1

1. Evaluation question 1:
In what ways does your media
product use, develop, or
challenge forms and conventions
of real media products?
Evaluation question 1:
In what ways does your media
product use, develop, or
challenge forms and conventions
of real media products?
By Precious OladimejiBy Precious Oladimeji

2. The Task:The Task:
Our main task for the unit G324 was to create five-minute short
film accompanied by two of the following: a poster for the
film, a radio trailer for the film, or a film magazine review page
featuring the film. To accompany my short film, I created a
film magazine review and a film poster because these are the
two most effective way to reach out to my target audience,
which consists of young adults who use magazines and look
at posters more than they would listen to the radio.


Our main task for the unit G324 was to create five-minute short
film accompanied by two of the following: a poster for the
film, a radio trailer for the film, or a film magazine review page
featuring the film. To accompany my short film, I created a
film magazine review and a film poster because these are the
two most effective way to reach out to my target audience,
which consists of young adults who use magazines and look
at posters more than they would listen to the radio.



3. The Task: Film PosterThe Task: Film Poster
 While making the poster, I had to make sure I conformed to
certain drama poster codes and conventions. This was to
ensure that my audience can relate to my poster and
identify it as being based on a drama film. The main
conventions I followed was to make sure the poster
featured the main actress as the main large image.
Another convention was for the title to stand out, so I
made sure that the colour and the typography of my title
was something that would catch people’s attention, so
they wouldn’t miss out on the vital information about the
film. The only colours I used on my poster were white, grey,
blue and black. Apart from the white; the other colours I
used were quite dark and dull. This was to make sure I
represented the mood of our production since colours like
black are commonly associated with connotations such as
death.
 While making the poster, I had to make sure I conformed to
certain drama poster codes and conventions. This was to
ensure that my audience can relate to my poster and
identify it as being based on a drama film. The main
conventions I followed was to make sure the poster
featured the main actress as the main large image.
Another convention was for the title to stand out, so I
made sure that the colour and the typography of my title
was something that would catch people’s attention, so
they wouldn’t miss out on the vital information about the
film. The only colours I used on my poster were white, grey,
blue and black. Apart from the white; the other colours I
used were quite dark and dull. This was to make sure I
represented the mood of our production since colours like
black are commonly associated with connotations such as
death.

4. The Task: Film ReviewThe Task: Film Review
 When making the magazine film review, I had to
make sure I included certain conventions to
make it realistic, for example, using a dramatic
photo to catch the attention of anyone who
would flick to the page of the review. The picture
I decided to use was a medium close-up of
Claire as she is writing in her journal. I chose to
use this picture because it helps to sum up what
most of our narrative is about, but it also raises
questions such as, what is she doing? How long
does she have left? On top of that, I decided to
use red as my main colour as red is bright and
eye-catching. Not only this, but red has a
connotation of danger as it is an intense colour,
which immediately makes people wonder what
the film must be about.
 When making the magazine film review, I had to
make sure I included certain conventions to
make it realistic, for example, using a dramatic
photo to catch the attention of anyone who
would flick to the page of the review. The picture
I decided to use was a medium close-up of
Claire as she is writing in her journal. I chose to
use this picture because it helps to sum up what
most of our narrative is about, but it also raises
questions such as, what is she doing? How long
does she have left? On top of that, I decided to
use red as my main colour as red is bright and
eye-catching. Not only this, but red has a
connotation of danger as it is an intense colour,
which immediately makes people wonder what
the film must be about.

5. Our Production:Our Production:
 Our final product was called ‘Remember Me’ and we decided to name our
production company ‘Winterscope Studios’. Our distribution company was
Future Shorts as they are a local distribution company, which showcases films
across the world, so not only will we be able to reach a local audience, but
we would also able to reach a worldwide audience. Two members, the
director and cinematographer, Precious Oladimeji, and the editor and sound
person, Caitlan Bispham, conducted this project. Additionally, we had five
other actors involved in the short film; Eisvina Ddumliaskaite as Claire Willimas
(the main actress), Busayo Matuluko as Rachel Adams, and Vannessa Thomas
as Isabel Thomas (the best friends), Jazmin Bispham as Helen Williams (the
older sister), and Mrs Pauline Francis as Dr Francis (the doctor).
 Our final product was called ‘Remember Me’ and we decided to name our
production company ‘Winterscope Studios’. Our distribution company was
Future Shorts as they are a local distribution company, which showcases films
across the world, so not only will we be able to reach a local audience, but
we would also able to reach a worldwide audience. Two members, the
director and cinematographer, Precious Oladimeji, and the editor and sound
person, Caitlan Bispham, conducted this project. Additionally, we had five
other actors involved in the short film; Eisvina Ddumliaskaite as Claire Willimas
(the main actress), Busayo Matuluko as Rachel Adams, and Vannessa Thomas
as Isabel Thomas (the best friends), Jazmin Bispham as Helen Williams (the
older sister), and Mrs Pauline Francis as Dr Francis (the doctor).

6. Genre:Genre:
 A genre is a type of style or category of film, music, art or literature.
Our pre-production planning consisted of us, as a group,
brainstorming the possible ideas we wanted to include within our
production and the genre we wanted. We looked at two main
genres, thriller and drama. The genre we chose to base our
production on in the end was drama, this was due to the fact
that our initial idea conformed to most of the common codes
and conventions of a drama film than any other genre.
 A genre is a type of style or category of film, music, art or literature.
Our pre-production planning consisted of us, as a group,
brainstorming the possible ideas we wanted to include within our
production and the genre we wanted. We looked at two main
genres, thriller and drama. The genre we chose to base our
production on in the end was drama, this was due to the fact
that our initial idea conformed to most of the common codes
and conventions of a drama film than any other genre.

