Evaluation Question 7

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

       The contrast between filming the preliminary task to shooting our coursework opening has been vast. We faced many differences between a short, 30-second piece and a much more demanding 2-minute opening, which required extensive refinement in comparison to the roughness of the preliminary task, and I feel I have learnt a lot in the process of overcoming these obstacles.

       Firstly, the planning and preparation was much more demanding for the opening task than what I needed for the preliminary. I developed my skills in creating shot lists and storyboards, giving the opening much more structure and development before shooting that the preliminary ever had. Because of these planning techniques, when it came to shooting I had a much clearer idea of the shots needed and angles required to complete a certain sequence, and whilst editing I could refer to the storyboard for guidance. For example whilst shooting the dream sequence of the opening I filmed many shots we had not thought of in the planning stages, however during editing I learnt how useful the storyboard was in helping me effectively use these shots without loosing the narrative of the opening.

       Logistically, I learnt a lot in the difference of shooting on sight in the school for the preliminary to filming on different locations around London. The group and I had to continuously over think in our preparations for days of shooting, especially when preparing the equipment, whereas for the preliminary all out equipment was on sight and easily accessibly. These concerns combined with additional actors created some tense moments during shooting, however we quickly learnt to thoroughly ensure the equipment was correct and therefore filming became a lot smoother and effective.

       My use and knowledge of the equipment also progressed in the time between the preliminary task and the opening task. For the preliminary, I simply used one camera with no extras equipment. However in the opening task, I used multiply lights, microphones and a micro track simultaneously to achieve the desired effect. This required a drastic increase in knowledge and capability with the equipment than I needed for the preliminary; therefore I quickly progressed in order to utilize all these benefits.   

       The area I progressed most in was during the film editing. For the preliminary, my editing skills were noticeably amateur and choppy, resulting in a jittery piece that did not run smoothly and was extremely simple. In order to make the opening task seem more professional and run generally smoother, I learnt a great deal about using final cut pro and quickly developed my editing skills. This resulted in a much smoother, sharper piece, with equalized sound, subtle effects and the incorporation of graphics. My continuity editing also improved, with techniques such as match on action, sound bridges and fades all being used to improve the opening task.

       Overall, I fell I have learnt a lot in my progression from the preliminary to the opening task, in all aspects of filming. I feel I have especially learnt the benefits of thorough preparation in the planning stages, which I have seen have a great effecting in both the shooting stage and finally the editing, leading to the smooth creation of the opening task.