The Progression...

Since the preliminary task, I have learned a lot about camera work and editing. I have learned many different shots and transitions. If you read the mistakes we initially made in our preliminary film, and then watch our film opening, you can tell that we have greatly improved. Also, I have learned the importance of things such as lighting. There needs to be a sufficient amount of light to be able to get a good shot. I have learned that keeping the camera steady is important so that the audience is not put off your film. I have also learned that editing plays a major part in the end product, so that it looks crisp and professional.

Ideas Small Stuff...

The Preliminary Shots...

Match on action: Helps maintain continuation...

Shot/Reverse Shot: Helps the viewer follow the conversation, and also lets the audience see from a persons point of view

180 Degree Rule: Important, as it prevents confusion in the audience

These shots were taken after we found out we initially done them all wrong. We had a lot of trouble getting to grips with the three shots we had to do, and it took us much longer than expected to complete the preliminary. So, I believe I have come very far since then.

Let me show you how…..

The Evolution...

The Thriller Shots...

Long Shot/Over Head Shot: I have learned that these type of shots are great for establishing locations and characters. Establishing shots allow the viewer to follow what is going on in the plot.

Panning: This allows the audience to take in more information on the area, subject, person etc. Relating to the thriller genre, it can create tension and suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat depending on what is being panned.

Close Up: These shots let the director control where the audience looks. So they make the viewer pay attention to one subject, and lets them know that it is important. Can also build up suspense, especially in thrillers.

The Thriller Editing...

Special effects: I learned to make my way around the Adobe After Effects software, and found out how to use visual effects to enhance filming. Something like this CCTV effect changes the perception of the whole film and the character. I have learnt that special effects can establish a character, setting or even a whole genre. This special effect alone establishes my film as a crime thriller.

Altering brightness and Image quality: By playing around with the image control options, I learned that I could change certain aspects of the image to create the ideal shot. For example, the left shot above was initially bright and quite sunny. However, with a grainy effect and some tinting, I was able to create a darker mood. The same weather conditions was also present when we filmed the center shot above, but I darkened it, and tinted it slightly brown. The shot on the right was given a grainy, distorted look to emphasize the night.

More stuff: I now know how to use Adobe Photoshop to edit images, as seen in the left shot above. Also, I have learned how to incorporate many different transitional effects into a video. Transitional effects such as fading and dissolve help to keep the video looking smooth and attractive to the audience. Also, adding effects to the titles can create many impressions, and can establish the genre of what the viewer is about to watch.

Another thing I have learned is how to use equipment properly. At first, operating a camcorder was not easy, but now I can operate and set it up with no troubles.