How did I use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and

evaluation stages?

Emma Willcox

Media Technology used during the Research stage:

Media Technology used during the Planning stage:

Media Technology used during the Construction stage:

Media Technology used during the Evaluation stage:

Tumblr is the blog I use to showcase all of my work. This includes all research, planning, construction and evaluation stages. I found difficulty with regards to the size of the book of which to type, embed videos etc. in (this can be seen in picture 1).

I used Tumblr as opposed to blog sites such as Blogger and Wordpress as I felt more comfortable with using this website.

I used YouTube to upload my Primary Research Questionnaire. Once the video was uploaded I was able to embed the video within my Tumblr blog. I use YouTube for both the research, planning, production and evaluation stages.

I chose to use YouTube to upload my production pieces, this was opposed to using alternatives such as Vimeo. This was due to me finding it easier to embed YouTube videos along with having a good understanding with how to use the website.

I used Google Drive to upload Microsoft Word documents, to be able to then embed the documents into my Tumblr blog. Using Google Drive enabled me to have a backup of any work I uploaded as the documents are saved within my Google account. These documents include for the research and planning stage; a comparison between Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and Spellbound; The impact documentaries can have on society; a Cinema Vérité case study. I used Google Drive as opposed to another technology due to already understanding how to use it and knowing that I could embed documents onto my blog easily. Alternatives to Google Drive is Sky Drive.

I used Slideshare to upload my PowerPoint presentations used in both my research, planning and evaluation stages.

The photo to the left shows my embedded Slideshare on my Tumblr blog.

I used Slideshare as opposed to other technologies such as Popplet and Prezi to present these types of presentations. This was due to the way I wanted to present this information was through the use of a presentation.

I used Final Cut Express to combine all the footage recorded for my Primary Research Questionnaire video within the research stage.

I used Final Cut Express to combine and edit all my footage together to create my Documentary. I was able to apply effects such as cross dissolve for a transition between two clips. I was also able to change the speed of clips for example, by changing the speed of a clip from 100% to 200% the audience is able to see a piece of footage that is five minutes in half the time, which is more interesting to the audience, especially if the footage is showing progression in some way (i.e. setting up equipment).

I used Final Cut Express as opposed to iMovie or Windows Movie Maker this is because I feel that Final Cut is a more professional software and allows me to ‘customise’ my piece further.

I used Google to research about the most popular Documentaries, TV channels that air Documentaries and newspaper articles about Documentaries that have been previously aired or are due to be aired.

I used Google as opposed to other search engines such as Bing or Chrome due to personal preference of the search engine.

I used a Kodak Hero 5.1 printer to scan my storyboard versions for my Documentary of which to then upload to showcase on my Tumblr blog. I used this over another alternative technology due to it being the printer I owned at home and knew how to use it effectively for the best results.

I used a Sony CX250 to film my research and planning stages. This included filming my Production Schedule, Documentary Issues and Stock Issues along with all the footage within my Documentary. I used this camera as it recorded in HD and would allow my videos to look professional. I used this camera as opposed to an alternative camera due to it being the one I already owned. The use of a high quality camera demonstrates professionalism of a piece. This links to reception theory as audiences will have seen other professional pieces and use that past experience to rate my pieces within their minds.

Sony CX250

Kodak Hero 5.1

I used a Sony Tripod to ensure all footage I shot was stable and looked professional. I used this model due to it being lightweight and easy to transport to different locations to film either an interview or footage.

Sony Tripod

I used Survey Monkey to conduct a questionnaire that was designed for me to gain feedback about my Documentary. Survey Monkey converted the responses into graphs for me to analyse the responses question by question.

I used Audacity to record a voice-over for one of my evaluation videos. I was able to record my voice-over directly on to the software with the microphone inbuilt within my MacBook Pro. I used this software as opposed to an alternative technology as this software was free and available to Mac users (of which a MacBook is what I used).

I felt that Audacity was an software that was easy to learn how to use and simple enough for a beginner user to pick up. Therefore, this software was effective for the purpose I used it for.

-I used a MacBook Pro for every stage including my research, planning, construction and evaluation stages .

-I edited videos using Final Cut Express on it this included: cropping, adding transitions and rearranging clips.

-I recorded audio on Audacity which is a software I downloaded to my MacBook.

-I also created PowerPoint presentations using Microsoft Office and then went on to upload the content to Slideshare and embedded the Slideshare into Tumblr of which was all whilst using a MacBook Pro.

-I used a MacBook Pro as opposed to another computer such as Windows, this being as I own a MacBook and

MacBook Pro

Social NetworkingI used both Facebook and Twitter to promote my Documentary, this was through the use of sharing the YouTube link to both my ‘friends’ and ‘followers’. This was due to it reaching an audience that was built up of family, friends and the general public. This provided my Documentary with a varied audience. I used these types of Social Networking as opposed to using sites such as Bebo and Myspace, of which the amount of people who using is considerably less than Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook Distribution Twitter Distribution

Theory

• Theory can be applied to the use of media technology. • Reception Theory can be applied as when producing a

production piece, the individual will tend use technology that they have used in the past (past experience and knowledge) due to feeling more comfortable with how to use the software, for example.

• Two Step Flow can also be applied as the use of technology such as YouTube and MacBook’s are seen within the media as being used by professionals. Therefore, as an individual I was influenced to use these platforms/products by the ‘leader’ as they produce quality productions of which I aimed to follow.