Task 7Looking back at your preliminary task, what do

you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?

Shot types, angles and movement

• Since the Prelim Task I have learnt to utilize the tripod to create a professional look when filming. I have learnt to avoid holding the camera as this means the shots aren’t level. However I have also learnt when it is best to not use the tripod, for example when following a character in an action sequence, as this creates the effect of movement and running. This helps to make the audience feel more involved if they can see the movement of the camera.

• We have used a wider variety of angles and shot types in this sequence, compared to the Prelim Task. For instance we had to make sure the face of the antagonist was hidden throughout, as this creates suspense for the audience as it prompts questions, such as ‘who is he?’. To do this we used a lot of close ups of other areas of his body, such as his feet and filmed from behind the character. Our range of shot types also helps to keep the audience interested and makes them want to continue watching.

• Our choice of shots also aids the continuity of the opening sequence in that, at the beginning the shot size gets larger as more of the action gets seen. We don’t jump between shot sizes which allows the sequence to be smooth and for the shots to transition effectively. This keeps the pace of the film quite fast.

Editing and Final Cut Pro

• During the Prelim Task we learnt the basics of editing and using Final Cut Pro; this included placing footage on the timeline, cutting effectively and adding effects to the clips. Since this task we have improved considerably in that, in our opening, we have put into practice new skills such as layering clips and sound, adding titles and colour correcting shots to change the exposure and contrast.

• The quality of our editing has also improved since the Prelim Task. Our understanding of creating continuity has improved and how to edit for effect. For example in out opening sequence we cut to black to create suspense and enforce the dialogue in the action. We also use cross cutting as this increases the tension of the action as the audience wishes to see what will happen. We have also learnt how to effectively order our shots. In the prelim task, it starts with a close up and then cuts to a medium long shot; this affects the continuity of the action and means the sequence dos not run smoothly. Therefore in the main task, although we start with an extreme close up we see the character move into a close up and the shot size gradually increases. Below are examples from both tasks, demonstrating how the extreme close up was used effectively in the main task but the close up was not in the prelim task.

Mise en scene• In the Prelim Task the focus was to learn how to use the equipment, film and edit. Therefore there was little focus on the mise en

scene. This means that a significant improvement can be seen in the main task. When researching for our main task, we found the props and costume that is typical of a film in the thriller genre. This meant we could plan accordingly to maximize our film fitting the intended genre. For example we considered the location, which was the office in Castlefield house and the props we would use. We chose to use files and leather gloves to introduce the job of the protagonists in the film and to create questions. We also used dark clothing and gloves for the antagonist, to highlight his role.

• While facial expression and body language were considered in the Prelim Task to make the action believable; this was not the main focus of the task. In our main task’s opening sequence, it can be seen that facial expression is considered more, for example the character of Grace can be seen to be scared and Eddie is made to seem concerned.

• We also considered the lighting of our opening sequence. We made sure to keep the lighting similar throughout the shots as this aids the continuity. It was also important as it keeps the time of day the same throughout the action, despite filming over the entire day. We used both, artificial lighting in the room and natural lighting outside, which helps to highlight a contrast with the events indoors and outdoors. Additionally we used a spotlight to create backlighting on the antagonist for effect. This helped to create an eery atmosphere and set the mood for the following events in the opening sequence. When filming for the Prelim Task we barely considered the effect of lighting except for continuity and making sure the characters were able to be seen by the audience.

Sound• In the Prelim Task sound was not a priority and so the only use of sound was diegetic

and was dialogue. This meant that sound did not have a great effect on the film. We also did not take into consideration the extra sound that had been caught when filming that we should have muted. In our main task our use of sound has improved. For example we use both diegetic and non diegetic sound to enhance the viewing of the sequence. The sound helps to build tension and aids continuity.

• The screenshots below demonstrate the development of sound in that in the shot from the prelim task, we can be heard in the background and the shot from the main task is from the strongest use of sound in the sequence. In this moment the sound that can be heard indoors has decreased in volume as the shot is taken outside.

Match on action• In both the prelim task and main task, we created a match

on action, however in the prelim task the cutting of the footage meant that the sequence seemed too fast paced and unrealistic. The match on action's we used in our main task were much more realistic as they fit with the pace of the sequence. We managed to achieve continuity despite this in both sequences however I would say it was more effective in the main task.

The 180 degree rule• The rule involves keeping the camera on the same

180 degree side of the action. We made sure to stick to this rule in both tasks as it helps to avoid confusion for the audience and would otherwise affect the continuity of the sequence. In the prelim task this is more noticeable as we use a shot/ reverse shot whereas in the main task although we follow the rule, it is less obvious to the audience. Despite this, in both tasks the rule was followed successfully which meant that the sequence was effective and unaffected by a break in continuity.

Shot/ Reverse shot• In the prelim task we practiced doing a shot/ reverse shot which allows the conversation of two

characters to be shown as each person says their line. It is shot from behind the shoulder of one character whilst viewing another character and vice versa. I feel we did this successfully as we made sure the eye line of the characters match, which make the shots believable.

• We did not do a shot/ reverse shot in the main task as we had to keep the identity of the antagonist hidden which meant that we could not do the reverse shot of the conversation without revealing this identity. I think that the attempt at the first shot of the shot/ reverse shot in the main task, is not as successful as the one in the prelim task in that when we filmed we forgot to consider the eye level; this means the audience do not feel as though they are seeing exactly what the character sees but instead feel as though they are intruding.

Research and Planning• When planning for the prelim task we looked at camerawork, for

example angles, shot types and sizes, the rule of thirds, shot/reverse shots and match on action. We put this new knowledge into practice in the prelim task, so that we could gain a better understanding.

• When researching and planning for the main task we carried this out more extensively and considered a wider variety of aspects for producing a film. As this task required us to be more creative and create a more complex narrative with characters it required more research. For example we had to research the conventions of the psychological thriller genre to ensure our film would fit the intended genre. Additionally we had to consider our target audience and established this based on the demographics of audiences for other psychological thrillers, such as Insomnia and The Machinist.