Research Technique

 Research Technique - Focus Group

A focus group is another type of researching technique that uses collected data through the process of a group interaction and communication. This discussion between the group of people allows multiple opinions to be heard and applied to whatever the discussion is about. With multiple opinions it gives data of how different people think and behave about certain things, when being discussed about. (Anon., n.d.)

The history behind focus groups is that focus groups were first used during World War 2 to access reactions to radio programming. This was back then called 

focused interviews'. Focus groups now are used as a research technique to evaluate consumer perceptions and reactions.

These focus groups usually last between 30 - 90 minutes and this time is essential to gather as much helpful information and feedback as possible. The moderator involved, main goal is to make sure everyone is evolved and engaged in the conversation to keep the discussion going as well as let everyone have there own chance to give their own opinions on the matter being discussed.

The right questions need to be asked by the moderators to set the whole tone of the conversation, this could either make or break the entire thing. If the right questions are thought out before, the type of data wanted may not be collected by the end of the focus group which would then all be a waste of time. So structuring a set of questions beforehand focusing around the topic, is key to a successful focus group.

An Example Clip of a focus group:

Different types of focus groups:

• Two-Way
• Dual-Moderator
• Dueling-Moderator
• Respondent-Moderator
• Mini Focus Groups
• Online Focus Groups

Two-Way focus groups are one group that watches another group answer questions, observing there discussions and answers. By listening to this, the listeners are able to have an even more in depth discussion that leads to more solutions/conclusions.

Dual-Moderator is when a focus group is happening however there are two moderators, this allows them to bounce topics off each others. As well that as, one can make sure that the discussion stays on topic and flows smoothly, whereas the other one can focus on the entire discussions itself, providing support for everyone involved.

Dueling-Moderator is a focus group that allows the two moderators to represent one or the other side of a conversations, for example like a debate, seeing and representing both sides. allowing different viewpoints to be thought into consideration during the focus group.

Respondent-Moderator is a type of focus group which allocates someone involved in the focus group to be the lead moderator, this is done to change up the dynamic of the entire group to switch things up from time to time.

Mini Focus Group is a more intimate focus group, consisting of a small group of people around 4 or 5 people.

Online Focus Group is the same as a normal focus group however it is all done online, this could be done over a video call but being online it also gives the opportunity to broadcast the focus group to an audience for a wider range of people to participate.

The Pros of Focus Groups:

• They're typically one of the least expensive ways to collect research than other methods of research.
• They're partially easy to create, as long as communication is good.
• This research allows vocal responses as well as body language, which is rare to achieve with other research techniques.
• The results are created just from conversation alone so they're created quickly.
• Focus Groups can be flexible and applied to lots of different topics so it is a great option for research.
• This technique allows perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and experiences from all different types of people to be applied to the data being created.
• Recording the focus group would be even more beneficial as it allows people collecting feedback to look back and double check as well as keeping a record of the focus group.

The Cons Of Focus Groups:

• With so many people being involved some people who may not be as strong willed, may be swayed to just agree with others, rather than voicing their actual opinion on the situation.
• If some people involved are more outspoken, their opinion on the conversation can be changed because they may have a more dominating attitude.
• The results from one focus group don't represent a large amount of the public.
• Larger focus groups may be harder to control because of the amount of people involved as well as organising a large amount of people to be at the same place, at the same time can be extremely difficult to organise.
• Depending on the topic being discussed, some participates may be uneducated on the topic compared to others so that way sway the results because some people involved are more educated on the certain topic that others involved. 

Types of applications focus groups are used for:

• For brand purposes, it may be new advertisement ideas or elements of a brand that need outsiders opinions.
• To test and review products with a clear mindset to the object.
• Explore new options for problems around a certain situations.
• Just to hear a wide range of opinions on new ideas.

Evaluation of Focus Groups:

I believe that focus groups are a great way to collect research from a wide range of participants fairly quickly and cost effectively. It allows a group discussion to occur, which creates multiple opinions to be able to come across they way they want to on certain topics that may have not been able to voice their options before. The focus groups when planned well, are structured very well which can result in a huge amount of data to be collected from a flowing discussions between a group of participants involved. With the access of multiple people being involved, problems that may appear can be solved faster and more efficiently  because of how well teamwork skills and working together towards a goal can be effective on the topic being discussed.

