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Michelle Grace

Evaluation
What have you learnt by doing this exercise?
Completing the preliminary task has allowed me to develop a range of technical
skills, both through filming and editing. Whilst shooting the conversation
between Bailee and Sam, we used a boom mic in order to achieve the highest
possible quality of audio. This emphasised the diegetic dialogue between
characters, increasing clarity and minimising background noise. From this,
therefore, I have not only learnt how to use the microphone, but also how I can
incorporate it into my final piece, and the impact it will have.
In addition to this, completing the preliminary task has taught me the
importance of planning effectively. The initial creation of a script allowed us to
set out and establish our narrative; however translating this into a detailed and
specific shot list/storyboard provided us with both a written and visual
representation of what we needed to film. This therefore increased the ease and
fluidity of filming, allowing us to remain on task and be aware of exactly what we
needed to do. I have also, however, learnt that the plan is not set in stone. For
example, we often deviated from our initial shot list/storyboard within the filming
or editing stage, discovering certain elements which did not match, or adding
new ideas which would improve our production.
What skills have you developed?
I have also developed a number of technical skills throughout this production
for example, editing the conversation scene between Bailee and Sam allowed me
to gain a deeper understanding of how to establish an illusion of continuity. By
extending the audio from one shot into the visual frame of another shot, I was
able to make the conversation appear more natural, this being a continuity
technique which engages the audience through their belief in the scene.
I have, again, developed my editing skills through the creation of a split screen.
This allowed me to try something new, whilst also increasing my ease and
familiarity with the editing software (adobe premiere pro). Developing my editing
skills will further benefit me when creating my final piece, as I will more
comfortable using increasingly complex or creative techniques.
As previously mentioned, I was also able to develop my technical skills through
the use of a boom mic. This was a piece of equipment I had not previously used,
therefore gaining the skill at a preliminary stage means that I will be more aware
of how to use the technology effectively during my final production.
What feedback have you received?
The feedback received from our peers was generally positive. The piece was
praised for containing a variety of camera shots (all of which were deemed
consistent and steady); appropriate audio used to develop meaning (i.e a slowmotion scene with audio creating comedic effect); transitions which relate to
genre (i.e the use of a split screen and slide transition was appropriate for a light-

Michelle Grace
hearted, comedic tone), as well as an overall aesthetically pleasing composition
of shots (as impacted by the use of a 180 degree rule/eye line match). This
allowed us to understand our strengths, which we will therefore be able to
continue using within our final production.
On the other hand, our production also received constructive criticism. This
included the inclusion of titles, alongside a film noir scene (neither of which were
used in our piece). Likewise, it was stated that the audio could have been
smoother (i.e some changes in non-diegetic audio were too abrupt/the sound of
wind distorted some diegetic dialogue) and that some sound effects (i.e the
sound of footsteps) were too loud.
How would you improve your preliminary task?
Our preliminary task could have been improved by even more attention to detail
for example, the use of more sound bridges or longer fades to make audio
smoother. Likewise, we could have used different types of equipment (i.e
personal microphones rather than a boom mic) in order to gain the highest
possible quality of audio and remove as much background noise (i.e wind
distortion) as possible. This would have further improved the continuity of the
scene, as the audience attention would not be drawn to things such as
background noise, and would instead remain focused on only the situation
presented.
Furthermore, we could have extended the length of our production by adding a
further scene. This would bridge the gap between the phone call and date
scenes, thus preventing the production from feeling rushed or abrupt. Likewise,
the inclusion of titles would have helped inform an audience (relating to the
information aspect of the uses and gratifications theory), allowing them to
further understand the narrative. For example, the inclusion of the title Blind
Date towards the opening (or between the two main scenes) would have
established an audience expectation of the narrative, therefore building enigma
(further linking to Barthes enigma code theory).

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