For filming in the main task we used a camera, tripod, redhead light and a large torch.
As we have used all these in the preliminary exercise we knew how to operate this equipment, though there were still things to be improved upon. For example, the white balance was better in this task – we learnt from last time when there were a few off-colour shots that sometimes spoiled the effect. We also learned to use the
focus more effectively (particularly in more dimly lit shots) and always made sure the camera was set to automatic rather than manual – our storyboard didn’t require any strangely focused shots). We always used the correct terms (‘Speed’, ‘Action’, ‘Roll over’, ‘Lights on/off’, ‘Cut’) during filming to ensure that everyone knew what was happening and to abide by health and safety. The process of starting and stopping recording on the camera is fairly simple, and when we had time we watched the shots we’d just filmed over using the playback option; however we were always careful to get the tape back to the right place before recording again in case it went over our other footage. We found the tripod very useful as it
is simple to use and effective in holding the camera steady at any height or angle you require. For some shots, however, this wasn’t appropriate so we had to rely on holding the camera steady ourselves which isn’t always easy – particularly when you are at an odd angle or in an uncomfortable position.
For the editing we used iMovie and LiveFont. Finding iMovie the easiest to use by far, this is the editing programme we chose for cutting and putting together our shots. I personally had a much bigger part in editing than last time, which meant learning more of the processes. It was very easy to pick up quickly, and I found learning to use the special visual effects very enjoyable. We didn’t put in any fancy shot transitions, as our story doesn’t require the passing of time and is set in chronological order one after the other. We also felt some of these transitions would make the action seem less realistic and often comedic, which is definitely not the effect we wanted. However, as I have previously mentioned we did use ‘ghost trails’ which was perfect for the ‘drunk’ shots and we also had to speed one shot up so that we saved time. Our music was on a cassette tape, so we also had to learn how to transfer this on to the computer using a recording machine that was connected which, again, was a simple process once we had been shown how to do it. After all our shots had been edited together with the sound we just had to do the titles, with which we decided to use LiveFont which seemed to be the best option for creative credits. Again, this meant learning how to use the programme (which we were half taught and half figured out for ourselves) and we were altogether happy with how they turned out.
I have mostly learnt that practise is the most important thing in learning how to use various equipment, and it’s far easier to understand when you physically do it yourself rather than just watching someone else.
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