Group 3C Prelim Task

Prelim Task: To create a continuity sequence involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom he/she exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.

1. Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

I was in a group with Lewi, Megan and James. Initially as a whole group we sat down and wrote the script and storyboard together so we all agreed on it. As Lewi is studying drama, he was more than happy to act in our sequence and James was perfect for our reserved awkward detainee. Megan and I took turns filming and monitoring sound equally, compensating each other if we found a particular shot challenging. For example, Megan was a lot smoother at panning so she filmed the establishing shot. We agreed on shot framing together and sometimes we would flip the camera screen over so the actors could see what we were seeing so we were all on the same wavelength. We all took turns at editing in postproduction and all collectively agreed on the shots that we would use in the final sequence.

Lewi, Me, Megan and James!

2. How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you try and take into account?

STORYBOARD

SCRIPT

INITIAL:

Group 3C Prelim Script

MORE DETAILED:

Gone Fishin’

We wanted to make sure our sequence flowed continuously without disrupting the narrative so that the audience could immerse themselves in the story. Obviously we had a specification of essentials we had to include but it didn’t mean we couldn’t be creative and produce something funny and different. We harnessed Levi Strauss’ theory of binary opposites to have two characters with very different personalities: chatty and laidback versus quiet and standoffish. Together, we drew up a script and storyboard and in the initial planning lesson, filmed and marked the sequence through on Lewis iPod to make sure it was not too complicated and it worked well as a whole, checking for any harsh framing distance jumps and the like. We made sure we had ticked the boxes; including a MOA, S/RS and the 180 degree rule. We filmed the whole scene from various different angles and distances so we had variation and choices when we came to editing- some of which we didn’t even include. For example, we filmed the whole conversation OTS and with a POV close up- the latter we didn’t end up using at all!

I was also desperate to include an Edgar Wright-esque sharp whip pan (as seen in this clip from Spaced) so that when Lewi turns to look at the message on the board, it is from the point of view of him. However it didn’t look very effective so it did not make the final cut. Our storyboard was an excellent blue print to refer back to when filming to make sure we had included everything.

 

3. What technology did you use to complete the task and how did you use it?

As previously mentioned, we used Lewi’s iPod for a rough walkthrough of the scene. When it came to actually filming it, we used a video camera, microphone and headphones in order to hear the sound the way the camera did. The microphone was set onto stereo, picking up every detail and making every minute sound amplified which was a bit disorientating when we first put on the headphones! However, it enabled us to make sure that any speech and diegetic sound was clear. Our sequence was edited on Adobe Premiere by capturing clips from the camera and cutting and arranging them using the razor and trimming tools. As most of our group was comfortable using the software, we even experimented with speeding up, slowing down and reversing clips- especially with the whip pan, although these scenes were not used in the final sequence.

4. What factors did you have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?

One very important thing to think about during planning was our actors. We could only use people available in our group and so had to make sure we selected those with the most confidence, screen presence and appropriate for the desired role so the sequence looked convincing and realistic. Time was another big issue. 2 hours in total to shoot and edit meant that we had to be ruthless with what we included and tried not to over complicate the sequence, our ethos being better to do a simple thing well than a complicated thing badly. As our sequence was filmed during lesson time we had to structure our filming between bells and lesson changes, as this would only contribute unnecessary noise. Also, another group needed to use the hallway for filming as well, so we had to liaise with them to allocate filming slots so we all had sufficient time to get our shots in. Fortunately, students and staff in the media block were very cooperative and could see we were shooting so would stay out of the way until one of us shouted ‘cut’ meaning that there were not any interferences from people coming in and out. During editing, we did not want to make our sequence too long but deliberately left in extended, awkward pauses for effect.

5. How successful was your sequence? Please identify what went well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

Overall I think our sequence was pretty successful. The shots flowed well and the feedback has been positive; many people found it humorous which was our intention because it means they paid attention to the story. The acting was convincing and people particularly like the falling detention sign. The sequence however, is by no means flawless. There is an obvious continuity error in which Lewi’s jumper is rolled up, then down, then up again which was completely overlooked until postproduction.

 

In the hallway shots, our tripod was set up slightly wonky, meaning every shot had an unintentional tilt which if I had the opportunity to do again I would immediately correct. The framing was generally good however I think if given the chance I would come in tighter on the OTS shots of Lewi as there is a considerable amount of empty space on the RHS. If we had more time I would have really liked to pull off the whip pan because I think it would be a lot more effective than a still cutaway. James’ climactic punch line was a bit quiet, however when we audio gained the clip in postproduction, all the background noise increased as well and it sounded disjointed and odd. Nevertheless I am really pleased with the MOA and the detention sign shot (even if it was cut pretty abruptly because after 5 minutes of slamming a door the sign finally fell down and we finally got the shot we wanted and I couldn’t contain my excitement…I yippeed!) It was really enjoyable to film and I really loved working with my group as we all got along really well and produced something good at the end of it.

6. What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

I have learnt not to be too over the top and ambitious if you are working to a very tight deadline but still try things because you never know if they will work out. For example, the detention sign shot took a significant amount of time to get right but by pulling it off we really added something extra to the whole sequence. I have learnt to be very selective when shooting and editing and the importance of constantly referring to the script and storyboard. I have also learnt that filming the whole sequence from different angles definitely gives you a lot more options when it comes to editing and can really help to create different desired effects. I know now more than ever I need to work on my time management skills as James and I spent slightly longer in the edit suite than perhaps we should have! The rest of my group told me I need to stop being such a perfectionist as I would edit and reedit until it was just right…but I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing! Above all things however, I have learnt the importance of continuity in a sequence and can apply this knowledge to the rest of my foundation coursework.