Evaluation of preliminary task 23rd February

When given the preliminary task, i had ideas that the exercise would be fairly easy and straight forward, however during the task i found elements such as places to film and times to film more difficult than first anticipated. Also we came across problems when we had to re-film because of the tape not working properly.

During pre production, as a group we constructed a storyboard, however when the filming was taking place i found that we rarely referred back to it which we probably should have. We tried to ensure that we had planned the 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot in our video. Also i think that our ideas were much more unrealistic to the props and setting we would be able to use for example televisions, coffee tables and kitchens were not available to us within school.

When filming, the room we chose to film in was not as spacious as we first planned and it made it hard to use the tripod. Also we found it difficult to work out how to connect the camera to the tripod. However once we had started filming it was fairly easy to keep going. The 2nd time we re-filmed due to the tape getting stuck in the camera, the room was bigger and i found this a major help and it was much easier to get the shots we needed. When filming we tried to ensure the framing was correct and that when we filmed shot reverse shot that the characters were still in the same place as before. I think overall our work was much improved the second time we filmed, and we worked well as a group delegating tasks.

In todays lesson on the 25th we uploaded our video onto the computers and edited. We found it difficult to get the shots in order and to make the video flow at first, showing us we needed to refer to our storyboards more. We did have enough clips to choose the best out of them and this was a major help. We found that cutting most of the clips shorter was something we had to do repeatedly and in the end all the clips flowed. However, overall we thought the video was a success and decided not to use any effects, such as fades in, as it was fine without. The general editing was fairly simple to do and the video has been uploaded onto youtube.

The Video:

Url:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToxFegm5E7A

Friday 13th

In todays lesson we hoped to upload our video on the computer to edit, however we experienced problems with the camera and had to re-record our preliminary task clip.

After we recorded it for the 2nd time we uploaded it onto the computer and next week we should be able to edit and fix anything we don't think fits.

I found the complications with the recording difficult and need to ensure the same problems don't occur when we are filming our main film opening.

Preliminary Task

On monday 9th, in our lesson we were given the preliminary task in groups to plan our short clip. I found it fairly easy, and working as a group helped maximize ideas. We constructed a short storyboard, making sure the setting and props were realistic to what we could use.

On wednesday 11th, during our double we filmed in the photography room. The task took longer than expected and we had to record certain things twice, however we got all the filming done. We decided to make our clip around the romantic comedy genre.

I think that the task has been useful to allow us to understand how much work has to be done for the main opening of the film. Also we realized we worked well as a group, and this will set us up for the main project.

Friday 6th February

In todays lesson i completed my powerpoint on institutions.

I decided to focus on Universal Pictures as it's a major production company for my specified genre of romantic comedy. I found it useful to look at the films they have already produced, focusing on the history but also the distribution and budget of the company.

After, myself and Jordan began to look at our summary of findings presentation that we can produce in groups, however it's proving difficult as the information we need to provide is unclear to us.

I think it will be useful though as it will be a finalization  of all our ideas for the romantic comedy.