CCR- Question 3

 How did your production skills develop throughout this project?

Throughout this project, my production skills as a cinematographer developed significantly. I took on the responsibility of planning and executing the visual elements and maintaining the correct usage of mise en scene during production of the film. One of my first tasks was creating the storyboard, in which I sketched and visualized each shot prior to filming. This was extremely important in order to lay out the structure of the film before beginning production. However, as filming began, I quickly learned the importance of adapting. Many of the shots I had initially planned on the storyboard didn't turn out how I had envisioned them to on screen. Because of this, I learned to experiment with different camera angles and techniques that I hadn't considered before. For example, during shots where the murderer knocked pieces over, we played with different angles of close-ups which overall added more tension and suspense to the final cut. This process usually involved multiple takes from different positions, which had me constantly adjusting myself or my hardware until we achieved the desired shot. This allowed me to understand the importance of experimentation and flexibility when it comes to filming shots. It also made me realize that although preparation is crucial, sometimes spontaneous decisions lead to the best results. Overall, this project allowed me to develop my camera skills and my ability to think creatively and make quick adjustments to make the film better. Planning, trial and error, and learning from each shot gave me a deeper understanding of cinematography and its role in filmmaking.