How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

Zarenna Porter A2 Media Studies

Media TechnologiesIn making my three products, I used a variety of

programs, technologies and websites. I used this at various stages such as the research and planning, construction and the evaluation.

For example:

Final Cut Express

Photoshop

Blogger

DaFont

Google

Research and Planning In the research and planning stage I had to use a variety of technologies in order to construct and plan a successful music video. Internet websites I used include, YouTube, Google, Blogger, Word it Out, Sound cloud and twitter.

YouTube was one of the main websites I visited. As YouTube is a platform whereby hundreds of music videos are available to view for free, this was key in my research. I looked at several videos of different genres to see top conventions and what I also needed to do to make sure I was able to create a music video.

I also used Google often to help research theories and directors. I searched theories such as Goodwin’s to also see typical conventions of music videos. I used Google to also look up top directors in different genres. I was also able to use Google to see and look at different examples of digipaks and magazine adverts related to my artists and genre.

Blogger has been the main way I have portrayed all of my research and planning. Blogger allowed me to put out all the videos I felt would help in the construction of my video. Blogger also helped to clearly lay out all the relevant information I needed per task in order to make the music video. I was also able to use blogger to lay out all the conventions of a digipak and magazine advert.

Sound cloud was also crucial In the planning of my music video as it was where I found my track and artist, I was however directed to sound cloud via twitter. I used the social networking site to scout for upcoming unsigned artists and I was frequently directed to sound cloud where many had quite a few songs. This is how I was able to find my track.

Construction The construction of all three of my products use different programs. For my music video I used Final Cut express to editing my footage. Final Cut was essential in the process of the construction and on the program I was able to add in effects and text to make the video exert a professional feel. I also used equipment such as cameras and a tripod to film my video. I became more creative with the camera techniques by using a built in light to make the artist stand out. I was also changing the height and tilt of the tripod to give more creative shots. I also used Final Cut to make the lip syncing perfect. I used markers on the clip and then on the track to match up the movement of the lips to the words. As I had previously done a tutorial I was quick and successful at this and none of my lip syncing was out of time.

Another program I used was photoshop. I used photoshop to create the digipak and magazine advert. I have never used photoshop before and this was my first time. Photoshop was a good way to plan and place the ancillary products. The layers was an easy way to delete and rearrange the placement until I was pleased with the overall look. I also used the ‘eye’ button when starting off to see which photo I had taken looked best. I constantly tested out different images and where to place the name, track list and information until I was happy.

I also used a high quality camera to take original images for my digipak and magazine advert. I was creative using a fan to create texture in the images. I also got my artist to move whilst I took photos to add movement to the images.

EvaluationIn the evaluation stages I used several new techniques in order to evaluate my products. I used iMovie to record myself explaining how my three products worked together. I have never used a voice over before and this was a new experience. This is a good way for me to explain the links I wanted I to portray in my products. I also developed my skills on the website “prezi” this is another way to present the evaluation of my products. A prezi is an active presentation in a fun creative way. Each prezi is unique and therefore mine relays information for my products. I was also able to embed videos to help explain the conventions of music videos. I also added in the song so that an audience member may familiarize themselvesI also used iMovie and my mobile device to record those for my audience feedback, I did this all at home so used what I had available. I used iMovie's to place the strengths and weaknesses of my three products said by others I picked from three groups. I also used excel to create charts to visually show the information I had gathered.

Finally I used PowerPoint and word to help supplement my evaluation and keep everything in order. I uploaded my PowerPoint to slide share and again embedded it onto my blogger.