Focus group evaluation

 

After completing our short film, we organized a focus group with our target audience to gather feedback and insights. We posed questions such as "What aspects of the short film do you think were successful?" and "What areas do you think could be improved?" The audience provided valuable responses, expressing appreciation for certain elements such as the effective use of sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere, the realistic acting performances, and the clear incorporation of horror/thriller movie conventions, such as a dark color palette and intense sound design.

The feedback we received also highlighted areas for improvement. One observation was that an actor appeared to be reading from a script and delivered lines in a robotic manner, suggesting the need for more natural and rehearsed performances. Some participants suggested cutting out certain audio segments that were deemed unnecessary. The focus group also emphasized the importance of practicing the script extensively before recording to avoid forgetting lines and delivering shaky or robotic performances.

Our primary objective with the focus group was to identify strengths and areas of improvement in our short film. This feedback would serve as a guide for future productions, aligning them more closely with the preferences of our target audience. In addition to gathering external opinions, we also engaged in discussions within our team regarding potential enhancements and modifications we would make if given the opportunity. For example, one group member inquired about the possibility of a sequel, and we discussed our perspectives on that idea. We shared insights into our creative process, discussing what we enjoyed about the short film and contemplating additional elements that could have been incorporated.

Reflecting on my personal role in the project, I recognized room for improvement in the editing phase. In particular, I felt that the libary screen could have been made more visually engaging rather than appearing bland. Given my knowledge of chroma key techniques, I believe I could have added more lighting to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, thereby captivating the viewers. For instance, incorporating a grunge border around the screen could have heightened the overall experience.

Regarding our acting performances as a group I acknowledged that more practice with the script would have enhanced my confidence and delivery. I identified instances in the short film where I seemed unfocused, and I realized that even when not in the spotlight, maintaining an engaged and realistic presence would have contributed to the overall authenticity of the scenes. Furthermore, I noted that my voice sounded shaky and stuttering despite portraying a scared character, indicating the need for additional practice to improve my vocal delivery.

Considering the production process, I recognized the importance of better planning and adhering to the production schedule. Allowing for multiple shooting days would have provided us with more practice and confidence, resulting in a more realistic final product. Improved communication between myself and my colleague would have ensured better task allocation, enabling more efficient workflow and faster completion. This would have afforded us more time to review and rectify any mistakes before exporting and uploading the short film to platforms like YouTube.