On the other hand, focus groups could also be seen negatively because the data collected from focus groups isn't always accurate to everyone involved. This can be due to overpowering personality that may be involved in the focus group that could persuade or completely overshadow less confident people who may have wanted to voice their concerns and opinions but were pushed aside by more outgoing people. So the results aren't always accurate to what was actually happening if everyone had the chance to participate. As well as this, the questions asked may not be as direct and more wide range, making it easier for everyone to answer but this can lead to data being collected that could be useless to the topic, whereas questionnaires would be able to be very direct with the questions asked.

Referencing:

• Anon., n.d. B2B International. [Online] . Available at: https://www.b2binternational.com/research/methods/faq/what-is-a-focus-group/
• Anon., n.d. Corporate Finance Institute. [Online] . Available at: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/focus-group/

Moodboard Makeup Inspiration

 

This is just a quick visual mood board of the inspirations i used for the makeup look/styles that I used when preparing to shoot for the music video. I found all of these styles on Pinterest. I chose these styles because i wanted the makeup to really stand out in the music video as the whole video is shot on a face, so i wanted to make it interesting with different looks and designs.

For the first look i wanted the idea of glitter tears coming down from the eyes. A big inspiration for this look would be from the tv show 'Euphoria'. This style of makeup is used multiple times in 'Euphoria' as shown in the images, and was pretty easy to recreate with just the use of eyelash glue and glitter. The makeup artist for 'Euphoria', Donni Davy, states that the meaning behind the glitter tears is a way for the emotions of the characters in the show to be frozen in time. So with this being said, it can also be applied to the meaning behind the music video, capturing all of the emotion being displayed.

The second look is mainly just the use of eyeliner all of the face, going in all different directions, creating all different types of patterns all over the face. I wanted to go with something like this because it gives off a chaotic vibe, representing being mentally all over the place in a way. So for this looks it didn't really have a big inspiration behind it but i knew i wanted it to be crazy and dramatic with the use of eyeliner everywhere.

Media Theorist - Andrew Goodwin

 Andrew Goodwin Music Video Theory:

Goodwin's theory is made up of 8 key concepts, these being: 

1. Links Between Music and Visuals
2. Links Between Lyrics and Visuals 
3. Genre Characteristics
4. Intertextual References
5. Notions Of Looking
6. Voyeurism
7. Demands Of the Record Label 
8. Performance Based, Narrative Based and Concept Based Music Videos

Links Between Music and Visuals - The links between music and the visuals can be shown in a music video by for example having a slower sadder song, having longer more dramatic, darker lit shots. Then the complete opposite could be a really upbeat song, having visuals of people dancing around in the sunshine to represent how moods can be shown through songs and then presented in visuals too. This can be applied to editing too, faster editing can be used for the more upbeat song whereas less edits could be used for the sadder song.

Links Between Lyrics and Visuals - The concepts consists of when a word, place, item or even person is used as a lyric in a song and then in the visuals, the thing sung about appears in the music video, to reflect the lyrics of the song in the visuals. When the audience is watching the music video, they are able to make the connection from the object to the song, this can be a way to make something more memorable as well.

Genre Characteristics - This concept could be seen as stereotyping however it's used to identify different music videos to the genre of song so for example, a dance/hip hop song will typically have dance routines in it with some type of theme. Another examples would be that rap songs tend to have cars and money involved in the visuals as a way to flaunt their wealth to others, which is a big deal when it comes to rappers.

An Example:

Intertextual References - This concept is when music videos make references to other types of media, this could be books, movies or even other songs. An example of this would be Ariana Grande - "Thank U, Next" and in that music video she bases the whole music video off of four movies that meant a lot to her in her childhood/teen hood and they all have strong feminine roles that are very empowering to others. And empowerment was a great message to link all of them together as well as the song because the whole meaning behind the song is self love and how you don't need a relationship to be yourself and happy! These four are Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Bring it On and 13 going on 30.

This is the music video for comparison:

Another example of storytelling in music videos would be:

The story behind this music video made by Hayley Kiyoko is about a third wheel who soon gains the affections and attention of a neglected girlfriend, drama occurs once the boyfriend finds out. Multiple shots that show tension make the music video feel like a short film.

Notions Of Looking - The notions of looking is a technique used to create a connection between the audience and the artist, actress or whoever is on the screen. They look directing into the camera lens and make the audience look them directly in the eye, this technique is used so the audience feels as if they are a part of whatever is happening in the music video, and not just watching from the sidelines.

