Evaluation Question 4

1. Evaluation Question 4 – How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages? By Jack Lawrence

2. In my first initial stages I was not sure whether to produce a short film, documentary extract or movie trailer. This therefore persuaded me to use the internet to further my knowledge into each different type of ancillary products. I used presentation sharing websites such as Slide Share to view a range of presentations showing the codes and convection's of each individual ancillary product.

3. This then enabled me to more clearly identify the differences between them and decide on what I feel is most appropriate for my product. My final decision was to make a documentary extract as I wanted my ancillary product to offer information, explanations and opinions directly to the viewer. 

4. During the research stage of my project, I used video streaming websites such as YouTube and Vimeo to research into existing examples of videos and documentaries concentrating on the same or similar subjects. I also used other video sharing sites which are arguably less known such as Meta Cafe and Daily Motion to give myself a wider range of videos.  Using these video streaming websites gave me a lot of information which I used to help to make my products such as what sort of music to use, stereotypical fonts and possible camera angles to use. 

5. When researching into my chosen subject choice which is scooter riding, i used the internet to explore many examples of existing and current media content which covered this subject. A scooter Magazine called French Toast Magazine had cleverly used an online publication service which allowed the user to view an issue of a previous magazine to enable the user to 'try before you buy'. The online publication service also had a effect added to the magazine when you would turn the page an animation actually occurs which makes it appear like your turning a page in a real life magazine. Here is a preview of what the presentation service looks like and here is a link. -http://issuu.com/publishin/docs/frenchtoastmagazine7

6. Media technologies also allowed me to keep in contact effectively and directly with my subjects about organising when to capture footage and what locations to use. Instant messaging through websites such as Facebook allowed me to do this effectively. Throughout the process of deciding what music I should use for my documentary extract I watched many scooter videos to get some inspiration. I used an app on my IPhone called Shazam which recognises the songs being played. I could then research into that artist and use similar sings which I could then use. This free app was very useful and provides the user to send the song to the users mobile device or what it on YouTube. Another example of a mobile app i used is the BBC weather app as it allowed me to see if the weather was suitable for the filming sessions.

7. When receiving my audience feedback I used verbal feedback, written feedback and online feedback which gives the ability to give feedback online. I achieved this by using Google Docs. The use of Google Docs was very useful as it allowed me too receive responses and it automatically puts the responses data in pie charts to give a quick and visual representation of the data received. 

8. When creating my ancillary products I have used Adobe Photoshop to edit my Double page spread for a listings magazine and the magazine article. Whereas to produce my Documentary extract i used IMovie. I have previously used Serif PhotoPlus which is a more basic photo editing programme compared to Adobe Photoshop. However, it taught me basic knowledge of photo editing such as the use of layers and basic techniques. I have also had experience of Adobe Photoshop from my last years Media Studies work.

9.  I also used the website DaFont to obtain a unique font for my ancillary products. I have previously had experience of using the programme Windows Movie maker which had taught me the basic functions of video editing which I have used when using IMovie. I have made use of the video effects which are supplied by IMovie by using the Black and White effect.

10. I also like the feature of IMovie which allows the user to upload the video directly to YouTube which I used and allowed me to share the video. IMovie also allowed me to add titles, transitions and background music to my documentary extract. It also allowed me to use slow motion in my Documentary extract  as well as cropping out some parts of clips which are unwanted. 

11. I felt the camera I chose to use was a good choice as the content of footage recorded is of very good quality. Also the camera I used has a handle above the camera which allowed myself to get low down when filming my footage, allowing me to achieve the benefits of low angle shots. I also used a tripod when filming some footage which allowed me too receive steady and stable shots and also allowed me to plan out my shots more effectively.

12.  If I was going to produce the documentary extract again in the footage I would use a 'Fish eye' lens which essentially films a wider are of space from the same position. A 'Fish eye' lens then can be used to make the viewer appear as if the trick they are performing is bigger making it appear more impressive. It also allows the filmer to get closer to the action and make the viewer seem more involved and actually there with the subject. However, sometimes a problem which can occur with using one of these lenses is that it can leave black areas from the lens around the edge of the footage. Here is an example of a 'Fish eye' lens being used.