Audience and Institution Practice Essay

          One of the most known multi-media conglomerates is Disney. Within the last century, Disney has expanded its company to become a well-known industry it is today. “Disney’s total revenue in 2019 was approximately $70 billion”, according to Statista. Disney consists of four subsidiaries: The Walt Disney Studios, Theme Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, and Media Network. Due to Disney’s media- ownership of multiple platforms such as Disney Princesses and Marvel Comics, Disney and its subsidiaries can produce a wide range of products: television programs displayed on Disney Channel, soundtracks released by Disney’s record label, merchandise and print produced by Disney Consumer Products and Disney’s Media Network develops video and online games. With each of these branches collaborating, Disney can market and promote their film through these products- components make up a good marketing strategy. Through strategic marketing strategies, Disney was able to accumulate a vast amount of wealth and forge an empire. Marketing plays a significant role in the film industry because it predetermines a film’s success and potentially generates a vast amount of revenue. 

         Marketing plays a crucial role in the film industry because films have the potential to generate a vast amount of revenue. In the marketing process, conglomerates’ objective is to update the audience with a continuous stream of updates and news to have the target audience aware and hooked on films. So, conglomerates like Disney would host special events to promote the upcoming release of their films. Disney used synergy to promote the release of “Beauty & the Beast” (2017). Disney exercised its corporate strategy to promote the upcoming release by hosting a special edition of the ‘Bachelor’. In this particular episode, a couple of movie stars hosted this event to promote the release. This would cause the audience to be aware of the film. In addition to the special edition episodes, Disney used synergy to encourage viewers to watch the film. On Disney Channel and ABC, Disney would play the trailer of the upcoming movie and the original animated ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991) more often. This would make people more aware of the release of the new film and cause the audience to be more excited about the new adaption of the original film.

         Disney also used cross-promotion and cross-media convergence to the release of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2’.  Disney collaborated with multiple campaign partners such as ‘Dairy Queen’, ‘Hasbro’, and Lego to increase awareness of the film. One of the marketing campaigns, Dairy Queen released Guardian of the Galaxy theme cups along with their flavor. Since a significant amount of people go to Dairy Queen for a blizzard, more people would be aware of the movie and the release date because the release date is printed on the cups. This would encourage people to watch the film. Thus, more revenue would be generated from these sales.   As a result, Disney made an estimated $1.3 billion worldwide from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and approximately $39 million from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’.  This demonstrates synergy, cross-promotion, and cross media-convergence allowed Disney to have an efficient and effective marketing campaign to potentially gain a vast amount of revenue.

         Marketing plays a significant role in the film industry because it predetermines a film’s success. A film’s release strategy can contribute to a film’s success. If the film had an effective release strategy, theoretically the film is going to be successful. The release strategy of ‘Black Panther’ was on January 29th, 2018, there was a red-carpet premiere and the film premiere in commercial theaters in the United States on February 16, 2018. This release strategy was strategic because it attracted its target audience, African Americans, to watch the film since February is Black History Month in the United States. Furthermore, marketing in media can contribute to a film’s success.  Since different audience consumes media in different ways, having a wide range of media allows the target audience and other audiences. For instance, Disney’s marketing strategies of ‘Black Panther’ (2018). During the release of ‘Black Panther’, Disney’s Consumer Products released multiple movie posters and magazine covers of the leading actor, Chadwick Boseman. Also, NPR aired a story on how ‘Black Panther’ impacted Saudi Arabia’s strict ban on films since the film ban lasted for thirty-five years. The film continued to gain attraction after its release through its soundtrack. Featured songs such as Kendrick Lamar, Swae Lee, and The Weekend attracted American audiences because most of the artists are prominent R&B/ Hip-Hop performers. Through media, it encouraged African Americans to continue to watch the film because the film represented strong African heroes and Black empowerment.  Although the film’s release was in late January, ‘Black Panther' was expected to win several American awards at major award ceremonies such as Golden Globes and Academy Awards.  This demonstrates with the combination of strategic release strategy and media, marketing can predetermine a film’s success.

