Preliminary exercise evaluation

1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

For the preliminary exercise, I worked with Serena, Iggy and Alistair. The task was shared between us, Serena and Alistair were acting while Iggy was directing and I filmed the shots. To plan the sequence, we discussed in our group, thought of an appropriate genre and narrative, then allocated tasks for each of us on the day of shooting. During the planning process, each of us contributed ideas towards the order of shots and how it could achieve continuity as well as direct the audience to the narrative.

2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you try to take into account?

We drew a storyboard and shot list of the narrative which helped us to achieve continuity and follow the match on action theory. It also assisted in the framing of each shot to create implications for the audience. Additionally, we made a shooting schedule to make it more convenient to shoot and avoid wasting time. Also, we used some of our own props and costumes appropriate to each scene which was effective in establishing character. Some theories that we considered in order to achieve continuity were match on action, shot/reverse shot, and the 180-degree rule, so that the narrative of the scene flows. We planned using a storyboard which helped to visualise the angles of the shots and whether they would match the previous ones. We also wrote a script with the intention of matching the dialogue in every take so that there would not be match on action errors, however this was ineffective as it did not include sufficient stage directions.

3. What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

We used a Canon Legria HF G30, tripod, microphone, headphones and we set up the camera and tripod in each location appropriately in order to achieve different framings of shots and different angles to view the shots from different perspectives. The software we used to edit the sequence was Premier Pro and we uploaded each take, and then cut the good clips into appropriate lengths and added them to the sequence in order of the narrative. We placed the camera in 9 different locations in the room and corridor so that there was a variation in camera angles to establish the setting.

4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

While planning the exercise, we had to consider the 30 degree rule as well as the eyeline match so that two shots following each other were matched. Other theories such as match on action and shot/reverse shot were taken into account as they assisted the continuity of the sequence and allowed different angles of the scene to be included while matching at the same time. While shooting, we had to consider background noise as well as keeping the script and action exactly the same in each take so that every scene matched the previous one. We had to clear the room and corridor so that there were no other people in the shot which would affect the continuity. During the editing process, we considered the match on action theory as each shot had to be cut at the correct time for the sequence to flow. We also considered timings as it was necessary for each shot to be cut to an appropriate length and match the next shot in the right place. Furthermore, we had to film scenes longer than we intended them to be, as we could cut them during editing rather than having to repeat the filming of scenes that were too short.

5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

I think our sequence was successful in many places in achieving continuity, especially the final conversation, in which the 180 degree rule was implemented as well as the shot/reverse shot during dialogue. Also, the switch of the angle of the shot while opening the door was a match on action and effective in demonstrating continuity of the sequence. However, on several occasions, the background of the shots was inaccurate, for example, shot 2 in which Serena was not sitting in the chair that she was in in shot 3. Also, some dialogue was different in each take and the actors' movements were not matched in some takes which affected the continuity and overall flow of the narrative as it confused the audience. Another aspect which I would do differently is making sure that there are no other people visible in the shot (in reflections or in background) as it distracts the audience from the main action and is not a match on action. The planning hour was useful and effective as it gave us ideas of the framing the order in which to shoot the scenes as efficiently as possible. The first establishing shot was effective at displaying the setting and entrance of the first character into the room. We also used a variation of frames according to the narrative, (close-ups of actors speaking and wide shots of walking along the corridor), which was significant in conveying the atmosphere of the scene. In order to achieve better continuity, I would have used shorter clips and demonstrated more of the 30 degree rule in which each shot is varied from the last.

6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework?

From completing this task, I have learnt the importance of several theories such as match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule and how they affect the continuity of films and allow the genre and narrative of the film to be displayed. I have also learnt the significance of planning shots and taking shots from many angles in case of error. The editing techniques I learnt will be useful for completion of the rest of the coursework as we can cut and order shots correctly for the narrative to flow. The task was effective as a practice, and I have learnt from continuity errors made (such as different action/dialogue) and will be aware of this on the next task. Also, I have learnt the importance of not wasting time during shooting so that there are sufficient shots from several angles in case of error during editing.