Preliminary Exercise Evaluation

Preliminary Exercise

Evaluation

1. What was your brief?

Film a short conversation between two people that demonstrates 180-degree sign, shot-reverse-shot and match on action.

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

 

Match on Action

Match on action is a simple video editing technique. It is when the perspective of the camera changes during a scene but is cut so that the scene continues to flow.

Shot-Reverse-Shot

A shot-reverse-shot is a film used when characters are having a conversation. One character is shown looking at a second character then the second character is shown looking at the first character. As the characters are shown in opposite directions, the audience assumes that they are looking at each other. 

180-Degree Line

The 180-degree rule is a vital part of video production. It refers to an imaginary line that cuts horizontally through the middle of the scene, with respect to the camera. An actor crossing the line changes the audience’s perspective, which causes confusion and disorientation.

3. What planning did you do?

During planning for our preliminary exercise we planned a script and storyboards, conducted research of our filming location, wrote a shot list and conducted a risk assessment.

Script

Firstly, we had to consider writing a script for our short film. This was completed on a programme called “Celtx”. This allowed us to plan some stage directions and speech for the actors. Everyone eventually had a copy of one of the scripts written by a member of the group (Cameron).

Storyboard

Next, we all drew a storyboard for our own individual scripts. Within each drawing of the storyboard, we demonstrated the different types of shots that are to be used in the preliminary exercise in relation to the conversation. At the side of the drawings were the stage directions and speech that related to that particular part of the shot in question.

Location Research

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

Shot list

Prior to filming, we had to create a chronological list of the different shots that were to be used in the film. This had to include a long shot, a couple of shot-reverse-shots, a two-shot, a close-up and a medium-long shot.

Risk Assessment

To ensure we were safe during the filming and met health and safety regulations, we conducted a risk assessment.

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

During filming we had two actors and to people performing the camerawork and directing. The two cameramen worked together to ensure that the shots followed the shot list, storyboards and script so that nothing was missed out during filming. We encountered some difficulty as the room had a peculiar layout as the space was quite small. Subsequently, it was more difficult to film a two-shot. Also, the lighting was a little dark but was acceptable for filming.

5. How did you edit the film?

We used Final Cut Express to edit our final piece. This helped us to cut and apply transitions to the film easily. Furthermore, it ensured that continuity was right throughout the film. All of the group contributed to the editing process. We also applied sound bridges to the speech on Final Cut Express.

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

Shot-reverse-shots were used several times during the film that included dialogue between Natalie and myself. When each person talked, the camera switched position to look at that actor in particular.

A match on action was used when I walked down the corridor, through a door and sat down. This was shown by cutting together a long shot, a close up of the door handle and a medium long shot from inside the room.

Throughout the film process, camera did not cross the 180- degree line as it was always within 180-degrees of the actors.