In my short horror film, I made sure to showcase talent within the region with the short horror film which is called “ Frectum ” which is translated from L atin to “the broken one.” I ensured to use a variety of different camera angles along with incorporating different effects to avoid the film being labelled as bland. I used several different and unique camera angles and shot sizes such as high angles, medium close up and a side shot just to name a few. My ideal goal before beginning to produce this short horror film was to have a high quality product with lots of interesting and unique footage used. In addition, I decided to use the standard lighting in the room alongside the camera light. I used this to light up the surroundings for the entire short horror film to indicate a more cinematic atmosphere. One of the most important factors that helped me on my journey through this project has been the usage of schedules. This allowed me to keep on task and try to stay ahead of schedule so then there would be no issue in regards to reaching the final deadline along with the fact that if there was any issues I could handle them without going overtime and having to stress over reaching the deadline. This also allowed me to be very organised throughout the duration of this project. With this, issues throughout the project were much more simple and easier to handle. Furthermore, I made sure to gather audience feedback on my initial drafts and final product to be confident that my end product was up to a high standard and be able to tweak slight or major issues people had with my initial drafts of the documentary to make it the best product I could. This proved to be very helpful as after amending some of my target audience's key issues they thought the documentary was great and allowed them to gain some more knowledge on the subject.
Firstly, researching into the client was the first section of the project I did which allowed me to learn more about Sunderland Culture . This allowed me to potentially apply some of this information to the final product and find out what the core values of Sunderland Culture are.
In addition to researching the client, I decided to look into some short horror films including ones made in Sunderland to get an understanding of the style of the products in which I also started to think about how my product will align with Sunderland’s traditional style whilst also being unique. I put an extensive amount of time into researching short horror films and the products made within Sunderland so then I can understand and implement the cultures elements into my own short horror film.
After making my verdict of which genre I wanted to do, I decided to look into the audience I would be making my short horror film for. This allowed me to understand which areas of Sunderland Culture I could've focused on and which sections I didn't need to focus on. In addition, I did this to allow me to think about and start creating ideas for my short horror film as this made it easier to keep on the relevant topic.
Furthermore, once I completed my target audience research, I started to construct a pitch so then I know I can go ahead with the project. This allowed me to compile all of the research I had done up un until that point along with what my idea is, why it works and how I will manage my time.
Once I completed the pitch and could begin further development on my project, I began and completed the logistical elements of pre-production so then I knew who my crew was, where I was filming (and if it would be safe) and what equipment I needed. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I begin filming.
Once I completed the logistical elements, I began and completed the plot board in creative elements of pre-production so then I knew the general plot of my short horror film. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I begin scripting my short film as if I didn’t do this, scripting out the short horror film would be considerably more difficult as I wouldn’t know what specific scenes would be happening if I didn’t complete this.
Once I completed the plot board, I began and completed the story board in creative elements of pre-production so then I could go into more detail which would make script writing an easier and less confusing process. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I begin scripting my short film as if I didn’t do this, scripting out the short horror film would be considerably more difficult as I wouldn’t know what specific scenes would be happening in what order if I didn’t complete this.
Once I completed the plot board and story board, I began and completed the final aspect of creative elements of pre-production which is the script so then when I film it will be a more structured process. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I begin filming my short film as if I didn’t do this, filming the short horror film would be considerably more difficult as I wouldn’t know what specific scenes would be happening in what order if I didn’t complete this.
Once I completed the script, I began and completed the first draft of my short horror film within the production process and gathered feedback for this as if I didn’t, I wouldn’t know what areas I’d need to improve upon. This was done so then my product is as high quality as possible.
As I was creating my product, I began and completed the production+ postproduction diary so then I could keep track of my progress and document it as I go. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I evaluated my performance as if I didn’t do this, I wouldn’t be as precise in what I did well and what I could improve upon.
As I was creating my product, I also began and completed the postproduction editing diary so then I could keep track of my editing process. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I evaluated my performance as if I didn’t do this, I wouldn’t be as precise in what I did well and what I could improve upon.
Moreover, I analysed my performance with my final product so then I can see where I could improve with future projects. This was done so then I was as organized as possible for when I evaluated my performance as if I didn’t do this, I wouldn’t be as precise in what I did well and what I could improve upon.
Overall, I learnt several new skills throughout this project including continuing to enhance new editing skills even if they do not stick in the final product and to create several new camera techniques that I learnt in the process of the making of the short horror film. I have been able to take feedback on board as I have been able to amend nearly all the issues with the short horror film. I feel like I have met the expectations of the brief as I have promoted Sunderlan d Culture through a 10–15-minute short horro r film. Whilst recording and editing the short horror film, the areas I continued to excel and be the most confident in was the script writing or acting as both areas I do well in comparison to other areas that I struggle with.