Extract Practice Essay- Game of Thrones

In the Games of Throne extract, the theme is mystery leading to the suspense. The opening scene characters look uncertain, as their journey is portrayed through loud birds, crashing waves, and unknown sights ahead. This atmosphere changes when they reach their destination, into a meeting place. The extract ends with the characters discussing who will take the throne to be titled Lord in the upcoming war.

The first scene begins with an aerial shot of the large ship and the two characters that stood in the ship from an outer point of view. The diegetic sound intensifies as the seagulls and waves crash against each other, which implies the ship is moving forward. During this scene, the camera zooms in to the two main characters. This zoom allows the audience to examine the facial expressions and showcase their medieval costume design in formal wear. The lighting was shallow and misty as the two-shot was taken with the two men stood. They show signs of being unsure and anxious about what will come before them. These captured emotions enhance the theme, making the characters and the audience uncertain. Following this is a crane shot that portrays the vast villages and the huge, statue overwatching. The scene is ended with a jump cut to the next scene.

In the second scene the two characters that were on the voyage come to the meeting place. The location seems to be a mysterious and large, dim room. The set design inside includes a big horizontal medal table, three large chairs, and two small stone benches. As one of the main characters paces back and forth, the other is trying to reassure the other. The writer shows how uncertain the men are in medium close-up shots. Finally, three men appear, one known as the “banker”, that enter the scene. There is a moment of hesitation between the two main characters because they are questioning to trust them. This action match follows the theme of uncertainty by portraying the characters that way.

Moving on to the next scene, it begins with dialogue and shot-reverse-shots of all the characters discussing money. As the characters argue back and forth, it is still clear that the writer is presenting an uneasy atmosphere where they cannot come to a conclusion. The only “banker” speaking appears calm and collected, unlike the two main characters. This goes back to the theme because the disagreements are representing who truly wants to take the throne and prepared to be in charge. However, the main character is unbothered by their claims of who owns the right to the money and who will take the throne, to be titled as a Lord. 

Eventually, the two men become defeated by trying to argue with the banker. As the bankers are still seated, one of them is shown in a medium-long shot as he finally speaks up to create a sense of authority. This leads to the main event, where he continues to uncover his glove to show the banker. The writer added this scene to increase the tension in the situation and show the main character's pursuit of persuading. The audience witnesses a hand that had been cut or amputated down to the fingers. A reaction shot was shown of the banker, completely shocked. The writer provided this as an understanding and background to prove that he was worthy and had the greatest chance to gain the money and title.

Through everything that happened in these scenes, it shows that the director is connecting back to the theme of uncertainty that the two characters faced from the dramatic events. The main characters didn't know what the response would be from the banker, nor did the audience, but more importantly, the banker was not expecting these actions. Due to this, the main character's points were proven and even left the banker speechless. Therefore, this justifies the director's intentions of establishing the theme of uncertainty.

CCR for Opening Sequence Video

This is the CCR I did for my opening sequence film. This was done in an interview style. I got into depth about my personal journey and my improved skills. The video length is 3 minutes long for each question and I incorporated all my progress into this reflection. Each question was divided up into four parts, equal amounts because it was easier for me. It was definitely a fun and creative take on CCR’s compared to the past. Nowadays, there is a lot happening where film productions around the world have stopped, theaters have closed, etc. Thus, this is an impactful time for film history. Nonetheless, I continued to use the resources I had at home to make the best out of the situation as you will see in my CCR for the opening sequence film. I tried my best to show off my creativity. I had to use the video editing software on my computer, Windows Video Editor. The interview style is different because it has a twist from the visual incorporations. I added a lot of examples and gifs to make it more comical and fun. I also wanted it to be captured like a silent film. When something happens and then a visual is followed. The only issue was that I didn't have anyone to ask me the questions, because my parents don't speak English well and voiceovers didn't work for the editing program so I typed the questions. Believe it or not, I don't like to be recorded and have never talked to a camera for 12 minutes straight. I’ve only ever had to for AICE Global Perspectives. But it is a good way to increase that skill and learn to reach out of my comfort zone. Finally, I hope you enjoy the CCR for the opening sequence and find it informative!

