Bussing Sequence - Evaluation.

As a part of our preliminary task we filmed a bussing sequence, in which the victim, which in this case was me, receiving a false shock, before receiving the real scare. The victim is alone in the school, and goes to play the piano, as she is playing Beethoven “Moonlight sonata” she notices the curtains moving, she gets up to leave, as she turns around to walk out, the piano lid shuts.  She then drops her folders, paper flies everywhere, as she is gathering her papers, the killer (Asha) emerges from the curtains and goes to attack the victim. Throughout filming this bussing sequence, we encountered many problems, and due to constructive criticisms, we overcame them, and learnt from out mistakes.

We had to overcome a few problems whilst filming this bussing sequence, however the biggest problem was the continuity error, due to costume change, as we didn’t finish all the filming in one day, we had to continue filming the next week, and so I had difficulty in getting ahold of the outfit. However we put that aside and carried on filming, we now know that when we film our actual trailer, to take that into consideration and make sure that there will be no continuity errors.

In filming this bussing sequence, we had to think about, what types of shots we would use, how we would edit it, the sound and the mise-en-scene.

At the beginning of this sequence there is an over the shoulder long shot, we have concluded that as a clip on its own, it’s too long. We could’ve had an establishing shot and then a shot of the victim (me) walking up the stairs, in order to establish the setting. A shot from behind the villain (Asha) makes the audience wonder who is behind her, when in fact no one’s there, so it doesn’t have the same effect as it would have done with a shot reverse shot, of my reaction to her appearance.  The diegetic sound editing needs to be smoother as it’s too jerky, could’ve recorded the track and then added it in as a non-diegetic sound, so it’s continuous. In one of the shots, there is too much distance between me and Asha, so it doesn’t make sense for it to be a point of view shot, also my screaming is in a different direction.

As we was split into two groups, we decided to show each other our bussing sequences, in order to get some feedback, in what we did right and what needed to improve on or change.

They commented on the same things we picked up on; the continuity error with the costumes, the jerky diegetic sound of the piano editing.  They commented on my “fall” and concluded that it wasn’t convincing, so in order for it to work, we either eliminate that shot, or somehow make it look realistic. The fact that we didn’t have enough, close up shots of the victim’s face in order to sympathize and identify with the victim.  The low angle shot of my feet walking towards the piano, was a bad shot to use, due to the fact that it doesn’t make me look vulnerable but completely opposite, makes me look strong and powerful. The scene with the piano could of made it creepier but playing some eerie notes. Also as we used too much too much piano diegetic sound, we couldn’t use as much of the non-diegetic sound, so in order to use more non-diegetic sounds, we need to shorten the piano diegetic sound. They commented on our continuity editing in the beginning where I’m peaking round the corner, by the door frame. They suggested that in order to create and build tension, we should if used shorter, quicker shots in order to create that effect. Finally they commented on our ending shot, they said that it faded to end too quickly, however it links to psycho which is good. However overall they agreed that it made sense and it linked, and that there were some aspects which were really good, however there’s a lot of improvements and changes needed in order for it to be really good.

What I have learnt from this experience, is that when filming, you need to have a proper plan set out, as of what props you need, costume, sort out the shots, and maybe get a clue of how you would edit it and where the non-diegetic sounds would go, in order for it to maybe work better.  I have also learnt that, if we needed to continue filming on another day, due to time/weather etc. We need to make sure that the actors have the same costumes/hair/make up etc.

I have also learnt how to use the equipment when filming and editing. I am hoping to improve my knowledge in editing and filming, in hoping to get full marks.