Completed Short Film

When I think of short films, I think of films which contain a very short narrative, but manage to engage an audience. When we started planning our short film we wanted to create a strong narrative, which would capture the attention of its viewer. I believe that we were able to create a very strong narrative, using shots and a limited script. I feel although confined is centered on the difficulties a teenage boy goes through after he's attacked, it could appeal to all ages. As I believe fear affects everyone. I was very pleased with the way the film looks visually. I feel that the shots which were used in the film convey the tone and mood of the film perfectly. This is because there are a number of very personal close ups of the main characters which allows the audience to build a relationship with the characters. When looking over the finished film I feel that the lack of speech really adds to the drama of the piece. I feel the hardest part of creating confined was trying to find the best way to show what the Sean was thinking and what he was seeing. We settled for an effect which would flicker between two different shots, we used this to try and show the difference between reality and thoughts. 


When looking back on the final piece, I feel that there could be a number of improvements which could be made. One of the main areas that I feel needs work on, is the way the story is told through out the film. I feel that the audience has to work to hard to pick up the main plot of the film. I think that the main way to improve this would be attention to detail in areas that send out mixed messages. The main scene I’m talking about is before and after one of the fear, when it starts off looking in to an adult man and finishes look at a child. I feel that the other area of the film that needs work is the flash back in which one of the attackers feels guilt, for his role in the attack. I believe that this scene doesn’t convey the intended message, after watching the final piece over and over again. This scene is the one that confuses me and other people. 


Over the course of the project I feel I have made a good contribution to the group. I feel that I had most impact in the idea generation and planning stage of the film. I feel that during the ideas process I came up with a number of ideas for the short film. The final idea began from my idea, and with that Idea we all had our own opinions of what could be improved. I also created a small video about people’s fears with Taylor, which I felt was very successful and told us a lot about the narrative of our short film. During the filming of the film I did operate the camera along with Taylor and Ryan. I also feel that the main reason the filming went so smoothly was because I feel we all were joint directors. Whilst editing I feel I did help the group by sharing my views on the edit. I think I did make a big contribution during the editing process, but I don’t feel I pushed myself.

I feel that confined does conform to the codes and conventions of short films because not only is it short in length. But the film contains a very short narrative which is always common in all short films. Looking back on the film I feel there are a number of shots which have been used which just don’t help the flow of the film, and just look out of place. I feel that these are the shots which confuse people. I feel that the main reason they don’t work is because there not necessary, the shots were only included because we maybe tried to over do it, where as the simple approach would of been more beneficial.