Technical Skills Development

1.1       Describe areas for development in your current knowledge, understanding and skills 

My current knowledge of film, is the basics of the foundations behind film (e.g. producers, pre-production, production, post production…). As well as each component in film making including a director, cinematographer, editor, producer, scriptwriter and the actor(s). My main interest is in cinematography, as it is the main component to film, in my opinion, as they execute the whole thing in just a very short amount of shoot days, and I admire this work, as well as aspiring to have a career in this field of work. I would love to become an auteur cinematographer, where my work would be recognised as mine, widely by people.

Another aim of his course is to further widen my knowledge on all bases including editing (the use of premiere and effects), directing and definitely producing, as i am unsure yet as to how crucial this role is to the effect and creation of a film.

1.2       Take a role in the production of a short film

I would like to do cinematography (Director of photography), but would also be interested in editing.

I hope to gain information and skills each week by learning about each aspect of film, to help me with both my school studies in film. Hopefully this will also to help me with a potential future career, and by doing this course I shall acquire most of the desirable and useful skills needed for that line of work.

Also at the moment I am considering further studying film from A-level and perhaps to University, or maybe even applying for an apprenticeship in hopes of leading to a job in film.

1.3       Gain feedback on how you performed your role

Ask tutors and/or other Academy participants the questions below, you can write your answers, film them or record the audio

What did I do well?

“Really well at adapting to any changes, as we had seen by the complications on shoot day, and Abbie preserved even when these issues did occur. Also she was able to work the camera effectively and professionally, considering this was her first ever attempt at film making.”

What were the challenges and how were they dealt with?

“The main challenge throughout the whole process was shoot day, which was Abbie’s main day, as she was the camera woman, and I believe that she worked especially well considering the issues with microphones, and locations being unavailable, resulting in the schedule that we had planned being messed up.”

How did I work within my team?

“A main and crucial member of the group, who could always manage to find solutions to any problems that we had, and would be open to any suggestions. She was generally commit ed to the task, and you could tell that she wanted to do the best possible job that she could.”

Do you have any advice or areas for development?

“Perhaps being a little more fast paced, when setting up the camera in the locations, as this would have made it much easier to get the shots filmed faster, and have left extra time to have done some re-shoots.”

1.4     Review own technical skills and use of equipment

What did you do in your role?

I was the cinematographer, whose job was to be in control of the camera, and video the film, through the directors vision.

Do you agree with the feedback? Give reasons for your answers.

I do agree with the feedback, both the positives and negatives, as i agree that faster setting up of equipment would have given us the chance to do some re-shoots.

How well do you think you carried out your role in production?

I believe that I carried out my role to the very best of my abilities, and the end product was successful.

What were your strengths and what were your challenges?

Challenges were the schedule that we had not being carried out in chronological order, as we had expected, but I feel that I and the team handled this well.

In what ways did your technical film making skills develop over the course of film production?

It developed over the time of the course, thanks to presentations by speakers from the film industry, who had given us knowledge, support and an idea of what to expect from making our own film.

How far has your knowledge and understanding of film production developed? 

I now have the knowledge and skill to use high grade camera equipment and boom mics, thanks to Daren Eagles, tutorial on cameras and how to be a Director of photography. I had managed to use my abilities in a practical way, rather than in just theory and this has helped to further develop my skill.

1.2 – Take a Role in a short film production

I would like to do cinematography (Director of photography), but would also be interested in editing.

I hope to gain information and skills each week by learning about each aspect of film, to help me with both my school studies in film.  Hopefully this will also to help me with a potential future career, and by doing this course I shall acquire most of the desirable and useful skills needed for that line of work.

Also at the moment I am considering further studying film from A-level and perhaps to University, or maybe even applying for an apprenticeship in hopes of leading to a job in film.