7. Genre:Genre:
 Although most films only have one genre, some
films have genre hybrids, which is when a film
consists of different themes from more than two
different types of genres. For example, The
Fault in Our Stars’, a film we used as one of our
inspirations for or production, has a hybrid
genre which is a comedy-drama. This helps the
film to appeal to more than one type of
audience. Genres can also have subgenres,
which are subdivisions of a genre, for example,
in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ the film is also a
romance film on top of being a comedy-
drama.

 Although most films only have one genre, some
films have genre hybrids, which is when a film
consists of different themes from more than two
different types of genres. For example, The
Fault in Our Stars’, a film we used as one of our
inspirations for or production, has a hybrid
genre which is a comedy-drama. This helps the
film to appeal to more than one type of
audience. Genres can also have subgenres,
which are subdivisions of a genre, for example,
in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ the film is also a
romance film on top of being a comedy-
drama.


8. General Codes and Conventions: CodesGeneral Codes and Conventions: Codes
Codes are symbols or signs which, when put
together, create a deeper meaning. There
are four main types of codes, technical,
symbolic, semiotic, and audio codes.
Codes are symbols or signs which, when put
together, create a deeper meaning. There
are four main types of codes, technical,
symbolic, semiotic, and audio codes.

9. Technical Codes:Technical Codes:
 Technical codes are to do with camera
techniques and how technical
equipment is operated to help give
meaning to a narrative with, for
example, framing, the juxtaposition of
shots, or depth of field. Camera shots
vary and are used for a different purpose
to create different meaning, for
example, an extreme close up help to
emphasise a certain detail on a person
or object. In our production, the most
used camera shot is a close-up as close-
ups are frequently used to emphasise or
draw attention to a certain object or
person. In our case, we used it to
emphasise the way Claire’s face has
changed due to her illness.

 Technical codes are to do with camera
techniques and how technical
equipment is operated to help give
meaning to a narrative with, for
example, framing, the juxtaposition of
shots, or depth of field. Camera shots
vary and are used for a different purpose
to create different meaning, for
example, an extreme close up help to
emphasise a certain detail on a person
or object. In our production, the most
used camera shot is a close-up as close-
ups are frequently used to emphasise or
draw attention to a certain object or
person. In our case, we used it to
emphasise the way Claire’s face has
changed due to her illness.


10. Symbolic Codes:Symbolic Codes:
 Symbolic codes are physical objects which are used to help
a plot progress due to their deeper meanings. There are
four types of symbolic codes which are: colour, clothing,
body language, and setting. Every colour has its own
deeper meaning which an audience uses to associate
with a character, for example, the colour red is
commonly associated with aggression or danger.
Clothing helps to match a character to their personality
or to their era, for example, you would associate the
characters in Downton Abbey to dwell within the early
1900’s due to their costumes. Body language is a great
way to create and develop a character, for example, if
a female character constantly has her hand on her hip,
an audience can assume that she might be quite a
bossy character. The setting of a film helps to set a mood
for a film, for example, if a scene is set in a hospital, an
audience can assume that a character is ill or there has
just been an accident. (1)
 Symbolic codes are physical objects which are used to help
a plot progress due to their deeper meanings. There are
four types of symbolic codes which are: colour, clothing,
body language, and setting. Every colour has its own
deeper meaning which an audience uses to associate
with a character, for example, the colour red is
commonly associated with aggression or danger.
Clothing helps to match a character to their personality
or to their era, for example, you would associate the
characters in Downton Abbey to dwell within the early
1900’s due to their costumes. Body language is a great
way to create and develop a character, for example, if
a female character constantly has her hand on her hip,
an audience can assume that she might be quite a
bossy character. The setting of a film helps to set a mood
for a film, for example, if a scene is set in a hospital, an
audience can assume that a character is ill or there has
just been an accident. (1)

11. Semiotics:Semiotics:
 Semiotics is the study of signs, this is useful
for us as we are able to communicate
and understand different symbols and
expressions. They also help us to give a
deeper meaning to an object. An
example is a heart, the denotation is
the fact that it is just a muscle, but a
common connotation for the heart is
love. An example of a semiotic is in my
magazine film review where I put a
faded pink ribbon, which is a symbol of
cancer awareness.
 Semiotics is the study of signs, this is useful
for us as we are able to communicate
and understand different symbols and
expressions. They also help us to give a
deeper meaning to an object. An
example is a heart, the denotation is
the fact that it is just a muscle, but a
common connotation for the heart is
love. An example of a semiotic is in my
magazine film review where I put a
faded pink ribbon, which is a symbol of
cancer awareness.

