From way back when we filmed our prelim to present I feel I have learnt a lot of valuable editing and filming techniques that I can use and take forward into future media production’s, ranging from key editing techniques on the Apple Macs such as, image stabilizer, video smoothing & cutting too editing and recording sound on software like audacity allowing us to get the best sound for our production. Basic knowledge of using the Macs software during the editing of our prelim has advanced into a clear and useful knowledge of the many different features and helpful applications that are available.
Skills development
Our preliminary task was given, to give us a basic understanding of key skills used in media:
- 180 degree rule,
- Golden mean
- Continuity
- Filming
- Editing
The 180 degree rule is essential in any piece of media because its keeps the action in line meaning the viewer does not get confused while watching. In our preliminary task we filmed using this rule which was effective, making it easy to follow which is what we needed for our final media project. We applied the same rule to our final project to ensure it did not confuse the audience, developing and building on it by adding a broader variety of camera shot and angles like the over head, birds eye view shot we used to get a close up on the struggle between the two drug induced teens.
We found that representation can be shown through various types of camera angles and shots for example; birds eye view shot used to emphasis the struggle between the two friends, pan shot to set the scene. Building on this we found that we could use these techniques to portray characters in a certain way, the victim on the floor to signify weakness, the reflection of the killer in the bloody, water to show dominance and power. Filming techniques were a key part of this project as we needed to provoke the correct audience reaction. We wanted the audience to have a constant sense of mystery and uncertainty and I believe we achieved this using these conventions, flashbacks, fast paced shots, heightened colour and slow motion.
Editing our prelim was fairly straight forward; it was a minuet long, with a few basic shots and camera angles. When it came to editing our final media product, this was not the case, there was a lot more footage that needed to be cropped and cut, with a complex plot to follow. However using what we had learnt from our prelim we dealt with editing in steps
- Cropping all shots (picking the best shot from three)
- Piecing the footage together accordingly
- Adding effects to key scenes (motion blur, Heightened colours)
- Recording and editing audio (using audacity)
- Adding audio to product
- Adding sound effects too key scenes (thunder, rain)
Strengths & weaknesses of Prelim
Strengths:
- ran smoothly
- effective camera angles
- interesting plot
- Effective editing
Weaknesses:
- acute variety of shots
- continuity errors
- poor dialogue
These were the main strengths and weaknesses of our thriller product that I picked out. I was keen to incorporate these strengths and improve on the weaknesses for the final product. A wider variety of shots was essential if we wanted diversity in our product, we wanted to keep the audience engaged at all times.
Another thing I took from this experience was learning never to rely on the weather or alternative transport as on multiple accessions due to these factors filming was halted and postponed which in reality was extremely ‘time wasting’ and annoying for both me and Laurence. Being prepared with the correct equipment and props on filming days allowed us to make good use of time; once set up, not having to worry about anything and getting straight down to business. Organisation is key to making good use of time and ultimately ensuring you receive good footage on the day and I have applied these skills to my other subjects making this a very useful skill to take forward.
Problems with communication and team work can be a contributing factor to the waste of valuable time, however thankfully deciding to work in a two man group paid off which allowed us to easily and clearly convey our thoughts, feeling’s and ideas towards each other about the thriller and the direction we wanted to take it. This proved to be a major advantage on filming days as any problems could be addressed and dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Overall this experience has taught me many valuable and useful skills that I can apply to future media products and work in general. It had some frustration moments and a lot of funny ones however ultimately was an enjoyable experience and I look forward to taking these skills on to my future media products.
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