Equipment and software that will be used throughout the course

A DSLR camera

Throughout last year's AS course, I learnt a lot about the cameras that we use and how to get the best out of them. From experimenting with methods such as using a trolley as a dolley in tracking shots to changing the white balance to best suit the mood and tone of the film I want to make - working with the cameras has been a great experience in readying me for A2. In A2, I will most likely be far more hands on with the camera. Unlike AS we have been disallowed from working in groups, meaning that it is unlikely for me to once again play the role of an actor in my product. This is fine as it presents a challenge and allows me to capture footage just how I would like it. I can also work with tripods, though I might use them in very limited fashion throughout year 13. I find that edgy drama is easier to create when there is more movement involved in the cinematography and so still footage might be hard to come by in my product. This year, we will be using DSLR cameras and so it's possible to learn even more about new equipment.


Final Cut Express:

I would say I have excellent skills in editing, having edited practically all of the opening sequence coursework with relative ease despite a pretty tight schedule. A music video however is a completely different story to an opening sequence and likely involves far more editing, especially in a music video which approaches 5 minutes in length. Hopefully with all that was gained in AS, I will be up to the task - even if it does take weeks longer.

Audacity:

Though this is a maybe - The song that I will choose may need to be cut down or edited to better suit my product. This might mean that I will use the free audio editing program Audacity. Although I am likely to use Final Cut Express before I turn to Audacity - it could be useful for emergency editing at home.

Lighting:

Being the son of someone who works as a lighting electrician has its benefits. I may have access to stronger lighting set ups which could be available to use for specific tones that I might want to create in my product. This will likely be limited to indoors however, while outdoors will need to be planned around the weather and the lighting that it brings.

Pending further possible additions: