Audience and Institution Practice Essay

Assess the importance of marketing in the media area you have studied.

An important part of producing a successful movie is marketing, the promotion and selling of products or services. Marketing alters how the movie is viewed in the eyes of potential or current audiences. Thus, one of the most predominant parts of the process of making a movie is how the movie is presented/viewed. If marketing isn’t adaptable to all consumers, it will make or break a movie.

Ugly Dolls222q is a perfect example of what happens if a movie does not get good marketing. Only having one commercial aired during the “Puppy Bowl” will not reach their targeted audience because the majority of people are watching the Super Bowl, since both of these programs are aired at the same time. Another way the company promoted the movie was to make a website which would have a section to interact with the characters. In retrospect, it may seem like an upstanding way to gain awareness of Ugly Dolls, but if individuals do not know about the movie already, it will be unlikely that they will be informed about it. If the marketing team cross promoted with McDonalads, like making toys for Happy Meals, they would have been engaging with the viewers they wanted and also luring parents since children love the toys that come with the meal. 

Beauty and the Beast is contradicting to Ugly Dolls. Maybe it could be that one of the biggest companies (Walt Disney Pictures) is involved or that it brings nostalgia to many adults, this movie has made 1.3 billion worldwide. Ignoring marketing, this movie would have been a hit seeing that Walt Disney is a powerhouse name within itself. There are a significant number of die-hard fans that would support anything that this company makes. Besides that, marketing began before the movie was even introduced to the public. One of the best marketing tactics was to have iMessage stickers. Majority of the population have Iphones or an Apple product, therefore people will subconsciously be aware of the movie and become intrigued. Other ways marketing was hidden is by promoting with companies like Twinning and Morgan Tyalor. Even though it was in everyday products such as tea and nail polish, it is different from seeing it in social media and tv. Having a new way of promoting this movie brings different types of people to watch it.

An additional movie that has big name companies (Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures) is Guardians of the Galaxy. As previously stated, fanatics will be excited about this movie and even be a way of free promotion. Considering that there are five movies that involve Guardians of the Galaxy, there are people that buy merchandise. This also goes for any type of marketing. When people wear their merch, for example: shirts, hats or pins, they advertise the movie. Another marketing tactic is to collaborate with food companies. Dairy Queen made a special flavor and cup to advertise and the owners of Doritos added the promotion to their bags of chips. Having the promotion on products like these is a simple yet effective way to advertise a movie.

Even though it may seem that marketing has to be extravagant, tiny details can also impact a movie. For Furious 7, there was a special Red Carpet which “fans will be able to watch the trailer and ask the cast questions”. There was also a website created where they could “join the family.” This may not seem as a promotion of the movie, but fans like to have personal connections with their favorite celebrities. The intimacy assembles a bond and will attract new fans to the franchise. Additionally, an action based movie will have other ways to advertise. Universal Studios made a ride that surrounds Furious 7, people that enjoy going to theme parks will see the marketing and be interested in the movie because the ride is exciting and new.

All in all, marketing is the key to having a successful movie. As stated above, it does not matter how lavish or minuscule the promotion is for a movie. It matters when and how it is introduced.  

   

Extract Essay Practice: 24

 The author’s desire is to entertain the audience and focus on the topic of trust. To prove, the women can only help if the man believes her. The man does not though, so she is not able to go to Visalia and help the man. In this situation the lack of trust comes from the power the man believes he has/ actually has over the woman.
To initiate, the extract begins with a woman being questioned by a man. It is quite obvious that the woman is being held in a cell. Hence, showing that the woman has no choice, but to be in the room. The dark lighting inside the cell represents an unwelcoming circumstance. To further prove, the zoom which focuses on the woman’s face gives emphasis on her emotional state, specifically her angriness and sadness. Thus, portraying a situation that the woman probably wants to avoid. Meanwhile, the close-up on the man’s face shows his frustration with the woman. This anger is taken out on the women and can be heard as well as seen. In fact, a loud and scraping diegetic noise is heard by the man dragging the chair across the floor which demonstrates the power he believes he has over her. To add upon the split screen which is between the cell and its surroundings, depicts the man choking the women and the emotional effect it has on the people on the outside of the cell. Throughout the extract, the dialogue between the man and the woman is quite aggressive; the man often yells at her which indicates that the man feels superior. This implies that the man is getting frustrated with how the interrogation with the woman is being handled.

The woman’s desire to be somewhere else and the man’s frustration with her creates an unique situation. To explain, this depiction creates an environment in which the man and woman do not trust each other; this is due to each of their individual desires. The man believes he has power over her, and therefore, she must listen to him. However, she questions that power which creates a lack of trust. Overall, the lack of trust between them creates a struggle for power.

