Last week I visited the British Film Institute, their was a talk form a senior examiner, Peter Frasers explaining how exactly to get an A and what we should not do. There was also two people who work within the film industry, who were interviewed by the examiner. This talk helped us know what he expects an A students film sequence opening to be, and how we can achieve that.The examiner explained what should be included in our work. I must make some general research in the start but then concentrate of research that will help my thriller opening specifically. This will show the development of ideas, and help with my group, and I's opening sequence. The examiner said it would be a good idea to present nine key frames from my opening sequence titles (once I have my final edit), this will explain the sequence quickly, and will look professional.
The examiner then went on to explain some key tips. I have learnt a lot from these tips. I have learnt that the smaller research, and developments gives better grades, rather than bigger, which won't be as detailed or as helpful. I must plan, when I am going and out filming, by planning what I will be doing and how long that will take. This will allow me to keep track of my time, to get all of my film before editing. The same must be done with editing, by planning how long each part of editing will take, and also finding locations, props and costumes.
I have also learnt that I need to take into account what equipment I actually have, have I got the correct equipment to achieve what I want, am I using the equipment to its fullest potential. I could research into things, for example some of the effects I want to use, on after effects and final cut pro. I have also learnt that I must research into the titles as well as genre etc. Because it is important I spend as much time on the titles as the plot, because they are asked for in the brief.
The examiner also explained that having the correct skills, will benefit the project. So I should expand my skills of editing, camera work and other elements. I could also add foley sound, as the examiner mentioned to do. This will make the opening more professional, and at an A grade. This is done by taking away all of the sound to the shots, and then adding non diegetic sound. I could research into how to make different sounds, and try a few so when It comes to the editing my group and will not waste any time.
Keeping record of all of the research and process I do is also important, as the examiner stated, this will then count as research and give me a better grade. I could do this by taking screenshots, and explaining how I have done things. All of the group must have a voice during the process, making sure we all take part equally. After the rough cut has been completed we have to look at it and analysis it, giving our selfs constructive criticism, we can also ask others. My self and my group must pay attention to detail, to ensure we can achieve an A.
We were also shown examples of students work, some at level one, and another at two, then three then a level four. Four being the higher grade (A grade), and one being the lowest grade (D or lower grade). This helped me know what not to do, for example, use low key lighting, remove any unnecessary noise and use actors that fit the characters and rehearse their lines to prepare them.
As well as being told about this valuable information, there was also interviews with industry people. One of which was Paul McDonnell, he is a title sequence designer and director. Because his work mainly consists of titles, he showed us some of his work from Da Vinci's Demons, which he layerd and then painted on to get the effect. We then saw Jake Hume being interviewed, who is a young producer. This showed that even if your young you can still make a film. He explained to become a producer you must make films. The day was really beneficial, and I now know what to improve on.
