CCR Q3: PRESENTATION

 CCR Q3

HOW DID YOUR PRODUCTION SKILLS DEVELOP THROUGHOUT THIS PROJECT?

Method Used:

I filmed this as a screen recording of a very interactive presentation with transitions between each slide. My voiceover played behind the slides, which contained titles and relevant images while I explained everything from the script.

Script:

Introduction

Throughout the production of Shaam, my skills as a filmmaker developed in ways I never expected. This Creative Critical Reflection will explore how my production skills evolved across pre-production, cinematography, directing, and post-production, shaping me into a more confident and intentional filmmaker.

1. Overview of My Journey with Shaam

Filmmaking is all about growth—both creatively and technically. When I started working on Shaam, I had a vision, but I lacked the technical skills to bring it to life exactly how I imagined. This project pushed me to develop in every stage of production: pre-production, cinematography, directing, editing, and sound design. Each challenge became an opportunity to learn and refine my craft.

2. Learning Through Challenges

Every stage of filmmaking presented new challenges. Whether it was planning shots, working with actors, or adjusting lighting, I had to figure things out along the way. At times, I felt frustrated when things didn’t go as planned, but I realized that filmmaking is as much about problem-solving as it is about creativity. Mistakes became learning experiences, and with every obstacle, my skills grew.

3. Developing Pre-Production Skills

I used to think of pre-production as just an early step, but through Shaam, I learned that it’s the foundation of everything. Without a strong plan, the production phase can easily fall apart. From scriptwriting to location scouting, I realized how much preparation shapes the final film.

4. Writing and Visual Thinking

Since Shaam relies heavily on visuals rather than dialogue, I had to rethink how I approached storytelling. I learned to focus on atmosphere, composition, and symbolism to convey meaning. The process of translating emotions into images helped me understand that screenwriting isn’t just about words—it’s about planning an entire visual and auditory experience.

5. Creating Shot Lists and Storyboards

Before this project, I saw storyboarding as optional. But once I started breaking down each scene into specific shots, I realized how important it was. It helped me understand framing, camera movement, and pacing before we even started filming. Having a shot list also saved time on set because I knew exactly what to capture, rather than improvising everything on the spot.

6. The Importance of Location Scouting

Finding the right locations was more than just picking a place to film—it was about making sure the setting matched the tone of the film. I had to consider lighting, accessibility, and how the environment would visually reflect Ali’s isolation. This experience taught me that locations are more than just backgrounds; they are storytelling tools.

7. Transitioning from Planning to Execution

Even with a solid plan, moving from pre-production to filming was a completely different challenge. I quickly learned that things don’t always go as expected, and flexibility is key. Sometimes, the shots I had envisioned didn’t work as well in real life, so I had to adapt on set and make quick creative decisions.

8. Techniques in Cinematography

Before Shaam, I had a basic understanding of cameras, but this project deepened my knowledge of framing, composition, and movement. I experimented with different shot types, learning how angles and movement influence storytelling.

9. Using Handheld Shots and Slow Pans

I wanted the audience to experience Ali’s psychological turmoil, so I used a mix of handheld shots and slow pans. Handheld shots created a feeling of instability and unease, while slow, deliberate camera movements helped build tension. This taught me that the way a camera moves isn’t just technical—it actively shapes how the audience feels.

10. Directing Actors and Body Language

With minimal dialogue in Shaam, I had to rely on body language and facial expressions to convey emotion. I worked closely with the actors, giving them context rather than strict instructions, so they could bring authenticity to their performances. This process helped me improve my directing skills, especially in terms of communication and collaboration.

11. Utilizing Lighting as a Storytelling Tool

Lighting was one of the biggest areas where I developed my skills. Before, I saw lighting as a technical necessity, but I learned that it’s actually a key storytelling element. I experimented with low-key lighting to create shadows and enhance the film’s eerie, psychological tone. Understanding how to control light gave me a new level of creative control over the mood of my scenes.

12. The Role of Editing in Filmmaking

Once filming was done, I thought the hardest part was over—but editing showed me that post-production is where everything truly comes together. I had to refine pacing, rhythm, and continuity to create the right emotional impact.

13. Experimenting with Nonlinear Storytelling

One of my biggest breakthroughs was learning how to structure a film in an unconventional way. I used flashbacks and quick cuts to create disorientation, making the audience feel as lost as Ali. Editing wasn’t just about arranging clips—it was about enhancing the narrative experience.

14. Balancing Pacing and Tension

I also learned that pacing is everything. I had to find the right balance between letting moments breathe and keeping the audience engaged. Cutting even a few seconds from a scene could change its entire impact. I refined my ability to control tension through timing and rhythm.

15. Sound Design in Creating an Atmosphere

Sound played a huge role in Shaam. I layered subtle whispers and echoes to heighten Ali’s paranoia. I also discovered the power of silence—sometimes, what’s not heard is just as important as what is. This project taught me that sound design is just as critical as visuals in shaping audience perception.

16. Color Grading for Psychological Impact

Before this project, I had never paid much attention to color grading. But I quickly realized how much it affects mood. I experimented with desaturated tones and high-contrast shadows to give Shaam a psychological drama aesthetic. Color became another way to reinforce the film’s themes visually.

17. Reflection on Personal Development

Looking back, this project wasn’t just about making a film—it was about my growth as a filmmaker. I learned that every step of production, from pre-planning to post-production, plays a crucial role in storytelling. I became more confident in making creative decisions and solving problems on the spot.

18. Lessons Learned Throughout the Process

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that filmmaking is an ongoing learning process. No matter how much you plan, unexpected challenges will always arise. The key is to stay adaptable, think creatively, and trust the process. Every mistake taught me something, and every experiment pushed me further.

Final Thoughts

At the start of this project, I was just a student filmmaker with ideas. By the end, I had developed real production skills that I can carry forward into future projects. Shaam wasn’t just a film I created—it was an experience that shaped me into a better filmmaker.

Credits:

Director/Editor: Hiba Rashid

Voiceover: Hiba Rashid

Filmed & Edited using: Loom (screen recording) Capcut (cutting in between shots and adding voice recording from my phone into the video)