SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

• Research and Planning

I have learnt to research media products thoroughly to develop my understanding of what is expected for a specific target audience.
We have learnt to research on websites such as YouTube and Indiemoviesonline.com to see how companies advertise their films.
Storyboards have helped us to plan out what our film would look like and what the story would be, drawing out brief images of different shots helps to plan the storyline. It also helped us while filming because we could refer back to this storyboard in order to gain inspiration of what to film next.
Shot Plans were similar to storyboards however they included titles of shots and camera angles that we wanted to inlcude such as extreme close ups, point of view shots, over the shoulder shots (these were used frequently). They were helpful because it reminded us of what shots we could possibly use and which ones would be effective and could be used in the best way.
Screenshots were useful when using Premiere Pro as we could show that we understand how to use the program and how we used it. It was also helpful to take photographs when we were filming or editing in class as it showed our team working together and making progress.
Costumes were planned according to the theme of the film, also inspired by the film Prom Night - in the theme of coming back from a party and being all dressed up. Costumes also helped to set the scene, the white boiler suit of the killer helped to hide his identity. It made him look anonymous due to the black mask over his face.
The props we used were also planned according to the theme, the mobile phone was included to set the modern time era (iPhone 5), the vodka bottle suited the theme of coming back from a party with leftover vodka from a party, the glass smashing on the floor showed the danger and freight of the situation. 
I have learnt how to research films and how I wanted to compare my film opening to it, I researched the producers and distributers for those specific films - such as Scream and Prom Night.

• Digital Technology

Throughout the process of filming our short film, we became familiar with the use of using video cameras - however as I take A-Level Photography, using cameras is never a problem and I am regularly using them. Tripods and different lenses helped give our film a different effect, tripods were useful to keep our camera steady - we used the tripod at all times when making our film opening as the camera would not shake. We learnt how to use composition to create an effective look to each shot, aswell as creating a narrative to the film. Framing was important as we didn't want to include unnessecary and useless props in the background of props that didn't need to be there. Several shots were taken of each 'scene' so that we had a selection to choose from to see which was the best and most effective to use.

We used editing softwares such as Premiere Pro and Handbrake to break down our film and put all the parts together. It was a challenge using Premiere Pro however lesson by lesson we gradualy got used to the programme and it was easier to use once we kept using it. Using this programme allowed us to enhance the mise en scene and add in sound effects to make them stand out, for example; the glass smashing on the floor, the keys dropping on the floor, the back door locking, the ringtone to the mobile phone, and the tap dripping in the sink.

• Using conventions from real media texts

Mise En Scene: The victim is usually a girl (blonde, revealing clothes) Prom night and Scream are examples of this stereotype. Outfits, props and locations were planned according to the theme, lighting was dark to create an eerie atmosphere.

Camera: Most of our camera angles were close ups or over the shoulder shots - these allowed us to become familiar with the props (keys, phone, coke can, door handle etc). The over the shoulder shots showed a perspective point of view and allowed us to see what the character was looking at while including both participants in the same shot. Long shots and mid shots showed the characters outfits and allowed us to become familiar with them. We also included high angle shots to make the victim look vulnerable.

Editing: Most horror film editing included dark lighting, sketchy credit titles in horror theme, fast paced cuts in tense areas and slow pace cuts in eerie atmospheres. Using Premiere Pro was easy to use and quick to get the hang of, every member participated in the editing process.

Sound: Eerie music (thriller/fast paced) to build tension up to a scary point, the music then switches to slow, piano playing music to also create a tense, suspicious atmosphere for the character to be in. We used websites such as freesound.com to find sound effects and music clips. These were useful as it meant we were not using copyrighted music from other artists.

• Post Production

Throughout the time it took to create our film opening, our knowledge and skills of editing have vastly improved. At the start of the course in AS, those who had not previously taken the course were fully unfamiliar with how to use the editing programmes and how they were effective. However after using these programmes such as (Premiere Pro and Handbrake) throughout the year, our skills have improved and we are now able to put our filmed clips into the programme and begin to perform an endless list of functions, such as: cutting/cropping clips down, create transitions between shots, adding in music, adding titles in different fonts and colours, creating a distribution company etc. All of these together built up to produce a final piece in an effective outcome.

• Creativity

My creativity has also improved while creating this film opening, I am able to write a fully detailed textual analysis of a short video clip and able to pick out certain effects, mise en scene, shots, themes, framing, sounds and editing techniques. My knowledge of the four areas of film has been revised thoroughly and I am able to list all the features under those catagories (mise en scene, editing, sound and camera). I have enjoyed creating our film opening as it was an experience I have not previously done before, I definitely think my skills can be improved and I am learning more as we go through the course.
After watching others' film opening's, I am able to give feedback that will be of use to them - compliments and improvements. My inspiration for our music video is growing due to the skills and knowledge I own at this moment and will increase as the course continues. I feel more confident when using a camera to film and while creating a video due to being comfortable in the course and in the environment of my class members.