A Day At School - Preliminary Task 2
- Mar 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 25, 2023
For Preliminary Task 2, we got into groups of three to create a 1-2 minute video titled - “A Day at School."
We had to use the following techniques within our film:
Camera:
Establishing shot/re-establishing shot
Close up
Low Angle
High Angle
Fade in and out
Tilt or dutch tilt
Editing:
Sequence: with the right order
Transitions: use appropriately
Sound: Options to add in sound effects and music
Titles: Explained at the end
After creating the short film, we had to do a DEEP reflections task, you can find that below the attached video.
This is the DEEP reflections on Preliminary task 3:
A Day at School - the skills that were acquired:
Short narrative
Technical elements - camera, sound, editing (sequencing, transitions, colour grading, sound mix, graphics, titles, narrative storytelling and pace)
D - DESCRIBE
What was your role/s in the ‘A Day at School’ task?
Actor, editor
I acted as the character that was incorporated in different types of shots that were required, and to portray the story. After we got all the needed shots, I then made my own edit. Everyone in the group of three had to make their own edit so I ensured my transitions and editing would be different from the others, while still being able to portray the story effectively.
What did you do well?
I think I was efficient and participated by coming up with ideas. I tried my best with my acting and worked hard to make my own edit look the best it can. I think as a group we worked well together and tried our best to perfect the recommended shots. We paid attention to the little details in our camera work, and tried to ensure everything was as clean as possible. Additionally, I enjoyed editing on my computer with Final Cut Pro as it has great features and its very straightforward to operate.
What could have gone better?
I believe our time management skills could have been better. We really struggled to come up with a confirmed idea and we used too many lessons just for planning. We had to re-film a couple of shots because of a feature we were unaware about on the iPad that we were filming on. Sometimes we thought a recommended shot wouldn’t actually work, so we were indecisive about how to film some vital shots needed in our task. There were also alternating uniforms from informal to formal in the different periods we filmed in, so we had to ensure the uniform would remain the same throughout the film. This was also the case for our teacher who was featured in our film and her outfit would change, to fix this we attempted to just cut out some of her features where her outfit was different.
What skills did you learn/develop from this experience? (Refer to the technical elements and any other elements - eg. group dynamics, planning etc.)
I gained multiple skills from this task. I realised how important it is to move on with planning and start as early as possible with filming because you should not rush the filming process. Also, that I should pay attention to the little things in the shots because like unintentional costume changes, because it really affects the consistency of the film. It is also very important to ensue the group dynamic is moving efficiently because effective group work is very useful when it comes to a project like this.
E - EVALUATE
Why are these skills important?
These skills are really important because it's being aware of everything going on in your film. It ensures that the final cut will be as perfect as possible. Time organisation discussed above is important because it helps the group to manage time effectively. As well as a structured plan that can help ensure that each member of the group knows their role and responsibilities, and that tasks are completed on time. This can help to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure that the film is completed on schedule.
How might they be useful outside the school context?
In a general context, group dynamics and planning are important because they help groups work together effectively, and achieve their goals. Whether in a personal or working environment, people often need to work with others to accomplish tasks, and effective group dynamics and planning can help to make this process smoother and more efficient.
E - EXPLAIN
Why do you think you did well in your success areas?
I think my participation by acting went well because I genuinely enjoyed it. I was also aware of the potential time issues we may have faced, and suggested that we should speed certain tasks up, and prioritise certain things to finish the project.
Why might you not have done so well in other areas?
We unfortunately had a lot of disrupted time with weather issues that occurred in Auckland. There was a significant flooding during this time, and students were told to stay home. From this, we had to rush a lot of the camerawork and let some things play by air. We also lost needed periods to film in and had to push everything back. This interfered with our time organisation, and we had to come up with alternative ways to finish the project - like coming in on a lunchtime.
What did you do differently in this ‘A Day at School’ task?
I would help more behind the scenes and maybe not be so indecisive when it comes to the planning. If something was going wrong I should have maybe spoke up more and stated my opinion. Additionally, I would have suggest going to filming as soon as possible, and if there was stills gaps in our planning, we can adapt it to what we think may work while filming.
P - PLAN
How will you make sure you continue your success for your future production tasks?
To meet the original deadlines because the world of filmmaking and video production, meeting deadlines is essential. Additionally, to have solid time management can help you to maximise your productivity and make the most of the time given. As well as managing unexpected challenges; like the flood that came for us.
What do you need to help you improve?
I honestly think practice can help me to improve. In future film-making settings I can learn more, and realise improvements I need to make in order to have an efficient production process, and a successful result. There is no other environment like film-making, and from mistakes I learn in projects, it will lead to my input being more successful on the next one.
(Preliminary Task 3)
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