        There are a few disadvantages of marketing. As conglomerates expand their company and produced successful films, companies are pressured to maximize their revenue by competing against their competition at the box-offices. According to the article “Universal Is Disney’s Chief Rival Because It Isn’t Trying to Be Disney”, it states  “once you get into that $250 million-plus range before marketing, you’re putting a lot of pressure on a project to circle $1 billion globally”. This shows the pressure companies are under to produce a successful film. When a company is under stress, it causes the company to focus on beating the competition. For instance, Sony released the Jumanji franchise during the release of Disney’s Star Wars. Although the Jumanji franchise was successful, the competition between the conglomerates at the box office may cause Sony to not be as successful as Disney. Companies need to identify which marketing strategy works best for their company without risking funding on the competition. NBC Universal is an example of this. Although NBC Universal’s five biggest gross movies cost about 156% less than Disney, NBC Universal currently sits with an estimated 13.5% of the domestic market and approximately $1 billion in the North American box office. This shows companies don’t have to compete against their competition by using other market strategies.

            In the final analysis, it has become apparent marketing is essential in the film industry. Companies need to find a market strategy that works best for their company. As shown in the case studies, Disney’s good marketing strategies of synergy, cross media-convergence, and
media ownership contributed to the film’s success and its total revenue gained at the box office. This combination of marketing strategic allowed Disney to forge its international empire. 

Extract Practice: Game of Thrones

Extract Practice: Game of Thrones

The franchise, “Game of Thrones”, is a popular HBO television show that was inspired by historic events of Medieval England. By using fantasy elements, the franchise explores a multitude of different themes such as power, love, and sacrifice that will be tested in its ongoing wars and struggle for power in the Seven Kingdoms. In this particular extract, the director of “Game of Thrones” portrays the following theme: people would fight for their beliefs even if there are dire risks involved.

The extract opens the first scene with an aerial shot of a ship with red flags sailing on the ocean. The aerial shot of the ship might create an idea the people on the boat are less weak because it appears a “greater” being is more dominate. Not only it demonstrates the lack of power the people on the boat have, the aerial shot of the ship’s red sails help show the type of characteristics the people on the boat are. Since the color read symbolizes determination and power, the aerial shot of the ship’s sails may develop the pursuit of power.  Following this, there is a two-shot of the main characters, Stannis and Davos, standing on their ship. This may demonstrate and foreshadow their close relationship and how these two characters are determined to reach their goal. In the two-shot, there is a zoom-in of the main characters emotions. This emphasize their seriousness tone and determination for power as they enter the harbor. Also, there is a zoom-in of the costumes. This zoom-in may illustrate and further develops the type of characters the men would be portrayed. For instance, the blue-gray color of Stannis’ suit may reveal Stannis is honest, wise, fair, and loyal because blue symbolizes these traits. Stannis’ suit may imply many people are loyal to him because of his honesty and fairness. The style of Stannis’ suit may suggest Stannis is a king while Davos’ layers of black. This might suggest he is a loyal advisor who has a past since the color black symbolize a villain or the “bad” in a character.   As Stannis and Davos enter the harbor, the incidental sound has significant amount of effects on the audience. The incidental sound may emphasize the importance of the decision of the Iron Bank. It might also demonstrate the nervousness of the characters as they enter a dangerous or enemy territory of the Easteros. The first scene ends when there is a zoom-out of the character on the boat. This zoom-out may demonstrate the great opportunity offered at the Iron Bank and might demonstrates the contrasts of wealth and class between Stannis, Davos and the Iron Kingdom.

