Evaluation: Question 7-Jess Smith

Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full product?

Overall I strongly believe as a group we made a lot of improvements from the prelim task to the opening for our thriller. This was due to the use of camera angles and the change of shot types, mise-en-scene, editing and sound.
Camera: We used a range of camera angles and shot types throughout our thriller opening, from shallow depth of field (figure 1) to low, tilted angled shots (figure 2). 

Figure 1

Figure 2

We used a larger range of shot types in our thriller opening in comparison to our prelim task because we wanted the frame's to look varied and we also wanted to make the best use of the space/ objects we had at the location. For example, we used the tree trunk for the shallow depth of field shot in the opening because we all agreed the detail of the bark looked great through the camera lense and would be a good, natural feature to include in the opening. Whereas when filming the prelim task we didn't make use of the space around us and mainly shot in straight angled, medium shots. This worked well for some of the but it could have been a lot more varied with other shot types, such as very low angled, long shots. In the thriller opening I'm happy that we used a tilt, tracking (figure 3) and two different pans (figures 4&5). 

Figure 3

Figure 4 (Pan 1)

Figure 5 (Pan 2)

The pans worked well as the first pan was a slow paced shot, whereas the second pan was a lot faster and both types fitted well in the sequence. In addition in the prelim task, none of these aspects were featured, therefore we greatly improved with adding them in. We tracked the antagonist for a lot of the woods scene in the opening and also titled the camera during the hall scene for the low angled shot. This was easy to do because we had a handheld camera and also didn't have a tripod for the woods scene, therefore we had a Steadicam (figure 6). This worked in our favor though because It meant we could move it up, down and around easier. This worked well when we did the pan of the tree's twice.

Figure 6 (using the Steadicam during filming for the opening)

Shot types from the Prelim Task:

MS

BTS

CU

LS

Side Angle-MS

MS

Sound: For the prelim task, we only used one Foley which was the sound of footsteps (audio 1), (which didn't fit well when reflecting on it, as they weren't in time or on the right surface). 

Audio 1

Whereas for our real opening we added a range of Foley's, such as birds signing (audio 2).

Audio 2

And a light wind (audio 3)

Audio 3

And a heartbeat and heavy breaths ontop of the voice over (audio 4). 

Audio 4

We liked the effect that was created when we layered on the sounds, such as the breathing sounds as we layered three different ones. We did this because it meant that the breathing was emphasized and each breath consisted of a different sound which was really effective. We also layed the voice over when she said "maybe fear isn't enough" (audio 5) towards the end of the opening becasue it created a very disorientating atmosphere which worked really well. 

 Audio 5
For the prelim task we also used diegetic dialogue between the two characters (audio 6). This meant that we had to record the sound separately on two lapel mikes and one was attached to me and the other was plugged into the camera. By doing this is meant the sound quality was better. We also had a soundtrack playing throughout the whole of the scene and we specifically used it becasue it began quite quiet and soft (audio 7), but it rose throughout and became alot more dramatic (audio 8) and it created that tense, edgey feeling when watching it. However, for the thriller opening we didn't use diegetic sounds, we recorded a separate, non diegetic voice over. 

Audio 6

Audio 7

Audio 8

 We did this because we felt that it would allow us to be more flexible with the words said because we could change it at the last minute if necessary. We recorded a girl reading the script and asked her to emphasize certain words, with a lapel mike. However after listening back to the voice over Maria and I decided it didn't work as it was too casual for what we wanted to be portrayed about the element of fear, therefore we re-rerecorded the voice over with Maria's voice. This worked a lot better because Maria knew how she wanted it to sound and I had more freedom to give her feedback and tips as I recorded it. 

The voice over was really important to us because it needed to set the tone of the opening. We decided to record each small paragraph separately on the mike to make it easier to spread out when editing it onto the shots. In my opinion, having a non diegetic voice over created a bigger sense of anticipation for the audience because of the tense atmosphere it created, in comparison to the diegetic dialogue like we had in the prelim, therefore I think that was a good improvement to make.  

Audio 9
The soundtrack was also very importsnt to us as a group becasue it really affected the mood of the opening, therefore it had to fit well. We spent a long time trying to find one that would fit the who sequence but we ended up merging two different soundtracks together becasue one fitted the first half really well (audio 9) but not in the woods and the other soundtrack fitted the woods scene (audio 10) and the shocking ending better, therefore we used both. 

Audio 10

Editing:
One our groups major improvements from the prelim to the real thriller opening was the varied editing. We used fade's, cuts and pan's and overall just transitioned each clip in a much smoother way from one another. In the prelim and actual opening task we used slow motion as one of the characters looked towards the camera (figure 1) 

Figure 1

because we all agreed it created a good, personal effect. 

