Final Evaluation
AO1: Use research to inform a specialist investigation in a visual arts area, considering purpose and audience
I chose to do my documentary on rowing because I had access to a team and a boat house through my dad. Because he coxes and coaches teams, he knows about the subject, as well as participating. This meant I could have lifts to and from my locations, and I’d know exactly where and when to film. I wanted my project to have a serious tone, as well as showcase the techniques and performance of the rowers in a creative way. For this reason, I wanted to do formal, sit-down interviews with some of the rowers. This, paired with the variety of shots in the action footage and B roll created a dynamic and visually interesting tone.
In this project, I wanted to improve my knowledge and understanding of lighting. I did this by testing different setups and analysing what worked and what didn’t. This was helpful, as I knew how to set up my lights on the actual day, and managed to do it in good time. I also wanted to get better at shooting in intense or extreme environments, such as near water or during races. I wanted to get up close to the action to appeal to younger rowers and inspire them to work towards something.
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AO2: Explore and use materials and media in the generation of ideas and outcomes
When generating my ideas, I used existing documentaries and products to influence my ideas. Watching other documentaries on similar topics was helpful, because it gave me an idea on how I wanted to shoot my own project. Additionally, looking at magazines and websites such as the Cambridge City Boat CLub website was helpful, as it developed my aesthetic.
In action research I experimented with equipment and set ups to gain a deeper understanding of how I wanted to shoot my doc, and the aesthetic I wanted to adhere to. Testing different stabilising equipment was especially helpful, because I knew how to work the mechanisms and set up the camera swiftly for when I was actually filming. Another useful process was creating a script. This gave me time to plan my narrative, and decide what footage I needed to fulfil that narrative. Additionally, I looked into interview questions and adding those to my script helped me feel more prepared when it came to shooting.
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AO3: Select and use techniques and processes to resolve creative problems and generate outcomes
The most effective tests that I did were the lighting tests and editing technique tests. By testing lighting, I had a clear idea of the set up I wanted to use, and how it worked. This made it much easier to set up on location in a limited amount of time and in a restricted space. By understanding three point lighting, I knew how to place my key light in relation to the camera, and how to utilise natural light in my shot.
Additionally, testing editing techniques was very helpful, as it made the rough draft and final product much quicker to make, as I already knew how to do what I wanted to. For example, the names moving across the screen were much easier to create and adjust to my liking.
I think that I could have been more comprehensive when testing editing techniques as there were some areas I was still unsure of when editing the final product. For example, the default transitions in Premiere Pro took me longer than I would have liked. Additionally, some of the techniques I did test didn't end up being useful when it came to my final edit, such as the transitions. I found that having cleaner, simple transitions made my work look more professional.
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AO4: Generate and communicate ideas and concepts supported by findings from research
Getting feedback from group discussions was quite helpful, as I got some advice on how to develop my narrative, and some more ideas on how to shoot and edit it. However, I feel that I could have organised more meetings or asked for more feedback to support my idea generating and development process.
Research and pre production helped not with generating more ideas, but with honing in and developing my main idea. By looking at existing products and testing techniques and ideas for myself, I was able to finetune my idea and properly understand it before going on location.
AO5: Use ongoing evaluation to inform and progress own work
Evaluating throughout my project has been very helpful in keeping track of how well I’m working. For example, implementing changes in my time keeping and analysing how well that went and what didn’t go so well. It also gave me a chance to improve on my next location shoot, and think about what I didn’t get done that I need to reschedule. Additionally, reflection during research and testing was incredibly helpful, as I could look back on my thoughts and conclusions, and implement what I had learned into my own work.
AO6: Refine, select and present ideas and concepts, considering purpose and audience
I wanted to create a documentary on rowing to motivate and inspire younger rowers in their hobbies. I planned to do this by capturing training and race footage. Building tension through the doc until the race results. I think that I could have kept to my narrative a little better, and relied less on my interviews, but overall, I think the motivating effect is still present.
I think that I have effectively met most of my aims, as I improved my skills in interviews and in shooting fast paced action footage on the fly. I also think that my reflections throughout were helpful, though they could have been a little more detailed, or included my opinions more to help me when looking back on my research.
Finally, I think that I could have put a little more thought into comparing my work against my reflections and goals, though I believe that in the end I did meet most of these goals.
