Analysis of a previous students work.

By Briony Watkins.

What am I hoping to achieve from this task?

For this task I intended to learn the difference between a high level and a low level film opening. To do this I decided to compare a variety of different examples which I put into a grid, using the format of what went well (WWW) and even better if (EBI) to show the information. This allowed me to give them a fair grade that would be appropriate and wellconsidered by using the marking criteria (see next slide). This scheme would allow me to understand the difference between a high level and a low level film opening, to inspire me on what my own opening should look like and how to get the highest grade possible.

The marking criteria.

Video level 4- 48-60 marks. There is evidence of excellence in the creative use of most of the following technical skills: holding a shot steady, where appropriate; framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate; using a variety of shot distances as appropriate; shooting material appropriate to the task set; selecting mise-en-scne including colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting; editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer; using varied shot transitions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set; using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set; using titles appropriately.

Videos. Video 1Roses are Red.

What went well. Some appropriate use of an unsteady shot. Credits merged in with the scene well. Variety of shot types used. Sound worked well with the scene. Both diegetic and non-diegetic sound are used well. The opening works well with the genre. Excellent use of steady shots and unsteady shots for an effect. Music works well with the scene and produces enigma codes, particularly in the chase scene. The titles work well with the action and look very professional and well thought about. The mise-en-scne, particularly the suits, look professional. The setting and lighting were well considered. Non-diegetic sound tied in with the diegetic sound from the IPod which looks professional. The track seems well thought about and personal. The setting was well considered. The mise-en-scne, particularly the props and costume seem well thought about. The camera effect at the beginning looked professional and well filmed. Contrapuntal sound effectively used. The sepia format works well with the film noir sub-genre. Sound effects are used well for emphasise. The shot types and movements are well used. Some locations seem appropriate and well thought about.

Even better if. Some shaky shots- look unprofessional and overused. Some sound seems unprofessional, particularly the voice over at the end. Editing not very varied and not a very transparent meaning although some does come across.

Marks out of 60. I would give this 45/60.

Video 2The Edge.

The use of on-diegetic sound could be effective as it could help to clarify the meaning. Certain titles, especially the main title the edge, seems ill-suited to the other title, looking slightly unprofessional.

I would give this 58/60.

Video 3Karma.

The meaning seems unclear mainly due to the editing. The voice over also seemed to contradict the scene, leading to a confused meaning. Some of the shaky shots made it look unprofessional, as well as a limited variety of them. The genre seems quite unclear. The scene felt too much like a short film rather than a film opening. Some unnecessarily shaky camera shots ad movements. Settings seem ill-suited at times. Not a wide variety of shot types. Titles arent used which makes it unclear that it is a film opening. The meaning seems somewhat unclear, partially due to editing. A female playing the main character seems unconventional to the genre. Copyrighted music. A lack of a variety of shot types in the second half of the scene. Editing generally quite poor which leaves the meaning unclear. Has quite some unprofessional feel altogether.

I would give this 20/60.

Video 4Deception.

I would give this opening 42/60.

Video 5born from the streets.

Some good editing effects. Setting well considered. Good combination of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. Good use of title credits but not always. Costume and props well considered. Some good editing shots at the start of the scene, A freeze frame works well with the voice over. The actors are adults which works well with the genre. The mise-en-scneise en scene (particularly the costumes and props) works effectively with the genre. Diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used effectively. Looks quite professional.

I would give this opening 30/60 based on the actual video although it would have to be marked 0/60 as it uses copyrighted music.

Video 6made man. (analysed up to 2.20)

Not a wide variety of shot types. No titles or credits so it doesnt seem like a film opening. Voice over seems over-used and makes the action and storyline jump. Too much happens in the time and it feels more like a short film than a film opening.

I would give this opening 46/60, just out of level 4 as there were no credits.

How will this help me to plan my own opening?

For my own opening, I will ensure that I use the marking criteria as a target of what factors I need to look at during both the filming and editing stages of making my opening. I will make sure that I use level 4 in particular to help me reach the highest grade possible. This task has helped me to understand the difference between a high level and a low level film opening, and to get the highest grade possible for myself I must use the most successful film openings as inspiration to getting a high grade. One important factor that I have learnt is how diegetic and non-diegetic sound can be used both effectively and poorly and I must aim to use the combination effectively myself. I have also understood that despite having a low budget and limited settings, I can still achieve a high grade.