How did you use media technologies in the construction and research, planning and evaluation stages?

Throughout the process of our final tasks we used many different media technologies to assist us. We both agree that the help of these  technologies has played a big role in each aspect of the course and therefore helped us to create our successful final piece and without them most tasks would have proven really hard to execute. I  have learnt a lot form the following different media products and they have inspired me to sort with blogging out of school as I enjoyed it so much.

 Firstly, to record our progress and journey of construction, research, planning and evaluation, we chose to use 'Blogger". This was due to the fact that we hadn’t worked with blogs before, and this site seemed easy to use and work with. Its really interesting, and we have both taught ourselves how to use it to its advantage in the advance settings. 

Another reason that we decided to use “blogger” was because it was easy to access, meaning that we could work anywhere with Internet access, using phones, laptops and iPads. Also another really useful function that made blogger a good platform to use, is that you can also write blog posts when offline, and they can be saved as a draft , comeback and finish a draft and upload when ready and completed. This worked in our favor as it mean that when we were on busses, in the car or even just out of a Wi-Fi zone, we could both still be working on blog posts. Also we were able to add images and videos easily to the blogger without any difficultly, the simplicity  of blogger is why we choose it 

We also had to create a time plan to stick to, and creating reminders to help us keep on top of things.  We simply used the table function in PowerPoint to create our table, and we save it so that we could tick off and upload updates to the blog when each section was completed. Secondly the use of our iPhones allowed us to plan and manage our time successfully and as we were also on them, we could always check to see our progress

We were able to put dead line, reminders and to do lists into the calendar, and share them with one a other meaning that we always had a reminder of when something was due/ needed to be done. This again worked really well when it came to keeping on top of the work as we were both able to access the same calendar and update one another with what was done/needed to be done. These technologies weren’t new to us as every day phone/PowerPoint  users, but this was good as we didn't have the time to learn lots of new software so we used our knowledge of programs that we already knew.

When it came to research stage, the main two programs we used were Google, and You Tube. Two sites that we are both familiar with and therefore were able to quickly and efficiently access already existing media products to analyse. The information we found was then written into Microsoft word – before we uploaded it to the blog. This is easily accessible via laptop, and iPad and it allowed for our posts to be spell checks and corrected and edit font of our choice before they were uploaded. 

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We also used PowerPoint to present our work. This allowed for us to create attractive looking and easy to read. 

When building of our product it started to become more challenging. This was the filming stage of the project. We decided to use the Cannon 1100D, four Cannon ?? For our fashion advert to get different angles during the shoot, along with a tripod and two different lenses to allow for different perspectives and shots. These can be seen in our "what camera post" It took a lot of getting used to for both of us when it came to these, as we had never worked with the camera and all of its different settings and functions before. We used it to our advantage, as we were able to auto and manually focus, adjust and zoom, and change the lighting. We used Canon ???  To film as it was flexible when we were contently moving location. It adjusted well to every scenario and was able to pick up audio also. We use cannon ??? In our web pop and hand transition as it allowed for us to take clear and attractive shots to include in our video. We also used this camera for the web pop up photo shoot as it produced clear and detailed images which were perfect for the use we need them for, also we became so familiar with the cameras that it would have been silly to change them.

When it came to downloading and storing the videos, we used the Apple Macs in school. The media studio was our base as we soon found that once you start editing on one computer, you have to stick with the same computer for the rest of the task. This was a slight challenge as it meant that we didn't have the flexibility to edit our footage at home, however we made it work by spending extra time work in school, and our time at home to write up blog posts – this seems most effective in helping us to get everything done.

The programs we used to help us create the video product were iMovie. It was easy to use and work our way around. We became very advanced with the software as we manages to teach ourselves hour to use the “green screen”, “ken burns”, “Twin Screen” and “double shooting” and "add text" modes in iMovie to help make our video more dynamic and interesting. 