CCR

I completed a detailed CCR. During the video I discuss Katelyn and my film, The Chase, as well as the individual progress I have made. My CCR was filmed at my house because of the corona virus. This was not my plan. This is because my original plan was to complete and film my CCR with Katelyn. During this, Katelyn would have been my interviewer and I would have been hers. However, due to the stay at home order we were unable to do this. I could not have my parents interview me as they both work long hours and needed to focus on other things during this time. Thus, I had the question read and a black screen appear with the question read on it. This was followed by me answering the question. I tried to be relateable and honest. I am aware how important it was to describe my progress based on a self reflecting viewpoint.
The CCR was hard to upload, but I was able to do it with Katelyn's help. She had completed her CCR before me. Thus, she was able to explain in detail to me of how to upload it. I followed Katelyn's instructions which was to use YouTube. I uploaded my CCR to YouTube and then added the link to this blog (seen below). To sum up, I am pleased with my CCR given the circumstances. I believe it would have been better if I was able to do it with Katelyn. Considering these circumstances, I am pleased and proud of my CCR.


https://youtu.be/U0OMcG9EZSo

Final Task: The Chase

Katelyn and my final task was to plan, film, and edit a opening sequence to a movie. Ours is about a pre-meditated kidnapping of a young high school girl who is on the way to a party. The story line is clear, yet interesting.
The corona virus effected many of Katelyn and my plans. It made the process much more difficult. I am just grateful that both of us and our families are staying safe. To explain, we had to re-touch some details with the editing. I was forced to do this by myself as the film was on IMovie on my phone. Katelyn helped me through text. However, this took much more time and effort. To be specific, the downloading of the film was difficult and the quality was low. Even with all of this, Katelyn and I are pleased with how the film turned out. I was extremely happy with all the varying angles and shots we had in our film. Meanwhile, Katelyn was even happier with our bold and clear titles.
I believe that Katelyn and I are great partners. This is because her weaknesses are my strengths and vise versa. For example, I am able to make our storyboards detailed. Katelyn makes them come to life when it is time to film. Once we have filmed I focus on the editing and Katelyn makes sure we keep the whole project as an entity in mind. I am proud of how our final task turned out and how well we worked together.


https://youtu.be/avyCdnTqPeo

Music Video

Katelyn and I all worked together and contributed to produce a music video to Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande. We chose to not work with Freya as all of our schedules did not match. Katelyn and I both filmed as well as acted.
The music video  begins with an establishing shot made up of a pan at the beach during sunrise. Then it jumps to a tilt of me walking towards the ocean. This is followed by a red heart in the sand being washed away by an ocean's wave. Next the tilt shows me walking towards the ocean yet again. This dissolves into me walking away from the camera on a road. It jumps to a wide shot of me waking up in my bed and looking around. This shot dissolves into me in my bed with my dog. The next part of the film is focused on Katelyn as the actor and me filming. To continue, there is a wide shot at high angle of Katelyn shaking sprinkles onto cookie dough. The over the shoulder shot shows Katelyn placing the cookies into the oven. This shot dissolves out into Katelyn pulling the cookies out of the oven. Then, there is a pan at eye level showing that Katelyn is all alone eating the cookies. The final part is Katelyn throwing the Santa hat into the camera and removing the hat and re-putting it on her head.
Overall, our music video followed the conventions of the a holiday/christmas music video. This is because it consisted of the props (like candy canes) and costumes (santa hats both Katelyn and I wore). We edited our music video on Pinnacle Studios which was on the school computer. However, due to the corona virus we do not have access to these computers nor our music video. I was able to find a video of our music video on google drive. I want to note that this is the only video Katelyn and I have of our music video. I also want to point out that this is not the best representation of our music video.This is because our music video was not completed, we still had editing left to do in the version below. Under these circumstances, I hope that it is able to be seen the attention to detail we kept, the smooth transitions we used, and the variation in shots.

Commercial

Katelyn, Freya, and I all worked together and contributed to produce a commercial for Gatorade. Freya and I were both actors. Katelyn was the main person filming, even though Freya and I both helped at points.
The commercial begins with an establishing shot of the football field. Then it jumps to a low angle of a football being grabbed out of a sports bag by Freya. This is followed by me throwing the football across the football field to Freya. Specifically, a long shot at eye level of me throwing it which focuses on my stance. Next comes a smooth transition of pan which focuses on the football flying across the field. Then a long shot at eye level of Freya catching the football. At the end of our commercial, Freya is seen drinking Gatorade from a medium-close up at eye level.
Overall, our Gatorade commercial followed the conventions of the a sports drink commercial. This is because it consisted of someone playing a sport and then taking a sip of the sport drink. We edited our commercial on Pinnacle Studios which was on the school computer. However, due to the corona virus we do not have access to these computers nor our commercial. I was able to find a video of the first part of our  commercial that I took on my phone. I want to note that this is the only video Katelyn, Freya, and I have of our commercial. I also want to point out that this is not the best representation of our commercial as it is not in one complete video and there is a reflection on the computer. Under these circumstances, I hope that it is able to be seen the attention to detail we kept, the smooth transitions we used, and the variation in shots.

