I hope my film displays my understanding of post-horror. Over the course of this studio, I have learnt so many things. To be specific however, I can now define the key makings of a post-horror style film. The Newsroom not only holds some of the characteristics of post horror style and aesthetic but also explores social issues on a deeper thematic level. Having researched other post-horror films over our 12 weeks in the studio we understood that having a deeper meaning in a horror film is the crux of the genre. It is this key learning which I believe I have carried across into my own main work.

If I could have my time over working on my short film, I would do so many things differently. So many things I may as well put them in a list.

• – I would work on my script more and take on more of the feedback Tim gave me. I believe it was a mix of ego and laziness that dissuaded me from originally doing this. However, I can now see that it would’ve made for a stronger end product and perhaps an easier production and pre-production.
• – I would make sure my crew members were across everything their role entailed.
• – I would try to look after my health a bit better so that I could be present duing all aspects of the making process.
• – I would over organise everything. I would make sure everyone was on the same page.
• – I would shoot for longer. Every single one of our shoot days finished early. I know now that that was because we weren’t getting enough coverage. Next time I would not try to be a people pleaser and get the shots I need. I felt bad for taking up too much time.
• – I would have done a rehearsal/table read for the actors and ensure continuity sheet were being done correctly. A lot of the time in the editing process there was just places we couldn’t cut around due to dialogue.
• – I would make sure the sound that was being recorded was clear and free from handling sounds.

All of these I would have done differently and they were all a challenge. These all bubble done to being challenges in organisation and communication. I’m not sure I overcame them per say, more just pushed through. This meant improvising and creatively thinking on the spot. An example of this was the loaning and caring of equipment. Through not communicating and assumptions, the team and I had to create a last-minute plan at the end of shoot day 1.  This ended in me taking home the equipment and managing all the bookings of the loans. Whilst this was not ideal, it worked out ok in then end.

I believe a main strength of the film is the sound design. Having done the final edit I am quite proud of the sound design I created. Although the composers ghosted us I feel we have a layered and appropriate soundscape to make up for it. Another key strength is the acting by Raymond (Richard) and charlotte (Sarah). I couldn’t have asked for two more lovely, talented and professional actors to be in my short film.

A disappointing weakness of the film for me is the narrative. I feel that in between shooting and editing some of the meaning got muddled. I hope this only feels this way to me because I watched it so many times. I don’t want my short film to just be about another abused and broken woman. Fingers crossed.