2. Preliminary film evaluation

10. PRELIM. Khain, Khairna, Adriana, Rhianna, Danielle from 283goswell on Vimeo.


For my preliminary task, my group and I created a short film which incorporated skills we learned in lesson like the match cut and 180 degree rule. The embedded link above will lead to my preliminary film.

To make this short film our group had to plan what our story was about, create a storyboard and write a script. I think we were able to successfully create a story-line and script for this film that made sense and was clear to the audience. It shows that we could all work together and share our ideas to create one clear piece of work, using our communication skills. Generating and planning the ideas was the hardest part for me as I could not figure out what to do with the rope, though my group came up with a great idea of how to incorporate the rope into a sequence which I was happy with. However, one thing we could have done better was to plan our film by having a storyboard, as whilst filming we slightly changed parts around which made it more confusing during the editing process, though in the end I feel that we successfully overcame this issue.

Filming the actual footage was one of the easier parts in creating our films. Though, as mentioned above, we did change our plan slightly, it was quite easy to understand what we were now doing in terms of filming. This is where we had to go over particular parts more than once to get the perfect shots to create our match cuts and dialogue between the policeman and the female teenager. I enjoyed this part the most as I was able to get a full experience on how it is really like creating films for people to watch and enjoy, as well as getting to know the camera better. I felt that this is where I worked best. Ive learned that planning is a crucial part in creating a well structured film.

Editing was very interesting. That part required a lot of time to know how to edit a simple video clip and make it look and sound better. This is where we edited our shot reverse shots, over the shoulder shots and various other shots to effectively show the skills like the 180 degree rule. I also feel that this is where we got to understand how sound works in film as in parts, we needed to continue the sound in a shot for another to make the piece flow more. Nevertheless I still believe that there could be improvement in editing. Although I believe the sound in the film was good, the actually visual footage did not flow in places. For example, when the teenager bumped into the policeman, she moved from one place to another due to the editing. I feel that this made the piece slightly unprofessional. Though I can use this criticism and apply it to making my actual piece so that the same mistakes are not made.

Overall I think our group was very triumphant in creating this piece and overcoming the difficulties we had face. We effectively showed someone walking through a door and being tied up with match cuts as well as have a conversation using the 180 degree rule, over the shoulder shots and shot reverse shots.

2) Preliminary evaluation

PRELIMINARY FILM EVALUATION

The week beginning 21st of September, my AS media studies class were assigned our preliminary task. This required us to film, plan and edit individual work allowing us to practice before our final production. Compulsory techniques included a match in action shot, a reverse shot and the 180 degree rule and the scenario had to have at least a conversation, a character entering a location by opening a door and they must cross a room.

Each group was given an object which had to be included within our film. The object we were given was a rope which we later decided to use as handcuffs. We started planning by coming up with various ideas as we tried to construct our scenario, while incorporating the object and choosing a suitable location. Once we decided the characters and the main story line (which was a policeman entering a chicken shop which resulted in a confrontation with a teen) we began storyboarding and preparing our script.

At first we were quite reluctant to do the script as some members had thought that it was not a necessity as we all knew what to say. But when we started editing we realised that the script and sticking to it was actually vital because we could not pot certain clips together as we were saying different things –which was especially a dilemma when completing our match in action shot-. Storyboarding helped us to realise what type and angle of shots were needed, ensuring that we were using a variety but as it was not done in great depth and detail we struggled when filming because inevitably we did not have a clear vision.

As we was in a group of five I personally struggled to get views across all and participate in certain activities as at times there were too many people crowding around the camera. But I did not allow that to hinder my passion for filming the footage as I asked if I could shot at least a scene. Filming was successful because despite the fact we did not have a clear storyboard we managed to get good and clear shots.

Before the prelim I had never actually edited footage so this was a good first time experience as I was able to gain new skills such as placing shots together while allowing them to run smoothly. This stage defiantly allowed me to appreciate group work as we all complemented each other. This is because we were all able to help each other out on different aspects as some were better at planning, filming or editing.

