Evaluation Question 7 : Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in progression from this to the full product?

This is our answer to Question 7 of the Evaluation. We have presented it visually, through a voiceover recorded by me and Rebecca and edited onto our opening scene by Sian.

We have discussed how we identified areas of improvement in our preliminary task and how we then used these improvement to make progression when creating our opening scene.

Evaluation Question 6 : What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product

Evaluation Question 5: How did you attract/address your audience?

Evaluation Question 5 from CharlDale

Evaluation Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?

This is Question 4 as part of our evaluation. We have discussed who would be the audience for our media product in terms of age, gender and class.

Evaluation Question 3: What kind of media product might distribute your media product?

This is the answer to Question 3 as part of our evaluation. We have discussed possible methods to distribute our media product; by a film studio and through an opening scene.

Evaluation Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

This is the answer to question 2 as part of our evaluation. We have discussed how our opening scene represents sexuality, subcultures and age.

Evaluation Question 1 : In what ways does your media product use, develop, or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

This is our answer to the first question of our evaluation. We all took part in the construction of the answer, I wrote the scripts, me and Sian recorded the voiceover, and Rebecca put together the powerpoint with the audio.

Evaluation : What Went Well

Overall I think that the process of creating our opening scene was relatively successful and we managed to improve on our preliminary to create a good romantic-comedy narrative and opening scene.


For our planning, I think our research went particularly well because we gained a lot of in-depth knowledge about the genre and characters before beginning to form our own concept. We spent a lot of time formulating different ideas and options for our opening scene based on what we had found out and then once we had a basis of what we wanted to do, we began to sculpt and mould the ideas to be better. For example, we came up with a simple narrative about how we wanted to show the journey of the character 'coming out' and then we began to add to it by coming up with the idea of using texting which we got from researching into rom-com LoL. We also then decided to begin with the end of the film, an idea we got from researching into Love Rosie which we perhaps wouldn't have thought of hadn't we done enough research.


For our filming, I think our directing and visions were what went well as when we got on the set for each scene we already knew exactly what we wanted to do and what needed to be done. This enabled us to then effectively direct the actors and the camera to make the visions become reality. It also increased our productivity as we began to film as soon as possible after arriving on the sets rather than spending time trying to figure out what to do and having to constantly change and refilm things.


For editing, the studio logo went particularly well considering none of our group had previously ever made one and when completed we were impressed with what we had created and now have learnt a new skill. Also our perseverance was something that helped us achieve a good final product because when editing we faced numerous difficulties, but managed to learn and find a way to overcome each of them which enabled us to carry to get our final product.


Finally for our evaluation, our delegating went well as we split up what needed to be done between the group which meant everyone had a high level of input and lots of different ideas were discussed for each question. It also meant that we managed to complete the whole evaluation in a shorter timeframe as everyone took on a piece of the workload to complete rather than us each doing it individually which would've taken longer.

Evaluation: The Editing Process

After beginning the filming process of our opening scene, we began a long editing process, spending around 8 hours editing our opening scene. At the start of the process we appointed Sian as the main editor as she had the most experience in editing out of the three of us and understood the software we used - Adobe Premiere Pro - better than us.

After filming our first scene we started to review the footage and put the different shots we had filmed into chronological order. However, we quickly noticed that the shots hadn't turned out as we hoped with the actors breaking the 4th wall, and we didn't have a range of shots. At this point we decided the best thing to do was to re-film the whole scene. 

After re-filming the scene, we repeated what we did prior and put the shots into chronological order. The new version of the scene looked alot better than the original version and so we then started to cut down the shots, and edit them so we could switch between them during the scene of dialogue. We soon began to realise that the end of the scene didn't seem to work and there was continuity error with the character standing up and to tracking him backwards. At this part there was also a problem with the audio levels between the previous shot and when tracking. To fix these two issues we had to first add a dissolve transition between the two shots where there was a continuity error to show a passage of time and then we refilmed the audio of the final scene and put it over the shot with a slight echo so it fades and matches the transition we added.

