What have I learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?

Question 6

Having completed our preliminary task, and our horror remake the group and I had a good idea of how to use the camera equipment that we were going to use to film our opening scene. From

completing the previous filming tasks, we knew that planning before filming is also very important. We created a detailed shot list, including who would be involved in the shot, where it would be filmed and for how long. This was very helpful during the filming process as we were

able to refer to this at anytime to make sure that we had filmed all the shots we needed.

Setting up the cameras was also very important and I found this very easy, from the preliminary task I knew that it also had to be attached to the tripod securely and

correctly to prevent the camera moving when filming.

Camera and Tripod. In filming our product we used 3 cameras so were able to create the shot reverse shot and 180 degree rule. We used a tripod to make sure the camera was still and we had the correct angle.

Filming scene 1 and 4 was the hardest area to film, as the ground was very uneven. From using the tripods previously I knew that the legs were adjustable

and they had a build in spirit level, using the tripod to its full potential, I was able to set up the tripod and camera properly to prevent an unwanted Dutch angle.

When filming scene 2, the couple arguing, we found it hard to keep the actors in the frame, and prevent the other cameras being in the frame as we were using the 180 degree rule. After looking at the footage we had filmed during the shoot, we found that there was part of the tripod in the frame, and you could see a head in the reflection from one of the pictures on the wall. However, we had some film without this in. From this experience we learnt that we should always check the frame before filming to prevent anything unwanted being in the frame. Using three cameras enhanced our horror as we were able to create three different angles within the scene. Using the 180 degree rule enabled us to create a close up of each character as they spoke; this allows the audience to gain a better understanding of their emotion, involving the audience in the film further.

After successfully filming our opening we had to edit. We used Adobe Premier Elements 4 to edit the film. After editing our preliminary task and our horror remake, the group had a reasonably good understanding about how to work the program using the basic

features the program offers. Although we had used the program previously, we still found it hard to use it as we had a lot to edit to a high standard. As the program took

time to load on the computers, we had to be very patient and allow it to load properly before we started to edit anything. We also had to frequently save our work to make

sure that it didn’t get lost as we knew that the computers aren’t very reliable. Knowing this we also made copies and backed up the documents in a different file just in case

one copy got deleted or corrupted.

http://www.blogger.com

Throughout the whole media course we have been using ‘Blogger’ to upload our work and progress. I found blogging a very easy and quick way to upload our

progress as we were able to access the blog at anytime. We created an individual blog and a personal blog which enabled us to upload word documents, power point

presentations, pictures and videos. Using blogger allowed me, my group and our teacher to view our progress and the work we have completed. We were able to

refer back to the blog and edit any posts we had made making it easier to improve and add work.

As a group I think we worked really well. Although we did have conflicting ideas and thoughts throughout the planning and filming of our film, we overcame these by talking and resolving the problem. We all shared the work out equally, and made sure that everyone posted something on the group blog regularly so that no one had an unfair amount of work to complete. As we worked well as a group throughout the unit, we all thought that our final product was at a high standard and we had achieved what we had planned. Over all I have learnt a lot about the technology that is used to create a film. Using it comprehensively has made me aware that it doesn’t always work as you would like it to, meaning that you have to be patient and conscious that it may not work correctly and as quickly as you like. I have also learnt that using the software and equipment more enables me to develop my skills and my knowledge making it quicker and easier to get a better quality and product.