Voyeurism - This concept is when the visuals are recorded to be seen sexually, this could be shots of body parts or certain clothing being worn. Camera angles work well into this as normally to capture these types of shots, the camera angles are all over the place.

Demands Of the Record Label  - The Demands of the record label is pretty simple to understand, it's basically pre requested shots from the record label themselves. So this could count as certain shot styles, angles or items to be in the music video.

Performance Based, Narrative Based and Concept Based Music Videos - Performance based music video are music videos that are shown as live performances, or like a montage or clips from a tour of the artist performing. Narrative based is when a music video will follow a narrative/storyline or the artist is trying to sent a message across to the audience through the art of a music video narrative. Concept based is when the idea of the video is described/displayed through the props and surroundings such as mis en scene, and these don't have to be related to the music whatsoever.

Referencing:

Bacon, C., 2018. Advanced Media Portfolio. [Online] 

Available at: https://chloebaconmediaa2.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/andrew-goodwins-music-video-theory/

Media Theorist - Carol Vernallis

 

Carol Vernallis

Carol Vernallis is the first person to articulate a theory of how music, lyrics and images can be placed in relation. She also provided detailed analyses of individual videos that show the parameters of sound and images at work in a temporal flow. (Vernallis, n.d.)

She has written two books that link to music theories, the first one being 'Experiencing Music Video' that theorise the genre of music from moving image and sound. Her second book being called 'Unruly Media: Youtube, Music Video, and the New Digital Cinema'

Her theory is made up of four concepts, these are : Narrative, Editing, Camera Movement/Framing and Diegesis.

Narrative - Carol Vernallis's theory suggests that the music video is a visual response to the narrative of the song. Resulting in whatever occurs in the video, reflects the lyrics of the song somehow. She follows her point by saying that the narrative may not always be complete so the narrative can be disconnected and only show a glimpse of the narrative throughout. However even with glimpses of a narrative, a music video has to have something making it continue to be enjoyable so this isn't always the narrative, it can be the music itself or the artist on screen.

Editing - For editing, carol's theory states that the editing of a music video can break the normal convention/rules of editing. This is stated because the editing in music video's doesn't have to be hidden like in movies, as continuity is key in movies and editing mistakes can take distract you from the movie. However music video's have more freedom when it comes to editing as most people pay attention to the song, and the video just being a fun creative way to express the lyrics even more, so there are less rules. Some rules frequently broken in music videos would be the 180 Degree rule, jump cuts, extreme change in pace of the editing style.

Example Music Video:

It is very obvious and clear from the beginning of this music video that it has been heavily editing, the majority of the video is sped up so feel more energetic and flow well better with the upbeat music. Throughout cuts are made to make Beyonce's movements hit the beat perfectly with the beat of the music.

Camera Movement & Framing - In Vernallis's theory for this concept she states that the establishing shots are one of the key camera features of a music video, they are used very frequently, as well as close up shots. Saying this, it can have a huge variety because the style of video can result in many different style of videos. In some cases the camera's movement may flow in time with the lyrics.

Example Music Video:

There are lots of close up and extreme close up shots throughout this entire music video because the focus of this video is all about Rhianna. It shows her vulnerability and with the camera being so up close and personal with her like this, it really adds to the feeling of being isolated and alone.

Diegesis - When it comes to music videos, diegesis is known as the constructed world made around the music video. In Vernallis's theory she explains that in music video's the diegesis is shown slowly, and repeatedly throughout a video. Some of these frames will appear more important than others due to the way they are shot but it all adds up together to create a type of backstory or surroundings of the area of the music video, making it more realistic.

References:

Vernallis, C. (n.d.). Music Stanford. Retrieved from Stanford University : https://music.stanford.edu/people/carol-vernallis

YouTube Clip 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4YRWT_Aldo

YouTube Clip 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF8BRvqGCNs

Focus Group Of Music Video Pitch Session

 

This is just a video example of past focus group we have had about our music video planning. In these focus groups you're able to see that we each spend a certain amount of time explaining and presenting our ideas for what we plan to create for our music video. When explaining this, some people had visual representation/ inspiration from other music video or album covers or even movie designs.

