Learning the basics:
To ensure I was able to successfully complete the project, I
was required to perform a preliminary task in order to learn the basic rules of
creating a media production, having never before involved myself with something
such as this. I was taught the concept of the 180 degree rule which I found to
be relatively easy to understand and put into effect. I also learnt the match
on action and shot reverse shot continuity rules successfully. During this
preliminary task I managed to gain a valuable amount of insight and knowledge
on how to use the editing software and cameras, making it marginally easier
when it came to producing my final coursework piece.
Shot types:
The research stages and the preliminary task allowed me to
gage an insight into the many different shot types and camera angles used in
the film industry and more specifically so, which were most frequently used in
the thriller genre. I was also able to learn which camera angles and shot types
created which effect and used these to my advantage; close ups create a sense of
tension, tilt shots generate a feeling of confusion and distortion and low
angles give status and power whereas high angles suggest vulnerability and weakness. In my opinion, the most effective shot type used in our production was the bird's eye view, tilt shot of the staircase, a generic location and camera angle.
Planning:
When planning our thriller we were able to refer back to the
process and methods learnt during the planning stages of our preliminary task;
storyboarding, creating character profiles, shot listing and gathering screenshots
from other existing productions that inspired us. Being a visual and creative person, I feel that the gathering of images and storyboard methods of planning were most influential and profitable for me.
Teamwork:
Considering I had no previous relationship with any of the
members in my group before the project, we managed to work successfully as a
group, dividing responsibilities and giving valuable and honest feedback to
each contribution made. Each member in our group was considerate of each other
and played equal roles in the planning, shooting and editing stages of our
production and all contributed equally; we decided not to delegate specific
roles within the group, but to work together and share findings. During the
planning and research stages we all shared ideas, information and possible
references which allowed us each to produce multiple planning and research
pieces that proved extremely helpful in the shooting of our footage. We decided
to split the group and edit in pairs as this would allow each person to have a
more active role which I believe worked very effectively.
Deviating from our original plan:
As it can be seen, our planning shows a very different
story line and characters compared to that of our final production; this is due
to the fact that our first set of footage was not performed to the high standard
we desired. We decided, thus, to rethink our shot listing and alter the original
plan made in order to produce a higher quality production.
Most interesting skill learnt:
The most influential part of this project for me was the
editing stage; I found this very insightful and was able to learn various new
skills such as effectively using the various transitions and, after reviewing
the feedback from our questionnaire, I discovered how to alter and adapt the
colour grade of a clip. This new skill, I feel, will be extremely helpful in
future projects as it largely helps to create a certain, desired effect once the
correct balance has been made; I am sure to use and develop this knowledge for
next year’s project.
From the feedback received from our questionnaire I think I can
confidently say that the new skills learnt have been successfully developed and
used throughout the project, especially considering the lack of experience I had
before the beginning of the preliminary project.
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