2. To research for my project I used simple
sources such as the internet, DVD extra’s
and audio commentaries. On the internet I
used sites such as youtube.com,
artofthetitle.com and movie2k.com to
watch, review and analyse opening
sequences. All of these sites came in helpful
as I was able to understand what is
expected of an opening sequence and it
gave me many ideas for me to brainstorm
for my own opening sequence.

3. As part of my planning I completed a preliminary task. This task helped me
understand and put into practice the 180 degrees rule, and the shot reverse
shot. This meant I got practise with filming with a camera, and also editing
using Sony Vegas. This was extremely helpful as it gave me practise and
helped me to understand the software I was going to be using for my final
sequence. On top of this I used a camera to photograph my locations. This
prepared me for uploading images to my word press blog, meaning I would
have less hassle in the future. Also I photographed my hand made props,
and my story board so that I could upload it to my blog.
Here are images of my
hand-made scrap book
that features in my This is a screen shot of me practising
opening sequence using Sony Vegas to prepare me
when using it for my final sequence.

4. Construction was the biggest process during this project. And I learnt a lot about
technologies during this process. Firstly I will focus on using a camera. Using a
tripod I managed to make the camera pan smoothly, but this did take many
attempts. The shots kept turning out quite jumpy, and I needed them to run
smoothly, this simply just took concentration and much practise to maintain a
smooth, steady shot. On top of this is took me many attempts to master the
zoom. The shot kept on being rigid and bumpy, and again it took practise to get
it to be smooth. The more I tried new things with the camera, the more used to it
I became.
On top of this whilst constructing the sequence as I mentioned earlier I used Sony
Vegas. Whilst doing this is learnt how to use Media FX, transitions, media
generators, how to cut, and how to add music and change volume. Here are
some screen grabs to show me using these aspects of Vegas.

5. Whilst constructing my sequence I had to consider what music will fit my
sequence. In the end I decided on ‘Falling for you’ By Colbie Calliat. To
make this fit perfectly with my sequence I firstly got rid of the diagetic
sounds. These clashed with the music and prevents the sound in the
sequence from running smoothly. I then faded the music out towards the
end of the clip, to make it end gradually when the clip ends, so that
there is not a sudden stop in the music. I did not use any non-diagetic
sound effects because I want the audience to focus on the clip and the
music in the background as the music relates to the genre of the film. To
actually get hold of the song I wanted to use, I used a YouTube to mp3
converter to get the MP3 format I needed. I then imported it to Sony
Vegas.
This is a screen shot of the
converter I used to convert the
song I needed.

6. What do you feel that you have learnt in progression from the
preliminary task to the full product?
Overall it is more difficult to create a whole 2 minutes of clear,
smooth footage than it is for just 10 seconds of footage. The
preliminary task helped me to learn how to set up and use a
tripod, and use a camera successfully. But I used the tripod in
more creative ways when filming my final product because I
needed a shot to face as far down as possible, so that I could
film a box on the floor. Also I filmed in doors therefore I did not
have to worry about filming at night, weather conditions, or
people in the public, this was an advantage. Also the fact that I
filmed inside I could play with the lighting. I started off filming
with lights on, but I decided I wanted natural, dim lighting,
therefore I just partially shut the blinds. Also because I did not
have any dialogue, ambient or diagetic sounds it was simple as I
did not have to worry about any sounds made whilst filming as I
just muted them out using Sony Vegas. These factors all
contributed to the continuity of my opening sequence.

7. Overall the preliminary task helped to prepare
me for using camera’s, tripods and Sony
Vegas. When starting the final product I was
prepared and knew what to do and what to
expect. Also throughout the entire project I
have learnt how to use a lot more software
and am more confident when it comes to
filming and editing. I really enjoyed editing and
was proud of my final piece. If I was to do the
project again, I would shoot many more shots
so that I have a bigger variety to choose from
as I found that when I came to editing I was
very limited. Overall I am pleased with my final
piece as it clearly identifies the genre and
gives an idea on the narrative, but doesn't give
too much away. Also it introduces the main
protagonist immediately allowing the
audience to engage with her.