Casey Jefferies

Last year has highlighted to me the importance of research and planning in the quality of my final outcome.

Research

My research began by creating a timeline of Gangster films within my genre (MOB Gangster) in order to educate myself of what conventions fit specifically within each year. This

gave me more knowledge to differentiate between eras and choose my own to progress with. I then looked more in depth at the history of the Gangster genre with a Prezi

presentation. Here I looked into the most influential films and directors within the genre to gain a crucial overview of how the genre has been shaped over the years. I then

explored the typical conventions of MOB Gangster films which includes themes and mise en scene such as location. I also analysed Martin Scorsese’s Goodfella’s mise en scene

in detail. Following this, I analysed 3 MOB Gangster film openings in detail looking at narrative and shot type in order to familiarise myself with these conventions. I looked into

institutions behind the most famous MOB Gangster films to analyse which institutions are common and similarly the most fitting choice for my own film opening. I then analysed 3

openings with a time scale on a timeline. By dissecting popular mob gangster openings, it gives me a better understanding of what makes them up and common patterns in them.

Seeing the exact length of credits and titles is important when it comes to deciding timings for my own opening. Upon the analysis of Goodfellas- a highly influential film within my

genre- I decidedly researched into Martin Scorsese. This research allowed me to take inspiration from his very own trademarks and themes that run throughout his work and also

inspired me to create my own trademarks via my own opening. Following this, I looked into the conventions of style within mise en scene of my genre. This was crucial in my

props and costume planning in order to fit and emulate my chosen era authentically. I looked into the technical side of my genre by analysing sound, editing and lighting of

popular MOB Gangster films to give me an idea of typical conventions within them that I could incorporate into my own opening. I created a post of my inspiration and influenced

which varied in format, from music videos to existing film from different genres. By drawing my inspiration from varying sources I could create a unique opening that is not

derivative of any existing MOB Gangster films and this post was referred back to when developing ideas into visual concepts. I then analysed previous student’s film openings

using a chart of WWW (What Went Well) and EBI (Even Better If). I was able to refer to this chart when planning my own opening and ensure that I had taken care to avoid any

EBIs I've identified and gain inspiration from the WWWs. I created a poll on my blog to collect information that particularly influenced gender roles within my film opening. The

poll’s data suggested that my target audience would like to see a more modern female role in my opening in which she maintained power. This went against the traditional gender

roles portrayed in MOB Gangster films where males maintain power.

Planning

Through in-depth planning (pre-shooting), I ensured I was efficient when filming as I had a clear idea of what footage I wanted to collect on every occasion. I also created a filming

schedule to ensure I utilized my free time to film and had enough opportunity to collect footage. Making a risk assessment form and filling it in once my location had been selected

allowed me to identify and avoid any potential safety risks associated with my location and props. I felt that the planning was crucial in creating well thought out and significant

shots, costume, props and editing. My initial plan was a good way to collect my first thoughts into a list and moodboard that was easy to refer back to throughout the whole

planning process. This developed during the process but was an effective way of visualising an initial concept. A shot list and story board divided into scenes was created with

description (such as sound, movement and lighting) alongside each shot and this was referred to consistently while filming. This kept me on track and ensured I collected the

shots and sound I intended. Drafting a script beforehand also ensured a strong, effective narrative throughout my film opening.By using Todorov’s Theory of Narrative to structure

my ideas, I made sure that my opening followed or at least hinted at a strong storyline. Planning my titles aided me when it came to post-production as I had analysed existing

gangster titles and used his to inspire my own, giving me a style in mind. Costume and props lists were created to ensure that my mise en scene was heavily inspired and relevant

to the specified gangster genre and also to make sure that nothing was forgotten on shooting days. My planning of music and pairing to which scene it would be used allowed me

to ensure that I had high quality and most importantly fitting music for each scene to create or exaggerate a suitable mood. By creating a pitch for my idea, I created a definite idea

of my target audience and secured a storyline which I felt was important from a marketing point of view.

