The main thing we learnt when filming the Preliminary task was the basics in how to use the camera/tripod and then Final Cut when it came to the editing stage. It allowed us to practise the basic techniques used in all films to create the slick and professional look that we have become accustomed to nowadays. The briefing for the Prelim Task was to include the the basic shots, such as the 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and a match on action and we were allowed to experiment with close ups and mid shots. The task allowed me to become familiar with the basics of Final Cut and helped with the 'final piece' as we knew how to cut together different shots in a fluid motion.
This task led onto our first short film, 'The Package', which was also compulsory and allowed me to familiarise myself with the Filming Equipment and the computer softwares, such as 'Final Cut Pro', in even more detail than before. We, as a group became much more comfortable with the multitude of different shots available for us to use and we undoubtedly experimented with these options to become even more familiar with the camera and its workings. The 'Package' was useful as it allowed us to experiment with different locations and experience lighting changes along with changes in location scenery (For instance; we experienced problems when the Junior School children were playing on the fields outside of the classroom, as when we returned to film at a later date, they were no longer there). The 'Package' was certainly useful, especially with the editing stage as it was the first time we had to edit together shots from different locations (cut from outside to inside), which we didn't realise was a problem until we watched the film back and had to fix the Match on Action in order for the shot to work. This was especially useful in relation to our 'Final Piece' as we had to link two completely different locations together smoothly and this was invaluable practise before-hand.
The major difference between these two tasks and our final version was the planning that was involved before the film was produced and even shot. We went in relatively blind to these tasks and produced most of the shots on the spot, which contrasted to out 'Final Piece', which involved shot lists, storyboards, shooting schedules, filming dates and so on. The visual storyboard that we produced was especially helpful as it allowed to view some of our original ideas and realise, which shots were realistic enough to produce but most of all, allowed us to stick to our original plans, unlike the 'Package' task. These tasks were also completed at school and so we had relatively little practise filming in locations outside of the familiar school grounds. Thus, location proved to be an obstacle in our film as we had to completely defer from one of our original plans (the car park) and change to another location. This was because we were not allowed to use the 'Gun' in the car park location, due to the fact that it was a public place.
I was initially, fairly nervous about the filming locations, and so decided to recce the darker locations (alleyway and kitchen) prior to the actual filming days. We faced a few problems in our recce's, especially with lighting as it was often too dark. The kitchen location, when placed into final cut was far too dark and the Recce was invaluable as we knew to add a few more lights in order to get the right atmosphere in this important final scene. We realised that we would need two filming lights instead of the one we had for the Recce, otherwise the shot was simply, far too dark.
The Recce also helped me to become more confident with the filming equipment as we had not had much practise with the lighting and sound equipment in the two previous tasks. We also had a similar problem in the editing for our final film as some of the alleyway shots were too dark and had to be re-shot in order to create the effect that Charlie and I wanted from the start of the project. The tracking shot behind the second antagonist was taken from one of the shots in, 'The Package' that worked extremely well. In 'The Package', we decided to hold the camera behind my head as I walked down to corridor. At first this was an idea to save time but turned out to be one of our favourite shots, thus providing us with the reason to add it into final film. In this way 'The Package' was extremely helpful for us as aforementioned, it allowed us to experiment with different styles of shots, which we could later include into our film.
In terms of being prepared for the actual filming, 'The Package' and 'The Preliminary Task' undoubtedly helped us, as we knew to plan ahead and make certain what we were doing in each filming session, in order to make it as fluid as possible. After the initial planning, the filming went relatively quickly as we knew exactly what we had to do. Due to the planning, we were confident enough to experiment with different shots from unusual angles, which gave us more options, when it came to the editing stage of the task and allowed us to see if there were any others shots that worked better than the original plans. Many of our initial plans did change because of the two tasks, as some of our ideas were too-far fetched and it was useful to know this before we started filming. An example of when we changed some of our initial plans was the heated discussion between the protagonist and the second antagonist. We decided to add a few quick cuts to show the growing tension between the two characters, which was motivated editing as it was suggesting what the outcome would be. This was instead of our initial plan to have the camera still and watching them from a distance and then cut to the close up of the protagonist shooting the antagonist.
As aforementioned, the prelim tasks were invaluable to us, especially with the editing in Final Cut. They allowed us to become familiar with the different effects, such as fades and transitions and meant that we could experiment further on the final task. We were not planning on having many special effects in our film, due to the fact that we have a voice over and so that would almost narrate the action on screen. However, the prelim tasks helped me learn how to detach audio and then disable it in order to relay other sound over the top. The prelim tasks also taught me how to adapt and change songs downloaded from itunes, which was useful to us, especially at the start of our film as we wanted to slow the music down in order to build tension at the start and adhere to the film noir/thriller conventions, in which our film is based upon.
Overall, the prelim tasks were extremely helpful as they ultimately allowed us to improve our camera skills and familiarise ourselves with the editing software's we were going to need for the actual filming process. However, they were invaluable to us, mainly because they highlighted the importance of planning ahead and making sure you know exactly what you are doing. Charlie and I certainly learnt this the hard way and when it came to the actual filming, we were ready and managed to complete it fairly quick and efficiently. By simply planning your shot list, costumes, equipment and travel plans ahead of time, the filming process is made a whole lot easier.
MT
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