These focus groups allow all of us to receive feedback on our ideas from multiple different viewpoints, which then allows us to take that feedback and use it in whichever way we want to improve out ideas. These groups also allow the chance for others to discuss strengths and weaknesses of ideas if a person is indecisive in which way they want to go with there ideas to begin with, this allows the decision to be a little easier to decide one you get opinions from others. These groups are key to the beginning of research and planning as it can change your original idea all together for the better with the help of others around you, going through a similar situation.

Music Video Pitch Presentation

 

My example of a questionnaire

Analysing Promotional Videos

 

First Promotional Video Example:

The intention of this promotional video is to promote and showcase this coffee shop, and throughout the promotional video the logo of the coffee shop and items featured on the menu are show so the videos purpose was achieved.

The structure of the video features a bunch of clips which were partly edited to the rhythm of the song playing in the background, however some were not. It has a lot of short clips all edited together which gives it a montage type feelings. Some clips are slowed down a little and the majority of the clips are extreme close ups/ zoom ins of objects or actions.

The depth of field changes throughout the video clip, with some clips being fully in focus and other clips having the background be slightly blurred so the audience focuses on the action taking place, in focus of the camera. I noticed that in this promotional video they used the editing technique called 'speed ramping' which is when you edit parts of a video in slow motion and then in the same clip, another part of it is normal pace or faster. This technique is used because it speeds up the little details but then slows down and focuses on key points such as coffee pouring or steam coming out of machines.

The promotional video uses both diegetic and non- diegetic audio throughout. Examples of this would be the non - diegetic music which was edited in, then the diegetic sounds would be the water pouring, water boiling, coffee being pressed. This sets the scene of the atmosphere and surrounding sounds of what it's like being in an actual coffee shop.

Second Promotional Video Example:

The intention of this promotional video is to promote 'BLACK. Clothing'' and showcase some of the pieces they sell. Throughout the video the clothes are being worn and show on, being the centre of attention in the whole video because it's the item they're trying to promote and sell so the purpose of the promotional video is achieved.

The structure of the video consists of that are also cut and edited around the rhythm of the song that was edited in. The video features a bunch of establishing shots, panning shots, time-lapses and they use the technique of speed ramping in different parts too, so very similar to the way the first promotional video is done.

Slow mo is used a lot on the shots that feature the models wearing the clothes, this technique is used for the clothes to be noticed more and the slow mo technique is typically used the exaggerate something, so this would be to make the viewers focus on the clothes.

The promotional video uses both diegetic and non-diegetic audio as well. Examples of this would the the non-diegetic music that was edited in and editing around to make the rhythm flow better for the video. The diegetic example of audio used would be the water dripping down from the pipe is featured in the video as it goes along with the beat of the music.

Third Promotional Video Example:

The intention of this promotional video is to get more people to come and visit Walt Disney World Resort Destination. They promote this by constantly showing actors having the time of their lives, none stop smiling. This technique of everyone having an amazing time is a way into manipulating the audience of these promotional videos into showing what they're missing out on and how if they visit this place and spend money, they will have the best experience ever. I would say that this message is portrayed because it doesn't show any negative and only shows 'the magic of disney world'.

The structure of the video features families and friends living their best lives, going on rides, drinking, eating. This can in a way make the audience jealous that they aren't doing this and seeing this would just want them to go do it even more. There was a lot of hand held shots in this and this is noticeable because the camera is a little shaky but it's positioned around the height of the actors, so it give the illusion that the camera is a point of view from the audience. Also a few establishing shots of rides as well as birds eye view shots, probably shot on a drone, that give an exclusive look of the entire resort. Showing the area is also a way to get people to go and visit because of all the attractions surrounding it.

The promotional video uses both diegetic and non-diegetic audio throughout too. Examples of this is the non-diegetic narrator talking directly to the audience, describing everything great about Walt Disney World Resort. The narrator is used as a technique so the audience feels as if the narrator is talking directly to them, making it feel more personal and direct. More non-diegetic sound added would be the overall upbeat music added in throughout the entire clip, which just adds to the feeling of positivity which the video is trying to show. The diegetic examples in the promotional video are when the show explosions are shown, the sound of the explosion is included in the video. 

Video Links:

First Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8k71QcArnk

Second Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LCNqRj6tJU

Third Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEyUzQUH-IY

Research Technique

 Research Technique - Questionnaire:

A questionnaire is a list of questions with a choice of answers. The purpose of a questionnaire is for survey or statistical study based on a certain topic. 

