The purpose of the preliminary task is making sure that you can feel comfortable with the filming and editing resources before actually filming the final media product. I was able to explore and gain experience with the resources by creating a short sequence using my group members. This helped with being able to get the gist of filming and how different shots could link together, what works and what doesn't, how to make a sequence flow well and finally, how to edit in a way that looks impressive and professional.
Looking back at the preliminary task, I feel that I have learnt a few things in the progression to creating the final product. For example, in the preliminary task we used iconography - a phone. The phone was ringing over two different shots, so to make this flow well I had to make sure that the sound of the ringtone linked to the next shot in time, and to ensure that there was no jolt or pause - which would make the sequence appear unprofessional. Knowing that a phone ringing would be included in the final sequence meant that I was able to practice this timing technique to help with the final product. Having this practice has made a smooth transition evident in the final media product and so the clips flow correctly. Most of the preliminary task was out of focus which I did not realise until I had looked over the shots after filming. This taught me to make sure that the camera is in focus before filming as it can give an unprofessional vibe and a lack of strength in the shots, therefore, for the final media product I was extra cautious of this fault. To prevent the shots of the final sequence being out of focus, we used the technique of placing a blank piece of paper in-front of the lens before filming each shot to ensure that the camera focused. An over-the-shoulder shot was used in the preliminary task by adjusting the tripod to a heigh suitable and positioning it in the appropriate place so that one character's shoulder was in shot but also what is in front of them. Because this type of shot was used in the final thriller sequence, it was easy to be done as it had been done before. From the skills developed to carry out this shot successfully from the experience of the preliminary task, it allowed this shot in the final sequence to be captured successfully and is present when Chloe discovers the picture of herself pinned to a tree.
Overall, I learnt that editing was the most time consuming, but also one of the most important parts in the process of creating a successful production. In the preliminary task, because it was literally thought of 'on the spot', what was filmed was only what was needed to be and so only a few shots made up the content of the preliminary task. Therefore, there was no need to re-film any parts because it didn't need to perfect and there wasn't many shots to capture. However, in the final media product I found that when it came to editing there were no clear transitions between particular shots, causing some parts to not flow and consequently not make sense. This meant that some shots had to be re-filmed and different shots had to be cut. For example, there were many shots captured of Chloe running in the forest, however, not any shots suggesting why she started to run. Therefore, a shot was re-filmed so that there was a long shot of the antagonist and a close up/reaction shot of Chloe's face before she starts to run. This meant that the narrative flowed better and the audience would understand the scene more easily. The preliminary task also helped develop skills in using the editing software of 'Final Cut Pro X', this allowed me the chance to explore the different features and effects on offer and how each part within the software could alter the clips imported. From exploring the software in the preliminary task, I was able to find how to add effects, transitions, texts, credits and sound. This definitely helped when editing the final product as it saved time from the familiarity I already had with the software from the previous exploration of it.
Our preliminary task was actually quite good considering the time that was given to complete it and the lack of knowledge of certain equipment and software before starting it. Making a progression from it was quite hard as the clips flowed well with a sequence that resulted in an understanding, short narrative - which was the aim. However, evidently, the preliminary task did really help in the editing especially but also with understanding the equipment and what my group needed to do to ensure that filming was done smoothly and in a time efficient way.
Your analysis of question 7, demonstrates a proficient understanding of how you developed from the preliminary task to the full task. It is clear to see some of the obstacles and difficulties that you faced and the ways in which you overcame it. You have also referred your points to examples, to support the points that you have made, however, further discussion of the preliminary task is needed. Such as what did you do, what camera shots did you record and why?
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