Self-evaluation

Introduction

During this process, I have learnt different things. One of them is about scheduling. I found out that it is important to make sure the schedule fits everybody involved. This important so we can get the shots done in time so we have enough time to go back and film any pick up shots that we needed. Also, I found out how important it was to make sure our recce for our locations included sound checks as wind and cars could be heard on the final production. Also, at some points, it was hard to hear the dialogue of the characters. I found that the shot list/storyboard needed more shots as 21 shots were not enough to fill a five minute film which was the aim of our short film. As a group, we did have some issues to overcome, this was when our planned actor to play the silhouette man didn’t show up and our director Laolu filled in to play his part. Also, there were some issues with tripods and camera fitting together as cameras not working however we were able to resolve the issues by working together and thinking of the best solutions which was to simply just replace the equipment that was faulty with equipment that was operationally.

Shooting Schedule

Our shooting schedule was in place so we could organise when we shot each part in an order that is convenient. For examples, if you were filming in a building and outside, you would do all the shots in one location then move on to the other. The shooting schedule was detailed as it had all the timings we needed including details such as the set up times and ending times. Also, it was detailed in the way it stated what crew and talent would be needed on the shoot. The shooting schedule was realistic as we planned to shoot on two days as opposed to one day meaning that the talent would need a change of clothes, also, it could have been more stressful for us to film all in one day, regrettably, the shooting schedule did not fit in with the actor portraying the Silhouette Man which meant we had to change our plans and use Laolu as the Silhouette Man. It was effective however as it allowed us to manage the order we be shooting in, even if it wasn’t at the planned times. This impacted our production as it made it easier for us to film because we knew what shots we would be doing. If I was to make improvements, it would be to make sure that the schedule fit in with the actor and also, I would make sure the timings accounted for the set up time as I felt it was under estimated.

Storyboard

The storyboard was in place so the camera operator was able to know how to frame the shots. Also, it allowed us to plan the duration of each shot as well as any audio we would add in the post production process. The storyboard was detailed in the way that it included photos, description and audio which was useful however, I feel it could have been more descriptive and also, hindsight, I think we should have used more shots to fill and five minute film. The storyboard was realistic as we didn’t include any shots that would be too challenging to film, i.e. birds eye view which would have been hard given that we didn’t have the time or resources to make it possible. However, it wasn’t realistic in the way that 21 shot would be enough to fill a five minute short film. It was effective in the way it made it easier for the camera operator to frame the shot quickly. The impact it had on the

production was that it clearly showed the framing and shot types as well as the description of what happens in the shot. To improve the storyboard, I would have used more shots to add more time to the film. Also, I think it would have been good idea to use more close ups in order to show the emotions of the characters and to make the audience emphasize with the victim.

Shot list

The shot list was in place to allow us to know when we would be shooting what and in what order. This is helpful as it saves time by planning on the order of shots than just following the story board as the actors or crew could still be in position to film another shot. The shot list was detailed as it had all the shots we needed and it was in a suitable order. It was realistic as everything that was listed could be done where it was said. Also, it was effective as it allowed us to organise our actors so they knew what they had to do. The impact it had on our production is that it saved us time rather than making up the shots as we went along. I think it could have been improved slightly in the sense of grouping i.e. the post on the ground could have been done together as the talent were already in position however, saying this, I still think it was successful and effective.

Recce

The recce of the locations was done as it allows as to identify any issues we could face while film. This includes things such as permission and possible hazards as well as anything that could disturb the production process. The recce was detailed in that it did cover all aspects of the location such as lighting, sound, accessibility and permissions. Also, the risk assessment covered any hazards that could affect either the crew, the talent, the public or all. Not only did this include things that could cause injury such as being hit by a car, it also covered things that could be costly like people stealing equipment which mean we would have to pay for as a result. The recce was realistic in the sense of the lighting and accessibility but the risk assessment seemed to be unrealistic however, it is important for us to plan for anything to go wrong, no matter how likely. I feel the recce was effective as it covered all aspects of the location. The impact it had on the production was that it meant we were all safe and prepared for anything to go wrong and we were aware of any sound issues. I think the location recce could have been improved by recording the sound on a device to check what sounds are pick up as there is a considerably amount of noise caused by the wind in our final productions which sometimes makes it harder for the audience to hear the dialogue.