While the video creating our video, we also needed to put together the final music cuts for both short and long adverts. We used Mac’s “garage band” to do this as it allowed us to add a Christmas jiggle at the beginning of "sax and to go right into the track and cut to very precise detail. It was really difficult to use as we were very use to this software but was fun also because we were able to play with tempo pitch and volumes – we did however just cut the music as we didn't want the song to sound distorted our out of place.

After uploading the web pop up photos to the Mac, we imported them into Photoshop to edit them, but also to create the basis of our banner ad. It was a long and hard process to make pop up, however once we came up with the basic knowledge of the look we wanted and how to create that look, we became faster and better at finishing the rest. We had to change the backgrounds to different colours of each model and add in our logo, website link and "15% OFF%. Once we established were we wanted everything to go it become easier to construct.

 Photoshop also allowed to edit the  models, to get rid of blemishes but we could also give them more of a vibrant look which made them stand out in the web pop up, helping to appeal to and attract the target audience.

These newly edited images were then exported into and online program called “GIFMAKERME”. This allowed for the web pop up to be easily put together. It allowed us to chose the exact speed and time of which the pictures changed, and it was really straight forward to use meaning that we didn't have to waste any time as it was pretty easy to use. Once we made it the web pop up using this website, it was easy to download and save in the correct format that allowed for it to be accessible. However, when uploading the web-pop up to my blog it did not deem to loop and therefore not being affective. If we made a web-pop up again, we would look for an alternative gif maker software that would create a more realistic web pop-up that loops 

When it came to evaluation stages, we used  “word” to type it up. This meant that we could have it spell checked before the upload. We both created a Gmail account as well, so throughout all of the posts and evaluation, we were able to exchange files so that we both conveyed the right information. It also allowed for us to proof read each other’s work. This allowed for our blogs having a more professional finish.

Overall, the different technologies that we learnt to use have made us interested in further blogging and also learn how to use different technologies we may have not used before. We didn't really realise how much we would enjoy it, take pride in it and it has now become a new found passion for the both of us. The other technologies we used will assist us in these new hobbies as we are always going to need to upload different media element to make the blog creative, interesting and effective. The course has not only given us a newfound knowledge of blogging but has also allowed for us to work on our time management skills, which will always be useful for future work.

How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?

Our combination of main task, and both ancillary tasks, of a Web Pop Up and a Sponsorship sequence share a variety of both similar and different qualities to engage the audience and promote the brand, bringing in attraction, leading to purchase. There was a handful of key elements that  we needed to include across the three tasks in order to both promote the brand, and to stop the three products from looking mismatched.  One could argue that there are also contrasts and differences across the three tasks, however we believed that they work to their advantage and therefore assist in promotion and depicting the desired message.

Firstly, attracting our target audience was one of our main focuses across the tasks. With that being a male and female audience of all different ages from the young and to the old and mainly families, for Christmas/ winter season and have a keen interest high end  fashion and home products looking and feeling good in high end clothes for an affordable prices.

To do this, firstly, we decided to use models that appealed to the audience. 

We chose both male and female and kids, From a  bracket of all different ages, of which of all different size and shape and different race to represented the brand. We used a range  models in the home and fashion advert, and sponsorship sequence and web pop up.

We believed in all three task that it was important to have the models be diverse as we wanted everyone to be attracted to our product. Also made sure that the clothing was something that would attract them also. However everyone was also idealistic. 

We choose good looking boys that other boys would inspire to be like in suits and therefore want to buy our product to be like them.  When it came to the girls in pyjamas, we wanted them to be ideal so that girls in our target audience would want to be but also to attract our male audience. In that sense, one could say that we took upon Laura Mulvey’s “Female Gaze” theory, to an extent. 

Females could relate to her as they would idolise her, and males would find her attractive and girl next door look and therefore it would successfully engage the audience. 

