Evaluation 6 - Skills Learnt about Technologies

To ensure that our final product could be made, there were several different software's and technologies we needed to use. These were:
- Final Cut Express
- Livetype
- Blogger
- Prezi
- Digital Cameras
- Microphones
- Red Head Lighting Kit
- Youtube

Final Cut Express was the main software that we used to put our whole project together. This software was used to put the actual sequence together, which included all of the sound and credits. To begin with, this software seemed quite complicated, as I hadn't had much experience and there was a large amount of different tools available. As the task went on more became clear, and I was able to use Final Cut Express quickly as I understood what was what. 'Cross Cutting' 'Additive Fade' and 'Colour Corrector' were the main editing techniques myself and the group used, but from Final Cut we were able to import sound effects and credits previously made. Below are some screen shots of the sequence in Final Cut.

To help produce our tital credtis, which was featured throughout our opening sequence, we needed to use LiveType. We had a lesson shown to us before we started our task on how to use the programme effectively. From that, we went then onto making the credits for our opening sequence. At first it seemed quite difficult as we weren't used to the software or able to use it to the best of our ability, but shortly after we practiced and changed a few things around it seemed quite straightforward. 

It was essential that we had a secure place in which all of our planning/research and evaluation tasks were able to be saved. Before starting the subject, I hadn't used Blogger or Prezi before, therefore I had to sign up to both of these software's. From blogger I made a blog (where we were able to embed presentations made from Prezi) which i kept updating throughout the project. Prezi was used for the powerpoints as a different way to display information, which then got uploaded to my blog. I found both of these software's really useful.

Throughout our group we all had a basic understanding of how to use the digital camera (examples such as record,stop,playback, zoom in/out). I feel however, my skills have developed significantly as I began to use the different camera angles. We also had a microphone available, this was to record specific sound effects which we wanted, for example after we had put together our opening sequence we agreed that a sound effect to go with the girl being tied up in the shed would work well. We therefore used the microphone to capture this sound. Lastly, Red Head Lighting Kit was used to improve the lighting of one of the shots - when we originally filmed it the picture came out too dark, so by using additional lighting we were able to focus it where it was needed.

Overall, throughout the project I feel my knowledge on these software's and technologies has considerably improved. I understand why they are a popular choice for film makers as they can really improve a sequence to make it look as real as possible. From starting off quite confused when using these technologies, to understanding exactly what I'm doing, is a big improvement.