Critic

What would I do differently if I had the time?

If I had the time then I would perhaps change the script. This is because I feel that it is too basic and simple. I would change it to something that lasted a little bit longer and perhaps gave it more depth. 

Similarly, I would re-take the deep shot when Harry has eye contact with Lauren because the camera turns the other way around. By doing this it would make it slightly more professional looking. 

Apart form that, I don't think that there is anything else that I would change. 

What did I like about the final product?

I really liked the slow motion section! I thought it worked really well and I loved the diagetic sound that went with it. It was so unexpected but worked really well in my opinion. Also, I thought that the slow motion really highlighted the attitude of each character and made it more believable and naturalistic. 

Also, I thought that the section when Harry was running away was comical and worked really well as it would appeal to the audience. Furthermore, I thought that the incidental music that accompanied it was very appropriate and also added to the comedic value! 

Finishing Video

Preliminary Task

This is the finished product. 

Sound

Sound

In my opinion we didn't use much sound in our Preliminary Task and perhaps some more could have been used however, I think the sound that we did use was effective. 

The main sound that was used was obviously dialogue. This was between Lauren and Liam. 

The dialogue clearly shown and represented the different characters as Lauren was very inquisitive and speech was longer whereas, Liam's dialogue was more short and simple which can give the effect that he his weary of who he is talking to or perhaps shy or nervous. 

During the slow motion section it sounds as if stings were used to create an explosion or a loud band, however this was not the case. Due to slowing the section down all  diagetic sound was emphasized and made more distinctive. I think that this worked to our advantage as it is very effective and can come across quite comical. 

The incidental music used to accompany the drama was effective in  my opinion. It matched the high speed action and was parallel to the upbeat tempo and quick running away by Harry. This then carried on through the sound bridge to the credits. I thought that this was also very comical and would appeal to the target audience. 

Editing

Editing

The software that we used for the editing process was called Serif Movie Plus.

Liam mainly took charge of the editing because he had used it before, whereas the rest of the group was new to it so we were learning as Liam showed us what to do. Despite not knowing how to work it, ideas were inputted to help Liam and our opinions were used and acknowledged.  

Editing Techniques

• CCTV- Time changing, Black and White Filter (0.00- 0.10)
• Slow motion (0.21-0.44)

I think that both of these editing techniques were successful and effective! 

Camera Angles

Camera Angles

Throughout a variety of different camera angles were used
Here are some examples:

Establishing Shot from CCTV

Ariel Shot

Over Liam's shoulder

Close up of door

Medium Two Shot

Close up

Deep Shot

Extreme Close up

Ariel Shot from CCTV

Over Lauren's Shoulder

As you can see a lot of different camera angles have been used.

A tripod was used for all shots with the exception of one as it was easier and helped the camera stay in focus better as they was no shaking hand which can make the video look unprofessional.

The tripod was a great piece of equipment to use as it had extendable legs therefore we could vary the height  of the camera. This was useful for the Over the Shoulder shots as me and Liam are different heights. 

For the shots that acted like the CCTV we used to tripod to our advantage by extending the legs to the longest possible and then standing it on a high table that was in the cafetiere. We were also able to tilt the camera so that it really did look like it was a CCTV camera in action. I thought that this came across very effective and realistic.  

Planning for Preliminary Task

Planning

This is the panning/story board for our Preliminary Task.
This is what we used as our guildlines to start the process of filming. The post stick notes consist of basic story lines, camera shots and a few editing techniques such as CCTV and Slow Motion. The reason we used post stick notes is so we could change the order from chronological to groups in filming. For example, CCTV shots, Over the Shoulder, Close ups.This made it a lot easier.

In preparation for the recording, we as a group had to think about costume, props, script and location.
The storyboard was mainly drawn up by myself with other members input with camera angles instead of just one person making all of the final decisions.

 

Mise en Scene

As a group we decided that me and Liam should do the main acting as take A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies. This then made it easier to develop a script between us. During this development, we had to think about how each character would stereotypically speak so we could really show our characters.
The props were produced by Saul, eg the bag of crisps, therfore we didn't have to buy any props. The rest of the props for example the table and chairs were provided by the location so we didn't have to carry props about with us to the location.

In order to decide on a location, the whole group went to take a look at the location we had in mind after we came up with the plot of our task. This helped us a lot as it gave us a better idea of where cameras could be positioned and what enterances and exits we could use. I thought that this location worked really well as it was quite modern, clean and also worked fit the scene and plot perfectly.



















This is the location used for running away scene with Harry. This worked really well in my opinon as it was directly outside the door and it lead to the outside door.

This is the location where we filmed the CCTV. We stood the camera and the Tripod on top of the tables in order to reach the highest point, this made it more realistic and in my opinoin worked really well!

We each decided on our own costumes.
For example, my costume consisted of a Black Skirt, Casual Top, Black Cardigan, Tights, Red scarf and Nike Blazers. The reason that I decided on this colour scheme was because it had different conotations. The colour black connotes mystery, authority and in general being quite negative, however the way in which my hair was styled (the colour blonde and down) took away any hints that I could be stereotypical. The skirt gave the idea of femininity which then made the character as a countertype as I didn't look like the stereotypical bully. This could give it a comedic effect.