Effectiveness of research
I believe my research was very effective in terms of understanding everything that goes behind my film. For example, genre conventions of fantasy (my films genre), narrative structure, mise-en-scene etc. This helped me thoroughly understand what I have to do to make my film a good representation of the genre which I think I have done well.
However when doing the research plan, I
To be better next time, I would research more about what I am taking from film technically and narratively.
I struggled to find books in my genre that I could take things from since most of them are already in film form.
DID I USE MY RESEARCH IN MY FILM?
Another reason I think my research was effective is because I included most of the shot types and angles I said I would use that I hadn't done before.
The only one I was unable to do was the dolly zoom. This is because the ground was not smooth enough. I was going to add it here when she is shocked to see the bike.
Dutch Angle
Rack Focus
Slow Dolly In
Cross Cutting
Methods used and missed opportunities
When recording dialogue, I used the sound recorder app on my phone which allowed it be good quality.
In scene 2 and 17, the basket of clothes look different. In scene 2 it looks neater compared to scene 17. I should have made the scene 2 basket look like scene 17 to make the reverse of that wish being accurate. Or to make it look exactly the same, I could have filmed the two scenes together with the basket
SCENE 2
SCENE 17
Planning for the film - what went good / wrong
I finished writing the script at around early March and drew the storyboard. I sent it to the actors as soon as possible so they can familiarise themselves with the narrative and learn their lines prior to filming.
This was a good idea to prevent wasting time when filming
For the risk assessment, there were no hazards that took place and everyone was safe. However, the actors got tired from filming and reshoots causing them to develop a bit of an attitude so we took breaks.
Production - what went good / wrong
I was able to film exactly how the storyboard looked except a few shots which I changes in the production. The storyboard was very helpful and without it, I wouldn't have known the specific shot types.
When filming I had 2 extra batteries. This made filming smooth and saved time as we didn't have to wait for one battery to charge.
ACTING
Christina (the protagonist) did a decent job in acting and her age fit the role as she is 9 years old but played the role of an 11 year old. It was a bit challenging at times because she didn't really understand how to show real emotion where necessary so I had to prompt her a lot.
Uriel Shing (playing Blossom's friend) did a good job overall. In the scene where she sneaks into the bathroom with the box, she was a bit fast paced when she is suppose to take her time even though I told her.
Zuri Eze did a good job playing the mother overall. She could have done better when showing shock when she receives the phone call from Mr Richardson.
My favourite part is Mr Richardson's V.O. TK Bello did a really good job as he sounds like a proper teacher with that deep voice and his voice is very cinematic and professional.
On my end being the director, I was okay with telling the actors when they are not getting it right; I would say it in a way that they will not get offended.
Overall, I think I did a good job being the director as I was able to coordinate everything together and make sure the final product looked as good as envisioned. It even turned out better than envisioned. Also, I was able to work with younger people (Christina and Uriel) and manage them since they are kids which some may find difficult but it was easy for me.
PROPS & COSTUME
My vision of having Blossom and Christina wear contrasting costumes to show the difference between them really came to life. Blossom's outfit being colorful and bright makes her stand out which is what I envisioned from the beginning and I'm happy it turned out good.
I like how Christina's hair and dark outfit match which matches the character she has of being a bit evil.
I like how her outfit makes her stand out and not blend into the background. This again makes the audience know she is the main character.
LOCATION
We were suppose to film at Cambourne library but they were and still are temporarily closed. We had to go to Papworth library which turned out to be a bit better because it's less busy than Cambourne meaning random people wouldn't have been in the frame.
SCHEDULING FOR FILMING DAYS
To my advantage, the actors were available the same I was expect 1 day where they went out in the morning and we didn't started filming until around 5pm-8:45pm.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
I utilised what I learnt from previous units about the 180 degree rule into my film.
Post Production - what went good / wrong
EDITING
This was very good as I used editing techniques I have not done before such as cross cutting. I also used techniques I was comfortable with such as adding graphic titles in between clips and a typewriter sound effect to help the audience know what time of day it is.
I researched how to do editing techniques I have not done before such as making a voice sound like a phone call and distant.
I was able to do the VFX object reveal to an extent but it was not working when I tried to add the pink effect which made it not as good as the one I practiced in action research. Next time, I would have used the bike to try it as action research since that's the object I'll use for real life than the simple teddy bear but the bike was unavailable at the time. I'm a bit disappointed that it didn't work out.
THE PROBLEM
WHAT'S IN THE FILM
ACTION RESEARCH
I'm happy with the VFX magical particle trails as it looks realistic. It's good I practiced this prior to editing so I'm familiar with the process.
SOUND AND MUSIC
This was good as I used sound effects like 'boom' when something unfortunate is going to happen. This I believe made the film more interesting to watch. I added the 'boom' SFX to make the audience's heart drop. I added these at unexpected times when the audience thinks nothing could happen but something is going to happen.
