During the process of writing and filming my final major project, I went through several processes before completing the final product. During the process of my research, which involved primary and secondary research methods, I was able to engage with my peers (audience) involving people from different ages, and gender. I have taken into consideration each of the feedback given which had helped me reach my final decision, regarding my project.
One of the secondary research methods involved me watching 6 different films that are based around the theme (Amnesia) as well as a song/music video and a comedy sketch. These films had broaden my understanding on what Amnesia is about and how it is used in films (media). The knowledge that I had gained influenced my decision on the type of Amnesia my idea will be based on e.g. Long term or Short term memory loss.
In order to identify the audience for my pilot episode, I had conducted some market research that involved my peers, telling them my chosen idea. Their feedback has given me an insight on who my project will to appeal, for instance, Teenager, Adult and older people. Based on the feedback that I have received from my peers, it suggests that the baseline age should be a minimum of 12 years old nevertheless I decided that my bass line age would 10 and the top line age would be any age above that. This is very important. In order to reach out to this target audience I would promote my final product online via Youtube. The market research was useful tome because I feel that I have acquired new skills as to how I find out who my target audience is, how distribution works in the film industry and how mine would be distributed.
During the writing of the script, I was able to put my vision on to paper such as dialogue between characters, locations and some shots that I would consider using. Then after each draft I would ask for feedback. The feedback had helped me immensely because they were giving me constructive criticism, so they were not just telling me what was good about they also told me about what was bad which I took on board and improved what I had written.
When doing character page I think that writing the description of each character in my TV Pilot has helped me get more of idea on where my episode was heading as well as clarifying each character personality and mindset etc. Also, it makes it easier to tell the actors that I will choose to play each role what their character is about. Furthermore, when came to the Costumes, I had advised each cast member on what to wear for my episode. I think that looking at different pictures had given me and my actors an idea on what I visualised them wearing and influenced what they wore. Also, another positive thing that came out of costume is that they had followed instructions which was beneficial to the look of my episode and the props used in the film tells you what they were used for etc.
Decision making when casting the actors from my TV Pilot was a lot easier this time, compared to the last time that I had to cast people (Unit 6). This is because more people auditioned this time compared to last time so, it was easier to let actors go.
Everyone who auditioned were great actors, I had chosen the parts that each actor would read which helped because it made it easier for the actors to read and for me to follow and direct them. I had analysed the positive and negative aspects of each audition which made it even easier to cast the actors, this was very useful.
In addition to that, going into their classroom and pitching a portion of my idea, answering any queries they had been, was helpful because it took me out of my comfort zone even though I have seen each of them before. Then once auditions were over and I had decided to cast, I had made cast list poster to distribute. I think that having done what I did has improved my organisation skills towards this project, also it has improved my audition skills (technique).
Doing experiments had made a positive addition to the progression of my project. Filming the different types of shots has worked well for me because it had showed me what some of the shots would look like before I film the real thing, so I know whether I want to use it or not, I will be doing experiments in future if I feel it’s needed and I think this process has shown me how to go about it.
For the filming part of this project (this evaluation) I had decided to base all my locations in my local area such as the College, The Park etc. All of my chosen location were easy to access which worked well for me because I didn’t need permission to film and it is easier for the cast to travel. Also, what else worked well for me is that the locations suited the scene that I was going for.
Unfortunately, there were problems in the college (Canteen) that had occurred such as people looking at the camera and the ambience being too much, on the other hand, I learnt from that experience for future because I now know what time to go there if I do want to use it as well as. However, during this filming process I had encountered a few problems such as individuals looking into the camera, making unnecessary noise, distracting the actor but despite all these problems I was able to fix most of it through editing.
Another problem I had encountered was actors forgetting their lines and actors not arriving when required which could be frustrating for me as the director. On the hand, situations always occur in the film industry but it is how you handle it that is crucial so I had brought in another actor to replace the one that did not come, I had given a script that I had spare (as precaution in case this happened) and then I had given the actors a bit of time to read over and remember their lines. I think these complications have benefited me for the future because I have learnt a lot throughout this process.
Editing the final product went great because had filmed all of the scenes that I needed. However, I had experienced problems with the audio such as too much background noise and the actor’s voices not being loud enough, to address this situation I had used Logic (a sound editing software) to try and fix the audio and it was alright. Also, I have learnt that When shooting scenes in public places I do not have full control of the environment and the people around me. Lastly, this has taught me where to film and where not to film for future reference.
Overall, during the making of this film I have learnt so much from the start to finish. I have been able to generate, develop and execute ideas. Furthermore, I have come across new information during my research period as well as selecting my actors. Also, the complications when shooting scenes for my film have been problematic, but I have been able to cope with it by using my improvisational skills during those difficult moments. Also, this has been a very high learning curve for me as I have been able to do a lot of research work as well as decision making regarding my project. Additionally, I have learnt to think outside when facing real life challenges. The whole process was very depending both physically and mentally and looking back I am happy that have undertaken this project. Ultimately, moving forward I will utilise all of the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout this Unit (unit 8) to improvable myself and do better in the next project that I do.
Stephanie Corr-Amajor 