WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTING THIS PRODUCT? ELLIE COWLEY

Throughout the process of making our opening sequence, we have had access to and have used and expanded our knowledge, techniques and skills for a range of different technologies.

SONY VEGAS Sony Vegas Pro is a video editing software package for non-linear editing systems (NLE) originally published by Sonic Foundry, now owned and run by Sony Creative Software. Throughout the construction process of making the opening sequence for our film, we have edited our film clips on Sony Vegas. We had to use the software to make our film clips run in a professional chronological order. I already knew the basic skills and techniques for editing using this software but developed a further knowledge using internet tutorials and other peoples (teachers/classmates) shared knowledge. Throughout the video editing process I learnt about how to fade music and shots in and out, how to put text over the video (used for opening credits/title), how to cut and snip video clips, I also learnt how to match videos and sounds together.

WEB 2.0 Web 2.0 describes World Wide Web sites that emphasize user-generated content, usability, and interoperability. I have developed an understanding and new range of skills of the blog website we have used. After being told the basic skills I have experimented and worked out how to make my blog look as professional as possible (e.g. using a header, matching colours with blog design).

CAMERA Again, throughout the filming of our opening sequence, we developed a new range of skills and techniques to give us access to the best range of shots and techniques to make our film look as professional as possible. Camera placement is essential and by using a range of different shots for just one scene gives a better variety of shots to be used if one goes wrong or doesn’t come out as well as expected. As well as different shots, angles etc. we also learnt some new techniques regarding the camera itself such as changing and adapting the brightness and contrast of the shots, auto and manually focussing the camera for each shot, altering the exposure etc.

PRODUCTION LOGO As the production logo is the first thing shown in the film, I had to ensure it looked professional and runs smoothly. The production logo gives the audience a feel for what kind of genre the film may be about (e.g. dark colours and blood may be used for horror films). If the production logo is good quality and looks professional the audience will be more inclined to continue watching the film. To design and edit my logo I used Photoshop, this allowed me to animate my logo and then I added sound when on Sony Vegas when constructing my film.

CONVENTIONS Throughout the production of my opening sequence I used a range of different techniques to make my video seem as professional as possible. By using establishing shots for the opening of each new scene this helps the audience to establish where the settings are and interact. Through the use of the production logo and credits this again suggests to the audience that the film has been made to a more professional standard. The genre is easily recognisable to the audience as new characters are gradually introduced focussing around the one main character and their relationship to him.