Questionnaires are a good research technique because they're quick to create, quite cheap to make and it allows you to get a wide variety of answer from large amounts of people. This allows you to collect data from all types of people so your results will have variety and balance amongst everyone.

Different Types of Questionnaires:

• Structured Questionnaire
• Unstructured Questionnaire 
• Open Ended Questionnaire 
• Close Ended Questionnaire
• Mixed Questionnaire 
• Pictorial Questionnaire

An Example of a Structured Questionnaire

A Structured Questionnaire consists of a set of standard questions with a fixed scheme, meaning that specific words are used and the order of questions are specific too, this is to gather a certain type of information from the people participating.

An Example of a Unstructured Questionnaire

A Unstructured Questionnaire is typically used in an interview style, this is because the questions can be altered depending on the immediate response from the person being interviewed. They do this so it flows better and it can also be seen as respectful incase it's about a certain belief or concern. (Trueman, 2020)

An Example Questions used in Open Ended Questionnaires 

 

A Open Ended Questionnaire is a free form survey questions that lets people answer in an open text format, allowing the responses to be their complete knowledge and understanding. Resulting in the answer not being a set of options, all of them being unique and personal. 

The idea of this questionnaire is that it allows whoever is answer to give a detailed or not response and allows data from these questionnaires to be unique exploration data.

An Example of a Closed Ended Questionnaire

A Closed Ended Questionnaire is a survey with limited options, this allows you to get important straight forward information depending on the subject. This can be key to research for certain topics.

An Example of a Mixed Questionnaire

A Mixed Questionnaire contains closed and open ended questions, typically used for social research.

A Example of a Pictorial Questionnaire

A Pictorial Questionnaire is the type of survey used for promotional use to fin out the interest of the public.

Typically this type of questionnaire has a higher response rate compared to other question types because people are more likely to choose a questionnaire with pictures rather than reading the question themselves.

What you should include when creating a questionnaire?

Validity - The validity is how accurate the data collected is measured. It is a degree to which the researcher has measured what they have set out to measure. Validity is done to provide accurate answers to the research that was asked. Types of Validity : Content validity, face validity, criterion validity, predictive validity and construct validity.

Reliability - The reliability is how an instruction would give the same results if the measurements were to be taken again under the same conditions. You would have to use the same unit of measurement with all the questionnaires that you want to use reliability and to have the same questions otherwise the data is useless and can not be used to compare and analyse.

Triangulation - Triangulation is the use of multiple sources of data or multiple approaches of analysing data to enhance the credibility of the research study" (Salkind, 2010). Triangulation helps add more data to back up your data that you have collected from the questionnaire.

Pilot Study - The Pilot Study is the stage that identifies potential problem areas. It can help others become familiar with potential problems in future projects. This stage is usually used in interviews.

Sample - A sample is when a group or selective group of the population, that you want to collect data from with the use of a questionnaire. this sample is like a practise group to run all your tests through first before everyone else. It is also a good idea to have a sample because it's good to have data to compare to your new data, and then show the progression.

Types of Sampling Styles:

Random Sampling - This style of sampling is simply the selection of randomly picking individuals from the population. This gives the data results to be as neutral as possible because nothing was staged, meaning all the data is randomly accurate. This is the least complicated sampling style because it doesn't require much preparation before hand.

Stratified Sampling - Stratified Sampling is when a group of individuals with one or more common interest/attribute are picked to take the questionnaire. With people being picked, it means that throughout the process of the questionnaire there may be less complications rather than the random sampling because the group of people know that they are going to be doing a questionnaire, compared to the random sampling style.

Systematic Sampling - This sampling style is when you have a selected list of members from the public, however every Nth name selected is then involved in the questionnaire 

Convenience Sampling - This sampling style is only available for a small group of people who were specifically targeted to take the questionnaire. So the question may be targeted to that certain type of group of people. However this method isn't used very often as it doesn't give a wide variety of results.

Quota Sampling - This sampling style allows the researcher creating the questionnaire to choose specifically who they want to answer certain questions in the questionnaire. They also get to choose how many people are allowed to answer the questionnaire.