We followed the same pattern for the next scene filmed at the Tamworth castle grounds; ordering the shots and cutting them down to size. That's when we began to look at audio and sound levels. We planned for the shots in the scene to be accompanied with a soundtrack so we reviewed the audio in each shot and lowered it ready for when the soundtrack was put over. 

Following this, we started to add transitions at the beginning and end of each shot for the first scene. We crossed the transitions over between the scenes to make them more fluid rather than cutting and rigid. We also added the transition 'dip to black' at the last shot of the first scene to signify the ending of that scene and also at the end of the second scene to signify an ending. 

The titles were then created and added over the shots in the conventional order of a title sequence. We wanted to make them subtle over the shots so used a white, simple font. We once again added transitions to the titles so they faded in and out with the shots. We had some problems with the titles and kept coming across the issue of what we typed not going onto the shots when we dragged them into the sequence. We quickly overcome this however, by rendering the project and re-opening it. 

Once this was complete, and we had rough draft of our opening scene we got it reviewed by our teacher who found the narrative confusing and suggested reordering the two scenes making our originally-planned first scene the last. We took this into consideration and how the narrative we created was portrayed to the audience but decided to stick with the original order. We did however, review our opening scene and make changes to help the narrative for example adding '6 months earlier' prior to our last scene and over our establishing shot to set the time-frame to the audience.

The final stage of our editing process was to add our soundtrack to the opening scene. We decided on the karaoke version of I'm Yours by Jason Mraz as the sound matched the light narrative we were trying to portray. Once the soundtrack was converted into an MP3 file, we inserted it into the sequence and spent time adjusting all of the audio levels until the soundtrack was balanced with the audio of the shots.

We did a final review and then the first draft of our opening scene was completed and edited together.

Our Opening Scene - Secret Love

This is the final version of our opening scene.

Casting - Costumes

When storyboarding for our opening scene we had a very clear vision of the costumes and instructed the actors for each scene on what they should wear.

As we wanted to present the idea that it was set in winter and cold in our first scene, it was crucial that the two actors dressed to match the weather. Both actors wore coats, one wore a scarf, and in the opening shot where the camera shows the two hands entwined and then pans up, it is visible that the characters are wearing gloves. This is shown in the photo below, taken directly from our finished product.

For our second scene, we needed to try and portray as best as possible that it was set in canteen - a sixth form canteen. We did so by ensuring that all the characters were dressed in what would be appropriate attire for sixth form, with the 3 male characters in suits and the female friend in smart monochrome. However, the two characters on the left of the shot were both wearing matching ties which we deliberately made sure our protagonist wasn't wearing in order to connote the idea there was a difference between them and him. The costumes for all these characters in the second scene is shown in the photo below, taken directly from the finish product.

Casting - Our Characters

For our opening scene we have spent a lot of time researching into characters and creating individual characters for all those we had drafted onto our storyboards. Overall, we have two protagonists and 3 minor characters in our opening scene.

For our two protagonists we came up with a criteria to create an individual personality and gave this to our actors in order to make the characters as believable as possible. We spent time researching into the portrayal of homosexuals in different media texts such as Glee where we looked into how young homosexual teenagers are represented and Modern Family where we looked into how a serious homosexual couple were represented.

For the main protagonist Matt we decided he should be:
- Slightly Insecure
- Stereotypically Normal
- Friendly
- Excitable (around Sam)
- Confused

For Matt's love interest - our second protagonist Sam - we decided he should be:
- Excitable
- Hyper
- In Love
- Over-dramatic
- Stereo-typically Gay
- Funny

We found the actors for these two characters through Sian's mutual friends and both actors were homosexual which made them more comfortable when filming the scenes than if the actors were straight.
We cast the 3 friends based on mutual friends who were comfortable with acting and available during the allocated times on our production schedule.