12. Audio Codes:Audio Codes:
 Audio codes are the sounds we can hear within a film, which
consists of music and dialogue whether it be diegetic or non-
diegetic. Music is commonly used to help create a sense of
suspension or to help create a certain mood or atmosphere.
Dialogue is used to verbally explain a narrative, diegetic
dialogue is what is said within a scene which helps draw an
audience into the action. On the other hand, non-diegetic
dialogue is added in post-production, for example, a voice over,
which helps to inform the audience and give them some more
details about the narrative. (1)
 Audio codes are the sounds we can hear within a film, which
consists of music and dialogue whether it be diegetic or non-
diegetic. Music is commonly used to help create a sense of
suspension or to help create a certain mood or atmosphere.
Dialogue is used to verbally explain a narrative, diegetic
dialogue is what is said within a scene which helps draw an
audience into the action. On the other hand, non-diegetic
dialogue is added in post-production, for example, a voice over,
which helps to inform the audience and give them some more
details about the narrative. (1)

13. Conventions:Conventions:
A convention is a common theme or element that
reoccurs in films. These common elements may include
events, characters, props or settings. An example of this
is in the horror genre; a common convention is the use
of an isolated setting, like in a forest, which helps to
create some type of suspense.
A convention is a common theme or element that
reoccurs in films. These common elements may include
events, characters, props or settings. An example of this
is in the horror genre; a common convention is the use
of an isolated setting, like in a forest, which helps to
create some type of suspense.

14. Codes and Conventions for Drama Films:Codes and Conventions for Drama Films:

15. Codes and Conventions for Drama Films:Codes and Conventions for Drama Films:
Drama films exist to give an insight into real-life situations
with real life characters. They commonly show a
character’s development to help move an audience
emotionally through the use of a dramatic story line.
Drama films exist to give an insight into real-life situations
with real life characters. They commonly show a
character’s development to help move an audience
emotionally through the use of a dramatic story line.

16. Mise-en-scene: LightingMise-en-scene: Lighting
 In terms of mise-en-scene, it is common for a
drama film to have a use of dull lighting to
help set a certain mood and to make a
scene look more powerful and dramatic to
an audience. In our film we used dim
lighting to highlight and symbolise the fact
that Claire is getting closer to dying. When
she is in her room the light focuses on her,
which creates a harsh shadow around her.
The shadow created is representative of
how close she is to death, while the small
dim light represents the little life she has left
and how the darkens (her approaching
death) seems to be cornering her and
almost suffocating her as it draws nearer.

 In terms of mise-en-scene, it is common for a
drama film to have a use of dull lighting to
help set a certain mood and to make a
scene look more powerful and dramatic to
an audience. In our film we used dim
lighting to highlight and symbolise the fact
that Claire is getting closer to dying. When
she is in her room the light focuses on her,
which creates a harsh shadow around her.
The shadow created is representative of
how close she is to death, while the small
dim light represents the little life she has left
and how the darkens (her approaching
death) seems to be cornering her and
almost suffocating her as it draws nearer.


17. Props:Props:
 Another form of mise-en-scene is props, the most common props that
appear in drama films are drugs, alcohol, guns, knives or phones. Out of
all of these, we use an iPhone as part of our props when Claire receives a
message from her mother, which she ignores, therefore we have
conformed to one of the common props used in drama films. However,
we also use other props in our short film which are essential to our
narrative e.g. Claire’s pen and notebook where she writes her final letter,
throughout the film she is shown in various scenes writing her letter, which
is the main part of the film. We also include some medical props such as
an oxygen mask, a tegaderm and an IV infusion set to help our audience
understand the genre and the condition the Claire is in.

 Another form of mise-en-scene is props, the most common props that
appear in drama films are drugs, alcohol, guns, knives or phones. Out of
all of these, we use an iPhone as part of our props when Claire receives a
message from her mother, which she ignores, therefore we have
conformed to one of the common props used in drama films. However,
we also use other props in our short film which are essential to our
narrative e.g. Claire’s pen and notebook where she writes her final letter,
throughout the film she is shown in various scenes writing her letter, which
is the main part of the film. We also include some medical props such as
an oxygen mask, a tegaderm and an IV infusion set to help our audience
understand the genre and the condition the Claire is in.


18. Props:Props:
 Additionally, we have a scene in one of Claire’s flashbacks where she
is in the art classroom. In this scene the prop she uses is an art book
which is essential in showing the audience the potential she had
and the fact that she was creative and academic until she was
diagnosed with leukaemia. The final prop we used was a bunch of
roses which were featured in the first and last scene in our
production. These roses were symbolic as they were used by Claire’s
friend Rachel who went to pay her respects at Claire’s grave, thus
the roses.
 Additionally, we have a scene in one of Claire’s flashbacks where she
is in the art classroom. In this scene the prop she uses is an art book
which is essential in showing the audience the potential she had
and the fact that she was creative and academic until she was
diagnosed with leukaemia. The final prop we used was a bunch of
roses which were featured in the first and last scene in our
production. These roses were symbolic as they were used by Claire’s
friend Rachel who went to pay her respects at Claire’s grave, thus
the roses.

19. Our Props:Our Props:

20. Character Representation: Claire WilliamsCharacter Representation: Claire Williams
 In terms of characters, the protagonist is
often portrayed to go through an
emotional journey of some sort in a
drama film. In our film, our protagonist,
Claire, relives the last few months she’s
had and how she’s taken advantage of
the people who were closest to her,
which is an understandable situation,
therefore, it is easy for our target
audience to relate to her. Not only that,
but she is also portrayed as being
unstable and vulnerable which is a
stereotypical representation of a
protagonist. Her instability is projected
through her body language as she is
physically unstable in a sense that she is
bedridden.
 In terms of characters, the protagonist is
often portrayed to go through an
emotional journey of some sort in a
drama film. In our film, our protagonist,
Claire, relives the last few months she’s
had and how she’s taken advantage of
the people who were closest to her,
which is an understandable situation,
therefore, it is easy for our target
audience to relate to her. Not only that,
but she is also portrayed as being
unstable and vulnerable which is a
stereotypical representation of a
protagonist. Her instability is projected
through her body language as she is
physically unstable in a sense that she is
bedridden.

