Usman struggled at first with video editing software Imovie but was able to learn from an experienced colleague. With practice on the school iMac, he gradually improved his skills and was able to take on more complex editing projects. While editing sound was challenging, Usman learned many skills over the course of the project and feels more confident, though recognizes areas for further improvement, especially through continued practice.

1. Evaluation of Year 12 Production Skills Usman Majid

2. Digital Technology Digital Technology At the start of year (12) I was struggling to get to grasps with the software Imovie as this was new territory to me. However I would later be able to get to grips with the software later on and this was down to the help from an experienced colleague (Experienced Usman Shah) allowed me to further enhance my skills with his excellent knowledge and understanding of the software. I simply monitored his actions when editing footage for e.g. the way he would operate and that would allow me to get a key understanding on how to exploit Imovie and benefitted greatly. Furthermore I was advised by my teacher to have a play around on the Imac and this would benefit me as this enabled me to have a foundation in how the Imac operates and ultimately the advanced software in Imac. For e.g. I would start of on a foundation level and gradually bring my level up a notch, for e.g. I uploaded videos, I attempted to edit my focus group before I would down the line edit the much complex year 12 production thriller. Prior to the thriller production I had never used a tripod, although this wasn’t an issue in terms of understanding the concept behind it. As it was simply to create a fixed still position when cambering, in comparison a hand held camera would not allow such great steadiness as a hand held cameras is associated with shakiness as oppose to steadiness. It was easy to assemble and understand and fairly logic.

3. Creativity Creativity Our intended outcome was more or less achieved, although our groups decision was to focus primarily on young teens in the region of 12-16+. We decided it would be necessary to focus on a broad audience as oppose to a niche audience. The reason for this solution was simply because we felt as a team we could produce a thriller that would ensure that security whereby it is appealing to various teenagers and ultimately more mainstream. This was done through the various shots high and low; furthermore we had a range of ethnic minority casting in the production and ultimately a range of class difference therefore appealing to a variety of teenage audiences form various social groups.

4. Research and Planning Research and Planning We as a group felt that it would be necessary to develop key questions linked to our thriller and have a focus group to respond to the set questions answered and use it as a guidance in terms of producing and making further improvements to out thriller. I also looked into “what makes a successful thriller” online. We were given exclusive access to the CLC (workshop), we had a guest (Matt) who would demonstrate and stress the fundamentals of camera work. Matt was kind enough to give us a guidance in terms of out mood board. I personally was given feedback on to start a low shot and start to pan in; this was recommended by Matt in the Abney hall scene. We decided that it was necessary to add this concept into out thriller production.

5. Post Production Post Production When editing on the Imovie I encountered various issues related to transferring files from my USB/pen drive to the software. However this was natural since it was completely new to me therefore with time and practice on the laptop this problem was resolved. My initial problem was adding various clips chronologically as it took a while to identify each video clip from the footage. It was relatively easy to add certain modifications to the video therefore the main editing process of inserting/framing was better in certain areas then in others. This was achieved through applying my knowledge and understanding with the help from both the teacher and team members. Moreover I felt I excelled in certain areas with the assistance of a script guided tutorial which goes through the editing in stages’ this allowed me to focus and ensure I understand how editing is needed in areas and how to further enhance the thriller adequately in order for it to meet its intended requirements.

6. Post Production Although I enjoyed this area of choice it was not straightforward as there were many tools that were confusing at the same time, furthermore there were areas in which I was not totally confident on such as the editing of sound. I was able to distribute the sound clips on to the desktop however I found it difficult to play over a clip and ultimately synchronize and this is one area next year I will be determined to improve in order to be efficient in all departments.

7. Overall Evaluation Looking back at my preliminary task it is clear I have come a long way when reflecting the preliminary task to the final product. There are many things I would change in the preliminary task such as the shakiness of the camera, the group and I overcame this problem with the help of our teacher who strongly advised us to use a tripod whenever filming. The tripod allows a much steadier focus and prevents the unnecessary shakiness in which you would associate with a handheld camera. Hence it was vital to use a tripod as it creates a sense of flow to the filming as well as a more professional approach as oppose to the method of handheld camera. Getting to grips with both the latest technology/software provided was very difficult at first i.e. getting an understanding on how the Imac operates. Imovie was difficult initially due to the constant options available surrounding the software page. However this soon became much easier to use as the weeks went by I was able to familiarize and differentiate the fundamentals of utilizing the resources provided to great efficient. Although I am not the biggest fan of Imac I was satisfied in how I went by when using such complex technology as the Imac. I was relatively new to the technology as were many others. I began to feel at ease with the Imac as oppose to frustration which was expressed in the early stages of production.

8. Overall Evaluation I feel confident in areas related with camerawork however I believe come next year I would be able to improve in all areas, areas such as editing where I am not totally confident on will be assisted with the help of practicing and constantly playing around on the software such as Imovie. Furthermore I believe I will improve in the editing department with the help of teachers and colleagues however I feel I would improve dramatically if I possibly buy the software (Imovie) this allows me to create my own videos and at the same time gaining valuable experience which will hopefully enhance my overall assignment. This will allow me to benefit and understand the whole process of editing and the skills needed to overcome issues related to experience on advanced software’s. All in all I believe I have come a long way from achieving my goal which did seem at once a mountain to climb, however with a bit of patience and focus, I was able to edit, produce work such as regularly update my Wordpress blog account and ultimately the final product on the Imac and thankfully it all paid off.