Question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you think you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?   

Preliminary

• Basic understanding of task and concept.
• Not much detail in planning.
• Basic research into new concepts.
• Lack of time.
• Rough edit's/cut's.

Opening

• Good understanding of task and concept.
• Much more detailed and organised planning.
• Detailed research into concepts and existing products.
• Not as restricted by time.
• Cleaner edit's and cut's.

First draft and final cut

Having a first draft version of our opening enabled us to evaluate and analyse the pros and cons of it, giving us time to dwell on what we could do to improve. We immediately noticed things that we needed to improve, for example, some shots didn't quite match up and needed to be re-shot. Possibly the most important thing we noticed was that the first draft was too long. However the problem was overcome as we decided that some of what we had filmed didn't quite make sense and that we could get rid of it. We also got teacher comments to pick up on the finer details that needed changes that we didn't consider. We decided to completely re-shoot the entire thing, this was something that hindered me in the preliminary task as we were very short on time and only had the raw footage we had taken.  

Better understanding of the horror genre

I was able to get a much greater understanding of the horror genre through the research and planning stages previous to the filming of the opening. This research gave me a great insight into already existing horror films, I could then transfer the knowledge that I had from this research into the planning of my own film to ensure that the opening would successfully establish the horror genre. 

With the preliminary task, as well as not taking as much notice or care into researching we didn't have the necessary time available to do any research, this then hindered on the outcome of the film as there was no sense of the genre.

Taking this into consideration and learning from my mistakes, I took greater action in seeking information about the horror genre and slasher-horror in particular. I looked at the stereotypes and typical characters associated with horror films and also representation of the psychographics and demographics.   

Shooting

The shooting process from the preliminary task to the film opening was different for many reasons.

Firstly, we had a lot more time to shoot the film opening than the preliminary, we had a 'second chance' so that we could better it to get the best grade we could. However with the preliminary task we were very limited to how long we had to film what was required.

Secondly, we had better equipment available, for example, with the preliminary task we had to use a school camera, although they are good enough to get the standard of quality needed, we had a better, more professional camera to use which made the footage better quality.

Thirdly, we were restricted to the school premises in the preliminary meaning that the mise-en-scene was not very good, however with the opening we were able to film in our own time where we wanted to which helped establish the genre. 

Editing 

The editing process also differed very much between the two projects. Again it was down to the amount of time we had. 

With the preliminary task we were able to create a standard piece of media, however this only really included standard cuts from one shot to the other, it did't involve splicing, quick cuts etc to make the video more enhancing.

However with the extended time that we had for the film opening compared to the preliminary task we were able to plan out what edits we wanted in the planning stage and then change them if we felt they didn't work from the first draft. We were able to use edits such as quick cuts in order to help establish the genre and create a more engaging and enjoyable piece of media.

Sound Editing 

Upon reflection and comparing the two pieces of work that I have produced, there are some things that are almost frustrating when I look at the preliminary task. The first is that the clips aren't silenced, at the time of filming there was construction work being done in the school grounds where we were filming therefore we got these sounds in the background which is very off-putting and amateurish. However silencing the clips alone would not have solved the issue, which leads to my next point. Adding music to the clip would have enhanced the establishment of the genre as tense music could have been played over the top to create an atmosphere in the storyline of 'boss gives henchman a bomb to plant'. 

Learning from these mistakes made me focus more on the sound aspect of the film opening, I searched for the best sites and music to aid the establishment of the genre and to create a sense of realism.