Audience and Institution Practice Essay

To what extent is digital distribution vital to the media area you have studied? 

Digital distribution has affected the advertising and marketing and consumption of movies in almost every aspect. It is to a point where it's so difficult to think about a recent film that is not digitally distributed. This can be a bad for cinemas because it reduces the amount of individuals paying them to watch the movie, but an advantage for production companies as more individuals are inclined to purchase films in their home than to pay for them in general, leading to an increase in sales. 

Most of the movies that you see are digitally sent or seen in theatres right now. This makes the process much easier and quicker. Since movies can be sent through different theatres with just the use of an internet connection, they can be distributed more widely. Another way a film is widely distributed is through different streaming websites. For instance, Spiderman Homecoming. This movie was released on Xfinity Stream as well as other streaming sites allowing the movie to get across to millions of more audiences. The box office of Spiderman Homecoming passed 880 million dollars on the All Time Worldwide Box Office for Superhero Movies. This would have not been possible without digital distribution throughout the cinemas. 

Digital distribution is also used when film companies release trailers for movies. The trailers are released on apps such as YouTube for millions of people to see. This builds hype and attention around the movie. With the use of streams and applications open to millions of people, film companies can promote their movies with ease. For example, Jurassic World. This film used trailers to capture their audience and build the suspense. There were 4-5 main trailers distributed on the internet and tv. The main trailers for this film included announcement trailers and other trailers to build hype. Not only did they release numerous trailers, but there was also a website released during distribution, which had a countdown to the release of the movie and other advertisements. Digital distribution was most definitely essential during the creation of Jurassic World. 

Furthermore, films go through so many distribution processes, one being cross promotions. Cross promotions allow films to be quickly spread across more people, catching their attention. Furious 7 is an example of a movie that was cross promoted, allowing it to be seen by more people. The video game Forza Horizon released a special edition game, which presents the Furious 7 movie. Furious 7 was also premiered at the TLC Chinese Theatre where IMAX Corporation installed the first new laser projection. Of course, all of this was only possible because of digital distribution. 

To recapitulate, digital distribution is the delivery of media entertainment such as movies. The same way that technology has evolved, the way in which it is marketed and consumed in the film industry has also evolved along with it. Thus, digital distribution is extremely vital in media. In today's world of the film industry, digital distribution is crucial for a movie to succeed. Digital distribution allows for film companies to promote their work and build up their audience.  

Opening Sequence CCR

1. How does your product use or challenge conventions AND how does it represent social groups or issues? - We used the basic camera and editing techniques for example midshot,longshot,fade in fade out,dissolve. We used natural lighting and a phone to shoot.
2. How does your product engage with audiences AND how would it be distributed as a real media text? - Our product 
3. How did your production skills develop throughout this project?
4. How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware and online – in this project?

Final Opening Sequence

Final Music Video

Final Commercial

Music Blog Finding Copyright Free Music

Every film needs some type of score or sounds. Scores set the mood for the film making it more compelling. As for finding music for our film, it took a while to find the right music. At first, I wanted to use a slow ambient soundtrack for our film. So, I searched online for copyright free ambient scores. As I searched, I couldn't find any that my group and I thought would fit our film. I then went on YouTube to try and find music. After a few minutes of searching for music, I came along a few copyright free sounds that I later on used in my film. I used eerie screech sounds. I also used "swish" transition sounds for a couple scenes. After searching for a little longer, I decided to change my mind. Instead of using a slow ambient soundtrack, I decided to use a fast suspenseful thriller score. I searched for copyright free

Editing Blog More Complications

Peer Editing Adrianna’s Film

One thing I really liked about Adriana's film was that it was really easy to follow. The film had great lighting which made it easy for me to follow along. Her movie also had great sound so that me as well as my group members are aware of what is happening throughout her film. The plot of Adriana's film was also good. Her plot was about a girl who hasn't left her home for a long period of time, and once she did, she was attacked. I liked her plot because it was straight to the point. This made it easy to follow along since it wasn't anything complicated. I also liked the gorilla costume Adriana used for the Antagonist. This was my favorite part because it was funny.

