Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

As can be seen from the contrast between the briefs below, the final task was much more developed and advanced than the preliminary, which highlights the progression and learning that took place. The  initial task provided us with invaluable training, meaning we were well prepared to execute our production to an enhanced ability.

Here is the outcome of our preliminary task:

Despite there being several problems and improvements I could have made, the sequence does flow and I did satisfy the needs of the brief. I included a conversation using shot-reverse shots and I edited together several match-on actions in post-production. For this reason, I think that my preliminary task was executed well and was a success.








Here was our final film opening:

Overall, I am very pleased with how our opening sequence turned out. We obeyed the 180 degree rule and also used more advanced technical skills, such as tracking shots and split screens. Also, I think that we dealt with the challenge of a multifaceted brief very well, as we made sure we covered all the different areas fully.









Here are the things we did and learnt during the first task and how we used the knowledge we gained for our final project.

Pre-production:

• When planning the shots for our preliminary task, we created a timeline and storyboard, both on A4 pieces of paper. 

• This was very useful as it helped us visualize our sequence and therefore spot any problems with continuity, flow or rule breaks. 
• We learnt that it would of been better to storyboard using a large A2 piece of paper and post-it notes as this would of enabled us to move the shots around easily, giving us more freedom. We also realized that we should of created a "moving storyboard"; an animatic, to help us envisage our sequence better.
• Using this information for our final task, we storyboarded in this improved manor and the created an animatic using the post-it notes. 
• Here is our animatic:

• When deciding upon the representations and stylings of the two characters, we thought a lot about costume and props.

• Even though they were wearing the same t-shirt, there was a great juxtaposition between the characters and their connotations as can be seen from the diagram below.
• We decided to develop this effective representation difference in our own opening and   also used costumes and props to differentiate the social groups.

Production:

• When filming our first task we didn't comply to typical methods, in that we didn't use a clapperboard or organize a shoot board listing timing on how long to spend filming each shot.
• This posed problems because not only was it hard to identify the shots in post-production, but also meant some shots were more rushed than others.
• As a result of this, we learnt that these processes are essential to using our time efficiently and so, when filming our main project we stuck religiously to these guidelines.
• In order to do this we scheduled a few rehearsal sessions so that when on the main shoot we could run to time.
• Here is a clip from one of those sessions:

• Whilst reflecting on our preliminary task, we realized the number of lighting issues there were; some of the shots were so badly lit that you couldn't see the subjects facial expressions clearly.
• The main problem with this is that the representations we were trying to connote were wrongly translated and produced uncertain implications.
• Therefore, we learnt to put the lighting and misc-en-scene at high priority to ensure a fluid and credible sequence. Before filming a take we checked the lighting and sound to make sure everything was as it should be.

Post-production: 

• I learnt a lot when editing my prelim and was able to enhance my basic knowledge on Adobe Premiere Pro and progress in my technical ability.
• When cutting together the sequence i realized there were gaps in my understanding and through the practice that this task gave me, i was able to rectify this.
• As a result of this progression i was able to explore more advanced techniques, such as using keyframes, split screens and audio transitions. This meant that my end product was of a much higher caliber than what i was previously capable of.

In conclusion, i think that if it wasn't for the preliminary task, my project wouldn't have been as successful therefore, it was an invaluable lesson that shaped my filming learning curve.