Opening Sequence Video Blog

This is my opening sequence, "THE HOUSE ON 10TH AVE"! Below, I only attached the opening sequence in Google Slides. Out of all the films I created, I enjoyed this one the most and with my group, it was also the easiest to film compared to the others. Currently, there is a lot going on in the world so I wanted to do more editing on the titles. It was disappointing that we could not make the titles how I originally wanted to, because it would have added so much more to the film. But, I am still content with the outcome. I came a long way to be able to film such a project, with all my hard work and skills coming together in the end. The biggest thing for me during this film was the acting. In my previous projects, I never really had to act or follow a script. I will admit it was not entirely easy to film. The first issue we had was searching for props because many stores didn't have any scary props(it wasn't Halloween), so my group made fake scar wax and fake blood. Next, was meeting up and having to film several weekends to film(including refilming) at different locations. This is because of the weather or members of the group weren't able to film, but we figured it out by scheduling. The last issue was to change the shooting script and sound script throughout filming. Although this may happen when filming, we ended up having a completely different script, but this helped make the acting more realistic. Surprisingly, I created this horror film, but it's a genre I don't like to watch. Thus, it wasn't the easiest to be my character because I’ve never done anything like it before. Regardless, I believe it is interesting and there's an entertaining, complete storyline. Overall, this is the last of my filming journey and I would like to say it was something that has impacted me in a positive way. That being said, go ahead and watch the opening sequence and decide for yourself if it creeps you out!

Music Video & Creative Critical Reflection

This is my music video. Below, I attached the music video in Google Slides and the CCR. This was the second filming I did in AICE Media Studies. This was the second hardest film, but it was also the funniest for me. I genuinely enjoyed myself whilst filming this with my group. One disadvantage my group and I had was getting the film to match up with the audio of the music. The second disadvantage was the editing process. There were a couple of scenes that were short, so the frames stopped. Moving on, my favorite part was the matching transitions we came up with. Even though we matched the lyrics to our actions. The ending was also very fun and was only shot once. However, it was difficult to find props to help portray the lyrics and costumes. I decided to organize it. As a result, I used some items at home for props and bought matching sunglasses for all the character's costumes, except for a "birthday suit" for one of Lesly's scenes. For this project, I truly had to get out of my comfort zone. This is because the location of the music video was my house and the only person who's gone before is Nick. Everyone else in the group was just friends from school and unknown to my parents. I just asked them for permission and of course, they accepted and even helped us film. As a result, this video had a ton of retakes throughout the two days of meeting up, because of mistakes in acting or when creating the transitions.
Overall, this was a great continuation of my filming journey and the most fun!

Commercial & Creative Critical Reflection

This is my commercial blog. Below, I attached the commercial in Google Slides and wrote the CCR. This was the first filming I did in AICE Media Studies. It was the shortest film I did, it was also the hardest to actually film and edit since it was my first. It was difficult to reach the time because it was so minimal. My group and I kept going over the time requirement. Besides that, it was the first time we all got to match and show off our product together. I enjoyed working with them. But, I did have a couple of other friends help me with some filming and editing. It’s amazing to see how far I came with my acting, filming, and editing skills. I remember I had a huge interest and would be the first person to begin editing. Although it would go wrong at times, I found it fun and rewarding. Good thing I had experience from using video editing apps on my computer and phone before. However, I didn't enjoy the fact that this film took place at school. This is because I wasn’t outside of my comfort zone and I would prefer to go elsewhere. So, I had to stop being shy and participate with the group. Honestly, working with my partners was great and I'm glad I got to with one of my good friends, Lesly. Ultimately, I believe our commercial came out well. It was hard work but fun nevertheless.
Overall, I really enjoyed the beginning of my filming journey!

1. How does your product use or challenge conventions AND how does it represent social groups or issues? 
My product uses conventions in many ways. One way it uses conventions is when the characters all wear Vans clothing. This appears to the audience that the people wearing the product enjoy wearing it. Another convention I used was when one of the characters used Vans skateboard as the prop. The fact that the character knew how to skateboard and do tricks helped create the idea that people who skateboarding would like and tend to wear Vans. Using the natural light and having a bright natural background makes the atmosphere seem calm. However, that convention of calmness is challenged when the main characters fall down the stairs and declare, “I can’t do anything in these!”. My product represents all different social groups including races, ethnicities, and genders. This is showcased by having four different stereotypes: the runner, the skateboarder, and the model within the film. All these characters have different lifestyles, jobs, and roles but come together at the end of the film to help the character who fell down the stairs due to their worn-down shoes. The film embraces that not only can these stereotypical characters in Vans only be people who can wear this brand, but a runner, skateboarder, model, or anyone else can wear it. Ultimately, Vans is for everyone! The film does not discriminate, it evenly has male and female characters. My product represents the issue of having things that need to be replaced. The main character’s shoes are old and worn down to the point that you start to trip and fall, which is harmful. So, my product is advertising that you should buy new Vans shoes that are reliable for running, skateboarding, fashionable, and more.