Purposive Sampling - This sampling style is a type of non-probability sample. The main objective is to produce a sample that can be logically assumed to be representative of the population.  (Lavrakas, 2008)

Diagram Example:

Types of Questionnaires Based On Distribution:

Mail Questionnaire - Mailing questionnaires are physical copies of questionnaires that are mailed out to reach a wide range of people quickly. Typically the response rate for mail questionnaire's is lower that other options as most people forget about them, reminders can be made to improve this. A positive factor about mail questionnaires is that they don't depend on technology and wifi, so it can be easier for some people to complete. Also people partaking in the questionnaires are giving more time than they normally would be to think about their answers. However a negative aspect of mail questionnaire's is that the response rate is lower than other types of questionnaires so it can lead to a lot of odd numbers and missing answers when it comes to looking at the results of the questionnaire.

Telephone Questionnaire - This type of questionnaire delivery is a good idea if you need quick results, as you're able to get immediate answers from participants. It is also very beneficial to people who are unable to complete written questionnaire physically and visually, so this gives more options and allows a wider range of people. However negatives from this type of delivery is that your questions have to be very clear and straight to the point as not many people will willingly sit and answer your questions if it has no benefit to them, so making sure your questions are straight to the point and you don't waste people time.

Computer Questionnaire - Computer questionnaires are another way of collecting data from a survey. However the method used in this one is that the questionnaire is available online. This technique can be useful for people who are socially anxious because it requires little to no contact with another person. With that being said, it can have limits to people who struggle to access the internet and technology so this type of questionnaire delivery should be used when trying to reach and get information from a specific group of people, aiming towards people who have access to technology. 

In-House Questionnaire - This questionnaire delivery is in person, so typically the questions are asked at home or in the work place. Benefits of this method is that communication is available allowing the people participating in the questionnaire to ask questions if they're unsure on certain parts of the survey, this wouldn't be an option with other delivery methods. However a disadvantage of this method is that is can be costly as you have to pay the person asking the questions as well as travel to everyone involved so it can be more expensive than other options. As well as this, it can be a slower process when you consider travel, having conversations with others, it can all add up in the end.

Referencing:

C N Trueman "Unstructured Questionnaires"

historylearningsite.co.uk. The History Learning Site, 22 May 2015. 9 Dec 2020.

Lavrakas, P. J. (2008). Encyclopedia of Survey Research Methods. Thousand Oaks California: SAGE Publications.

Kaplan, J. (2020, July 21st). Better Evaluation. Retrieved from Better Evaluation: https://www.betterevaluation.org/en/evaluation-options/telephone_questionnaires

Design Brief for My Montage Video

I am going to create a new wave style video, based on a montage scene. In this montage video I want to include filming style/techniques which i have researched from french new wave films I had looked at and analysed. Techniques such as panning, establishing shots, tracking shots and long shots. When I was thinking of places to film, I was restricted to certain area, this is because of the pandemic that is currently occurs so it can be dangerous depending on where you go. So I had to be cautious about that, however I decided that I would film our journey to the pumpkin patch because it was a safer option than most being that you were required to wear a face mask as well as it being an outdoor event.  I knew that it would be a large field as I had researched and googled what the pumpkin patch looked like so I knew I could get some panning shots of the fields. I had looked at the weather that day as well to check that it wouldn't be raining otherwise it would have made everything gloomy and harder to film, which I did not want. I also wanted to get a few tracking shots of my sister in the fields because i knew she was coming too. Hopefully this should all go to plan and I am able to get the shots I need to create my montage video.

My Examples of Different Lighting Techniques

Reflector: 

This clip is how my homemade reflector, it works just as well as a normal reflector and is super easy to recreate. Just using cardboard and wrapping it in tin foil, this allows the light to reflect off of it and bounce back to wherever you angle the reflector. 

A reflector is handy for indoor and outdoor use because it is accessible to use everywhere, before reflectors it would be more difficult shooting outdoors as you would have to stick with the direction of sunlight, however reflectors made it possible to avoid having to do this.

In this clip I purposefully moved around the reflector to make it visible in the clip as to what and where the reflector was reflecting and doing its job. Normally you wouldn't moved the reflector around.

Use Of Colour:

This isn't the best example of colour use in film/photography but it was my first attempt. To create the red colour I used a flashlight and covered the light with red tissue paper. In the future I would hire out a light with specific coloured gels as it would look better but this method works as well.

