1) In the preliminary task, the storyboard could not be fully replicated due to unsuitable filming locations, which impacted the plot flow. For the final outcome, the storyboard was created with the available locations in mind so each shot could be planned precisely. 2) Lighting and composition were improved upon for the final outcome. Poor lighting situations were corrected and shots were pre-planned to avoid awkward angles. 3) A larger variety of shot types were used in the final outcome compared to the preliminary, including establishing shots and pans to imply character traits, adhering more closely to film conventions.

1. EVALUATION 7: LOOKING BACK AT YOUR
PRELIMINARY TASK (THE CONTINUITY
EDITING TASK), WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU
HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION
FROM IT TO FULL PRODUCT?

2. FILMING
In terms of filming, the preliminary and final outcome had different progressions:
The location of filming in the preliminary was not catered to the idea, and
subsequently the storyboard created to visualise each shot could not be replicated.
For example, it included a scene with a front door, a living room, a staircase.
Because of this when it actually came to filming each shot the location we had
available did not suit the story, and we had to therefore change the story largely
basing it on the props and locations available. This meant that the plot of the video
and he scenes did not flow together as succinctly as the previous planned shots
would have.
Learning from this experience, when it came to shooting the final outcome, the
storyboard was created with locations available in mind, meaning each shot could
be planned precisely. This meant that the opening seemed more realistic ,
encouraging the viewer into a state of suspended disbelief. Although some of the
footage in the storyboard was edited out and replaced by other shots; most of it
remained.
On the actual shoots, the preliminary was done in very poor lighting, and was often
poorly composed – for example characters heads being cut out of screen,
Learning from this in the real task any poor lighting situations were corrected to
reflect the mood of the scene; and shots being pre-planned meant for each shot the
composition was pre-stated . This meant that awkward angles and perspectives
were avoided, making the outcome further portray realism.
Lighting in preliminary
Lighting in final outcome

3. SHOT VARIETIES
In the preliminary task, I used a variety of shot types, including shot reverse shot, pan, close up, the
upkeep of the 180 degree rule, and match on action. However, as an introduction to filming,
several of these shot choices were in response to a brief. This meant that there was lesser creative
input, despite being a vital primer to the basic rules of filming. Although a tripod was used, some of
the shots were clumsily /jarringly done which also negatively affected the outcome.
In the final outcome, being much longer than the preliminary, it also contained a much larger
variety of shot types. For example, a wide establishing shot creating/suggesting further themes; a
range of perspectives ranging from close up to medium to wide shots, panning both diagonally and
vertically; pull focus; upkeep of the 180 degree rule. This diverse range of shots was intended to
portray the location in a varied and interesting way, attempting to capture the audiences attention
and make them focus on props they perhaps would not have if filmed uniformly. For example, the
pan of the protagonists shelf shows props suggestive of a teenage girl, and further portrays the
personality of the protagonist. This is an effective way of implying characteristics of the character
In the preliminary, all footage is consecutive; one shot leads into the next. Although this method is
followed in the final outcome, it is done so more loosely. For example, scenes are broken up by
shots of the protagonists surroundings. Drawing from case studies such as film ‘gone girl’ and
other research collected, this is far more reflective of official film openings, which tend to set the
tone for the film but not necessary portray any plot specific information. Therefore I decided to
change from my method of preliminary in order to adhere to this convention.

4. CAMERA IMPROVEMENTS
In the preliminary task, the camera was set on auto, with not settings being
altered pre-shoot. This meant that the poor lighting of the room was
translated onto the camera, and producing very poor quality footage. To act
against this happening in the final outcome, I learned basic camera skills and
techniques such as adjusting the white balance on each new location,
altering the ISO, shutter seed and aperture in order to create the highest
quality image translated on screen. By applying this to the final outcome, the
video is of a much better quality; one closer to the viewers own perception of
their surroundings . By altering this, suspension of disbelief is also more likely
as the film is more applicable to real-life experiences of the viewer. This in
turn makes the film more enjoyable.

5. EDITING
In terms of editing, there is a large difference in quality between both films. In the
preliminary, I used editing programme adobe premiere; learning the basics of editing
software as I created the outcome. Because of this, there were several mistakes, for
example : a blank screen appearing 10 seconds before and after the actual video;
poor transitioning ; poor quality of sound
However, in the final outcome, I had learned the basics, and was able to apply this to
the editing. However, I changed software to final cut pro. I found this much easier to
control, and was able to rectify the previous mistakes I had made. For example, I could
tweak the colouring of each shot to make them appear uniform and all portray the
same mood. I also did this to the first ‘dream scene’ but using a different effect and
therefore inferring a difference between dream and reality. I did not do this on the
preliminary, which contributed to the general poor quality of footage. I also used music
in the final outcome in order to portray the mood – I didn’t do this in the preliminary
as it would have been inappropriate considering the scene; however when using it in a
film opening it is far more suggestive of genre and tone than speech alone.
In the final outcome I also used titles synonymous with those in official film openings
in order to create a more realistic effect.

6. FOOTAGE
In terms of the amount of footage, in the preliminary task only the shots deemed
essential were filmed. This meant that when editing the film, there were several
awkward transitions that could have been rectified by adding in a different scene.
However without any extra footage we were unable to do this, and this meant that in
the film as a whole the footage did not flow, making it seem unrealistic and of poor
quality.
Learning from this, in the final outcome along with the pre-planned shots, we also
filmed spontaneous excess footage that seemed relative when actually at the
location. By doing this , we were able to add footage when editing the first cut of the
film (which only lasted around 1:26 minutes). This was vital to the final cut , as by
making it longer, the calm mood of the film we intended to portray was better
imitated. When these shots were added, the film lasted a total of 2:02 minutes. This
also much more effectively followed the conventions of official openings, which last
from 2 – 3 minutes typically.