Question 6: Evaluate your contribution to the group's work

Due to the fact that this was mine, Connor's and Jess's first time experiencing filming, we decided to share out the tasks, such as editing. We decided to do this as then we would have a clearly idea about where our strong points lie so when it comes to the main task, we know which roles we can fulfil confidently.

The roles I fulfilled mainly in this task were acting and editing. I chose to do the acting as I know I feel confident in doing this can do it effectively. However in this task my acting seemed sloppy. Although, I would definitely like to fulfil this role in the main task if I could. The editing role was the one mainly shared out between the three of us because none of us had used editing software before so we didn't know if we were good at it or not. I felt like this was educating, gaining skills in editing, and I would be happy to fulfil this role again, experimenting with more new and exciting effects.

When evaluating our work together as a team, I believe that we worked well. We got along well, exchanging and considering each others ideas on filming and editing and being extremely organised when it came to booking cameras and organising times for when we would film. I think that we would all agree that we would be happy to work together again on the main task.

Question 4: How well did you meet the brief?

The aim of this task was to create a piece that consisted of a character entering a room and exchanging a few lines of dialogue with another whilst obeying the 180-degree rule and the rules of continuity. A variation of different shot types must be use, such as shot/reveres shot.

I believe that this brief was met in our preliminary task as the main body of the narrative was built upon two characters having a conversation. As seen the video, this conversation does follow the 180-degree rule; the camera being in between my right side and Connor's left. Furthermore, a variation of camera shots were used effectively, for example mid-shots, close ups and shot/reverse shot. As well as this we included camera movement such as the beginning pan and the zoom on the medical door. Therefore, I believe this brief was met.

Question 2: Areas of success

Overall, I believe that the final version of our preliminary task was a success.

Firstly, the planning stage. Our effective organisation skills as a team allowed us to successfully gain access to cameras by booking them as well as scheduling times to film in the school's medical room. This practise of organisation will benefit in the main task as I now know how to use the time we have been given effectively. Furthermore, the storyboards we created helped us to recall dialogue and camera shots that we planned to use. This too will benefit in the main task as I recognise the importance of storyboarding before hand.

Secondly, the post-production stage. The editing part proved successful as I now know the basis on Premier Pro, which will be the same editing programme we use for the main task. The final piece consisted of smooth transitions between shots as well as perfect continuity, particularly the beginning walking sequence as the camera changed position multiple times. In addition, the CCTV effect we included worked effectively.

Finally, the feedback we received was positive, with comments on our quirky narrative that was clearly understood.

Question 3: Areas for development

However, there were areas for improvement.

We had planned from the start to film in the medical room as this setting would make sense to why Connor is wounded. Although, we soon came to realise that filming time during media lessons became unproductive. Throughout this time, filming was interrupted by students needed medical attention. After multiple failed attempts at filming in lesson we ended up filming the whole thing afterschool in just an hour, a lot shorter then the combined time of us trying to film before. However, now we have learnt to consider the time and place we are filming for next time.

In addition, characterisation. Although this task was basically a practise for using the cameras, our use of costume, props and overall acting was quite low. For example, Connor, despite a clear shot to the leg with a staple gun, appeared uninjured. This inevitably made it unclear to why Connor was laid down in the medical room in the first place. Our lack of effective acting made the whole plot look lazy and not engaging. When it comes to the main task however, I believe we will be more dedicated.

When watching our clip back on YouTube, we noticed that our audio levels were poor, particularly our dialogue. Music levels were acceptable as in they wouldn't overpower the dialogue if the dialogue was fine, however in this task they did.

Question 5: Feedback from others

Our feedback was from Dan Palmer, Daniel Winn and Dane Buckley. After watching our short film they agreed that the creative storyline was brilliantly presented, showing clearly our efforts in the planning phase. Additionally, they liked how the finally piece turned out with smooth editing and effective continuity. The variation of shots and editing techniques was also recognised and in particularly the use of  the CCTV footage effect and the use of the close up shot on the keypad.

However, there were some areas for improvements. They said that the focus of the lens on some shots was somewhat blurry and problematic if not improved upon for the main task. The audio levels were confusing as there were moments when the dialogue was too quiet and the music too loud. This is something we will most definitely have to look at carefully during the main task. Finally, they mentioned, although not much as problem as the others, that they didn't like the title sequence that much. They would have liked to see some 'directed by' and 'starring' titles. This is something that we will definitely fix in the main task.

Afterwards we watched there short film 'The Race'. Their piece was brilliantly pieced, consisting of excellent continuity and intelligently chosen shot types, such as the close up of Dan P's face as a drop of sweat travels down his forehead. In addition the use of audio. Sound effects, such as the heart beat and the bass drop, were inventively used.

Although, like ours, there was room for improvement. Similarly to us, their audio levels of dialogue were too quiet at times. Additionally, their overall plot was confusing. In respect this film was short but it was unclear what the story was about or who the character's were. For example, the last shot of Dan P's foot in close up clearly shows that he is not racing against anyone. Is this a mistake or is the race a time trail?

Question 1: What have you learned during the making of your preliminary task?

Throughout the development of this preliminary task, I have picked up a number of skills that will help me in our main task.

Firstly, this task has allowed me in gain hands on experience with the DCLRs. From physically handling the camera confidently and making effective use of the tripod to knowing how to take footage and watch it back. Therefore, when it comes to the main task, I will be able to fufill the role of filming effectively and when needed.

Secondly, the use of storyboards. Before, I didn't consider the importance of storyboarding and the impact it can have on the production on a whole. However, now I understand how helpful it is; giving you an idea of how your film will look and helping you remember dialogue and camera shots. Therefore, when it comes to the main task I can effectively generate and use my storyboard to help visualise my ideas.

The preliminary task also introduced me to Premier Pro. This is the editing software that we used and will also use in the main task. I have learnt the basis of this software, including how to import and edit footage and sound. Therefore, I can confidentially fulfil the role of editing in the main task.

Preliminary Task: The Kitkat

Preliminary Task Update

Hey Guys!!

The preliminary task is finally complete! Sound and everything! I should have the video embedded on blogger in a few days.

Preliminary Task Update

Hey Guys!!!

All of our footage is finally picked together on Premier Pro! Now all that's left is music and sound effects and hopefully we'll be done be Friday.

Preliminary Task Update

Hey guys

Finally, our filming is finished! Some of our footage is different to that on our storyboard so we will have to update that. We should be starting editing though in our next lesson

Preliminary Task Update

Hey guys!

Me, Connor and Jess finally started filming on Friday and have got the opening scene done. Hopefully we should get the rest done on Monday, when we can film in the medical room.