Production Skills

Evaluation of Preliminary Task

Strengths

Costume

This piece does have certain aspects that were done to a better degree. One of these aspects is the costume within the exact. The Satanists could be clearly identified because they wore hooded black clothing. The nature of a Satanist should be disturbing and terrifying. I think these elements were displayed through this use of costume. The black hoods have connotations of a Grim Reaper; this is related to Satan and therefore amplifies these mentioned characteristics, furthermore the black colour also clearly identifies them as sinister and part of a satanic cult. The costume of the victim is suitable for the character he attempted to portray. This protagonist was an individual on his walk home from the office block he works in. The formal shirt and trousers helps to create this character and give him some kind of background; because this is the typical clothing worn by a person of his profession. The white shirt creates a contrast against the black cloaks of the Satanists. The white it’s-self helps has connotations that this protagonists is vulnerable and helpless. Adding to this, the white also helps display the divide of good and evil in this video.

Lighting

In this short clip, lighting was used effectively. During the first four scenes a high-key ambient lighting was used to create a contrast with the vastly different lighting that comes in the last scenes. The high-key ambient lighting connoted a more relaxed nonchalant feel to the character as well as the scenes themselves. This was contrasted by the very low key lighting of the three scenes that feature the Satanists. The low- key lighting helps to change this relaxed theme to one that is disturbing, and frightening. This the new change bodes well with the antagonists and aids their scary personas. A harsh high-key lighting was used under each hooded face. This has the effects of putting a shadow under the features of each face whist at the same time casting a harsh and unforgiving light onto the front of each facial feature. Overall this makes these characters seem scarier. A spot light was used on the face of the protagonists this highlighted his terrified expression.

Dialogue

The dialogue of this piece was effective in creating different moods. A chant was used by the Satanists, this demonstrated that they were part of a cult. The chant its self was “Rise”, this was repeated in unison during two scenes. This use of language hints that they may be trying to resurrect a devil like creature. The multiple repetitions of rise helps give tension to the scene. The second section of dialogue in this piece is from the victim, it acts as small prologue. The dialogue itself is a follows “Everybody loves a car crash until you realise it’s your car” this speech attempts to have the same effect as “curiosity killed the cat” meaning that this character undoubtedly regrets interrupting the ritual. Once again this creates tension because the audience want to be able to connect what has been said with the event.

Sound

The sound used in this extract was also used to create tension. The music has been placed over the footage and is barely audible. As the extract progresses it gets gradually louder. This rise in volume helps this tension to rise.

Camerawork

The camerawork in this short piece could be considered as one of the strong points of the horror film. Having said this, like many of the different elements of this extract, there were obvious points for improvement. In the scenes that featured the Satanists a low angle mid shot was used at one point. This shot choice connotes a power dominance for the Satanists. Adding to this a close-up was used later on to help them seem intimidating. Regarding the protagonist several different shot types were used. An action match was used during a walking scene with this character. This shot type helped to show his progression up the path.

At the point when this individual discovered the satanic cult, an over the shoulder shot was used to help the audience see the antagonists from his perspective. Amongst the most effective shots was a high angle used on the victim this helps to show his helplessness. The composition of the shots in this piece were accurate, the characters in the shot always had the correct headroom. The rule of thirds was also used during the walking scene; this helped the shot seem more appealing.

Weaknesses

Editing

Throughout this production process editing was definitely the weakest aspect. For the entirety of the clip a simple cut was used for each transition from shot to shot. This caused the film to have very little variation and as a result made it tedious to watch. Adding to this many of the cuts had very weak links form one to the other. This made it seem very disjointed.

Setting

The setting detracted from the effectiveness of the film. In this piece there were two different locations one inside and the other outside. The transition into these locations showed a contrast that was two large, making this clumsy change in setting seem very obvious. Furthermore the drama room that was used by the antagonists was unrealistic and didn’t seem like the kind of location for a dark ritual. As already explained this greatly affected to realistic look to the film.

Make-up

The make-up in this piece was not as prominent as it should have been, the satanic cult members should have been more noticeably transformed into scarier beings. The white and grey paste that was used on the face and under the eyes of these characters was not very visible.

Plot

The plot of this horror clip is too short and shallow. The entire of the films plot was exposed during the small clip this is very inaccurate for a horror trailer. As a result of this the audience will not be enticed to watch the film.

Areas for improvement

To ensure I improve my editing I will plan every different cut from shot to shot, making sure that it looks effective and is conventional for the genre. This can be done through the use of a detailed story board that incorporates all of these. To improve the setting in my next horror trailer I will make sure it is conventional for the genre and is guaranteed to evoke feeling of terror in the audience. Once again this will take planning and organisation. Make-up is a key part of the horror genre this means that the make-up I use will need to look realistic. In the same way I will improve the previous weaknesses the plot must also be planned in detail. It has to interest the audience and once again be interesting for the audience.