Re-shoot: Minor Details

At last, Katelyn and I were able to get together to re-film. Our final project looked pleasing to the eye. However, the details were a bit off. For example, we had to fix the sound in certain shots.  Katelyn screamed in a shot, but it did not sound like we expected. Thus, we decided to re-film it. This was quite easy. Katelyn had to scream bye to her mom. We figured out the perfect pitch and volume. In order to accomplish this, Katelyn could not be too close or too far from the mic. To explain, last time Katelyn was too far from the mic. Hence, you could barely hear her scream. Another problem was the angle certain shots were taken at. An important part of our film were for the actors to be in the same spot throughout the dissolve transitions of the film.. This would guarantee that our film looked continuous. However, I am taller than Katelyn. So we had to re-film from a different angle. This time, I made sure to bend down so I appeared shorter. The shot was a medium close-up. Thus, you could not see my knees which meant the audience will not know I was bending down. To sum up, he re-film was a success. 

Re-shoot: Corona Virus

Katelyn and I were supposed to re-film today. However, the corona virus is spreading quickly. The corona virus is super dangerous and contagious. Thus, we were unable to meet up. Both of our parents were concerned with us getting sick. To explain, school has been closed for an extra week already due to the virus. Also, the government is recommending for people to not gather unless it is mandatory. So, Katelyn and I decided to take a step back and review our options. At the end we decided to postpone the re-filming. We hope this situation will get better. I am unsure if the exams will be delayed. Either way Katelyn and me are acting as if they are not delayed. This is because they have not been yet. Based on the announcement from health officials, I believe we will not be going back to school for a while or be able to meet up with people to film. Hence, I do not know what Katelyn and me will do. However, we are prepared and understand we might have to turn in the final project without re-filming. For the moment, our re-filling plans have been moved to another day in the foreseen future. We have not scheduled an exact date as we are unsure of what restrictions for o ur safety will be made.

Re-shoot: Plan

Today Katelyn and I discussed our plan for the re-shoot. Spring break is less than two weeks away. Thus, we thought we could film during spring break. However, after much talk we realized we both had really busy schedules. To explain, Katelyn is traveling. Also,  I have away track meets which take up a few days. In addition, the Corona Virus is becoming a huge dilemma globally and locally. Katelyn and I had to take this into account when picking when to re-film. We decided we would re-film this weekend. Unfortunately, our plans had to change. The Broward County School Board decided to stop all extra-circular activities starting this upcoming Monday until April 1. Thus, my track schedule was changed. Due to the cancelled meets and practice, I now have practice this weekend. It is important to me as I have been working extremely hard this entire season. Plus, I do not want to miss the few opportunities I have left to practice before we are no longer bger able too. To continue, the plan for the re-shoot is quite simple. Katelyn and I want to change the angels of some of  the beginning shots. This is because it will help our dissolve transitions be smoother. To sum up, I believe the re-shoot will be successful. I am also pleased that I get to work with such an amazing group. I know that Katelyn and I will be able to complete this so matter our schedules.

Re-edit: Analyzing the Next Step

The first step was for Katelyn and I to analyze the remarks. After, that we re-watched our video. This helped us understand what these remarks meant. For example, Katelyn and I saw that we were missing a low angle. This may not have been realized if the peer edits were not done. Then, Katelyn and I alongside the remarks looked for weak points. A weak point we found were some of the transitions. Overall, our video flowed smoothly. Certain parts of our video were choppy or even unpleasing to the eye. Katelyn and I had two possibilities from here. The first step would be to try to re-edit. To explain, Katelyn and I would try to change a dissolve transition to a jump or the other way around. This would allow Katelyn and me to see if we could use the footage. If not we would try the second step. The second step was to re-film. Katelyn and I have not gotten together to re-film. However, we marked down which scenes we wanted to re-film. This made sure we stayed organized so the process would be simple. Also, to make sure we do not miss any parts or scenes when it comes time to re-film. To sum up, I think our video was pretty strong for the rough draft and think that the re-filming will help it dramatically.

