Preliminary Task
I was in a different group in my preliminary task. We chose to experiment with different shots whilst still following the 180 degree rule. We had trouble trying to get the think of different ways we could experiment with the shots whilst still keeping the task quite simple. We decided that by having a very simple script, it would be easier when focusing on the shots. this is because it gave us more time to focus on setting up the different shots and angles. We felt that we wanted to challenge the conventions of using the 180 degree rule. Although, we have clearly stuck to it, we have used different angles and eye-lines to make a more effective way of the showing a conversation. An example would be during the using of the two-shot-profile as it is a good way of showing the the entire props, costume and the action that one of the actors is currently doing whilst still keeping to the 180 degree rule. LATASHA
My group
What was my role in the preliminary task?
I took the role of director, as i made a lot of choices with the story and what shots we chose. I also had a go at filming small parts in order to get familiar with the camera, in preparation for the main task which is our opening of our film. We chose Simona and Aneta to be in the film, in order to show the action of opening the door and entering the room. With the 180 degree rule in mind, we wanted to show a more creative approach to this task and so we used focus pulls, Over head shots, low angle shots, moving shots and others to show a better, creative understanding of the task set.
What difficulties did we encounter?
Producing the shots were the most difficult. We had spent a lot of time thinking about what the story would be and how will be show this, so in the end we improvised a lot, which actually worked out well. We had actually created two types of preliminary tasks. Our first one was just to get used to the camera, and it helped in the second one, which gave us more time to focus on the creative part rather then how to use a camera. Creating a story board was also difficult, as we didn't actually know what shots to use.
What did you learn about filming?
I learnt how to get familiar with the camera and how to show whats going on through creative shots rather then your basic eye level view. I learnt that i shouldn't fear how to explore various shots. Scripting was quite simple in allowing me to know exactly what the story would be. The shot types in the script was hard, but in the end we had to just get along with it, and i think improvisation does work out as well as planning. I also learnt how to use time. If i could film as much as possible, i can edit it into a short piece, because cutting edit is most important (Filming a simple scene can take a long time, but editing can break this down).
What did you learn about editing?
I learnt that by cutting clips together i can create completely different meanings. Editing took less time and effort then filming and so i preferred this process more, as i had more control of the outcome. I learnt to film as much as possible in order to have more to edit. I edited the preliminary task with my group, cutting parts together to create a better story line. This process helped me better understand and be prepared for my actual filming of my opening. I was more familiar with the tools and kinda of effects i could achieve with i movie. LOREN
Script of preliminary task
LOREN
INT of hallway. Camera is still as person 1 walks further away from the camera, into the distance.
Close up of door handle as she opens the door.
Medium close up of feet walking from out the door.
Profile shot of person 2, as she breathes deeply.
Cuts to medium two shot of person 1 putting hand on person 2's shoulder.
Medium shot of person 1's hand moving down the table
cuts to continuous shot of hand moving as she sits down.
Overhead shot of both people.
Person 2
So, what do you want me to take care of, should I? ...
Person 1 (Smashes fist on the table)
NO!
Cuts to behind shoulder shot, showing person 1 pulling out a piece of paper.
Focus pull used as person 1 flings paper across table. Person 2 catches paper.
Low angle shot, as person 1 moves from seat towards person 1.
Cuts to hand on shoulder of person 2, then walks away before looking back revealing face.
Camera moves down the face. Extreme close up of paper being opened.
Close up of reaction of person 2.
THE TASK
The task that was given to us as a class by our teacher was to be able to shoot a person coming in from one side of the room into the other to show continuity edit and also to show a conversation between to characters using the 180 degree rule within one clip.The choice of how to do this was given to the groups to make it. as interesting as possible and as long as we achieve the task via the knowledge tout in the previous lessons eg choice of shots.
