Media technology used in research

We used a range of different software and hardware to help us during research which are shown above in the spider diagram.

Google: We used Google to research example magazine and poster examples, this allowed us to see the conventions and the layouts. It also gave us inspiration for our own designs as we could see what colours, fonts, pictures and layouts worked well and which didn't. Google also allowed us to research different market and distribution companies to see which one most fit with our genre and target audience.
Final cut: We used this in research to try out different editing techniques which could be used in the trailer as we tried split screens and different effects like earthquake which could be used when they swap bodies. This allowed us to practise techniques and see what might be suitable to be used in the trailer.
Garage band: We used this to research different sounds that could be used to create the music for the trailer. It also allowed us to look at different sound effects that could be used in the trailer like door bells and an alarm clock. The reason we did this is that now we know what type of sounds we want to use so it will make it quicker and easier to create the music instead of having to keep searching for the different sounds. It also allowed us to see what was available for us to use and to practise how to use the software.
You Tube: We used You Tube during research to look at different trailers. This allowed us to see the conventions of the trailers like how long they are, what text information has to be shown and how much plot of the film can be shown. It also gave us inspiration for the storyline of our film and the type of trailer we wanted to create. This was an important part of our research that we did as a group.
Photo booth software on the apple mac: The photo booth software on the apple mac during research allowed us to record important decisions so that we could listen to conversations again so that we could remember decisions we made in the last lessons. This saved us time as we did not need to make as many notes while talking.
Camera: The camera let us take pictures of potential costumes and settings which we could use for filming and pictures for the poster and magazine. Furthermore it allowed us to try out different shots and positions that could be used for the poster and magazine. So we could see what worked effectively and what locations were most appropriate as some locations we tried did not have the right lighting or backdrop. It also gave us more options when picking which images and locations was best as we had pictures which we could look at and evaluate so we could be critical on the choices we made.