The seconds scene begins with another two-shot of Stannis and Davos waiting for the bankers at the Iron Bank. Upon arrival, three men joined. The costume of the three bankers illustrate the contrast between the two kingdoms: Easteros and Westeros. While Stannis is wearing a blue suit and Davos is wearing layers, the bankers are wearing brown jacket of a more expensive material. This may illustrate the difference in wealth and power between the Iron Bank and Stannis.  The dialogue spoken by Stannis, Davos, and the lead Bankers help show the cultural contrasts of the kingdoms. Stannis has a different dialect from the Bankers whose resident is in the East. The difference of dialects demonstrates the regionalism that deprives Stannis from his rightful claim on the Iron Throne. This and the costume develop the theme of fighting for beliefs because it demonstrates how differences in cultures can act as an obstacle for Stannis’ pursuit for power. Throughout this scene, there is a significant amount of shot-reverse-shot of the conversation between the Bankers, Stannis and Davos. This help convey and reveal the doubt, or the untrustworthiness of Stannis, given his status and distant relationship with the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. An example is where the Banker asked Stannis about his military resources. The lead Banker decline his request for money because he had “zero bags of wheat, barley and pork to feed 4,000 soldiers, 32 ships”, despite the fact all Stannis’ soldiers remain loyal to him. This further prevents Stannis ‘from reclaiming his throne.  As the scene comes to end, there is a low angle of Davos speaking and defending Stannis’ credibility and honor. This low angle demonstrates the passionate and respect Davos commands when he is defending Stannis’ leadership despite the lack of resources to maintain an army. As Davos defends Stannis’, there is a cutaway of Davos’ hand. The cutaway of Davos’ hand help emphasizes the reliability and good leadership of Stannis. When Davos removes his gloves, it reveals Davos only has a thumb. The cutaway of his lack of fingers reinforces Davos’ defense that Stannis is an “honest man” and the Iron Banker should side with them. The scene closes when Davos’ ask the Bankers who they will be loyal to. As this conversation is discussed, there is lighter lighting of Stannis and Davos portrays the men as good or the “hope” that would end the conflict of true claim ship over the Iron Throne between Stannis and Lannister, “a bastard born from incest.”

      In summary, it is apparent that the theme is about someone fighting for their beliefs. In this case, the theme was portrayed by Stannis and Davos fighting for their beliefs that Stannis should be ruler on the Iron Throne. While this was the most apparent theme, Game of Thrones demonstrates the complication of how wealth and cultural aspects can be used as obstacle on someone getting what they desired: power.

Creative Critical Reflection: CCR

The last blog of this four-part series is my Creative Critical Reflection video. This video is the second part of component 1 for AICE Media Studies. The objective of this video is for students to reflect on their experiences in making their Final Task. This will include experiences on how skills advanced and how different technologies were integrated into making this project. Other parts of the video will consist of how students applied their genre conventions to their Final Task, how they were able to represent social groups/issues, and how their movie will be distributed. The requirements for this video is to make a creative video that is between twelve to fifteen minutes of students answering questions. I liked making this video because it demonstrates my abilities and how they improved.

While making this video, it was very stressful and tedious yet, fascinating. The main reason why it was stress is the uncertainty of the Coronavirus and lack of resources. I was fortunate to have the camera equipment when schools closed. However, a couple of weeks were used to re-film and re-edit the Final Task. Once the Final Task was finished, I was able to begin writing my responses because I couldn't have an effective reflection about my Final Task if I pre-record my experiences. By the end of this CCR, I had two filming days and two re-shoot days. Like all the film projects, I drafted a storyboard to figure out how I wanted the video to be formatted. I also made a script for Hannah when filming the intro and outro of my video. Besides, I figured out the set design of the video and the type of lighting. Filming the CCR was the easiest project to film because I was in charge of everything and if I made a mistake, I wouldn't have felt pressured to continue. The duration of my Post-Production was six days. This was a tedious process because of the amount of footage that needed to be reviewed and edited. The first couple of days consist of reviewing footage and formatting the takes. I would have to trim the takes to be more precise or remove any mistakes or mess-ups. On the third, fourth and fifth days of Post-Production, I inserted clips from my Final Task, graphics, and a few split screens. On the last day of Post-Production, I edited the micro-details. This day consists of editing out prolonged pauses, adjusting lighting, placement, sound volume, and inserting a soundtrack.

Although there are a few things that still need to be fixed, I am proud of how the video came out. This was stressful because I was under the impression the due date was April 9, 2020. However, I received an extension. Today, there was a glitch. This glitch caused the perfectly timed graphics to appear at the wrong time. I spent about half an hour trying to replace all the graphics in the correct order. This moment allowed me to understand these events happen in real life for editors. The file embedded is the video of my CCR.

Final Task: "Dysfunctional Spies" Opening Sequence

The third film project I was required to produce was a Final Task. This Final Task is a two-minute opening sequence of a film. One of the main differences between this project and the two previous projects is the Final Task is a requirement for AS and A Level AICE Media Studies. The two previous projects were "practice" runs for this final project. Compared to the previous projects, the Final Task demonstrates how my film making skills developed and improved.

