Evaluation Question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task, What do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

When I compare our work in the preliminary task and that in our film, we have clearly developed our filming and editing skills. In the preliminary task we mainly got to grips with the basics of producing a film, like the effective camera angles and cross cuts.  In our group,  we tried to effectively use the 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and a match on action as we were briefed to help us achieve the most effective shots. In particular, trying to use match on action showed us the importance of consistency and angles in a film, as each cut had to link with the next in order to portray a continuous plot. At the time we were very happy with our preliminary product, however reviewing it i can now see how much we and I have learnt. I found that my editing skills have greatly improved, as i remember simple tasks such as cutting shots took me longer for the preliminary tasks than it does now. I have also learnt many new features of programs such as Final Cut and Motion; whilst also developing my physical skills with camera work, lighting and sound. Reflecting on my knowledge and capability before I began Media, i have greatly developed and learnt new skills along the way.

Over the course of product, i have greatly improved my ability to plan ahead and adapt to situations in the moment.  We found the best way to complete tasks within our group was to assign ourselves each with a task, allowing us to focus on the primary subject and then combine our results at school.  We had to begin the planning of our film product very early on due to the need to produce storyboards and a clear narrative/script prior to our shooting days.  I found the completion of this storyboard very challenging as, we had to visualize the ideal and most effective shots for our filming without being on location. Whilst in the past, prior to beginning our product, I would not have been able to do this. Doing the preliminary task helped me later in my project as I had already got to grips with how to plan a shoot and what would need to be achieved, such as the sound and lighting along with the camerawork.

I was little aware of the importance of sound, and the multitude of ways it can be adapted and used. In producing our product I learnt for the first time about foley sound, and the key role it plays in films to allow the editors to create the most realistic effects for a film. We used foley sound in our film for the phone ringing and the sound of it hitting a concrete floor. We used a directional microphone for the foley sound and that recorded in our film , which I had learnt to use in other practice films and sessions.  It was very advantageous that i was aware of how to use the sound recorders as by mistake our camera that we filmed "Strobe" with, had not recorded the sound itself and so we had to overlay it during editing.

I feel that i have learnt the most about the effective use of lighting, which i had no experience of before. During our light testing work, i was able to see the postive effect a well lit stage can have on the quality of the film and the perspective of the frame. When we used little or no light, the frame was very flat. In comparison, when we combined a fill light with top lighting on a mid shot, we were able to achieve much greater depth of field, thus making it look more realistic. 

For the preliminary task, we used very basic camera shots, primarily using mid shots with the subject in the centre of the frame, as we knew little of the importance of positioning within the frame and camera angles.  Considering our later work, I can proudly say that I have learnt a great deal about camerawork, as when we were filming we were aware of intersting angles and visual aids for the viewer, such as the rule of thirds.  I have also found that we have got much more efficient in our production of work. As we were able to have less out-takes but still be able to achieve the desired effect.

Overall, I have learnt a great deal from our preliminary task to the progression of the full product. Learning new technologies and advancing old ones, has helped me to create a better product and develop my skills to which i can take onto future work.