Single Camera Production Evaluation

Having the experience to turn somebody's script into a 10 minute short was a great learning experience and I feel that overall it has gone really successfully. I felt that it was good to read through the script as a group and have the chance to discuss any changes and how to improve it. 
Even though this wasn't my first time using a DSLR it was one of the first times I've been able to experiment with the ISO, shutter speed and aperture extensively. The type of camera we used was a Canon 550D and after learning, I found it enjoyable to experiment with. 
During shooting we had to keep in mind that we needed to shoot as much as possible to get a lot of coverage. Generally during filming, we tried to film a master shot first and then try the closer up shots. However, due to some time issues sometimes we weren't able to get as much coverage as we wanted, and also we filmed in some small places such as the cafe, therefore it was a little challenging to get the shots we wanted. 

Since I was in most of the short, I wasn't able to have control over my scene as I would of liked to. If I was to do this again I would try and improve focusing on both the camera and the acting. I felt that I was focusing too much on the acting and how I should act the scene, rather than the quality of the shot from the camera. Even though I wasn't completely happy with the coverage I am still happy with the scene overall. I also felt that the sound could have been improved because of the sudden change in camera placement. 

The Finished Project
Along with my personal opinions we also got some feedback from the teachers and the rest of the class.

Mise-en-scene:
I felt that our mise-en-scene was okay. I like the fact that we got permission and shot in the British Heart Foundation and a cafe. I felt we put good effort into making some props such as the book, cinema tickets and the Polaroid photos. I felt that the mise-en-scene was one of our stronger points. 

Camera:
I feel that the framing for each shot is okay however I felt we could have been much more experimental. Some shots were out of focus such as the one through the British Heart Foundation, and if we were to shoot again I think we should try and make sure that the settings etc. on the camera were correct. 
From the feedback, it is said that we should have filmed closer and I agree with this. I think that the lack of close ups means that the audience doesn't engage in the short as much as we would like them to. 

Editing: 
I feel that the continuity of our piece was successful, however from our feedback we got told that some shots were a bit jumpy. I like the editing with the titles and I think they fit with the piece well. 

Sound:
I think out of everything the sound was the poorest. The feedback from the teachers noted that there was too much ambient noise compared to the music etc. I feel that improving the sound would of improved the atmosphere from the whole short.

Conclusion
Overall I think that we worked well as a team and each scene is moderate apart from the scene between me and Shauna. 
I think that what went wrong was the sound. Even though some people from the class said the thought the music was okay, I still think that the music could have been improved and also more added as we were also told (from the teachers) that there was too much ambient noise. They also told us that this sound was far too loud. 
I personally think that I have improved my editing skills and also skills on how to operate the DSLRs. I also made most of the titles, and from this I learned how to use After Effects as I had never really had any experience with that program before. 
Personally, if I was to take part in making another short, I would make sure that I wasn't acting in it so I would be able to experiment and take time over each shot with the camera myself. I also would pay more attention to the sound and make sure that there is enough coverage as I felt that we didn't get as much as would could have done due to time scale.