Blog Post 2 - Evaluation

Evaluation

Throughout the process of planning, filming and editing the prelim film, I had developed some skills.

Firstly Planning:
Throughout the planning process some skills that I developed was to brainstorm ideas. Within my group we had to come up with an idea on what our film was going to be about. So I had to think creatively to come up with an interesting story line. Therefore, everyone contributed and shared ideas with the group. In the end, we decided as a team with idea we thought was best to use for our film.

Secondly, Filming:
During the filming process, another key skill that I gained was to work as a team, communicate with one another, how to use the camera and film with it. The skill of teamwork I felt I developed because everyone had a go to use the camera to film with and get used to how the camera worked, which is key. Therefore, I learnt how to shoot a film using a expert camera which will help when filming our film for our coursework, as I already have used the camera in a professional manor.

Lastly, Editing:
Whilst the editing process was taking place, I gained skills in how to use the editing software. I learnt how to edit the film so that it looked professional and skilled. Now I have learnt how to edit accurately I can develop my skills, with practice, for future tasks of editing so that the film will look seamless and even more skilled, than the prelim film.

Skills:
In my comparison of skills, I feel that I was particularly good at shooting different types of camera shots. I think I was good at this because I used a range of different camera angles in order to use the 'match cut' process in making the film look seamless. Also, when shooting the film giving little tips such as the placement of the camera or actor in order to make the scene look better.

However, I was less good at using the editing software as I didn't get enough practice on how to use each section and because it was also my first time editing. Nevertheless, I had a go when editing, as did everyone else, and was able to do simple edits such as cutting out an unwanted section of the scene, but I need to improve my editing skills to do more complex edits.

Good aspects of the film:
Some aspects of the film I think worked well was the camera angles and the cliff-hanger at the end. The range of camera angles we used in the film was very successful in making the film look well put together. Several examples of camera angles: Establishing shot, Shot Reverse Shot, High and Low Angles and Mid-Shot. Another aspect that I felt was successful was the cliff-hanger at the end. I think this because the story line leads up to the climax nicely. Also the last shot, the cliff-hanger,  I think was a great camera shot type and angle to end with as it creates suspense.

Less Successful aspects of the film:
Some aspects that was less successful was that, when we were editing we realized when we were putting together the 'shot reverse shot' edit that it was a bit shaky and the actresses started speaking before the camera reached over their shoulder. Therefore in the film we could see the camera movement which didn't look professional.

Project:
If I were to complete the project again, the changes I would make was to film the shots a few times to ensure that when editing we had a choice on which scene to use. Also to watch back the clip that was just filmed, during the filming process, to make sure the sound, placement and shot was good.

Storyboarding and Shot-lists:
What I learnt about the importance of storyboarding and shot-lists is that it gives you a guide on how to shoot your film and it helps you stay on task so that you don't add in any extra scene which won't look good or won't have a place in your film. Also to make sure that the storyboard is clear to follow so that when shooting you know exactly what you're doing.