21. Character Representation: Helen WilliamsCharacter Representation: Helen Williams
 Another character presented in our film
is Helen Williams who is Claire’s older
sister. She is portrayed as a supporting
character as Claire reveals how
Helen has used most of her time and
effort to look after Claire. Since Helen
is Claire’s adopted sister, Helen is a
different race which is black. Black
women are usually represented to be
quite loud and aggressive in the
media, however, we have made
Helen a countertype as she possesses
qualities that are not stereotypical of
a black woman such as being quite
submissive and understanding.
 Another character presented in our film
is Helen Williams who is Claire’s older
sister. She is portrayed as a supporting
character as Claire reveals how
Helen has used most of her time and
effort to look after Claire. Since Helen
is Claire’s adopted sister, Helen is a
different race which is black. Black
women are usually represented to be
quite loud and aggressive in the
media, however, we have made
Helen a countertype as she possesses
qualities that are not stereotypical of
a black woman such as being quite
submissive and understanding.

22. Character Representation: Isabel Thomas
and Rachel Adams
Character Representation: Isabel Thomas
and Rachel Adams
 Isabel Thomas and Rachel Adams are both
Claire’s best friends, and they are also
young black females too. Typically, in
films, black characters are usually the
supporting characters or the sidekick
friend whose main role is to support the
main character. Although we have
made both characters seem this way,
which makes them conform to the
stereotype, both of the girls are still
countertypes as they are presented to
be lively, enthusiastic and extroverted,
even more than Claire is.
 Isabel Thomas and Rachel Adams are both
Claire’s best friends, and they are also
young black females too. Typically, in
films, black characters are usually the
supporting characters or the sidekick
friend whose main role is to support the
main character. Although we have
made both characters seem this way,
which makes them conform to the
stereotype, both of the girls are still
countertypes as they are presented to
be lively, enthusiastic and extroverted,
even more than Claire is.

23. Costume/ Colour:Costume/ Colour:
Costumes are a good indicator of the era characters come
from and also the type of person they are. If a film is based
in the early nineteenth century we would expect the
characters to look like the characters in Downton Abbey,
which is a period drama.

Costumes are a good indicator of the era characters come
from and also the type of person they are. If a film is based
in the early nineteenth century we would expect the
characters to look like the characters in Downton Abbey,
which is a period drama.


24. Costume/ Colour: Claire WilliamsCostume/ Colour: Claire Williams
 In our film, our main character Claire is
mostly seen wearing her black
bandana and a white shirt. The
bandana is to alert the audience
that she has reached the stage
where her hair has started thinning
and falling out, which is one of the
side effects of chemotherapy. The
white dull shirt she wears is
representative of the fact that she
has now become dull in a sense that
the life and energy she once had
was gone, and she is slowly losing all
the bubbly personality traits she has
due to the fact that she is slowly
dying.
 In our film, our main character Claire is
mostly seen wearing her black
bandana and a white shirt. The
bandana is to alert the audience
that she has reached the stage
where her hair has started thinning
and falling out, which is one of the
side effects of chemotherapy. The
white dull shirt she wears is
representative of the fact that she
has now become dull in a sense that
the life and energy she once had
was gone, and she is slowly losing all
the bubbly personality traits she has
due to the fact that she is slowly
dying.

25. Costume/ Colour: Isabel ThomasCostume/ Colour: Isabel Thomas
 When Isabel Thomas is featured in the
flashback scene, in the park, she is seen
wearing all black, black trainers, black
jeans and a black jumper. The colour
black is commonly associated with
mystery and a sense of evil, however, our
character Isabel does not conform to this
idea as she is featured being positive and
happy in the scene she is with, therefore
she is a countertype. Her clothing choice
also represents the teenagers of her
generation and how they mostly wear
jumpers and jeans as a regular outfit. This
helps to give our audience some insight
into what teenagers from a certain area
wear, which they can relate to.
 When Isabel Thomas is featured in the
flashback scene, in the park, she is seen
wearing all black, black trainers, black
jeans and a black jumper. The colour
black is commonly associated with
mystery and a sense of evil, however, our
character Isabel does not conform to this
idea as she is featured being positive and
happy in the scene she is with, therefore
she is a countertype. Her clothing choice
also represents the teenagers of her
generation and how they mostly wear
jumpers and jeans as a regular outfit. This
helps to give our audience some insight
into what teenagers from a certain area
wear, which they can relate to.

26. Costume/ Colour: Rachel AdamsCostume/ Colour: Rachel Adams
 Rachel Adams is shown in three scenes and in all
scenes she is seen wearing black, however in
the first and last scene she is in, which is in the
graveyard, the colour black is necessary for
her to wear because black is the traditional
colour worn at funerals. This is because the
colour black is also known to be associated
with death and loss, therefore for this
character we have conformed to a
stereotype to help our audience understand
what was happening in those particular
scenes.
 Rachel Adams is shown in three scenes and in all
scenes she is seen wearing black, however in
the first and last scene she is in, which is in the
graveyard, the colour black is necessary for
her to wear because black is the traditional
colour worn at funerals. This is because the
colour black is also known to be associated
with death and loss, therefore for this
character we have conformed to a
stereotype to help our audience understand
what was happening in those particular
scenes.

