Progression from As:

At the AS level, the emphasis was on learning the basics of media production and analysis. This included understanding media language such as camera angles, framing, shot composition, and sound along with the foundational theories surrounding representation, audience, and media industries. In terms of practical skills, AS was about getting comfortable with the equipment, learning to shoot basic footage, and experimenting with editing software.

I started by learning how to shoot simple sequences, focusing on using a DSLR camera for the first time. This was a steep learning curve, as I had to familiarize myself with settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the best quality footage. On the editing side, I initially used Adobe Premiere Pro, as it was what I had access to, and I focused on basic cuts, transitions, and simple color correction.

By the time I reached A2, I had already gained a solid understanding of the key principles of media production. The shift, however, was much more focused on developing a personal style, experimenting with more advanced techniques, and fully understanding how to apply media theory into my practical work. For my A2 coursework, I created a music video, and this project allowed me to push my technical and creative boundaries.

One of the main areas of growth for me was camera work. While AS had taught me the basic technical aspects, A2 encouraged me to experiment with more dynamic shots. I used a combination of wide shots, close-ups, tracking shots, and creative angles to tell the story in my music video. The use of lighting became crucial, as I had to understand how to create mood and atmosphere through different light sources. I learned to adapt to shooting in different conditions, whether indoors or outdoors, and how to make the most of natural light, which added a new layer of realism and creativity to my video.

When it came to the editing process, this is where I saw a significant leap in my skills. In the past, I’d relied on Adobe After Effects for more intricate visual effects and compositing. While After Effects is an industry-standard tool for motion graphics, I found myself wanting more flexibility with color grading and smoother editing transitions things that were crucial for the visual style I wanted for my music video. That’s when I decided to make the shift to DaVinci Resolve.

DaVinci Resolve is known for its powerful color grading tools, and after using it for several weeks, I became fully immersed in its capabilities. The color grading tools were particularly useful, as they allowed me to enhance the mood of the video, adjust the tones, and give the footage a cinematic look that I couldn’t quite achieve with Adobe After Effects. 

While After Effects is excellent for visual effects and motion graphics, DaVinci Resolve felt like the perfect tool for the look and feel I wanted to achieve. I was able to focus more on subtle transitions, dynamic color schemes, and professional quality color correction, which elevated the overall production value of my music video. Additionally, the video’s pace was enhanced by the smoother transitions and cuts I created using DaVinci Resolve’s timeline features.