2. How does your product engage with audiences AND how would it be distributed as a real media text?
My product engages with the audience in many ways. There is a cliffhanger in the opening scene where someone is falling down. The audience’s first reaction would be questioning if the person is okay and what they will do next. Unless they are people who find falling or getting injured humorous, then they would keep watching. Following this is a scene of someone running and skateboarding, which would catch someone’s eye if that is something they were interested in or enjoyed watching. During this, there is a voiceover who is speaking in a happy tone and is excited about talking about the company. One of the goals of this film is to make the audience feel engaged and together. The reason for this is to get the messages across that Vans are the best product for different activities, such as running, skateboarding, and modeling. I gave the company a good representation so that the audience will have thoughts of buying it. Although, “Vans” is already a popular brand and the audience will want to see how the company represents itself. The product is shown to the audience as reliable, comfortable, and trendy. There are many ways my product in this film can be disturbed as a real media text. This film would be the type of film on any social media platform. For instance, it could be a YouTube ad that targets people who like to run, skate, or model. It may also be on TV, between breaks of a show or movie. It would be your average commercial. Therefore, it would be distributed the same way any other commercial would.

3. How did your production skills develop throughout this project?
This project helped me develop so many skills related to production. At the beginning of this project, I did not know much about making a film, how to use a camera professionally, and how to edit. I had to research a lot about how the films are made and learn step by step the three main stages of production. Throughout the project, I started to learn more, so my production skills developed. I have seen a great improvement in my production skills throughout the making of my film. We had to learn a lot of editing techniques to complete this project, such as voice-overs, sound reduction, and background music cropping. Before starting this film, I knew only the basics of film production, but this project has forced me to increase my skills. In addition, I learned to work as a group and share my thoughts with my friends, be able to communicate and gain some confidence when my ideas are being noticed and developed. As of a result, my group and I edited the film together and it advanced all our production skills. The more practice, the better we will get at our production skills. The more films we create throughout this class, the more advanced we will get at creating them.

4. How did you integrate technologies- software, hardware and online- in this project?
I integrated technologies, such as software, hardware, and online throughout this project. The hardware I used was the camera to film the commercial. My whole group along with an outside friend were in the film advertising the product. One software I used was the school’s computer. On the computer, I used Pinnacle Studios to edit.  I transferred the footage from the camera to the computer and it also was what I used to edit the film into a 30-second film. Originally the amount of footage I recorded was about 5 minutes as the raw film. We recorded the same words for the voice-over multiple times so when we edit, we would have options to choose from and we would be able to see what would fit in the film. Technology was a huge part of creating this film and if it wasn’t for having technology, I wouldn’t be able to have created this film. If I used the online program that was provided on my computer, then the process of creating this film would have taken a lot longer than using the school’s computers. It was important that I was able to use a camera instead of another option like the camera on my computer or phone. Filming on my phone would not have made the video as beautiful and crisp as it turned out to be. Filming on my computer would have caused many issues such as angles, use of shots, placement, etc. Even though my phone was not used for filming it had other purposes. One of these purposes was research. I researched the conventions and the editing techniques used in commercials to advertise the product more efficiently.  Then, I decided to use my phone to watch Vans commercial in order to look for eye-grabbing techniques Vans perform in order to make the advertising of their product more appealing to the audience. I also used my phone to keep in touch with my group and contact my teachers for any help. My personal laptop was another form of technology I utilized. I used my personal laptop to view Van's commercials on the laptop. The school computers were useful but were limited. The computers gave many problems such as speed. One example of this is when I was trying to edit a scene in my commercial and the computer took several minutes to edit the scene. Another problem I faced with the school computers were crashing. For example, when I was trying to import several raw scenes into pinnacle studios, the computer shut down the pinnacle studios' application and gave an error notification. Aside from the crashing and speed, the computers were very effective in helping create my film. Without all of these forms of technology, it would not have been as convenient to create the commercial.