Thursday, April 17, 2025
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Sample Exam question- Section B-Media Contexts
Explain the importance of cross media synergies in the media area you have studied.
For Paramount, cross media synergies are crucial for maximizing the reach and impact of their content by utilizing their diverse media platforms(movies, TV, streaming) and partnerships to create a cohesive and engaging experience for audience. Paramount Pictures was founded in 1914 by William Wadsworth Hodkinson, a movie producer born in Independence, KS on August 16, 1881, became a leading movie studio and in a pioneer in film distribution. Paramounts targets a broad and diverse audience, such as Kids, Adults, African Americans, and Hispanics. These viewers making apart of the 4.3 billion subscribers around the 180 countries that Paramount are available.
In terms of production, Paramount often creates content that can be adapted across various media. For example, a movie might start as a script, then become a film, and later be turned into a series or a video game. This not only maximizes the use of their original ideas but also allows them to reach different audiences through different formats. By creating stories that can thrive in various forms, they ensure that their content remains relevant and engaging. When it comes to distribution, Paramount leverages multiple channels to release their content. They might premiere a film in theaters, followed by releases on streaming services, DVD, and television. This multi-platform approach ensures that they can reach viewers wherever they prefer to consume media. By using various distribution methods, Paramount can maximize their audience and revenue potential. For marketing, Paramount often uses a combination of traditional and digital strategies to promote their films and shows. They might run advertisements on TV, social media, and even collaborate with influencers to create buzz. By engaging with fans across different platforms, they can build excitement and anticipation for their releases. This integrated marketing approach helps to create a cohesive brand presence that resonates with audiences everywhere.
In conclusion, Cross media synergies are all about how different types of media work together to make a brand or product stronger. For Paramount, this idea shows up in three main areas: production, distribution, and marketing. Paramount does a great job of using different media together. They make movies and shows that can be enjoyed in many ways, like in theaters or on streaming services. They also share their content through various channels, so more people can see it. Plus, their marketing mixes old-school ads with social media to get fans excited. All of this helps Paramount stay strong in the entertainment world and connect with their audience better.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Title Sequence Final
The title sequence was made to feel mysterious. We used a font called Bebas Neue, which has a modern look that adds to that vibe. Its bold and clean lines help the text stand out clearly against the background. The white color of the font makes it even more visible and strong. Blurring the background behind the title shows how isolated the characters are, just like when they are in the woods. We chose N.E.A.L for our studio name because it uses the first letters of our names (Nestor, Emily, Anabel, and Leon), which shows our teamwork on this project. The name Biggie Productions came from our love of food and eating together, adding a personal touch to what we do.
We also staggered the actors names to give it a movie-like feel, slowly introducing the main characters to the audience. This design helps set the mood and flow of the title sequence, getting everyone ready for what's coming next.
Monday, March 17, 2025
Evaluation of Peer Reviews
Peer Review #1 Alexander Maguire
(https://alexanderblogmaguire.blogspot.com/2025/03/peer-reviews-of-first-cut.html)
(https://alexanderblogmaguire.blogspot.com/2025/03/peer-reviews-of-first-cut.html)
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
A technical element I like is that there is always some type of movement in the camera, nothing is ever set in one place. This makes the clip have more life to it. Another element I like is the editing for the thing stalking the characters, the darkened sight adds to the menacing feel.
A technical element I like is that there is always some type of movement in the camera, nothing is ever set in one place. This makes the clip have more life to it. Another element I like is the editing for the thing stalking the characters, the darkened sight adds to the menacing feel.
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
A technical element I did not like was the sound. The first shot had sound that was hard to hear compared to the rest of the first cut. All it needs is more consistency throughout. Another element was at around 18 seconds with the quick cut to a zoomed in character. This seems out of place.
A technical element I did not like was the sound. The first shot had sound that was hard to hear compared to the rest of the first cut. All it needs is more consistency throughout. Another element was at around 18 seconds with the quick cut to a zoomed in character. This seems out of place.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
It does make me want to know what happens next. Though it does seem to end to abruptly. This is likely because the clip only had around 1 minute and 20 seconds done at the time I am writing this. This is definitely a good movie opener.
