Preliminary task

 Preliminary Task – Practice Makes Perfect:

Before diving into the production of our actual film opening for Senistor Side, we took on a Preliminary Task—a smaller-scale project designed to help us practice essential filming and editing skills, explore media techniques, and get a feel for the workflow of a real production.

This task was crucial for building our confidence and technical understanding, and it helped our team learn what works and what doesn’t in a practical setting.

The Idea

For the preliminary task, we created a short video sequence based on a simple narrative:

Two friends meet in a deserted alley to confront each other over a lost item—something innocent at first glance, but the tension escalates as one of them reveals it’s connected to a dark past.

We wanted to test suspense and create a short, intense exchange that hinted at deeper conflict. This also helped us practice dialogue scenes, reaction shots, and camera continuity.

Pre-Production

Script: We wrote a brief script with dialogue and action notes.

Shot List: Included wide shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulder shots, and cutaways for tension.

Location: Chose a quiet outdoor location with good natural light and minimal background noise.

Equipment: Used a DSLR camera, tripod, and external mic.

Planning this small task gave us insight into the importance of preparation—even for a 1–2 minute video.

Production: The Shoot

Shooting the video took about 2 hours, with multiple takes of each shot. We focused on:

Camera angles: Capturing the scene from different perspectives.

Continuity: Ensuring smooth transitions between shots, especially during movement.

Sound: Capturing clear dialogue while avoiding ambient noise.

We faced a few challenges:

Changing light: Clouds affected our exposure.

Ambient noise: Passing vehicles interrupted takes.

Despite that, we successfully captured all the footage and gained hands-on experience in directing and cinematography.

Post-Production: Editing

Editing was done in Adobe Premiere Pro:

We used basic cuts for continuity.

Added a tense background score to heighten suspense.

Inserted cutaways to close-ups (e.g., a hand reaching into a bag) for added tension.

Practiced color correction to maintain consistent visuals.

This stage taught us how editing choices can shape the mood and how critical timing and pacing are to audience engagement.

Learning Outcomes

The Preliminary Task was incredibly valuable. Here’s what I learned:

Camera Handling: Framing, focusing, and steady shots require practice and patience.

Continuity: Even small mistakes (e.g., object placement) can break the illusion.

Teamwork: Coordination and clear communication are key for smooth production.

Editing: Post-production can transform raw footage into a compelling scene.

Final Thoughts

This task boosted my confidence and gave me practical insight into what to expect during the main production for Senistor Side. It highlighted the importance of planning, attention to detail, and adaptability on set. The skills I gained here will directly influence how we approach our actual film opening.

Stay tuned for our next blog where we start developing the script and narrative for Senistor Side—the real challenge begins!

Let me know if you want a follow-up post on the Preliminary Task: Script Development or need help drafting your learning reflection for that specific part!