The student learned a great deal about filmmaking equipment, techniques, and software from completing their preliminary task and thriller opening task. They gained skills in shooting, lighting, editing, adding effects, directing actors, and collaborating with others. Specifically, the student learned how to use video recorders, tripods, editing software, techniques like the 180-degree rule and shot-reverse-shot. Their skills in areas like lighting, editing, using effects, and leadership improved from the preliminary to thriller opening task. Overall, they enjoyed the learning process and gaining experience with equipment, software, filming, and working with others.

1. Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
From producing my preliminary task, I learnt a lot in terms of shooting my film.
I began to gain knowledge on the equipment [video recorder & tripod] I had to use, and
also the shots which consisted in my preliminary task and thriller opening task. I also
learnt how to edit my preliminary task, where I used a programme/software called Final
Cut Pro. This software enabled me to edit and cut footage I didn’t want so my task came
together well. During the preliminary task, I learnt things I didn’t know before, such as
how to set up the video recorders, how to set up the tripod and how to use the variety of
software. I had never used a Mac before so this was a new experience for me and I had to
learn and get used to this type of technology straight away as I had to know as much as
possible to make my preliminary task.
I learnt about 180-degree rule, match-on-action and shot-reverse-shot.
The 180-degree rule refers to keeping the camera positioned with a field of 180. If the
camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing
the line. Match-on-action is when something happens in a scene, then there is a cut, then
the same action as before is still occurring. This is very important in helping the audience
understand exactly what is happening. Shot-reverse-shot is a filming technique where
one character is show looking at another character, and then this character is seen looking
at the other character.
The camera work I undertook during the preliminary task was very amateur-like, as I had
not much knowledge on how to use them. The lighting in this task was not as good as my
thriller opening task, and I think this is because I was not very sure on how much light to
use to make the filming a good standard. Looking at my thriller opening I can see a big
improvement in lighting as I used the studio in school and the spotlights better with more
knowledge of how to use them as well. Looking at my thriller opening task I also found
that my editing skills improved drastically. In the preliminary task, I wasn’t too sure on
how to edit and cut, but after learning and preparing for my thriller opening task my
knowledge improved upon how to do this.
In my preliminary task I used a low amount of effects, whereas in my thriller opening I
used a lot. I did not have much knowledge on the effects and how to use them at first, as I
had never used a Mac computer before. During editing, I learnt that effects could be put
between two pieces of footage to fade them together, and this was useful because I found
that it was necessary in some cases to do so. In my thriller opening task I was sure of how
to put effects and what effects fitted best. I enjoyed putting effects on my titles as this
helped me demonstrate that my opening sequence was a thriller. I used an ‘additive
dissolve’ effect when fading two pieces of footage of my female character Chellsee
together. This was very effective and useful because this effect demonstrated the sense of
thriller in my filming; also I was able to add a sound effect which expressed fully the
thriller genre.

2. During filming both my preliminary and thriller opening task, I learnt how to be a good
director. This was important because I had to direct my characters/group to carry out
things which would make my footage/filming effective. I also improved upon my
teamwork skills as I had to form a team when considering my preliminary task. We had
to work together to make sure the filming been a success. I enjoyed working with Nana
and Ajibike as they followed instructions well and also helped me come up with ideas.
During my thriller opening I had to direct Chellsee and Chyrell so they were aware of
what I wanted them to do, this helped me improve my leadership skills. I enjoyed
working with these individuals because they were very helpful and fun to work with.
I also gained knowledge of how to create my production logo. This was difficult at first,
but with the help of peers I created this successfully. I aimed to make my production logo
demonstrate that my film was a thriller.
In conclusion, from my preliminary task to my thriller opening task I have learnt a lot. I
have learnt how to use certain software on Mac computers, how to create titles,
production logos, edit and cut, add effects and presets and a lot more. I enjoyed making
my preliminary task because it gave me an opportunity to become familiar of the
equipment, such as the Mac computers and software and programmes such as Final Cut
Pro, a variety of cameras, tripods and more. I was able to use a variety of angles in this
task which made me gain knowledge of what they were, why they were used and what
they looked like. For example, an establishing shot is used to make the audience aware
of the character and to gain knowledge on there role and importance. I also enjoyed
working with people in a group to carry out this task, as it gave me an opportunity to
improve my communication and teamwork skills. I enjoyed making my thriller opening
as it was an activity where I had to be independent and make sure my work was to a high
standard. I enjoyed filming in my own time and retaking shots to make sure I had enough
good footage. Also, I enjoyed editing my work and this included cutting my footage so it
joined with another piece correctly. I also enjoyed using the different programmes to
produce my thriller opening as I was not completely aware and confident with these
different programmes; however I gradually became confident with using the different
software to produce my titles, music and film. Another aspect I enjoyed was making my
music, as I was able to choose from a variety of music pieces and put several together to
make it sound how I wanted. I was then able to put my finished music and finished film
together where I could see my final piece of work.