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

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

 

At the beginning of the project we had to create a short sequence highlighting a conversation between two people, this was our preliminary task. This was the first thing we done and it provided us with the chance to experience using the camera and learning how to edit what we had filmed. We had to create a story and use a shot reverse shot, 180 rules and a match on action. Looking back at this task even though we had to include these three shots it didn’t really test our skills in the different components of media. For example we didn’t have to use our imaginative of creating an interesting sequence as we had already been provided with the story as well as this we didn’t have to think of the mis-en-scene which was key in our opening sequence.

This first clip highlights how we were trying to use the 180 degree rule effectively. This was one of the main tasks  so we had to work on getting it exactly right. This was quite basic filming and compared to our new sequence it doesn't look particular effective. Below is a section from our sequence displaying how our filming has improved and have managed to get more effective shots.
This displays wide shots and closes up and how the shots are smoother and more fluent. This highlights how my continuity editing has improved. The shots are now cut more precisely and are not stopping and starting. This therefore gives our sequence more meaning because it creates more of a tense atmosphere. Additionally it makes the audience comfortable and gives them a clear understanding of the narrative. We also thought about the framing of the shots more to make sure there was space for the titles as well as allowing the setting to be seen. This meant we only displayed what we wanted in the shots so that we could withhold information from the viewer.

It is interesting to look at our preliminary task and then at our opening sequence because it allows me to look at how I have progressed during in the time and learnt new valuable skills in Media. Even though we have had troubles along the way with our opening sequence I feel I have learnt a lot about filming and how to use the equipment correctly. To begin with in our opening sequence I was quite worried and took a step back because I was new to the subject and wasn’t particular confident in taking the role of the leader. I feel we rushed the sequence, which resulted in our shots not being executed correctly, and appearing very shaky which therefore ended in a poor opening sequence.

However after re shooting we managed to get the shots more precise and we thought about all the components in the shots. By thinking the sequence though more carefully it meant the sequence made more sense and was more appropriate for the genre of film. Above is a clip from the preliminary task showing the match on action. This wasn't very clear so it highlights how we have improved since then and how we now developed our shots more. Below is also a shot reverse shot which is also not the best shot because it is slightly wonky and not edited particular well. Therefore reflecting on this I realise how I have become more confident and able to produce a more effective piece.

Additionally as you can see in the preliminary task we did not take into account any of the costumes that the characters were wearing meaning the mis-en-scene had no meaning at all. This made it less effective and wouldn't be highlighting any particular characteristics or emotions of the character.
However in our opening sequence we managed to use shot reverse shot when the female was taking the "selfie". This was one of our most interesting shots and clearly highlights how much we have progressed in the sequence. The female takes a photo of herself, then looks down at her phone to also see the male in the photo and then the shot goes back to her worried face. This demonstrates the meaning in the sequence that she has committed something and she cant forget about it and it is stuck in her mind. This makes the sequence becoming more intense and scares the audience because they are worried for the girl.


To add to this in our sequence I thought a lot more about the mis-en-scene than in the preliminary task. I believed we needed to make sure the female was wearing appropriate clothing in order to display the stereotype of a female. I feel by her wearing smart, fashionable clothing it indicates to the audience how females like to take care of their appearance. Furthermore the use of the setting adds to the sequence. When the female is getting ready in her room, her room is very pink and there are ballerinas on the wall which could perhaps be trying to portray her as innocent and someone who wouldn't do anything wrong whereas really she has committed a crime. This conveys how much more we have thought about our mis-en-scene and really developed our understanding on how to creating a meaning.


I feel I have developed my editing skills. When doing the preliminary task I wasn't as involved as I could be because I didn't have much knowledge of what to do whereas now I feel I have taken a bit more of a lead and learnt how to edit and produce something effective. I have suggested ideas in order to make the storyline clearer and thought of some interesting shots that we could do to get our sequence of a better standard. This clip below shows one of the flashbacks. This is something very different to the preliminary task and I felt this displaying how much we have improved because we have thought of different ways to display the meaning. It highlights how much my editing have improved because I was able to use the effects on Premiere Pro to work about how to change the colour of the shot into black and white to indicate how it is a flashback. I also have developed an understanding of how to make the shots look effective but still make sure they are cut correctly.