This is an example from our preliminary task where we did shot reverse shot which also has to adhere to the 180 degree rule. The camera couldn’t cross the line we created in the centre. We also found within our preliminary task that we often had to take multiple shots of just one scene, so later on, when editing, we could choose the best shot. When filming our preliminary task we also found that we didn’t have a steady hand when filming, which we had to ensure for our final thriller opening, otherwise it wouldn’t be professional.
via GIPHY
We had to include continuity within our preliminary task. We did this as our male character walks through the door. This was proven hard and we had to take several shots of this scene to ensure he was at the same point as the previous clip.
via GIPHY
When we began editing our preliminary task we had to use the software on the Apple Mac’s called iMovie. This is when we first discovered the editing technique the straight cut. This technique was crucial when editing both our preliminary task and our final thriller opening because if our footage was too long or we didn’t need all of it we could just trim it down without it taking loads of our time away.
When beginning the planning stages of our final thriller opening, we distributed the jobs that needed doing equally to each member in the group so it was fair. The jobs consisted tasks such as: typography choice, job roles, opening sequence timeline, production schedule, shot list etc. This showed that our group had to take on board the consequences of not meeting deadlines wouldn’t just affect them, it would affect the whole group, which made us determined for our deadlines to be met, although due to lack of time management, some of our deadlines weren’t met.
When choosing the
narrative of our thriller film we all sat down and pitched in our own ideas and
then settled on the one we thought was best, doing it this way ensured it was
fair and everyone agreed on what our narrative would be. We also did the same
when producing the storyboard and shot list, so if anyone had an idea they
could pitch in. On the day we filmed it did not go to plan and wasn’t as
successful as we imagined it to be, some ideas were proven too hard to create
in reality, which gave us some setbacks, resulting in a few more days out for
filming – which wasn’t too much of a downer as we could then ensure we had
everything we needed for our opening to be successful.
One of the things
which was proven hard as we filmed on different days was continuity. At first
we were going to use a range of shots from all the days we had been out but
this resulted in our opening not being effective as you could tell it didn’t
adhere to the continiuity, therefore we had to start from scratch. Although,
starting from scratch sounded daunting and unrealistic, once we put our heads
into it as a group, it was proven easier than we thought. Another thing which
was proven hard is that we filmed outside and inside. On some of our inside
shots they were too dark therefore reducing the quality of the whole opening.
We then also re filmed our inside shots so they were a bit brighter but we
intended on it being a bit dark, so we decided to shine a torch to give the
audience a sense of enigma.
via GIPHY
Another problem we faced was the narrative not making sense to the audience through our shots, therefore we realised as a group this would make the viewer feel bored and want to turn it off. In our final edit you can see the difference between the shots as they are a lot clearer to what is going on compared to our rough edit. In our rough edit, we had shots of our antagonist with his hood up and in our final production we had shots of our antagonist where we just hid his identity instead of using a hooded figure, as a hooded figure is seen as a cliché.
via GIPHY
In our final edit, we decided to use a variety of transitions such as fade into white and fade to black. This helped the transition of shots look less sharp and gave it more of a professional look. These specific transitions also created tension for the audience as they didn't know what the next shot was going to be, therefore creating a thriller and exciting atmosphere, which will keep the audience enticed to find out what happens next. We decided to place the transitions towards the start and end of our opening to swiftly introduce and exit specific scenes. We also figured if we used transitions in certain places then it will keep the audience hooked as they wouldn't be expecting more.
via GIPHY
We also used a variety of cinematography within our opening such as extreme close ups, close ups and over the shoulder shots. Some of our over the shoulder shots were good however other had flaws within them and we think they could've been better if we had shown less of the graveyard. Although, the shots were up to the professional standard we desired due to a steady hand whilst recording. Some of the shots we had planned on filming, we're proven to be hard due to the respect we had for the graveyard as civilians were there paying respects to their lost ones, therefore we decided it was best to leave it. In our final opening, the over the shoulder shot was very close behind the antagonist which concealed his identity well and created enigmas among the audience to why he was stood there watching the protagonist.
via GIPHY
Overall I think, in contrast to our preliminary and our final production, we have improved both individually and as a group within our editing skills and camerawork. All four of us have also furthered our skills and knowledge within technology, which we may need to use in the present and for our future. I am overly happy and confident with our final production and the way it turned out.
