Project Evaluation

I have now completed each stage of this project including the production and completion of the two minute video and a final draft of my 10 page short story as a script. I found the storytelling project quite challenging, as this was the first time I have attempted to write a script. Although, the camera workshops were very helpful as they allowed me to experiment with some of the tools on the cameras, learn about audio and how to shoot in the most efficient way, I still found it relatively challenging when I had to film for my video and set up the camera myself. When it came to thinking of an idea for the short story, I thought about the advice that Steve Coombes gave us where he said to think about our own experiences as this can help to think of and develop ideas. For the story, I started with location first as I was on a long train journey and decided that this would be a good location for a meeting as it is a confined space and somewhere we often are forced to interact with strangers nearby. I then decided I wanted a protagonist and an antagonist so that the audience will root for the 'hero' of the story. I decided I wanted my character of Natalie to be somewhat talented but not know it yet and to always doubt her ability. In this way, this makes her much more likeable than if she were completely confident and sure of herself. It took me a while to establish my idea and what I wanted the aim of the story to be but was happy when I had decided on the ending. When it came to writing the script itself, I found it very challenging making the transition from telling a story where you write detail about every aspect, describing how the characters are feeling and the events of their past. However, after submitting my first draft and receiving feedback from Steve Coombes, he said that I needed to focus less on any backstory or description because the action in the script should only focus on what the camera can see. I amended my script to remove any unnecessary description. I also decided to change some elements of the story itself including how Natalie loses her novel and the ending where she believes that John Smithers will publish the novel for her but instead publishes it under his own name.
For the video, I had a number of issues. I shot the video twice, the first time being in London which is where the script is set. However, there were a few problems with the final footage which meant that I needed to re-film. The second time, I shot the video in Rochester, which was a much easier and a less stressful location to film at. I also changed my cast to improve the performance so that it was fitting with the mood and atmosphere of the video. I had already filmed the video before making amendments to the script which meant that the events of the film are slightly different. After a second viewing with Simon, he suggested that I film a few glimpses of the man she meets on the train sitting at the platform and have him getting on the train after her. This makes the video fit the brief a bit more as it gives the audience a little hint about later events in the story.
In terms of improvements, I would say that I should have improved my planning of the shoot so that I was certain the cast and location would work and be fitting for the video. In the final video, I would have wanted to include more footage of the man she meets, maybe including him walking to the station as well, however, his pace being much slower to create contrast with the shots of Natalie. I would have also liked to put more emphasis on the natural sounds of her journey. I hadn't originally intended to use a lot of natural audio so in a few of the shots you can hear talking in the background. I would have also liked to have had more time to plan the filming in Rochester, maybe choosing a slightly busier location that would create a sense of a busier environment, so that the vibe of the video seemed more hectic and rushed.
Overall, I would say the project turned out relatively well, despite the changes I had to make within  the time constraints of the last two weeks. However, I enjoyed the element of writing a script as this was very new to me and found it really exciting using the cameras at the studios and learning more about Adobe Premiere for editing. I am looking forward to learning more as the course progresses and hopefully seeing an improvement in my skill level and work.