The cast was as follows:
Matt - Matt Wallpole
Sam - Tom Higgins
Friend 1 - Tom Hendry
Friend 2 - Christopher Mcnulty
Friend 3 - Becky Harris

Before filming, we informed each of the cast members about their role and gave them an insight into each character to prepare them and make the beginning of filming more efficient and we also instructed them on the costumes. For Matt and Sam in the first scene, we asked the actors to wear warm clothing, portraying the idea that it was set in winter. For the scene in the school canteen, we asked all the actors to wear suits and to look smart to make the setting more credible and believable.

Role Allocation - My Role In Creating Our Opening Scene.

In creating the opening scene I had an active role in all stages. This is because we made the decision as a group at the beginning of the process that for each stage we would delegate roles so everyone had some sort of responsibility.



When forming the concept of our film, we collectively decided on the genre of Romantic-Comedy and then I began to research further into it and began putting forth possible narratives. I collected my research by forming mindmaps of ideas for our film (featured on my blog) and researched into existing products, in particular one my favourite films - Love Rosie. It was from researching into this film that we came up with the idea to begin with the end of the film. Another film I researched into was Lol featuring Miley Cyrus and Douglas Booth. From this film, we got the idea of incorporating technology and texting into our opening scene.



Once we had the narrative for our opening scene I created two storyboards, a physical version where I drew what we wanted for each shot and then repeated this by creating a digital storyboard. We began a production schedule and collectively planned when we were going to film and edit based on the time we had been given and our schedules.



When filming, my main role was to direct the other members of the group and direct the shots to match what we had story-boarded and planned. After filming each shot, I along with the other members of the group would rewatch what we had filmed to ensure it was as we wanted, and if needed I would re-direct the actors and shots to ensure they looked good.



After filming, we moved on to editing which I have very little previous experience in so I took more of a backseat role so Sian, who was the strongest editor in our group, could lead the stage. I did however still participate in the editing process and had a very active role. I was present throughout editing the opening scene, and had regular input into what we could change and what needed to be done. I was also responsible for creating the title sequence and editing it onto the opening scene and also worked on picking the soundtrack.



For our evaluation I had a dominant role as writing is one of my strengths and was involved in creating 6 out of 7 of the questions. As a group we had discussed what we wanted to involve in all of the answers and decided which questions were going to be completed by who and in what format. For Questions 2, 3 and 4, I was responsible for writing and creating the Prezi's. For questions 1 and 7 we decided to answer digitally and my role in creating these questions was I scripted the answers and recorded them as a voice-over ready to be inputted over the powerpoint created by Rebecca and our opening scene.



Overall as a group we worked well and all shared the different roles and responsibilities based on our strengths. Rebecca was heavily involved in the filming process because she had experience using the cameras and filming, Sian was heavily involved in the editing process because she is the strongest editor and has experience using the software, and I was heavily involved in the evaluations as my strength is more writing and answering questions.

Mr Judge Feedback - Provisional Mark/Level/Grade: 70/100 = B

• Planning and research evidence will be complete; • There is proficient research into similar products and a potential target audience; • There is proficient organisation of actors, locations, costumes or props; • There is proficient work on shotlists, layouts, drafting, scripting or storyboarding; • There is a good level of care in the presentation of the research and planning; • Time management is good.

1. Level 3 So far (14/20) For Level 4: Excellence required in analysing media products so we need some more Rom-com textual analysis (2 max), located in the right place so change the dates on the post options section.
2. Storyboards need improving, either digital (storyboardthat.com) or another visual way of showing your idea.
3. We need some evidence of how/when you filmed/costumes/shot footage in terms of stills/video clips from the set (the making of the film) Doing the above to an excellent standard will get you into a Level 4

	MINIMAL (L1)	BASIC (L2)	PROFICIENT (L3)	EXCELLENT (L4)	TOTAL
1.RESEARCH & PLANNING [20]	0-7	8-11	12-15	16-20	14
2. CONSTRUCTION – MAIN TASK [40]	0-23	24-35	36-47	48-60
3.EVALUATION [20]	0-7	8-11	12-15	16-20
TOTAL GRADE FOR FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO [100]					/100
Minus -39 = U	40-49 = E	50-59 = D	60-69 = C	70-79 = B	80-100 = A

Filming - Locations

Our opening scene features two different scenes in two separate locations that are both crucial to the narrative. The first scene is what appears to be a local park and was filmed in Tamworth Castle Grounds. We chose this location to represent the park as it highly resembles one and is big enough to film different scenes in different areas, which helps to create the idea when the film is edited together that there are passages of time and movement by the characters. Below are two pictures showing the area of which we filmed several of the shots.

