1. Looking back at your preliminary
task, what do you feel you have
learnt in the progression from it to
the full product?
By Nasmin McFarlane

2. Looking back at our preliminary task I feel that I have learnt the basics of how to hold a camera
to the understanding of film and how to produce a good project.
Working as a team has its up and downs but within Team N.E.C.K we are all diverse individuals
with different ideas and views on various topics within media, which is why I believe that our
ideas are explored a little more than if I were with anyone else. This task has allowed me to
expand my technical terminology and I feel as though it has also allowed me to have a deeper
understanding of film in general. I now cannot sit and watch a film, advert trailer or even look at
a poster without criticizing the shot/image.
I am now able to pick apart an image and speak of various things and what they could suggest
and go into detail using key terminology and aspects that I have learnt through both my
preliminary task and exam technique and content classes. For an example click the link below.
http://images.pappzd.com/2012/07/Usain-Bolt-Virgin-Media1.jpg
The photographer had to be conscious of the natural lighting within the room surrounding Bolt.
The medium shot allows us only to see bolts figure from head to mid stomach, allowing the
viewer only to focus on the number one on his bright red shirt (mis-en-scene). The camera is
also faced directly at Bolt however allowing part of his reflection to be reflected in the black
glossy table. The juxtaposition between Bolts sport attire and his location could suggest that
being in a red muscle shirt within a professional environment does not affect his performance
he will continue to be at the top as the number ‘1’ on his shirt suggests. The colure red could
also represent his dominance within the image, making him stand out from the neutral colours
of the background.

3. I now feel much more empowered and confident when speaking about
what I can see. Being able to go beyond the basics only scratching the
surface, I can now read into an image/ shot with more than one
interpretation which I find impressive, knowing that before I saw
things as red is red and black is black. I’ve had my eyes opened to the
blockbuster world and what it is like for a producer to work within a
blockbuster or an independent film, it has given me knowledge on
aspects of life I never would have thought much into other than ‘This
film was great.’ As challenging as this project has been, it has most
definitely been an eye opener for me. Now I know what to and what
not to do, for my next project I feel proud of where I have come so far.
Now I am eager to move on to another project and learn from my
mistakes within the project I had just finished – ‘Loner’ and improve on
my skills as well as improving on my use of technologies such as the
‘MAC ‘computer.