Preliminary Production - Evaluation

I have learnt that both filming and editing should be planned out before hand to ensure there are enough shots to make the film consistent and correct – it is better to over film, than to under film, as you cannot go back to film more shots if you need them. I found that retrying certain shots is very helpful for the editing process, as you can see how different shots relate to each other, and play around with them to see which ones fit best to create a narrative flow.


We managed to film all of our shots in one hour. However we had a previous session, but one of us did not wear the same clothes which would’ve given a continuity problem – so we had to re do these shots. This meant we finished at the last minute and so we could not look back at our work and improve our shots. I have learnt that planning is absolutely essential to even begin filming.


The most productive aspect was definitely the filming. It was all done in just one hour, and we did everything we needed to do – and more. We had all of the correct shots, and some extra ones just in case.


The hardest part of working in a group is definitely staying on task. Depending on where you film, there are many things that are interesting and can be distracting, especially when filming becomes monotonous and gruelling, coupled with actors being tired or irritable. We had all been on a night out the previous night, so we did quite well to film it all. In future, short breaks could be incorporated to the plan to give time to relax or look over certain aspects of filming and planning. Next time we should also ensure we are in a better state to work in.


I have learnt that a few rules regarding how a production should be filmed must always be used – e.g. the 180 degree rule etc. To ensure that the film is well put together, and is, above all, easy to edit. A plan where shots are detailed and ordered is also essential so that the whole film is not ‘made up as you go along’ and there is no time wasted conferring on what needs to be filmed or character dialogue.


With regards to editing, I have learnt how to use transitions to give the viewer visual cues that time has moved forward, or a location has changed. While I did not use any sound effects, I have tried and tested them, but I thought they maybe a bit tacky or cheesy. On the other hand, perhaps I could’ve used them in the background to cover up some noise. I tried to reduce noise by editing the sound in the actual clips, as adding bird song sound effects for example could seem a bit artificial. Lastly, I learnt how to import footage from the camera to the computer and move it to the timeline, as well as how to export the film as different file types e.g. Windows Media, AVI etc. Also noting how different exports affect the quality both in picture and sound resolution.


Concerning the narrative and overall flow of the production, I tried hard to make the clips flow into each other. One of the ways I did this was by using the frame by frame edit tool so I could edit very precisely, in addition to having control of exactly when each clip changes to the next – vital for sequences such as the match on action, where a close up of a door being opened to a medium shot showing the actor pulling the door open and entering it. As well as the following shots where the actor walks through several more doors.


I was pleased most about managing to film the whole production in one hour and the level of quality we have achieved. The film flows nicely and it is enjoyable to watch – the highlight being a really cheesy catchphrase. The film does not take itself seriously, as both characters wear odd-looking glasses, and speak and act quite like an everyday encounter – giving a sense of irony and some tongue-in-cheek humour.


As for my role, I think that my acting went exactly as I hoped; maybe I came across as a bit disinterested, although I was out most of the previous night, but still it is an all round good performance. I also filmed some of the production and set up some shots, as well as giving some input on some character dialogue, and helping Georgie with the operation of the camera.