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? - Mrs. Quinlan

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

The purpose of the preliminary task was to aid my understanding in the camera, as it helped us gain a deeper understanding in using the camera efficiently. Moreover it helped us see one another strengths and weaknesses in the filming process. For instance, one group member was skilled in using the camera whereas the other was more skilled in directing the group members. This was an useful and effective task for the group because it helped our group determine our roles within the pre-production filming period. The preliminary task also showed us how well we work in a team.

Identify 4 things you are now better with and more confident with doing in terms of filming and editing?

Filming: I am better with my camera movements as in the preliminary it was clear that the camera movements weren't fluent or stable, however after some practice using the camera; we are able to confidently move the camera steadily and professionally.

Filming: Were also more confident with using different cinematography techniques to create different meanings for the scene. For example, not many cinematography techniques were used during our preliminary, however in our final production we used a range of different techniques including long shot, and panning shot.

Editing: Editing wise, as shown in the preliminary task; we hadn't used many editing techniques. However, in our final product we had more time to explore the editing techniques and used various transition to make our product cinematically  more efficient

Editing: We are more confident with overlapping images and adding filters using Final Cut Pro. This editing technique wasn't used in the preliminary as we were unaware of how to do it, however after a few tries, we were able to add it into our final product which made our production look more thriller appropriate, which made the audience react physically and psychologically 

Comparison from my preliminary to my thriller?

                                             

We improved our zooming in and out as in the preliminary task, we didn't use the zoom in button and moved the camera closer instead, which was unprofessional as it clearly showed it was hand held proved and was used frequently.

My panning shot was too fast during the filming of my preliminary task which made the camera unsteady. However, in my final product i improved my panning shot by using a tripod and moving the camera slower which made my camera steadier which provoked negative emotions for the audience.

                               

During the filming stage of our thriller opening I used the low angle shot more productively as it evoked emotions such as fear and discomfort for the audience, however, in my preliminary; it was used to show a different angle rather than provoke any emotions.

YouTube video:

Our planning stage was essential as it helped and guided us through the filming of our preliminary and final product. Overall our thriller was successful as i made improvements to my filming skills that were highlighted in the preliminary. Each group member fulfilled their role buy attending school and filming everyday which helped us get the best possible final results. Moreover each group member was issued a job they were responsible for which was completed successfully such as directing or acting. My thriller looks thriller appropriate as i used Final Cut pro and added different filters to make it look more chilling and discomforting.

I most enjoyed the filming stage as everyone in the group contributed and did something to make the filming possible which allowed us to work as a group. Also using the camera and setting up the iconography to film was enjoyable and exciting as it was something we hadn't done before,. Moreover, while filming we filmed in an actual boutique which made it a different experience as it gave us he chills while filming in the boutique while it was dark.

 I think i could've spent more time on sound and made it less repetitive as it could've  connoted the feelings and themes i wanted it to more severely. Also, more time was spent on editing than sound as we were to concentrated on editing our product efficiently which concluded us on spending little time on sound. However we had research on sound which helped us come up with pour sound track as it showed us common conventions of sound in thriller films.

Overall I have learnt how to work on a deadline as the research and planning had to be done before any filming could be done. Moreover i learnt how to make professional paper work which allowed me to film in certain areas. I was the director in my group and i followed the narrative we came up with as a group. This helped me improve my guiding skills and helped us interact with each other more and contribute ideas.