What have I learnt from making a film?

Task:

We got set a task in class to work in groups of 4-5 and produce a swede film. A swede film is a short recreation of a popular film using basic filming equipment and a limited budget. We were given 30 minutes to discuss ideas within our group and then plan our film. Over the next week we had to prepare props. We then had 30 minutes to film. We then got a lesson to begin editing. We were set this task to help us build a basic idea of how to make a film and edit it. The aim was not to make a brilliant film but to learn how to use the equipment and get a basic understanding of how to film and edit.

Planning:

The first problem we faced was during planning. Our group had chosen to do Harry Potter. For this we realised we needed props that we had no budget for. We had to make many of our props with the basic supplies we already had. For example we made glasses with paper and our wands were sticks we’d found outside. We also borrowed black cloth from our drama apartment to make cloaks. We also needed to find actors. We had to plan this advance as within our group we didn’t have enough people to play each character. We had to insure that people we asked were free during our allocated filming time. We planned a rough story board thinking about the plot of our film and which scenes would go in what order and also where we would film them. The location of each scene was difficult because it was obvious we were filming at school whereas the original setting of Harry Potter was in a castle and looked magical. However we worked around this by planning in advance where each scene would be set, trying to hide the actual setting in each scene, using props and different camera angles.

Risk assessment:

On the day of filming before we got started we had to discuss a risk assessment to avoid anyone getting hurt. As a class we discussed risks such as dropping and damaging the equipment, people falling over, and people being hit by doors or falling off chairs/tables etc. we then discussed ways to prevent these. We came up with; everyone walking carefully, no climbing on things and making sure to be careful whilst holding the equipment, making sure the tripods legs are always closed whilst moving.

Learning how to use the equipment:

Before we were allowed to leave and start filming we had to learn how to use the equipment. This meant learning to open and extend the tripods legs and how to attach the camera to it. By learning this it meant that there was less risk of damaging the equipment. We then learnt how to actually use the filming setting on the camera. This meant we could get the best shots and scenes possible.

Filming:

We then were let off to go and film. It had to be a 2-3 minute film and we had 8 short scenes within our swede. From making this film I learnt which camera shots and angles were appropriate for each scene. I got a better understanding of how to use and position the camera and the height of the tripod to be get the best shots.

Time management:

This is the part our group struggled the most with. We were given a very limited amount of time to film and found ourselves rushed to finish filming each scene. Especially as our scenes were all in different locations so not only did we have to film but we had to walk to and from settings. From this I learnt how to manage my time better and next time will have learnt from our mistake. I also learnt that planning was very key in time management as everyone has to know exactly what they’re doing when and where to avoid time wastage.