Thursday, 11 December 2008

Evaluation of Continuity Task

The preliminary task involved planning out a storyboard and a script, in which would then be recorded with a video camera. This would have to include the three rules of continuity, which include;
- Match on action
- Shot reverse shot
- 180 degree rule

To first decide on what the clip would involve, I had to think about what the theme would be. I decided to base it on the theme of horror, as it is simple and easy to use. By doing this, I then had something to base it all on, so it was a lot easier. From basing it onto horror, the lighting can then be darker, and then things such as sounds and special effects can be added to help build the effect of drama/horror.

After a conversation with the other person I am working with for this task, and we had agreed on what we would do, it was then simple to create the storyboard. It consisted of several pictures to represent each shot, which will be taken. The shots involve;
- Medium shot behind the character, tracking him
- Reverse medium shot in front of the character, showing match on action to be used
- Pan from the shot to then show him walking over to the desk and sitting down
- 180 degree rule to be used so that it can show the conversation between the two characters
- Close up of the mysterious man, to show his importance, and then his reaction to what has been given to him
- Point of view shot to then be used as a shot reverse shot, and to then show how he is watching the other person walk out of the room and close the door.

Before filming, storyboards were made, a script was written, and actors were chosen to play the parts. Every shot was previously planned thought been put into it. This was vital so that we didn’t miss out any techniques that needed to be included within the scene.

Filming the clips was hard, as the use of only one camera meant that we had to move from position A to position B and vice versa for parts of the conversation that took place. This was easily overcome however after a few attempts. Some shots had to be re-taken as the two actors kept laughing while trying to say their lines. Not only this, but some shots had to be re-taken just so that we made sure that the techniques we needed to show, were clearly evident.
The hardest and most time consuming part of the project was the editing. The timing had to be completely synchronous. This was difficult with the use of different transitions and effects that were used. However with this in mind, the main focus was still on making the three main techniques we were trying to achieve.

The final product in my opinion could have been improved so much more. But the objectives of the task I think were met which was all we were aiming for. Anything else, transitions or effects, are just extra to help get used to editing. The only main criticism is that the voices are too quiet and that either they should have spoken louder when filming or a voice over should have been used. However the use of a voice over would also be hard to synchronize. As long as the main objectives are met, the rest I feel is just good practice for future projects.

2 comments:

Mr Shaikh said...

I think some over-the- shoulder shots would have benefitted your preliminary task further. However, as a first practise piece, it is well evaluated and you clearly recognise your strengths and areas for development. Best of luck with your main film piece.

Phil said...

"However, as a first practise piece"

Practice* >:P