I felt that the research into my chosen genre was crucial in applying conventions to my own opening and making it authentic.

I analysed many different aspects of MOB Gangster, one being style. I identified, for example, that the theme of black, white and red were

common throughout clothing and this lead me to apply this not only to my clothing choices but also lighting and tinting of shots. I also identified

props such as cigarettes which I also incorporated, alongside a strong New York accent which made the theme more authentic as this is

where the scene would naturally have been set within the era.

By analysing common themes within the genre, I could apply these to my narrative. I identified violence, power and wealth as three key

aspects and these were intentionally incorporated into my narrative structure. I analysed the typical mise en scene conventions including

setting, lighting and costume and identified these in 3 openings. This influenced me to incorporate some of what was identified into my own

opening.

I also analysed editing and sound within films within the same genre. I identified low lighting to give a sense of mystery and cover and I

actively incorporated this into my own opening alongside other conventions.

Throughout the year, I feel I developed my creativity potential as I explored new ways of presenting posts on my blog. I utilised new platforms

to present ideas in new and exiting ways.

Furthermore, I feel I also developed within my editing techniques as I learnt how to edit colours of shots in post-production to tint and brighten.

I plan to continue to develop this into this year to progress even further and create more professional effects. Also, I feel that I used new shot

types and angles to create desired effects and even utilised a lens flare within my opening which I feel worked effectively.

I leant how to use Adobe After Effects to create moving titles to add to my opening which added a dynamic and more professional effect. I plan

to continue to progress with this program this year in order to create even more professional graphic titles as I do feel they could have been

improved significantly.

I used a close up shot of a jukebox to create the impression that the non-diegetic music was diegetic from the jukebox itself as my institution

logo appeared and I feel this was a creative touch.

From last year, I feel that my digital technology knowledge has developed although the skills I learnt at GSCE have made (particularly editing)

significantly easier this year.

I had learnt at GCSE how to use Adobe Premier Pro to create a short media piece, incorporating multiple layers and titles. This year I feel that

my editing of shots and working to beats of the music have improved massively. Due to the requirement of working to beats, I also feel that

consequently my accuracy of cutting and timing has developed. Through learning how to dip sound as certain points to allow speech to be

heard prominently I feel that my ability to edit sound has also improved, with transitions being added throughout.

For my A2 project of a music video, I feel that the editing and sound manipulation is key. I will continue to practice with these skills to develop

and improve even further with more professional effects.

Also, I plan to explore using the manual focus on my camera more than in my previous project to create pull focuses and interesting focus

within them. I will use a steadicam when filming my music video as apposed to a tripod which I used for my film opening to get, again, a more

professional look.

I had learnt at GCSE how to use Adobe Premier Pro to create a short media piece, incorporating multiple layers and titles. This year I feel that

my editing of shots and working to beats of the music have improved massively. Due to the requirement of working to beats, I also feel that

consequently my accuracy of cutting and timing has developed. Through learning how to dip sound as certain points to allow speech to be

heard prominently I feel that my ability to edit sound has also improved, with transitions being added throughout. For my A2 project of a music

video, I feel that the editing and sound manipulation is key. I will continue to practice with these skills to develop and improve even further with

more professional effects.

For my music video, I plan to explore more layering with textures and light leaks to explore creative editing techniques that add a dynamic

effect to the overall feel of the footage. I will continue to edit the tone and lighting of each shot to make them uniform to each other where

suitable.

I also aim to add in effects such as external lens flares to add a cinematic feel to my video. I may record these myself or use stock footage

from the internet and this is something I aim to explore.

When filming my music video footage, I will double speed my music. This will mean that when it comes to editing, I will half speed the footage

and have a slow, steady and cinematic movement within it while the mouth is still synched to the song. I will test this prior to filming to

experiment with what speed works most effectively.