However we didn't get to include eye line match on the opening because we only saw the antagonists face, therefore we should have thought through those continuity editing techniques more during the pre-planning and story boarding, whereas in the prelim we did use eye line match, as well as match on action, shot reverse shot and worked around the 180 degree rule. Similarly, we ensured we included match on action and apply everything around the 180 degree rule, especially as we broke the 180 degree rule in the prelim. We used two examples of match on action in the opening, such as when she walks past and knocks the hanging leaves (figures 2&3)  

Figure 2 (hitting the leaf)

Figure 3 (slow motion used as she looked at the camera)

And also when she takes her headphone out later on (figure 4,5&6).

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Overall one of the things we improved most on editing from the prelim to the opening was the titling transitioning. The prelim showed just a cut to the title, whereas with the opening we used fade and sharp cuts. 

Mise-en-Scene:

1&2.Lighting and Colour-We used the same artificial spotlight for the lighting in the main opening and the prelim (figure 1). 

Figure 1 (spotlight shown on stand behind)

We decided to use the same lights because they were great at creating a focus on the object they were directed at, however in the prelim we used 2 light with 2 stands (as it was shot in complete darkness), making it all very dark colouring, but for the thriller opening we only used one as there was a huge window allowing natural light to shine through for the beginning of the filming and that was during the hall scene. We did have to improvise when it got to 5 o'clock in the hall and we didn't have anymore natural daylight, therefore we used an iPhone flashlight for a particular shot close up shot that we wanted her facial expression to stand out in (figure 2). 

Figure 2

We also used a Photosen Light Reflector (figure 3) for the hall scene in order to always focus all light on the protagonist. Because majority of the hall scene it is artificially lit it is a dark, grey scaled coloured in the frame. In addition, we didn't use any extra lighting for the woods scene because we deliberately filmed during the brightest time in the day (around 11 until 1:30). Because of this it meant the film was lightly coloured and bright. 

Figure 3

This image shows the Photosen Light Reflector, Camera on the tripod and the Light on its stand

2.Costume: I had a clear vision for what I imagined for the costumes worn for the hall scene and the woods scene. This is different to the prelim task as I wasn't sure what I wanted them to wear to represent their characters. I think the white dress and simple slip-on shoes worked really well with the scene of innocence and purity (figure 1).

Figure 1

 Contrastingly, the black coat and trousers (figure 2) also worked well for the woods scene and good colour created a contrast with the brighter colours throughout the wooded area.

Figure 2

 I knew that for the prelim task that one of the characters had to be in a very simple outfit, consisting of jeans and a plain t-shirt (figure 3) as she was in prison, but other than that I didn't have a clear image of what I wanted, unlike the opening which I really did. 

Figure 3

3.Decor-For the prelim task we has no extra decoration to the setting inside the cage. We hoped that the location we had chosen would convey the story and we didnt belove any added decoration included was necessary. However we used some linen bed sheets in the hall scene for the real thriller opeing (figure 1). 

We used the sheets to cover up the benches that were placed in the school hall because they didn't have any relevance to the story and we wanted that part of the opening specifically black and white. 

4.Hair-Before we began filming in the hall for the opening I softly curled our actresses hair (figure 1&2), 

Figure 1 (Curling her hair)

Figure 2

However this didn't take long as she had very short hair. I wanted to do this to add some variation for the audience as I knew her hair would straight (figure 3) in the woods scene (as there would be nowhere to curl it before hand) but it was easily done in the hall. Having a difference in hair styles also emphasized the two different locations/points in her life. 

Figure 3

But for the prelim task the hair requirements weren't as specific as the only style we wanted was for the girl behind the bars and for it to tied up(figure 4), out of her face, in order for the audience to clearly see her facial expressions and because she was in prison, therefore it wouldn't look right if it was perfectly straightened/curled and down.

Figure 4

5.Makeup-For the makeup in the prelim we didn't any obvious makeup such as, eye-liner or bright lipstick because it was all based on the simplicity of the character behind the bars. But

Applying the eyeshadow to our character

she did have basic skin make-up, such as a light powder, foundation and mascara for her eyelashes. However it didn't matter for the other character as they were just visiting. But I did apply some dark eye shadow stripes to the girl in prison's cheeks, forehead and chin to emphasize the fact that she was unclean and the vulnerable character. But for the thriller opening I knew her eyes had to stand out in the hall scene as we would be doing extream close up's on them, therefore I applied a gold, gel glitter eye shadow under and on her eyelids (figure 1&2).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

This worked well because it glistened in the light and attracted attention to them. But this was the only noticeable makeup on her because we wanted her to seem 'pure'. In addition, for the woods scene she was wearing more obvious make-up, such a liquid eyeliner, foundation and bronzer (figure 3). This was effective because she still stood out in the frame and it seemed as though it was a regular day for her. 

