4. How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

Internet and YouTube

The internet and YouTube allowed us to carry out in depth research. The internet enabled us to research various of things such as codes and conventions of horror magazine/posters/trailers etc. In addition to this, the internet allowed us to keep our research and planning one place- via blogger.

YouTube allowed us to view existing horror trailers which developed our understanding of what is often included in horror trailers. YouTube also allowed us to upload any group discussions and feedbacks to then put on to our blog.

Ways in which we presented our research and planning.

Our main way to present our information was through blogger. Our journey through our A2 production process is uploaded on to blogger. Blogger allowed my group and I to stay organised and allowed others to view my blog. (For example, teachers/examiners). My group and I did not just use blog posts to present the information we found out. We presented our information in many different ways so our blog was not just full of writing. We used slideshare and prezi to show what we had found out, for example, we used slideshare to present our analysis of Woman In Black and Prezi to show our general ideas for our production. This allowed us to show our skill based around different technologies and softwares. We used survey monkey to receive our target audience feedback on what they like to see in horror trailers. We used survey monkey as it was a quick and easy way of obtaining feedback and opinions and everyone who wanted too, was able to complete our survey/questionnaire. For gaining feedback n existin work, we carried out focus groups either using a video camera or just sound which was then uploaded to YouTube or Soundcloud.

Computers and Phones.

Mainly we used computers, our whole production was done using a computer. We used the computer for research, planning, production and to present our information on to blogger. Computers were the most important technology device we used as otherwise, our coursework would not have been produced without.We used our mobile phones to communicate with each other over weekends/holidays etc. We also used our mobile phone conversations whilst discussing ideas to screen shot and upload onto our blog. Mobile phones enabled us to communicate more and to develop and expand ideas that we had individually came up with.

Video Camera.

Our filming was all done using a video camera and tripod. A tripod enabled my group and I to film shots without the camera shaking and it enabled us to take panning shots swiftly. Without the video camera we would not have been able to record our trailer. Using a video camera, it allowed us to take good quality shots and to take clear close- ups of characters. Our stills were also taken on the video camera we used to record as the camera on it was good quality. This allowed us to keep all filming and shots on one memory card and then enabled us to easily transfer data over to a computer.

Photoshop and Premiere.

Photoshop was used to edit our original images and make them fit in with the horror genre. Photoshop allowed us to change the brightness and contrast of the images and add certain effects on. For example, our poster image was turned into black and white and ‘noise’ was added too it. My group and I was able to play around with the effects and then to decide which effect we prefer before finalising our choice.

Premiere was used to edit our trailer and to put it together. Premiere allowed us to speed up clips, cut out clips and to add in any editing techniques such as fade to blacks.

Evaluation

For my evaluation, I have used a blog post with pictures and print screens to explain what I am saying so the examiner does not have to read one long essay. In addition to this, I have used slideshare and Facebook. I have decided to present my information using blog posts, slideshare and Facebook as I believe it will give me a mixture of ways of presenting my evaluation. I have used these certain software's before throughout planning and research, therefore, I am quite comfortable with them.