Preliminary Task Evaluation

                          
 Evaluation of preliminary task

Throughout the process of filming the preliminary task we discovered that we were able to function and appropriately be able to film with confidence and efficiency. During the filming process we decided to film multiple shots from multiple angles to ensure that we had the correct and best possible shot. This worked quite effectively as after we found out that we had made a crucial error by showing one of the tripod legs in shot. Due to the multiple shots taken though we were able to find another shot that hadn't obtained that same mistake in it.

The overall filming process required a lot of time and effort due to the fact that we were both brainstorming so many different situations and ideas that we had previously discussed were too difficult to reproduce professionally.

 The different lighting we found became quite an issue as in order for the task to be filmed we needed the light to be dark. This would provide the scene with the appropriate amount of moods and create a creepy atmosphere. Once we had finally completed the entirety of the filming process, we discussed how it would fit together professionally and how we were going to remove some of the original diegetic sounds from the clips. We did this by editing the project on final cut pro X. This was very helpful but at the same times a problem due to the fact that Final Cut Pro X is only available on apple software which meant that we weren't able to continue with the editing process at home.

The time schedule for editing therefore was dramatically decreased and we were required to remain after school in order to finish the editing process. As we were fairly familiar with the editing software, we were able to comfortably and confidently proceed with editing whilst also learning how to incorporate new features and effects into the project at the same time. The matter of sounds relating to the feature was a heavily discussed topic due to the fact that this alone could potentially ruin the overall atmosphere of the project and decrease its effect on the audience. From this we decided to research appropriate horror soundtracks to determine what we thought was effective about them and also how (if possible) we were going to be able to use and replicate that.

The editing software itself offered a variety of different sounds and soundtracks but unfortunately didn’t offer the correct soundtrack that we desired and what we were after. From various research and analysis we eventually collectively  came to the conclusion what we both though was effective about the soundtracks and were now ready to start looking into closer detail regarding sounds. We came across a website called sound bible from which we were able to download free mp3 files that we incorporated into the featured project and can be heard throughout the scene. We additionally learnt how to incorporate the crop feature which we effectively and efficiently used to block out one of the tripod legs that was unfortunately shown on camera. We were able to successfully utilize this tool and crop out the leg from shot. Providing us with the knowledge that we were able to remove unwanted material from the clips gave us greater confidence using the programme and ultimately allowed us to dramatically speed up the editing process. 

The various shots and camera angles that we had to include in the project can be seen throughout the feature. For example, the 180 degree rule is displayed when Cameron and myself are engaged in an intense dialogue. The match on action shot is presented by myself walking through a set of double doors. For this shot we had to make use of two ipads and tripods positioned on either side of the door. This sequence was particularly tricky to perfect. This was due to the fact that the angles become somewhat of a problem in the sense that whilst I was walking through the door, it was a different angle for where I was walking through the other side. Fortunately, we were able to edit this afterwards and in result were able to achieve a smooth and professional result. Shot/ reverse shot can also be observed through the dialogue as both characters are shown to be facing each other and the camera revolves between two cameras that show different perspectives of our faces. During the editing process this was a great addition due to the fact that it was effective and obtained a smooth transition. 

 I have found that since the production of my kit kat chuncky short project, I now feel that I am much more confident in the fact that I can now effectively change and edit the film once the footage has been taken. I felt that I was able to effectively utilize the zoom feature which can be seen as the demonic like face is zoomed into picture. The use of this enhances the fact that the suspense is built up to the maximum and the climax is hinted and that the feature is coming to an end. However, I did find it quite difficult to input sounds that I have gathered from a certain website called 'Sound Bible'. For ideas on how to input and upload the sounds I was able to go onto YouTube to assist me. With the help of a video tutorial I was able to successfully input the sounds into the project and edit them into the correct desired position.