Introduction

GCSE

Comparing A level Media studies and GCSE Media studies I find that I came a long way in gaining experience on the whole media concept on how to construct an opening scene. In the process of constructing this media product I have also learned many techniques to make my product suitable for the audience and how to make it entertaining by using different camerawork and conventions.

A-Level

Camera• The Camera system we used was very intricate and accuracy is essential

when using the HD cameras; this was a technology that was totally different in the GCSE media as we used small camcorders. This HD camera had a lot of elements that you have to learn about to get the best visuals on the screen and it did take a long time to really memorise how to use this camera. The result of experiencing a new technology such as the camera made us aware of how to use it in the feature and it is also much better in comparison with the small camcorders.

Tripods• The tripods were another equipment that was different for us to use as it

was more detailed with components and was significant for the media production to present good stability in the end result of our production. We used both of this equipment as both worked really well in production and had great quality when finishing the opening scene. If we had used the smaller camera we wouldn’t have had the best quality on screen and would not have made the form of the scene attractive; without the tripod the camera would’ve been hand held which will be shaking and again would not be good for the end result of the product.

Lighting • Lighting was a key element to create the intense atmosphere in the opening scene as

it forms silhouettes, which is a convention that is used in other horror products such as “Nosferatu”. The silhouette is a technique that isn’t used widely enough today in the horror industry. During media lessons we had to learn how to create good visuals and make the character more 3D and attractive to look at in the shots. The most important feature of lighting is that it can create varies moods that can also provoke the audience to feel the same way and that is an element that can be very useful in any films. The reason we hadn’t used lighting equipment is because we were working outside with the natural light, which was quite challenging as the London weather can change at some points but this gave the media product a more realistic display.

Software• The new video software that we used was ‘Adobe Premiere’ which was next

level compared to the final cut as adobe premiere was more detailed and precise on every compartment weather it is editing the shots, audio, title the list carries on. Adobe provided experience for us in the feature of media although it is hard to use it is a great software that will transform your media product. Adobe and final cut are both similar in some ways but adobe is software was fast and quick to use and along the way on constructing the media product I find that I am more confident with the software Adobe Premiere.

Overall• The new technologies changed the media product drastically as there were

a lot to take in when learning new techniques, it was difficult at first but I don’t regret having learning these skills. It made my media production challenging but the feeling of achieving after the media product was finished I felt pleased. It would’ve been dull to have done it the easy way and learn from what we already knew with the small camcorders and the amateur video editing software; it’s good to learn something new and applying it to your own work. Overall, the new technologies had a great impact in the media production in bad ways but mostly good ways and I am truly pleased to have understand the new technologies and display my final product.