Q1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge

forms and conventions of real media products.

Conventions of filmmaking

• Editing: During the editing process, I used the software Adobe Premiere Pro. I used this because It’s the software in which I have the most experience. The main purpose of this software was to cut and move clips into their positions. I also used the Adobe after effects software. The purpose of this software was to add in the special effects that Premiere Pro couldn’t.

• Cinematography: In filming we used 2 SLR cameras to record the movie from 2 different angles. Mainly to gain multiple angles of the same reaction from the actors. In one scene where used a blue screen, we used a crane mounted camera to get a sense that one of our character was floating in cyber space.

• Mise-en-scene: Props: we used a fluffy duck, a phone and a laptop. Lighting: We used the ceiling lights in the room to give a even spread of light throughout the room, we also used spotlights in the Mr google scene. Costumes: Lab coat and a fedora. Set design: we designed the background for the Mr google scene by drawing it on paper and photocopying it.

• Sound: We used copyright free soundtracks that were available through garage band, I liked the music because it added to the comedic value of the movie. For the sound of the duck we downloaded a video of an animated duck quacking and then ripped the sound from it.

Short film narrative

• In most short films, the ending has a plot twist. My film did not disappoint when one of the main characters is also turned into a duck after the main character has been turned back. Basically bringing them back to square one.

Genre

• My film slots into the conventions of surreal comedy. It’s a film about a guy who gets turned into a duck, what's not funny about that?

• So in a way it is a hybrid genre film, consisting elements of a comedy and a mystery

Style

• The style of this film means that it isn’t meant to go in the mainstream cinema. I would intend for this film to be seen on YouTube. More as a film to pass the time. Like cat videos.

Did you challenge conventions at all

• The film is a hybrid between a mystery and a comedy, with the fact that it’s not revealed where the cake comes from, and that a guy has been turned into a duck. The film also ends with an open ending.