Music: Non-copyrighted

Katelyn and I need to add music to our final project. We did not want to pick a copyrighted song for two reasons. First off, we did not have a specific song in mind so it was simpler to pick a non-copyrighted song. Secondly, we were worried about the time it would take. To explain, it takes a lot of time to get permission. So, we started to look for free music. Katelyn took the lead on this. The first step was to go onto a MP3 website that allowed downloads. We learned from our previous music video project that an MP4 would not work. Last time, the MP4 caused our music video to not be able to be exported. Thus, an MP4 would make this more difficult than necessary. Also, we did not want to waste time on these difficulties if we could avoid them. This is because we wanted to focus on editing. Katelyn and I knew we need two songs. The first song would be upbeat and exciting. This would help tell the story that the girl was heading out to have a night of fun at a party. The second song would be suspenseful. This would help the audience feel the stress of the girl as she was being kidnapped. Finally, we found the perfect songs. The last step was to enter them into our editing software. 

Peer Review- Helpful

Katelyn and I both peer edited a group's video. I would say their video was incomplete for numerous reasons. First off, the video had no titles. This shows they were not able to finish as they did not add the requirement of at least ten titles. They also lacked multiple different camera angles and shots. For example, their video had no establishing shot, close up, low angle, shot reverse shot, nor eye line match. To add upon, the lighting in their video was quite strong. My one recommendation would to be to make sure the surroundings were also lit. Additionally, my favorite part was the transitions throughout the video. This is because the transitions were smooth and clean. Thus, helping the video seem continuous and flow. Personally, the hard part was understanding the story line. Their video mostly consisted of a guy typing on his computer. Therefore, I presumed he was a coder. However, another guy joined the video and I was unable to understand his role. 15 I believe the story line could be made clearer. This would be by making the sound on the telephone louder. This is because I was unable to hear it when I watched the video. But, I believe the phone call would have given background on the story line. Overall, the individual takes seemed strong and I think with a few minor changes the video could be strong.

Editing: Imovie

As I previously explained, Katelyn and I needed to restart all the editing. This was due to the error in Pinnacle Studios. Therefore, we chose to use Imovie. Imovie was familiar to both of us. It also was on our phones which meant we could work on it at home. This was a bonus because we had essentially already wasted multiple days with editing on Pinnacle Studios. The editing was quite simple. This is because we had already decided which takes we would use. This saved us a lot of time because we were able to import the chosen takes right away. Personally, the hardest part was the transitions. Specifically, the dissolve transitions were the hardest to get just right. To explain, on Pinnacle Studios you can adjust how long you want the dissolve transition to last. However, on Imovie this was not the case. Rather, there were only a few choices of pre-set lengths for the transition. This was extremely frustrating to me. Katelyn and I had spent such a long time  perfecting the transitions. Now we had to re-do them. At last, we finished the transitions and were ready to watch the whole video through. This step helped us realize how much we accomplished. I was able to be less frustrated by seeing how well Katelyn and I work together.

Editing: Postponed

Katelyn and I planned to continue editing today in class. We were both hopeful to reach the halfway point for our final project. However, we faced an unsuspected dilemma. The problem was with Pinnacle Studios. For some reason we kept getting an error. This error would not allow the software to load. Katelyn and I were unable to solve the error. Thus, we asked the teachers for help. The teachers examined Pinnacle Studios and the error. Unfortunately, to fix the problem would require a lot of time and effort. Before preceding to fix the problem, Katelyn and I talked. We tried to weigh out the risks and benefits. At the end, we decided with the time restart it was better to re-start editing on a new software. We discussed numerous options. Finally, we reached a decision. Katelyn and I agreed to restart editing at home on our free time. We chose the software we felt would give us the best results. Hence, we chose to use Imovie. This meant we lost all of our hard work we spent editing on Pinnacle Studios. Nevertheless, we felt it was worth the risk.

Editing: Pinnacle Studios

In class today Katelyn and I edited. We used Pinnacle Studios which was on the computers the school offered. At first, it took a while for the videos to import. This was quite frustrating as Katelyn and I wanted to start editing as soon as possible. I focused on editing. Meanwhile, Katelyn looked for music for our video. Katelyn played her top choices to me. I listened and we both had the same favorite music. This song was uplifting and exciting which would work perfect with our part scene. Class was almost over at this point. Thus, Katelyn sent me the link to the song. This meant we could download it next class. I completed about 30 seconds of our video. To explain, I shortened clips and chose which ones to use. Also, I created the transitions between each take. The hardest part with the transitions were doing the dissolve so each clip lined up. This took quite a lot of time and effort. Katelyn helped me by checking the transitions with a fresh set of eyes. Overall, this class was quite useful. It left me hopeful for the next class and the upcoming editing.