Two significant areas which we filmed are the bench where the two seemed to be 'loved up' and exchanging words in audible to the audience, and the framing where we concluded this scene. We chose the bench area because it was secluded and made the exchange between the two characters more private and therefore more romantic than if there was movement or people in the background of the shot. The framed area was also chose for a similar reason as it was secluded, but upon first finding it we though it was ideal for our finishing shot as it the flowers and colour seen emphasised the romantic element of the shot, and we tried to position the wooden framing to the corners of the shot so there was no wasted space and the two protagonists were at the foreground and the focus of the shot. These two locations are shown in the photos below.

Our second scene is set and filmed in our sixth form canteen as it is convenient to film in and can easily represent the school canteen which the scene is set in. When filming we were careful to make sure the characters were positioned around the table so that the camera could see them all when we were filming group shots and also so that the dialogue seemed natural when we were filming the scene. To add to the location we decided to place a water bottle on the table in front of the characters to contribute to showing that it is a canteen and the characters are on a lunch break rather than a general table. We also decided on filming at a table in the back corner of the corner to limit what was surrounding the characters and could potentially distract the audience from the narrative but it also limited the background noise when filming.

Filming - Production Schedule

(click to expand)

This is our production schedule which shows us the deadlines we have to meet regarding each area of production to ensure we stay on track producing our opening scene. 

We aim to finish the whole production process by the last week of January which will then give us 2-3 weeks in February to complete our evaluation.

Storyboard Two - Digital

Our first shot shows the two protagonists holding hands. This is an extreme close up of their hands and will be shown as the soundtrack plays prominently in the background. Over the top of this shot and the following shot will be the title sequence.

Following the previous shot, the camera will pan out of the zoom revealing the figures of the two protagonists now known to be males. The soundtrack will continue to play in the background and the titles will continue to be shown in the corners of the screens. The characters will exchange dialogue however it will be inaudible to the audience. From this shot the screen will slowly fade to black and show the words 'Six Months Earlier'

This shot is the establishing shot. It will show the location of the following scenes; the sixth form. The title of our film will be displayed in the top right hand corner. During this shot, the soundtrack will begin to fade to nothing.

This shot is the close up of an iPhone displaying text messages. All of the messages will have hearts and kisses to connote both the recipient and sender have some sort of love. There is no dialogue during this shot. The phone will then be snatched off screen.

The following scenes all revolve around the characters seated at the table and the dialogue exchanged between them. Shots will switch from different angles of the table and different close ups of the characters faces. The shots will be edited with simple cuts.

For this shot our protagonist will stand from the table and proceed to walk away. The camera will track the character both forward and backwards. Once the character is a few metres from the table, there will be sound effect of a text message. The character will read the message and smile towards the character before the screen fades to black.

Storyboard One

This is our storyboard mapping each part of our opening scene and the shots we plan to use.

Opening Scene Screenplay (Rebecca's Version)

Fade In:
EXT. Castle Grounds-Day 
Close up of both characters, hand in hand. Zooms out to reveal the two boys holding hands. Both seventeen.Mattie is more masculine and challenges the gay stereotype.Sam fits the stereotype.  

SAM (V.O) This is the ending of our story. Perfect inst it? We never used to be so happy. Our lives used to be so hidden, we were hidden, until one day I made that change. 

Rewinds to show the days before this time. The beginning of the day of the stand up. Establishing shot accompanied by the title sequence, which is presented with music. 

INT. College Restaurant-Late afternoon 
 Long shot of Mattie at a table with a group of friends. Mattie is on his phone, being distant from the table's conversations about the a famous pop star.

