CCR - Final Task

 

1. How does your product use or challenge conventions AND how does it represent social groups or issues? 

 

My film follows many conventions of the sports drama genre while also introducing elements that challenge typical expectations. Sports dramas often focus on an underdog character striving to succeed against the odds, which is a core element in my film. I made sure to capture the intense competition and personal struggles that come with professional racing. The high-stakes racing sequences, emotional setbacks, and ultimate triumph align closely with the typical narrative structure of a sports drama. However, my film challenges some conventions by blending the action of motorsports with deeper emotional and psychological layers. Instead of just focusing on the races, I explored the internal conflict of the protagonist and his struggle to prove himself not just on the track, but also in his personal life.  

 

In terms of representing social groups, my film reflects themes of class and opportunity. The protagonist comes from a working-class background, which mirrors the real-life story behind “Gran Turismo”. I wanted to highlight the barriers that exist in elite sports and how financial and social privilege often determine who gets a chance to compete. By showing the protagonist overcoming these challenges through talent and determination, I aimed to deliver a message about perseverance and breaking down social barriers. The film also reflects teamwork and the importance of family and community support, reinforcing the idea that success is not always an individual achievement but something that requires collective effort. Through this approach, I aimed to make the story more relatable and emotionally engaging for the audience. 

 

 

2. How does your product engage with audiences AND how would it be distributed as a real media text? 

 

My film engages audiences by combining high-energy racing sequences with emotional character development. The fast-paced editing and sound design create a sense of intensity and excitement, especially during the race scenes. I focused on using dynamic camera angles, including POV shots and close-ups, to put the audience in the driver’s seat and make them feel the speed and danger of professional racing. At the same time, the emotional stakes are heightened by the protagonist’s personal journey — his relationship with his family, the pressure to succeed, and his internal doubts. This balance between action and emotional depth helps create a connection with the audience, making them care about the outcome beyond just the race results. 

 

In terms of distribution, I would target streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu since sports dramas tend to perform well with on-demand viewing. The global popularity of motorsports, especially Formula 1 and endurance racing, makes it appealing to an international audience. I would also consider a limited theatrical release to attract racing fans and sports drama enthusiasts who appreciate the experience of watching intense action sequences on a big screen. Promotional strategies would include social media campaigns targeting racing communities and sports influencers to generate buzz. By engaging both racing enthusiasts and general sports drama fans, I believe the film could build a solid and diverse audience base. 

 

 

 

3. How did your production skills develop throughout this project? 

 

My production skills improved significantly over the course of this project. One of the biggest areas of growth was in cinematography. Shooting race scenes required careful planning and execution, especially when capturing the speed and motion of the cars. I learned how to use different camera angles — like tracking shots and handheld close-ups — to create a sense of immersion and intensity. Lighting was also a challenge since I needed to balance natural and artificial light to keep the visuals clear and dynamic during fast-paced scenes.  

 

Editing was another area where I made major progress. I had to carefully cut between different shots to maintain continuity and keep the pace exciting without losing clarity. The sound design was also crucial in creating the atmosphere. I layered engine sounds, tire screeches, and crowd noise to make the race scenes feel realistic and intense. I also learned to balance background music with dialogue and sound effects to avoid overwhelming the viewer. Working with my team taught me the importance of communication and problem-solving. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned — like issues with lighting or sound — but we adapted quickly and found creative solutions. Overall, this project helped me become more confident in my technical skills and more comfortable leading a production team under pressure. 

 

 

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

 

I used a range of technologies throughout the production process. For filming, I used a high-quality DSLR camera, which allowed me to capture crisp, high-resolution footage, even in fast-moving race scenes. I experimented with different camera settings and lenses to achieve the right depth of field and motion blur. Stabilizers and gimbals helped create smooth tracking shots during the racing sequences, adding a sense of motion and speed without making the footage shaky. I also used GoPro cameras for POV shots, which helped put the audience directly in the action. 

 

For editing, I used Adobe Premiere Pro, which gave me the flexibility to cut together complex race sequences while adjusting color grading and sound levels. I used multi-track editing to layer different audio elements — including engine sounds, tire screeches, and background music — to create a balanced and immersive soundscape. For special effects, like motion blur and dynamic lighting adjustments, I used After Effects.  

 

Online resources also played a big role in the project. I used royalty-free music and sound effects from platforms like Epidemic Sound to enhance the audio experience. I also used Google Drive to organize and share files with my team, which helped streamline the workflow and avoid miscommunication. Social media was another key tool; I used it to gather feedback from test audiences and adjust the final cut based on their reactions. Integrating these different technologies helped me create a professional-looking final product and improved my overall technical skills.