Low Key Lighting:

In this clip I used a flash light to only enhance one area of my sister face for dramatic affect, which is what low key lighting is typically used for. Lighting one area of the face creates mystery to the audience/viewers like where is she? why is it so dark?. This is a way of engaging the audience.

High Key Lighting:

This example of high key lighting is basic as I could have added more light to enhance it more however I think this normal lighting worked out just as well. Her face is being lit from all areas and no shadows appear behind her. This type of lighting is typically used when innocent characters are filmed as it makes them appear pure with nothing to hide.

Creative Filmmaking Notes - Split Screen

Micheal Gondry - He made music videos for Bjork, White Stripes, Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Radiohead. His music videos are known for surreal manipulation of mise-en-scene.

An example of Split Screen in movies would be 'The Parent Trap' or the phone call scene in 'Mean Girls'.

Split Screen is the division of the screen into simultaneous images. Usually split vertically but sometimes diagonally or multiple splits. In Split Screen, it can be used to duplicate actors or show two different locations or viewpoints.  This technique is a stylish way of editing a video however it removes a style of realism from the action.

The History of Split Screen:

Triptychs - intended to be read left to right and gives the viewers a simultaneous image of there biblical episodes.  Examples of this would be 'The Garden of Eden' and 'The Last Judgement'

Some examples which we answering questions about during lessons were; '500 Days of Summer', 'Requiem for a Dream' and 'Annie Hall - Psychiatrist'. More examples that were earlier examples of spilt screen were 'Queen of Spades' 1916 and 'Woodstock' 1970.

"Invisible Art" - The History of Editing

 An Editor is in control of the coordination of one sot to the next. They also remove unwanted or useless footage that serves no purpose towards the meaning of the movie.

Shot/Reverse Shot:

This is a filming technique where an actor is looking or having a conversation with another actor off-screen and then the shot focuses on the other actor and vice versa throughout the conversation. This type of filming technique is a part of the Hollywood style of 'Continuity Editing'. They refer to this as eye line match, which is transitions between shots between the two or more characters.

180 Degree Rule:

This next filming technique is where two shots edited together that alternate characters, typically in a conversation situation or an argument scene. Usually having one actors face one direction and then the other actor looking in the opposite direction but still facing each other.

30 Degree Rule:

Another filming technique is a guideline which states that the camera should move at least 30 degrees relative to the subject between successive shots of the same subject. if the camera moves less that 30 degrees, it can look like a jump cut which could distract the audience from the meaning or story, the video is trying to portray.

https://youtu.be/Sud_wMH7L18?t=57 

In this clip, between 0:57 and 1:05, it gives 2 clip examples of the difference between using and not using the 30 degree rule and you can see the noticeable difference.

Cut In:

This next filming technique is created in the post production process while editing the film or clip. The use of a cut is sudden in filming and can be used as a transition into another scene. As editing developed overtime, the cuts can be changed into things such as swiping or dissolving into another scene.

Crosscutting/Parallel:

Crosscutting is the technique of alternating two or more scenes. These scenes are typically happening at the same time in the film however in different locations, comparing the differences.

Establishing Shot:

An Establishing Shot is a extreme long shot or just a long shot, that presents a majority of important figures, objects in the scene may be important and the area they are in, as well as setting the scene. Body language and facial expression are key in this type of shot because that is what people tend to notice first and get a first impression from all the important characters.

These images are from 'The Shining' and this establishing shot give a extreme long shot of the hotel which the whole movie is based and shot around.

Match on Action:

This filming technique is when one shot cuts to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot. Doing this creates a sense of continuity as the action carries on so it creates a 'visual bridge' which draws the viewers attention away from the obvious cuts and focuses onto the action occurring in the scenes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_u0LKmga5U 

This youtube clip give multiple examples of match the action and then examples of how the person who made the video actually used the into his wedding video. Showing how match the action can be used in any type of film or video.

Temporal Overlap:

Temporal overlapping is when you disturb the chronological order of a film or clip, this could be done by adding flashbacks or flash forwards to remind the audience of a memory or is just a key part of the story or meaning of the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVd6CnKLPgY

This youtube clip is an example of a flashback in Ratatouille that gives the audience an understanding of a characters background which could be important to the storyline.