It does make me want to know what happens next. Though it does seem to end to abruptly. This is likely because the clip only had around 1 minute and 20 seconds done at the time I am writing this. This is definitely a good movie opener.
Was there anything that left you confused?
There was one thing that left me confused in this first cut. At around 1:06 the video cuts from the day to night. It is either too big of a time jump without any filler or explanation or just dark because of time constraints. Either way it confuses me, other than that there is nothing that leaves confusion.
There was one thing that left me confused in this first cut. At around 1:06 the video cuts from the day to night. It is either too big of a time jump without any filler or explanation or just dark because of time constraints. Either way it confuses me, other than that there is nothing that leaves confusion.
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
I suggest to change the audio levels on certain cuts. This can make it more consistent throughout. Another suggestion is to add an audio threshold, this will help stop the sound of the wind in the background which takes over the dialogue.
I suggest to change the audio levels on certain cuts. This can make it more consistent throughout. Another suggestion is to add an audio threshold, this will help stop the sound of the wind in the background which takes over the dialogue.
This feedback had aspects that my group and I had discussed but based on the deadline were no able to edit and connect. In terms of the shot with the audio that was hard to hear, since we were doing it in a public place then its really hard to cut out the noice but I do believe that we did fix that part. Another point discussed was the change of lighting, which was caused by the quick sunset but in the final video it is fixed!
Peer Review #2 Yasmine Salem
(https://yasminesalemsblog.blogspot.com/2025/03/peer-reviews-of-first-cut-movie-opener.html)
For this film, I appreciated the plot of a girl who went missing and appreciated the twist at the end where her necklace and possible coordinates to follow her location were found. I also felt that the acting was very good. It did come off like a true movie opener to a real film, and I would want to know if they are able to successfully find the missing girl once they receive her coordinates, if she has sustained any injuries, has the same personality, or if she has died. However, I feel that there should have been a wider range of camera shots to truly enhance the film. I also think a suspenseful music soundtrack would have added more depth to the film.
Thank you for the feedback and for the amazing comments. However, I felt as if we had enough ranges of camera shots and I feel like we involve more then it might be seen as overdoing and can lose focus from the actual video. Unfortunately, we can't add if the girl is found or what happened to her because that would ruin the point of the movie opener, but I believe that is what makes it so engaging.
Peer Review #3 Joshua Mateo
In this film, what I enjoyed most was the camera movements. The use of handheld and dolly made you feel as if you were part of their adventure. The tilt up to a fade in to black was a perfect transition. Also using the blurry forest for the title was clever. The dialogue is good as well.
What elements I did not like in the film was the lighting. There was a sudden change in natural lighting from day/evening to night that makes no sense as there seems to be no skip in time. The film also lacked background sound that could have been used to add mystery or suspense. The film was quiet with only footsteps and dialogue generally being heard.
This was definitely an opening scene. The scene leaves you wondering what creature was hiding behind the tree and what happened to her friend. It keeps the viewer hooked, wanting to know what happens next as they end abruptly after finding a clue. It makes it feel like the adventure just started. The only thing that left me confused is how it suddenly turned night. I get how the darkness adds to the tone, but it was very messy. My suggestion is to fix the lighting issue by either having the first part darker, or the second part lighter (preferably the first option). There also should be a creepy or mystery soundtrack played in the background. Overall it is a great opening, but it definitely still needs work.
What elements I did not like in the film was the lighting. There was a sudden change in natural lighting from day/evening to night that makes no sense as there seems to be no skip in time. The film also lacked background sound that could have been used to add mystery or suspense. The film was quiet with only footsteps and dialogue generally being heard.
This was definitely an opening scene. The scene leaves you wondering what creature was hiding behind the tree and what happened to her friend. It keeps the viewer hooked, wanting to know what happens next as they end abruptly after finding a clue. It makes it feel like the adventure just started. The only thing that left me confused is how it suddenly turned night. I get how the darkness adds to the tone, but it was very messy. My suggestion is to fix the lighting issue by either having the first part darker, or the second part lighter (preferably the first option). There also should be a creepy or mystery soundtrack played in the background. Overall it is a great opening, but it definitely still needs work.
Thank you for the feedback and for the detailed comments. A common confusion between our peers had been in the light change and it was due not having enough time to film but in the final video it will be fixed. In terms of the audio, we are adding more sounds to help with the mystery along with the lighting.
Peer Review #4 Angelina
(https://angelabees.blogspot.com/2025/03/peer-reviewing-classmates-first-cuts.html)
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
I enjoyed the editing done at 0:48 that implies there's someone watching them and adds a mysterious feeling to the next scenes. Also, the title sequence is very well executed. I like how the camera tilts toward the sky and trees. The soft focus during it is also well done because it helps the title become prominent agaisnt the background.
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
I didn't like the medium shot at 0:17 because it didn't add any significant meaning to the scene and looked unnatural. I also disliked the zoom at 0:25 because it adds a "vlogging" style to the shot, whereas it's not utilized anywhere else in the opening scene.
I didn't like the medium shot at 0:17 because it didn't add any significant meaning to the scene and looked unnatural. I also disliked the zoom at 0:25 because it adds a "vlogging" style to the shot, whereas it's not utilized anywhere else in the opening scene.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
Yes, this does feel like the opening scene to a movie. By puting the title sequence halfway through the opening scene, it gives viewers a chance to become aqquanted with ther protagonists. Also, the chronological order of the events help secure the idea of this opening scene as a mystery about a person who has gone missing. The ending makes me curious as to where the coordinates lead and what the protagonists will find there.
Yes, this does feel like the opening scene to a movie. By puting the title sequence halfway through the opening scene, it gives viewers a chance to become aqquanted with ther protagonists. Also, the chronological order of the events help secure the idea of this opening scene as a mystery about a person who has gone missing. The ending makes me curious as to where the coordinates lead and what the protagonists will find there.
Was there anything that left you confused?
Yes, why does it suddenly get dark at 1:06? Additionally, why do the protagonists have better clue-finding abilities than the supoosed detective at the start who told them the missing person might be gone? If one of the characters was set up to appear as a highly intelligent person, the opening scene may be more believable.
Yes, why does it suddenly get dark at 1:06? Additionally, why do the protagonists have better clue-finding abilities than the supoosed detective at the start who told them the missing person might be gone? If one of the characters was set up to appear as a highly intelligent person, the opening scene may be more believable.
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
My suggestion would be to refilm the ending scene where it suddenly gets dark to make the opening scene more cohesive and understandable. Instead of some of the editing like the cut to the medium shot and the zoom, actually moving the camera might look more impressive than what was done post-production.
My suggestion would be to refilm the ending scene where it suddenly gets dark to make the opening scene more cohesive and understandable. Instead of some of the editing like the cut to the medium shot and the zoom, actually moving the camera might look more impressive than what was done post-production.
Thank you for the feedback and for the detailed comments. A common confusion between our peers had been in the light change and it was due not having enough time to film but in the final video it will be fixed. To comment on the confusion of the protagonist having better clue finding abilities than the detective in the opening scene, this is because the friends take in upon themselves to find the clues, this is just them looking since the detective gave the sense of giving up. Thank you for commenting on the awkwardness in one shot, my group took this into account and is looking into fixing it.
Peer Review #5 John Roell
(https://johnroells.blogspot.com/2025/03/peer-reviews.html)
(https://johnroells.blogspot.com/2025/03/peer-reviews.html)
The camera shots and movements in this intro are incredibly smooth and well executed. It uses a variety of camera movements such as a tilt, a handheld camera movement, and a zoom. The editing of the title scene is excellent. Also the cuts are edited well creating a smooth proceeding of events in the intro. Finally, I like the diegetic sound of the surrounding wilderness and the footsteps of the characters.
There were only some slight issues with this first cut. These being the lighting, and the sound. The lighting was fine for the most part, until randomly it changes from a clear day to a nighttime, taking me out of the immersion of the intro. For the sound, they need to fix the volume of the characters voices, maybe add some background music, and tweak the background sound of the wilderness a bit. Throughout the whole media text it is hard to understand what the characters are saying and what is being talked about. Also I feel like this film would benefit greatly from an eerie background track or something of the like.
