Q7Looking back at my preliminary task, what do I feel I’ve learnt from the progression from it to

the full product

I didn’t quite know my direction as an artist before

this course…

There were times where I hadn’t a clue about what I was doing.

BEFORE I STARTED MEDIA STUDIES

I had never done media in my life and wanted to, until before I started, become a psychiatrist. I’m glad I didn’t and opted to become a filmmaker instead, because otherwise I

would never have experienced so much, especially with this course.

I wasn’t so sure what to expect from Media, but immediately I became engaged with my group and with

producing both the Continuity Task and the Opening Sequence, learning a variety of new things, technically and theoretically. But, I think over the course of this subject (and hopefully with the continuation next year) I have learned a lot more about myself as an artist and as someone who is

engaged in this brilliant medium which is film.

Before I started Media I had no idea what to

expect and was incredibly shy around

all this equipment. Yet, although overwhelming at first, I grew used to

it.

I remember looking at this picture in a media class and my teacher asking: “Is that a

brownie?” to which I embarrassingly answered: “No miss, it’s a camera”

It’s good I can laugh about that now!

THE CONTINUITY TASK

When we were given this task I was a bit hesitant, because it would be my first taster of real media production. Yet, it

was exciting because we got to learn all the basics of basics on planning (I became particularly interested in

scriptwriting), using equipment (like microphones, which I had never used) and brand new software and state-of-the-

art macs.I don’t think that the continuity piece was the most

professional looking thing and we’ve definitely come a long way, but it was a very good stone to build on as it allowed us to make mistakes and fully reflect on those mistakes.I personally look back now on that task and am able to

identify which faults I’ve corrected and what things are still to be perfected to become a truly professional filmmaker.

Things like time management, full use of the available equipment and the spaces and also how to take ourselves

seriously.

It’s so comical, looking at the continuity piece, because you can tell we

were clueless about what we were doing,

which I think is impressive looking at our opening sequence

now.

We made so many mistakes with this piece, even with the shoes!

WHAT I LEARNED WITH THE CONTINUITY TASK

I noticed we often underestimate the value of props and little details in films which overall contribute for a good

continuity. Besides the camera work and good acting, things like production design and sound, I learned, required just as

much attention, sometimes even more.Also, technically, as I explain in Q6, I think we were very

fortunate to have the opportunity to work with professional-standard equipment. I did most of the editing in the

continuity piece and so I learned a lot about how to work with Adobe Premiere and how to explore its many tools for my advantage. Noticing how different transitions, titles and

sound came together overall with the video was an interesting knowledge because it prepared me. Now when

looking at a film or television series I’m able not only to feel but notice why I’m feeling those things, pointing out what

the director has done with the footage and how that affects me.

After those big mistakes in our continuity task, we really

understood how to work with continuity, so that when we got around the opening sequence

we produced things much more professionally.

I particularly like how we had such a fluid continuity and soft editing in this scene

FROM THE CONTINUITY TASK TO THE OPENING

SEQUENCEAfter realising the mistakes we had made with the

continuity, the lack of diversion in angles and the poor time management, we approached the Opening Sequence task

much more prepared. Or so we thought.But we definitely took on this task with much more energy

and professionalism, planning extensively and drawing (quite literally) a much clearer picture of what to do and

how to do it.The group’s chemistry was also key for this, as we

organised ourselves and divided tasks quickly and didn’t encounter any personal conflicts which affected our work.So, when beginning the Opening Sequence it was much

easier and more natural because we were already prepared for what was to come.

It took a lot of planning, but we didn’t want to

make any mistakes this time, especially given our Opening Sequence was

going to be marked.

Although the character isn’t quite planning anything there, this picture seemed fitting out of

context.

THE RESEARCH I DID

I enjoy reading and it was very interesting for me to look at books on topics such as Feminisms, Queer Theory and Film Studies. I think they fully enclosed the sphere of knowledge I had gained because up to then I’d been focusing mostly on the technical aspects of producing a film and hadn’t looked at important things such as Representations and how the

media can shape thoughts and perceptions.So, reading books helped me understand things in symbolic

terms and to give seemingly superficial things (such as camera shots) deeper meanings. I learned how positioning people in different shots can alter the way the audience’s

feelings towards that person, how to highlight concepts and messages though editing and how the media work to create stars and can be important in civil movements such those in

the 1960’s and 1970’s.

I never knew there was such a variety of literature inside Film which I could explore and the most amazing part of reading

these was that every book made sense and broadened

my mind.

Some of the most interesting books I read were on Queer Theory and Feminisms, topics I had

never looked at in a media context

DURING THE PRODUCTION OF THE OPENING SEQUENCE

The months we had to create this product were very interesting because, especially at our age, a lot of things change in our lives in that time. For me personally, the balance between this work and my family and social life

truly shaped my mind-frame and the way I perceived myself and the world around me.

When working I experienced a lot of artistic changes, growing as the product came to life. With the filming (which

I wish I had been more present for) having the chance to look in the way filmmakers do had a great impact. Also, noticing how to balance being a director, an actor and a

cinematographer made me more conscious of how precious each of these tasks are and now I’m able to value the work of professionals who take upon all these tasks differently.

With the editing, the reflection on the difficulties in combining image and sound, balancing theory and skill, to form one unique piece was ever present. To grasp a film in those terms really opened my eyes to these new artistic

possibilities.

Now I watch films in a whole new and different

way, valuing the works of art much more.

If it was a joy to go to the cinema before, now it’s a pleasure!

THE MISTAKES WE MADE

I think we epitomise that idea of learning from one’s mistakes, because we made so many and learned so much from each. I for one will never go into an editing room again without enough video footage and prepared audio footage. Having to go back and re-do something is never pleasant, but really there came times when it was frustrating how

much we had to correct instead of create.Still, all these mistakes were good for us, because we were

able to recover from them with a brilliant piece and learn for the future where and how to invest the time given to us. The re-filming and re-editing and re-recording went much better and swifter than the many hours we spent working

on the old footage just to bring it to our own standards. We really pulled off and got to grips with all the elements,

creating something we were very proud with and I think industry standard.

I think we’ve pulled through our mistakes and, from an

artist’s point of view, it’s just an experience worth going

through.

We were very pleased with the outcome of our work.

LOOKING BACK

It’s interesting because now reaching the end of the course, the exam coming close, I feel very confortable with myself

in this course.The technical and theoretical knowledge has been amazing

to explore and develop and the way I think has also changed. I am now able to visualise things much better and project my ideas to a group while still being a good “team

player”, respecting other’s perspectives and ideas.Ultimately, this course has made me aware of how the

world around us is deeply dependent on the media in very positive ways. We look at films to see ourselves and also to reflect upon ourselves as well and I am very excited to be a part of the process of making pleasurable experiences for

other people and myself in the process.

…but now I feel completely at ease with myself and the

choices I’ve made. I can now explore new possibilities knowing I’m prepared to

confront them.

I made such good friends and learned so much, I really can’t point out anything negative about the course.

“We’re the keepers of the dreams”

– Susan Sarandon (“The Celluloid Closet”)