Media "Flashback" Preliminary Evaluation

Media Preliminary Evaluation: “Flashback”

I felt the planning of our preliminary task went very well. We managed to come up with a unique and realistic storyline idea for our first small media project. I believe this would develop our media skills and knowledge range of media as a group. We were able to capture a range of dynamic and fitting shots that would continuously run smooth throughout the clip. We included a consistent flow of continuity in our shots, this was so that we had a continuous flow of action from when Bailey and I begun walking up the stairs to when I left the room at the last part of the clip. We also made sure to keep to the 180° rule throughout shooting our short film. I feel that overall our preliminary task went very well. We used schools video recorders which shot 480p SD video. I feel that we implemented the titles very well, using a close up shot of our lanyards moving away from the camera until our names and faces were revealed. We felt that this was quite professional and it improved our video dramatically. Overall with various camera angles and effective titles at the end of the video we feel that our preliminary video is unique and appropriate for what we've been asked to do. I found that one of the skills I picked up during this production is how to use iMovie. This included how to form the clip and how to add additional transitions to the clip when necessary. I also manage to have a taste of acting in the clip which gave me confidence to continue being in front of the camera in future.

All of our shots were positioned using the tripod so we could maneuver the camera whilst filming. The high angled shot of Bailey and I walking up the stairs was the hardest to film as Laura had to get into the correct position each time, if she hadn't this could have looked messy and unprofessional. The outcome of this was a slightly jerky, but luckily the stabilisation done on iMovie was able to compensate for any sudden movements. To overcome this issue we could have used a handheld camera however this may have made the jerkiness even more noticeable. We edited the clip on iMovie to make sure that all of our shots ran fluently. I believe that I have gained some useful skills from this production. I now have a better understanding of how to edit future productions on iMovie. I have also found out how to add transitions and sound into the clip on iMovie, which I think will prove useful later on in the course. I think next time I am working in a group I will try doing some camerawork and focus on the directing and camera skills. Finally I will make sure to assist my group in choosing the best type of shots so that we can gain more marks for using a range of techniques and skills to get the best possible outcome of future productions.

 This is a high angled mid shot that is made to look hazy and over exposed. Bailey and I are the main focus in this shot. This shot uses the rule of thirds having Bailey and I in the centre third. We used this angle to make us look more vulnerable in this scene.

 This is a close up of Bailey and I grabbing the handles and opening the doors. This shot focuses mainly on our hands and the door handles, but you can still see some of our bodies. We used this shot type to create mystery and suspense for the audience.

 This is a mid shot of Bailey and I walking through the doors. We used this angle to show continuity and whereabouts Bailey and I are in relation to the previous shot. It also allows the audience to see my suspicious facial expression in comparison to Bailey's.

 This is a mid shot of Bailey and I inside the room sat on chairs. I had just handed him the poisonous sweets which Bailey is unaware of. We used this angle to allow the audience get a picture of where we were in comparison to the other shot. Bailey is in the foreground of the first third and I am in the center third.

This is a high canted angled shot showing Bailey dead and sprawled over the floor. We used this shot to add tension as the audience had just seen me murder Bailey. This shot uses the rule of thirds, with Bailey lying on the left hand side of the frame in the background. We are clearly able to see the poisonous sweets scattered across the floor. The audience can also notice i have now left the scene.