1. By Chelsie Brandrick Page 1
Unit 62 –Task 4 – Evaluation
By Chelsie Brandrick
Evaluating a project allows the creators to analyse the whole process and reflect on what went
well and what didn’t during the production. This can enable the creators to address any areas
of weakness and improve on them as well as praise themselves for their strengths.
After I initially read the brief I decided to make a comedic how to video on the topic of how to
be famous. I completed most of the pre-production work before I realised during the script
writing process that filming this video would be difficult, as it would require multiple locations
and actors. Both of which I didn’t have access to at the time. As a result I changed my idea to
how to be a YouTuber as I am knowledgeable and passionate about the subject and it would be
easier to film. I then had to change all of my pre-production paperwork and write a script and
shooting script, which delayed the production process dramatically. The video featured myself,
taking to a camera,explaining the tips to the viewers and the shots flowed together
continuously, which gives the video a personal feel. However I noticed during the edit that the
video wasn’t as engaging and interesting as I thought it would be in the beginning. After
gaining peer feedback and evaluating the video myself, I discovered that the missing element
of the how to video was the addition of more diverse clips, title screens and screenshots that
demonstrate the points I’m trying to make with the dialogue. During the second edit I made
these changes and I think the video is now much more intriguing and closer to my original
concept.
The video I created captured my idea well and delivered the information that I wanted to share
in an informative, relatable and interesting way. The video looks professional as it is well lit
with natural lighting, I memorised the script so the dialogue is spoken fluently and I used a
high quality camera to film the video. The video could be improved by featuring more
experimental editing or scenes that demonstrate the points being made in the dialogue as I feel
these additions would engage the viewer’s interest and bring the video to another level. I think
that the video could include more explicit and helpful advice as it currently is open to
interpretation and requires the viewers to apply their own initiative. But as the video had to be
less than 2 minutes 30 seconds, these additions would increase the length of the video and it
would no longer meet the briefs requirements.
I am happy with the way the video currently looks as it fulfils the briefs specifications, is
interesting to watch and helps the viewer, which is the main objective of a how to video.
Two of my friends commented on my how to video and offered the following feedback.
2. By Chelsie Brandrick Page 2
Ashley said he “loved the continuity of the video and how it felt informal and relatable”. But
would’ve improved the piece “by using artificial lighting, altering the levels of exposure so the
video flows better and would’ve added in a more engaging introduction with music, sound or
an animation in addition to links at the end of the video”. He said he “Enjoyed the video
overall”. Alexandra said she “loved the video and how it smoothly transitioned into each clip”.
She appreciated that I had a clear and enthusiastic voice that was easy to understand and kept
her interest throughout. But she said, “It could be improved by using artificial lighting as it
would add to the quality of the video”.
The video already looks as professional as it could, considering the low budget, but it could be
improved in this area by using artificial lighting rather than natural, a microphone instead of
the built in microphone in the camera and a camera operator rather than a tripod. A camera
operator will be able to create a variety of different angles and shots that will be more visually
stimulating for the viewer to watch. The artificial lighting and microphone will improve the
quality thus making the video look more professional.
The video can compete with lower budgeted commercial videos such as content produced by
other YouTubers. But my how to video could only compare and not be outshone by high
budgeted videos produced by companies and YouTube if it was shot using the suggestions
above and was tweaked in ways that fixed its weaknesses.
However,it would not be a large and costly job to fix the video in order for it to compare to
commercially released content.
If I were to complete this assignment again, I would think through my initial idea extensively
which will enable me to realise any restrictions it may have and would allow me avoid the
problem I encountered with my first idea. I will also incorporate vibrant editing, staged
demonstrations and shoot the video using proper lighting, equipment and a crew. This would
improve my idea significantly and eliminate the weaknesses my first video had.
Overall, I am pleased with my approach to this assignment as I think that I performed well
and produced an interesting how to video that fulfilled the brief. I could’ve produced a better
video if I planned my idea better which would’ve saved me time and used more professional
equipment to improve the quality of the video. These mistakes were made due to my lack of
experience, as it was the first how to video I have produced.
Word Count: 920.