Another element of which is apparent in all three products in our brand promotion. Firstly in our main advert, our logo is shown in a variety of different ways. It is evident the brand logo at the end of the adverts - of which also promotes the our website. In the sponsorship sequence, we use the same brand logo and hashtag  promotion which promotes our social media at the end of the video – however with the additional sponsor included.

And lastly, on the web pop up, our logo is visible. In each of the tasks, the logo is on screen for a fair amount of time, allowing for the target audience to take in and remember the brand. This technique of combining the three products allows for the brand itself to be promoted, and therefore links will be easily made when each form of promotion is seen, and due to consistency engaging the audience. 

Further more, as well each product using similar conventions to promote the brand, each task and product itself, promotes the other. The sponsorship sequence, shown on YouTube and on TV before popular programs will give the audience insight into the brand, and therefore they will remember it and want to see more. When the break of the TV program/clip is due, the short TV advert will play. Following on from this, the short advert may spark interest and result in the audience wanting to look online to discover the longer version. The promotion of the social media sights at the end of both adverts lead the audience to the online store, of where the Web Pop Up will flash up, promoting a 15% sale for winter clothing which therefore further draws in the audience to potential purchase and making our product attractive to them as they will be getting more for less.

The uses and gratification theory could be applied to our product. It is suggested that the theory has to:

* Identify – Being able to recognise the product, and result in aspiration.

* Educate – being able to acquire information knowledge and understanding from the product.

* Entertain – The product being consumes should be entertaining for the audience giving them enjoyment and enabling the to focus full yon the product.

* Social Interaction – For the media product to spark conversation and become topic of conversation between people (for example, celebrity gossip)

All of the above can be applied to our advert. The combination of similarities across the three tasks can allow the audience to identify the brand, and product. Again all tasks will educate the audience on the product we are promoting, and the videos also educate and let them know it is a Christmas and winter season. We believe that the products are all-entertaining, and engage the audience as much as we would like them to, and therefore due to them having a storyline, they could e watched for pleasure as well. Lastly, the product can all spark social interaction, especially the web pop up as it offers a discount of which people will tell other people about.

What have you learned from your audience feedback?

Throughout the construction of our 3 pieces of media mock up and test and final piece,we gathered  audience feedback after every piece. We decided to do this so we were able to see what our target audience enjoyed and would like to see in the final piece, as well as what they did not enjoy and could be improved in order for the final three pieces of media to be adapted to solely suit them. Therefore, after completing our final adverts, web pop up and sponsorship sequence, we decided to gain some audience feedback to therefore see how our target audience enjoyed our final products, or in some cases felt that they could be improved if we were to conduct this project for a second time. 

Beginning firstly with the final television advert 1 which we shared a joint responsibility for, working on it together throughout the entire process and splitting the roles up equally.  In the production of our final advert overall I feel it was a complete success due to the amount of research we had done before and looking at pre-existing advertisements, which allowed us to have knowledge on what our audience would be like to see, as well as the conventions that go into creating a successful product, such as editing, camera shots, backing music, voice overs(if necessary) and use of additional text. Although we received many positive comments for this piece of media, there were aspects which our audience felt could be improved upon for next time.

For example, ‘can you include even more of range models, including someone mature’  although we did not feel this would be an issue as we did in our web pop-up, our target audience felt that this could be an aspect to improve on if we were to do the project a second time round. However, we did not choose to include this because it was difficult to find that sort of model around who is always available to use, such as the younger models were. We feel that we did add and it is clearly that our product is for everyone our brand logo a large amount throughout the advert due to the sole reason that our initial research into adverts showed the logo was not shown to the audience until the end. This is done in order for the audience to continue watching the entire advert until the brand is revealed, creating suspense and also maintaining focus on the product itself. 

