the last boy scout

Premlinary task evaluation (continuation.)



Question4.

When editing I had to keep in into account that the film could not be too long. Whilst editing I realised ht some of my shoots went on for slightly too long. I was then told to keep each shot simple and only get let the audience see the main focus of each shot. For example in some of my shots, a small briefcase was the main focus and I found out that to keep my shots interesting I should just show scene with the briefcase on full show, and not wait until it gradually comes up in the frame. Also had to keep in mind that it was our first filming task and that I should keep things simple and to the point.

Question6:

(Technical skills and production)

On a technical aspect I have first of all learnt how to use a camera affectively. I have also learnt how to use a new computer editing software adobe premier pro. While using this software I have learned lots of different ways of editing which will help me in further tasks, such as important tools and shortcuts to making the editing process easier.

Question 7

While editing the hardest decisions made would have to be, when me and Mathew had to decide what takes we were going and not going to keep. However our continuity sheets helped us to choose and collect our best shots, without having to go through the whole tape various times.
The short film was completed by me, during lessons. It didn’t take long because I was sure of what I was doing and understood how to use the tools on the software. We had problems with sound as it was not recorded on the tape. Next time I would firstly make sure to do a sound check, and ask more about the tools and features on the software to make the outcome even better.

filmming task evaluation.

• Mini filming evaluation:


In this lesson we were asked to get into groups with people we hadn’t worked with before and film as simple sequence of some one walking being watched without knowing so.
My group consisted of, Rachel, and Ezma.
Our filming took place inside a building and outside, our media classroom.
Overall I believe we worked well as a group and that our filming went quiet well. However we did come across a few problems. For example locations. For some reason everyone thought there were restrictions as to where we were able to film, so everyone in the class, kind of filmed in the same are. This was hard for everyone due to the noise from other groups, and sometimes people accidently walking in our frames. The location was not only problems because it was crowded by the class but also because it is quiet a busy area and many people walk through that way to get to their classes.
Time was also a problem because we only had around 35 minutes to film, their w ere things that we weren’t able to complete. I think if we had more time everyone, most importantly my group would have completed everything we need to.

Over all I think our group worked well together. This is because we split all the jobs equally so all our preplanning and actual filming went quiet smoothly even though we weren’t able to complete everything. For example, whenever Rachel was shooting a shot I was not present in I would start looking for our next location, and filling out our continuity sheet, and get the clapper board ready for our next shoot. This would be the same whenever Ezama was not involved in a shot.

Overall I think that our task was very successful because although it was done in a short time we planned what were where going to shoot, and how through the use of story boarding. I think it was also successful because of the new skills we had developed while filming our previous tasks, we learnt from our mistakes, so this task was easier.
I think that this was also the main objective of the lesson, to see what we had learnt and how we could apply it, and also to see what we were able to do when put on the spot, as we had no notice, so everything had to be done quickly. This helped us show how creative we could be under pressure.

filmaking: how and why is it possible for almost nyone to become a filmaker today.

Filmmaking today:

The once respected and highly portrayed art of filmmaking has changed dramatically over the years. This is due to the amount of various amateur filmmakers being recognised and becoming the original writers of some of our most successful films today.

Thirty years ago amateur film makers would rarely move up in this industry it was almost impossible to make a successful film with the available facilities.
However nowadays, almost anyone can become a film making this is due to the affordability of things; anyone has access to quality cameras and other essential equipment at reasonable prices and the vast accessibility to them.
Although filmmaking will always be known as filmmaking, the difference between the process of big companies and armatures is quiet vast.
Big companies will mostly pay someone to come up with a story line, which usually comes from a book, play r simply another film, a script will then be written by writer and pitched to company directors and producers. If the idea is desired by producers agree to produce and fund money towards the film.
Storyboards and drafts of the film are then, created. The film may go through several screenings until its general release, however now that the film has been released whatever opinions or feedback the film will receive from its general public, is useless to the big film companies as the film has already been released and they can do nothing about it, which is one of the greatest difference between, that process and the process of a typical mature film maker.
As usual it would start with a basic concept/ story and then build upon that, they then write their scripts and storyboards, at this stage there is more freedom as an amateur filmmaker everything tends to be done by you kind of like a one man show, so whatever you say goes. You probably then recruit your cast, as independent film makers money is really something which needs to be kept in control so this can be done by asking friends to do it, or sometimes informing small acting agencies and asking if they have any actors interested in starring in your films, as many people are willing to, due to how far the film is capable of going.
When you have completed your film or parts of it most independent filmmakers post them on YouTube, or other sites I have researched like meatacafe .com an independent filmmaker site. This way they can gain comments which act as vital feedback from viewers without making their film go through expensive screenings. They can then go back and make any necessary changes to their films. They sometimes get recognised by big companies who fund money and reproduce and release on a larger scale.