Although Adriana's film was good, there was still some things she could have improved. I suggest that she adds music. A score would have been a good idea so that it could set the mood for the viewers. Adriana could have also added non-diegetic sounds to make the film more exciting. She could maybe add scream sound effects, rumbling sound effects or screech sounds. This would give the film a more suspenseful feeling. Adriana also should add an eye-line and action match. Cambridge needs to see all of the diferent types of angles and shots. Therefore, if Adriana adds all of these things, her movie will be great.

Editing Blog Editing Complications

After filming all of our scenes, we had to start editing our movie. The editing process was both fun and complicated due to various reasons. At first, we wanted to use Pinnacle Studio. After filming everything we needed to, we dumped all of our files in our google drive so that we could all have access to them. We did this so that if one of us wanted to fix up editing the movie at home we can. After dumping our scenes, this is when we decided to start editing. The editing was complicated due to the actual editing programs themselves. We wanted to use Pinnacle studio at first, so we tried it. Pinnacle was working for the first couple of minutes, but then it crashed and it didn’t save our work. So, we tried Pinnacle Studios again. However, Pinnacle was way too slow, so my group and I came to the conclusion that we will use Sony Vegas Pro 14. I already had Sony Vegas Pro 14 installed on my computer as well, so this was much easier. As for editing the sound and music, we used many diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. We also added a dark score to the film. We added a dark score so that it would fit the genre of our film. This will set the mood for the viewers so that they get an idea of the film genre. Amelia and I looked up Copyright Free music to put as the score for our film while Charli looked up different non-diegetic sounds to add. We finally came to the agreement on what score and sounds we should use after a while of searching and added it to the editing program. Finally, after hours of editing we almost finished our film.

Filming Blog Rainy Day

We filmed for our fist time at Charli's house. We used the backyard in which we filmed by the pool for the first couple of scenes. The last couple of scenes took place in Charli's garage. At first, Amina (a friend of ours) was supposed to come and help us film by being one of the characters. Unfortunately, Amina couldn't make it to Charli's house. This meant we had to film with one less character in the movie. When Amelia and I got to Charli’s house, it was pouring outside. This made it  hard for us to film. The rain was on and off and on and off, so we had to film in the few seconds that we had when it wasn’t raining. This made the filming process a little more complicated and time consuming. Since Amina couldn’t make it to the filming, we had to change the story up a little since she was one of the main characters. After filming our first few scenes, we didn’t have to be outside in the rain. The last couple of scenes took place in Charli’s garage. This is the scene where Charli (who played as Sabrina) was knocked out in the garage. I filmed Amelia walking into the garage and looking for Charli until she found her body. The next scene we filmed was both characters tied up to a chair. This is when they came face to face with the killer himself. I filmed all of the clips except the scene where i (the killer) come face to face with the characters. Charli filmed me taking off the bandana covering my face.

Filming and Editing Blog

Planning Blog : Storyboard

As we approach the final step before, it is time to construct our movie. We must storyboard the way we imagine our entire two-minute film playing out. So below, is a power point of a collection of scenes that we have drawn out to vividly follow once we move into filming.  Scene by scene we include foot notes of the angles, shots, and sounds we want to include in the the project. Story boarding is a great process because, instead of us going into filming day trying to come up with things on the spot. We are able to do verbatim of what our storyboard lays put for us. Another thing about the process is you are able to change things in case something does not go as planned on filming day. From our previous projects, our group and I almost never  followed our storyboard. We kind of thought on the spot and went against what our whole storyboard said. Lastly once we begin our filming process next week, being that this video is a lot longer than any of our other projects. We will be referring back to the story board a lot. 

Planning Blog : Title Design in details

In the presentation below, I explained how I will be setting up my titles. In order for my group and I to put our film together we must follow a guideline showing how we will edit in our titles. I included how the first title will look when it pops up. I also included the different colors, spacing, contrast, and the final title of our movie. This is important because the viewers need to be able to see the actual text. It is also important because the text is what will set the mood for the film. The size and positioning of the font is also important. I also included the final title of the film. This lets Cambridge know what our film will be called. If we end up changing the title, we will go back and change it in the presentation.

