Sofia and Emily Media: Preliminary Task

We filmed our preliminary video with Niamh and Emily from another group in our class.

Emily Carmichael

While we were filming our preliminary task there were some aspects which we noticed went well and some that didn't. The purpose of doing the task was to get used to using the cameras and tripods we used for the filming and also to learn how to use the editing software we would be using in our film opening.
Some things that went well in the video I think was in the editing of the footage. In the last few seconds of the video, the transition of the camera at different angles runs smoothly from behind to being in front and has good continuity - match on action.
Also when filming we filmed the same part more than once so that when it came down to editing we could use the best clip.
Another thing we managed to use quite well was the example of shot reverse shot when the two characters where conversing and the camera moved from one to the other when they spoke.
Some things that didn't go as well in the video were down to how it was filmed. When the camera is facing the two characters in the same shot, the table is tilted at an angle. This is something we can look at more carefully when we film the opening sequence.
Also at the beginning when the character walks through the door her hand is in a different position on the door when she opens the door and then when she walks through it. This is another thing we can work on and look at in more detail.
The lighting in our clip was effected by the lack of windows around the area we were filming in. This caused dark shadows to appear.
Also at the end of the clip there is laughter that can be heard which we didn't plan on using, but because we were not careful enough when choosing a location to film in, this noise is present.

Sofia Campbell

Our task was to create a preliminary sequence. To carry this out we chose 2 characters and devised a plot. Overall the filming process went well and our group didn't struggle to use the required equipment, however throughout the task we used a two shot of the 2 characters to show tension. During this shot we noticed after filming that the table wasn't in line with the angle of the other tables. This shows lazy mise-en-scene and when filming our opening sequence Emily and i will know to be thorough in checking the background props.
Another issue that came up when filming our task was that we found it difficult to find a setting within the school that was silent. Although it can be effective to have ambient sound in the background to make the clip more realistic, our scene wasn't based in a busy setting therefore the laughter that can be heard near the end of the clip does not fit the theme. However this will not be an issue when filming our opening sequence as we will be able to go off site in order to film.
For our group i feel the editing aspect of the task went very well. We were able to create smooth transactions between each shot, showing good continuity. For example when the character leaves the room at the end we used a match on action to show her leaving from the back and then switching to show her leaving from the front. I also feel we followed the 180 degree rule well and kept each character in the same positions. Also we were asked to include a shot reverse shot which our group carried out well and used the shots effectively to build up tension. Finally the lighting for the scene wasn't ideal as there were dark shadows which then contrasted with the bright lighting at the end of the scene.