27. Costume/ Colour: Helen WilliamsCostume/ Colour: Helen Williams
 Out of all the characters, Helen Williams is
the only character who is shown
wearing dark and bright colours as she
wears light blue jeans and a black and
white jumper. The mixture of light and
dark colours help to portray the internal
battle she has within herself on whether
she should face the harsh reality that
her sister is dying (which is portrayed
through the black on the jumper), or if
she should remain positive for her sister
to try and make her last few moments
memorable (which is conveyed through
the light blue she wears which connotes
calmness).
 Out of all the characters, Helen Williams is
the only character who is shown
wearing dark and bright colours as she
wears light blue jeans and a black and
white jumper. The mixture of light and
dark colours help to portray the internal
battle she has within herself on whether
she should face the harsh reality that
her sister is dying (which is portrayed
through the black on the jumper), or if
she should remain positive for her sister
to try and make her last few moments
memorable (which is conveyed through
the light blue she wears which connotes
calmness).

28. Costume/ Colour: Dr. FrancisCostume/ Colour: Dr. Francis
 The last character Dr. Francis is seen
wearing a lab coat in the second scene
of the production. The lab coat helps
our audience to understand that she
has a professional job even before she
speaks and tells Claire her results on a
test. The use of the lab coat is
stereotypical of a doctor which is a
positive thing as it allows our audience
to automatically understand what is
going on.
 The last character Dr. Francis is seen
wearing a lab coat in the second scene
of the production. The lab coat helps
our audience to understand that she
has a professional job even before she
speaks and tells Claire her results on a
test. The use of the lab coat is
stereotypical of a doctor which is a
positive thing as it allows our audience
to automatically understand what is
going on.

29. Location:Location:
 Locations are important to help show where certain parts of a narrative
take place, not only this but they help to set the mood too. Typical
drama films have estates, flats, schools or the streets or the
neighbourhood as popular settings as they help to reflect the living
situation of the characters to the audience. In our production we
have used a range of different locations to help add meaning to
different scenes.
 The first location we use is a graveyard, the reason behind this setting is
to show our audience that something fatal has happened, and since
this is the first scene it leaves our audience wondering what happened
and who died. This is a good way to keep them interested in the story
so they watch the whole film to answer their questions.

 Locations are important to help show where certain parts of a narrative
take place, not only this but they help to set the mood too. Typical
drama films have estates, flats, schools or the streets or the
neighbourhood as popular settings as they help to reflect the living
situation of the characters to the audience. In our production we
have used a range of different locations to help add meaning to
different scenes.
 The first location we use is a graveyard, the reason behind this setting is
to show our audience that something fatal has happened, and since
this is the first scene it leaves our audience wondering what happened
and who died. This is a good way to keep them interested in the story
so they watch the whole film to answer their questions.


30. Location: Doctor’s RoomLocation: Doctor’s Room
 The next location we use is a makeshift
doctor’s room, this is to help answer some
questions about the first scene regarding
who died and what was the cause of their
death. Having a doctors room immediately
lets our audience know what whatever
must’ve happened to the character who
dies must’ve been serious and fatal, which
helps to build suspense and heightened
emotions throughout the scene.

 The next location we use is a makeshift
doctor’s room, this is to help answer some
questions about the first scene regarding
who died and what was the cause of their
death. Having a doctors room immediately
lets our audience know what whatever
must’ve happened to the character who
dies must’ve been serious and fatal, which
helps to build suspense and heightened
emotions throughout the scene.


31. Location: Claire’s HouseLocation: Claire’s House
 Once the narrative goes back to the present
day, the nest location we see is an
establishing shot of Claire’s house before
the audience are led into her bedroom. The
bedroom is typically known as a safe
haven, especially for teenagers who spend
most of their time in their bedrooms either to
escape their own form or realities or to be
alone. For Claire, her bedroom is the only
place she can mainly stay because her
condition has escalated to a point where
she is bedridden.

 Once the narrative goes back to the present
day, the nest location we see is an
establishing shot of Claire’s house before
the audience are led into her bedroom. The
bedroom is typically known as a safe
haven, especially for teenagers who spend
most of their time in their bedrooms either to
escape their own form or realities or to be
alone. For Claire, her bedroom is the only
place she can mainly stay because her
condition has escalated to a point where
she is bedridden.


32. Location: A ParkLocation: A Park
 Another location we use is a local park to
her when she shows the flashback of
her and her friend Isabel. The park is
commonly known for being a social
place especially for teenagers and
young adults, which makes this scene
relatable to our audience who are
young adults. Parks are places where
people go to either clear their minds
or catch up with friends, this location is
important as it shows our audience
how close Claire was with her friend
and how much they used to hang out
when she was still able to.
 Another location we use is a local park to
her when she shows the flashback of
her and her friend Isabel. The park is
commonly known for being a social
place especially for teenagers and
young adults, which makes this scene
relatable to our audience who are
young adults. Parks are places where
people go to either clear their minds
or catch up with friends, this location is
important as it shows our audience
how close Claire was with her friend
and how much they used to hang out
when she was still able to.

33. Location: Rachel’s HouseLocation: Rachel’s House
 The next location we used was Rachel’s
house, another one of Claire’s
friends. This location is also important
as it helps to show the closeness
between the girls. It common for
friends, especially girls to go over to
each other houses to hang out, it
shows their closeness and how
comfortable they are with each
other. Having this location helps to
portray a sense of realism as most of
our audience will have this type of
experience with their own friends
too.
 The next location we used was Rachel’s
house, another one of Claire’s
friends. This location is also important
as it helps to show the closeness
between the girls. It common for
friends, especially girls to go over to
each other houses to hang out, it
shows their closeness and how
comfortable they are with each
other. Having this location helps to
portray a sense of realism as most of
our audience will have this type of
experience with their own friends
too.

