A2 Coursework Options

Unlike AS, in A2 we have been given a selection of tasks. We can choose which one we would like to do as a group or individually. We had the option of making:

• A Short Film 
• A Documentary 
• A Music Video

The first thing we had to decide is if we wanted to work alone or in a group. I felt I would prefer to work with a team, so I teamed up with Sophie. Next we had to agree on the task that we would prefer to do. We first thought that it would be really interesting to film a murder documentary, forgetting the fact that it had to be based on real events and real people. When we spoke to our teacher she reminded us that it would not be a documentary if we based it on an event that we made up. Unfortunately, we had to come up with another idea, as obviously it would be impossible for us to find a real murderer to base it on. Bearing in mind we had to find a real event, we decided that doing a documentary would not be particularly interesting. We felt that it would be better to do a task that we would be interesting, so that it would be more exciting for us to do research on and create. 

So, now we were left to choose between a short film and a music video. Firstly we considered a short film. The advantage of choosing this would be that we already had experience in doing film from our AS coursework. Therefore we had already conducted so much research into films and knew what makes an engaging successful film. We would also be aware of mistakes that we previously made, therefore we would know what to avoid and would be able to improve our weaknesses. The downside to choosing the a short film would be that it is relatively hard to come up with a whole story line that is interesting and fit it all into 5 minutes. We could also make the mistake of creating something more like a film opening, as that is what we are used to rather than an actual short film. 

Therefore we choose to create a music video. We thought it was be really engaging for us, but we also felt that we could be really creative. In music videos not everything has to make sense. Therefore we would not have to include realistic things or put it all in a logical manner. It would also be a bit more challenging as it is something new. Luckily we already have skills in camera work and editing, therefore we can completely focus on ideas rather than fussing around with cameras, or working out how to use the editing software.