Here is the link to the Prezi I made for my Tarot Card Presentation, enjoy:
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Evaluation - Improvements and Developments
After creating my final piece, I am quite happy with the results considering the limited amount of time I had to create it. Looking at improvements and developments, I think it would have been a nice idea to have the image for each tarot card faded behind the QR code. Often what's so interesting about tarot cards is the beautiful and unique picture for each card and through my modernization of the cards, I've lost that quality and so by still keeping it in but making the focus the QR code I think it would have helped to improve my version of tarot cards.
I also would have liked to have made the videos more professional with actual actors and better locations, due to only having 4 days to complete the new idea I did not have the time to cast actors or recce locations which is a shame because it could have really improved the quality of my videos. It would have also made filming easier as it was rather difficult trying to both film and star in my videos.
I like the way my cards look, I tried to keep with an antique style whilst still making them my own and I like what I created, though I could have came up with a better name than 'Gemma's Tarot Cards'.
As for my videos, overall I think they look good, I could have done with better lighting but It was difficult trying to light a scene I was meant to star in and get the light on my face right. I think the video for Justice could have been better, my friends from class didn't have much time and so it was quite rushed and filmed in one take. I would have liked to have filmed from different shots/angles and maybe had more action going on. But other than this I am pleased with my films, especially The Empress, I like the look and feel of that film.
As for The Lovers, I don't particularly like that moving piece, I created it quickly to show what else could be done with QR codes but I didn't have my own image to use and i'm not very confident with After Effects and so I don't think that video came across professional at all. This is similar to The Fool, I used this card as a still image to show another QR style and as The Fool is all about Folly I tried to take a daft picture, which I don't like. I think a more professional picture would have worked much better
The Star is an idea that I really like, it again didn't come across that well due to my lack of time, basic knowledge of After Effects but I like what I was going for and as a prototype of what could be created I think it shows that well.
I like the way my cards look, I tried to keep with an antique style whilst still making them my own and I like what I created, though I could have came up with a better name than 'Gemma's Tarot Cards'.
As for my videos, overall I think they look good, I could have done with better lighting but It was difficult trying to light a scene I was meant to star in and get the light on my face right. I think the video for Justice could have been better, my friends from class didn't have much time and so it was quite rushed and filmed in one take. I would have liked to have filmed from different shots/angles and maybe had more action going on. But other than this I am pleased with my films, especially The Empress, I like the look and feel of that film.
As for The Lovers, I don't particularly like that moving piece, I created it quickly to show what else could be done with QR codes but I didn't have my own image to use and i'm not very confident with After Effects and so I don't think that video came across professional at all. This is similar to The Fool, I used this card as a still image to show another QR style and as The Fool is all about Folly I tried to take a daft picture, which I don't like. I think a more professional picture would have worked much better
The Star is an idea that I really like, it again didn't come across that well due to my lack of time, basic knowledge of After Effects but I like what I was going for and as a prototype of what could be created I think it shows that well.
As for developments there are a lot of different ways this could go, the obvious development is to create a QR Code video for all 22 major arcana cards, but there is also the opportunity to have each video show a short symbolic video for each of the four representations a tarot card has, or even the option of a card displaying four different QR codes, and each code representing one of the actions. I quite like that idea for the fact that tarot cards are often used in readings which are all about your choice and how what you choose is representative of an aspect of your life, and therefore whatever action to chose to look at first could be seen as 'fate'.
Whilst researching, I discovered different cards reinforce and oppose each other, it would be interesting to find a way to convey this with the QR codes, to see whether cards to pick in a reading link together or not.
As well as this there is the possibility for the cards to become part of an interactive tarot card reading website, in which you can click on a card on the screen and scan it to reveal which card you have chosen and what it means, this would take the interactive aspect of my project to the next step, cutting out the need for a 'middle man' in terms of a person laying out the cards for you and explaining them at a reading.
While there are improvements and developments I could look at, just like any project, overall I am happy with what I have created. I have taken an old fashioned concept and brought it into the modern technological era.
Monday, 11 November 2013
Creative Media Practice - Videos
And just in case you don't want to scan the codes, here are the videos I created.
Death
The Devil
Justice
The Empress
The Lovers
Death
The Devil
Justice
The Empress
The Lovers
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Creative Media Practice - Filming and Creating
Due to the amount of time I had, I did not have time to find actors and a location and therefore The Devil and Death were filmed by myself in my home and starring me. Whilst Justice was filmed in university with class mates, the only film I was able to get a location and actress for was The Empress in which my friend said she could help me out. Whilst it was a shame I couldn't find better locations and use actors I still think it came across rather well.
When filming Death, I wanted to show an ending whilst not showing an actual death and being very literal, I liked the idea of one door closing and another opening but as this was the Death card I still wanted it to have a creepy feel and so I decided to have death knock on the door, I wanted it look symbolic of death and I think that worked quiet well, dressed like a black widow with a black rose.
For the Devil I was focusing on materialism and I thought a good way to represent this would be to show a very self absorbed person, in today's world I felt a good way to represent this would be through a girl getting ready in a mirror, pouting and basically loving how she looks. Therefore focusing on how she looks and not who she is, I brought this up to date by taking a 'selfie' to upload to Instragram.