Kuleshov Effect:

This film editing effect is demonstrated by Lev Kuleshov, a Russian Filmmaker. He used this editing technique in 1910's and 1920's. His experiment consisted of cutting back and forth between a man and three different objects or subjects to see what emotion could be created with each cut. The Kuleshov effect was amazing at the time because it was able to show filmmakers that they could manipulate the audiences emotions with editing.

Eisenstein Montage:

A group of soviet filmmakers, lead by Lev Kuleshove began to experiment with film more intellectually. They used a structural device which allowed them to get to point A to point b without without wondering where you are. They used this idea with time and space in mind. So they applied meaning within a series of interlinking shots, essentially they were manipulating time and space which then became known as the 'Soviet Montage'.

Sergi Eisenstien was a part of this filmmaking group and his film made in 1925 called 'Battleship Potempkin' was known for pushing cinematic language even further. He did this by manipulating the audiences perception of time by stretching out the crowds flight down the steps for seven minutes, this would be much longer than it would take normally in real life.

Research the development of editing technology

The earliest know films in cinema were done in one shot without any editing however cutting began to develop very quickly after this. One of the first film to have a cut in it was called 'Life of an American Fireman (1903), directed by Edwin S. Porter. With the use of a camera being inside the building and then having a camera set up outside of the building as well, this demonstrated the use of editing for the first time, cutting two shots together.

Moviola is a device that allows a film editor to view a film while editing it. This machine is the first ever to be capable of showing motion picture while editing and was invented by Iwan Serrurier in 1924. In 1920, the machine cost around £600 so in 2019 that would be about £7,700, as a result of the price, not many moviola's were sold.

The Moviola

Flatbed Edit Suite is a type of editing machine used with motion picture. The process starts from images and sound rolls being loaded onto separate plates, each set of plates move individually or they can be locked together to maintain being in sync while as image and sound. A prism reflects the images onto a screen and then a magnet playback head reads the audio tracks. Many films are shot on double-system so the audio and sounds are separate, the flatbed edit suite allows the editor to synchronise the picture to the audio. The two most common brands of this machine are the Steenback and the K-E-M (Keller-Elektro-Mechanik) these two machine were both invented in Germany in the 1930s. This machine also give the editor a chance to highlight when a cut is needed so he is able to mark on the strips to pin point this.

Linear is a post-production process of selecting, arranging and modifying images and sound in a predetermined sequence, it was the only way to edit video tapes before and this technique was used a lot in television. Then in the 1990s, non-linear editing was created which gave a new technique of editing that allowed an editing software that allowed original copies to be saved incase the editing went wrong in any way. 

Offline editing went along the same lines as non-linear editing as it saved a copy of the original, creating a safe back up. However this editing was much faster as the video was converted to computer hardware so it was able to be edited more more updated editing software like adobe premiere or final cut pro. Online editing allows the editor to edit video tape recording using different computer softwares, softwares like videocassette recorders, letting copies being made of recording that were once a one time thing.

The Digital Era:

CMX 600 is the first non-linear editing system, it was produced in 1971 and was referred more as RAVE (Random Access Video Editor)The 600 had a console with two black and white monitors, as well as a light pen which was used to control the system. The right monitor played the preview video, and was used by the editor to make cuts and to edit decisions by using the light pen to select options, which were over-laid on the image, while the left screen played the edited video. It recorded and played back video in analogue on disk packs the size of washing machines.

Edit Droid is a computerised analogue NLE system which was developed by Lucas film spin-off company, the Droid Works and Convergence Corporation who formed a joint company. It existed through the mid 80’s to the early 90’s. Edit Droid has three screens, one Sun-1 computer display, one small preview video monitor and a large rear-projected monitor containing the cut. It pioneered the use of graphical display for editing introducing the timeline as well as picture icons to identify raw video clips.

Avid 1 was based on an Apple Macintosh II computer with special hardware and software designed by Avid installed.

Modern Editing Software:

Adobe Premiere Pro is a timeline-based video editing software application developed by Adobe Systems and published as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud licensing program. First launched in 2003, Adobe Premiere Pro is a successor of Adobe Premiere (first launched in 1991) and it is geared towards professional video editing. I was used by BBC and CNN for feature films such as Gone Girl, Captain Abu Raed, and Monsters.

Final Cut Pro is a series of non-linear video editing software developed by Macromedia Inc. and later by Apple, the most recent version runs on Mac OS computers. The software allows the editor to transfer video onto a hard drive to be edited, processed and rendered to a variety of formats.