During this project, we used a vast array of different software packages. Some had been used before by us in AS work and some hadn't. It was pretty daunting when we had to use software like Final Cut Pro for the first time because we were all slightly unsure on how it worked.
During the planning of the project, our group used websites such as YouTube to get hold of visual information that would help us on the project, give us ideas and allow us to brainstorm. It was particularly useful when looking at other horror trailers, which really helped us with our ideas, we were now able to grasp an idea on what was conventional in horror trailers which we may not have noticed before. We also used search engines like Google to get hold of information on horror films, it was primarily useful when doing the textual analysis, and looking up information on specific films.
When we were doing research, we used YouTube and Google once again, to help us find information and come up with more ideas. When doing the audience analysis we started using a website called Survey Monkey, which none of us had used before. It allowed us to create questions and then collect the results and analyse them when we want. It was a brilliant thing to use, it was much better than having to manually look through results and then analyse them ourselves. In addition to that, it was useful to use because in the media industry a lot of research takes place online, and by doing questionnaires online, it's much more realistic to the media industry.
When it came to the production of the project, we had to use more software that we hadn't used before; Final Cut Pro. The first time we used it we all felt pretty intimidated by the thought of using it because it was such a massive piece of software, we were worried about doing something wrong, or not getting what we wanted, or not using the software properly. It took a while to get into it, it was also quite tricky because the lengths of clips had to be exact, so that was a job in itself, along with trying to get used to this new software. Now we have the skills the create a movie in Final Cut Pro, editing, importing, rendering, trimming and adding effects isn't as tricky as it first was, and we're still developing those skills. It was really interesting though, as it is something that's used widely in the media industry, it makes you realise the time and effort thats put into making a production.
Along with Final Cut Pro, we used CS3 photoshop. Something which we'd used before but were still a bit shaky with because we hadn't used it since AS. We got better using it though, the person who was best at it however was Ashley, and even as we still work on the project, he's the one that can put our photo ideas into play, although we all have our own input.
When filming the scenes for our movie trailer, we used cameras and other media equipment we had never used before. To shoot our scenes, we used a Canon EOS 7D, none of us had used a camera like this before so were all quite nervous we'd drop it the first time or use it incorrectly. Using the tripod with it made it not just easier to film, but it felt more professional. We used a steadicam so that we could film smoothly and walk at the same time. This was really good because it was more like what real film makers would use, other than just some college project. It also expanded our knowledge of filming in the media industry.
When we took pictures for the trailer we used a Canon EOS 400D. A camera which we were all fairly used to because of our previous coursework in AS. It was good to use it again though, along with the EOS 7D because we learnt more about lighting, and how much lighting is actually needed when creating a prodcution, this gave us more of an insight into what was needed when making a film or a photoshoot.
One of the overall things however which was new, especially to me, was the use of an Apple Mac. When I first started using it I had very little idea on how to use it and to make my way around the computer. Soon though it became more clear, and we developed more of an understanding of Macs. Personally, I think this is really useful especially for media projects as Macs are usually used in media projects. Also in this day and age, it's an important skill to have knowledge in both Macs and PC's as the information age is forever growing.
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