Actors

It is important to have good actors, both in their performance ability as well as their suitability for their specific role. Also, it is a good idea to have rehearsals so the talent feel more comfortable and are able to adapt to the character. Also, it is important to make so the actor we chose were reliable and organised meaning they would turn up when they were needed. Our actors for the most part

were reliable however, the actor who was supposed to play The Silhouette man didn’t show up, this could have been down to a lack of communication between the cast and the crew. The actors that we chose were suited to their roles, as Hannah and Anthony both fit the bill for the characters of Busola and Jose Manuel. We didn’t rehearse as we didn’t feel we had time to however the both performed well. Hannah was really professional and gave a great and believable performance whereas Anthony improved as the time went on because on the first day he filmed, he wasn’t really projecting his voice but on the second day we shot, he came across to be much more confident. As we were unable to use Aonghus as the Silhouette Man, Laolu filled in. Originally, we were planning on him playing the role before, however, it could have been too much for him to do. As we didn’t have a choice, Laolu played the Silhouette Man and done a great job in short notice, this was done to the fact that the character was his idea and he had his own ideas on how to approach the role. To improve on the acting, I would have selected the same actors, however, I would make sure that our group were in contact with the talent and well aware of their schedule. Also, I would make time to rehearse to get the best results possible.

Crew roles

It is important for the group for each member to know there responsibilities and roles. The production roles document was well detailed and included everything we needed to know in terms of what our responsibilities were. Laolu was the director which meant that he was in charge of making sure everyone was doing their role. Being the director also meant that he had control of the visualization and artistic and dramatic aspects. Tanim had the role of being the producer, this meant that he was in control of things such as timing and making sure everyone shows up. I was given the role of Camera operator which meant it was my job to record the footage. This also meant that the quality of the film was down to me including things such as framing and following the directions given to me by the director. Clifford was given the task of being the sound man which meant to was his job to ensure that the sound was good quality and we could clearly hear the characters, however, the fact that our cameras were not compatible with external mics, Clifford help with the camera work and filled in for me when I wasn’t able to turn up for a shoot. The planning of our roles was effective because it meant we all knew what we had to focus on and who to take direction from. There were some issues which could be improved next like sound. This could be improved by the use of a boom mic which would pick up clearer audio, however, we would need to make sure we had a camera that would be compatible.

Equipment

The equipment can sometime not be working or fully operationally which means it is vital to check any equipment before taking it out to shoot. We checked that the camera was fully charged and fitted with an SD card before taking it out to shoot. We checked that the tripod worked in the sense that it was able to stand and extend fully which it did. There was an issue when we were setting up to shoot were the camera and the tripod couldn’t connect due to a faulty connector. Also, there was a problem on the second day of film, there was an issue where we had a fully charged camera however, the shoot took long than anticipated so it ran out, luckily, the shoot location was right near to the college meaning we could get another battery. Also, on another occasion, a scheduled shot

was cancelled as the camera we used was unable to record any footage. To improve, I would make sure everything works by setting up quickly before taking it apart and setting up on location.

Call Sheet

The call sheet is helpful as it has details on timings, contacts and props. Our call sheet was detailed as it included shooting times as well as contact details of both the cast and crew as well of a list of the props that were needed and when. The call sheet wasn’t totally effective as not everyone turned up when they were supposed to however, I think this is down to a lack of communication. To improve this, I would consult with the talent to make sure it fit in with their needs.

Conclusion

I think my management has a lot of room for improvement. As a group, it would have been much better for us to film earlier which would have given us more time for post-production and to shoot any pick up shots we may have needed. Next time, my aim is to be more decisive on then I will be filming which will help me to be organised meaning I do things quicker but to a better quality as I don’t be rushing things.