EVALUATION

EVALUATION

Short films have the ability to covey story and message as well as a full-length film. I have studied a variety of short films that are all unique in their own way but share their ability to make an impression on the audience. For example, one film I have looked at is called "slap" the film explores themes of identity and sexuality and subjects bigger than the film itself. Short films have an opportunity to educate the audience and create a lasting impression. Another film we have watched called 

For my short film, I have been inspired by the story of Ophelia from Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

For my short film, I have created a surreal composition that can be described s as a diary of visual recordings that use the influence of Film Noir and modern films such as ‘The Neon Demon’. The film has taken a lot of planning and many different shots to achieve the final outcome. The film has themes of identity and fear. And explores a variety of genres such as horror and Si-Fi. I have created it using my DLSR camera and using a tripod to keep shots stable and help me to create the desired shot. The genre is identifiable due to how I have used mise en scene. For example, I have used setting to 

Thanks to my previous experience using the software I was able to experiment and demonstrate my skills.  I also managed to experiment with new filters and techniques that I have not tried before, this was exciting and interesting to see how the software can create such diverse and compelling visuals. I have been sure not to use too many effects as to overcomplicate the film and give the film an unprofessional nature. If I was to undergo this project again I wouldn’t change much in the way I have done things, 

although one change I would make is creating a mock-up piece before the exam. This was a rough cut could have been a good excuse to review the footage and evaluate my storyboard.

I have used storyboards to plan out the order of shots and the narrative that I wanted to tell. I have also improvised with the order and rearranged the original idea as to what I think looks best. The piece that I have created is a series of visuals that have an underlying theme of identity and individuality. I have added sound effects that I have recorded and manipulated them to sound more dramatic and unique.

The genre is easily identafiable and can be decribed as a surrealist short with influences of horror and mystery. I have created a surreal theme by using a non-linear narrative and focused on the visual/aesthetic side of things. However, I have explored narrative through elements of mise-en-scene such as character expression and expression. I have also used  and editing effects such as 

The genre of music can be described as atmospheric and eerie. This is reminisant of a sci-fi film. The music I have used builds tension and sets the tone of the film. To compare to an existing short I would have to use "Echo" where music is used to build tension and match the character expression.

I have conformed to the conventions of horror and sci-fi by focusing on one storyline, and presenting a clear narrative with a non-traditional start and end. The audience is left with questions and uncertainty. The tone off the film is consistant throughout and it seamlesly faded in and out. With a variety of shots all exploring potenial sub-plots, it is the character expreesion and emotion of the actor that form the mainl narrative. This approach can be linked to the short film "Operator" an example of character expression and movement is when the call taker sits forward in their chair, as tension rises to illustrate emotion and empathy towards the caller. As well as this, after phone call ends, the call taker has an emotionless face, which illustrates that the call was intense and hard to handle. Without sound we would still be able to understand most of the narrative which is the same for my film.

I have used cinematography to help enforce a narrative to my film and create meaning for the audience. A technique that I used a few times is panning shots, I have used this to show the audience the whole scene and create a sense of mystery. For example, In the opening shot we see the actor facing some bright lights as the camera pans around her we can see the headlights of a car.


I have also used close up shots, A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state. Whereas a mid-shot or wide-shot is more appropriate for delivering facts and general information, a close-up can exaggerate facial expressions and  convey emotion. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings. I have also used establishing shot in my short this introduces the audience to the scene and the narrative within the shot. The short film titled "Slap" uses This technique; The establishing shot shows us where the characters are and the size of the flats and the tracking shot is used to show the audience the two men that walk across the car park the men who are the topic of their conversation.

In Arrival there is a shot of her in a café where she is the main focal point. This shows her isolation and in her own thoughts. I have been inspired by this technique and replicated a similar shot that represents the same intensions. The shot is bold and the audience has no choice to but to analyse the characters expression.

The target audience for this film is other a-level students as, as well as young adults. The main aim of this short film is to emote the audience and demostrate a visual concept, in order to try to make it successful, I used  micro-elements.  I have made sure that the actor is the focal point to every shot as to not distract the audience and keep the focus on her storyline and the emotions portrayed. Another inspiration behind my project s the film 'Ophelia'(2018) starring Daisy Ridley. The film tells the story of Ophelia comes of age as lady-in-waiting for Queen Gertrude, and her singular spirit captures Hamlet's affections. As lust and betrayal threaten the kingdom, Ophelia finds herself trapped between true love and controlling her own destiny. The film is aimed predominantly at adults but also young people who show interest in the subject.


When considering my target audiences, I was indluenced by the short film titled "Operator". I have watched this on youtube wich has allowed me to interact with the film and pause it and rewatch it. Although this is I feel that my short film would best be presented on the big screen. This is due to special effects and dramatic atmosphere that I have created. If the film was more documentary based simlar to the short film "Over"and was more focused on the information side of things I would suggest that the film is best presented on mobile devices or on a tv.  But like my film, "Operator" uses special effects and presentation to help tell a narrative and involve the audience.

In conclusion, I am very pleased with how the project has gone and I believe that I have achieved everything that I wanted to and more. I have learned about, letting a narrative and what kind of shot is successful and what doesn't work so well. My final piece is a five-minuteshort film that has turned out better than I imagined. I am very proud of the piece and the work that lead up to it.  I will continue my film making work at university and can not wait to improve my skills and push myself to try new things.