Creative Critical Reflections

Title: "BEHIND YOU"

We scrapped most of the original plot because it didn't fully capture the essence of a horror/thriller. Our new direction dives deeper into the chilling atmosphere and the protagonist's growing unease.

Mon, riding his bike to school with James, felt a shiver run down his spine as they passed a desolate apartment complex. A figure, drenched crimson, stood on a balcony, locking eyes with him. Panic surged through Mon, but his pleas to James, the driver, were met with a dismissive "shut up and hold on."

At school, Mon recounted the unsettling encounter in detail. Despite Mon's vivid description, James remained unconvinced. Driven by a morbid curiosity, they concocted a plan to investigate after school.

The abandoned complex loomed oppressively as they entered. Each creaking floorboard and echoing footstep heightened the tension. Finally, they reached the apartment from Mon's morning nightmare. A sickeningly familiar red stain, a severed limb, lay partially exposed within. Terror gripped them both. They fled, vowing never to return.

Later that evening, news reports confirmed a gruesome discovery in the very apartment they'd explored. Mon, paralyzed by shock, stared at the news on his laptop. A sudden ring broke the silence – James. As he made his way upstairs for a shower, a chilling presence entered his house. The laptop screen flickered and died. In the growing darkness, a figure, unseen, emerged behind Mon, a glint of steel catching the dim light.

This rewrite focuses on creating suspense and building towards the shocking cliffhanger. It uses vivid imagery ("desolate apartment complex," "crimson-drenched figure"), emphasizes Mon's growing unease, and keeps the ending ambiguous, leaving the reader to imagine the horror unfolding behind Mon.

OFFICIAL OPENING SEQUENCE OF "BEHIND YOU"

Canva edition (by James)

How does your product use or challenge conventions?

Our film leans into classic horror tropes to establish a chilling atmosphere. The abandoned apartment complex provides a familiar yet unsettling setting, perfectly suited for a horror story. Choosing curious students as protagonists allows viewers to connect with the characters, imagining themselves in a similar situation facing an unknown threat. Your friend's imposing physique effectively portrays a physically intimidating killer, further amplifying the sense of danger.

However, our film also introduces a unique twist by leaving the serial killer's behavior and motives ambiguous. This departure from the typical slasher villain with clear-cut goals creates intrigue and potentially adds depth to the character. While the core elements are present, some technical aspects could be improved to create a more immersive experience. Investing in better microphones and reducing background noise will significantly improve the audio quality. Additionally, incorporating suspenseful, non-diegetic music is crucial for building tension and atmosphere.

Interestingly, the abandoned complex unintentionally reflects some social issues. Its existence highlights potential problems with city planning and resource allocation. The high cost of apartments and government inaction resonate with the struggles of low-income earners. Furthermore, the medical equipment serves as a reminder of the pandemic's lasting impact. While these social issues weren't necessarily the intended focus, they offer an opportunity to create a more impactful film. Consider how these themes could connect to the plot and the villain's actions. Did the isolation of the complex influence the killer? Do the protagonists' socioeconomic backgrounds play a role in the story? By delving deeper into these areas, you can craft a horror film that not only scares but also makes a statement about society's issues.

How does it represent social groups or issues?

The abandoned apartment complex you chose as your film's setting holds an unexpected social commentary. Originally built to provide housing for low-income residents, local news outlets report that the complex's remote location deterred potential tenants who preferred staying closer to city centers for work. This highlights potential flaws in urban planning, where infrastructure development doesn't consider the needs of the intended population. Furthermore, the high cost of apartments in general, coupled with government inaction on the issue, led to the complex's neglect and eventual abandonment. The presence of medical equipment within the dusty, deserted apartments hints at its repurposing as a temporary COVID-19 quarantine facility. The sheer size of the complex, once accommodating thousands of patients, further emphasizes the initial poor planning decisions. This wasted infrastructure and resources reflect poorly on the government's ability to address critical needs. While the film might not have explicitly explored these social issues, they add an interesting layer to the narrative. The vast, isolated complex unintentionally becomes a symbol of societal neglect, potentially creating an environment where the serial killer could operate unseen. The students' decision to explore the abandoned building exemplifies the risk-taking behavior often associated with youth, further amplifying the sense of vulnerability within the film's setting

How did you integrate technologies – software, hardware, and online – in this project? ​

This project transformed my creative process and filmmaking skills. Canva became my design muse, offering media-inspired poster templates, perfectly paired fonts, and layout guidance to ensure my Creative Critical Reflections were informative and visually engaging. Google Drive served as my digital vault, keeping footage safe and readily accessible for editing software. Collaboration was streamlined with Google Docs for plot and script development, task allocation, and easy feedback exchange with my teacher via Gmail. Messenger kept the group connected for crucial discussions. Blogger provided a secure platform to upload and store coursework, while YouTube offered a wealth of tutorials on equipment and editing software.

