Evaluation of 'Nose Candy'

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.