My Final Task is called "Dysfunctional Spies". My film is an action movie where two spies are tasked to locate a briefcase that can globally impact the world. Compared to the two previous film projects, it took a prolonged amount of time to create this film. I began this project during mid-January and I finished around mid-April. The reason why this Final Task took a longer time to produce because of the research, filming, and re-editing. I feel creating this Final Task allows students -including myself - real-life experiences on how films such as movies, tv shows, and documentaries are filmed. The beginning stages consist of development and research. I research different genres and conventions to determine the type of genre of my film. Then, I researched how movies of that genre use or challenge conventions. I also researched conventions for the working titles. The reason I had to research titles because I did not use them during my commercial or music video project. After weeks of extensive research, I was able to plan my Final Task. In the Development stages, I drafted the storyboards, scripts, and plan. Immediately, I would alter between filming and editing.

This process was very tedious and interesting. I have to admit, there were times where I wanted to smash the computer because of its delay. Due to the global pandemic of the world, it created problems for this class and the entire world. I learned I have to find solutions and adapt to sudden changes. The next blog will be a video about my experiences producing this Final Task.

Music Video Project: "Honey" Music Video

The second video I will be a blog about is my music video project. This file is the second video apart of the four-part blog series that will demonstrate how my skill improved. The requirement was to create a music video for any song. The duration of this video has to be at most a minute and ten seconds and be school appropriate. One of the main differences between this project and the previous was creative freedom. Before, I was restricted to the location, actresses, and props. With creative freedom, I can experiment with different locations and actresses to produce a better quality film. My music video is to the song "Honey" by Kelhani. The reason I chose this particular song is its LGBTQ+ representation and acoustics. Although there is an increase in representation for the LGBTQ+ community, there is still not enough. I wanted to demonstrate anyone should love whomever they want no matter the age, race, gender, sexual preference, etc. 

Out of the Gatorade Commerical and the music video, I prefer the music video because of the team dynamics. During the Gatorade Commerical, it was difficult to produce something with four people because there was only one computer. Also, I felt the team dynamic wasn't the most efficient. So, I decided to partner with another person and produce this music video. This music video shows how my skills improve. One example is the quality and speed. In the Gatorade Commerical, I thought the actions were fake or not authentic due to the fast speed. In this music video, the actions were the right speed because the audience gets to understand what events are occurring. 

During this project, my main roles were organizer, set design, director, and editor. Since I am an organized person, I helped coordinate with the actresses with filming and location. During Production, I made a cheese platter with an assortment of berries because I wanted the picnic scene to look like a date. In addition to the cheese platter, I brought a red and checkered picnic blanket and I brought a guitar to create a date-like effect. Moreover, during Production, I would direct the actresses on what type of emotions they should be expressing and actions. I would play the music while said command words to the actresses to have events correlate with the lyrics. In Post- Production, my main roles were sound and clipping footage. Since I was the most experienced in sound design, I was tasked to download the song and import it. I would adjust the volume and trim it to fit the duration requirement. I liked how the music video even though I had very little experience. The next blog will be about my third film project.

Commerical Project: Gatorade Commerical

After filming and editing my Final Task, I was required to answer questions about my experiences in a video. The following blogs will demonstrate my growth as a filmmaker this year. The file that is embedded in this blog is the first film project that I've created. The first film I produced was a commercial. The requirements for this commercial was to create a 30-second commercial from a list of brands. I decided to make a Gatorade commercial because of its simplicity. Since there is a multitude of commercials for athletic apparel or sports drinks, I referenced them to research the conventions for a sports drink commercial. Another requirement for this commercial project was to film on my school's campus. Although it seemed to be difficult, I was able to utilize my school's track field to film my commercial.

The film making team consists of three other people and myself. During the film making process for this commercial, my primary role in the film making process was organizer/ recorder, actress, and editor. In October Blogs, it details my exact experiences and research for a sports drink commercial. The reason why I was the organizer/ recorder because one of my strengths is organization. I played one of the main actresses because of my athletic abilities. Compared to my teammates, I had better hand-eye-coordination and I had the endurance to run laps while filming. During the Post-Production stage, my main role was editor and sound. I was in charge of researching and importing sound into the computer. Also, I was in charge of adjusting the volume on the soundtrack. While editing, I learned how to color correct the images and how to create a split-screen in Pinnacle Studios.

After re-watching the Gatorade Commercial, I can see the tremendous difference in my film making capabilities compared to the Final Task and the CCR. Before the Gatorade Commercial, I had very little experience in editing a video. So, while I was editing this project, I was able to practice new production and post-production skills. Also, it was my first time using the official editing software. When I was editing the student play, I used editing software on my mobile device. The last reason for poor quality of the commercial project was the deadline. I think I was given about two and half a week to plan, film and edit the commercial project. The next blog will consist of my second film project.

Editing Blog: Re-edit Blog

During my extended Spring Break, I went over to Hannah's house to edit our Final Task. Since the deadline for the Final Task and the Creative Critical Questions did not change, Hannah and I took the initiative to get our work done. The global pandemic of COVID-19 caused the Production and Post-Production to be challenging. One of those challenges was editing. Hannah's family generously bought Pinnacle Studios for our project. If we followed the 30-day free-trail, it would put a watermark on the video when exported. Our Post-Production was delayed because it took about an hour and a half for Pinnacle Studios to be downloaded and for the footage to be re-imported,

Once all the footage and music were re-imported, Hannah and I watched our Final Task. I suggested re-editing the entire thing after the trunk-shot. The reason why I suggested to re-edit the "ending" because the footage wasn't recognized and there was some awkwardness. I reasoned it was easier to re-edit the ending. So, during the ninth day of Post-Production, my main role was the organizer. Similar to the beginning of the Post-Production, I would read the number of the selected footage to piece the footage in the track. If we needed to re-watch footage, I would offer comments and opinions about each one. I would comment on the lighting, actions, emotions, and volume. For instance, I suggested to use particular footage of Kat pronouncing her dialogue because it was loud, had a serious tone, and the lighting was fine. Also, I would comment on the duration of the footage. I would phrase like "there" and "stop" to signify places where I wanted the footage to be trimmed.

Another primary role I had during this editing day was sound. Compared to Hannah, I had the most experiences with sound. So, I was tasked with all elements with sound because I was more efficient. I re-imported the sound from my flash drive into Pinnacle Studios. Once the selected music was placed in the track, I trimmed the music because I felt a certain part of the music helps develop the Final Task to become action-like. In addition to importing sound, I detached audio from some of the shots. The reason why I detach the audio because I needed a specific part for a voice-over. This voice over will help transition to a suspenseful ending. Other tricks I performed with sound was volume. Since the changes in dynamics is a key convention in Action movies, I had to be tactful in its placement. I added a couple of fades to gradually increase the sound. This fade will help build the suspense and adrenaline rush because the dynamics of the music correlates to the intensity of the action. Moreover, I adjusted the volume of the actress' dialogue and background music because it was difficult to coherently hear the actresses.

One of those challenges was actresses. According to our rubric, my Final Task needs a shot-reverse-shot. Originally this was achieved when I had a comedy aspect. However, I cut that scene out because it caused the movie to not make sense. A solution was to replace the dialogue with another dialogue. However, this required another Monitor scene. When I was editing the "new" scene, a shot-reverse shot would cause some awkwardness. I suggested adding another line in the beginning and the ending to achieve a shot-reverse-shot. Due to fear and anxiety that manifested from the Corona virus, our actresses' could not meet up for another filming day for a shot-reverse-shot.

On the second day of the Post-Production, my main role was titles because I am a more efficient typer. Inserting titles was a frustrating process because Pinnacle Studios wouldn't allow me to add transitions. I spent a significant amount of time drafting and creating titles. Once I acquired the knowledge from Hannah, I was able to insert all the titles in under 30 minutes.


It is really difficult to perform my student obligations while there is a global pandemic.

(This is me adding titles to my Final Task. )

Filming Blog: Re-Shoot Blog

Today Hannah and I had another productive day. From the previous editing day, we noted some scenes needed to be re-film and cut. Since there was a time limitation, I could not check out a camera. So, Hannah and I decided to have the re-shoot on the weekend.

On the first day of the re-shoot production day, Hannah, Cori and I went to our first location, George English Park. As I previously mentioned in the prior blog, some scenes needed to be re-filmed because of volume. Although the actresses spoke loudly, Pinnacle Studios and the background music caused the dialogue to be muffled. Scenes that needed to be louder were Cori's scenes.

