In preparation for our main task we were asked to produce a ‘preliminary’ task in order to help us become more familiar with the concept of filming, the use of camera technology and the final editing process. Our brief was to create a short piece of filming that made use of the 180 degree rule, continuity, match-on-action and contained a wide range of camera angles to make for the most interesting piece of footage possible. So that we became more acquainted with these techniques I researched the concept and watched several clips on Youtube to guarantee my understanding of them. Within our slip, we had to ensure that the character in question walked through a door and sat down with another character to exchange dialogue. We had to capture this dialogue with a shot, reverse shot.
However, we realised post filming that we had not incorporated the ‘shot, reverse shot’ and instead used a close up pan between the two characters. This was a result of not following our storyboard as efficiently as we should have. Our brief was compromised by the fact that we were trying too hard to think up interesting and unusual shots. Our idea was thought up easily enough but we struggled to translate our mysterious idea onto paper. The lesson I have learnt here for the main task is to utilise the time we have to create a storyboard, making it clear and interesting enough to stick to it during filming.
In terms of the filming itself, I was appointed camera woman. After a brief tutorial on how to use the cameras it was up to us a collective to use our initiative to ensure the camera was set up correctly; whether that be that the spirit level was in balance or that we had the right light exposure for the shot. We experimented with the moving tripod but we found that the picture it produced was far too unstable and so quickly came up with a different type of shot. We found that shooting the same scene with a variety of different types of shots and angles gave us a great advantage when it came to editing. If one type of shot hadn’t work we were able to fall back on another.
We were also taught the ‘directors language’. “Standby…rolling camera…action…cut”. This type of communication worked well within our team and gave a clear understanding as to when the shot was about to be taken. This is something we have benefitted from and can use in our main task.
However, as this was our first attempt we came across some faults. After filming our first three or so shots, we realised we had forgotten to include a vital prop within the scene. This meant that we had to re-film those scenes and wasted valuable time. Again, perhaps if we had paid closer attention to the storyboard this may not have been an issue.
By the time it came to filming we were feeling confident. It was more or less left up to our independent research to learn how to use the Macs. Initially, we were slow to piece parts together but then we began to relish this new experience. It was helpful to have a creative input from all three of us as and we even learnt how to fade our clip out at the end. This was my favourite part of the process: seeing how our work had paid off. I was happy with the continuity of the clip, interesting twist in the dialogue and the exchange of handbags as this left the audience with a sense of suspicion. The shot I found most effective, even though it was not part of the brief, was the pan shot between the dialogue. This focused the audience’s attention on the matter in hand and built tension.
As I team I feel that we worked very productively. I found the task enjoyable more than anything and that is evidence that everyone pulled their weight and worked in unison. It was nice to have three different takes on how the clip should be portrayed and from these three ideas we were able to deduce the best. We conferred as to what should be cut and what shouldn’t and we were able to compromise well. Essentially, I directed Katie and Vicky in the acting of the clip. As camera woman I was the eye to the scene. As Katie and Vicky did, I drew the storyboard, helped in the editing process and gave suggestions were I thought appropriate. I felt that the work load was evenly distributed and I looked forward to working with them again for our main task.
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