Critical analysis of 'The Affair'

The production process of 'The Affair' went well and was much improved from our last sequence. There were two characters and one camera operator making it much easier to film the shots, especially ones in which both characters were on screen. We believe that the sequence was adequate, considering the limited time we had as we had to had to re-film due to faulty equipment used. We worked well together and all had allocated rolls making it easier to film the sequence quicker, as we had to film three different shots; a master shot, and two other takes of each character on their own. 

The quality of the film was disappointing, the sound quality was extremely quiet for reasons unknown and the some of the camera shots were slightly unstable when the camera needed to be moved as it was my first time filming, however this was easily cut out when editing. For still scenes we used the tripod to get the best quality shots. We alternated between the three different shots to improve it from being just one long shot all the way through. We decided on what shots to use on quality of the camera shot, acting and dramatic effect. For example, we focussed the shot on one character when he admits he's had an affair, on the other character for his reaction to this, and then end on the master shot so the audience is aware of both of the characters feelings at the end of the scene. Our only limited shot was the penultimate one in which one character slaps the other, as his head isn't visible in all of the shot, making it lack in quality as you are unable to see his facial expression.  

The quality of out editing was reasonably well as we managed to use the best shots and cut out any imperfections such as laughing, wrong lines or bad camera shots. We did need some help with editing as it is only our second time using the software, however we are becoming more familiar with it each time we film new footage, meaning we should know how to use it sufficiently enough in time for our coursework. We used the shots we needed to make the story dramatic and continuous and all took part in the editing process to ensure we all become familiar with the software. 

The main aim of this short film was to experiment with parallel and contrapuntal and diegetic and non-diegetic sound. The parallel, non-diegetic music was added at the end to add drama and sum up the scene as it fits with it and was added onto the sequence. The contrapuntal non-diegetic sound was added to contrast to the sequence and cause a sense of confusion, as, if there was a further scene, they would be unsure what was going to happen, making them eager to watch on. The diegetic sound was the conversation between the two characters, which wasn't as effective due to the lack of sound. 

I believe we improved from last time as we had more of an idea of how to use the equipment and another person in the group making the filming of the scene much quicker and easier. We also had a slightly better idea of how to use the editing software and took all three shots in one take. However, for next time, we could improve by checking our footage on the camera before beginning to edit as this footage's sound quality was very limited and made our sequence lack effect in quiet places.