Preliminary Task: Filming

Today we have filmed our sequence, we have tried to stick to the storyboard we made yesterday. However we have made a few changes which would probably be seen in the final edit. we've used different angles and multiple shots so that we have more to work with when editing. For example we filmed the staircase shot multiple times from different angles so that we can edit it in a match on action cuts.

We have captured our video into final cut express ready for editing in our next lesson. We have decided that George and Sam will be editing the video, adding appropriate cuts and transitions. Jack and Charlie will be creating the soundtrack using garageband.

Preliminary Task: Storyboard

Storyboards are very important. They help the director stick to a plan and helps prevent the film seeming random and in the wrong order. It also helps if a person is ill or away as the other people in the group know what that person wanted from the piece of film/performance.

When there is a storyboard you also do not have to film in the chronological order of the story.

Our storyboard.

We will need a camera and a tripod to film our story. we will have paperwork as a prop for the character to drop.

Our shot list.

Our shot list is a written out version of our story board. This prevents any confusion if pictures are not clear.

Preliminary Task: Introduction

This week we shall be planning, filming and editing a conversation sequence which includes a variety of different shots. It will be used to demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 rule. We have to pass this task to be able to continue onto the main project/coursework.

Today, we are planning our sequence on a storyboard and research and find examples of the shots which we will be using in the sequence. The shots included are establishing shot, close-up shot, match on action shot, reaction shot, long shot and using the 180 degree rule to film a conversation. We have also started our project blog to document our progress throughout the current task and the main project.

Tomorrow we shall be filming our sequence on location according to our storyboard.  The basic narrative of the storyboard starts as character 1 is walking down a staircase and walking down a hallway in an establishing shot. In the next shot character one drops what he is carrying and crouches down to collect the items from the floor which is shown in a close up. We will then see the same thing from a match on action shot of character 1 picking up the items from the floor. In the next shot we see character 2 come to help character 1 pick up the items and we see a reaction shot of character one. Then in the next shot we have a long shot of both characters standing up and then the shot moves into a shot reverse shot of the characters having a conversation using the 180 degree rule.

Then in the final lesson on this task we shall be editing our sequence to fit a linear narrative using final cut express. We are also going to think about the the sound and music which could be used in the sequence.

Preliminary Task: Camera Shots

Establishing shot

The shot informs the audience of the characters surroundings and who is in the scene. It shows that these three characters are all doing to school, so they are still about 16-18.

Close up

It draws attention to the reaction/action of a character. This makes us feel what they are feeling and understand them. This is from a low angle which shows that the character has a higher authority, and makes him look more threatening.

Match on action shot

This shot shows the audience an action from two perspectives. It shows that this character is quite defensive, and stupid because he's punching a fish - it's almost barbaric.

Reaction shot

The shot taken when a character first enters the scene.The shot shows the feelings and position of the character and helps us to understand how they feel.Another reaction shot showing that the character is pleased to see someone.

Long shot

This shows the whole scene and tells us where the characters are. It could also be classified as an establishing shot, which shows us the scene. It shows that not much is happening in the scene, and everyone is talking in their groups.

Filming a conversation 

This shows the audience the reactions on the characters faces during the conversation and lets them know who is talking. The character is wearing glasses and has his tie done really well, this shows us that he is probably quite organized and possibly a stereotypical "nerd".