Media Awards

The Experiment

The background information setting the scene of the programme was very interesting as it made it explicit as to what the whole concept of the programme was about. In terms of lighting, it was low-key, making it seem quite tense and interesting as we see the names of different people and the one name circled, highlighting the sort of crime genre element. The fast paced editing combined with the low-key lighting are stereotypical conventions associated with the crime genre as it creates quite a tense atmosphere. The use of the non-diegetic sound, voice over, made the audience understand the thought process going through our protagonist, who we have not yet seen. But the fact that we have heard her voice, shows her importance and also makes us focus on everything that is happening. The use of the hand held camera and the shaky camera work again stereotype the crime genre and also create that tense atmosphere. The opening scene is a sort of montage and the use of the flashback showing the protagonist when she was younger and within a happy environment indicates the contrast between the past and the present. I also liked the use of camera work, especially during the end when the protagonist stops and looks around, the camera pans around her instead of panning around the area. This shows her facial expression, one of panic and fright, and really makes us empathise with her as we see her in a close up. This was a creative shot, which highlighted a lot in terms of mise-en-scene, both the setting and character. 

Labrat

The flashback element to this piece of work was particularly interesting. It begins with the protagonist setting up his camera equipment to record a sort of diary. The use of close ups and the switch to the camera actually recording him makes the audience empathise with him and feel part of his story as we are watching him explain his life to us first hand. The direct eye contact is particularly interesting as it engages the audience. The flashback shows the protagonist working hard and then getting punched, which indicates that he is quite a smart person who alienates themselves from others. The stereotypical 'geek' is presented here through the use of the setting, the library. The use of the close ups in the lab alongside the fast paced editing are very effective as we see the experiment being set up in a faster pace and it seems more engaging, due to the close up shots. This was also very creative. The protagonist gets closer to the camera, like he is addressing us personally and we, again, empathise with him and like the fact that he is talking to us directly and sharing his story with us. Also, the voice over through the flashback is another element that is similar to 'The Experiment' which is intriguing and engaging as we see what happened as he recites the narrative. The camera work throughout was very professional as every angle was thought about and shown clearly. The editing was also to a high standard as the fast paced editing complimented the parallel non-diegetic sound.

What Makes A Good Practical Media Production

A good media production, most importantly, should be engaging for the audience. It should be creative and unique to allow the audience to be compelled and interested in the piece. The camera work should be to a high standard, if there is a tracking shot for example, the camera should move steadily and cleanly and not be unsteady and shaky. The editing should be relevant, the shot cannot stay on the same thing for too long unless there is a purpose for it; all the editing should be done for a purpose. The editing and camera work should both be relevant and if there is sound, it should complement well, either contrapuntally or being parallel. The acting must also be good, there should be close ups or medium close ups for the protagonist, in order for there to be an audience connection. The dialogue should also be clear and the camera work must be relevant in terms of conversational dialogue, so there should be over the shoulder shots or close ups and medium shots of both characters. A good media production must also flow, everything must juxtapose purposely, there cannot be one shot that stands out looking peculiar next to the previous shot, unless it is a montage. In terms of transitions, they should only be used to make the production appear better and not be thrown randomly into the scene as it will not make the shots flow well. Overall, a good media production must flow well and the content must be interesting in order to keep the audience engaged.