Q1: What
have you learned during the making of your preliminary task?
Technical aspects – from attaching cameras to tripods
through to the use of editing software – Beforehand, we were quite
inexperienced with handling sound effects and editing software; having said
that, our knowledge gradually developed with time. One problem we did encounter
was, at the start of filming, the camera didn’t have the ability to zoom in as
much as we needed it to, as this was a crucial aspect featured in our film.
How to manage time – We completed every aspect of the
filming, editing and music etc. in advance to ensure that we had enough time to
re-film/re-edit if the opportunity arose (in which it did), which ultimately
worked to our advantage.
Group work - We all occupied equal roles in the making of
the film whereby George was filming and both Harry & Joe were acting.
Everyone had contributed in different ways, whether it be with possible camera
shots, music soundtracks or the script itself. Free-flowing ideas were co-operative
and plentiful.
Storyboarding – Our pre-production didn’t include the full
creation of a story board, however it was utilised when deciding which camera
shots were to be featured as well as diegetic sound.
Issues around continuity – There were minimal issues that,
in hindsight, we could’ve mended through the use of editing. For the next task,
we will scrutinise the shots critically in order to ensure maximum continuity
and chronological accuracy.
Q2: Areas
of success
Be kind to yourself! What have you done well? – The features
we felt we excelled in were not only using a wide variety of shots, but also
how they impacted the representations of characters in the film. Another
feature that we utilised well was mise en scene and, through the use of props and
setting, made the sequence look very realistic.
Finished version – One frequent criticism we did receive was
that the music we showcased didn’t match the genre, nor did it make the genre
itself actually clear. However we were complimented on our use of props,
predominantly our inclusion of sugar as we used it to represent cocaine, was
particularly well received. Also, despite our unclear genre, through clothing
and behaviour, our character representations stayed true with the audience as
they formed opinions on the drug dealer and buyer.
Planning stage – Collaboratively, we scoped out the
(proposed) location for the film, which was filmed at the pond, by taking
multiple photos whilst deciding which shots could be used in which areas thus
increasing the rate of planning rapidly.
Time management – We managed our time well leaving enough
time to go back if needed. The most time consuming part was the editing process
and selected which music to use after creating it ourselves.
Effective shots or use of editing software – Our diverse
involvement of various shots was key, whether they established power among
characters or enhanced the realism in the film. For example, we used low angle
shots during the film in order to increase the drug dealer's stature as well as
using long shots in order to signify how no-one is safe around him (hence why
he was walking on his own). The editing procedures we progressed through
included adding music that helped to shape our genre, although one criticism we
did receive is that, because of the many genres of music itself, it didn't
provide the audience the knowledge of our actual genre (which we've fully agree
with upon taking serious measures to avoid this for next time). The end credits
were a crucial part of the production as we allowed. The audience to identify
who did what during the making of the film.
Q3: Areas
for development
Think about what you have learned during this process. What
went wrong? What would you do differently? What will you make sure you avoid
during the planning process for your main task?
As a group, we have
learned many things that we can implement into our later tasks, making us not
only better equipped to tackle later projects, but to maximise our experience
heading into the next venture. One thing we could improve upon is our use of
non-diegetic sound and how that allows our audience to establish a clear
narrative - using a soundtrack over a few shots that didn't match the narrative
was one of our main downfalls during the preliminary task. The main thing we'll
avoid during the planning process for the main task is to make sure we don't
leave out the correct use of non-diegetic sound in advance as this is one
criticism we are very keen to amend.
Q4: How
well did you meet the brief?
Highlight areas of success in terms of obeying the 180
degree rule, the use of shot/reverse shot and match on action. Include GIFs or
screen grabs of how you did this.
Q5:
Feedback from others
We will watch the preliminary tasks. Go for 3 good things /
3 things you could have done differently. Think in terms of framing shots;
continuity issues; holding a shot steady; recording of sound; mixing of sound;
sequences being left in for too long.
Good
-
We used many angle shot though the filming.
-
We had a strong story line in the drug deal.
-
We filmed the task in a good place to film.
Bad
-
The music in the background did not fit the
genre
-
The opening was to long walking up the hill.
-
Something the post production was not done
correctly
Q6:
Evaluate your contribution to the group’s work
What did you actually do? My part in this task was to be the
camera man but also chose which shots to take and help the editor Joe Russ to choose
which shot would be in the final cut.
How flexible were you? I feel as a group we was all flexible
and that we all was there when need to be.
What skills have you gained from doing this? Have learnt
many skills but the main ones are camera skills and editing skills. Meaning
that when filming along the way a learnt new camera angles which was used in
are final cut.
Do you think you worked well as part of your group? I think
as a group we worked very well meaning we all listened to each other and chose
as a group what we should do and when. Also no one in the group felt they was
doing all the work and that we took on the same amount of work to get the final
product.