Although we created one, I we did not show the final logo at all. We used the typeface of our brand name at the end of each advert and sponsorship sequence. Our target audience believed our brand name was sophisticated and really should the "high end" theme we were aiming for and expressed that if we were going to do this product again that it would of been a good way to incorporate the brand name logo in the advertisements some how. They believed we should of had it on the presents (IMAGE) in the home advert, to clearly show that is where Adam purchased his gift and and would of been clear advertising. However we believed the way we presented our brand was successful and the end of both the adverts and sponsorship we clearly present our brand name in a fun and "Christmassy" way by using the sprinkle to make the font appear and also the use of the hashtag really presented us as an update brand but also clearly presented the theme of Christmas 

 Although we could have challenged this to make our advert different, we challenged the typical conventions of television adverts in other ways, therefore felt we would keep the convention camera shots and techniques which we know will be successful with our audience. 

When it came to location, when doing our mock up for our first advert, we believe London was the best place to set our advertisement. When completing the mock up and talking to our audience we discovered that it wasn't the best idea for us. We found filming in London with the ideas we had rather difficult and didn't show the story we clearly wanted to show. Our audience agreed and srs

Moving on to the sponsorship sequence, taking all of the initial feedback into account, the final IMAGE

product was created based on what the audience enjoyed most about the advert. Some feedback received included how our we included who were supposing into our advert and the contentions were clear. It was also said that it was short like a usually sponsorship sequence usually is and was fun and fit the show we were sponsoring which was Britain's Got Talent nicely. In addition to this, we included a voice over, which spoke over at the end of the backing track of the product. This was used in order for some of the text written down on the advert, to be spoken aloud. The effect of this was so the audience remembered certain things from our advert, such as who we are and who we are sponsoring. After gaining feedback from our piece, we discovered that this worked very well, with our target market feeling that ‘the voice over is easy to hear’, is ‘effective’ and ‘works successfully’ and the use of the male voice which seemed to be liked most when we got feedback on all the simple voiceover and worked well within our sponsorship sequence.

Similarly to our sponsorship sequence, our web pop up was effective due to the research into the creation of web pop ups themselves, and what programmes we could use to create a successful final product. Through our initial research our main focuses were to test out a range of different camera angle which will focus mainly on the clothing being sold, alongside different poses the models could do in order to create an eye-catching final product. Additionally we learnt how to use the software which is used to edit the pictures themselves, and the software used in the production of the final product into a web pop-up. We felt this was necessary in order for us to create a successful and realistic web pop up, which could be found on an internet platform. Audience feedback from our final product was hugely successful, revealing that we had a ‘large range of model poses and a range of models to show you are aiming at a wider audience' which attracted the interest of the audience, coupled with an ‘eye catching speed’ and 'clearly showed the jacket being showed' in which the images moved within the product. 

Overall, we were pleased with the feedback we received, both positive and constructive. The positive allowed us to know what worked well, whilst the constructive giving us insight into what could possibly be changed if we were to do this project again. 

An advantage of audience feedback allows the people creating to connect with the people they are aiming to appeal to in order for the product to be the most successful it can be. We wouldn’t say there are many negatives to audience feedback because without it, successful decisions may not be made. However we would say that media products already released can influence your opinions more than your target audience in certain aspects, such as camera angles, lighting and story lines. Therefore although ideas from professional adverts does help the opinion of your target audience is the most important aspect as you clearly know what appeal to them. 

Throughout this process we have learnt that the opinion of the audience is the most important aspect of the project, and without their feedback some of the successful decisions made in the final products may not have been done, likewise the improvements on certain aspects may not have been done. Additionally planning and trying to stick to a time plan is crucial in the completion of your final product, because if you run over your time scale on certain aspects, you run out of time on others which can be just as important. Another crucial aspect is initial and continual research into your products throughout the whole process. This allows you to see what conventions you can add to as well as challenge to make your products different and unique. Research also allows you to see the most up to date products, and was is currently being released which your target audience may enjoy. 

In what ways does your media product use, develop and challenge conventions of real media products?

Throughout the production of our final television advert, Emily and I completed different research tasks in order to gather information on the typical conventions the public and our target audience would want to see in order for it to have a successful campaign.

