The preliminary task briefFor the preliminary task we had to make a short film. This was a continuity task involving filming and editing.

We had to include:

A character opens a door, crosses room and sits down opposite another character.

The two people exchange a couple of lines of dialogue.

You should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot, and the 180 degree rule.

Our rolesWe worked together in a three for this task. After thinking of ideas we created a storyboard so we could

plan what we were doing, when we were doing it and where the camera would be positioned as well as what shots we would be getting.

Next we came up with a small script so we knew what we were saying when we had to exchange a few lines of dialogue.

Finally we worked out our roles, what we were going to do and started filming it. Rachael was the producer and camera woman. Heather was an actress and co-producer. I was the other actress and co-producer.

Evidence of match on action, 180 degree rule and shot reverse shot

In these screenshots you can see that I am outside the door on the first one and one the next shot the camera is the other side of the door as I open it so it is opening towards the camera. This represents ‘match on action’ because you are showing two sides of something as it is being done.

In these screenshots you can see that the camera is behind my shoulder and facing Heather in the first shot and in the second shot it is behind Heather’s shoulder and facing me. This is known as ‘shot reverse shot’ because the camera is switching sides to show two people which makes it easier to see the people as dialogue is being exchanged.

In this screenshot you can see a medium shot of heather and I from the side. This represents the ‘180 degree rule’ because through out the filming the camera remained on the right of me and the left of Heather at all times so it is remaining on the same axis.

What have you learnt about new technology from the process of constructing your film for the Preliminary task?

During our preliminary task we had used a digital camera to record the scenes. I have learnt that using the 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and match on action techniques allows us to produce short scenes that is natural looking and easy for the audience to see and understand what is going on. We had no difficulty in using the digital camera although we did have to record certain bits twice in two different shots so that when we edited the short scenes together we could ensure that it was a smooth film.

We had to used Adobe Premiere Elements 9 to edit our film. By using this we had learned had to learn how to use the software. We were able to put the scenes in the correct order (chronologically) and cut unwanted clips from the scenes we shot without making the scenes seem unnatural. In addition, we decided to use a more advance feature by including titles, however we did struggle as we were not able to slow down the speed of which the titles appear on screen. Therefore, we had to seek help from a teacher which enabled us to learn how to do so in the near future.

Overall from this task I have learnt how to use the digital camera to effectively shoot different shot techniques, also I have learnt how to use Adobe Premiere

Strengths and WeaknessesSTRENGTHS

• We were able to record the scenes in chronological order. When we went onto Adobe Premier we were able to insert all the clips and scenes in the right order.

• It is easy to understand and follow what is happening

• We completed most of the tasks without needing assistance (although we did need help when we inserted titles on the video)

WEAKNESSES• We had to film some scenes quite a

few times to get it the way we wanted it to be so we were all satisfied by the outcome.

• There were times when we were shaking when holding the camera so it was not steady. For example when we were shooting the scene of me walking down the corridor.

• Were a couple of times when the timings were wrong when we were recording so we edited these parts out.