With Justice, I wanted to show two people arguing over something and someone else stepping in, showing them that they didn't need to fight and could settle their differences. It was all about doing what is right and seeing both sides but insisting on fairness.
The Empress was all about nature and so I had someone looking 'at one with nature' picking up a flower and connecting with a tree, again this was a very symbolic video and it's the video I like the most.
For The Lovers I decided to find a picture (as I didn't have one I could use) and have it move across the screen with music to give a basic idea of the theme and what could be done. This is a very simple prototype for what could be created.
For The star, I found a GIF of a shooting star and added on text through After Effects to again show the kind of thing that could be done.
Those are the ideas for the videos, with the other QR codes they were a simple case of creating a text or speaking QR Code.
Once I had created everything I choose to edit mainly in Adobe Premier Pro as I feel confindent using this software but I also needed to use After Effects when it came to creating The Star and finally Photoshop for the actual Tarot Cards.
When filming Death, I wanted to show an ending whilst not showing an actual death and being very literal, I liked the idea of one door closing and another opening but as this was the Death card I still wanted it to have a creepy feel and so I decided to have death knock on the door, I wanted it look symbolic of death and I think that worked quiet well, dressed like a black widow with a black rose.
For the Devil I was focusing on materialism and I thought a good way to represent this would be to show a very self absorbed person, in today's world I felt a good way to represent this would be through a girl getting ready in a mirror, pouting and basically loving how she looks. Therefore focusing on how she looks and not who she is, I brought this up to date by taking a 'selfie' to upload to Instragram.
With Justice, I wanted to show two people arguing over something and someone else stepping in, showing them that they didn't need to fight and could settle their differences. It was all about doing what is right and seeing both sides but insisting on fairness.
The Empress was all about nature and so I had someone looking 'at one with nature' picking up a flower and connecting with a tree, again this was a very symbolic video and it's the video I like the most.
For The Lovers I decided to find a picture (as I didn't have one I could use) and have it move across the screen with music to give a basic idea of the theme and what could be done. This is a very simple prototype for what could be created.
For The star, I found a GIF of a shooting star and added on text through After Effects to again show the kind of thing that could be done.
Those are the ideas for the videos, with the other QR codes they were a simple case of creating a text or speaking QR Code.
Once I had created everything I choose to edit mainly in Adobe Premier Pro as I feel confindent using this software but I also needed to use After Effects when it came to creating The Star and finally Photoshop for the actual Tarot Cards.
Tarot Card Research and Finalised Idea
I have discovered there are a total of 78 tarot cards, 22 of which are called the 'Major Arcana' and depict principles, concepts and ideals in reference to big events in life, whilst the other 56 are referred to as the 'Minor Arcana' and link to the major arcana, they makeup four suits - wants, swords, cups and circles/pentacles. The minor aracana represent the more minor practices of daily life.
Some websites about tarot cards:
Some websites about tarot cards:
- http://www.learntarot.com/cards.htm
- http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/extrasensory-perceptions/tarot-card1.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot
- http://www.holisticshop.co.uk/articles/beginners-guide-tarot
As 56 is a lot of cards, I plan on focusing on the Major Arcana, especially as these are the main cards in tarot readings. My next step will be to narrow the 22 down to cards I can create for my project, I want to chose subjects that will not only be easy for me to create but will also be interesting to look at.
These are the 22 cards, each card has 4 different actions, for instance this is the information on The Hanged Man. There are four different actions to allow for different interpretations.
After looking at each card and their actions, I have decided to create the following:
After looking at each card and their actions, I have decided to create the following:
- A video for Death showing the representation of bringing something to a close
- A video for The Devil showing a representation of materialism
- A video for The Empress showing a representation of nature
- A video for Justice showing a representation of respecting justice
In addition to this, to show what else is possible which QR codes I have decided to create these:
- A moving image of The Lovers
- An animation of The Star
- A speaking QR of The Sun and The Hanged Man
- Text of The Hierophant
- An image of The Fool
Monday, 4 November 2013
Creative Media - Change of Idea
Unfortunately I did not have enough time to create one of the ideas I had came up with. While I could still create one of the split screen ideas, with the limited time I have, it would not be up to a standard I would be happy with for final year and so I have decided to change my idea (again). I think creating something with QR Codes would be the easiest for me to do in this limited time.
I like the idea of taking an old age practice, that hasn't changed how it functions and bringing in into the modern century. My first idea was scratch cards and replacing the 'scratch' with a scan-able QR code to find out if you have won or not. Whilst I like this idea it is too simple for this project, but this idea led me onto tarot cards.
Tarot cards have been around since the 15th century and haven't really changed in all that time, they still look the same and do the same thing. I want to take this old practice and bring it into the modern technological era by replacing the still image on each card with a QR code. There is the opportunity to do a multitude of things such as videos, moving image, text, voice. It could be a really interesting and different way to interact with the cards but first I will need to research more into tarot cards.
Because of the limited time I have, what I create will be viewed as a prototype of what could be created.
