Level 3/Level 4: WHAT AM I AIMING FOR?

Level 3
The candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in the creative use of most of the following technical skills:

• holding a shot steady, when appropriate;
• framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate;
• using a variety of shot distances as appropriate;
• shooting material appropriate to the task set;
• selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting;
• editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer;
• using varied shot transitions, captions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set;
• using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set
• using titles appropriately.

Where a candidate has worked in a group, a proficient contribution to construction is evident.

Level 4
The candidate is expected to demonstrate excellence in the creative use of most of the following technical skills:

• holding a shot steady, where appropriate;
• framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate;
• using a variety of shot distances as appropriate;
• shooting material appropriate to the task set;
• selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting;
• editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer;
• using varied shot transitions, captions and other effects selectively and appropriately;
• using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task
• using titles appropriately.

Where a candidate has worked in a group, an excellent contribution is evident.

When I received my audience feedback, the mark and grade average that I received was 44.875, Level 3 (high level). This would be the kind of grade that I would like to receive and I think it represents the quality of the work that I managed to produce.

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

-I really like the idea – it is really creative and I love how simple and expressive the shots are. The idea is really unique and the narration works effectively – it is well written and gives you a good idea of the background and the character. Seeing the credits at the top of the screen was sometimes difficult because of the trees but other than this, I really liked it!

-Like the ident. Goes straight in with the narration. Narration can be related to ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’. Does the film go with the narration? Would be effective if the car crash could be seen.

-I like the different shots. The ident looks really professional. Perhaps the narration is a bit fast? Overall, I like it and the music works well with the shots. Well done!

-Nice storyline – different opening yet simplicity is very effective because it allows the audience to focus on the dialogue. The narration could be slowed down, as at times it feels slightly rushed. Opening is very interesting and makes the audience want to know more about the story – I want to know what happens next! Could be a bit more variation of shots.

-Narration was cut off at the end, but I enjoyed it! There could be more variation in the shots. Good script, though a little rushed at times in reading.

-I thought the voice over was really good – both funny and emotional which presents the character really well. Her speech presumably lays down the gauntlet for the rest of the film. I think one of the downsides is the lack of revealing of the character, although I really enjoyed it and it was a great production.

-Really good narration, gives it all the effect, the footage is quite non-descript, which really makes the narration powerful. The titles are really good and linger long enough to be able to read them and still keep up with the voice over. Would be really interested in watching the full length movie of this.

-Good narration – very personal but I don’t think it quite fits with the video footage. Wider variation of shots could be used. Titles look very professional.

-Really gripping and intriguing. Really like the mise-en-scene and loved the narration. I think some of the narration was a little fast. Also, there aren’t many varied shots, but it’s really good!

-Cool production; although there aren’t many shots and shot selections, the narration is really effective. Good transitions between the video cuts, framing etc. To be picky, the music is a little sad to match the voice/narration. All in all, really good opening 2minutes, well done!:)

What people graded me...

40, 40, 52, 50, 43, 42, 45, 47 = 44.875 (Mean average) = High band 3

Editing update..

A number of problems have arisen from the editing process of my film opening - mainly due to the computers that we are using because my computer was repeatedly having malfunctions with Adobe Premiere Pro. This meant that the programme would crash and I would consequently lose my current work that was yet to be saved. However, after this happening 3 times I managed to work through the problem and have now been able to complete my editing!:)

I used a number of techniques/effects/transitions in order to edit my footage and I think that I have done this fitting with my opening because it is quite simple and not too complex and so I haven't used too many effects or irrelevant colours that don't fit with my theme or genre.

I originally had a lot of problems trying to create my heart rate monitor scan sequence. I tried to use Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and Premiere Pro and yet none of these were able to let me create the sequence that I had in mind and even drawing the scan was particularly difficult. I finally reached the conclusion that I was actually able to use the original scan image that I had created on SketchBookExpress app on my MacBook Pro. All I had to do was import this onto Adobe After Effects and then to place a blank white shape on top and to move it accordingly across the screen. I think it is actually quite effective and I was really glad to discover that I could construct it and include it within my film opening because it was one of my prominent intial ideas.

I also had a lot of struggle trying to find music for my opening that was copyright free and was fitting; but the actual problem was FINDING them because I didn't really know what I was looking for enough to be able to search for them. I stumbled around on a few websites and found my way onto 'http://www.jamendo.com/en' which allowed me to search for 'Royalty Free Music' and so I researched into piano instrumentals and managed to find a selection of appropriate songs. The one I chose to download was a piano instrumental called Oasis'Blue. However, after receiving feedback I might chose to change this later on.