Digital technology has proven to become a revolution in filmmaking saving time and money to filmmakers al over the world. It allows people to film whatever shots they wants in desired order and then replace them in the order they want through the editing process. The internet has also has many benefits, it has allowed many of the famous people to day to advertise themselves and their talents, and be recognised thanks to the sites it provides.

this film has been described as smart, moving and politicaly engaged, half nelson is one of the most exciting American independent films in years. Strong performances from the cast (earning Ryan Gosling an Oscar nomination for best independant film

half nelson- independant movie film trailer.

this film has been described as smart, moving and politicaly engaged, half nelson is one of the most exciting American independent films in years. Strong performances from the cast (earning Ryan Gosling an Oscar nomination for best independant film

evaluation 1

Preliminary Exercise - evaluation

Question 1:

For this task I worked with Mathew. Our original aim for the pre production was to meet up during the weekend so we could share our ideas, and come up with a storyline, script and decide on which of our cast member’s would be most suitable for each role. However we did not get the chance to actually do this, so we decided to split up and each come up with preproduction ideas, and then later compare notes. Due to the fact that we agreed on a story line we each already had a foundation to build on, so the single preproduction wasn’t very difficult. In the end we both had the same Ideas and concepts so we just took out the best bits of each of our work and put it together. During the actual production we split the tasks so Mathew was behind the camera shooting, and I was taking care of the continuity sheet and the clapper board this was to prevent lack of continuity within our scene and so we could be able to identify each scene when editing. As much as we tried to organised our time, we spent most of our shooting time staring in another groups short film, so we had to organise another time to meet up and complete our work in our own time. This was completed the next day during a free period. We also had to try and find another cast member, as our lead cast member wasn’t able to make it to the shooting. In the end we were able to deal with this and went to shoot with Rachel as our new lead cast member. I would have to say that this was the one and biggest issue we faced on the regards of time management. As a whole it was a very enjoyable experience which I am sure I have learned a lot from, I would say that our strength were mostly present during the preproduction process as we were very clear on what it is we were aiming to do however during the production time management was out biggest weakness, which is something I have learned to be able to be in control of for future tasks. The main difference which would be present next time, I have to be me and my partner or group managing our time appropriately, to prevent having to stay behind.

Question 2:
We started of our sequence with a basic story line. The story of some one walking into a door and sitting g sown on a chair (dialogue had to be present). We did this first because it seemed like the natural thing to do so we could build on that. We secondly came up with a story board so that everyone in my production team would be clear and understand the order of the sequence, this also helped us to plan the kind of shots would work best for each shot. There were many different camera angles and shots in our short film, which in my opinion worked well with whatever it was we were trying to portray within a shot this was aid to our story board. We then went on to writing our script we didn’t know which one to do first out of the story board and script but we figured the script should be second that way we could just fit the desired dialogue in the storyboard box of our choice. This worked well because it helped us to know what characters were going to say and when extremely quickly. Mathew then wrote up shooting schedule, this was done for our production team to be very clear on where we were going to be shooting, and the things we were going to need. This helped Mathew to remember the sweets we needed in some of our shots. We then ready to shoot but before we did that we had a lesson on how to set up the cameras and on sound. We learned how to use boom poles and there purposes. We did not use these because we did not find them necessary, as all our shots took place indoors.

Question3:
For this task we used the schools cannon HX A1 cameras, Very sophisticated digital cameras. We used these both to shoot and pick up sound/dialogue in our scenes, as I mentioned before we did not use a boom pole. From using these cameras I have learned the way which digital picture has helped the film industry and will help us to edit our short films, as due to digital technology the filming and editing process have been made easier and require less time. I have learned that during my editing process I will be able to pick out what ever scene it is that I want and place it wherever. Whereas before the process was longer because I would have had to film a role of film and then start again due to the restrictions I would have had in the editing process.

Question 4:
When planning we had to keep in mind that we had restrictions and tried our hardest to make the story simple yet interesting, and not to over the top, during this planning process we also had to consider our cast for example, although they were playing roles for us they still had to feel comfortable which is why we chose for them not to have to wear a specific kind of clothing. We also tried our hardest to stick to our original planning, and not make too many changes. When planning we also had to keep in mind how our camera shots would complement the composition of our frames. (Trying to keep the rule of thirds in mind) during the actual shooting process, we had to make sure that the scene flowed and had constant continuity through out each shot, we done thirds bye noting down everyone in the shot’s positioning and current action and making sure they stayed that way until they were told not to. This was very hard at times but was successful due to our continuity sheet.

Question 5:----------

Question6:
I think this task has taught me things which will not only help me in my exams but also, through what ever career paths I choose to take on. I have learned, that time waits for no one and needs to be managed carefully in order to get things done. I have also learned about the importance of communication. This was vital as it was the only way to get Ideas across and point out things which weren’t done correctly. As well as communication you also need to be able to compromise, because it may help your work to become the best it can be. In regards to organisation, it’s the overall key to everything going to plan. I have also learnt a lot, in a technical aspect, I have learned about sound and how to set up a camera and change its levels and functions to create certain effects.