Planning Blog : Location, Participants, Health, and Schedule

In order for my group and I to create our two minute opening, we must plan out what we need to do. So, we have been given planning blogs which allow us to master our plan. Inserted below is a slide presentation I created explaining the location, participants, health and safety and the schedule. The presentation includes where we will be filming so that Cambridge knows specifically where the filming will be taking place and we will be filming. The presentation also lets them know who will be in the film. I listed who will be acting, who will be directing, who will be filming and who will edit the final product. This lets Cambridge know who will do what. I also included information about health and safety. This is important because Cambridge needs to know how we will film our film safely despite the genre that we are doing. This presentation will help my group members and I organize ourselves in order for us to put our film together.

Planning Blog : Shooting Script

Before the final project comes to a closing, every detail for this two-minute opening must be planned out thoroughly. To do so we have been assigned several blogs beginning with the Sound and Shooting script. These scripts go hand in hand on how to produce and direct a successful film. Inserted below is a shooting script created by me in a slide presentation along with the help of my group members. This script contains every movement that will take place in the film whether it be camera angles, camera movements, or even the movement from the actors. The script also consists of brief noting of the location of where each scene of the opening will take place. Lightning, an element keenly used in filmmaking, is included because it helps the viewers assess that there is a significance in the mood trying to be brought out. There are also a few details of different editing that will be done in certain scenes to enhance the effect our movie genre brings when being watched. The shooting script, however, does not mention literal dialogue or sound effects because that is recorded in the sound script. With the separation between sound and movement, it makes it easier for my group and me to film our final project with ease and comfort. This will result in us being able to produce something our Cambridge graders and teachers will enjoy watching later on.

Planning Blog : Sound and Dialogue

Moving on to the next phase of our two minute opener, we are now begging to plan the entire film. In this part of our journey it is all about the planning of what is going to go into the film.  What you see below is the sound and dialogue script that includes every sound or conversation in the movie. This particular script excludes every thing other than sound or dialogue (i.e. camera movements, camera angles, editing tools, etc...). We have constructed a quite easy/simple sound script. We will only have three characters and it will be the same group members (Charli, Amelia, and Amina) playing the roles of our imaginary characters. Some scenes actually do not include dialogue because we really want our viewers to focus on the concept behind the movie opener. We plan on strictly following this script so that we can avoid going back to change it. But anything can happen so if something comes up on the spot then we will modify. Lastly, the sound script will simply make filming a lot smoother and easier; knowing that we have an outline. 

Title Research: Copelia

The objective of this blog is to analyze the openings of movies and explain how creators use specific tools and skills to give a preview and feel of what the actual movie entails. Creators ensure their openings are able to do this because that alone helps reel in the audience and makes them want to see more. The movie I chose to analyze is Copelia. The movie comes from the website called "Watch the Titles" and focuses on an idea created by a doctor in regards to his plants that soon becomes stolen. To help me examine the opening sequences I have been given seven questions that will be answered in full sentences and understand what the creator(s) were trying to portray.

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

The opening sequences for the film, Copelia, contain 16 titles.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Images prioritized in the opening sequence are those of what appears to be different plants and the things inside these plants such as cells and the inside structure of the overall plants.

3. What connotations do the images carry?

Connotations that the images carry are exotic, highly developed, scientific, and complex. For example, the images are complex because they show the somewhat confusing but captivating structure of what makes up the plant.

4. How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by the camerawork because of the closeups of things like the veins in the plants' leaves and the slow movement of the camera which gives the idea that the film has something to do with futuristic science and technology which is associated with science fiction.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The film establishes an enigma from the beginning by constant fading and disappearing between plant parts leaving a mystery of what exactly is taking place within.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience are the use of illuminated colors in the various flowers' structures which indicate advanced technology and science. This would appeal to future scientists or individuals who want to be educated in this field.

7. How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

The technology has been used effectively because of the camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques' ability to bring mystery and questions into the mind of the viewers. The technology leaves the idea that science is involved but what is being done to it (good or bad) is unknown.