For the preliminary task we were put into groups by sir, involving Amira, Simona, Aneta and me where we got to together to make and plan the preliminary task by selecting the shots we will be using and what angles. As the director we had to have this ready before the shoot. as a group we had all contribute to the planing. The second period we had started filming when loren joined our group, through out the whole process me, loren and Amira were behind the camera forming the clip whereas Aneta and simona were playing the roles on-screen. The aim of the task was to be able to show a continuity edit,created action that flows smoothly through out the scene without showing the disturbance. This is a technique is used to illuminate interruption to a storyline therefore the shot appears smooth and realistic. In this case we were told to explain using the camera when a person is walking in from outside a door and then be able to cut into the other side of the door. We also had to show the 180 degree rule at some point. CHANDNI.
To film the preliminary task we had to consider many factors in order to make the shoot successfully.These were setting, lighting, hazard,equipment and props.
SETTING:
The location was difficult to choose at first because we had planned it to be based outdoors but the plan didn't work out due to rules and time restrictions. we didn't want our task to be basic so we imagined to do something different and be able to shoot outside,but we were not permitted by sir so we had to change the storyline and be able to fit it to a indoor shoot.The shoot was than decided to be conducted in the within the CLC because it seemed convenient as we were already in there and less risky since we were familiar with the place and could predict for any problems. So for the setting we used a door way and the big room in the CLC centre. Although things weren't according to the plan the shoot we did was successful with the group happy.
LIGHTING:
The lighting that was used during the shoot was natural light in the CLC room,Although we were shown how to use extra light equipments in the previous lessons. we could have used professional lights but we choose not to do so as we had very little time to complete the task as we were given about 90 minutes.secondly we chose not to use the light equipment was due to setting up,it was difficult to do because we only had one lesson to learn how to assemble them together.Even though we were not able to use the lights there it didn't effect our preliminary clip.This was because the camera light was used and because the area we had shot in was well lit, also the room we filmed in had lot of natural sunlight coming through which helped during the shoot.
EQUIPMENT:
The use of equipment was minimal for the shoot that we conducted for the preliminary task since we were not able to use light equipments, therefore we had used the professional camera provided to us by sir and a tripod . Regardless of less equipment we achieved plenty with these two.The camera's that we were provided with were very advanced and for that it made our shoot good due to the facilities it had for example lighting , focus etc.The tripod was also useful as it helped the camera to be still and and get good shot and angle.Since I was able to move the camera between shots without it appearing unstable and be able to look clear.
HAZARD: There were many risks that we had to consider before shooting also while shooting.these were
- Handling camera- this was vital as i didn't want it to break or damage the camera in any case, to prevent this i had to learn how to handle camera carefully by sir.
- Props- i had to test out the chairs and the table in case of any malfunction that may cause harm to our characters
- Food and drink- since we were using the room that the class took place we had to make sure nobody had any food or drinks around that could damage equipment.
- clear floor: i had to make sure that there was not any bit and bobs around and make sure the set was clear so that no-one falls while filming.
PROPS: As the writer of the film there was not a specific prop that had planned to use except for the table and chairs also including the door. We wanted to make it as simple as possible and also because we did not have much props due to the fact that i had only one day to write and film the preliminary task. another reson for this is that i wanted to focus more on the main task of the continuity edit and the 180 degree rule. As well as being able to to use diverse angles in the sequence.
180 DEGREE RULE: we were asked to use and present the 180 degree rule in the preliminary task. This is usually used to show two characters opposite each other most likely during a conversation .The rule states that camera is placed within the 180 degree span field of either side of the characters,also known as the imaginary line of vision to make the story logical also to help it flow smoothly through out.The camera can not cross that line of 180 degree during the scene.The diagram below also gives an illustrated explanation of what I achieved in our preliminary task.CHANDNI
Below is an small video that i have created during the planing of the shots and show how and why i have used certain angles in the task.CHANDNI
THE FINAL RESULT- in this video below i have played the voice-over explaing what i have achieved through this preliminary task. CHANDNI
Preliminary Task
Here we used a range of shots, allowing us to tell the story and show the basic movement of entering a room which sir wanted us to achieve. We did this using shots such as high angle, low angle, close ups, extreme close ups and even focus pulls. We worked as a team, with a few of us with the combined role of the director, showing a understanding of how we can achieve the task. We could challenge each others points of view whilst agreeing with certain things. Most of us had a go at using the camera as well. LOREN
