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Red Stage Curtains

Critical Reflection

This is the last, highly important, task to complete this media process. Below this section presents four different reflection questions based on the production and the production process. This is a crucial step in the analysis of the production, "Unseen".

Question 1

How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?​

My product utilizes stereotypes in character selection. I chose to make the main character of my thriller a female because females are often depicted as emotional in media texts. This stereotype is effective for my production because the scary scene requires levels of emotion to portray a scared young girl. A young girl is capable of showing these emotions through the usage of body language and facial expressions, providing the audience with a good idea of how tense the situation is.

My film addresses the issue of safety for young women by demonstrating the way that one’s home doesn't ensure safety. The portrayal of a young girl being scared also shows how young women often live in fear. These representations build a realistic film that may be relatable for certain audiences.

Question 2

​​How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?​

My product works to engage my audience through the usage of suspense that invokes emotions, such as anticipation, within the audience. The representations within the film will allow the audience to connect with the character and may build a connection between this film and others. As a real‑world media text, my product would be distributed through streaming services, such as YouTube, or utilizing synergy through the usage of collaboration and distributing within companies such as Disney+. I may also develop a website to display my product. Advertisements, such as posters and video advertisements through apps and social media, will be utilized to build publicity for my product.

Question 3

How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

My production skills were demonstrated through this project because I had to utilize a limited selection of shots, due to the fact that I had no help in the creation of this project. I had to utilize shots that stood still and couldn't use zooms. However, while this may be true, I was still able to demonstrate continuity within my video. I used match cuts to do this. My editing skills also improved significantly as I matched the motions throughout shots. To film new scenes, I had to remember specific things about the previous shot, such as which leg came first and where. I was more perceptive of which shots and which sounds I would like to utilize, such as the diegetic sounds of my movements or objects and the non‑diegetic music that came together to form a soundscape. I utilized the available ominous music to create a tense atmosphere within my scene. This production sharpened my skills in a variety of sections ranging from filming to editing.

Question 4

How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware and online – in this project?

I used my phone’s camera to film, a trusted resource, CapCut, to edit and get music for my film, Pixlr to layer images, such as my opening page that contains my company name, and Canva to create the other images, my title. Other than these apps and websites, I didn't use any other technologies to create this production.

Brown Textured Surface

Throughout my production, I was able to effectively and efficiently complete my video to its full 2‑minute duration. I learned about the process of producing a film. I sharpened my skills by practicing how to take different shots at different angles and what effect it creates. I believe that, with the proper resources, I could’ve composed a better production with better quality, but I am proud of how my film came out. My thriller incorporated many technical elements, including mise‑en‑scène, costume, acting, etc., and camera shots, wide shots, long shots, mid shots, etc., camera angles, low‑angled and high‑angled shots, and sound, diegetic movements, and non‑diegetic ominous music. Incorporating all of these factors allowed me to compose a thriller. The non‑diegetic sounds served as indicators of when the action would begin, and the diegetic sounds created realism within the media text.

Mayalice Joseph
AS Level Media Studies @Treasure Coast Highschool
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