Evaluation Q6 write up

    6.What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

The technologies we used throughout the stages of our production included; canon 600D camera, tripod, shoulder rig, microphone, SD card, SD card reader, dolly, computer, premier pro. Learning about these technologies enabled me to learn how to make a successful film production through the use of editing and using different camera angles and movement, also by creating the right sounds to fit the horror convention. The pre-production allowed our production to run smoothly so we knew exactly what we were doing and each of the risks involved. The set design was useful so we knew exactly where to put the camera at each location and what particular shot to use. The storyboard also helped us when it came to the post production so we knew what shots to put in where when editing. A limitation of the pre-production work was that it was quite time consuming and there was a lot of it however it was very useful to us in the end. 

For production the technologies were really easy to use once learnt how to for example the tripod allowed us to keep steady camera shots. However it was not possible for us to use the tripod when filming certain angles, for example when doing shots of the sky which was a limitation as some of the shots came out slightly shaky. However this could be seen as a good thing as it added to the idea of our distorted genre and it being a dream so anything can happen. The software we used for post production to complete the product was premier pro on a Mac computer. The editing techniques we used were fast pace cuts, transitions to shots and dips to white and black. We used these fast paced cuts, to create a sense of continuity, which portrays Lauren still has a long life ahead of her. The skills we developed when filming and editing my product were how to film appropriate shots to fit my genre for example close up shots and medium shots fit my genre, as it didn’t give too much away about the sequence. I learnt from this through the questionnaire we carried out. Another skill I developed when filming is how a close up shot can create intensity to draw the audience in. For example the last shot in the film when Lauren is reaching out to turn off her alarm we created a sense of claustrophobia of Lauren’s thoughts all crowding together in that exact moment, after her mysterious dream. 

For post production the specific editing techniques we applied to our product were transitions such as the cross dissolve, as it made the product seems more distorted so it fit the genre of a psychological horror and went with the music. I have also learnt how the use of different effects can portray any genre you are aiming for especially horror through the fast pace cuts and dip to blacks. This connotes the binary oppositions in the film and the suspension throughout. We also found that a common type of camera work is one where it appears to be filmed through hand held cameras which is what we used to film ours. This works well in horror films because it appeals to the audience and makes the events happening more realistic, making the film scarier as the audience believe it could happen to them.