One aspect we tried to use conventional camera shots. For example using close ups on particular body movements we wanted to enhance, for example The boys in suits, when they pose to sure their clothing, we used a wide shot to show all the clothing clearly. Additionally we also used close up in order to show emotion, for example, in the Home advert, Keria's face when the doorbell rings, to bring a more personal feel and also to keep the audience engaged. Other conventional shots we used were, Establishing shot; this was used at the beginning of our television advert in order to introduce the setting through the train and also showing the house to show where Adam was heading and to help the audience know what is going on. We believe this was a successful us of establishing shot because it did not only create a recognisable and relatable setting for the

additionally we used eye level shot. This was done so the audience could see the models in the advert as you would see them in real life. We balanced this shot with mid shot in order to promote the clothing, at the same time as allowing the audience to form a connection with the models themselves.

However we also challenges convention as we used in our Fashion advert, a unnatural setting. We used a photo studio, which is clearly seen in the advert. We believed that even After researching a range of television adverts, that using outside setting were typical settings seen in most clothing adverts. For example M&S  use natural landscape and outside settings to help promote their brand, whether that to promote the time of year, or the theme of a collection they are releasing. We thought we would use indoor settings, in a studio to break conventions and it was also easier to get all our models to that location. Also we the props such as fake snow, confetti and feathers, it was easier to use these indoor, in the studio rather than outside. We believe it is still an successful advert and real shows to the audience what we are selling and still has the elements of fun and exciting that pre-existing Christmas advert present.

As well as this, we used well known, current backing music in order to further promote our brand. In our final product we decided to use ‘Sax ’ by Flur East, which currently has been in the charts for many weeks and when we talked to our target audience, so popular and known by all no matter age, gender or race. Therefore it made sense to use a song that is recognisable and would allow our target audience to associate that song with our brand whenever they hear it.

For our home advert, we used a very update pop song, 'One Call Away' by Charlie Puth. This song was no as well known but still a hit with our target audience and as they told us the lyrics matched the storyline of our advert. Also when looking at pre-existing adverts, we saw they used not well known songs which go on to be big due to the advertisement campaign. Therefore we believe it was a good song of choose.

We also tried to break conventions when choosing our models. Looking at pre-existing advertisements, we saw usually white, middle class, idealistic to society models were used and didn't particularly present people of colour, different sizes and age, ect.Therefore we decided to choose a different range of models from young to mature and from all different ethic backgrounds to really attract our audience as we were aiming to a whole range of people and our product was for everyone.

As well as developing and using the typical conventions, we also challenged them in order to make 

our television advert stand out. We challenged convention through the timing of our media product. We created a ? second and a ? second advert. Both adverts did run over the convention time of an normal advertisement but not by a lot but still had all the necessary information and quality of existing advertisements.

However although our research suggested the majority of television adverts lasted at around 30 seconds, we challenged this by creating a 45 second version. Our ran over, however when look at Christmas adverts in particular, they were longer than your everyday adverts you will see any other time of the year. We believe that advertisements during Christmas are big factor of the countdown to Christmas and everyone is interested to see the new Christmas advert for year by M&S and John Lewis for example. Therefore they usually are a bit longer than normal, 

An additional convention that we decided to feature in our adverts was to add in an # and tag line to be featuring at the end of our advert. As social media is a big part of how people converse and big way businesses stay in touch with their target audience, attract other audiences and promote their product. Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are platforms that are used to do so. The use of a hashtag can make your product/business trend on this social media sites and get people more aware about you. We used the hashtag, which matched the theme of Christmas and was also very catchy and easy to remember. When looking at pre-existing advertisements such as Marks and Spencer, we saw that they used the same technique, which we saw as an affective way of advertisement.

Final Sponsorship Sequences

This is our sponsorship sequence, we sponsor Britain’s Got Talent, therefore we have a variety of groups doing different tricks and talents.  We clearly followed our storyboard and kept the same music as our fashion advert.