Evaluation: Question 7

'Looking back at your Preliminary Task, what do you feel you have learnt in progression from it to the Full Product?'

Before our Preliminary Task, I was a complete novice to recording footage. This included framing, shot types, editing, using the tripod, working the camera, using the editing program. Everything basically. I probably could of used common sense to work things out, but I definitely benefited from the introductory lessons we had to the course.

We were shown the different shot types needed for our Preliminary Task, such as the 180° Rule, Match-On-Action, Shot-Reverse-Shot. And how to frame the shots properly, with head space etc.

We were also given an introductory lesson or two on how to use the editing program, Adobe Premier Plus Pro 2.0. We were shown how to use all the tools and where to save it and how to load it. For the Preliminary Task, Tim and I edited the majority of the footage, and so we had a head start on using the program when it came to the Main Task.

When we finished the Preliminary Task, we went straight into the Main Task. This was easier because we still had the skills from the Preliminary Task fresh in our memories. This was easier when it came to planning our Main Task, and planning the production.

Filming the Preliminary Task was difficult because we weren't the most confident in the beginning; we re-filmed 3 times. However, in the Main Task, we filmed in 4 parts, and used some footage from each session. We filmed over some footage, but used a little form each session, so each session was relevant and used in the final product. We found filming the Main Task easier than filming the Preliminary Task because we had the practice when filming the Preliminary Task.

We found it a lot easier to log and capture the shots because we had already done it before. It was also a lot easier to edit the footage, and we all had a good go at it this time. We were all in the media lessons, as well as editing in our own time; we all know the program quite well now.

It's not just the technical side of things we have learnt. I have learnt how to manage my time better, how to work quickly and efficiently in a group, how to listen and take on board advice as a group, how to do proper research, which is being put into practice now with our exam preparation. I have learnt quite a few things whilst doing the media course and the coursework, all of which will help me when I hopefully do Media A2.