Mia Famiglia - Evaluation

PLANNING

Did you encounter any problems at various stages with theses? 

We collaborated on the plot and structure our storyboard, as a team. Our storyboard was effectively designed by Grace ( a member of our team that is also an Art A-Level student).We stuck to our script which was written in a witty and comical way so that it fitted in with the theme and plot. We managed the actors and scheduled filming well - we filmed all of Jane's scenes first in one day due to the moustache used in the costume which can only be used once. Location and props were difficult to organise as we filmed over a period of time during school hours so we had to find a room that was not being used but one that also was ideal for filming in. Carrying props around school or leaving them in classrooms was also difficult as there was a heavy lamp prop and several pieces of costume.

Did you make any changes to your original plans? Why? How did you overcome any difficulties?

Some of the shots and camera angles were difficult to film in the small room, so we had to change some shots from the storyboard to suit the space and environment we were filming in.

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FILMING

What was successful in your filming?

We were very organised and focused as a group meaning we were able to work well together to make the deadline. We structured and organised our planning, filming and editing schedules before we began and stuck to our plan.

Did you use a variety of shots? What were you trying to achieve with certain shots and why do you think your choice of shot mattered?
We used a variety of shots to convey the relationships between the characters e.g the scene between Bugsy and Emily, they are filmed on the same level as they are peers to one another and are equal. This contrasts to the interrogation scene between Emily and Tony where we used upward angles towards Emily to show how she is positioned above Tony and is more authoritative and respected.

How well do you feel you are framing shots, positioning subject, using camera techniques?

Considering this was our first project, we began as not overly confident in regards to using the camera. However this has been a learning experience and we have learnt many filming and camera techniques. We learnt how to use filming equipment, such as the tripod, quickly and we are n ow all more confident going into our next project.

Continuity successes and difficulties?

The lighting was consistent as we used the same prop and position to ensure the lighting stayed the same. We had difficulty when filming Jane's scenes the next day as she did not wear a moustache the second day so we had to film and edit the scenes so this would not be evident 

Did you observe the 180 degree rule?

We used the 180 degree rule in most of our shots as the lamp is present in nearly all scenes

How did you manage lighting, sound, mise en scene?

We used a lamp to manage the lighting and planned the positioning of the lamp to keep it consistent. We used royalty free music from the internet in our project and brought in all of our own props (lamp, cereal bar and costumes) and bought any new props we needed (moustache set)

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EDITING

How did you manage continuity using editing software?

I paid close attention to the footage i had to ensure that i made no mistakes in editing. 

Did you encounter any problems in the editing stages of your production?

As an editor I encountered problems in trying the gather up the footage from the camera i was using and trying to organise it according to the order it was to be placed according to the storyboard. It was an arduous and most time consuming area of the task

What new processes/techniques/effects have you learned using new software and how has the use of software enhanced your production?

I have learned how to place text into perspective and how to brighten up footage as well as add stabilisers to it.

What successes and difficulties have you experienced during editing?

I successfully edited the film to completion, and difficulties i faced was trying to locate missing footage and working with the programme as i learned how to use it whilst working.