Rumours feedback (Other school project feedback)

So we apparently have linked with other schools media groups, so that we can give feedback to each other about our pieces. Its clear that other schools have better equipment to carry out their tasks and it seems like there schools care more about media than our media hating school, judging by their blogs. So yes I shall leave this rant and review!..

So we got asked to review Rumours.


 
* Holding a shot steady, where appropriate -
Most shots use a steady shot, which shows excellent camera skills. However I think in a few shots, some natural camera shake may add to the atmosphere to draw the audience more into the film, to add realism and to make the audience feel they are there watching.

* Framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate -
Last scene of girl waking up, I think it would be better to frame it as an extreme close up of the eyes rather than the shot currently used. You could possibly when framing the running through the woods, have the camera in like the undergrowth/bushes, to make it feel to the audience that someone is watching her, so like have some branches in the way of the shot. I like the clever shot you have done with talking in the car with the reflection of the woods, so that it shows good continuity and denotes to the audience its part of that scene rather than just one shot randomly placed in. Also I feel the framing of the whispering is excellent.
* Using a variety of shot distances as appropriate
Very good use of variety, with good shot durations, to show all whats needed. Only point I would say is like said all over this essay is about the waking up scene.



* Shooting material appropriate to the task set
Very relevant, it builds up the tension and the atmosphere to make an audience want to go and watch it, but doesn't show to much, which is good, because a teaser shouldn't give away too much.Also the good amount of different shots used and the timings represent that of a typical teaser. The text used is also very relevant and placed in places normal of a teaser. Should have a website, even if fake website link somewhere on there though.

* Selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting:
I feel maybe the tense atmosphere could be added to if the scenes in the wood, was more dark, gloomy, just like more secretive rather than just in bright day light. Like in the wood sequence in 32-33 seconds. Add darkness is a common aspect of horror films!.. Apart from that rest of the mise en scene is good.

* Editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer
One main thing, the titles fading and fading out is very effective, although I feel they could be better using a more relevant font rather than a standard every day font. Perhaps a font like this which I think would suit the style of the film (Although that was one what I quickly found, so with more research I think you would be able to find better!)

* Using varied shot transitions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set -
Good use of the I dont know the word, so Iwill just say the breaking up of shots with the blackness, works really well with the teaser. Maybe you should use some windows movie maker transitions, like the star, and the checkerboard to greatly worsen your piece! ;).. Incase you didnt get the last sentence, it was a joke.

* Using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set -
The music really complements the images, it helps build up the tension and the atmosphere, Maybe some weary noise over the whispering right at the beginning, just fade it in slowly?..  I also feel you have worked effectively with the music to fit with the images, like changing the pace of the video to fit with the music and vise versa, diagetic sound also work well with the music overalayed.


Things perhaps to improve:
Lose the very last scene of the girl waking up because it ruins the atmosphere that you have previously built up. Maybe you could just do like an extreme close up of the eyes suddenly opening, which I think will add to the tension more and to the genre.

The door closing shot 40ish seconds, just doesn't seem right with the rest of the clips. Maybe a different sort of door would work, like a big wooden door creaking.. or just for it to be closed diffrently but yeah it just doesnt seem to fit at the moment.

Making the wood  sequences more creepy, dark and mysterious, rather than just bright day light. Whereas darkness would add to the atmosphere and fit with the horror genre.

The voice over, over 16 seconds also to me makes it feel like it momentarily loses the tension of it.. I think just weery whispering noises would work better.

Finding a more unique font for your titles rather than just standard font.


Overall feedback:
Overall one of the best A2 media project I’ve seen, it fits the criteria of a teaser trailer very well with effective use of titling and music to add to the experience. The things to improve are minimal but maybe more personal opinion.
Overall very good piece!.. I would give top marks.
Level 4 Excellent 32-40 marks (35 marks)

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So basically right I am blaming your group, if I fail my psychology exam, because I thought your teaser deserved an actual essay to give you feedback.

Matthew from the Cherwell school :)