I like the idea of taking an old age practice, that hasn't changed how it functions and bringing in into the modern century. My first idea was scratch cards and replacing the 'scratch' with a scan-able QR code to find out if you have won or not. Whilst I like this idea it is too simple for this project, but this idea led me onto tarot cards.
Tarot cards have been around since the 15th century and haven't really changed in all that time, they still look the same and do the same thing. I want to take this old practice and bring it into the modern technological era by replacing the still image on each card with a QR code. There is the opportunity to do a multitude of things such as videos, moving image, text, voice. It could be a really interesting and different way to interact with the cards but first I will need to research more into tarot cards.
Because of the limited time I have, what I create will be viewed as a prototype of what could be created.
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Creative Media Practice Ideas
After looking at split screens online, I have narrowed myself down to two ideas I could possibly create.
One idea focuses on the repetitiveness of live. From the start of the day to the end, everyone goes through mainly the same daily routine and yet strives to be different, I want to capture the repetitiveness through my split screen. I would start with one screen and build to multiple before finally ending back on one. The repetitive cycle I have identified involves:
http://www.businessinsider.com/i-forgot-my-phone-movie-2013-8
My next step is to decide what idea will be easier for me to create in the space of time.
One idea focuses on the repetitiveness of live. From the start of the day to the end, everyone goes through mainly the same daily routine and yet strives to be different, I want to capture the repetitiveness through my split screen. I would start with one screen and build to multiple before finally ending back on one. The repetitive cycle I have identified involves:
- Alarm going off
- Shower
- Coffee/Breakfast
- Journey to work/Uni
- Work
- Lunch/Coffee
- Work
- Journey Home
- Tea
- Evening TV
- Bed
http://www.businessinsider.com/i-forgot-my-phone-movie-2013-8
My next step is to decide what idea will be easier for me to create in the space of time.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Creative Media Practice - Project Ideas
For my individual artifact I want to create a project using Split Screen. The Split Screen project I previously created for this module was something I really enjoyed, creating the autumn theme was my favourite mini brief and I wish I'd had the time to finish it. And so with that in mind, I want to create another Spilt Screen short film.
In order to create an idea, I first need to research Split Screen projects already created. The first one I found is a film called 'Symmetry' from Everynone. I like the theme of this, that the two screens contrast each other, it works really well. What I liike most about this video is the layout, I think the black border and rounded edges gives the film a modern and sleek look. This is how I want my film to look.
Another Split Screen video I like is 'A Love Story', it follows a similar style to the video above.
I like the contrast idea of a split screen, and want my final piece to incorporate this theme, I like the idea of showing a day in the life from the perspective of someone considered 'rich' and someone seen as 'poor'. However while researching I came across this exact idea.
In order to create an idea, I first need to research Split Screen projects already created. The first one I found is a film called 'Symmetry' from Everynone. I like the theme of this, that the two screens contrast each other, it works really well. What I liike most about this video is the layout, I think the black border and rounded edges gives the film a modern and sleek look. This is how I want my film to look.
Another Split Screen video I like is 'A Love Story', it follows a similar style to the video above.
I like the contrast idea of a split screen, and want my final piece to incorporate this theme, I like the idea of showing a day in the life from the perspective of someone considered 'rich' and someone seen as 'poor'. However while researching I came across this exact idea.
I don't want to copy this idea so I need to continue to think of another story.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
YouTube Annotations - Do You Want To Party?
We filmed our video on a night out and cut it up in editing through Adobe Premier Pro, before finally adding the annotations to link the video together in YouTube. Our narrative follows a girl being asked to go to party, which leads to the audiences first decision - To go out or not.
Looking back at our work for the interactive video, I really like the idea of warning people away from the dangers of drugs and spiked drinks, I think using an interactive video is a nice way to show this, as it gets the audience involved and shows them the consequences that could happen to them if they had to make these decisions. Having said this, I would have liked the film to have a more serious feel to it, considering it is quite a serious message.
In regards to the presentation of the annotations, I would have liked them to have look neater and more professional, however we didn't have much time to edit, especially as YouTube kept playing up and showing errors.
Clicking 'No' will take you to a simple end video of the girl enjoying time at home; While clicking yes will lead you to the party.
Whilst at the party you will be faced with the next decision, take drugs or say no. Saying 'Yes' to the drugs, will lead you to the next video where they unfortunately kill you and you are asked to 'Try Again'. However say 'No' to drugs and you survive... Onto the next challenge.
Your next challenge is whether to drink from a random drink you find or not. Clicking 'Yes' will once again lead to your death from a spiked drink. While clicking 'No' will prove a good choice and you will survive the party.. Apart from the hangover!
Looking back at our work for the interactive video, I really like the idea of warning people away from the dangers of drugs and spiked drinks, I think using an interactive video is a nice way to show this, as it gets the audience involved and shows them the consequences that could happen to them if they had to make these decisions. Having said this, I would have liked the film to have a more serious feel to it, considering it is quite a serious message.
