preliminary task

1. AS MEDIA STUDIES
FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO
PRELIMINARY TASK
• Photo story assignment
• Video continuity assignment
Xue Bai

2. INTRODUCTION
For my AS level media studies coursework, my preliminary task is to complete two preliminary
photographic and video tasks. These two assignments will demonstrate my knowledge and
understanding of moving image codes and conventions as well as sequence assembly,
recording and editing skills. Both tasks will help me to get familiar with skills and techniques
needed in short film production.
Photo story assignment: To create a photo story entitled “Meeting” using set of camera shots.
Video assignment: Continuity task involving filming and editing a sequence with linear
narrative structure.

3. PHOTO STORY: MEETING
Synopsis: A guy’s best friend, falls in love with his girlfriend. To express his feelings he writes
and sends a letter to her. When the girl receives the letter, she is confused and she puts the
letter into her bag. Soon afterwards she goes to meet up with her boyfriend. After spending
some time together, the girl needs to go home and as she leaves, she drops the letter she had
received.

4. (MS) Medium shot (CU) Close up (OHMS) Over head Medium shot
(MCU) Medium Close Up (MS) Medium Shot (MS) Medium Shot

5. (OHMS) Over head Medium shot (MCU) Medium Close up (CU) Close Up
(MLS) Medium Long Shot (LS) Long Shot (OSMS)Over Shoulder Medium Shot

6. (OSMS) Over Shoulder Medium shot (ECU) Extreme Close Up (L2S) Long Two Shot
(MCU) Medium Close Up
The End

7. EVALUATION
In this task I had to create a photo story using range of camera shots in order to visually tell a
simple story line. The main aim of this assignment was to implement and incorporate
theoretical knowledge and understanding about camera shots and framing. In addition this
task has help me improve my compositional and narrative structure skills which would be
beneficial in filming and editing video continuity task and eventually film opening sequence.
This first task was done and completed during my media studies lesson as a practical
component to reinforce my knowledge about basic shot types, framing and composition.

8. VIDEO ASSIGNMENT: LATE AGAIN
Synopsis: The notion of lateness and its consequences is exhibited in this short video.

9. CONTINUITY TASK
Main focus for the second assignment was to produce a continuity sequence that lasts
approximately 1 minute. The clip showcases my understanding of the following three media
techniques:
1. The 180 degree rule , is a basic guideline that states that two characters in the same scene
should always have the same left/right relationship to each other.
2. Shot/reverse shot is when one character is shown looking at another character , and the
other character is shown looking back at the first character.
3. Match on action is when an action that begins in one shot is continued or completed into
the next scene.

10. THE180 DEGREE RULE
• The 180 degree rule states that during the filming procedure of two elements , the camera must
stay within a 180 degree field and not cross the axis of action which refers to an imaginary line
which cuts through the middle of the scene , from left to right sides of the frame , with respect to
the camera.
• If the camera crosses the axis of action confusion and disorientation can be caused from the side
of the audience because of the natural view of the subject is reversed.
• The effect achieved when using the 180 degree rule is that it involves the audience into the
conversation by using various shots of a quick pace to capture the poignant facial expressions of
the characters.

11. SHOT/REVERSE SHOT
• Shot/Reverse shot is a crucial editing technique when filming dialogues. Traditionally, the
process utilizes the 180 degree rule , eye line match and rule of change among others.
• The essential components consists of a three camera set up.
• The basic shots required to fulfill the principles of this editing process are: a two-shot of the
characters( wide or medium shot); an over the shoulder shot on character A and an over the
shoulder shot on character B.
• It is used to attract the audience into the dialogue due to the audience not being able to
notice the cuts.

12. MATCHED ON ACTION
• The process of this editing technique is based on one shot cutting to another shot
portraying the action of the subject in the first shot.
• Matched on action is part of a continuity sequence which results in a visual bridge , which
means that the action flows and thus no abrupt pauses are made that would make the scene
seem unnatural in terms of reality and validity of the action being displayed.

13. VIDEO EDITING

14. EVALUATION
My final task is to evaluate and critically analysis main stages of preliminary task that I had
undergone at the beginning of media studies coursework.
My first task was to make a photo story based on set off shots which will chronologically tell the
story. Using still filming shots, framing picture composition, I became familiar with filming and
storyboard conventions.
During filming, my main focus was on demonstrating practically ability to framing the shot and
achieve descried composition. Main convention in this photographic task was the rule of thirds
and subjects sides and camera angle. This task gave me opportunity to improve my technical
knowledge of type of shots and their use in order to convey the story in descried and conventional
way.
The main segment of the preliminary task was to produce short continuity video sequence while
applying main string film narrative and compositional structures. This short video is suppose to
show case my understanding of 180 degree rule, shotreverse shot as well as much on action.
Before I started with productions with this video sequence, I have carried out secondary research.
As part of this research, I have analysis examples of media studies video work and existing films
that future the three mention camera techniques.

15. After completing research, I have started with preproduction. Initially I have come up with few
video ideas which I have analyzed with my tutor. I have decided to produce lateness video
sequence. Th0.is idea incorporated visual, technical and creative elements.
The main task in preproduction was to write video sequence synopsis. In the synopsis, I have
included main stages of narrative ( order, disorder and order restored) as well as characters,
storyline in chronological order. The next important part was to write script and storyboard.
The follow up stage involve casting, location search, equipment and props list.. I have payed
special attention at this stage in order to avoid problems when filming on location.
The filming was done during one day and it was done outside and with in school. During
production, I had to improvise and film during lessons to avoid crowd.
During post production, I have first view the footage and I have selected the best takes. After that I
have completed rough editing in order to put story in chronological sequence. In the editing of
this video sequence I have used semiprofessional video editing software Pinnacle 15.

16. During making this video I have used the following camera techniques: Zoom in, Zoom out,
panning, tracking, close up, low angle, tilt up, extreme long shot, medium shot and two shot. I have
learnt to use the following continuity rules: shotreverse shot, 180 degrees rule and match on
action.
During postproduction stage I have learnt to how to: import, render, add transitions and mark in
and out. I used these tools to import footage and place the footage together on the timeline on the
basis of the cutting out the unnecessary clips and adding transitions to create a better continuity
sequence.
If I goanna do this preliminary task again I would make sure that sound quality will be better and
that 180 degree angle will film much better.