EVALUATION 7
Looking back at the prelim task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
(Georgina)
Preliminary Task:
We learnt a variety of skills when creating our preliminary task.
Firstly we created a storyline which fitted the guideline, ours was about women going for a job interview where the interviewer asked a number of questions and the applicant answered. This was the start to an initial storyboard and script which included the different angles and speech it was going to feature. Due to completing English and Media GCSE, I was aware of how to complete theses two tasks, this helped us have a good structure to our piece.
When it came to filming we had little experience with the cameras which we had to deal with quickly, however using the tripod helped us balance and construct the task successfully.
After filming we then had to edit. The software we used was final cut express which is slightly advanced but due to having a member of the group use it before made it easier for us to work it out. We used the basic effects like an oval iris and cross dissolves when cutting from each scene. Using an advanced editing software like this enabled us to complete the shot/reverse shot of the conversation following the 180 degree rule and action match of the door which was set out within the guidelines. We were successful in completing both of theses.
Another thing we learnt while constructing the prelim was the basics of importing and exporting videos onto final cut through quick time conversion. It also enabled us to practice uploading footage of the cameras which is vital when it comes to our final piece.
The Preliminary task had it strengths but also weaknesses. The main strength's were the volume of the dialogue and how we followed the 180 degree rule. However a few continuity errors were present for example when the door opened a teacher was in the background with the boys behind, whereas when Ela walked across the room he had left. This taught us how important it is to make sure their are no continuity errors in our final piece. Another weakness was the location we used it was in the sixth form common room so there was a lot of background noise which disrupted the actors.
Opening Sequence Task
Looking back our skills have developed greatly from then to now and we are now able to complete the filming and editing process without any trouble.
Firstly our planning and group work have developed greatly with different jobs being allocated to different members of the group. The role of filming and editing was split evenly on various strengths. For example when creating our prelim Isla was better at editing so took on the majority of work although we were all present to guide and help her out. Getting a new member (Zack) allowed us to have another eye for criticism to improve our ideas but also helped us split the work evenly and made it easier to film and edit. The script and storyboard was an easy process as mentioned above but the practice from the prelim enabled the other members to join and develop it further. This set us up a better base for our opening sequence.
In regards to filming I believe our skills have improved as we were able to try different shots and angles to convey the genre and create narrative enigma. Using POV and high angle shots in the murder scenes allowed the audience to see the scene from Ophelia's perspective allowing them to ask questions. This helped us explain why we used the shots we did to create a well thought out piece. Although we have learnt more we had to make sure the skills learnt from the prelim were kept throughout so making sure no continuity errors were present. We did this by looking back at the scene and analysing the previous shots and picture we took to ensure it was well set out. In addition we explained to our actors what it means and how to avoid it when filming, allowing extra eyes on the scenes to make sure everything was perfect.
The main thing we have learnt while constructing our opening sequence was the importance of editing. We are able to do a lot more on final cut express. I have now learnt how to make the clips fade in and fade out using a cross dissolve to allow the piece to run smoothly and look more natural. Along with the dissolve we developed a skill that made the knife clip overlap the cutting into the cake clip to fade into each other creating a graphic match cut. This showed the importance of the knife as an visual iconogrphy. The sound has been a major development as I now know how to find royalty free music online and import it into final cut. Layering sounds together was another technique I learnt, we choose the sounds of heartbeat, footsteps and our soundtrack to create a tense and eerie atmosphere. We also used audio effects to fade the sound in and out, this again allowed it to naturally fade to the other scene. In addition we learnt how to change the volume of the sounds and the speed of the piece to build up the atmosphere.
The final thing I learnt was how to create titles and credits on the live-type software. It gave us an opportunity to search for a numbers of fonts and effects that would fit into my genre. We chose the cracked effect as it made it flicker with the sound of the music. I was then able to import them onto the final cut piece and slow them down to create a more tense effect.
My final opening sequence does not have any continuity errors or background sounds like my preliminary task as we learnt from these mistakes and ensured they didn't happen again. Although this task took a lot more preparation and motivation than the prelim, I have noted that the efforts the team had made came out a success and I'm proud of our final piece. I've learnt its essential to find a genre and a target audience to produce a piece that would be a success in this industry. The narrative enigma in a opening sequence needs to be present to engage and attract the audience to watch on. These two tasks have enabled us to learn and develop skills that can be carried out in our future.