In regards to the presentation of the annotations, I would have liked them to have look neater and more professional, however we didn't have much time to edit, especially as YouTube kept playing up and showing errors.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Creative Media Practice - YouTube Annotations
For our final mini brief we are to create an interactive video using YouTube Annotations. Interactive videos are something I actually watch and enjoy. I especially like campaign videos such as this one by the Metropolitan Police, in which they highlight the dangers of turning to gun and knife crime and encourage people to step away from that way of life.
Another interactive video I find interesting is 'Howard Glitch'. It's a game played across YouTube in which you must figure out how to help people escape a doomed spaceship.
With this in mind, we want to create an interactive video in which you are presented with dangers of going to a party and must escape alive. The two dangers we want to address are drugs and unattended drinks, as these can be two of the biggest dangers when at a party.
Another interactive video I find interesting is 'Howard Glitch'. It's a game played across YouTube in which you must figure out how to help people escape a doomed spaceship.
With this in mind, we want to create an interactive video in which you are presented with dangers of going to a party and must escape alive. The two dangers we want to address are drugs and unattended drinks, as these can be two of the biggest dangers when at a party.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Creative Media Practice - Isadora
Through this module, we were introduced to the software 'Isadora', described by the developers as 'as limitless as your imagination', it allows for realtime interaction within media. And I must be honest, I hated this software, it wasn't for me at all. I didn't like the way it was designed or work but nevertheless I gave it a go.
Our brief was to create a short, interactive narrative for users to be guided through, and as Halloween is coming up, it had to have a spooky theme! In teams we first had to come up with an idea, and our group based ours around the film Psycho... To be more specific, The Bates Motel.
We started with this image and developed our story from here. From this we created the narrative, we wanted the user to be guided from this image into the house.. To the famous shower scene.
Our narrative structure started with the user being asked to walk up to the house, We wanted the noise of someone walking to trigger the sound of footsteps on the screen and use that to jump to the next scene.
We also wanted the bonus material of hearing a woman scream if you hoovered the mouse of the woman in the window of the image.
Once someone created the sound of footsteps we decided the image should jump to a front door were you are asked to knock using the space bar. The trigger of tapping the space bar 3 times would start the sound of knocking followed by the creak of a door opening weere you would move on to the image of a corridor.
From the corridor, we decided that the user would need to select a door, hoovering the mouse over the door would open it... to reveal the shower scene!
The narrative is pretty simple, but we wanted to keep it that way; mainly because we were using a new piece of software that we weren't sure how to use and therefore didn't want to over complicate things and make it harder for us to create.
Our next step was to gather all the material, we decided we would need:
Our brief was to create a short, interactive narrative for users to be guided through, and as Halloween is coming up, it had to have a spooky theme! In teams we first had to come up with an idea, and our group based ours around the film Psycho... To be more specific, The Bates Motel.
We started with this image and developed our story from here. From this we created the narrative, we wanted the user to be guided from this image into the house.. To the famous shower scene.
Our narrative structure started with the user being asked to walk up to the house, We wanted the noise of someone walking to trigger the sound of footsteps on the screen and use that to jump to the next scene.
We also wanted the bonus material of hearing a woman scream if you hoovered the mouse of the woman in the window of the image.
Once someone created the sound of footsteps we decided the image should jump to a front door were you are asked to knock using the space bar. The trigger of tapping the space bar 3 times would start the sound of knocking followed by the creak of a door opening weere you would move on to the image of a corridor.
From the corridor, we decided that the user would need to select a door, hoovering the mouse over the door would open it... to reveal the shower scene!
The narrative is pretty simple, but we wanted to keep it that way; mainly because we were using a new piece of software that we weren't sure how to use and therefore didn't want to over complicate things and make it harder for us to create.
Our next step was to gather all the material, we decided we would need:
- The Psycho shower scene footage
- Sound of Footsteps
- Sound of Knocking
- Sound of a creaking door
- A woman screaming
- An image of a corridor
- Atmosphere sound - Spooky/Wind Howling/Thunder
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
QR Photo Album
Unfortunately I don't have the finished photo album as it wasn't a desktop artifact, however I do have the QR Codes we created.
QR Code for the Birth Memory. Takes you to Google Map of the hospital.
Two codes for the first kiss, linking you to a photo of their first kiss and a song that reminds them of the kiss.
QR Code of the couple in retirement.
Two codes for the first kiss, linking you to a photo of their first kiss and a song that reminds them of the kiss.
QR Code of the couple in retirement.
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Creative Media Practice - QR Codes
Our Idea for a QR Code narrative was to take the old fashioned idea of a photo album, and update it with new media. Instead of having a bulky album full of artifacts from different memories, we decided to compress it and turn each memory into a code. For instance, the memory of your wedding; rather than a photo... A QR code that would link you to the wedding video you had uploaded to YouTube, so you could relive the memory again at the click of a button.
Our first step was to identify 5 key life events to use.. We chose:
Our first step was to identify 5 key life events to use.. We chose:
- Birth
- First Kiss
- Wedding
- First Child
- Retirement
We felt like these 5 aspects could encompass someones whole life. As we didn't have long to create this project, we took all the components from the internet.
For the birth, we had a QR Code that linked to a Google Map of the hospital our character (Elizabeth Parker) was born in.