Once we finished filming at George English Park, we headed to the next filming location, my house.
While we waited for Kat to be dropped off at my house, Hannah and I began to plan Scene 3. Since we had to cut Scene 3, we needed to plan what we wanted to happen in the scene that would help develop an intense mood. The following statements are suggestions made by me: "Let's keep the shot of Cori walking to Kat but, we can include a dialogue. Cori might say something along the lines of "are you ready?" while Kat will respond by saying "Let's go" while she picks up her bag." After about fifteen minutes, we decided to have Cori pick up the bag while Kat says "We're ready" to the Monitor. This allows parallel editing and allows us to include another Monitor scene to establish the spies and the Monitor are friends.

During reshoot, I directed Cori. Before the camera began, I repeated Cori's lines to her because it has been weeks since the last production day. I thoroughly describe to Cori on what I wanted to occur in this scene. For instance, I said, "This character is firmly stating Target's relative position". I describe the seriousness of the Scene and how the tone should be objective. While Cori was filming her lines, I would comment on the dynamic of her lines. I commented on how the line should be louder. I offered tips on how she can achieve a loud volume without screaming. Once Kat arrived, we reshot Cori's dialogue and Scene 3. I followed similar procedures while Scene 3 is shot. I describe the scene to the actresses and the emotions they should be expressing. I gave the same advice to use the diaphragm to project louder. After Scene 3 was shot, it concluded the first reshoot.

(This is Hannah and I planning Scene 3.)

Editing Blog: Sound and Changes

During the eighth day of post-production, Hannah and I are three quarters finished adding sound. There were a multitude of unexpected variables I faced. One of those unexpected variables was computer problems. Somehow the computer I edit on almost always have low battery. The solution was to grab a different computer. However, this solution did not work because of Pinnacle Studios. If Hannah and I used a different computer, we would have to re-import and download all files for the Final Task. Due to time restrictions, we decided to use the our computer while it charged . While Hannah and I sat on the floor, we edit our film.

Before we change something, we would watch the Final Task and absorbed the information. We watched the film a couple of times. During the second time, I took notes on elements that need improvements. For instance, during Scenes 6 to 7, the dialogue needed to be louder. Once I finished taking notes on the transitions and the sound, I began to edit the sound. Since I haven't had the opportunity to fully edit on the Final Task, Hannah and I decided I should edit during the majority of this editing day. During this editing day, I added the song "Addicted" by YVEN to the end of the Final Task. Without the intense music, it is difficult to understand the story. After I added and trimmed the music, I faded the music because it would have a greater impact on the audience and it would transition smoother. The most difficult part about sound is alignment. In the last scene, I want the audience to be in suspense. I wanted to use a particular part of the song because it would help develop suspense. The reason why the alignment was difficult because I had to match the sound with the loud "Bang" and the dialogue spoken by the Monitor.

Other parts I worked on sound was the volume. A reoccurring issue of sound is volume. Even though the actors spoken coherently during filming, the sound is very quiet. So I adjusted the volume of the dialogue to become louder and the music to become quieter.

There were major changes in this editing day. One of those changes was the genre. Initially, I wanted to do comedy because I wanted to do something that was creative and unique. Due to the difficulties of the last scene, we showed the final task to a fellow classmate to ask for guidance . If a student can understand a movie, then the final task is successful. The classmate reviewed the video and offered helpful criticism. One of their comments was to cut out Scene 3 because it felt displaced and to add another Monitor Scene. They felt it was confusing since the Monitor appeared during the beginning and ending. Minor tips was to cut the unnesscary clips. For instance, a disappointed Cori sitting while she watched the Target run away.  This would allow us to focus on an action genre.

So, the next day Hannah and I will have to re-shoot/ re-do Scene 3 and another Monitor scene.

Even though there the Coronavirus, this blog is about my journey before school was closed.

(This is a picture of me reviewing the Final Task before I made adjustments. )

Editing Blog: Minor Details & Sound

During the planning blogs, I anticipated post-production was going to be prolonged. Now on the seventh day of editing, I am added minor details and sound into my final task. The minor details will include trimming, speed, and some transitions.

