Prelim Evaluation

Our teacher instructed us to form a prelim using just one prop - which was the wig, and, a setting of a police interrogation room, the rest was down to us... During the planning, we came up with many ideas. However, we concluded to stick with a scenario which was based on a police interrogator questioning a drug dealer, and then the idea was jotted down on a story board. We noted down a shot-list we’d use to reflect our messages; For example, on the 180 degree angle rule, we used a high angle shot to show the police integrator character penalising a drug dealer character. The script was also successful as we used modern day slang to illustrate the drug dealer’s youth and formal language to present the police interrogator’s formality.   I think planning is crucial because it makes everyone focused - each member knows exactly which responsibilities they hold on the day, it creates an organised structure.     

In the prelim, one of my jobs was to act out the police interrogation role. I came prepared to the lesson by dressing up as one and learning the lines. Even though my acting skills weren't the best (It was difficult to stay in character, serious, wearing a short grey wig!), I managed to develop some skills, like confidence and responding to other members contributions.  

After recording and editing, overall we were happy with the finished prelim, considering the limited amount of time. I gained some useful skills using the ‘Final Cut Pro X’ software. I learnt how to put recordings together to make a prelim and why you have to render a film (to make the film flow smoothly). I also learnt about the 180 degree rule, which is commonly used when two people are communicating opposite each other. The match cuts worked out successfully too. They were used to show the police integrator walking into another room.

In future, I would like to see some improvements on including diegetic sound. For example, when the police interrogator character was walking, we could've had the sound of footsteps. This makes the construction more believable, as if it’s realistic.

Even though this task was set for examination purposes, our group in particular, co-operated with each other and truly were very enthusiastic about the whole production. In my opinion, this is the key to success as it allows each member of the group to engage and contribute their share.