Preliminary Exercise Self Evaluation

Preliminary Exercise - Self Evaluation

“The Box” consisted of the following team, John - Actor, Afolabi - Cameraman, Waseq - Director, and Sheikh - Actor; thus, JAWS PRODUCTIONS.

At the end of a task, an evaluation is completed by a person or group. It is a detailed summary of where the person/group assesses their strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons, what could be avoided and what should be continued the next time the task is done.

In the preliminary task, I was asked to show the following skills; the ability to complete a storyboard annotating each frame (type of shot, , length of shot, dialogue etc), using a range of different shots with the camera while using a tripod (shot reverse shot, 180 degree rule, close up etc), and finally, upload and edit the footage onto the laptop using transitions, credits, cutting clips to create the effect of match on action etc.

We used props such as a box, table, comfy blue chair, grey plastic chair, and wooden plank for maximum effect. The fact that John is sitting in the middle of the room in a comfy blue arm chair while Sheikh is sitting in a plastic chair with no arm rests, gave the impression that John had a much higher status than Sheikh. The size of “The Box” was important as we wanted to keep what was inside, a mystery; too big would suggest a piece of equipment or technology, too small would suggest a gift or money, just right would keep the suspense going.

Dialogue was kept to a minimal, which was how we wanted to keep it. There were short exchanges of dialogue. We did this to show that the two characters have no friendship at all. This created a tense atmosphere which again, built suspense as well.

The effect of the fadeout on Sheikh’s face at the end generated a number of unanswered questions in the viewer’s mind such as; Who is that with the bat? Why did he hit him? Where has the box gone? What is in the box?

I use cameras a lot as my mobile phone has a camera. I always use basic functions such as zoom but, what I was not fully aware of (until I drew up my storyboard) is that by zooming out, I was creating a long shot. I have always uploaded my video footage to my laptop via USB and viewed it without editing it. However, it is a different story now. I have learnt a vast amount in this short time as I now know how to cut clips, use transitions as well control the length of it, create the effect of match on action and much, much more.

My most significant contribution to the construction of the film has to be directing the film. This meant I had to draw up the story board plus annotate each frame, organise my team in a productive as well as time efficient manner, and finally make sure the acting, camerawork, and setting was adequate. I would say this is most important because, if I had not taken charge of the team, we would have failed the task and each other miserably. I feel proudly of what we have achieved individually in addition to progress as a professional media group.

The only target I would set for JAWS PRODUCTIONS is to ensure we complete our main task to the fullest of our ability as we did in our preliminary task because, if we do the same, we will flourish in flying colours, yet again.

Waseq Hossain
13AL2
JAWS PRODUCTIONS