AN EYE FOR AN EYE

2013 BA Prelim Task - Group 3

Media AS Prelim Evaluation

Deni Bright AS Media from denibright

Ident

Animatics group 2

Evaluation Question 1

One of our strongest points was editing, this was evident through our audience feedback, we used an effect called 'ghosting' throughout our sequence which echoed the movements of our protagonist, intensifying them. This made our opening sequence more mysterious and built up suspense. As well as this the effect enabled us to use the colours black and white which are normally dominant colours in thrillers as they're a code and convention. The special effect made it possible to slow down what was happening and help the audience understand what was going on inside the protagonists head. Also this coincides with the alcohol and smoking as she may be drunk or under the influence of drugs, making us feel as though we are inside her head. 

From our audience feedback we found that we needed to 'make our story line more clear' as it wasn't very well explained from the beginning. As well as this we were told it would have been better to write something else other than 'you're next' on the photo to fit the codes and conventions better. We thought that it would be clear that she was out to get someone as the photo is next to her family photos and so she would be getting revenge but this was not clear enough to the audience as they thought we should have written something else. This resulted in them being confused by who the character was and what she was aiming to do. 

We used the ghosting effect again to blend our shots when the protagonist is covering up the windows in the room to speed up the process as well as having a dramatic effect. This matches the character profile of someone in a psychological thriller as they like being alone and in the dark with their thoughts. We used a series of over the shoulder shots to make the audience feel as though they were locked in there with her in the dark room and make it slightly uncomfortable for them, giving our protagonist more of a character. Some feedback we got was to try and use a different variety of shots too from other angles before shooting. Also we were told that to help us put across our genre better we should use more props to fit the codes and conventions of the genre. 

Our editing skills were again shown at the end of out opening sequence in our title. We used an eye which matched the title 'An Eye For An Eye'. This matched the codes and conventions as it's a freaky and strange image because eyes look strange close up and make you feel like you're being watched, possibly by the protagonist. It's almost like a threat to the audience which represents the theme of revenge. We made the image twist slowly to add more suspense and make it more disturbing for the audience to watch, the slowness is creepy and odd. The font is slightly gothic again a code and convention to match the opening sequence and as a last reminder of what's in store for the audience. 

Evaluation Question 7

Looking back at my preliminary task I feel that I have picked up many skills in order to create a good film. I've learned about the camera and how to use it properly, as well as where to position it in order to not confuse the audience (180 degree line). As well as this I have learnt how to make a film look professional, for example paying attention to the head space so there is not too much, using the spirit level to make sure that the shot is straight, and keeping space in front of the character as they're walking so it looks like they're walking into something. I've also learnt a variety of different shots, e.g worms eye, pan, and how to do the perfect over the shoulder shot. I've learned how to position the camera to use the zoom to perfect a shot. I have the basic skills to make the right shots to use in an opening sequence. 

As well as learning to use the camera I've learnt how to work successfully in a team in order to produce a good piece of work, I've learned how to direct and position props, and how to use the correct software in order to piece together a film and add effects and titles, as well as music and make cuts (editing).

Personally I am proud of what I have learnt and the skills I have gained, I'm happy with my progression and proud of my end product, however if I had the opportunity to go back I would have done things differently, e.g. I'd have used a better setting in order to make it look more realistic, better props and costume, and a more detailed story board to earn more time when it came to editing and getting the most out of our shots.