Evaluation Activity 1

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

1. The Title of the Film:  This shot reflects the title of my opening sequence as it is a fast paced shot that symbolises action and fear. Also this first shot relates to the chase scene later on in our opening sequence and the shot gives an insight into what might occur.    
2.  Setting/Location: One of the main locations was a local park. This still shows the chase starting. This location looks normal and non-suspicious yet in our film it provides the start of a fast paced and high energy chase. This shot also captures the perspective of the park as the camera is positioned in the middle of the path which can be seen far in the distance. This location allowed a variety of shots.
3.  Costumes and props: In this shot 'The Boss' is looking at three pictures of possible suspects on her desk whilst on the phone. In frame is her desk with her computer, keyboard and mouse on top. Because of the high angle that we shot this at her office chair can also be seen behind her. A mobile phone is a typical convention of the action/adventure genre as gadgets and communication devices are used to contact bosses,etc and used for getting help.
4. Camera work and editing: I shot this at a slightly high angle so that we could fit the fast paced action of the character in shot jumping over the railing and running up the alleyway. We edited out the sound of the shot we had taken and made the music run over the action.
5.  Title Font and style: We used 'Video Terminal' style so that our title looked as though it was being written by a typewriter. We felt that this was appropriate to the genre of our opening sequence.We also chose a typewriter font in bold capital letters in a white coolour so that it stood out over the shots we put the titles on. Our main title was over a black scene with 'PACK OF LIES' written in large font in the middle over a black screen. We chose to do this as the two contrasting colours where bold and although simple it looks effective and creates a sense  a sense of suspense.
6.  Story and how the opening sets it up: In this shot an agent calls her boss in pursuit of a dangerous suspect who has stole a priceless artefact. The line said on this shot is ' I have eye balled suspect entering recreational ground with backpack' This suggests something dangerous or illegal is in the backpack and that is why the agent is pursuing the suspect closely.
7.  Genre and how the opening suggests it: This shot shows clearly the genre we are trying to achieve (action/adventure) the shot shows the agent  chasing the main suspect out of a recreational ground. A chase scene is a typical convention of action/adventure films. A chase scene is usually used in the first opening opening sequence of the film to attract and immerse the audience straight into the fast paced action. This usually consists of running over/around obstacles on foot or on different modes of transport i.e cars, helicopters,etc.
8.  How characters are introduced: The character called 'The Boss' is introduced picking up her mobile phone. I have done shots from different angles that hide her face, so she can be shown as a mysterious, authorative character.
9. Special effects: This shot is of one of the main locations, an alley way. This shot helps to show normal action taking place in the alleyway (people walking up it) before the chase enters. This shot has been sped up dramatically and shortened so the action of the people walking up it looks unusual leading on to the two main characters running up the alley way. This shot creates a sense of urgency and tension which helps our opening sequence to fit the action/adventure genre.