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

How did you use new media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation

stages?

Paige Mathis, Che Harry and Jael Russell-Cartwright

Technology used

*Mac

*Internet: YouTube, Tumblr *Cubase  *Canon EOS 600D Camera (Still Pictures) *Panasonic HC-X900M Camera (Moving Images) *Handheld Recorder *Sound Boom *QuarkXPress  *Photoshop 

macWe used Macs during the process of our short film as it enabled us to use different softwares and programmes such as Final Cut Pro that would not be available on other types of computers. We used Macs for both the research stage by using the Internet and networks such as YouTube as well as the editing stage by using Final Cut Pro. The fact that we were able to use Macs provided us with an advantage as we were able to use advanced and creative softwares which bettered our short film.

iNTERNET: YOUTUBE

The Internet was an important element of the research stage and, more particularly, YouTube was an important element. We used YouTube when looking at different short films about Bipolar disorder and, by doing this, we were able to gain an insight into how Bipolar disorder can be portrayed in a variety of creative ways. As well as this, we were able to gain ideas such as effective camera shots/angles, Effects and plots, some of which we usedin our short film – the use of black and white, for example, seen in a short film about Schizophrenia. Moreover, by watching other short films, we were able to identify certain mistakes that were made in the short films (loud noises in the background, making it hard to hear the dialogue, and an unclear plot, for example). This allowed us to understand the importance of sound as well as the importance of making sure that our plot is clearly conveyed to our audience.

Internet: tumblr

When producing our short film, we needed to create a blog so that we could follow our progress. We blogged every step, from the introduction stage to the evaluation stage.

Tumblr was a very effective blogging site to use as we were able to create an appealing blog and, as well as this, we were able to embed pictures, videos and our planning documents (storyboards and brainstorms). Furthermore, we were able to reflect on all of the work that we did.

cubase

We used Cubase when composing our own original music for our short film. We recorded a live piano and then, using Cubase, we added subtle violins. We then added a full orchestra to the chorus of the song in order to create a sense of build-up. We decided to use only piano and strings as we wanted to create a melancholic and soft sound. This is because the scene that we were composing music for was a melancholic and sad scene and so we wanted to music to reflect this.

CANON eos 600d camerapanasonic hc-x900m

During the physical construction of our short film, we used two cameras: A Panasonic HC-X900M (moving images) and a Canon EOS 600D (stills). When using these two cameras, most of the shots were handheld, however, at times, we decided to utilise a tripod in order to keep the camera steady. As well as this, the HD cameras used were very effective as they are of high quality and thus produce high quality video.

Zoom handheld recorder

We used a handheld recorder when recording the voice for the voice overs. Voice overs were an integral part of our film and we used the Zoom handheld recorder to record the voices which we then imported into our film and layered appropriately.

Sound boom

When filming certain scenes, we used a sound boom in order to capture the sound more clearly. An example of this was when we filmed in the school corridor and we wanted to capture the sound of the students as they walk by.

QuarkXPressWe used this tool in order to create a text box so that we could write

We used this tool box in order to change the colour of fonts/shapes

We were able to import pictures into a picture box.

Quark was a very useful design tool which allowed us to import photos, add text, add colours and add layers. It also supplied a grid that allowed us to construct our page accurately. One of the best advantages was that it allowed us to move elements around easily when designing the page.

Photoshop

We used Photoshop when creating the poster for our short film. Photoshop was an effective software to use as we were able to manipulate images by cropping, changing the colour, changing fonts, rotating and layering. It was then easy to transfer pictures onto Quark.

Final cut pro

We used Final Cut Pro in order to capture and edit our film. This software allowed us to insert footage so that we could then cut, edit and add effects such as changing the colour. It also allowed us to layer sound.

evaluation

We also used different media technology in the evaluation stage such as Prezi, PowerPoint and screen recording.