Title Research: The Reaping

This blog another research blog focused on how a movie's entirety can be seen within minutes of the beginning. This is done, of course, through the use of titles and images edited to fit the idea the film's creator is trying to bring across to those watching.  The movie I chose to analyze is The Reaping. The movie comes from the website called "Watch the Titles" and focuses on an event where mankind is contaminated by several plagues similar to the one in the Bible. To help me examine the opening sequences I have been given seven questions that will be answered in full sentences and understand what the creator(s) were trying to portray.

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

The opening sequences for the film, The Reaping, contain 24 titles.

2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Images prioritized in the opening sequence are those of different plagues such as insects, frogs, and blood. All of these were apart of ten plagues mentioned in the Bible.

3. What connotations do the images carry?

Connotations that the images carry are sufferation, darkness, and fear. 

4. How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by the camerawork and music because the extreme close up shots of the bugs makes it look as if they're being examined by the viewer under an actual microscope and the music builds up the suspense of something bad happening. This shows the use of advanced technology and the race to save mankind which is found in typical sci-fi films.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The film establishes an enigma from the beginning by the quick flashes between different factors such as when it flashes from drops of blood to cells of an insect. 

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience are the use of dark lighting and observation to appeal to people who like the dark parts of science where things might affect society on a large scale. An example of this is the close up the flies that are going to soon affect the human race later on in the film. 

7. How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

The technology has been used effectively because the camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques make it clear that horrific events are going to unfold in the film based on how the titles are red which represents blood, the different creatures shown under microscope lenses. The flashes happening between the titles and the various living things reveal the concept of how quickly events are going to go bad which seems to be something the creator(s) intended on conveying to the audience. Thus, technology has been used effectively.

Title Research: Splice

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?


The opening sequences for the film, Splice, contain 1 title.



2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Images prioritized in the opening sequence are veins and body parts. This sets the mood for the film.



3. What connotations do the images carry?

The connotations that the images carry are eerie and dark.



4.  How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?


The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by the sound effects, music and the shots. The close-up shots of body parts and the dark music makes the viewer feel tense.

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?


The film establishes an enigma by showing the credits on people's body parts using their veins.

6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?


The strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience was the music and sound effects.  The suspenseful music and and bubble sound effects gives the viewers an intense feeling, which makes it appealing. 


7. How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

Considering the camera angles, transitions and editing techniques, technology has been used effectively because the editing allowed the opening sequence to have the disturbing music. Technology was also used effectively because the camera angles showed close up body parts.

Title Research: The Terminator

1. How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?


The opening sequences for the film, The Terminator, contain 1 title.



2. What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

Images prioritized in the opening sequence are skulls, lasers, and big machines, which sets the mood for the viewer before the film.



3. What connotations do the images carry?

The connotations that the images carry are corrupt and dark.



4.  How is the genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?


The genre is reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset by the sound effects, music and the props used. The music puts the viewer in a dark and gloomy mood as well as the skulls and guns shooting lasers. 

5. How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?


The film establishes an enigma by showing someone running away from the machines shooting lasers. This makes the viewer mysterious as to what is happening and why it is happening. 
6. What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?


The strategies used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience was the different camera angles and the music and sound effects. The close up shots on the skulls being crushed gives viewers a suspenseful feeling, while the dark music and shooting laser sounds gives the viewers an intense feeling, making it appealing. 
7. How has technology been used effectively? You might want to consider camera angles, transitions, and editing techniques.

Considering the camera angles, transitions and editing techniques, technology has been used effectively because the editing allowed the opening sequence to have the suspenseful music and the crazy sound effects. The camera angles also set the mood for the film, giving viewers an idea of what the movie will be like.

Title research: Watch the Title

continuing on with our research, the second website we will be using displays a different set of movies to watch. I am looking at this site, to give more a visual representation of what it is we will be doing for our movie opener. And how not to  make insertion of our titles. I will be watching a short video to observe the use of titles to ensure that my project has every correct element in it. Still sticking to our genre (sci-fi) I chose to watch "Panic room #18 Rebirth." In the video, they used images to represent the theme ad genre of the movie, while still inserting titles in creative ways. For example one title was located inside of a DNA, and another was found next to a weird alien looking creature. Withing the 2 minute video, I learned that you do not have to make the titles so basic. With that being said I am sort of learning how to creatively input our titles into our video. How to insert them but still not taking away from the opening sequence, of what the movie will be about. I also learned you do not have to put all the titles into one part of it but to spread it pout. The importance of what colors and fonts you use as well. These videos are really helpful because it starts to cultivate our minds into thinking more creative when it comes to titles.