For the first kiss, a QR Code that linked to a photo of their kiss, while another linked to a song that reminded them of that time.
For the Wedding, a code that took the scanner to the wedding video, uploaded onto YouTube; and another code that spoke the vows the couple took.
Scanning the QR code for the first child would bring up the calender event of the due date, with another code linking to the ultrasound scan.
Finally for the retirement code, a video of the the couple in retirement.
We felt that this was a nice idea, photo albums are nowadays seen as old fashioned. Most people upload photos to a social site or keep them in a virtual photo album on their computer. We liked the idea of bringing back this old fashioned style archive but updating it to fit into modern life and I personally think it's a nice idea.
We felt that this was a nice idea, photo albums are nowadays seen as old fashioned. Most people upload photos to a social site or keep them in a virtual photo album on their computer. We liked the idea of bringing back this old fashioned style archive but updating it to fit into modern life and I personally think it's a nice idea.
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Autumn Triptych
To create our Autumn triptych, we filmed in St John's gardens and near Becca's home in Childwall. From the list of images we created we knew the type of shots we wanted to get, and filmed when we found things that were relevant.
Here's the finished (sort of) product:
You can see the basic concept of what we were trying to achieve in the above piece, unfortunately we didn't have enough edit time to make it properly and so what we created is a sort of demo for what the finished piece would have looked like.
Had we had the time, I would have liked to put in the audio from the videos, we had some good, clear sound of crunching leaves and the rain. It would have been nice to use these over the audio track to enhance the visual. While as for the audio track, we only had the last few minutes to add it on, hence it doesn't end properly, so I would have liked the time to add this in properly.
With the triptych layout, we hastily arranged it how we wanted it to be, but we didn't have the time to align the frames correctly, which would have made it look a lot neater and polished.
You can tell from watching the finished piece, we also didn't have enough time to use all of the footage we collected.. or to end it properly, which I think is a shame, because I really enjoyed making this mini film.
Here's the finished (sort of) product:
You can see the basic concept of what we were trying to achieve in the above piece, unfortunately we didn't have enough edit time to make it properly and so what we created is a sort of demo for what the finished piece would have looked like.
Had we had the time, I would have liked to put in the audio from the videos, we had some good, clear sound of crunching leaves and the rain. It would have been nice to use these over the audio track to enhance the visual. While as for the audio track, we only had the last few minutes to add it on, hence it doesn't end properly, so I would have liked the time to add this in properly.
With the triptych layout, we hastily arranged it how we wanted it to be, but we didn't have the time to align the frames correctly, which would have made it look a lot neater and polished.
You can tell from watching the finished piece, we also didn't have enough time to use all of the footage we collected.. or to end it properly, which I think is a shame, because I really enjoyed making this mini film.
Creative Media Practice - Triptych
For our first mini project in Creative Media Practice we were asked to create a triptych/split screen within a small group. We were asked to create a narrative or themed montage.
Working with Becca and Elicia, we came up with a concept based on the theme Autumn. I love the colours of Autumn with orange being extremely prominent through leaves, pumpkins and fires and felt that visually, it would be interesting to look at. The first thing we did was come up with a list of all the things we associated with the season.
This list consisted of:
Working with Becca and Elicia, we came up with a concept based on the theme Autumn. I love the colours of Autumn with orange being extremely prominent through leaves, pumpkins and fires and felt that visually, it would be interesting to look at. The first thing we did was come up with a list of all the things we associated with the season.
This list consisted of:
- Fallen Leaves
- Conkers
- Coffee (Pumpkin Spice special)
- Halloween
- Bonfire Night
- Hats/Scarfs
- Rain/Umbrellas
- Fire/Candles
Next we focused on sounds associated with these images:
- Crackling Fire
- Crunchy Leaves
- Blowing Coffee
- Rain Pounding.
Finally we chose a song for a backing track, and felt 'Ed Sheeran - Autumn Leaves' would be a perfect fit.
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Dissertation
So today I had my first lecture about dissertation. When I first started uni, I was BEYOND petrified by the thought of writing 8,000 words.. Now it's come to that time and while I'm still quite worried, I'm also slightly excited. Not only does it signal that my time in education is coming to an end, but it's also time for me to go out and find a job that I'd love to do. What excites me the most about writing the dissertation is the fact I get to write about something that interest me, which means I'm more more likely to focus on the task.
Since last year I've had an interest in formats and how they've taken over our TV's but in particular Reality Television. It's now a massive part of our lives and because of this, I've decided for my dissertation I want to look at Reality TV and how it has changed societies values. I think this will be a really good topic to cover, due to it's popularity, I'm sure there will be countless material on the matter but also because it's become such a big phenomena being able to discuss this subject in detail should hopefully help me with future job prospects!
For the present however, it's time to get reading...
Since last year I've had an interest in formats and how they've taken over our TV's but in particular Reality Television. It's now a massive part of our lives and because of this, I've decided for my dissertation I want to look at Reality TV and how it has changed societies values. I think this will be a really good topic to cover, due to it's popularity, I'm sure there will be countless material on the matter but also because it's become such a big phenomena being able to discuss this subject in detail should hopefully help me with future job prospects!