34. Location: Art RoomLocation: Art Room
 Towards the end of the film, we use an
art classroom as a location which
helps to give some insight into
Claire’s educational life. This is
relatable to anyone in our audience
who is in sixth form, or in school as
they can associate with Claire who is
shown being hard at work.
Additionally it gives our audience
some more insight into who Claire
was before she was diagnosed
which helps then to see the drastic
changes she had goon through
physically and emotionally.
 Towards the end of the film, we use an
art classroom as a location which
helps to give some insight into
Claire’s educational life. This is
relatable to anyone in our audience
who is in sixth form, or in school as
they can associate with Claire who is
shown being hard at work.
Additionally it gives our audience
some more insight into who Claire
was before she was diagnosed
which helps then to see the drastic
changes she had goon through
physically and emotionally.

35. Narrative:Narrative:
 The narrative of a drama film typically reflects a realistic situation whereby the protagonist goes
through an emotional journey, which an audience can relate to. On top of this, a drama film
typically has some sort of journey in regards to the protagonist, there is also a portrayal of
heightened emotions especially as the plot becomes more complex as the story unravels. In our
production, our main character Claire is going through an emotional journey as she explains how
much her close family and friends mean to her, and how she is regretful for not being
appreciative of them. This reflects a sense of realism as Claire is trying to be repentant and make
amends to those who matter most to her.
 Our audience is taken through a phase of heightened emotions as they are constantly reminded of
the condition she has in-between her flashbacks and memories, this also created emotional
peaks and troths especially when the film gets closer to the end where she finally dies. Through
her flashbacks, Claire takes the audience through her own personal journey which helps to make
the audience feel like they are connected with her which makes it easier for them to emotionally
connect with her.

 The narrative of a drama film typically reflects a realistic situation whereby the protagonist goes
through an emotional journey, which an audience can relate to. On top of this, a drama film
typically has some sort of journey in regards to the protagonist, there is also a portrayal of
heightened emotions especially as the plot becomes more complex as the story unravels. In our
production, our main character Claire is going through an emotional journey as she explains how
much her close family and friends mean to her, and how she is regretful for not being
appreciative of them. This reflects a sense of realism as Claire is trying to be repentant and make
amends to those who matter most to her.
 Our audience is taken through a phase of heightened emotions as they are constantly reminded of
the condition she has in-between her flashbacks and memories, this also created emotional
peaks and troths especially when the film gets closer to the end where she finally dies. Through
her flashbacks, Claire takes the audience through her own personal journey which helps to make
the audience feel like they are connected with her which makes it easier for them to emotionally
connect with her.


36. Narrative:Narrative:
 The narrative is a way to communicate a story.
Narratives can be many different forms and
structures depending on the way the story is being
told and the direction the director wants the story to
go. A typical narrative structure has an exposition
(where characters meet and setting are
established), rising action (where tension or conflict
is created), a climax (a turning point in a story which
marks a change), falling action (where the major
action has happened), and the resolution (where
the conflict is resolved). This is similar to Tzvetan
Todorov’s narrative theory of equilibrium, disruption,
realisation, restored order, and equilibrium again. (3)
 The narrative is a way to communicate a story.
Narratives can be many different forms and
structures depending on the way the story is being
told and the direction the director wants the story to
go. A typical narrative structure has an exposition
(where characters meet and setting are
established), rising action (where tension or conflict
is created), a climax (a turning point in a story which
marks a change), falling action (where the major
action has happened), and the resolution (where
the conflict is resolved). This is similar to Tzvetan
Todorov’s narrative theory of equilibrium, disruption,
realisation, restored order, and equilibrium again. (3)

37. Narrative:Narrative:
 Narratives can either be structured as linear, which is when it goes in a
chronological sequence, non-linear where the order is confusing to an
audience, or circular where the story concludes where it began. Our
narrative tends to be circular as the start of production starts at the end
of Claire’s life yet the end of our narrative also ends once Claire is dead,
therefore it concludes where it began. Additionally, our narrative could
also be classed as non-linear as it frequently shows flashbacks, which
takes our audience to the past before they are brought back into the
present.
 Narratives can either be structured as linear, which is when it goes in a
chronological sequence, non-linear where the order is confusing to an
audience, or circular where the story concludes where it began. Our
narrative tends to be circular as the start of production starts at the end
of Claire’s life yet the end of our narrative also ends once Claire is dead,
therefore it concludes where it began. Additionally, our narrative could
also be classed as non-linear as it frequently shows flashbacks, which
takes our audience to the past before they are brought back into the
present.

38. Narrative:Narrative:
 Usually, the narrative consists of certain elements
to make the story more interesting, for
example, an enigma. This is one of the five
codes proposed by Bathes, which is a mystery
within a text. The purpose of this is to keep your
audience intrigued and wanting to know more.
In our production we included an enigma,
which was the idea of how long our main
character would live for. The audience has to
wait until the very end to be able to receive
the answer to their queries because
unanswered enigmas can create a sense of
frustration.
 Usually, the narrative consists of certain elements
to make the story more interesting, for
example, an enigma. This is one of the five
codes proposed by Bathes, which is a mystery
within a text. The purpose of this is to keep your
audience intrigued and wanting to know more.
In our production we included an enigma,
which was the idea of how long our main
character would live for. The audience has to
wait until the very end to be able to receive
the answer to their queries because
unanswered enigmas can create a sense of
frustration.