Overall I think my group was successful as we completed the preliminary film despite the slight obstacles we faced on the way. I learned the importance of storyboarding, shot lists and scripts as it did impact our film as well as Teamwork because it was vital in order to work productivity.

Task 2: Preliminary Film

6. PRELIM. Piotr, Sophie, Maria, Jessica, Kezia from 283goswell on Vimeo.

In the planning stage we had to draw up a storyboard detailing plans for our film. We had to decide on the angle, movement and duration of at least 15 shots. Through doing this, I feel that I have improved on my knowledge of shot types and angles, so when it comes to doing the course work I will know what will work. Also, when it comes to the coursework film, I will know what is included in the planning stages so I can be more prepared.

When filming, my role was behind the camera. I had to record, frame shots and also move the camera. This process has helped me to develop my camera knowledge as I know feel like I can confidently use the camera as well as the other equipment (e.g. the tripod). I also believe that I have improved on understanding how to move and frame the camera in order to get a professional-looking film. For example, I now know that a shot of a character should be framed so that there is no space above their head.

The editing stage allowed us to expand our knowledge on how to use the adobe editing programme. We had to use tools such as the cutting tool which allowed us to take bits out and fit our different shots together. This allowed us to practice getting the perfect match cut which we will be able to use in our coursework film. Additionally, becoming more familiar with the editing programme will mean that we have already had experience when it comes to editing next time so the process will go more smoothly.
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In the conversation between the two characters we used multiple reverse shots. Furthermore, we filmed the walking shots with the 180 degree rule in mind so the character would be walking in the same direction. Lastly, when filming the walking through the door scene, we used more than one shots from different angles that were edited together in order to create a smooth match cut. Therefore, overall I think that our prelim film was quite successful.                                

Task 3: The Purpose Of The Title Squence

This presentation shows the Purposes of the title sequence

Task 2: Prelim

6. PRELIM. Piotr, Sophie, Maria, Jessica, Kezia from 283goswell on Vimeo.

Evaluation of Prelim

I learned a lot during the process of creating my prelim film, for my Media coursework.  I learned about the varies shots used in film, and which ones worked the best. I also learned the importance of planning and story boarding your ideas.  Having a clear storyboard made the filming process a lot easier.  I developed many new skills like video editing, and being able to direct. This whole experience also helped me develop the skills of time managing, working in a team and organisation. We had very limited time to film and edit, meaning every minute was precious, and compromises had to be made. Working as a team was very important, and we all had to contribute our skills in order to produce the best film we could.

match cut in action

I believe my film was adequate. It lacked a good plot and the lighting could use major improvement, but I completed all the points required and the film had a nice flow to it. I was good at the planning and visualising the set, but I really let my skills shine trough, during the filming process. I think I was good at setting up the camera and getting some nice shots. However I found the editing process a bit difficult. I was not used to the editing software or working on macs. I improved vastly towards the end, but I still believe it’s my weak point.

  The match cuts worked really well and made the story continues. The close up shots of the actors also worked superbly. They really illustrate the awkwardness the characters in the film were feeling, and the change of shots also made the film more entertaining to watch. However, some of the other camera angles we filmed didn’t fit in with the rest of the shots and were unusable.

   If I was to remake the film, I would pay more attention to lighting and make sure all the shots get equal amount of light, as some shots ended up being darker then others. I would also film more shots of the actor walking through the door and play around more with the shot types used. As a whole I am very content with how the finished film turned out and think few changes are needed.

   The key thing I learned from this is the importance of storyboarding.  At first I thought it was a waste of time, creating such a thorough plan but I soon realized that having a clear plan of the film, meant everyone on your team known exactly what they‘re doing, and there’s no panic, or any unprofessionalism. Also having a shot-list made filming easier, as I knew exactly what shot was going to be used for what scene. Shot-lists were also very helpful when positioning the camera and setting up the set. When I start working on my big production piece, ill make sure that a lot of time is spend on the planning and that everyone on my team was a copy of detailed storyboard.

close up of the actors

1. Hey, wassup, hello :)

Hey guys,

We are group 8 and this is our multi media blog in which we will be posting on throughout our media journey to record our progress. You can also see our progress on our twitter page: @Candigroup8