Another form of technology that we used in relation to our documentary was constantly updating the blog. We learned and became familiar with uploading videos, print screened pictures and constant updates. Through this we are able to communicate electronically with our teacher, and to show all the stages of the making to the examiner. Constant updates kept our teacher aware of our progress, the blog is a kind of electronic diary which was collectively put together.

Teacher Feedback

You have included some research into other documentaries and some limited information about your interviews (dates, etc.). Pitch included with some feedback. Well done on labeling all entries and well done to Nicola for conducting the first interview. Now blog what you learned--as I asked you to do.  Much of the rest of your pitch is missing.  This has reduced your final Planning and Research mark. 

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jamal technical

During the course of this project our  group has had encounters with several types of Digital technology , these include: Final cut express, garage band , Imac computers , digital camera , video cameras and voice recorder. These various aspects of technology aided us greatly in completing our practical task; when preparing and planing our documentary we had too prepare a mock interview to show that we had the right technique too film an interview and too receive feedback from the class. Our mock interview consisted of Nicolas mum being interviewed , queried on whether she had been affected by family members who were tried and sentenced. we tried to include different interview techniques such as focusing on hands at an emotive part of the interview and to incorporate a interesting and relevant background. we originally edited this interview on IMovie but finding that it was technically less advanced as some other programs, such as final cut.

Nicola with technology!

Throughout the whole media experience my group and I have used several forms of digital technology.  Programmes and technology which I have used whilst contributing to our planning, the making of our documentary and the evaluation for our coursework have been: Digital Cameras, Mac PC, FinalCut Express, Garageband, Photoshop and digital voice recorders.

I have learnt how to film and use the camera and different shots in order to be able to create and give the audience a different perspective on the subject. The various shots used were thought out so that they would make viewing the documentary more interesting and engaging; rather than having the same shot for everything.

Since starting media I have had to become more familiar with using the Mac as there are some variations from that of an ordinary computer. Learning how to use FinalCut Express for the editing for our film has been rewarding as I am now able to offer my new knowledge to other class members who, like myself, learnt the basics but we have individually learnt other useful things separately that only applied to our own films. Garageband was quite easy to learn how to use and pick up little tricks. I think that the programmes were easier to use since we were taught the basics by persons who were very familiar with the programme. I solely worked on the radio advert and also did some of the voice over within it. In order to get the voice onto the Mac I used a digital voice recorder.

Nicola on Garageband editing the radio advert.

TV Print Ad Banner

In my banner I have used various combinations of filter effects like blurs and sharpen with image effects like auto tone and trims to greatly influence our audiences to watch it.

 The effect of using the blur on either sides, positions the audience to focus in on the persona making the audience curious, raising questions like who is he, what has he done, why is he the focus point; this enigma plays to my advantage because the audience will then become an active audience. I am aware that this technique of showing a little but not revealing all is a convention used in many print ads. In addition the banner can be described as his timeline with him at the present day and to his left showing his past which through the dark colours connotes crime and negativity, this is further emphasised with the vertical lines on the fence creating the allusion of prison bars.

On the other hand, the right side of Rema expresses his hope towards the future this is given by his head being turned towards the light almost as if he was looking out through a window. However this represents him as a trapped being unable to escape from his past even though his back is turned from it and the title 'What About the Families?' almost becomes a repetitive sub-conscience thought linking him with his past. To create these effects I was influenced by many other channel 4 adverts.

Teacher Feedback

I'm very impressed with your documentary, especially that you were organised and motivated enough to enter it into the Media that Matters contest.

Considerations:
1. Is the first interview too long, compared to the rest? I have discussed this with you in the past. Is there not something (a short cutaway) you could add to break this up. OR just simply tighten it up--cutting out some unneeded dialogue. Example: at the beginning the interviewee is repeating your question. Just cut to the answer.
2. Should the pause before you add title "What about the Families" be shortened? The audience sees a black screen when we should be seeing the title.
3. There is a flash frame during the first interview (on vimeo) that indicates that something in the film was not rendered, a dissolve perhaps? Check your timeline in Final Cut.

Good luck.