Editing: Plan

Katelyn and I are excited to edit. To be honest, my favorite part of creating a film is the editing part. First off, while editing you can be creative. Also, you get to see all your hard work come together. To explain, you have spent so much time planning out your project. I mean, between coming up with an idea. Then, completing your storyboard. Next, in my opinion the hardest part, filming. At last, you see all your shots and effort come together into a singe piece. I would say the most fulfilling part is when you can watch your whole video through. At this point is when you realize if your piece is successful. First off, is it pleasing to the eye? Is the film one cohesive piece? Is it continuous and flowing with a clear story line? In my opinion, all these are essential characteristics to a successful film. Thus, Katelyn and I save enough time to edit. However, before we even start editing, we must plan. Katelyn and I try to imagine how we desire our film to look like. Then, we focus on the details. For example, what transitions we want between shots, which shots to have titles, and the length of the shot. All of these steps help the editing process be easy and painless.

Filming: Gas Station

Katelyn and I filmed the last bit. Finally, we finished filming. It was easier than expect. Even though we faced a minor issue. We forgot to check a camera out. Yet, we were determined to film. Hence, we filmed on my phone. The benefit was that my phone has better quality. Katelyn did not come over until pretty late in the evening. I then drove us to the gas station. Katelyn cannot drive because she does not have her license. I was a bit concerned that it would be too dark. However, Katelyn was right, the gas station was lit with bright white lights. We filmed based off of our storyboard. So we had a perfect plan. The first shot, was me pulling into the gas station. At the end, the filming took only about an hour and a half. This was quote impressive because about a third of our film takes place at the gas station. I was happy with the how the filming went. Also, Katelyn seemed to be quite enthusiastic and hopeful for how our film would turn out.

Filing: My Car

Katelyn and I filmed in my car. My car is a 2019 black Buic Encore. About half of our video will take place in my car. This is because it leads up to the kidnapping. It also is the beginning of the story. To explain, the girl is driving to the party. Then, she gets into an accident and her stalker stops her. I believe that the filing went well. It was quite difficult to keep the camera straight and at a decent distance. Katelyn and me made sure we were safe at all times. We did this by always wearing seat belts. Also, we made sure the car was in park whenever we were not moving. Before I did drive, I made sure that nobody was near my car so we would not get into an accident,  To add upon, my parents were our safety team. Thus, they stood outside. Their job was to be there in case of an emergency. We did not use our safety team as Katelyn and I did not face any problems. Now, all we have left is to film us at the gas station. I believe this will be the hardest part, but I am excited to see how it goes. I think we will film the gas satin. really soon such as over this weekend

Filming: My House

On Sunday Katelyn and I completed the first day of our filming. This filming took place at my house which is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We decided to start filming the beginning of our movie. Over the past few projects Katelyn and I have realized it is easier to edit from beginning to end. Due to this fact, we shot takes of the girl getting ready for the party. Also, of the guy preparing for the kidnapping. Katelyn acted as the girl: she put on mascara, lipstick, and grabbed her car keys/purse. I acted as the guy: I put on sunglasses, a hoodie, and grabbed a knife. During this filming process we reached a slight problem. My nails were painted which made my hands appear to be a girls. Katelyn and I were ale to solve this quickly. At my house we had a friend over. His name is Dominic and he is in our grade. Thus, Katelyn and me asked him for a favor. This favor meant Dominic would grab the knife because his hands look like that of a boys. Dominic was an amazing friend as he was willing to do this for us. Overall, I believe Katelyn and I shot many well executed takes. Thus, when it comes time to edit we will have numerous ones to choose from. I prefer the editing stage over the filming stage. So, I am excited to finish filming and start editing!

Filming: Cancelled

Katelyn and I planned on filming yesterday evening. We could not. This is because our film must take place during the sun setting as it gets dark. We wanted it during the evening in order to create a more tense feeling throughout the film. This will help us deliver a horror type of opening scene. However, I run track and had a meet. The meet went later than expected. Thus, Katelyn and I were unable to meet up.  I believed my meet would end around 6pm. My meet did not start until 5pm due to weather delays. So, it did not end until 10pm. At this point it was too dark out to film. Plus, I was extremely tired and had to study for upcoming tests. Katelyn and I have decided to film this upcoming Sunday. We do not expect any problems or delays. The weather for Sunday looks clear. Therefore, rain should not affect us. Hopefully, we are able to complete all of our takes. We both do not have plans on Sunday. This is due to the fact that we have blocked out the entire evening.