Evaluation Question 7

Q.7 Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

PRELIM - Bad Education: Shot by Shot (DATES INCORRECT)

When we made the prelim, we were only just learning about the different shot types and the basic rules when filming. For our pre-production, we were given a script that the actresses had to learn before filming. We also made a shot by shot storyboard that we stuck to for most of filming but strayed from when we realised that we were running out of time. When we made our prelim, we were still developing our camera skills and therefore we only used a limited range of shots. We did cohere to some rules about filming. We incorporated the 180 degree rule and used match cutting throughout the link scenes without gaps in the characters movement. However, we ignored some crucial rules about filming which is evident in our prelim. Some crucial rules we did not use are:

- No head space
- Thirds rule
- No zooming- change shot type
- Close-up shots

In many of our shots I can see how we left a lot of space above the persons head. I believe that at that stage we were not aware of this rule so we did not consider it. We learnt about the thirds rule after making our prelim so again we were not aware of it. I think that if we used this rule our prelim would look more professional and the overall affect would have been better. At the beginning of out prelim we zoom out on one of the characters. I think it would have better if we changed our shot type to a close up rather than zoom which we did not consider at the time. Reviewing our prelim, I noticed that we did not use any close-ups or extreme close-ups. This also would have made jour prelim appear better. Looking back over our prelim I can see how many mistakes we made. The sound and lighting was not consistent as we did not take it into consideration. There are some noises that are either me, Senis  or other students talking which we did not edit out or mute. The light sometimes changes from dark to light as we did not consider the weather when filming. Especially in the beginning when Brenda is walking towards the camera; the lighting is very poor and the setting is not visible.

Our Film Opening - Shot by Shot

We extensively planned how we were going to carry out shooting and making our film. First we created a shot by shot list where we defined every shot in order and explained what would happen within that shot. Rj also made a hand drawn storyboard with other members of out team giving input to increase the quality of it; we used this storyboard as a guideline when shooting our film. I made a prezi that was out pitch to our teacher and peers and including all the information surrounding the planning and preparations for our teen film. By planning every stage of producing our film, we ensured that we finished it within time and that we, as a team, were happy with it.

Compared to our prelim, I believe our film opening shows how we have gained skills and knowledge on shot types, sound and rules when filming. We incorporated rules that we previously ignore to make our film look more professional. We used multiple close-ups and a wider range of shots then we used in our prelim. We considered sound, lighting, environment and setting when creating our opening film which made it seem more professional. We ensured that each scene we match cut had no mistakes transitioning from one shot to the next. We also made sure that the characters costume was consistent with each shot and that the costume defined the character. Previously, in the prelim, we did not consider costume and props. The actresses wore what they had on that day and a mobile phone was visible in one of the over the should shots. By developing our camera and editing skills and using a wide range of technology, we have been able to produce a good quality opening to a teen film. 

Summary

To summarise, I have learned a great deal about how to make a good teen film. I have learnt how to use the right shot types for the scene and instruct people on how to display their emotions when shooting a sad or happy scene. Over the past months, I have developed my knowledge in how to film and edit shots to create a quality film that people will enjoy watching. I have learnt various rules that I applied when shooting our film, such as the 180 degree rule and the thirds rule. We tried to use the thirds rule in every scene to ensure that the overall effect was better, although in some scenes it may not be evident. I also think that I have developed my knowledge of technology since making the prelim by using a wider range of software such as Motion (to create production and distribution animation) and Handbrake (to convert files to fit on our blog). I think by expanding my knowledge and gaining the necessary skills, I have a made a great contribution when producing out team film. I also believe that what i have learnt form these two tasks will greatly help me in the future.