2. Quality of holding a shot steady We used a tripod for all of our shots, so we were able to keep the camera constantly steady. We did not need to follow actors with the camera as they did not move; however we used a zoom shot that kept the actor in shot as the camera was steady. This is one of the ways we have been able to improve since the preliminary task, where we filmed without a tripod – by doing this we made our project look more professional.
3. By doing this we were able to keep to the conventions of the thriller genre, as it is only rarely that the camera is shaky or has a hand-held feel. We were also able to show how the characters on-screen act and are characterized, which is an important part of the opening of a thriller to establish a relationship between the audience and characters.
4. Quality of the framing shots We filmed from a variety of distances both close and far away from the actors to show them in different ways. In addition we used a variety of different angles and shots, keeping the actors in the shot each time without cutting them out of the frame unnecessarily. We were able to film from different distances in our preliminary task, but we have improved by keeping the actors in shot at all times, by using a tripod.
5. Quality of shooting material appropriate to the task set After we wrote the script and the storyboard, some minor changes were made to ensure we did not rush into the story. We had to cut most of the script, limiting ourselves to the first page of the script, and after filming according to the storyboard, we decided that we didn’t like some of the shots and changed them. Although we didn’t make another storyboard, we tested how different angles would look using the camera and decided to use specific shots after watching them back.
6. This contrasts our preliminary task heavily, as we kept rigidly to the storyboard while filming. By experimenting while filming, we feel we were able to create a better feel for the overall genre, and think that by using different shots we have improved on our initial film.
7. We felt that by doing this we were able to make more of a connection to the thriller genre, as we were able to build suspense around one of the characters by using alternate angles and shots, which is often used to show that a character is a villain but not wanting to reveal the identity. By doing this we make our audience want to continue watching and find out who this character is.
8. Quality of mise-en-scène We gave our actors specific instructions as to what to wear and what props they should use. We also brought in props to use and were able to manipulate the lighting and environment to create the scenes we wanted. We didn’t tell our actors to wear specific clothing during the preliminary task and did not use an isolated area, so we were unable to change the lighting as we desired.
9. We asked our actors to wear black suits and ties, which created the idea that the characters shown are professionals or in an important business – something a lot of characters in thrillers are. Although we filmed at daytime, which contradicts the script and usual conventions, the weather allowed us to show that it is set in a less-than-ideal environment, and we were able to change the lighting inside to show darkness and mysteriousness.
10. Quality of editing We were able to maintain a high quality of work with editing so the film made sense and was in chronological order. We were also able to use other programs to create and insert titles, and using the editing software we were able to make the film look as professional as possible.
11. Quality of using sound with images We were able to find locations where there were no other people to distract our actors and disrupt filming, however because the camera picked up the wind, there are scenes when our actor cannot be heard, even though they spoke loudly and clearly. While we were editing, we found that noise reduction was not able to correct this problem.
12. Although many thrillers do not use dialogue in the opening minutes, we needed to establish a connection between the characters and introduce the background. However, the majority of thrillers show the main character as being alone in the opening minutes, which we were able to recreate by finding an isolated environment.
13. Quality of positioning and movements of actors We followed the script and storyboard as closely as possible and practiced several times before shooting so we knew how they would look on camera. We were able to keep the actors in the centre of the frame by using the tripod, which kept the camera steady.
14. By doing this we were able to keep closely to the genre; the different frames and shots we used helped to build the idea that this was a thriller – for example, the environment being shown first, and the characters being kept in the centre of the frame the entire time.
15. Quality of group planning, meeting targets, organization The script and storyboard were detailed enough for our actors to know how to behave, although we did not specify how long each shot should be filmed for. However, we decided to use some shots from the storyboard and use others that made the film look better while filming, so we did not keep completely to our original plans.
16. Group dynamics Our group was able to work well together. Although they did not appear in the final video, all the actors we enlisted to help us were very willing to help us and were able to keep to the schedule. In addition, we found it easy to change things that we thought did not look as good as they could and because of this the film was able to be changed for the better.
17. Other points of evaluation While filming we were using the tripod for the first time, however before we started filming we experimented with it and made sure all members of our group understood how to use it. The camera worked well, although we accidentally filmed over some shots and had to film them again; and we were able to use the editing software to its full extent.
18. Because of the research our group carried out, we were able to understand what kind of dialogue and environment were necessary for the genre we were aiming for. We were able to plan our schedule accordingly and found places that we could film in that would suit our genre; in addition we were able to draw clear comparisons between our finished film and the openings of films that we evaluated before.
19. Final Thoughts Our final product differs greatly from our preliminary task, but for the better. After we carried out the relevant research and started filming, we had a much better understanding of what types of camera angles, mise-en-scene, etc, were used in our genre and were able to replicate them in our product. Having additional equipment to prevent the camera shaking and knowing how to use the editing software also helped to keep a high level of professionalism, making the film look better than our preliminary task.
