2. Production
Making a prelim was my very first task in AS Media. It wasn't completely new to me
as I had made a video before in my previous school. However, here I learnt about all
the different types of camera shots angles and how to use the camera and set up the
equipment safely. I had to keep in mind of most of the camera angles and shots and
also to the right lighting in the background which was very important.
For example, during the production of my prelim the lighting was very good and it
was very clear to see everything. In the production of Vamp the lighting was very
dull and at first this looked very unprofessional. Later on, this dull lighting was
perfect because it reflected the mood of the character and the scenery as it was
rainy. Lighting is hugely important in generating mood and atmosphere. Also, in my
prelim there were quite a few mid shots which there were in Vamp
In Vamp, there were quite a few establishing shots of the scenery and where it
was set which was in a college area. This was good for our target audience so that
they feel familiar or comfortable with the setting as it is and everyday thing for
them. However, in my prelim there was not any establishing shots.
4. Pre-Production
Mise-en-Scene: When planning any new practical filming work, it is important to pay
attention to what exactly it is we are going to film. Each element we see on our screens has
been placed there. For my prelim we were just given a script with a few lines making up the
scene that we had to create. In the pre-production of Vamp we to first come up with the
idea for our film then pitch it. After all this we came up with a storyboard of the characters
and the scenery around them and a script of what they would say.
Setting: can provide not only geographical backdrop to a film or programme but can also
provide us with emotional or psychological tone. For example, in Vamp the scenery was very
dull to represent a characters mood.
Costume: Thinking of the judgements you make about people in your day to day life based
on what people are wearing and you will then understand the power of costume. In vamp
the characters were wearing typical teen clothing which were hoodies, jeans and trainers.
This similar costume is also in my prelim.
Body Language/ Movement: The way characters stand, move or rest is a key to use for
"reading" their characters. Body language can be an indicator of how a character feels at any
point. For example in the production of Vamp the character Carlos was walking very slowly
with his hands in his pockets with a very straight face to show his mood and that he is
feeling sad and kind of depressed.
6. Editing
Match Cut when editing occurs on an action thus making the action
appear seamless. There are example of this in my prelim and in Vamp.
Final cut pro was perfect for editing everything and bringing everything
together and helped with the match cuts and other shots. We had to cut
a few establishing shots and scenes out so it didn't drag and get boring.
7. Overall...
Looking back at the preliminary task, I have learnt a lot in the
progression since then. The teamwork in my group was great.
We all put our ideas and thoughts forward. However we did
have a few problems with listening to each other but this was
solved later on as we all agreed to the same thing. I have
worked well independently as well as with my group which has
all worked out well.
