{

In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Question One

One thriller convention I identified through research was the Antagonist having a stronger force than the Protagonist. I incorporated this convention in my own piece by having the thugs push over the elder sister and physically threaten them. I followed this convention because it helped to make the story seem more realistic and conventional. I feel that the inclusion of this convention was successful, because audience feedback shows that the thugs were portrayed correctly and that the bonding between the two sisters was good as well.

The thug triumphs over Becky

Another convention identified and used through research was the storylines. For our opening sequence, the storyline went with the sisters facing danger, and then there is a fight scene and the younger sister runs away to get help. This convention was followed because it is what most thrillers go by and is the easiest sort of plot to write for a thriller movie. I feel that the inclusion of this convention was successful as all feedback provided understood the narrative of the story.

Thirdly, one of the themes was used in the thriller opening. The storyline is mostly in possession of one of the protagonists. The opening starts with the sisters walking into the park, centres around them and follows the younger sister when she runs away and gets hit by a van. This was probably done just so there could be focus on a runaway scene and also add in the van driver, who hits the younger sister before taking her away. I feel that the inclusion of this convention might not have been noticed as most people paid attention the van and the thugs.

The thriller convention of another theme was used in the opening sequence. The storyline features suspense. This was put in by having the thugs hidden by their hoodies and standing at the end of the playground whilst the elder sister keeps looking to them and back, the rest of the people in the park slowly leaving until it’s just the two parties. This convention was followed to keep the audience interested right from the beginning. I feel that this convention didn’t work with us so well, generally because of how it was portrayed. Some feedback asked for more action, though we got away with the film appealing to the audience as a thriller.

The sisters are being watched…

A convention from opening sequences generally that I identified through the research was the production company’s name or logo. I incorporated this convention in my own piece by animating a little sequence for the logo, the company name being called ‘One Pigeon Films’. I followed this convention because all film productions put the production companies at the begging either during or before the opening. I feel that this convention’s inclusion was successful, though there was no feedback on it.