For the present however, it's time to get reading...
Monday, 30 September 2013
Final Year!
It's back to university for the final time, and I'm slightly excited for it.. If not slightly nervous. After 16 years in education, I feel it's finally time to leave and enter the adult world... I just have to get through a dissertation first!
While the prospect of writing 8,000 words terrifies me, I am excited to be able to write about something that interests me and I'm hoping that will help me to focus more.
This year involves a lot of self directed study which I feel is both a good and bad thing. I enjoy the fact I can focus on pieces of work when I want to and can structure my learning myself, however it will take a lot of motivation to actually get me to focus on work... I procrastinate quite a bit, especially when it comes to starting something new. But with so much work to do this year, I need to get myself motivated and keep ahead of the work, otherwise it'll all crush me! I'm hoping to create a sort of timetable for myself, to set myself deadlines so I don't leave everything to the last minute.. But we'll see how that goes.
We have 4 main projects this year:
As I didn't complete a work placement over the summer, I instead do a module called 'Independent Study' in which I analyse and evaluate a company in 4,000 words (I also complete the World of Word Skills Certificate within this!)
There's also Creative Media Practice, creating a novel narrative media project and analysing my work via this blog.
I also have to work on a Production Project and create a 10 minute media artifact (I'm thinking something involving TV Studio, but I need to sit down and think of ideas)
And finally the dreaded 8,000 word dissertation.
So while I stress trying to get all this done in less than 7 months, Please enjoy my blog posts where i'll try to update you with the progress of my work... And not just stress out about it :)
While the prospect of writing 8,000 words terrifies me, I am excited to be able to write about something that interests me and I'm hoping that will help me to focus more.
This year involves a lot of self directed study which I feel is both a good and bad thing. I enjoy the fact I can focus on pieces of work when I want to and can structure my learning myself, however it will take a lot of motivation to actually get me to focus on work... I procrastinate quite a bit, especially when it comes to starting something new. But with so much work to do this year, I need to get myself motivated and keep ahead of the work, otherwise it'll all crush me! I'm hoping to create a sort of timetable for myself, to set myself deadlines so I don't leave everything to the last minute.. But we'll see how that goes.
We have 4 main projects this year:
As I didn't complete a work placement over the summer, I instead do a module called 'Independent Study' in which I analyse and evaluate a company in 4,000 words (I also complete the World of Word Skills Certificate within this!)
There's also Creative Media Practice, creating a novel narrative media project and analysing my work via this blog.
I also have to work on a Production Project and create a 10 minute media artifact (I'm thinking something involving TV Studio, but I need to sit down and think of ideas)
And finally the dreaded 8,000 word dissertation.
So while I stress trying to get all this done in less than 7 months, Please enjoy my blog posts where i'll try to update you with the progress of my work... And not just stress out about it :)
Friday, 8 March 2013
Applied Media Research Reflection
Looking back on this module, I think it's been the one I've struggled the most with.. Mostly because I am not a fan of research. But I do understand the importance of it, and I'm glad I was able to develop my skills through this module, so that I can feel confident in my future job if i'm asked to do such a thing again. However for now I don't want to see the word research for a long time!
I've also been looking back on my blog, for some reason this year I wasn't as motivated to write about what was going on in my degree as I was last year, maybe because there hasn't been as much going on.. I feel like I've hardly been in uni this year! But that has motivated me to find things to occupy my time with, mainly some media experience. So fingers crossed I can use my research skills to find some experience!
I've also been looking back on my blog, for some reason this year I wasn't as motivated to write about what was going on in my degree as I was last year, maybe because there hasn't been as much going on.. I feel like I've hardly been in uni this year! But that has motivated me to find things to occupy my time with, mainly some media experience. So fingers crossed I can use my research skills to find some experience!
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Convergence Media Teamwork
What we need to create:
Missing posters
Tweets about missing girl/Facebook shares of the link
News Report
Tweets about missing girl/Facebook shares of the link
News Report
Instagram accounts to show the symbol
Facebook account - The girls profile
Twitter account – The detective tweeting as he figures out what is going on
Youtube video?
Google Maps – Maps everywhere she visits
Painting of ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’
Website – Base for all the information
App?
Facebook account - The girls profile
Twitter account – The detective tweeting as he figures out what is going on
Youtube video?
Google Maps – Maps everywhere she visits
Painting of ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’
Website – Base for all the information
App?
I'm sure there is more but that's all I can think of at the moment.. Still, lots to do!
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Convergence Media Teamwork
In our final assignment of the year, we've been asked to get into groups of 3 and create either a Transmedia story or an Activism Campaign. I'm working with Becca and Elicia, and we decided on a Transmedia Story, we felt it would be more fun to create something. We'r still in the creative process, though the basic story is that a girl goes missing and a detective it trying to figure out what has happened to her. Through clues we learn she felt into a painting but the mystery is how and why? Everything is in bits of pieces and probably makes absolutely no sense yet, it does in our heads!
Title: Through the Canvas
Plot: Starts with a detective placing missing posters around the city. Viral campaign to find this girl. Tweets asking if people have seen her/Shared posts on Facebook/News report. QR code on the poster gives you all the information.
