Prelim analysis

Prelim analysis

For the preliminary task we had to include:
-someone walking through the door.
-a conversation with someone sitting down.
-a shot reverse shot.
-continuity  editing.
-Sticking to the'180% rule'.

Pre-production:

In pre-production we learnt how to use and create a storyboard which helped with the narrative because with the use of a simple storyboard we already had; an idea of actors positioning within each frame, the different camera angles we wanted to include and even the camera movements. Also with the finished storyboard it helped inspire the dialogue between the two characters.

We were advised by the year 13's to make sure each shot we filmed was long enough so that it would fit together when edited even if it meant it had to be cut this would help keep continuity. The year 13's also advised us to make use of the tripods, we took this advice and implemented the tripod during the panning shots this made it a lot smoother than the free-handed alternative.When looking at the other examples of prelim tasks on YouTube we noticed errors such as not using elliptical editing which we learnt form and made ours more concise, only keeping in the relevant information so the audience doesn't lose interest.

Production:

The main problem we had when filming was with the over the shoulder shots because the actor who was speaking had their back to the camera man (Jake Chattfield) and director (Chas Fart
hing) therefore they couldn't see when the camera was rolling which meant we had to re-take this shot numerous times. Also because we decided to make ours comical actors (Ruairi Pammen & Charlie Noble) had trouble not laughing and keeping a straight face which made the production process take slightly longer. Furthermore we struggled at times with keeping in character was also a struggle at times but in the end we made sure we got the footage we needed by remaining in character and even improvised at times. Also we had to contend with external interferences from other pupils and teachers which we couldn't have prevented, however we remained patient and allowed them to pass so we could continue getting footage.

Post Production:

Editing the clip was fairly straight forward as it was only 53 seconds long so the main priority was to make sure each shot fitted together in order to keep the audience in 'suspended disbelief' by this I mean we cut back some shots because for example an actor was starting his walk from a stationary point which we cut so that he was shown to be already walking therefore adding realism otherwise it would look as though he's been queued to start walking by a director (which was the reality).
When looking at the other examples of prelim tasks on YouTube we noticed errors such as not using elliptical editing we learnt from this and made ours more concise, only keeping in the relevant information so the audience doesn't lose interest with the longevity of the clip.
Problems  caused and solutions:

The problems we faced in the filming was mostly with continuity. Taking one shot was easy, but then we had to move the camera into the next area and make sure the shot fit into the sequence so that it didn't seem to jump suddenly and become unrealistic. The solution to this was to make the actors stay in the same position after each take and allow the camera man a chance to re-position the camera this made sure the actor was in the same position on-screen in each frame. Moreover keeping in character was also a struggle at times but in the end we made sure we got the footage we needed by remaining in character and even improvised to make the take acceptable. There were also some interferences from other pupils and teachers which we couldn't have prevented, however we remained patient and allowed them to pass so we could continue getting footage. We also had trouble finding places to film because there were exams taking place in some parts of the school. Overall the problems that we faced were few and easy to deal with. When our teacher (Mr Sheriff) viewed our prelim he gave feedback pointing out flaws to us such as that it was vertically filmed on the iphone meaning that when we uploaded it onto YouTube it was rectangular not fully fitting the framing. Although we decided we will film using a more professional camera for the real media product so this wouldn't be an issue
.

Style;

180 degree rule:

This is a basic cinematography technique intended to keep the audience in a sense of suspended disbelief, it applies to when two or more actors are in a shot and it's all posed on positioning of the camera.
When filming a conversation the camera has to remain on the same side of the conversation, this is because if the camera is filming a conversation from the perspective of the right-side and then jump cuts to the left-side it will warp viewers perspectives of the on-screen action since the characters will flip over and effectively change positions, bringing the audience out the reality of the film.

Shot reverse shot:

A film technique wherein one actor is looking at another, (depicted in our film with the use of other the shoulder shots) and then the other character is shown looking 'back' at the first character. Because both characters are shown on-screen as facing each other in opposite directions, the audience assumes they are looking at each other and conversing. The audience also perceives one continuous piece of action that is developing in a linearly and chronologically ageing, way making it logical for the viewer-ship.