Michael's Evaluation ...

During the making of our 2 minute extract, I was mainly responsible for the editing aspect, therefore; it was for me to decided how to cut scenes together, what effects to use, etc. The difficulty of which varied, due to our ever changing idea's. For, to brgin with, our idea as to what our short film extract was going to be, was completely different to it's outcome. This is because, the film's of which we were influenced by may have influenced us a little too much, and thereby hindered us in a way.



We had seen such films as Se7en (David Fincher 1995), the opening title sequence of which inspired us to want to creat something abstract, surreal, something other-worldly. We were also heavily influenced by the film Requiem for a dream (Darren Aronofsky 2000). Why? Again, because of the styleised and abstract shots, editing, and cinematography - Of which this film so beautifully excentuates. We watched the trailer together as a group, and agreed that we would like to create something similiar.



So, we decided that the best way for us to integrate these abstract shots, use of fast pace editing, and surreal effects - Was during that of a psychological thriller, most probably drug-induced. This is imply because we believed it would be easier to justify the use of styleisation, if the central character was a drug addict. As, when he/she was using the drug(s), they would see the world in a different light, and any POV shot's we decided to use could be altered to look more abstract. However, upon going out to shoot our first scenes, etc; i.e. those abstract shots, of which would be integrated into, most likely the opening sequence of our film, came to be rather dissapointing. Post shooting, when we watched over what we had, or rather the lack of usable footage. We came to realise that we were heading in the wrong direction. Back to the drawing board, so to speak, we made the decision to lose the cliché of teenage drug problems; and thought harder about how we could justify the procurement of a psychosis. Finally, we came to an idea of schizophrenia, we drew up storyboard's, had an entire story for a full length film, and got to work on shooting the necessary scenes.

Post shooting, once we had all the needed shot's, and sound - It was primarily down to me to cut it all together. It was imperative that there was a consistent through line narrative, that the storyline was complete, not too obvious; and yet not too complex so as to confuse the audience. Finding the right balance, was half the struggle. We also wanted their to be a reasonable range of shot's, etc, throughout this extract - So that this small 2 minute piece was neither too 'samey' nor boring. Here are some examples of what shot's we used, in the form of screen grab's.

As you can see we have a POV shot, some establishing shots, an over the shoulder view, a pan, and a few medium and long shots. When editing these together, it was important that they flowed well, and there was continuity throughout. We also wanted parts to seem surreal, and at times shocking. SO, the POV shot of which we used had effects added to make it look unreal, and slightly dreamy - As it was through the eyes of the central character, 'George', who was very confused and didn't know what he was seeing was real, or a dream.

Overall, I believe that as a group, we have worked together well, and the final product; i am reasonably proud of. In terms of editing, i believe what i have accomplished is strong, in the syncing of the sound of which we dubbed over, the cutting and placement of shots, and the narrative in general.