Mattie (P.O.V of text messages). Presents the relationship between Sam and Mattie.
Audience hears muffled questions that are directed at Mattie but with no answer. 

FRIEND #1: James! 

MATTIE: Urm, yeah? 

FRIEND #2:  what do you think about her? 

MATTIE: Yeah... she's great. 

FRIEND #1: Who's got all your attention? 

MATTIE: Oh, no one (nervous laugh). 

The phone is snatched out of Mattie's hands. 
One friend begins to read the messages out loud in a mocking voice.  

FRIEND #1:  So, when are we meeting again? I miss you. 

Friend#1 pulls a mocking sad face and begins to kiss the air 
The phone is then passed the friend#2. 

FRIEND#2: I don't know, we nearly got caught last time, I can't afford to be seen, but soon maybe. 

Group begins to make mocking kissing noises and then all falls silent. 
Mattie manages to snatch the phone back after many attempts. 

FRIEND#1: So who's Sam? 

Mattie looks across his friends 

MATTIE: She's just a friend. 

FRIEND #2: Just a friend, ay? 

FRIEND #1: Ooo, James has got himself a girlfriend, I'm proud of you. 

Friend #1 pats Sam on the back smirking at him   
The group quietly laugh at the remark for a couple of seconds  

MATTIE: Anyway,urm, I've got to go, urm, see a tutor about some work, so urm, I guess I'll see you guys later. 
Mattie walks out of the restaurant, with his phone in his hand smiling uncontrollably. Camera zooms into Jame's face and cuts to a black screen.

Opening Scene Screenplay

            FADE IN:

Ext. Castle Grounds – Picturesque setting – Late daytime – evening

            Shot shows a close up of hands joined together. The camera zooms out to

            reveal the couple – both are 17 and male and seem happy and in love. The pair

            exchange words inaudible to the audience.

            FADE OUT: Screen shows a rewind to 6 months earlier

Ext. Establishing shot – Sixth Form Building – Day

          FADE IN: Title appears over shot.

Int. Sixth Form Canteen – Corner table – Day

Protagonist POV: Phone screen fills shot displaying conversation, the recipient goes by the name ‘Sam’ – relationship visible through the exchange using hearts and x’s.

The phone is taken from the hands holding it and taken off screen.

Camera cuts to a table of a group of friends – all around the age of 17/18 and male, protagonist seated at edge of the table and reaches for his phone which is held out of reach by one of the friends.

FRIEND #1  (mockingly, looking down toward the phone screen) Who’s Sam?

                        Protagonist visibly uncomfortable – shifts in seat.

                        Laughter proceeds from all. The phone is passed to another character.

FRIEND #2  (mockingly reads from phone screen) I’ll see you soon I promise

                        (Laughter)

FRIEND #1  (mockingly reads) I love you

(laughter)

                        Protagonist remains silent as friends await response and continue to

                        laugh and nudge him. Although clearly uncomfortable is smiling and                     

                        playing along.

FRIEND #1  Got yourself a girlfriend then?

FRIEND #2  Kept that one quiet

                        Protagonist keeps his head hung low and seems sheepish as the rest of

                        the boys continue to laugh.

PROTAGONIST  (quietly) it’s nothing

PROTAGONIST  Can I have my phone back?

FRIEND #1  (laughing) Missing Sam already

PROTAGONIST (mumbles low and sighing) yeah

                        Nobody pays any attention to him but the phone is handed back. The

                        friends drift into separate conversations as the mocking dies down.

                        The camera remains emphasising the protagonists’ discomfort.

                        Moments pass.

           

PROTAGONIST  (sense of urgency) I’ve got to go back to lesson, look I’ll see you later

                        Protagonist stands and leaves the table, the camera cuts to show all

                        members of the table paying no attention to him. The protagonist

                        notices and noticeably sighs. As he walks away the camera pans

                        backwards following him. Once a considerable distance from the table,

                        the sound of a text is heard. The protagonist lifts his phone to read the

                        message and a small smile appears in his face.

PROTAGONIST  (V/O) and this is my life.

                        FADE OUT