Preliminary Task

This is our preliminary task filmed and edited by me and two others in my group. Our task was to film a short scene, which must include a character opening a door and crossing the room to then sit down in a chair opposite another character where they will exchange dialogue. The short scene also had to include the camera shots we had already tried out such as match on action, shot/reverse shot and 180-degree rule. We successfully managed to include all three of the camera shots and managed to go over the recommended amount of a minute worth of footage. Because the scene had to include dialogue we decided to do the short scene of a girlfriend having an argument with her boyfriend, however next time I would make sure there was a set script prepared so they don't end up just repeating the same things over and over again. 

The main role I played was filming and by doing this and practising I definitely feel more prepared for my main task. I learnt that filming takes a lot longer than expected and when it comes to our main task I think filming more than just one take of each scene would be more helpful as you don't realise until editing that some of the scenes might not flow properly or there might have been a little mistake that you didn't notice when watching it back the first time. I also learnt that to make sure you get a clean edit it takes a lot longer then you first think, so when doing the main task I would make sure we get the filming done as soon as possible so there is plenty of time to edit or even redo a scene if it didn't work too well. 

Our Match On Action Example

Because match on action is a key technique used it is important that we try our own version to have a better understanding of how it works and how it is edited to ensure it is a smooth transition. 

Match On Action

Match on Action is a technique used for continuity editing. The technique is used to cut one shot to another shot to help the continuity flow smoothly without any sudden jumps. It can be used to show the subject finishing of the action they started in the first shot, but giving a clearer view. This shot is often used to film someone opening a door as you film them from behind when they start opening it and then then cut to in front to have the shot of them walking through.

Example:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKS2d6TyiWo

Camera Movements

Tilt
A tilt is a techniques that is used in a nodding motion. It is done in a fixed position, moving the camera up and down vertically.

Tracking Shot
This shot involves using a rail that can push the camera to follow the subject as they move. If you were to replace the rails with something with wheels the shot is then called a dolly shot.

Whip Pan
This technique causes the shot to blur as the camera pans so quickly. It can be used between characters and as a transition between shots, usually used in action films.

Pedestal
Pedestal is done without changing the vertical or horizontal axis of the camera, but still moving the camera up and down. Usually done by using a tripod to raise and lower the tripod head. 

Crane
A crane shot is similar to an aerial shot, the camera is positioned on a crane that is designed to be lowered and raised. It allows you to take a high-angle shot, but also lets you then swoop down towards the subject from the high-angle.

Zoom/Reverse Zoom
Even though this shot isn't a camera movement it involves moving the lens so you are able to move in close to the subject or pull away without having to physically move. It can help add energy if done at a fast pace.

Truck
This technique is the same as dollying, but instead of going in and out you move the camera from left to right. it can also be done by using a track to get a smooth shot. 

Arc Shot
Arc shot is similar to the tracking shot and allows the camera to move around the subject in a slight semi-circle shape.

By looking at different movements it will help us to think about how we can include them in our storyboard and final piece as this will ensure our sequence flows properly. It also makes us consider editing when filming and where different editing techniques can be used as you need to think about how one shot can smoothly link to the next shot without there being too much of a jump.

Bokeh

Bokeh is a common technique used in photography and when translated from Japanese means 'blur'. It makes an image become instantly more interesting, as it forces you to focus on a certain point of the image. Bokeh is caused by the lens and not the camera itself. It can be used to blur out light in photos or to blur out the background, leaving the subject the main focus point. In order to get the best blur there should be no hard edges, as the blur should be soft.

Examples:

Compositions

Composition- the arrangement and organisation of elements within the work.


The Golden Rectangle
The golden rule is a technique used to proportion work so it fits the golden ratio, where the ratio of the longer side to the shorter side must fit. This is commonly used by architects and artists. It is based off a mathematical formula.

The Rule of Odds
Rule of odds is used to trick your eyes and brain find much more difficult to match up the objects or people. This technique is used to make a picture more interesting than having an even number, as by having an even number it makes it too easy for your eyes to match them up therefore making the image dull.  

Leading Lines
This is used to draw the viewers attention to a certain part of the image, almost guiding the viewers eyes through the image to the focus point.

Strong Diagonal
Strong diagonals are often used to bring depth to a picture and can instantly make it look more interesting. 

Lines of Sight
This technique is used to allow the viewer to follow the line to the focus point of the image. Usually used when the person is looking at an object in the photo, as you automatically look at the object as well.



Point of View
Usually used to make an image more interesting by changing the point of view from eye level to say above or below the subject. 

Framing
Framing helps bring the viewers attention to the subject in the image, while also creating more depth.



simplifying
simplifying an image is used to get rid of unnecessary detail in an image that would otherwise distract the viewer from the main focus.   



Filling The Frame
By filling the frame with the subject automatically grabs the viewers attention and can have an immediate impact. You can also crop out some of the edges to create more of an interesting and dramatic effect.

Active Space
Active space is when you leave a gap between the edge of your frame and the subject that is moving to help create balance within the image.

By doing this research we have learnt how to use space within our shots and how we can go from a level 1 to a level 4 shot by using different angles and levels. 

The Rule Of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a photographic composition where a photograph is split into nine parts or thirds, horizontally and vertically. The point of this rule is that you place the main focus of your image of centre and along the lines, as this is supposed to help your image become more interesting and balanced. When viewing an image your eyes automatically look towards the intersection points instead of the centre of the image, so it helps your eyes focus straight away onto the main point. 

Example:

Our Example:

This will help us when it comes to filming to ensure that we get the best shots possible and will help us think about composition and balance when it comes to our final piece. 

Our 180° Rule Example

From doing our own example it helps us to consider how we can smoothly film two different characters having a conversation, but while also showing the setting and whats going on in the background. We also learnt how to edit without there being too much of a jump between shots. It also helps us to gain a greater understanding of what works and what doesn't.