Analysis of the preliminary task

For our preliminary task we were asked to film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue.

Our preliminary task helped us to demonstrate our researching, planning, filming and editing skills. We hope that this initial exercise will help us to improve and develop our skills in order to create an outstanding final piece.

Before the actual filming of our task we researched and looked at previous productions from last year to get ideas and help to establish what is expected of us from the task.

We decided to do our preliminary task based around a student and teacher and here is a shot list of our task.

1) Two shot

2) Long shot

3) Big close up

4) Panning shot

5) Establishing shot

6) Low angle shot

7) Match cuts

8) Long shot

9) Close up

10) Shot/reverse/shot

11) 180 degree rule

The two shot between the student and her friend shows a casual conversation being exchanged and the close up of the student’s phone is done as she realizes she is late for her lesson. The panning shot follows the student as she walks into the building and towards the stairs. There is a low angle shot of the shoes as she walks up the stairs. The elliptical editing here is done so the audience does not get bored. There is a close up of the door handle before the student enters. There is a two shot between the student and teacher, also the 180 degree rule is used here whilst the two are conversing.

What did you learn about the cameras and editing software during the preliminary task?

During the task we learnt how to assemble the tripod and use the camera from different angles for a varied number of shots. For the editing of our task we used Final Cut Pro. Initially it was difficult to use but once we got use to the software it became simpler.

In the filming and editing of your project, what worked well and what could have been improved? How did you make sure you didn’t break the 180-degree rule? And if you broke it, what have you learnt from this.

The part that especially worked well was the end of the film during the shot/reverse/shot between the student and teacher. The 180-degree rule was not broken here and worked perfectly. However we managed to break the 180-degree rule a few times. The first time was when the student entered the building and the 180-degree rule was broken, similarly it was broken before the student entered the classroom too. Another mistake we made was at the start when the student held the phone in a different hand from the close up and wide shot. Generally the continuity was good however there were a few jump cuts, which disrupted the flow of the clip. We have taken all these minor mistakes into account and we are positive that our main task will be of a good quality and high standard.

Here's a video which demonstrates the 180 degree rule:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdyyuqmCW14

Give an example of how you have used a shot/reverse/shot combination in your film.

We used a shot/reverse/shot near the end of our film between the student and the teacher.

Give an example of how you have achieved match cuts during the editing process.

We used a match cut when the student realized she was late and she looked down at her phone to see the time. Final Cut Pro helped us with the editing of this.