AH- Preliminary Task Feedback

Brief-

The task is to produce a short film clip on anything of our choice taking place within the school location; however the production must consist of the following elements:

1) Continuity editing: vary distances and angles, pans, steadicam, cutaways etc.

2) 180 degree rule: ensures the correct perspective is used, shot-reverse-shots, over the shoulder shots.

3) 2 lines of dialogue: consider digetic sound. Is it conventional of the genre? Enigmatic? Part of narrative?

4) Opening of a door: framing, close ups?

What did you learn about filming?

In terms of filming we learnt the various aspects needed in order to produce a complete film sequence. This meant that we had to learn how to use various filming and camera techniques, as well as how to create continuity within the editing stage. Therefore we were able to put all of the clips that we filmed exactly as we wanted together in order to complete the task set, which I personally believe we handled well.

What are your best shots?

In our opinion, we believe the shots where we used handi-cam in order to establish a point of view shot was very effective as we believe the movement of the camera and the distance of shots when we used this were filmed well, and personally it gave us good continuity in order to connect with the next clip. Furthermore, we also believe the use of low angle and high angle shots were used well in order to establish power within the clip. These are both techniques which we will have to take into consideration within the next task.

What difficulties did you encounter?

Firstly, due to the snow we had to make changed to the location of where our production took place, so therefore we filmed it inside as opposed to out, however we adjusted to that idea. We did experience some issues in terms of editing the very last part of the scene, however these were due to the fact that it was hard to film it in the way that we would have liked, and therefore we also found it quite hard to edit it to look smooth and create continuity.

What did you learn about editing?

In terms of editing, we learnt various elements using the software ‘Premier.’ We learn at to import clips, as well as cut them down, how to add in various transitions into the clip, and also how to fade music and adjust the volume.

What did you do in post-production that was successful?

In Post-production we had a group discussion in order to come to a consensus about the production and input ideas. All our ideas we made in this were evident within the clip. This shows that it is successful as we carried the task out as we had planned, however the only aspect changed was the location of the filming

Evaluate your production.  What are the strengths and weaknesses?

Our production focuses on a chase scene which incorporates various aspects of camera and filming techniques in order to create tension amongst the audience. Therefore we also used a soundtrack to accompany this and once again build on the tension which was effective.

On the other hand we did find that the end of the production had some weaknesses in terms of filming technique at the last clip.

 What tips would you therefore give yourself for the opening sequence production?

In terms of our next production I would therefore make sure we plan it well again. Also to ensure we establish good camera techniques throughout the film so that they we can edit them well enough to create continuity throughout.

Here are some examples of the shots we used