EVALUATION: Q7) LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO THE FULL PRODUCT?- MRS. QUINLAN

EVALUATION: Q7) LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO THE FULL PRODUCT? - MRS QUINLAN

What was the preliminary task and what were its main aims?

The preliminary task was based on shooting a short sequence and editing it on our own. The aim of that was to familiarise ourselves with the camera and its functions, in order to prepare for the final shooting. The camera handling was not complicated but needed precision and some experience in order to shoot a proficient footage, therefore the preliminary task was beneficial when it came to filming the opening thriller as I was able to practice beforehand. Simultaneously, the preliminary task familiarised me with the editing program (Final Cut Pro X) and I managed to learn some basic editing techniques to enhance the footage. Due to the preliminary task I knew how to cut footage and add basic transitions. From this I was able to further develop my knowledge in order to create good visuals for my final product. Lastly, the preliminary task aimed to set group roles and improve our cooperation skills, as we could only rely on one another. Therefore the task allowed us to taste what it will feel like when we go out to film our thriller opening, which improved our independence skills and trust within the group.

 Preliminary Task:

 

4 things I am now more confident in.

·         Filming: I am now more confident in using the zoom in/out button when filming. At first I was not aware of the pressure that needed to be applied on the button and often ended up with a very fast zoom in, which distorted the frame too much and did not look professional. In order to get it right I have practiced zooming in/out while filming our preliminary task and improved for the final product.

 

·         Filming: Additionally I am now much more comfortable in handling the camera when filming and shooting a steady footage without distortion. At first my shots were unsteady because of the shaky handling and fast movement. However, after the preliminary task I have practised and got to use the tripod, which helped me to steady my shots and create fluent camera movements that allowed me to film a good footage for the final product.   

 

·         Editing: This was the first time I have used Final Cut Pro X and edited my own sequence, therefore when editing the preliminary task I struggled with assembling the shots so they match the timing and the scene makes sense. To improve that I gave more attention to my footage and analysed the shots in order to plan which frames go with one another, thus allowing me to create natural and unnoticed cuts. I also used my storyboard and shot list to know how to assemble my shots.

 

·         Editing: I am also more confident in creating fluent transitions and adding effects such as overlays and filters.  When editing my preliminary task I was not aware of the possible features in Final Cut and needed to learn how to enhance a shot by adding various effects. After looking at guides, tutorials and experimenting on my own I am now more comfortable in using this software to enhance a footage.

 

Some examples from the final product.

 

 

 

Comparing Preliminary Task to the Final Product.

1)      Setting Awareness/ Framing

 

 

In my preliminary task I wasn’t aware of my framing and setting as much as I was in my final production. In the preliminary I didn’t consider the rule of thirds and location which I would film in. This resolved into unnecessary objects in my frames. However in my final product I was better at my framing and used the rule of thirds which resolved into a natural-for-the-eye shot. Additionally, the setting in my final product was much more appropriate and relevant to the narrative which made my footage realistic.

2)      Camera movement



A panning shot from left to right.

 

Secondly, in my preliminary the camera movements, such as the panning shots, were distorted and unclear. This is because the takes were not planned out well and it was hard to keep my hand steady without the necessary equipment. However in my final product we have used the tripod and captured few more movement shots in order to get the best shot possible. This allowed us to have a wider selection during the editing stages and use the best footage, whereas during the preliminary task we had to use the shots we took although they could have been improved. 

3)      Camera handling

 

 

Lastly, in my preliminary task the camera handling was unstable and often there were distortions during the sequence due to the lack of the tripod and a shot list which would able us to plan ahead what shot to use and when to stop filming. However, during the filming of our final product we had clear idea of the shots were needed due to our previous planning tasks which we used during the filming. In addition we used the tripod to shoot some of our footage which also improved the quality of our sequence.

 

 

Reflection:

In closure, I think that I have created a successful thriller and there is a clear progression from my preliminary task to the final product. I have completed the task through the new skills, which I gained throughout the process, and with the essential help from other group members who fully committed to the task. In addition, I think that the planning and research tasks were crucial in order to create a proficient feature and fully acknowledge what happens in a real production and what I needed to do in order to create a good opening.

I have enjoyed working on the project throughout, however I think the most exciting part was the actual filming and working on the footage where my group and I got to fully engage into the production and constantly debate about the best options for our product. I found it interesting to work with programs such as Final Cut and Logic Pro because I was able to learn new skills that could help me in the future. I was really absorbed by the information I have gained about the process of film making and I enjoyed looking at how my opening developed from the filming to the final product.

However, I could improve on the soundtrack which accompanies my opening thriller. I think that the non-diegetic music could be developed to effectively emphasise on the most significant moments of the opening and draw audience response. I also think that my edits could compliment the sound more precisely in order to cause a bigger effect on the audience.  I think that these improvements would help me to create a good thriller with an unique and original narrative.

Overall, from completing this production I have learnt how to create a thriller opening, including the stages of thorough research and planning. I also learnt what happens in real productions and tried to apply this knowledge to my product. Furthermore, during this task I was able to work with different technologies which enabled me to gain experience in using professional programs.
Simultaneously, I was able to improve my cooperation and teamwork skills as working in the group and being dependent on one another was crucial when creating such product. This also helped me to communicate with my peers which made the production easier and fun. From this process I am now aware of how to create an opening and what is necessary to create a good product.