such as this website
- Wix - To create my evaluation.
- IMDB - To research films and look up information.
- YouTube – videos and examples of opening sequences.
- Google – pictures and search engine.

7. LOOKING BACK AT YOUR
PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU
HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT
TO THE FULL PRODUCT?
Since the preliminary task I learned to alternate the camera between actors so that
the actors look like they are talking to each other rather than us observing a
conversation. Learning how to smoothly rotate the camera was easy to master and
looked very effective in the final piece.
I learnt that good research makes a good film. Before I researched we had no idea
where we could show our movie. YouTube was effective when we got stuck on
editing software.
I have learnt that working in a group can be difficult, more so when there is little
communication. I found it challenging to adapt to luke’s story changes and maybe
my work has suffered because of that. In my experience it is better to work on your
own, even though the more members a team has, the less work you have to do.
Sometimes that’s just a theory and is very different in practice. Working alone allows
you to express yourself in your own unique way and lets you work at your own pace,
without worrying about what work others are doing.