4th May, Viewing films, feedback

Today we finally got round to viewing the films. Unfortunately, even though I was clearly very excited, we watched every film but ours. Although I was quite upset about that, it was still a very entertaining experience. While watching the films I tried to pick up on things that I thought were done well, and what could be improved, both as a sound editor and as a film student.

Through this exercise, and during the commenting (after the films), I was a reflective learner, a thinker and a communicator (see below). I was reflective in the fact that I noted in other films the parts that I had found particularly difficult (such as color correction), which I will at some point ask the group who made the film about. This will aid me in supporting my own weakness(es) by doing something about them. I was a thinker because I was quite critical of other films, and using my own creativity and reasoning gave constructive criticism that could be of use were the groups to edit the films some more. Finally, I was a communicator because I was able to get my ideas and thoughts on the film across both politely and loudly, through words and hand motions (another 'mode' of communication...body language!). During the films I took some notes, and I took noes on what others fed back on during the commenting period. Below is a summary.

Say Cheese

• Comical music at the beginning takes the edge off and gives it the wrong 'feel'
• Strange/ unrelated beginning... made me confused later on as to Sarah's part in the film
• Fast paced music, but too fast before action catches up
• Sometimes unclear what is happening
• Some interesting/original shots i.e. 'eye' opening and closing and running into camera
• Not enough portals
• Background 'buzzing' ambient noise obvious at some points
• Suspenseful ending
• Nice idea that could have been expanded

Babooshka

• Well-done, suspenseful beginning
• Obvious red-tint; camera alteration and editing obvious
• Continuity sometimes disregarded; person is in one place, then another withOUT portals
• Nice parallels between music and visuals (i.e. when Xiang yi jumps and the heavy music starts)
• Music is not a clear indicator as to what is going on - strangely heavy
• Mostly good background sound, until running on courts and footsteps
• End is unclear as to what happened

Wabbit Hunt

• Nice beginning music
• Very good idea - although not 'original', very good choice for portal project, and they made it their own
• Tastefully done transition between speaking and no speaking - appropriate
• Some obvious sound input (editing obvious)
• Very loud scream - a bit distracting and out of place
• Funny playground scene, but it goes on a bit too long
• Running sounds where previously there was not supposed to be any diagetic sound
• Strange transition to bus out of school - obvious change in pace that ruined the illusion a bit
• Dragged on slightly
• Very funny and entertaining

High Octane

• A bit quiet
• Some obvious sound editing - creaking noises put it
• Some nice angles - feet running away on steps
• Very nice 'sped up' style (from brick)
• Strangely comical fight scene - bit inappropriate (sped up style made it funny and weird)
• Music a bit strange for content - made me unsure what to feel
• Very high production value - a pleasure to watch

Reflective learners: Give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

Thinkers: Exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators: Understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.