Prelim Task Evaluation

Prelim Task: To create a continuity sequence involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom he/she exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.

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

Members of my group were James Thicknes, Megan Doyle and Charley Packham. We all participated equally in each part of the production stages of our Prelim Task. For example we would alternate between who worked the camera, who directed and who was the directors assistant, we also did this whilst editing taking it in turns to edit particular sections of the piece whilst others offered ideas and advice. However as I was acting throughout the piece I only managed to use the camera for two different shots.

Left-Right: Lewis, Megan and James

2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you take into account? We drew up two storyboards before we even began to consider shooting the sequence, the first was a basic edit with stickmen and short denotations of what the shot would look like, then in the second we began to draw actually people in more detail and explaining what they were doing in the shot and what the transitions between shots would be. After our second story board we took a few short videos on an iPhone to get a visual, moving representative of what we intended our shot to look like.  We were sure to stick to the brief and provide a shot-reverse-shot, match on action and film within the 180 degree rule, we also made sure to abide by the 30 degree rule as to avoid 'jumps' in our shots. As for theories our group paid particular attention to Levi-Strauss's theory of binary opposites, this was shown through James's quiet reserved character being paired off against the boisterous/loud character that I played.

Ipod Video



Final Storyboard 2



Final Storyboard







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

We had a multitude of useful camera and filming equipment at our disposal, our group used, for production, a video camera, a tripod, headphones and a microphone. We used the headphones so when we were filming we could tell if the camera was picking up any background noise that could have distorted our shot. And then in post-production we used an editing programme called Adobe Premiere Pro.

Camera Equipment

Adobe Premiere Pro

4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing? We were given two hours in all to shoot and edit our piece this meant we had to be fast and concise with our filming and make sure we got everything done within that hour. We had to take into account other groups that were using the media block for filming and arrange different slots for different parts of the building in which groups could film without being disturbed. Before even filming however we took into account actors, where to film etc. as we needed a place that could pass as a classroom and actors who could provide us with the tension/awkwardness we wanted to convey in our piece. Whilst editing we made sure to keep to the storyboard and allow flexibility to make slight adjustments if one shot did not go to plan etc.

Continuity Error

5. How successful was you sequence? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently? I believe our sequence was very successful. We stuck to our storyboard and script and achieved the affect we wanted. I think that our MOA worked particularly well and was very well edited to look realistic. I also think that our use of camera angles worked well to make the scene exciting and concise. Our choice of actors worked well considering we had to use people from our group and we managed to convey the sense of awkwardness we set out to achieve with the long pauses and tense silences. In hindsight however there was one part of the sequence with a continuity error, just before the MOA my sleeve falls down and then when my hand is shown to grab the door my sleeve is rolled up, this was a very minor fault yet once you notice it you cant help seeing it every time you watch the sequence through. I also would have liked to include more technically difficult camera shots such as a whip pan when looking round towards the board which says 'Gone fishing be back soon xxxx' or a tracking shot of me when I entered the building etc.

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, do you think? From this task I have learnt alot about continuity and useful techniques to help me make my future films more realistic and believable. I have learnt of the 180 and 30 degree rules and how to use them correctly. I have learnt how to edit a MOA and a shot-reverse-shot. From this exercise I have also had the opportunity to further my experience with a camera and hands-on use of Adobe Premiere Pro.