Starts on the website with a video of the girl in her attic, walking towards the painting, goes to touch it and then screen flashes white… Website then opens.
Story of the girl: The girls grandmother has just died and left her the house in her will. While clearing out the attic the girl notices a picture mesmerized by the painting she walks towards it, reaching out to touch it she gets pulled into the world.
Title: Through the Canvas
Plot: Starts with a detective placing missing posters around the city. Viral campaign to find this girl. Tweets asking if people have seen her/Shared posts on Facebook/News report. QR code on the poster gives you all the information.
Starts on the website with a video of the girl in her attic, walking towards the painting, goes to touch it and then screen flashes white… Website then opens.
Website is from the detective (like a wall about an investigation) He’s pinned it all on a site than an audience can explore.
Starts to unravel the story of the girl after finding letters in the attic, written decades before. The letters are signed by the girl, wonders how this is possible.
Digging deeper finds a newspaper article, featuring a picture of the girl, the newspaper is from 1830, mystery continues
Facebook of the girl, her friends have been writing on her wall asking where she is/Tweets from the detective trying to understand what’s going on (tweets his confusion/frustration)
Detective can create a Google Map, mapping all the locations he has found the girl.
Whilst tracking the girl, the detective notices a symbol that keeps appearing. Asks for help via Twitter/Instagram/Facebook about what the symbol is. People can upload pictures to him of other places they have found containing the symbol.
Can create a wiki page about the symbol.
On the main website, we can show the newspaper articles/letters/symbol/missing poster etc
Story of the girl: The girls grandmother has just died and left her the house in her will. While clearing out the attic the girl notices a picture mesmerized by the painting she walks towards it, reaching out to touch it she gets pulled into the world.
Pulled into a painting world (need to figure out which one)
Leads her into a painting where she meets Vincent Van Gogh, he does not have depression like believed, that story is in fact a cover up for the truth. In fact he has placed part of himself inside a painting, so he's a bit insane, unable to handle this.. he commits suicide.
Girls ends up through the painting 'The Scream'. The scream was painted near an asylum (perfect locatino for our story). Stumbling around the asylum trying to figure her surrounds out, she spots a man in a cell surrounded by paintings, hoping to figure out what is going on she approaches him, learning he is the painter of The Scream [Thought to be mad with his ramblings of a girl from the future, he knows the truth of the girls ability and explains to her why she is able to travel through the paintings]. Hands her a painting to go through.. The Girl with the Pearl Earring.
Like the film, the Girl with the earl Earring is a maid but in our version she has a daughter.. With the married man who paints the painting.
For her daughter to escape the life of being a child out of adultery, the mother sends the girl through one of the father’s paintings. Gives the girl a necklace with a symbol on as a keepsake.
Child ends up in modern day, in a woman’s attic. The woman finds her, unaware of where she has come from and keeps the child out of pity, but doesn't know that the girl has come from the painting.
Fast forward and the grandmother has died, girl is clearing out the attic and finds painting with the same symbol on the frame as the symbol on her necklace learns forward and the necklace connects with the symbol, transporting her.
Currently it's a massive jumble, we know what we want to do and what tools we want to create this story with.. It's just a case of making the jumble all fit together. However when it's finished, hopefully we'll have a really intriguing story!
Monday, 18 February 2013
Digital Media Cultures Reflection
Digital Media Cultures has been completely different to everything we've done so far on this degree, and it was a welcomed change. Honestly I do better with academic stuff compared to creative, my brain just works better! But mostly I liked that it's prepared me for my dissertation don't get me wrong I still have no idea what to do with it or how i'm even going to write close to that massive word count, but I know I have the skills to research relevant journals and books, and I can write in an academic tone.. I'm more prepared than I was in first year and that's a good thing. But it's also helped me see what interests me and what doesn't, I'm still just as interested in learning about Formats as I was when I wrote the essay and I'm still pondering writing my dissertation on some topic involving Public Service Broadcasting, and I probably wouldn't be thinking that way without this module, it's helped to give me that shove to start thinking about these things.. Especially because I know how long it took me to get through the reading for the 2000 word essay! Looking back, while it was hard work, I did really enjoy this module, I learned a lot and it all links to each other, which is handy.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Digital Media Cultures Literature Review
Our other assignment for Digital Media Cultures is to work in pairs to write a 1000 word literature review on a chosen subject we've looked at in the module. Me and my partner chose to look at Social Networking. We decided to look into this because it was something that interested us but we also felt there would be a lot of research already out their on this and so we could find a specific area to review.
