Key 2011 Questions

June 2011
1. Explain how far your understanding of the conventions of existing media influenced the way you created your own media products. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how this understanding developed over time.

I have analysed many films in a similar genre to mine however my main inspiration was 'Beginners' which was directed by Mike Mills. Mike Mills has directed many other films such as 'Paperboys' in 2001 which documents the daily life of six boys in rural Minnesota. Mills focuses on everyday life which was very similar to my film.

I used the idea of saying 'This is what the sun looks like' in Beginners this is shown right near the beginning of the film after he has brought the dog home with him.
I liked this as it has not been used in any of the films I have seen and I found it very unusual, and interesting, as I enjoy photography.

I also used narration, like in this. In Beginners the narration is very monotone which allows the audience to interpret the information in their own way, which I could use in my piece and although there is a slight undertone of unhappiness, this is perfect for my film.

I also used a similar theme to this in mine. Which is the theme of loss of someone you love. Though who Sophia Green has lost is not directly shown, it is apparent as she lets go of a red balloon. Whereas in this film, it is his father who has passed away. 

Jan 2011
2. 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. Refer to a range of examples in your answer to show how this understanding developed over time.

I used a large variation of digital technology in my AS media piece these included....

Picnik.com, i used this the edit my photograph for my ident. However, this has lately been shut down, so I will now use picmonkey.com.
Photoshop, which I used to make the mist which drifted across the already edited photograph on my production logo. I also gave the contrast a boost on this programme.

After Effects, which I made the rest of my production logo with
- Adobe Premier Pro, which I edited my film on
- Youtube, which I found my royalty free piano music on
- Facebook, which I used to contact my actress and others
- Google, for my royalty free photographs (Sun, cloud and star photographs were Barrie Sherrington’s who is a relative of mine who took them whilst doing his astronomy)
- Blogger, to upload and update my work in progress
- iTunes, to download music for my film