7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?

The intricacies of research, planning, filming and editing

For our preliminary task, the amount of research, planning, filming and editing was very small scaled in comparison to the preparation for our film opening.

For our preliminary task, our task was to learn the concepts, which we were taught in lesson time. For our continuity task, we noted what shots were included and the times in which they changed, and this was done throughout the whole clip to gather precise information. Filming the footage was quite difficult as it meant that we had to replicate the exact shot from the clip but in our own way, and in our own surroundings. Once we filmed our footage, we then edited our shots on iMovie and insert transitions, which had to be anchored by the non-diegetic soundtrack and exactly the precise moment. This was quite difficult was it was managed and soon completed. The intricate planning of our preliminary task, taught us that it was vital to do the same for the planning of our film opening.

The depth of research that had gone into our preliminary task was minute to that of our film opening. We first had to research into a specific given genre, and then focus on the genre that our film opening was based around, looking at the conventions and how we could adapt them into our film. We were required to plan each shot in a story board, informing the person that would read it, how long it would be, who would be in it, what props were included, if there was any diegetic or non-diegetic sound included in the shot,the location where it would be filmed, the camera shot which was going to be used (eg. high-angle shot, mid-shot etc) and what was happening. Prior to our editing, we were able to try out Final Cut Express for the first time, and examine a range of techniques that we thought we might use for our opening.

I believe that I have learnt a huge amount in the process from our preliminary task, to our full product. Other than the obvious skills I gained whilst using Final Cut Express, I also realised that planning is vital for the success of a film opening and organisation is key as strict deadlines have to be met. Research into romantic comedies helped me understand the conventions of a typical romantic comedy and gave me a number of ideas that would be ideal for our genre, for example, the quirky font. I also learnt that sound plays a very important role in creating a certain mood. For example, whilst taking notes on the clip we were set for our preliminary task, tension was created through the music. We adapted this knowledge into our film opening, to excitement and happiness in the dream sequence, and panic and stress in the second half.

Your use of Technology

For our preliminary task, we used the camera, dolly and iMovie for editing the footage, whereas in our film opening task we used filming equipment but Final Cut Express, instead of iMovie for the editing process, which was a lot more advanced. This allowed us to have the opportunity to create a film opening in the best way possible. Using iMovie at the start allowed the class to gain experience of the basic concepts of an editing software, to then use on Final Cut Express. We did come across problems of not knowing how to simply cut, add text etc, but this was overcome by the internet, and later showed us that it is a lot simpler than we thought. I also learn that little things make a big difference. For example, for the beginning of our film, we wanted to add a dream-like effect to make the dream sequence a lot more believable, and easier identified by the audience. However, this was tricky because we were not aware of what every affect looked like. We thought that maybe if we left the dream sequence without any affect, it would still be clear to the audience that it is a dream, but we were wrong. Once we added a soft focus to the clips, it made a big difference.

The importance of organisation, time management and effective teamwork

I learnt some valuable lessons in organisation, time management and teamwork, during the progression of our film opening.

Time management was not a problem we faced in our preliminary task and the locations we needed to film in were very close to us and lesson time was used for this. Although this was completely different in the process for our film opening. Our plan in the beginning of the project was to have the filming process completed as soon as possible, however, obstacles such as exam preparation and different timetables meant that there was not a huge amount of time that our group could gather to complete it. This meant that our plans were prolonged. Issues such as arriving in locations such as Central London proved difficult due to the fact that this took up valuable time, as we moved from destination to destination.

Effective teamwork was also a important in our progression to the film opening. Whenever our group had time to gather at lunchtimes etc, to finish editing or complete the soundtrack this was done. We also worked together in gathering props that would make a difference to our opening and represent our protagonist. For example, some of us were in charge of bringing magazines, cosmetics and many more.

Staying organised was also important. We made timetables of when which member of the group is busy and from there worked out a time where we were all free. We also created a list of what props were needed and who will supply them and other important aspects which influenced the production of our film. Lastly, we realised that staying organised with our blog was important. Without the lack of internet for a few days meant that I lost valuable time to access my blog and update it. As the lesson times were used for the editing process, going home and updating the blog was not an option for me. However, once my internet was fixed, I accessed my blog and had to write down what I have been doing for a period of a week. I realised how much this made a difference because if I was able to access it, I would of saved the stress of doing it later on, and trying to remember the process that we were completing.

Overall, I learnt valuable lessons on how keeping organised, managing time accurately, and working effectively as a team played importance in our progression and made a great difference to our film opening.

The different roles within the creative media industry

Until my experience in the BFI, I did not realise how much work actually went in to the production of the film and the scale of people that were involved in the process. My realisation was further reinforced by our timeline of 'Sliding Doors', which also taught me the amount of different roles there were in the media industry that would contribute to the making of a film, for example, costume designers, music editors etc.