Evaluation: Question 7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

What was the preliminary task and what were it's main aims?

The preliminary task was designed to familiarise me with the camera and how to film a short sequence. It gave me time to understand how to set up and use the camera before actually getting to the production and also a chance to distribute our production roles. Furthermore, another benefit of the preliminary task is that it was the first time familiarising ourselves with a basic sequence on Final Cut Pro. This also benefits the group significantly as some may have not used a camera before which gives them an opportunity. This also benefits us when understanding techniques in editing.





Improvements in filming and editing:

Filming: Looking back at my preliminary task, I have now realised how much more confident I have become with using a variety of cinematography for example, shot sizes, angles and movements. In our thriller, we decided to use a high angle shot when the two characters are in bed to emphasise that they are inferior and the audience are looking down on them. In our preliminary task, we did not use any high angle shots which is why this has proven I have  improved in filming and getting the right shots to represent the right emotions and content to the audience.


Filming: Also, our group learnt how to utilise the camera whilst creating an effective P.O.V shot. In our preliminary, we were not able to use this because we did not have the right skills however, in our final product we succeeded in this as we were more comfortable with different shots. I learnt how to move with the camera to make it seem as if we were in the antagonists eyes which would help the audience create a link between them and the characters, proving I have improved since my preliminary task as I can now use a variety of camera movements.



Editing: In my final product, I was able to ensure my transitions were sharper and used when necessary unlike my preliminary task transitions which were basic. One transition I learnt how to use was the 'flashback'. This was an effective transition as I was able to create a scene where one of the characters is reminiscing on his relationship. This gave a deeper understanding to the narrative for the audience. Also, this transition was very much necessary and very effective which made the product flow better proving I have improved since my preliminary.




Editing: Additionally, in my final product,  I learnt how to edit and apply fast motion. I decided to add this in when the antagonist is about to kill as it would create more suspense to the build up of the end scene. I learnt how to use Final Cut Pro X more efficiently by adding fast motion into my thriller which proves I have improved my editing skills since my preliminary task.



Comparing preliminary to final task:












From looking at my preliminary task, I have improved significantly in the use of over the shoulder shots. On the left image, is my preliminary task where there is a huge amount of unwanted space where the audience can see irrelevant background near the character who they are supposed to be focusing on. However, on the right image, from my final product, it shows that I have positioned the over the shoulder shot in the right position with no unwanted space around the character. The shot is sized accurately highlighting the improvements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, another improvement I have made is filming the two-shot. The image on the left which is from my preliminary task shows again how much unwanted space there is. There is too much background space which is irrelevant to the audience and also makes the characters looks irrelevant. This is likely to distract the audience and may lose focus on the characters. However, the shot on the right, shows that the most important thing in the frame are the two characters which is emphasised by no unwanted space. I can film so much better now because I can focus my shots more accurately. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, another improvement that has been significant is my use of effects. The effect/transition used on the left which is a dissolve was not necessary in this shot as it did not identify or highlight anything important that had happened and was very much used only to purely add a transition. However, the effects used on the right which is a flash to white, was used to portray anger from one of the characters. This helped create aggressive and tense atmosphere for the audience. I can now apply transitions more effectively. 

 

 

After the preliminary task, planning became essential as we had to ensure we did not make the same mistakes and improve for our final product. We had to ensure that all conventions, shots and editing would be at its best. To make this happen we efficiently  storyboarded, planned our group roles and created pre-production paperwork to ensure everyone involved in the production knew what was required of them. Firstly, we storyboarded our thriller in order to make it clear on which shots, angles, and transitions we were going to use. This helped us when it came to filming as we did not have to worry about what to do because we had planned before hand. Also, we distributed group roles in our group. It was decided that I would be the director, the lighting manager and the manager of costume, hair and makeup. These roles were based on my skills as I have very good leadership skills and I am a very creative person. Lastly, we created pre-production paperwork which helped us all to be organised while filming. It allowed us to gain consent from our cast members and any other people who were involved in the thriller. It also ensured safety throughout filming and the risk assessment provided a solution to any problem we may have faced. This planning meant that we progressed from our preliminary task as we knew what mistakes we made before and how we could avoid them. Planning effectively ensured we would eliminate any problems we could for see.

 

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Personal reflection:
Overall, I believe I created a successful thriller as my group  and I followed the conventional themes and conventions of a thriller. Our product consists of revenge, death, and love which are themes that keep the audience engaged and focused as it would appeal to them.
Personally, I enjoyed filming the most. This is because I was able to direct and tell the cast members which angles and shots to use. This was most exciting as I expressed my skills of leadership and teamwork. This highlights the improvements I have made throughout this course.
From looking at my final product I believe there is still room for improvement. One improvement I could have made was spending a little more time on the soundtrack. This would have helped ensure the sounds in my thriller were more accurate in order to keep my audience engaged and create a better response from them.
Over the whole process the main things I have learnt are how to work in a team efficiently and organise the dates on filming and editing. These skills helped me complete my final product to a higher standard. I also learnt how to use new media formats such as Final Cut Pro and Garageband.
I can research, plan and execute in a professional manner.