Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

1. What was your brief?

We had to film a short conversation between 2 people. We had to include shot-reverse-shot and match on action shots without crossing the 180-degree sign.

2. Briefly describe 180-degree line, shot-reverse-shot and match on action.

180-degree line

This is a vital part of the production. It refers to an imaginary line which cuts through the middle of a scene. If you have crossed the line, it changes the viewers perspective causing confusion. Avoid crossing the line.

Shot-reverse-shot

It is a film technique where one character is shown looking at another character and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. The audience assume the characters are looking at each other since they are shown facing the opposite direction.

Match on action

Match on action is a very simple but essential technique, where the perspective of the camera changes during a scene and then continues to flow.

3. What planning did you do?

The group each made a script and storyboards, we conducted research of our filming location, we created a risk assessment and wrote a shot list. 

Script

Firstly, we had to create a script for our short film, we did this by using a programme called "Celtx." This allowed us to put what we were thinking and the ideas we wanted to do, in words therefore we could create a script for our short film. In the end, we all had a copy of one of the groups script (Cameron).

Storyboards

Next we drew storyboards for each of our scripts. This included different types of shots and when we would use them in the preliminary exercise. At the side, there was the stage directions and speech that related to that part of the shot in question. 

Location Research

Then, we had to book a room for filming. We had to ensure that the lighting was sufficient and the volume was suitable for filming 

Shot List

Before filming, we had to make a chronological list of the types of shots we were using. We had to include long shots, shot-reverse-shots, a two shot, a close up a medium-long shot.

Risk Assessment 

We conducted a risk assessment as we had to ensure we were safe during the filming and we met all health and safety regulations. 

4. Describe how you filmed the piece and any difficulties you had

We had 2 actors altogether, myself and Jodie and we had a director and a cameraman. The director and cameraman worked together to ensure we used all the essential shots that was required and everything was running smoothly. One difficulty that occurred was the spacing, as we were in a very small space and it was difficult to get some shots (two-shots) also the lighting differed at some points but it didn't ruin it.

5. How did you edit your film?

To edit our film, we used Final Cut Express, this allowed us to edit our film accurately and to a good standard. It ensured continuity throughout the film. Everyone in the group had an input. 

6. How does your film demonstrate 180-degree line, shot-reverse-shot and match on action?

Shot-reverse-shots were used throughout the film and multiple times, during the conversation mostly. We used match on action shot when our actor walked into the film, into the room and then sat down. Throughout the film, we did not cross the 180-degree line.