This media text definitely looks like a movie opener but it doesn't feel enough like one. When I think of movie intros I think of the heavy tension they give off. In this opening they definitely introduce events that could have a lot of tension-such as when it looks like something/someone is watching the characters or when they find the coordinates-but these events come off a little flat as there is no background music to amplify the mystery/scariness/drama of the scenes. When they find the coordinates it would be nice to hear a nondiegetic sound that would increase the mystery like in other openings. Finally, they did a great job making me want to know what happens next in the film, with many things left unanswered.
I guess it is a little confusing in some aspects. Like for one who is the person missing? Is she one of their friends? That's what I'm assuming. Also, what led them to look for her in this location? Did some clue lead them to this forest? You could argue these keep the audience wanting to know what is happening and what will happen without giving too much knowledge but it does confuse me a bit.
My only suggestions to make this better is to fix the sound, lighting, maybe give a little background info for the audience, and amplify the scenes that should have more tension/emotion. Besides these changes this is a very well made production and exceeds as a movie opener.
My only suggestions to make this better is to fix the sound, lighting, maybe give a little background info for the audience, and amplify the scenes that should have more tension/emotion. Besides these changes this is a very well made production and exceeds as a movie opener.
Thank you for the feedback and for the detailed comments. I enjoyed reading some aspects that left you confused and would be happy to answer some without spoiling too much, the friends begin looking in this location because that's were the cops and detectives are and they search because that is indeed their friend. I believe that your recommendation for adding more soundtrack is valid as it can only increase the tension and that is something we are definitely having for our Final Cut, along with the audio that will be getting fixed due to the excessive comments on it.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Peer Reviews of First Cut Movie Opener Blogpost
Group 1 (Mind the Gaps)
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
Throughout the film opening I liked the Close-Up Shots because they help you capture the facial expressions and emotions, The Dutch Angle because it helped portray the patients feeling of forgetfulness, and The Inserts because it provides the feeling of a glitch of what is actually happening so the audience knows the truth.
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
I wish I could have seen more variety in the technical elements. It felt like it was the same five elements being used. A little more diversity in the techniques would have made the experience more interesting and engaging, rather than feeling repetitive and predictable each time.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
This movie opener was really impressive and definitely grabbed my attention. It created a sense of curiosity that made me eager to find out what happens next. The way it set the stage for the story left me wanting more, which is always a sign of a great start
Was there anything that left you confused?
One thing that left me confused was the email part, when she received the email there was not really enough time to read the only thing we see is red words like urgent and etc so it just left me confused about what the email contained. Another thing that left me confused was the glitch, I feel like most people might not get it, it took me some time to get that it shows reality vs what she said.
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
One suggestion I have is to add some time in some clips like the email clip so the audience can read and understand it so they can know what is going on. Another one is making more technical elements to help experience more interested and engaging of the audience.
Group 2 (Two Peas in a Pod)
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
In this film, I really appreciated the zoom-in during the conversation. It effectively captured the friend's emotions of feeling left out. This technique added depth to the scene, allowing the audience to connect with the character's struggles and enhancing the overall impact of the moment in the story.
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
I wish I could have seen more variety in the technical elements. It felt like it was the same five elements being used. A little more diversity in the techniques would have made the experience more interesting and engaging, rather than feeling repetitive and predictable each time.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
This definitely has the feel of a movie opener, but the only reason I’m curious about what happens next is that the film was chaotic and unclear. Instead of building excitement, the confusion left me with more questions than answers, making it hard to stay engaged with the story.
Was there anything that left you confused?
The film left me confused for several reasons. I wondered what the guy told his friends and how that impacted the story. These details are crucial for the audience to understand the plot. Without them, the film can become quite confusing and leave viewers with unanswered questions.
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
One suggestion that I have is that if you start your film horizontally then finish the video horizontal, don't switch between vertical and horizontal during the film. Another suggestion is to let the audience know what is going on, it will make the film more interesting and engaging.
