Question 7

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

What was the purpose of the preliminary task?

The purpose of completing a preliminary task was to get some practice on the software and equipment. It was set so that I could gain confidence on the technology which I would have to use further on in the production process in order to create the opening sequence. In the preliminary task i was given some small guidelines to follow which were to include; A shot reverse shot, close up, long shot and panning movement. These assets I had to include meant I got to practice what to do for when the real filming took place. To fulfil the guidelines I chose to have a short narrative with two boys in conversation, the narrative meant I could fit it in all the asked micro elements. The preliminary task helped us practice using all the different equipment and we learnt the key things that are needed to film a longer production.


What did you learn from the preliminary task?

Through doing the preliminary task I learnt how to adjust the tripod heights and angles. I also learnt how to adjust the cameras distances and zooms. I learnt how to use final cut proX and its main features that are essential when editing a film. For example I learnt how to crop down filming clips and also I learn how to add text onto the video including how to change its edit, font, colours etc. The preliminary task was very helpful when it came to the real filming because my group and I knew the basics of what to do.

What skills did you learn from the preliminary task that helped you with your thriller film?

This all helped me by preparing me for the creation of the full product. I was ready for filming and editing. This meant that when it came to doing it, the process was quicker and easier, it also meant i was faced with less issues and problems whilst working. The task helped my group prepare ourselves and gain confidence on the technology needed to create our opening sequence. It gave a deeper understanding of what was involved in the production, showing how to use the equipment in ways to highlight different macro-meanings or portray elements in certain ways.


When it came to the real production my group and I had to changed a few things that didn't go well in the preliminary task. For example some of the shots we had to do we didn't get very good angles, but since we learnt to use the equipment we knew how to set it up and get the best out of what we had. We took more time adjusting the tripod and the ways that the camera could be held so that we could make the shots the best they could be. This the ment that less had to be redone or changed in the main production of out opening sequence.