On this post-production day, one of my major roles was sound. As I continuously reiterate, I handle the sound issue because have the most experience in cutting, adding, and editing sound. Before I could attach the sound to my final task, I had to re-import the sound because Pinnacle Studios did not recognize the files. Once the files were re-imported, Hannah and I reviewed each of the selected music files. As I listened to each track, I noted notable sections of different tracks that should be included. For instance, I suggested using a certain section from "Addicted" by VYEN during the falling scene or last Monitor scene. This would be a perfect opportunity to include incidental music because it would emphasize the action because of the loud dynamic and heavy beats. After we picked the selected music file for the scene, I would attach the sound to the footage. Then, I would adjust the length. There were multiple instances where I learned and practice my sound skills. One moment is reattaching sound. I had to reattach audio from the last scene because it would enhance the action/ adrenaline rush. With trial and error, I re-learned how to detach sound. During the beginning of the year, my teacher explained how to detach audio if we wanted a voice over. Since the procedures were received about five months ago, I wasn't sure if I remember how. Now, I can be efficient if I wanted to add a voice-over. The second moment is adjusting the volume. I learned how to adjust the volume on the Master Track and the individual clip. I learned you would click a certain icon which will display knobs. The orange knob adjusts the volume for the entire track while the green knob adjusts the knob for the individual clip. I had to adjust the volume for a specific track because the dialogue was too quiet and the background music was too loud.

A minor role I performed was an organizer. Before Hannah and I began editing, we re-watched our final task. I did this because I wanted to see the imperfections that could have been missed on the sixth editing day. While I watched the final task a couple of times, I write notes on paper. These notes include things to cut, re-shoot, and re-edit. I also noted on what scenes should be longer and ideal places to add transitions for a "smooth film".

Another minor role I performed was the editor. Since I have some knowledge of split screens, I added a border to screen. The purpose of the border is to create a clean split screen.

For the next post-production day, we need to finish adding the sound and titles. In addition to sound and titles, color and lighting need to be adjusted.

(This is a picture of Hannah and I reviewing the Final Task. )

Filming Blog: Drafting Final Task

Today in AICE Media Hannah and I edited were productive. This editing blog is a combination of experiences from three separate editing days. Since I had a short period of time to edit after the peer review and during an early release day, I decided to include those experiences as well.

Throughout the three editing days, my role as organizer was maintained. While Hannah and I edited the footage, I would refer to the storyboards, sound script, and the checklist to ensure everything was on track. I call off the file number on the list for Hannah to drag the footage into the track.  As Hannah edited on the computer, I would watch the footage to see if there were things to cut or improve. Since I am attentive to the tiniest details, my main role was watching the footage to determine the best place to cut/ trim.

On the fourth day of the post production, I was able to piece together Scenes 3.  The reason why only this scene was edited because there was extra time on the peer review day. On this day, I was able to trim and cut some scenes. For instance, I trimmed one footage where the two spies were running to get ready. I trimmed the beginning and the end because there was noise that would interrupt the dialogue. I also was able to edit in the split screen. Even though I haven't attempted a split screen in months, I had more experience. I knew where to go and how to edit the screen to have two actions. On the fourth day, I cropped and a move the footage into a logical manner.

On the fifth day of post-production, I finished adding Scenes 4-6. Even though there was an early release, I was able to incoropate these scenes because they consists of simple actions. On this editing, I formulated and trimmed jump cuts of the spies walking to Point A. I mainly focused on the timing on each action and dialogue.

On the six day of post-production, a significant amount of footage was edited even though there was a brief delay. Once I logged onto the computer, the computer wouldn't let us review the individual file. So, Hannah brought the computer to our teacher while I began to lay a game plan for the remaining of the post production.Today, my teacher revealed the due dates of the Final Task and the CRP questions. Instantly, I knew I needed to figure a way to trim down the footage. After the fifth post production day, we were about 20 seconds under the requirements. I knew I needed to trim down the Final Task because the duration doesn't fit the requirements for the assignment. Also, there was a surplus of raw footage that wasn't reviewed.  I suggested the following: Cut the Monitor scenes until Scene 10, do jump cuts of the spies following the Target, Reaction shot of the Target, Cori tripping, and the scenes where the Kidnapper is hitting the Monitor. This provided a guideline on what to include in the final product.

On the six day of post-production. I was able to edit the sound. Since I am the expert in the sound, I de-attached the audio from the footage. Once I de-attached the audio, I was able to add the voice over and a sound effect that will help the final task have suspense.  I trimmed some of the other portions of the footage I've already had.

(This is me(left) writing an alternative to the Final Task while Hannah was trying to upload the raw footage.)

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