Midterm vs Final Film

 One of the biggest parts of this project is showing how our skills improved from our midterm to our final film, The Boss’s Shadow. Comparing the two makes it clear how much we developed in planning, filming, and editing.

In our midterm, planning was very limited. We did not have a detailed storyboard, and we made many decisions while filming.

For our final project:

• We created a full storyboard
• We planned each shot in advance
• We developed a clear narrative structure

This made filming more organized and reduced confusion on set.

During the midterm, our camerawork was basic and sometimes unstable.

For the final:

• We used the Sony a6400 instead of a phone
• We used a gimbal for smoother shots
• We carefully chose camera angles and framing

This made the film look more professional and visually consistent.

Lighting in the midterm was not controlled and often too bright or uneven.

In the final:

• We used low-key lighting
• We filmed at night for a darker tone
• We adjusted exposure and contrast

This helped create a stronger crime-film atmosphere.

Editing showed the biggest improvement.

In the midterm:

• Scenes were rushed
• There was less control over pacing
• Dialogue was limited

In the final:

• We carefully selected the best takes
• We refined pacing to build suspense
• We used techniques like shot-reverse-shot
• We fixed mistakes and improved continuity

This made the story clearer and more engaging.

The midterm focused more on action and less on storytelling.

In the final:

• We added more dialogue
• We built tension before action
• We developed themes like power and betrayal

This made the film feel more complete and meaningful.

Comparing the midterm and final project shows clear growth from a beginner level to a more intermediate level.

We improved in:

• Planning
• Filming
• Editing
• Understanding film techniques