Evaluation

For my Film Studies coursework portfolio, I produced a short five minute film
called Undercovers as I intended to reflect on my thesis; the representation of
women has changed over the years in contemporary film, focusing on the 1950s
to present day. My aims were to illustrate how the representation of women has
been demonstrated in comparison to men, due to the influences of social and
political factors in particular. My film is in the romantic genre, with elements of
fantasy and desirable moments included, similar to
the films that have inspired my idea; Bend it Like
Beckham and Orange is The New Black, aiming to
create a verisimilitude for my audience. It was vital
that I fascinated a similar category of individuals as a
common romantic film would, which is why the use of
Mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound
was integral to the overall success of my final product
Before constructing my short film, I decided to create planning and research
materials that would help to keep me on track as well ensuring that my final
product would be most suitable and enjoyable for my target audience as well
delivering powerful messages and values. Although my aim was to satisfy my
audience, my prime aim was to illustrate how womens rights have reformed
over the years and how the subject of homosexuality is now a common thing in
society and in contemporary film in comparison to the 1950s era. I decided to
present my idea through the uses of codes and conventions that audiences
usually find when viewing a romantic genre. My target audience consisted of
females mainly as the main characters are females whilst
my subject of thesis was also based upon patriarchy and
feminism, making it more relatable for the female
population.
I created a potential character list which involved a few
different individuals whom I thought had the skills to
participate as the prime roles in my production. I aimed to
deliver my idea by having two female protagonists in
which I came to a conclusion to have, Ebony (19) Black
African and Jess (19) Caucasian, in which I decided to have
them being in a long term relationship. Ebony, stuck
between being disowned or dishonest, delivered her
emotions and opinions through a monologue I produced
specifically for the involvement of non diegetic sound. I decided to present Ebony
as a rather discreet, emotional and caring character with a rather deceiving and
stereotypical appearance as my use of costume, a towel, facial piercings and her
short hair provided her with a more masculine facade. I used a variety of shots
such as extreme close up and point of view shots in particular to present a
clearer view of her character. Throughout her spoken monologue, I was able to
receive a sympathetic response from my audience, a target achieved as the use
of additional non diegetic sound allowed me to emphasize on the thoughts

delivered by Ebony, creating a form of relationship

with my audience. Unlike Ebony, Jess was
presented in a more feminine aspect as she
challenges the homosexual stereotype. I
presented Jesss character primarily through the
involvement of a video log which I created for
verisimilitude towards the audience, as they
walked around Oxford Street together hand in hand. I used a variety of shots
varying from extreme close up shots to point of view shots, showing the ring for
example at the window, was presented with an extreme close up shot followed
by a shot reverse shot to reveal the emotions and
reactions of both females. The ring was also a
symbolic icon within my film as it was used to
demonstrate the passion and commitment both
characters had for one another, as influenced
through one of my case studies Bend it like
Beckham and the marriage that was due to take
place. During the trip to London, I decided to have
both characters dressed in two contrasting
costumes as I thought it was express and differentiate their characters more.
Jesss costume was rather more bold and feminine as I decided to provide her
costume with more bright colours, in comparison to Ebony, as her costume was
mainly dark colours with dull patterns, providing a more masculine trait, which
provided the audience with a surprise as her monologue contrasted her
appearance which was not expected by viewers. Analysing both films Bend it
like Beckham and Orange is the New Black, I used similar character traits making
sure my audience would retaliate similar to previous viewers of both inspired
media products.
For my planning and research, it was required that I produced location notes,
gathering images and notes of my desired locations, analysing how each location
would be most suitable for my short film. I had come to a conclusion that I
wanted a bedroom as my prime location as it included a double bed to
specifically present both characters as well as using the bed in reflection of
Roland Barthes enigma code theory; using specific icons to provide the audience
with suspense and enthusiasm, which is why I decided to position Jess under
the covers, not revealing the narrative straight away, leaving my film as an
open text. As well as this, the bedroom was fairly large which provided me with
the opportunity to be more creative and artistic with cinematography, creating a
larger effect towards my final product. My second chosen location was Oxford
Street. I chose this location specifically as I decided to film during the Christmas
festive period, which meant that there were many pretty lights located in many
places around Oxford Street. In reference to micro elements, lighting is an
important factor when filming as it can be used to symbolise emotion and
current conditions of specific situations. In this case, I was able to use the
lighting to reflect upon their happiness and the positivity embraced in their
relationship as two homosexual females, reinforcing the fact that homosexuality

is now a common subject in society, as it is more familiarised with people,

contrasting the ways in which females were presented during the 1950s in media
texts. The lighting of this location was beneficial for my final product as it added
a more romantic effect to my film as well as providing a jollier atmosphere,
reflecting on their emotions over all as well as linking to the monologue Ebony
delivered.
Similar to other romantic films, I followed a linear narrative whilst it being an
open text as it allowed the audience to feel eager to watch more during their
experience viewing the film. I decided to do this
as the title Undercovers is used as a metaphorical
way of presenting a mysterious message. I
incorporated three prime narrative theories in my
film which consisted of Todorovs 5 stage
equilibrium theory as the plot of the story is
disrupted, realised, noticed and constructed
again to form a new equilibrium, Pan Cooks
common Hollywood narrative theory with no
actual finalised ending, which is shown in my film as it ends with both characters
positioned on the bed together illustrated through a two shot. Finally, Roland
Barthes enigma code theory was used as many icons were used as clues for the
audience to figure out the plot of the story.
Therefore, by using these narrative theories, I
was able to keep the audience engaged with the
storyline, adapting to the ways in which I
attempted to present the reform of gender roles
and the way in which the representation of
women has changed over the years in film, an
important factor within my media product.
My planning and research was beneficial for me
during the stages of post production, as my final product has successfully
reflected upon my planning and research materials. The use of these materials
allowed me to make sure I was constantly organised as well as making my timing
more efficient, allowing me to film more than once and have enough time to edit.
Overall, I did manage to create an artefact that touched on my two case studies
as well as managing to explore my thesis effectively, portraying the development
of female representation in film. My production has been distributed via Youtube
as this is a well known distributing website for short films especially as people
are constantly visiting Youtube, viewing videos and leaving comments behind,
which allowed me to receive good audience feedback. Although, if I had the
chance to reconstruct my product, I would have changed the location of the
bedroom as I believe it was too mature in comparison to their characters
portrayed in scene in which Oxford Street is illustrated, not providing an accurate
reflection on their characters. As well as this, I would have involved more of a
story line as the ending is not complete, which would possibly provide a more
exciting atmosphere for the audience as well as showing more examples of how
the representation of women has altered over the years. However, overall I did

fascinate my audience and my product does clearly reflect on my planning and

research materials, clearly conveying my effective use of production in both pre
and post production, delivering a clear answer to my thesis.