2. Introduction
In this preliminary task we had to practice editing
and filming, the editing of the film should be a
continuity editing which means that the flow
should be uninterrupted, from shot to shot.
Continuity editing could also include cross cutting,
this is where a scene cuts in to two different
settings where action is taking place at the same
time, to make the scene in the final product. In
this exercise we had to take in consideration
shot-reverse shot, match on action, and the 180
degree rule during the production of our film.
3. Shot reverse shot
This type of shot is the most common shot used
when filming, This is used when two characters
are in a conversation, you film one character who
is looking to where the other character is
imagined to be at, the same principle applies to
the other character for example, shot A shows the
character that is speaking and shot B shows the
character who she/he is speaking to. When this is
edited together it will create a continuity of
conversation
4. Match on action
A match on action is a editing technique where you
cut from one shot to another view which matches
the character’s or object’s action. For example in
our film we had a character opening a door to
walk in to a room and the shots that were used
for this was a close up of the door handle as the
character opens it, and a long shot of the
character as he walks through the door. This
creates continuity even though it has been filmed
days apart as it was broken down into two parts,
all we had to do was make sure the environment
was correct and our actor was wearing the same
clothes as before.
5. 180 Degree rule
The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline when
filming, it states that two characters or objects in
the same scene should have the same right and
left relationship. It is essential that all shots are
filmed from the same side; imagine a line going
across the room, if you cross that line when
filming you will lose the continuity as the
characters will appear to exchange places. This is
a problem because it will seem like the character
that is suppose to face right will be seen facing
left which also applies to the other character
therefore It will look like they are facing away from
each other when they are suppose to be having a
conversation due to the reversed angle.
6. Task idea
Our group had to include all the criteria that was mentioned in the
previous slide but we wanted to make it as simple as possible.
Actors:
•Joe leaver: Student
•Sam Haye: Teacher
We had to film our preliminary task in school, first we tried filming in an
office however this was too small and it prevented us to film efficiently so
we decide to film a media suite
Location:
•Corridor
•Entrance to the media suite
•Media suite
Our group discussed ideas that could have been used in our film where we
could involve shot reverse shot, match on action , and the 180 degree rule
Our final idea that we came up with was a simple conversation of a student
bringing back the box of book s that he had borrowed from his teacher.
7. Script
Stage direction
Joe walks down the corridor holding a box filled
with books to the entrance of the media suite, he
opens the door and walks to the front of the
classroom where Sam will be sat. Joe sits down
and hands the box of books and starts a
conversation with Sam. Joe stands ups and
heads away to exit the room and the film finishes
when the door closes.
8. Script
Dialogue
Student: Here’s the box of books you wanted sir.
Teacher: Ah thank you.
Student: They were really helpful actually.
Teacher: Good, what use did they come to.
Student: I just used them to make revision notes.
Teacher: Lovely... Don’t you think you should be getting
to lesson now, you’re late enough all ready.
Student: Yeah I think so.
Teacher: See you later then.
9. The first scene of the
clip is a shot of our
actor (Joe) holding a
box. The camera
steady and Joe walks
near towards the
camera about to enter
the room.
As Joe is about to enter
the room there is a cut to
his position. This print
screen shows the back
of Joe as if he is about to
enter the room.
Right before Joe enters
the room there is a close
up shot of Joe pushing
upon the door, the
characters movement was
too fast and timed wrong
which made the film look
quite odd.
We then cut to a long
shot as Joe walks into
the room; the character
then walks towards the
camera and out of the
screen.
We then introduce the
second character (Sam)
with a reaction shot; this
shot creates a good
effect as it shows whom
Joe is going to. Sam is
presented though a mid
shot for the audience to
clearly see him.
This shots shows
where Joe is going
towards and sets the
scene of the
conversation that is
about to happen.
As Joe sits down he
engages in a
conversation therefore a
shot reverse shot and
counter-shot was
compulsory to create
realism. Usually in shot
reverse shot there is an
over the shoulder, we did
not include this.
Counter-shot refers to a
character looking at
another, then the
character is shown looking
back at the character.
Both of the character were
facing each other, both
cameras that we used has
to be in the same level for
the conversation to not
look odd.
As Sam and Joe
finishes up the
conversation we shoot
a two shot to establish
that the two characters
have some form of
relationship as well as
to indicate that the
conversation is over.
Our last shot is a
medium shot of Joe’s
back as he walks out of
the room, it is continued
from the previous shot
where Joe stands up
and walks towards the
camera. The film ends
with the door closing
10. Evaluation
In the process of making this film we encountered
some problems such as unnecessary sounds,
unnecessary objects in film, breaking the 180
degree rule, etc. One of the big errors we had
when making this film was the head of the
characters being cut off, this was due to the
environment and the tripod being too stiff to keep
in pace with the actors movement. This
preliminary task helped me learn various
techniques and skills on how to shoot a film and
edit which I have not done before, these
techniques I have learnt can improve video
quality and the overall production.
