2. Introduction In this preliminary task we had to practice
editing and filming, the editing of the film should be a continuity
editing which means that the flow should be uninterrupted, from
shot to shot. Continuity editing could also include cross cutting,
this is where a scene cuts in to two different settings where
action is taking place at the same time, to make the scene in the
final product. In this exercise we had to take in consideration
shot-reverse shot, match on action, and the 180 degree rule during
the production of our film.
3. Shot reverse shot This type of shot is the most common shot
used when filming, This is used when two characters are in a
conversation, you film one character who is looking to where the
other character is imagined to be at, the same principle applies to
the other character for example, shot A shows the character that is
speaking and shot B shows the character who she/he is speaking to.
When this is edited together it will create a continuity of
conversation
4. Match on action A match on action is a editing technique
where you cut from one shot to another view which matches the
characters or objects action. For example in our film we had a
character opening a door to walk in to a room and the shots that
were used for this was a close up of the door handle as the
character opens it, and a long shot of the character as he walks
through the door. This creates continuity even though it has been
filmed days apart as it was broken down into two parts, all we had
to do was make sure the environment was correct and our actor was
wearing the same clothes as before.
5. 180 Degree rule The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline
when filming, it states that two characters or objects in the same
scene should have the same right and left relationship. It is
essential that all shots are filmed from the same side; imagine a
line going across the room, if you cross that line when filming you
will lose the continuity as the characters will appear to exchange
places. This is a problem because it will seem like the character
that is suppose to face right will be seen facing left which also
applies to the other character therefore It will look like they are
facing away from each other when they are suppose to be having a
conversation due to the reversed angle.
6. Task idea Our group had to include all the criteria that was
mentioned in the previous slide but we wanted to make it as simple
as possible. Actors: Joe leaver: Student Sam Haye: Teacher We had
to film our preliminary task in school, first we tried filming in
an office however this was too small and it prevented us to film
efficiently so we decide to film a media suite Location: Corridor
Entrance to the media suite Media suite Our group discussed ideas
that could have been used in our film where we could involve shot
reverse shot, match on action , and the 180 degree rule Our final
idea that we came up with was a simple conversation of a student
bringing back the box of book s that he had borrowed from his
teacher.
7. Script Stage direction Joe walks down the corridor holding a
box filled with books to the entrance of the media suite, he opens
the door and walks to the front of the classroom where Sam will be
sat. Joe sits down and hands the box of books and starts a
conversation with Sam. Joe stands ups and heads away to exit the
room and the film finishes when the door closes.
8. Script Dialogue Student: Heres the box of books you wanted
sir. Teacher: Ah thank you. Student: They were really helpful
actually. Teacher: Good, what use did they come to. Student: I just
used them to make revision notes. Teacher: Lovely... Dont you think
you should be getting to lesson now, youre late enough all ready.
Student: Yeah I think so. Teacher: See you later then.
9. The first scene of the clip is a shot of our actor (Joe)
holding a box. The camera steady and Joe walks near towards the
camera about to enter the room. As Joe is about to enter the room
there is a cut to his position. This print screen shows the back of
Joe as if he is about to enter the room. Right before Joe enters
the room there is a close up shot of Joe pushing upon the door, the
characters movement was too fast and timed wrong which made the
film look quite odd. We then cut to a long shot as Joe walks into
the room; the character then walks towards the camera and out of
the screen. We then introduce the second character (Sam) with a
reaction shot; this shot creates a good effect as it shows whom Joe
is going to. Sam is presented though a mid shot for the audience to
clearly see him. This shots shows where Joe is going towards and
sets the scene of the conversation that is about to happen. As Joe
sits down he engages in a conversation therefore a shot reverse
shot and counter-shot was compulsory to create realism. Usually in
shot reverse shot there is an over the shoulder, we did not include
this. Counter-shot refers to a character looking at another, then
the character is shown looking back at the character. Both of the
character were facing each other, both cameras that we used has to
be in the same level for the conversation to not look odd. As Sam
and Joe finishes up the conversation we shoot a two shot to
establish that the two characters have some form of relationship as
well as to indicate that the conversation is over. Our last shot is
a medium shot of Joes back as he walks out of the room, it is
continued from the previous shot where Joe stands up and walks
towards the camera. The film ends with the door closing
10. Evaluation In the process of making this film we
encountered some problems such as unnecessary sounds, unnecessary
objects in film, breaking the 180 degree rule, etc. One of the big
errors we had when making this film was the head of the characters
being cut off, this was due to the environment and the tripod being
too stiff to keep in pace with the actors movement. This
preliminary task helped me learn various techniques and skills on
how to shoot a film and edit which I have not done before, these
techniques I have learnt can improve video quality and the overall
production.