I added a variety of music that matches the tone of the scene. For instance, in scene 1 where Blossom is in the library, I added a gentle innocent music to show innocence of a child. I also did this for scene 11 when Blossom shows Christina her new bike. I added loud dramatic music near the end of the film when the diary gets stolen and Blossom's wishes get reversed. This makes the audience feel shocked and tensed up.
I really like the music choices I made because it goes well with my film and brings it to life as a fantasy film.
How I dealt with technical problems
EDITING
When I did the slow dolly in, it was a bit shaky. To fix this problem, I used 'warp stabiliser' on premiere pro which made it smoother.
How I dealt with emotional problems
The actors got tired after 3 hours of filming, causing them to get a bit frustruated. We took food breaks and general breaks which boosted their mood. Sometimes they didn't want to take breaks so that we can "finish this thing".
They also got a bit annoyes because we kept reshooting things. I think it was worth it because I'm happy with the final product and so are they.
How well does the project reflect my skills and the things I've learnt this year?
In terms of pre production, I can see how my skills with paper work, storyboarding and organisation have developed. In previous units where we would do mini film projects, I had no clue how to do storyboarding effectively and the benefits of it. I am more confident filling out documents such as Talent and Location Release forms for people to sign. Before, I used to rely on other people to do it when in group work. Since I am the one that did everything, it allowed me to be confident doing these things I haven't done before.
I think I've improved a lot in cinematography as this project gave me the opportunity to try out different shot types I had not practicalized such as Dutch angle, dolly zoom, rack focus, POV shot. In previous units I did not know how to demonstrate these shots types because I was used to written work and analysing shot types instead of practicalizing it. I believe this project built my confidence in doing shot types; the storyboard was a very useful reference to show me how to position the camera to make the shot accurate.
As far as using the camera goes, my skill has increased. I was already comfortable using a camera such as making sure the shots are not blurry, zooming in and putting it on a tripod. This project helped me expand on that such as experimenting with different camera settings to make shots a particular look and feel. With the help of YouTube tutorials, I was able to solve problems I encountered when using the camera. I believe there is still room for improvement as I want to experiment with more camera setting such as white balance which I did not use in the project.
I believe this project took my creativity to another level. When editing the film, I had several ideas to enhance the film such as adding suitable music, SFX and different transitions like dip to black and to add credits at the end. In previous units I had these kind of ideas but I didn't carry them out as much due to time being limited on mini film projects. I believe my final film is a clear representation on my initial plans or the brief.
This project has improved my VFX skills. Prior to this brief, VFX was not not strong suit whatsoever - I usually avoided it in mini film projects. It was my teacher who suggested I add it and I'm glad I did because it has enhanced my film, making it true to the fantasy genre. When editing it it was not that easy because there were many steps to follow when I first tried it in action research. When I did it again for the final edit, I was a bit more comfortable with it.
For sound editing, it has really improved as I was able to do different sound techniques such as voiceovers, SFX, phone call, and distant voice. It increased my skill because I used the sound recorder on my phone which is really good quality that doesn't pick up background noise. In previous units, It didn't occur to me to use this or I wouldn't get the chance; I would rely on the camera capturing sound, resulting in severe background noise. Editing sound on premiere pro developed my skill as I used effects to smooth out sound such us 'cross fade' which I'm really comfortable using. If the audio levels were low or too high, I knew how to adjust them without watching a tutorial.
In terms of multi tasking, this improved a bit for this brief. When the actors were not available, I updated this website whilst waiting for them which was good.
A skill I have is the ability to work with kids. This improved because I had to be more patient with the actors especially Uriel Shing because this is the first time I'm working with her. I was able to direct them; they would mess around a bit but they also follow instructions.
Did I meet the brief?
The brief was to make a 10 minute low fantasy film about a girl who finds a magic diary that grants wishes. I think I met the brief because the plot is very good and the props and costumes are exactly how I wanted them to look. The 'low fantasy' aspect is spot on as there are magical elements as well as a real life settings (library and house).
However, the final film exceeded the intended 10-minute length and is 15 minutes even though I cut few things out.
BEFORE THE PROJECT
AFTER THE PROJECT
What would I do differently?
If you look carefully, when there are back and forth discussions, the frames are not identical. Next time, I would research how to make them identical like in proper films. If the actors are the same height, it wouldn't have been an issue.
Feedback from the cast
"You did a good job being the director and you were sharp. You're instruction and direction could have been clearer in terms if telling us what to do in acting. I like the music in film very much. Also, in some parts the top of the head is slightly cut of." - Zuri Eze
"The beginning of the film is so cool I like how the camera zooms in on me. The only place where I was acting properly was when I was complaining about the clothes." - Christina Oluwole
"The film is very nice I like it." - Uriel Shing