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

‘Poker’s Advocate’ (PA) conforms to the conventions of a pre-title sequence where in the credits come in after 2 minutes of film rather than at the start. The beginning two minutes usually shows the audience a scene from the half way point of the film. To refrain this pre-title sequence becoming trailer like, use of fades in between cuts were not used often, and only for the Angel and Devil scene to show distortion.

Quick cuts are used here to build up tension. There is little dialogue so the audience would be less informed at the start of the film. If crucial lines that reveal the plot twists are revealed, it would make the opening too much like a trailer. Plot details are unimportant in film openings.



















Fade is used here as it conforms to the transition techniques used to represent a flashback or memory used in films. Here, it represents the unstable mind of the protagonist and hints that the Angel and Devil are merely hallucinations.

Pre-title sequences still show the production logos before the film begins, and PA does that. The idea of ripping a production logo (e.g. Universal or Paramount) was proposed, however that would take time and copyright issues may arise. Making our own logos would show creativity and show how conventions are followed in our original production logo. Three logos were drafted and rather than choosing between them, all were refined and put in. This continues to follow conventions as associate or supporting companies are usually involved therefore films can have more than one production logo.


















Conforming to Production Logos in general, Bullseye Productions gives an image and animation for the audience to focus on.



















The first image settles, and a second which is more important appears. This is an opportunity for sound effects or sound bridges. In Poker’s Advocate the effect from iMovie called [insert here] suits the swish movement of the letters; another convention that occurs in Production logos.



















After all the effects and animation, there is a pause that allows the audience to ‘absorb’ and take in the logo. This in film time is only a few seconds so that it does not drag and become boring. These are all conventions followed.


Shot reverse shots and close ups follow conventions in that they shows a character’s reaction to dialogue. The shot reverse shot is taken from over the shoulder at times, and close ups take in details such as chair shuffling and important eye movements.



















Holly’s gesture of tucking hair behind her ear can show nervousness of her character, a contrast to the confident concept of her character. It gives realism to her, as it is a very normal gesture that girls do.





















































This CU shows Luke glancing at his cards. This creates mystery and tension, as well as showing the audience that this is a real and serious poker game.

Other Conventional camera angles include:


Establishing shots: This sets the scene. Here, by the props and lighting the audience can tell it is a mysterious, and possibly dangerous area, and the main entertainment/focus is poker.














































Extreme CUs: This shows the character's key expressions. Here Dave gives a strong look to Gary, showing thought.

Tracking shots: Can act as a POV shot as well as following movement and giving a variety to camera angles. Here the camera follows the Devil's hand, putting importance in her movement and showing the character's control over Dave.