G325 Sec A: a)

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FROM AS to A2: 

- RESEARCH:
  
Blogger > improved graphics and user-friendly layout) Infographics (Piktochart, Infogram), Presentational tools (Emaze, SlideShare, Prezi >....), NewHive, At A2, I found the interactive organizational tool Trello useful to create 'to do, doing and done' lists. 
Trello lets me move a task from the 'to do' column to the 'done' column like a magnetic clipboard.
I used Pinterest to develop one of my central characters who we based on the outre fashion designer John Galliano. It was essential tool for visual imagery such as Galliano's outfits, mannerisms and fabric choices such as animal prints. 

At A2, I started using Scoop.it, the online collation tool to research film openings and genre codes and conventions. Scoop.it collected all my internet bookmarks onto one page and, as it is interactive, it made suggestions based on my key terms. This was useful as it introduced me to film openings that I had not seen. I used Scoop.it at A2 to curate pages on Film Trailers, film posters and film magazines. It is also useful as it has an 'insights' dialogue box that let me post my textual analysis immediately under the example that I had scooped. 

At AS I used YouTube as a research tool, such as studying material from The Art of The Title to investigate genre codes and conventions. Other sites included the FDA site on film distribution.

At AS, I used Vimeo which is a video sharing website where I researched short films and film trailers at the start of the course of my project. It allowed me to gain inspiration and ideas of niche market footage that were more realistic for me rather than a Blockbuster film.


PLANNING 

At AS, to communicate efficiently with my group and to work collaboratively outside the classroom, we set up the platforms GoogleDocs, What'sApp and FaceTime. At A2, we continued with these platforms because GoogleDocs was still very effective for detailed planning like the Shot List and What'sApp instant, free and user-friendly for our group who are all heavy smart phone users. At A2, we also used Skype when we needed to discuss and debate during the planning process, such as when we were having heated debates about finalizing the treatment. GoogleDocs came in once discussions resulted in concensus, allowing us to record our agreed outcomes. For A2 at the planning stage, I used Bubbl.us the mind-map tool to capture and organise ideas such as key themes and the narrative flow.
At AS, I used Twitter to follow key institutions, thinkers, teachers, industries and individual sin the film and media industries such as our chief examiner Pete Fraser . By A2, we made Twitter, Instagram and FaceBook accounts for our fictional film characters as part of my marketing and distribution strategy. For example, my protagonist Sam fits the role of using a lot of social media due to him being a controlling photographer who would also look on social media towards his girlfriend Jasmine


CONSTRUCTION

At AS, I used the internet social network Streetlife to source props such as hospital gowns and masks. Streetlife is a neighbourhood social network that thrives on the trust that local people have in each other. Often, goods are offered free or for loan, At A2, I widened my searches by using Gumtree to source props a bit further afield.
At AS, we used YouTube to host additional poduction material for character development by scripting then filming our protagonist being 'hot seated' in an interview. By asking our protagonist a series of searching questions, we could direct him with more confidence as we knew his motivations. This was important in our thriller film where we present a character that develops paranoia and becomes a dangerous control freak.


EVALUATION

At AS and at A2, I used YouTube for uploading my production work in order to make an annotated version. At A2, I also invited feedback during the construction progress as well as Instagram by inviting responses to our work in progress. 

 

January 2011 a) Describe how you developed your skills in the use of digital technology for media production and evaluate how these skills contributed to your creative decision making. b) Apply theories of narrative to one of your coursework productions