Research Art of the Title Website

www.watchthetitles.com

Continuing on with our research, the second website we will be using displays a different set of movies to watch. I am looking at this site, to give more a visual representation of what it is we will be doing for our movie opener. And how not to  make insertion of our titles. I will be watching a short video to observe the use of titles to ensure that my project has every correct element in it. Still sticking to our genre (sci-fi) I chose to watch "Panic room #18 Rebirth." In the video, they used images to represent the theme ad genre of the movie, while still inserting titles in creative ways. For example one title was located inside of a DNA, and another was found next to a weird alien looking creature. Withing the 2 minute video, I learned that you do not have to make the titles so basic. With that being said I am sort of learning how to creatively input our titles into our video. How to insert them but still not taking away from the opening sequence, of what the movie will be about. I also learned you do not have to put all the titles into one part of it but to spread it pout. The importance of what colors and fonts you use as well. These videos are really helpful because it starts to cultivate our minds into thinking more creative when it comes to titles.

Genre Research: Alien Covenant

1. Common CAMS in the movie:


The common CAMS in Alien Covenant are Eye level, Low angle, Over the shoulder, Long shot, Three shot, Two shot, Low Angle, Dutch Angle, Pan and Single Take.



2. Common CLAMPS in the movie:

The common CLAMPS in the movie was the decor used in different scenes for example the spaceship. There was also different props used while the characters were in the spaceship. There was also different lighting and shadows used throughout the film as well as decor and character placement. As for costumes and makeup, the anti-hero in the movie was an alien, therefore there was costumes and makeup used to create the alien.

3. Common sound in the movie:

The common sounds in this movie were, explosions, screaming, screeches, ambient nature sounds and gunfire. There was both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds.


4. Common editing in the movie:

As for editing, there was Skip scenes, Inserts, Cutaways, Eyeline Matches, and Cross cutting.


5. Elements of the Genre in the movie:

As for elements, this movie included explosions, stunts, and combat.


6. What elements of the Genre did the movie have that you like?:

The elements of the movie that I liked was the CGI used to create the explosions and the aliens in the movie. The CGI and effects really made the movie exciting and fun to watch.


7. What elements of the Genre did the movie have that did not appeal to you?:

The elements that did not appeal to me was the lack of one on one action with the characters and the antagonists.

Genre Research: Avatar

1.  Camera Angles

Common CAMS seen throughout Avatar are, Wide shots, a lot of wide shots were used to mainly capture the conversations between more than two people as well as the action. Close ups, eye level, high angel to capture the island of Pandora, long shots, and point of view.

2. Common Mis- en- scene (CLAMPS)

Costumes used in Avatar were uniforms they used to fight in. Not much make up was used, considering the roles of the avatars were played by people who wore special suits that would later translate on screen as the actual Avatar. A lot of props were used throughout the movie as well as sound, I.e. the noises the guns would make. Lastly the actors were great at playing the roles of the avatars and creating emotional connections.

3. Common sound in the movie:

The common sounds in this movie were, explosions, screaming, screeches, ambient nature sounds and gunfire. There was both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. 

4. Editing

The editing that was used was, again, the way they edited the avatars it was almost as if the actors played the role of a green screen. Other editing tools included, jump cuts, split screens, cutaways, and dissolve.

5. Elements of the Genre in the movie:

As for elements, this movie included explosions, stunts, and combat.

6. What elements of the genre did the movie have that you liked?

I really enjoyed how they portrayed the avatars in the movie. The way the utilized technology and were able to display the characters on the screen with out it looking too much of an animation.

7. What elements of the genre did not appeal to you?

The way they filmed certain scenes could have been better. I say that to this, being it is a sci-fi movie; I wanted to see a little bit more of the science aspect. While the writer/director did a good enough job the element of science fiction could've been enhanced a little more.