Deadlines

         I forgot to add the deadlines when describing the task, so here they are ^_^

• 17th Dec 2010 – Choose brief, research into conventions and target audience
• 1^st Feb – Rough Cut
• 17^th Feb – Final Product
• 18^th March – Evaluation and Presentation

                  

Skills Audit 1: Construction

Skills Audit - Construction

Holding the camera steady – Basic Ability. I have had previous experience using a tripod and holding the camera myself from when I took the creative and media diploma last year in which we created several short films. Additionally I do a photography class in which we don’t use tripods often, except in a studio type setting. I think that I am good at holding the camera steady when it is still, however as soon as it needs to move for the type of shot, for example when panning, then it more often than not gets quite shaky. To improve upon this, obviously the only thing to do is to practice and mark out the shot before recording.

Framing a shot appropriately – Basic ability. As I mentioned previously, I take the photography elective at my school and so I have some knowledge on how to frame a shot. It is fairly simple to step backwards a few steps or zoom out slightly to fit everything needed into the shot, or vice versa. I understand that if something, for instance a car, gets into the frame, that it would ruin the continuity if it is not excluded.

Variety of shot distances – Proficient ability. I acknowledge that pieces can get extremely boring very quickly if not enough shot types are used, and that the correct shots can transform a scene. For instance, a long shot can show most or all of the subject and the setting, whereas a medium long shot will show less. It will cut off an individual’s ankles and feet, however give a more personal perspective, especially in social scenes. If a long shot is always used, obviously the scene will be quite difficult to comprehend for the viewer. To make this skill better, I would learn more shot types, distances and angles and hopefully include them often where apt.

Appropriate material for task – Proficient ability. Clearly a piece would have to conform to several important conventions for each genre, and perhaps break others which aren’t so crucial. For instance, a film opening and the opening credits will normally have the director’s name last, to create a lasting impression on the viewer. The opening would often give some context to the viewer that corresponds with the rest of the film, or of prequels to that particular franchise. Further more, the conventions will determine the genre, or vice versa, which will be important to the target audience. I don’t know how I would improve this.

Selecting mise-en-scène – Basic ability. I imagine that if I had the resources, I would be able to pick out the right costumes and props appropriate the the genre, or the setting. Locations are difficult to find, for instance if the scene is set in the Edwardian era, however lots of places can look as if they are if you exclude a certain thing, for instance, a telephone pole with an advertisement for a rave. I suppose finding a decent location depends on how much time you have, how much you have travelled and how much money you have to travel.

Editing for meaning to viewer – Basic ability. I haven't had much experience in editing, however I've watched other people edit and I've played around on iMovie and Windows Movie Maker before, either at home or during classes in creative and media. To improve, I presume I could look at tutorials and practice making very short sequences.

Varied shot transitions, captions and other effects – Basic ability. As mentioned above, I haven't had much experience in editing, but I know that there are many shot transitions and effects that can be used. Obviously there are thousands of different fonts to be used for captions. I'm not entirely sure of how to improve on this but I guess you just need to practice (yet again, not surprisingly...)

Use of sound with images/ editing – Basic ability. I have a large range in music taste and I'm fairly open minded to different types of music. I understand that music and sound has to fit in with the genre of choice, for instance for comedy, laughter or odd noises, or for horror, the sound of blood dripping or a creepy and tense song. To improve I think you would have to listen to more music and experiment with combinations of sound effects and editing.

Using titles appropriately – Basic ability. I now that there are thousands of different fonts to be used and that genres are crucial to which type you choose. The position of the text is very important. For example, if at the centre of the screen then it is going to be more noticeable than writing in the bottom left hand corner of the screen.

Contribution (where relevant) - Basic ability/ Proficient. I am not entirely sure about this category, I suppose I contribute a lot when it comes to the plot, storyboarding, scripting and looking for locations and props. However when shooting, I don't always voice my opinion, it probably has something to do with confidence and how well I know/ like whoever I'm working with.This is easily improved – act confident until you are.