Evaluation - In What Ways Does your Media Product Use, Develop or Challenge forms and Conventions of Real Media Products?

The title sequence I have created uses, develops and challenges several conventions of real media productions. Firstly my title sequence uses many typical media conventions associated with title sequences, throughout the production I made sure I included several conventions so that it was recognisable a a title sequence and, looked professional.

Length

One typical media convention of title sequences that I used was that I made sure my project was the conventional length, which,  from my research I found was around 30 seconds. This is a typical convention associated with TV title sequences as, they are made to grab the audiences attention and should be short, fast paced so that the viewers engage with the program. Therefore, they must be around 25-30 seconds long as they are only a preview into the program and, as an editor you should not want to show the audience too much as it will spoil the viewing of the program. Throughout the project i wanted to make sure that I stuck to the strict timings, so I had to plan out my storyboard very carefully so that I could include everything I wanted in this short amount of time. Also, when I came to editing it was very hard to stick to this convention as I had a lot of footage I wanted to use, instead, I had to cut and edit several clips and change some of my initial ideas so that I could achieve this. Furthermore, to achieve a 30 second title sequence I also adjusted the speed of several clips so that I could use them, the speed tool on iMovie was very useful as I could speed up certain clips not only so that they fit in with my title sequence but also, so that they kept the fun, upbeat title sequence I was aiming for. 

Establishing Shot
Another typical media convention I used in my title sequence is that it begins with an establishing shot of the children playing with the radio that allows them to time travel in their home. From my initial research into title sequences I found that using an establishing shot for the opening of the sequence was very typical as it helps the viewers establish the location and basic plot of the program. For example, when researching existing title sequences I found that both the 'Good Luck Charlie' and, 'M.I High' title sequence opened with an establishing shot of the location in which it is set,this highlights to the audience the basic theme and plot of the program. I found this convention highly successful for title sequences as the audience, especially younger viewers, can quickly and effectively see the basic theme and outline of the program before its begun. Therefore, for the first shot of my title sequence I wanted an establishing shot of the children with the radio so that the young viewers can clearly see what the TV drama is about and what causes them to time travel. Although I have used a basic establishing shot of the living room and the children with the radio, I slightly developed the convention  to convey the time travelling theme.  This is because, I wanted to make the theme clear to my young target audience from them first shot ,therefore  developed the typical establishing shot of a building or location by showing the childrens costumes change when they played with the radio.

Clear Genre and Target Audience 
Another convention I have used in my project is that my title sequence clearly conveys the time travelling genre and my young taret audience. From my research I found that all the children's title sequences I researched all conveyed the theme of the program to their target audience, for example, both 'MI High' and 'Grange Hill' conveyed their themes through the colour scheme and the costumes used. For my title sequence I then followed this convention and made sure the time travelling was clear to the young audience, I feel that I achieved this through the iconic costumes and the spiral clock background I used for several scenes of the sequence. When choosing costumes for the characters I made sure they would be recognisable for my young target audience therefore, I chose popular, recognisable costumes such as, the Roman Toga and WW2 evacuees. I further reinforced the time travelling theme of the program through the music I chose, I think that the music I chose was highly successful as it is fun and upbeat, it also has a jazzy 1920's feel that highlights the time travelling aspect. Another convention I followed was that my title sequence clearly conveys my young target audience. From my research I found that all the title sequences I researched used actors and actresses that were a similar age to the target audience. When it came to casting I took this convention into consideration and chose two actors that were within the 6-12 age range of my program. For the Title sequence I also decided for the characters to be brother and sister so that it further highlights that this program is suitable for not only the children but also the family. 

Introduces characters
Another convention of real media products that I have incorporatted into my title sequence is

the introduction of the main characters. This convention is vital to title sequences as it helps the audience establish who the main characters are and, their personalities. From my research of existing title sequences I found that they all introduced the characters and the actors who played them through a montage of short clips. When introducing my two main characters I wanted to give the audience a snapshot of their personality and the character dynamics , I achieved this by including several small clips of the characters in different time periods from the program alongside the main image of the character. Although I followed the typical media convention of introducing the main characters with corresponding clips, I slightly challenged this convention as I only included the characters name and not the actors/actresses name. I done this because, I wanted the young audience to know the characters names and not get confused by the actresses names on the screen at the same time. Also, instead of including actors and directors names I challenged this convention as I wanted the focus to be on the characters and, I feel text would distract the audience and complicate the sequence. Instead I will include these features in the ending credits. 

Logo at the end of the Sequence
The final convention associated with title sequences that I have incorporated into my project is that the memorable TV drama logo fades into the first scene of the program. This is a typical convention of title sequences as it is the last thing the audience see before watching the program therefore, the logo must be memorable and eye-catching. The software 'LiveType' helped me achieve this as I could design my logo and choose an effect to make it move in time with the music. This convention also allows the audience to see the TV dramas name before the program begins, therefore it is vital to the production of any title sequence. 

Challenges
Although I have used and developed many typical media conventions I have also challenged some when producing my children's TV Drama title sequence. I have already challenged the convention of including the actors and actresses name in the opening sequence and I have also challenged several other conventions. 

Camera shots
One element I have challenged from typical media conventions associated with title sequences is that I have included a variety of different shots and cutaways instead, of the usual medium long shot that is used in many I researched. When researching existing children's title sequences I found that they all used very boring medium long shots that I felt were dull and uninteresting, which meant  the audience did not engage with the program quickly. Therefore, I challenged this convention by including a variety of exciting camera shots and cut aways to grab the young audiences attention quickly and effectively. For example, I used a close up at the beginning of the title sequence when I focused on the radio tuning before the children time travel. Another different and exciting shot I used was when the male character throws his hat at the camera and then his costumes change. This not only makes the title sequence more exciting and engaging for the audience but, it also contributes to the fast pace of the title sequence adding to the excitement before the program begins.