39. Sound: Diegetic DialogueSound: Diegetic Dialogue
 The sound within drama films varies depending on
the type of plot and storyline they have. The most
used type of sound is diegetic dialogue because it
brings the audience into the conversation, which
makes them feel like they are a part of what is
going on. In our film we only use diegetic dialogue
in one scene where Claire and her friend Isabel
are in the park, we chose to only use it in this
scene because we wanted our audience to
understand the friendship between these two girls
and how they communicate with each other
because it makes the situation seem more
realistic.
 The sound within drama films varies depending on
the type of plot and storyline they have. The most
used type of sound is diegetic dialogue because it
brings the audience into the conversation, which
makes them feel like they are a part of what is
going on. In our film we only use diegetic dialogue
in one scene where Claire and her friend Isabel
are in the park, we chose to only use it in this
scene because we wanted our audience to
understand the friendship between these two girls
and how they communicate with each other
because it makes the situation seem more
realistic.

40. Sound: Non-diegetic DialogueSound: Non-diegetic Dialogue
 Another type of sound used is non-diegetic dialogue, for example,
voiceovers, which are commonly used to help set the scene and explain
events happening in a film. Our production is mainly made up of
voiceovers because we felt that it would be the best way for Claire to
narrate her story to the audience so it feels like she is speaking to them
directly an personally. This enables our audience to connect to her on a
more personal level as it makes it look like Claire in involving the
audience and taking them through her journey with her as they have an
insight to her inner thoughts.
 Another type of sound used is non-diegetic dialogue, for example,
voiceovers, which are commonly used to help set the scene and explain
events happening in a film. Our production is mainly made up of
voiceovers because we felt that it would be the best way for Claire to
narrate her story to the audience so it feels like she is speaking to them
directly an personally. This enables our audience to connect to her on a
more personal level as it makes it look like Claire in involving the
audience and taking them through her journey with her as they have an
insight to her inner thoughts.

41. Sound: Sound EffectsSound: Sound Effects
 Sound effects are used to help create a sense of
realism in a scene so the action happening at
that present moment seems authentic. We used a
range of sound effects to help build and create
an atmosphere that seemed genuine; for
example, we had a sound effect of Claire
breathing through her oxygen mask so that it
makes our audience believe that she really is a
cancer patient. Another sound effect we had
was a heart monitor machine, which was one of
the most effective sound effects, especially at the
end where it slows down. This helps the audience
to understand the fact that, at that moment,
Claire has passed away.
 Sound effects are used to help create a sense of
realism in a scene so the action happening at
that present moment seems authentic. We used a
range of sound effects to help build and create
an atmosphere that seemed genuine; for
example, we had a sound effect of Claire
breathing through her oxygen mask so that it
makes our audience believe that she really is a
cancer patient. Another sound effect we had
was a heart monitor machine, which was one of
the most effective sound effects, especially at the
end where it slows down. This helps the audience
to understand the fact that, at that moment,
Claire has passed away.

42. Sound: Score MusicSound: Score Music
 Another type of sound used in drama films is score music, which can be
argued to be the most effective sound. Music naturally has an ability to
make you feel certain emotions due to the tempo, instruments used,
and whether it’s in major or minor. In drama films music is usually
emotive, which helps create a certain mood, which an audience feels.
In our production we used two different instrumentals, one called ‘Life is
Strange Final Song’ and the other was called ‘Emotional – Background’
to help create different moods.
 Another type of sound used in drama films is score music, which can be
argued to be the most effective sound. Music naturally has an ability to
make you feel certain emotions due to the tempo, instruments used,
and whether it’s in major or minor. In drama films music is usually
emotive, which helps create a certain mood, which an audience feels.
In our production we used two different instrumentals, one called ‘Life is
Strange Final Song’ and the other was called ‘Emotional – Background’
to help create different moods.

43. Cinematography: ShotsCinematography: Shots
 Another common drama element is the use
of camera movements, shots and angles.
One of the most used shots are close-ups,
which are usually used to help show the
facial features of certain characters
during a climactic moment in a scene. In
our short film we used close-ups to show
how our main character, Claire, has
changed since she has begun her
chemotherapy, it helps our audience to
see the drastic changes she has been
through so they can understand her.
 Another common drama element is the use
of camera movements, shots and angles.
One of the most used shots are close-ups,
which are usually used to help show the
facial features of certain characters
during a climactic moment in a scene. In
our short film we used close-ups to show
how our main character, Claire, has
changed since she has begun her
chemotherapy, it helps our audience to
see the drastic changes she has been
through so they can understand her.

44. Cinematography: ShotsCinematography: Shots
 Another type of shot we used was an
establishing shot of Claire’s house, this is to
show our audience where that specific
scene takes place so they wouldn’t be
confused. We also use a master shot
when we first how Claire in her bedroom,
this was used to show our audience where
Claire was positioned in her room so they
can get a rough idea about what her
living situation is like.
 Another type of shot we used was an
establishing shot of Claire’s house, this is to
show our audience where that specific
scene takes place so they wouldn’t be
confused. We also use a master shot
when we first how Claire in her bedroom,
this was used to show our audience where
Claire was positioned in her room so they
can get a rough idea about what her
living situation is like.

