Done, and reflections

We have finished our piece, we finished editing today. Instead of using external music, we decided to use what we had already filmed from the dome, as this was uncopyrighted and our own stuff, (which we were pleased to have.) We fixed any issues with sound (we had had some feedback with the quietness of the narration) and placed in titles at the start and the end. I had a few ideas which Ella disagreed on, but in the end as Ella was the editor, she got to choose what happened to the piece. Though this is how it works on real productions, I think that as this is a student piece we should be more cooperative and collaborative, but I can see that having roles makes disputes such as this easier to resolve- because the one in the role gets last say.

Looking at our piece, I would say I feel a number of mixed emotions.  The way it has turned out is very different to our original ideas. We had the idea to create soundscapes, a timeline, re-enactments and interviews for a personal touch- none of these ended up being done. Some of this was not our fault- we couldn't find anyone to interview (who would interview) and Cal had to leave our group (so no timeline, as the rest of us don't study digital media) while some of it not being included was based on the repeated feedback that we were doing too much. Some of the reasons that these things weren't included is also because us as a group were very disorganised, or at least did not plan as extensively as was actually needed. I know that I could have planned more, and the output would reflect what we wanted at the start more solidly. However, when I think about it, I agree with the feedback- we started with a far too big idea, (or too many ideas) and would have been better keeping it simple- this confused us and led to too much footage and confusing emails back and forth. Next time, it would be better to be clear and precise, in planning idea and carrying it out- something I really learnt.

On the other hand, the piece we have made is quite good still. It is informative and interesting, with a good narration and selection of images. We have used these two things, with music, to create a clear and informative narrative, with the pictures backing up what is being said. I think this is important and keeps to our brief. I especially like the interview with Paul Clarkson at the end, as this is the "personal" touch we wanted to get at the beginning. I also feel like the way Ella edited the oran bit is really good and evocative.

As a group, I feel like we all think that this piece is good enough to hand in now- it is polished and completed after many hours. I also feel like we feel like we have contributed equally, and are proud of what we have achieved. I drew a very strange mind map sort of thing to illistrate my ideas. I hope it makes sense- it tried to show how the contributing factors to what went wrong and what went right. Mostly this depended on if we were prepared and planned or not: