Improving Evaluations

Do visit this website as there are so many opening sequences discussed and reduced to 9 frames. This should really help you choose and write about your frames.

Update and deadline

Dear all,

It was with much pride that I watched your thriller openings on a big screen today. They don't look half bad, do they?

We hope that you found the feedback from our guests helpful and will be using it in your evaluations.

Your blogs are looking much better, though can I urge you to proof read your evaluations? Some of you need to be a little more analytical and give specific examples. The work on audience research could also be improved or more clearly mentioned in a few cases.

We have decided to give you till NEXT FRIDAY (12.03) to complete and post everything you need to. There aren't any shot list or copies of your storyboard and this needs to feature somewhere, at least on the group blogs.

Finally, if you are still unsure about what to include in your personal blog, please refer back to earlier posts on this blog (use labels on the side)as well as the mark scheme below (for a level 4).

It's been a good week and it seems that everything is slowly coming together.

Ready to show your work in assembly?

Update - 6.03.10 - Well done to group 3 for posting their storyboard. Two groups to go... I would like to see more updated Evaluations reflecting the feedback given last week as well.

Updating blogs and presentations

Some of your blogs have been updated but not all. Furthermore, there is little evidence as yet that work is underway for your evaluation. These will need to be completed shortly as the deadline is looming. Get working!

Some of the research part of the coursework is still incomplete, particularly your research on famous directors and iconic thriller scenes. What you tend to provide so far is general information about directors rather than explaining why they are famous and/or respected in the business. For example, what is their signature film and why, or their signature style and how is it achieved? You obviously need to have seen some of their key films, particularly if they have inspired you for your own filming.

You also need to embed some Youtube videos of key iconic thriller scenes or opening sequences that are a source of inspiration (or aspiration) for you. Write a sharp analysis of the techniques used and to what effect.

Finally, you need to use some screen grabs from your own work and comment on them on your blog. Find a way to scan your storyboards to upload them as well, at least on your group blog, and comment on how well you've kept to them or what you had to change for whatever reason.

In an ideal world, all groups should have produced and commented on their film posters for your new thriller. As far as I know, two groups are working on that.

All in all, still a lot of work to be done... Some good work on DVD covers/film posters though.

Work hard! Some of you are not getting above an E for the first part of the coursework at the moment (It should be 20 marks easily gained).Look at the criteria distributed in class.

Your film openings as they stand will be presented in groups on Thursday. You'll need to present them and answer any question thrown at you. You will also get feedback to allow you to make final changes and adjustments in next Tuesday's triple (19/01/10).

Please see either of us for any guidance.

Updating blogs - Making decisions as a group

It is clear to us that a lot of discussion/planning is happening at the moment in your groups and this needs to be shown on your blogs, particularly if you are still hesitating between two options. Reading about your decision-making would be interesting.

Now that you have presented your pitch, you need to continue meeting and take minutes of points discussed and decisions made. One group still needs to upload their presentation.

Some groups have already encountered some practical problems with some of their ideas. You really need to consider the following questions (and be able to answer tehm all with a yes) when making decisions from now on:

1. Is it practical?

2. Is it an idea that works to the strengths of the group?

3. Will it show off the skills you have learnt so far on the course?

4. Is it something you can reasonably shoot and edit in the time available?

5. Can you get access/ permission to shoot in the chosen location at the chosen times?

6. Can you organise lighting to use in that location?

7. Have you included dialogue? If so, will it work to shoot conversation in that location?

8. Do you have guaranteed high quality reliable actors to play the characters?

Finally do please start to answer the Evaluation questions. All members of the group should be aware of them. See previous posts.

The evaluation questions - Thanks to Long Road

Now that you've started the pre-production for your film opening, you need to think about and start answering the evaluation questions in earnest. You should discuss them and make notes in your groups (and keep minutes on your group blog) but you need to answer them individually in detail on your individual blogs.
Evaluation Questions and Sub Questions

Work hard and take care over the quality of your written expression. Some of your posts need some serious editing for added clarity.