Group 3 (Betrayed Shadows)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWhmKSlVnc8
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
In this film some specific technical elements that I like was the tracking shot at the beginning because it followed the characters and introduced the reason why they are at the park and make the video follow. Another technical element I enjoyed was jump cut , I really enjoyed this element because it helped support the idea that her friend was being paranoid at the park by showing the various angles
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
In the film one specific technical element I did not like was the pan shot / establishment shot of the lake just because it was felt very out of place. I believe a point of view shot would have been better because it will help the audience set the scene from the protagonist eyes.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
This did look like a movie opener and it did make me want to know what happens next because it all ran smoothly and it keeps the audience on their toes of what will happen next. It was like a big adventure waiting to unfold, and ending this on a cliffhanger definitely makes the audience know what will happen next.
Was there anything that left you confused?
Everything made sense, and nothing left me feeling confused. Everything felt organized and in its right place. I didn't notice anything negative that caught my attention. Overall, it was a smooth experience, and I appreciated how well everything came together without any distractions or issues to worry about.
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
One suggestion I have is to make sure the audio does not cross. In one scene the video shifts to the next scene while the other audio is still playing, it's a small miner suggestion but it can interrupt the flow and by taking this suggestion it can help the flow.
Group 4 (NO TITLE)
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
During this film there multiple technical elements that I liked, The tilt showing the main character was crucial and helped the audience know our protagonist and the point of view shot at the beginning when someone was playing the piano because it helped set the scene.
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
One specific technical element I did not like was the low angle and tracking shot where they followed John into his car. I just feel like this was just put there and this element was really needed because a shot of him walking from the back would of been better.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
This does look like a movie opener however it did make me want to know what happens next because what happened to the main character?? Where did they take him?
Was there anything that left you confused?
One major thing that left me confused was why there was no sound in the video. Audio is HUGE element in film and not including it can hinder the possibilities of the film being graded well and they can also help the video drastically. Another thing that left me confused was the importance of the piano scene but in my opinion it did not contribute to the rest of the film.
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
One suggestion is to add audio so it can help the film, especially in the scene where we see someone in the car, this can help tell the audience what emotion was tied to the scene. I would also suggest adding ambient noice of the parking lot.
Group 5 (The Ivy Chase)
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like?
I really enjoyed the mid shot because it effectively captured the conversation between the two characters. It allowed us to see their facial expressions clearly, making the scene feel more personal and engaging. This type of shot added emotional depth to their dialogue, which made the interaction more interesting to watch and helped the audience connect with them.
What specific technical elements of the film opening did you dislike?
I did not really like the tracking shot at the beginning of the film because it hold no significance if it would have connected to the following scene then it would be enjoyed more. Another one I did not like was the teleportation cut that shifted from the couch to the table because it just left me really confused.
Did this look like a movie opener and did it make you want to know what happens next?
In my opinion, this did not look like a movie opener due to the fact that this film in my opinion was all over the place. I was extremely confused on the theme and if the theme of the film is not clear most audience can disengaged. The cliffhanger was also not leaving people on the fence to find out what is next.
Was there anything that left you confused?
Multiple things left me confused, why did one of the characters search up, "guide to self confidence" but this is a video intend towards ivy decisions. Also how in a scene did they go from the couch to the chairs with teleportation, this makes the video
What suggestions do you have to make this movie opener better?
One suggestion I would give to make this movie opener better is to find a quieter place to film, there is a lot of background noise and it's extremely hard to differentiate the audio. Also I would suggest to not cut out the audio half way through the film as it can bring awkwardness, i would suggest some added noise that can help the film.
Friday, February 28, 2025
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Group 1 (Mind the Gaps) https://youtu.be/CEkDC6U4KYU What specific technical elements of the film opening did you like? Throughout the fi...
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Explain the importance of cross media synergies in the media area you have studied. For Paramount, cross media synergies are crucial for ...
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The title sequence was made to feel mysterious. We used a font called Bebas Neue, which has a modern look that adds to that vibe. Its bold a...
