All technology used in Draft 1 - FinalTechnologies used in the DRAFT 1/2/3/4/5 process
MacQuicktimeYoutubeSony HandycamiMovieMicrosoft PowerPointUSB stickFreesound.orgBloggerSlide shareWikipedia – Opening credits
All technology used in Draft 1 - FinalWe used iMovie to edit all the footage from the drafts. As editing was a large proportion of our construction marks, we spent a lot of time editing our footage on iMovie. Throughout until the final draft our editing has increased in quality from practice and with feedback helped us largely improve
We used Quicktime during all our drafts. After finishing editing each opening sequence. We converted it to Quicktime which enabled us to publish it onto Youtube, then to enable us to put it onto our media blog
All technology used in Draft 1 - Final
Freesound.org was mostly a huge contribution to the creation in our opening sequence as it have amazing
variety of sound effects and non-diegetic sound. It helped us create each different mood we were trying to
put across to our audience including the thunder, sudden shocks, eerie sounds, scared breathing and
many more.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Questions Seven
Preliminary
We gave ourselves this grade because we started off with no knowledge of editing, so we were unaware you could select
clips from one scene, so our continuity was minimal and also..• Minimal variety of shots
• Loads of background noise- can’t hear characters• Minimal shot distances• Poor shot reverse shots
Self assessment grade - 1c
Draft 1 - Opening Sequence
We received a 2b because…• Titles were very unsuited to
conventions• Mise-en-scene was proficient• Titles transitions didn’t match
to conventions• Confusing narrative• Bad use of special effects so
that meaning is apparent to viewer
• Bad use of flashbacks
Mark received - 2b
Draft 1 - Opening SequenceWhat we learnt from filming and editing
FILMINGWe learnt that it is difficult to film in public places – especially on Saturdays and that permission is needed if you want to film in these parks/areas
EDITINGWe learnt how to play around with backwards wind and fast place so that we can change the sound of characters language and voices to make them more creepy
Draft 2 - Opening Sequence
We received a 2b because…
• The mise-en-scene was poor• The sound was improved, but
not quite setting a mood• Shots need to be slowed• Needs a new beginning of
sequence• Fonts were really bad• Needs way more variety of
shots
Mark received - 2b
Draft 2 - Opening SequenceWhat we learnt from filming and editing
FILMINGFrom filming we learnt that you need to be careful when filming in dark tight spaces as the camera self focuses and to not move the tripod during a scene as it ruins the continuity
EDITINGWe learnt how to detach audio onto another clip effectively and sound effect to emphasise something creepy and unusual
Draft 2 - Opening SequenceHow did we improve since draft 1
Since draft 1 we have improved on the…• Narrative• Plot/Story• Character representation• Location• Sound with images
However, we did not improve on grade as we lacked in most areas
Draft 3 - Opening Sequence
We received a 3a because…
• The beginning was good• Our sound with images
improved and created some tension
• Better understanding of thriller conventions
• Better plot and story• More shots• Good titles
Mark received - 3a
Draft 3 - Opening SequenceWhat we learnt from filming and editing
FILMINGWe learnt how to film from awkward and difficult places to get better variety of shot distances. Also to always manage lighting so it doesn’t change and become too dark
EDITINGWe found a new website ‘freesound.org’ which gave us more effective sound effects to make it more scary and the blue colour effect throughout to create the cold feeling
Draft 3 - Opening SequenceHow did we improve since draft 2
Since draft 2 we have improved on the…• Titles
• Plot/Story
• Variety of shot distances
• Sound with images
Draft 4 - Opening Sequence
We received a 3b because…
• One less group member was there to help film when all 3 of us are in the shot
• Improve sound with images• Improve titles into the right
order billing• Better character representation• Better variety of shots
Mark received - 3b
Draft 4 - Opening SequenceWhat we learnt from filming and editing
FILMINGHow to film a scene – with a pan – when all 3 actors are in the shot as a group member didn’t come, which was difficult and ruined our continuity
EDITINGMore ways in overlapping the sound effects to make them extremely intense and how to crop the scene to get a better shot and focus on something being shown
Draft 4 - Opening SequenceHow did we improve since draft 3
Since draft 3 we have improved on the…
• Pace
• Plot/Story
• Conventions
• Props
• Costume
Draft 5 - Opening SequenceWhat did we learn from the final draft?
From our final draft we learnt how to get to properly create a really effective thriller opening sequence based on its forms, conventions,
narrative.
Also that fact that our opening sequence went over the 2:00 guild line, we realised that it is quite unique and unusual if a thriller
opening sequence was done in such a short amount of time, if we had cut down out opening sequence it would go against the
conventions of a thriller as, it is essential to begin calm, and then build then suspense, thrill and tension up to a climax so that its most
effective and exciting for our target audience. So therefore, if has been cut down, it wouldn’t be a successful thriller opening sequence
Draft 5 - Opening SequenceWhat did we learn from the final draft?
FOR EXAMPLE,These are the timings for each thriller opening sequence
Insidious – 2:53Paranormal activity – 2:13
Devil – 2:50The woman in black – 1:44
The bogeyman – 2: Dead Silence – 2:59
The sixth sense – 2:55
And many more…
Draft 5 - Opening SequenceIf we were to complete another, how would
we improve further?We would cut down some aspects of the opening sequence
e.g taking the match out the box to be quicker, the character being more scared towards the end, and some
continuity errors
Although we wouldn’t improve to drastically as we feel it portrays an excellent thriller opening
sequence.