We decided to look into Social Networking and Globalization, after a lot of research and reading, these are the 5 articles/book chapters we decided to use:
We decided to look into Social Networking and Globalization, after a lot of research and reading, these are the 5 articles/book chapters we decided to use:
- Tales From Facebook. Miller, D. (Book Chapter)
- Case Study: Social Networking and self-identity. Hill, M. (Book Chapter)
- Music, Social Media and Global Mobility: MySpace, Facebook, YouTube. Mjos, O.J. (Journal Article)
- Social Networks and Globalization: Facebook, Youtube and the impact of online communities on France's protectionist policies. Warlaumont, G. Hazel. (Journal Article)
- The Globalization of Social Media. Hutton G, Fosdick M. (Journal Article)
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Writing Forums
One of the main things we wanted from our research was viewpoints from both the side of the audience and author. I therefore joined two creative writing sites and posted two separate threads on each to get feedback. Follow the links below to view the comments:
www.writingforums.com/writing-discussion/135842-storytelling.html
www.writingforums.com/writers-lounge/135843-storytelling.html
www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?t=59094
www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?t=59093
www.writingforums.com/writing-discussion/135842-storytelling.html
www.writingforums.com/writers-lounge/135843-storytelling.html
www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?t=59094
www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?t=59093
Beyond the Camera Reflection
Looking back over this module, there are so many things I wish I could do differently but I've already talked about them! What I haven't talked about it that I wish i'd taken more time to get to grips with some of the software, particularly Photoshop, I don't know what it is about that software but I seem to have a phobia when it comes to using it and it's hindering my work. Over the summer I really want to take the plunge and learn all about it. Positives though, through this module I discovered a talent for using Adobe Premier, not sure if it will ever come in handy but at least I know i'm quite good at using it! While I have struggled with this module at times, I think it's a necessity, software is a BIG part of the industry and you have to stop being a technophobe and get used to it!
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Applied Media Research - Control
One of the most interesting things we came across when looking into this, is the idea of the authors control and the audiences participation. View the diagram below:
It shows that the more an audience participates the less control an author has on the story and it's structure, I personally view that as a bad thing, while I think it's good an audience can participate, if the integrity of the story is compromised, then it doesn't become a very good story!
It shows that the more an audience participates the less control an author has on the story and it's structure, I personally view that as a bad thing, while I think it's good an audience can participate, if the integrity of the story is compromised, then it doesn't become a very good story!
Applied Media Research - Articles
Whilst looking into what was already available in terms of research on the subject, these are 4 links to different articles I cam across:
Around the Campfire - Closing the Gap between Storyteller and Audience
This article explores the change taking place within storytelling and asks should we go back to the 'campfire experience'
Perceptive Media
An article by the BBC explaining Perceptive Media and the role it can play in modern storytelling, also with a link to the ' Breaking Out' podcast.
Wearable Technology & Storytelling
This article looks at new technology and how it can tell a story. Including a wristband in Disneyland being trialed in which it narrates a story as you travel through the park.. It also lets the princesses 'recognise' the children by name, through the device transferring your name/information to an earpiece. Enhancing a child's experience of the Disney story.
Participatory Storytelling
A presentation on participatory storytelling from the CEO&Founder of Transmedia Storyteller Ltd.
Around the Campfire - Closing the Gap between Storyteller and Audience
This article explores the change taking place within storytelling and asks should we go back to the 'campfire experience'
Perceptive Media
An article by the BBC explaining Perceptive Media and the role it can play in modern storytelling, also with a link to the ' Breaking Out' podcast.
Wearable Technology & Storytelling
This article looks at new technology and how it can tell a story. Including a wristband in Disneyland being trialed in which it narrates a story as you travel through the park.. It also lets the princesses 'recognise' the children by name, through the device transferring your name/information to an earpiece. Enhancing a child's experience of the Disney story.
Participatory Storytelling
A presentation on participatory storytelling from the CEO&Founder of Transmedia Storyteller Ltd.
Applied Media Research - Breaking Out
Whilst researching I came across a Research and Development experiment by the BBC into how to make storytelling more modern. The podcast called 'Breaking Out' is the same story for whoever listens to it, however the locations change based on where you are viewing from. For instance if you listen to this from Liverpool, landmarks such as the Albert Dock are mentioned.
It's a nice, simple way to engage with the audience, whenever you hear something mentioned that you recognise or is relatable to you, you ears 'prick up' and you want to know why that's being talked about.. Well I do at least. So I thought this was a nice way to engage with an audience, even if I thought the story was a little dull!
Have a listen for yourself:
Future Broadcasts - Breaking Out
It's a nice, simple way to engage with the audience, whenever you hear something mentioned that you recognise or is relatable to you, you ears 'prick up' and you want to know why that's being talked about.. Well I do at least. So I thought this was a nice way to engage with an audience, even if I thought the story was a little dull!
Have a listen for yourself:
Future Broadcasts - Breaking Out
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Applied Media Research - Interactive Videos
Something else I found during my research was interactive YouTube videos. Whats interesting about them is they allow the perfect platform for a story the audience can interact with, people create videos with multiple endings and the audience can choose which way the story goes then start again and choose a different path if you wish. I think this is a really clever idea, the author still gets to keep control of the story while the audience can get involved, if only TV allowed for such a platform to exist!
Here's an example, what I like about this video is it's actually a viral campaign for 'Drop the Weapons' and shows what can happen when you make the wrong decisions:
Here's an example, what I like about this video is it's actually a viral campaign for 'Drop the Weapons' and shows what can happen when you make the wrong decisions:
If you want to view more, here's two links showing the 'best off' interactive videos:
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