Figure 1

6.Setting
Prelim Task:
We decided to use the college lighting facilities cage to film the prelim in because it gave that separation from inside and trapped behind the bars (figure 1) to outside where it was more free. This worked really well with the idea of her being in prison I think. We had issues with timing of filming because the cage was being used a lot for various reasons, therefore we fell behind in time as we had to wait a while to film and we didn't want to change the setting because we knew it would work well. 

Where as for the thriller opening we went outside of college and used two different locations.  

Hall Scene:
 We chose to film this scene at Sam's old primary school's large hall because he knew the size, accessibility and he also wanted to use this particular room because of the large, stand out window that it has, due to the fact that it's a very old building. This room worked well because there was plenty of space to put equipment in and to move around with the camera. However there was one issue with the extra equipment that was under/ next to the window which we filmed against, such as stacked benches, a piano with books and other small objects on top but we managed to move most of the benches and objects and covered the remaining benches with white bed sheets which we expected to use. 

Woods Scene:
We filmed this section in the woods because we believed it would show a stalker in best way as we had the freedom to use the space to show them from different angles. The woods also have a slightly dangerous feeling to them. We chose these specific woods because I live near them and I was aware of good, narrow pathways and area's that would look good on camera. This is where I believe our group progressed as we put a lot of thought into locations to film at. 

7.Props-During the preliminary task we did use some props. From a sheet of paper with a newspaper headline on it (figure 1&2) 

Figure 1

Figure 2

And backpack for the girl outside the cage to carry the paper in (figure 3). 

Figure 3

 But for the thriller opening we only used a mobile phone and headphones for props because we didn't need anything else for the story line. We used these them to show she was walking normally at the start but towards to end she begins to hear things, therefore she takes them out. (Figure 4&5)

Figure 4

Figure 5

8.Body Language-Throughout our thriller opening we wanted there to be a clear difference in the two locations as they were to show two different points in her life. In the hall scene we wanted her to be stood in a neutral, very still, facing front one with just her head/neck moving as she looked around the room (figure 1) 

Figure 1

And when she walked towards the camera she needed to walk at a slow, calm manor (figure 2). 

Figure 2

And for the woods scene we wanted her to begin walking in a regular, normal way but as the scene goes on to become a bit more hesitant and come to a stop towards the end when she takes her headphones.  

But for the prelim we wanted the first girl to walk into the room with confidence, at a regular pace with her arms and hands down by her side and the other girl who was behind the bars to have strong, aggressive body language as she was annoyed and frustrated. 

9.Facial Expression-In the prelim we wanted the girl behind the bars to look angered and irritated (figure 1), 

Figure 1

However for the other girl we wanted her to have a smug look about her because she had more authority out of the two.(figure 2)

Figure 2

But for her to also be more reserved with her facial expression and to let her speak express her feelings. 

However for the thriller opening we wanted our character to have a very still, unexpressed facial expression, as well as body language to create enigma and surreal (figure 3). 

Figure 3

But during the woods she began with a neutral facial expression (figure 4) but as the scene went on she became more concerned and ended with a very shocked and scared facial expression as the someone taps her on the back (figure 5). 

Figure 4

 We developed our characters well from the prelim to the opening because we had a clearer vision of how we wanted her act her facial expression and body language, whereas for the prelim task we decided those facts on the day with no pre-planning. 

Figure 5

10. Positioning of the subject in frame-During the prelim task our two characters both filled the shots, therefore they sometimes both in the center but for the other time it would be the girl behind the bars who is in the center of the frame and it was important to get the newspaper headline in the center of the frame to allow the audience to see it clearly. But for the thriller opening there was only one character, therefore she was placed in the center of the frame for the majority of the shots (figure 1), apart from a  shallow depth of field shot when she was towards the left of the frame (figure 2). 

Figure 1

Figure 2

I have personally improved my editing skills since the prelim to the real thriller opening, as I was lot more confident editing the some of the sound on my own. I think as a group we've grown as we had big ambition and high standards for the thriller opening because our prelim didn't have a complex or very interesting story line, whereas our opening does. 

I also think our titling sequence improved a lot as we included the producers (figure 1), production company (figure 2), and the title (figure 3) and there was a range of colours, a logo and it was very sophisticated. 

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Whereas for the opening we only included the title (figure 4) and actors (figure 5) all in an immature font  style. 

Figure 4

Figure 5

Our narrative definitely developed from the prelim to the thriller opening because in the opening we had two time zones and two separate locations, but somehow they linked together. Our voice over was also a lot more complex ed compared to the prelim dialogue, causing enigma, whereas the prelim didn't create this as much.