EVALUATION: Question7:

7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you think you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

When we first started working on our preliminary task I had never before used a camera or the editing software on the Macs. Therefore, I was a bit hesitant at first to use the equipment, and to get used to all the camera angles and techniques you need to consider when filming.

The editing side of it is very easy once you’ve got to grips with how to create certain effects, and change cuts from slow speed to fast speed. Also stabilizing shots to make the scene smoother and look more professionally shot.



(This is our improved version of our Agent’s media prelim)

In our original prelim, we weren’t entirely confident and satisfied with the work we had created as there was no non-digetic sound used. After we had added the mission impossible theme tune, it instantly created an atmosphere of excitement. This therefore, had an impact on the viewer as it got them intrigued and captivated throughout the duration of our preliminary task.

However, when we created our media thriller opening we included two different types of non-digetic sound. As by this stage we had increased our understanding of the software on the Macs.

Another fault we realised when playing back our prelim was we had missed out some un-needed speech that shouldn’t have been there. Another fault we also occurred was the stabilising of the shots, we hadn’t quite realised at this point of editing.

We added writing to our preliminary task to improve to extra information for the storyline. For them to realise who certain characters are etc.

Another problem I found when looking back on our preliminary task, is that the close ups we included within our production were too unsteady and jumpy. This is due to the fact we had little experience with camera work beforehand therefore, when using the camera and tripod we were hesitant and inexperienced in doing so.



Another problem found was due to the fact, it was our first time using the camera and creating footage for our production as a group, at times we found our actors not taking it seriously enough and let the situation get the better of them. This is by the actors either laughing or joking around, due to at that precise time they did not realize just how important it was.

However, my fault of this stage of production was not to edit the section out on the Macs on IMOVIE09 software, due to not leaving myself enough time to do so. Therefore, when planning and shooting our footage for our prelim as a group we will need to bear in mind the amount of excess footage needed incase of this situation happening again, and also to allow ourselves more editing time for editing and cutting out scenes like the following.



What I think worked well is the CCTV style long shot we used within our prelim. This is used within the long walk from one end of the corridor to the other. As a group we decided on this as we thought it worked well and fit into our theme of an agent type mission our characters are involved within. The CCTV effect portrays a mysterious setting for the character involved. This image gives of a sense of the character being watched by someone else who is in higher authority than themselves. The duration of this scene almost seems to be going in slow motion building up to the character reaching the end of the corridor and the events that will occur after this.

The CCTV style shown above in our prelim worked extremely well. However, when creating our media thriller opening we moved up to the next level in editing skills this being a gloomy sepia effect.

In our thriller opening our credits and titles were a mile ahead of our preliminary standard ones. This is down to the fact we had been a hundred times more creative as a group, with our ideas and justifying them to the storyline. Agreeing on how easy/hard they would be to make, along with how we would actually make them and create the image we were aiming for. As a group we even had two attempts at making them due to the fact we were entirely satisfied with what we had produced and wanted them to look the most realistic they could. Therefore, to make them not look gimmicky and childlike but to look professional and well presented.   

ß First attempt looks tacky, unprofessional and unbelievable to the storyline. Red writing is all different sizes, and not straight on the line exactly.

à Second attempt looks professional, believable and looks better presented.

Images represent connections of God, therefore sticks to the storyline and naming of our thriller opening 'The Disciple'.

Another aspect that was improved greatly by the process of prelim à thriller opening was the differentiation of shot types.  

à Long shot of drug deal scene, the lighting has been contrasted and the pan of the camera moving across the screen is smooth and effortless.

ß Mid shots have been used more frequently; this example is of the attacker getting ready his murder weapon. The mid shots in preliminary task were unclear and only had a section of the body but were not long enough to be mid shots. Whereas in our thriller opening they are up to mid length on all shots at least making it perfectly clear what type of shot it is.

à Close up shot of dead corpse rotting away. The close ups used in our thriller are much more precise and into detail that they have a bigger impact on the viewer. 

 

When planning both our prelim and thriller opening it was essential we had a shooting script/plan to enable us as a group to make sure we shot all necessary scenes. Also we needed to know which camera angle was needed for each shot to portray a certain images. Also all necessary footage needed to be captured within our set period due to the fact we only had one day for filming. Therefore, if we did not have the footage needed we would have to make due with what we didn't have.



It is also essential when working on either the prelim or thriller opening that you stick to certain necessary guide lines and rules. These being the following: 180 degree rule is a must. Bad use of 180 degree rule can result in confusion to the reader and keeps the characters situated on the same side being the right or left.

Example of bad use of 180 degree rule:

It is also an important essential that you keep up with continuity editing within any production. In our prelim task we had one continuity error between shots. However, in our thriller opening we made sure all scenes ran over on to the next keeping the action and drama moving from one scene to the other the same. Continuity editing is essential to the viewer to stop them from getting muddled up and confused with the storyline and the way it pans out.