upon reflection.
- zainfaridr
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
The preliminary task was more than just a learning experience—it was a trial by fire. As someone handling every role in production except acting, I walked away with not only a finished product but also a clearer understanding of my creative strengths and weaknesses.
What Went Well
Execution of the Core Idea: Despite the challenges, the final video captured my initial vision. The juxtaposition of the café and drum scenes worked seamlessly, with the match cut elevating the story into something unexpected and visually striking.
this is 
quite literally 
what I imagined Sound Design: Recording foley sounds at midnight on my laptop, syncing them, and adding environmental textures brought the video to life. From the ticking clock to the drum beats, the soundscape played a crucial role in driving the pacing and emotion of the story.
Cinematography: The contrasting palettes; a warm, bright café and the dark, moody drum scene were inspired by The French Dispatch and created a strong visual dichotomy. This decision amplified the transition from boredom to imagination.
Instinctive Decisions: Many creative choices during filming were intuitive, based on gut feelings and my understanding of film language. For example, the pacing dictated by the clock's ticking and the crescendo into the drum solo felt natural, and seeing it work in the final edit was rewarding.
Challenges Faced
Time Constraints: Splitting filming across two days and working with an uncooperative actor meant I had to move quickly. While this led to some minor focusing issues, the tight schedule also forced me to think on my feet and make efficient use of every moment.
Physical Strain: Carrying over 60kg of equipment for hours on end: lights, cameras, tripods, chargers, laptop, props and more, between locations took a toll on me physically. I had to block out the discomfort and focus on the task, knowing there was no one else to share the workload.
Voiceover Challenges: Without a proper mic on set, I had to record the voiceover in post-production. Matching it to the café environment and blending it with the natural sounds of the scene was tricky and something I’ll definitely plan better next time.
Continuity: Ensuring continuity between shots in the café required meticulous attention. I took screenshots of each setup to match framing and props, but last-minute changes and adjustments to the set added an extra layer of difficulty.
Lessons Learned
Planning is Everything: While the concept was clear in my head, having a more detailed pre-production plan, especially for audio, would have saved time and effort.
Adaptability is Key: The café taking back props mid-shoot and an actor disappearing briefly forced me to adapt on the spot. These moments taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and finding creative solutions.
Quality Over Complexity: Initially, I aimed for something intricate and mind-bending, but scaling back to a simpler concept allowed me to execute it with precision. This reinforced the idea that sometimes, simplicity can be more impactful.
Areas for Improvement
Voiceover and Sound: Investing in better audio equipment is a priority for future projects. Capturing dialogue on set would add authenticity and save time in post-production.
Set Design: The café’s lack of depth and the empty frames in the background felt visually flat. Placing the character in a more central spot or adding elements to the set could have enhanced the overall composition.
Focus and Precision: While the minor focus issues were not glaring, they bothered me as someone who values precision in every frame. Taking a bit more time to double-check focus and framing would have been worth it.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this preliminary task was a 6.7/10 for me. It captured my vision, reflected my growth as a filmmaker, and reaffirmed my love for creating. Still there’s a lot of room for improvement, but nonetheless I’m proud of how I transformed an ordinary concept like waiting into an extraordinary, imaginative narrative. It’s a small but significant step toward honing my craft and creating work that leaves a lasting impression.
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