45. Cinematography: ShotsCinematography: Shots
 Another type of shot we frequently used,
when there were two characters in a
scene, was an over the shoulder shot,
along with shot-reverse-shot. This was used
in the part scene with Claire and Isabel,
the scene where Claire and Helen were
watching TV, and in the scene where
Claire was in Rachel’s house. The shot is
used to help show both characters as
they proceed to have whatever
conversation they are having. Over the
shoulder shots are also useful when
showing how characters react to news
given by the other characters.
 Another type of shot we frequently used,
when there were two characters in a
scene, was an over the shoulder shot,
along with shot-reverse-shot. This was used
in the part scene with Claire and Isabel,
the scene where Claire and Helen were
watching TV, and in the scene where
Claire was in Rachel’s house. The shot is
used to help show both characters as
they proceed to have whatever
conversation they are having. Over the
shoulder shots are also useful when
showing how characters react to news
given by the other characters.

46. Cinematography: MovementsCinematography: Movements
 Apart from camera shots, we also use a range of movements in the short
film. One of the frequent movement shots we used was a pan. This was
used when Claire was talking to her sister Helen, it was used when Claire
was in Rachel’s house, and it was also used in one of the present day
scenes where Claire was writing her letter. The significance of the pan
was to help guide our audience through the scene and to also show
them a glimpse of the location we used for that specific scene.
 Apart from camera shots, we also use a range of movements in the short
film. One of the frequent movement shots we used was a pan. This was
used when Claire was talking to her sister Helen, it was used when Claire
was in Rachel’s house, and it was also used in one of the present day
scenes where Claire was writing her letter. The significance of the pan
was to help guide our audience through the scene and to also show
them a glimpse of the location we used for that specific scene.

47. Cinematography: MovementsCinematography: Movements
 Another type of movement we
used was a tilt, which was
used when Claire was first
being shown in her bedroom
with all her equipment on.
The tilt was used to slowly
present Claire to our
audience from her head to
her hands so they could see
the equipment she had to be
provided with to cope with
her cancer.
 Another type of movement we
used was a tilt, which was
used when Claire was first
being shown in her bedroom
with all her equipment on.
The tilt was used to slowly
present Claire to our
audience from her head to
her hands so they could see
the equipment she had to be
provided with to cope with
her cancer.

48. Cinematography: MovementsCinematography: Movements
 The last type of movement we used was
handheld tracking movement, which
was used in three scenes; the first and
last scene with Rachel at the graveyard,
and the scene where Claire secretly
watches her sister dealing with the bills.
These various tracking shots were used to
create a sense of suspense as the actor
being tracked and the audience would
discover the same discovery together as
they are taken on the journey at the
same time.
 The last type of movement we used was
handheld tracking movement, which
was used in three scenes; the first and
last scene with Rachel at the graveyard,
and the scene where Claire secretly
watches her sister dealing with the bills.
These various tracking shots were used to
create a sense of suspense as the actor
being tracked and the audience would
discover the same discovery together as
they are taken on the journey at the
same time.

49. Cinematography: AnglesCinematography: Angles
 Low angles are used to help to shape a
character and make them seem
superior in a scene, whereas high
angles are used to make a
character appear inferior to
whoever they are talking to (2). In
our production, when we show
Claire in the present day, we use
more high angles than low angles as
our main aim was to show her being
inferior and vulnerable due to the
fact that she isn’t as strong as she
was before she was diagnosed.
 Low angles are used to help to shape a
character and make them seem
superior in a scene, whereas high
angles are used to make a
character appear inferior to
whoever they are talking to (2). In
our production, when we show
Claire in the present day, we use
more high angles than low angles as
our main aim was to show her being
inferior and vulnerable due to the
fact that she isn’t as strong as she
was before she was diagnosed.

50. Cinematography: AnglesCinematography: Angles
 Another type of angle we used
was a canted angle, which is
frequently used to help
convey a sense of instability.
In our production we used it
at the very end, where Claire
drops the pen to show that
she has finally passed away.
 Another type of angle we used
was a canted angle, which is
frequently used to help
convey a sense of instability.
In our production we used it
at the very end, where Claire
drops the pen to show that
she has finally passed away.

51. Editing:Editing:
Editing in drama movies tend to be slow paced due to the fact
that the narrative is the main element which helps to tell the
story rather than the editing. In regards to our production, we
use slow-paced editing to help build up the emotion that Claire
is presenting through her voiceovers. At the end, where our
narrative gets tenser, we tend to linger on some certain shots,
such as the pen dropping, to help add emphasis to the
dramatic moment.
Editing in drama movies tend to be slow paced due to the fact
that the narrative is the main element which helps to tell the
story rather than the editing. In regards to our production, we
use slow-paced editing to help build up the emotion that Claire
is presenting through her voiceovers. At the end, where our
narrative gets tenser, we tend to linger on some certain shots,
such as the pen dropping, to help add emphasis to the
dramatic moment.

52. Sources:Sources:
1. https://prezi.com/dcl3dys0khgz/film-codes-and-conventions/
(05/01/18)
2. https
://www.slideshare.net/coopermatt62/codes-and-conventions-o
(07/01/18)
3. https
://www.slideshare.net/jpfusco/narrative-structure-in-film-2589454
(09/01/18)
1. https://prezi.com/dcl3dys0khgz/film-codes-and-conventions/
(05/01/18)
2. https
://www.slideshare.net/coopermatt62/codes-and-conventions-o
(07/01/18)
3. https
://www.slideshare.net/jpfusco/narrative-structure-in-film-2589454
(09/01/18)