Throughout each stage of the whole process, I have encountered many contemporary media technologies, both new and old to me, that have proved invaluable in producing our final products. I will now introduce each technology and evaluate each ones benefits and drawbacks in relation to their old-style counterpart.
Apple iMac
This is an example of the Apple iMac that we used. This equipment was able to run all the suitable soundtrack, titles and editing software that enabled us to create our film and make all precise and necessary changes. Such programs included Final Cut Express/Pro, Soundtrack Pro and LiveType. Also, the iMac allowed us to create a digital storyboard and script. This allowed us to make quick changes and 'undo' alterations, whereas this would have been a much lengthier process if it were paper-based.
Hosting Sites
We used these websites to host files that were essential to our project. These included YouTube for all video files, such as rough and final cuts but also many R&P stage research videos, the animatic and even the evaluation videos.
We used DivShare to host all audio-only files, these were useful when recording feedback sessions in particular, as it provided an archived file to refer to. It provided evidence when referring back to these sessions and is also easily navigated.
Presentation Tools & Sites
We used these sites in particular whilst presenting all information from the course. This included Blogger firstly. This site allows us to post every necessary element of the course chronologically, on a webpage that can be accessed from anywhere, as well as embedding and HTML data we have. It is also compatible with all of the other tools and sites mentioned that allow us to present our work in creative and effective methods. Blogger also allows us to attach gadgets, such as a blog archive feature, a convert to PDF feature and a communicate feature - allowing us to communicate between group members.
Prezi is an online presentation software. This allowed us to present research documents in a creative and effective manner which kept interest among viewers high.
Scribd was particularly useful with the treatment documents, as it allowed viewers to read the pages as a book, as part of a feature embedded on the blog.
Recording Devices
In order to achieve all of our posts, we had to make use of many new technologies. These included Wiretap and Quicktime Player in order to record audio recordings of feedback sessions and also then record screen-casts. These were utilised most of all in the research and planning stages (location research and feedback sessions) and also in the evaluation stage.
We were able to use HD cameras with tapes which was advantageous as it allowed us to rewind and watch the footage instantly but also keep a hard-copy of the footage so that the editing we did was non-destructive.
Soundtrack Pro allowed us to record overdubbing tracks of the actor's voices and then place them over the footage.
Editing Software
This is a collection of all of the software that was used, including many screenshots of our products in the making. We used digital software that, combined with our mini DV tapes, allowed for non-destructive editing. Firstly, here is an extract from a previous post, explaining how we used new technologies whilst editing the film.
After completing the filming process, we needed to edit the footage to turn approximately 100 video clips into our five-minute short film. Firstly, we created a workflow for the steps of editing to avoid wasting any time by having to go back and forth through the process.
After completing the filming process, we needed to edit the footage to turn approximately 100 video clips into our five-minute short film. Firstly, we created a workflow for the steps of editing to avoid wasting any time by having to go back and forth through the process.
- Capture all of the footage from the Mini DV tapes onto Final Cut Express.
- Name the clips, arrange them and then move any outtakes or irrelevant clips into a 'trash' folder.
- Using in-out markers, insert the appropriate parts of footage into the timeline in chronological order. Ensure all Match-On-Action shots are fluent and all of the shots follow on correctly.
- Use transitions to link scenes or particular shots together and add any relevant video effects to the footage.
- Add titles and credits - Titles to be created in LiveType.
- Export the whole project as a Quicktime Movie.
- Import the Quicktime Movie into Soundtrack Pro.
- Add foley sounds and overdub any voices if necessary.
- Export the soundtrack file as an AIFF file.
- In Final Cut Express, drag the AIFF file into the timeline, mute the original sound and then export the whole project as a Quicktime Movie.
- Upload the final Quicktime Movie to YouTube.
Here is all of the software that was used during the construction of the main task and also the research and planning and evaluation stages:
For examples of these programs in use during our ancillary task production, please visit the following posts:
Photoshop Training for Movie Poster
QuarkXpress Training for Magazine Film Review
These helped us produce the following products:
Overall, these new media technologies have enabled me to complete this course and these products to a high standard that would not have been possible 10 years ago. They have enabled me to produce work, gain feedback, edit and reconstruct, record, evaluate and present all elements of my work in creative and effective ways.Photoshop Training for Movie Poster
QuarkXpress Training for Magazine Film Review
These helped us produce the following products:
Finally, we made use of social networking sites to gain further audience feedback during the construction stages:
