Evaluation Of Preliminary Task (Gavin Fernandes)

Evluation of Preliminary task (Gavin Fernandes)

As a class we were asked to produce an approximately one minute long film for our Preliminary task. The purpose of this was to illustrate our continuity editing and film skills. As a group we had to include particular aspects of filming and this was match on action, shot-reverse-shot and the 180-degree rule. These aspects helped us to achieve a great flow in continuity editing. Continuity editing the predominant style of film editing and video editing in the post- production process of filmmaking of narrative films and television programmes. The purpose of continuity editing is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots. Within our short film we had to include a conversation to be contained in two or more lines, a character passing through a door and a character walking.

Pre Production

As a group, the time was very limited as we had to begin immediately after being told by our teacher of what the preliminary task consisted of. We only had approximately 10 minutes to plan our preliminary task and in that small space of time we debated on the narrative and the genre we were going to produce leading to a thriller/suspense short film which entitled of a kidnapping. Firstly before filming we had to complete a  number of objectives:

. Who would be acting/filming?

. Where our location/setting would be most appropriate to our kidnapping story line?

We decided upon this idea as a group and we also had to collectively arrange a location in that we initially decided upon the chapel however then changing our location to a small room in a main hall to add suspense and dramatic effects. Additionally we had to establish cast and crew. As a group we decided Zak would be positioned in the cameraman shoes as the camera man and Janith and I would be the main actors. We decided we wanted to have a serious scenario in which all the shots necessary would definitely be included. Zak is experienced in using cameras and this was extremely valuable for the team as when filming we could begin immediately. I also learnt a lot when not acting with the camera and the skills used from Zak and Janith who are very experienced in using camerawork. As a result of our limited time during the preliminary task we didn't have time to create a storyboard but here is an example.

3 Key aspects that had to be included in Production (Filming)

Match on Action-

An editing technique for continuity editing in which one shot cuts to another shot portraying the action of the subject in the first shot. This creates the impression of a sense of continuity which intelligently draws the viewer's attention away from slight cutting or continuity issues. Match on action portrays a continuous sense of the same action rather than matching two separate things. This was displayed in our short film as when Janith lays his hands on the door handle and opens the door there is a close up on him on one side and then another close up on him on the other side as shown below. This is called match on action because two different shots relate to each other.

                                                 

Shot-reverse-shot-

A continuity editing technique used in conversations or simply characters looking at each other or objects. It is a shot showing what the character is supposedly looking at (either a point of view or over the shoulder) is followed by a reverse angle shot of the character themselves looking at it, or of the other character looking back at them. Furthermore this was displayed in out short film as when the camera was behind me (over shoulder shot) and facing Janith.

180 degree rule- 

 

A filming guideline that participants in a scene should have the same left-right relationship to each other, with filming only taking place within the 180 degree angle in which is maintained in conversation. Finally this was also displayed in our short film. This allows the audience to have a greater sense of location in the scene in terms of what may be off-screen in some shots, for example in the shot reverse shots.

 

Post Production

I was particularly interested in the post production stage as we were introduced to 'Final Cut Pro X' and i found this extremely fascinating as it was the first time I have used this editing software. Janith knew a lot about this software and I learnt a lot through his editing skills. Zak Janith & I firstly retrieved all the necessary camera shots, angles and footage that included everything that was necessary and viewed in detail that we hadn't missed anything to make sure we had everything to gain the best marks. Secondly, we then used all the necessary videos we had produced to put into our film and to make it continuous. We then added sound effects to make our film more effective and added credits to our small film to make it look more realistic. We finally changed the effect to black and white to have an enhanced effect. Overall I found editing very enjoyable and I learnt a lot from Janith's and Zak's editing skills.