Beyond the digital realm, I mastered the art of tripod setup to achieve rock-steady footage. Operating the camera itself presented a steeper learning curve due to its numerous functions and buttons. Persistence paid off, and soon I was confidently filming alongside my trusty tripod. The editing process offered another layer of exploration. Da Vinci, a powerful editing software boasting complex features like color grading, AI integration, and ray-tracing technology, was chosen for the draft opening sequence, and potentially the final cut. While initially daunting, Da Vinci's capabilities ultimately proved invaluable in crafting a truly exceptional opening sequence. This project wasn't just about creating a horror film; it was a journey of artistic and technical discovery.

This is our process while editing the final product

How did your production skills develop throughout this project? ​

Filming this project proved to be a valuable learning experience. Thanks to my media-savvy friends, I picked up camera operation skills, including adjusting ISO for proper brightness. My previous genre studies came in handy too, helping me identify effective camera angles and shot composition.

One challenge I faced was mastering the gimbal. While I eventually figured it out, its time-consuming setup limited its use. In one instance, a handheld camera was chosen over the gimbal for a scene depicting Mon's point of view (seeing the bloody figure on the balcony). This decision was partly due to the gimbal's malfunctioning vibrations, but more importantly, the handheld camera's natural shakiness effectively conveyed Mon's nervousness, aligning perfectly with a common horror film trope.

My scouting skills also flourished. Extensive research and navigating the complexities of obtaining permits ultimately led me to the perfect abandoned complex, a key element for setting the stage for the story. Finally, I delved into video editing basics. With guidance from friends and online tutorials, I contributed editing ideas and efficiently navigated the software to bring the group's vision to life. Overall, the filming process was not only about creating a horror film, but also about acquiring valuable filmmaking skills.

How does your product engage with audiences?

To get a deeper understanding of how my creative decisions landed with viewers, I'm holding a focus group after they watch the film. This follows up on a recent audience survey, but the focus group allows for a more nuanced discussion. Here are the three questions I've prepared to ask them:

The character development seems to be an area for improvement based on the focus group feedback. While the suspense aspects like the abandoned apartment (91.3%) and the bloody footprint (82.6%) were well-received in the survey, a large portion of the focus group (69.6%) felt the characters themselves were forgettable. This is valuable feedback because I want viewers to be invested in the characters' journeys. If I were to remake the film, I would make a conscious effort to develop the characters further by incorporating more sympathetic elements. This would make them more relatable and engaging for the audience.

The distribution of a media studies project as a real media text would depend on the format and target audience:

Format:

• Video Essay: Could be uploaded to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, or submitted to film festivals focused on student work.

• Documentary: Similar to video essays, online platforms or film festivals are options. Additionally, local libraries or schools might be interested in screenings.

• Written Analysis: Published in an academic journal (if the project is rigorous and original enough), a student-run media studies publication, or even a blog with a focus on media criticism.

• Interactive Project: This could be a website or app analyzing media. Distribution would involve getting it hosted online and promoting it through social media or relevant online communities.

Target Audience:

• General Public: Aim for platforms with a broad reach like YouTube or social media.
• Academics: Submit to academic journals or present at conferences.
• Media Industry Professionals: Look for industry-specific publications or online forums.
• Students: Target student media outlets or online communities focused on media studies.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Copyright: Ensure you have the rights to use any copyrighted material included in your project.
• Accessibility: Make sure your project is accessible to your target audience, considering factors like subtitles for videos or clear formatting for written work.
• Promotion: Actively promote your project through social media, relevant online communities, or by reaching out to potential distributors.

By considering the format, target audience, and these additional factors, you can effectively distribute your media studies project as a real media text and reach your desired audience.

- BEHIND THE SCENE IMAGES AND VIDS -