By completing a preliminary editing task, the author learned important skills that improved their work on the final product. They gained confidence using camera equipment and incorporating different shot types and angles. Observing the editing process helped the author better understand that element of filmmaking. Key continuity rules like the 180-degree rule and match on action were applied successfully in both works. While shot reverse shot wasn't needed for the final product structure, experience with it in the preliminary task added to the author's media knowledge overall.

1. Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity
editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
By Shania Sukhu

2. The purpose of the preliminary task was to help me
gain an insight into using the camera and how to put
together a short video. Looking back on my preliminary
task, I have definitely made a huge improvement. I now
know how to use the equipment which was something
that I was not very confident with at first. I learnt how
to set up the tripod safely, use the camera features
such as the zoom and I also learnt how to incorporate a
range of shots and angles into my product. By carrying
out the preliminary task, it made me feel a lot more
self-assured when it came to creating my final product.

3. As I knew I was going to be the cameraperson in my group for the final product,
I asked to have the role of cameraperson during the preliminary task alongside
another member of the group that I was working with. This was because I wanted
to begin learning about different shots so that when it came to filming the final
product, I had an idea of what to do. Comparing the shots which I used in the
preliminary task to the shots I used in my final product, I have definitely made a lot
of process. I am now a lot more confident when using the camera. In terms of
editing, this is something I have never felt entirely confident with. This is because I
have not had much experience with editing in the past. However, I sat with my
group during the editing process of my preliminary task and focused on what the
editor was doing. Also, once all of the footage was collected for my final product,
on a few occasions I sat down with the editor and observed what she was doing. I
had done this to improve my knowledge on editing. I now have a better
understanding of editing; although, I know it could be further developed.

4. The 180 Degree Rule is very important and
should be followed as often as possible. It
is about an imaginary line which splits the
scene in two. The rule is that camera has to stay on the
same side of the 180 degree line. This is because if this
rule is not followed it may confuse the audience. When
I first encountered this rule I was very confused by it
and at times during filming I was close to breaking it.
However, since the preliminary task, I learnt how to
follow it and make sure I always remained on the right
side. In both my preliminary task and my final product
the 180 Degree Rule was followed successfully.

5. Match on Action is when one shot cuts to another which matches the first shots action. This is done to maintain
continuity in the production. This was something we used in both the preliminary task and the final product. In the
preliminary task it was used to show Minoli pushing the door open in the first shot, and in the second shot it
showed Minoli walking out of the door. This shows that she is entering a different location. We used Match on
Action the same way in our final product. In the first shot we showed Zoe opening the bathroom door and in the
second shot we showed Zoe walking into the bathroom. The only different in the shot used when Zoe walks into
the bathroom compared to when Minoli walks out of the door in the preliminary task is we used an extreme close
up so that the audience would be on edge for a short amount of time as they begin to wonder what is behind the
door, but do not instantly see it.
Preliminary
Task:
Final
Product:

6. Shot reverse shot is used in almost every film as it can show
conversations between two characters or two characters looking at
each other or an object. In my final product, we did not use shot
reverse shot. We did not use it as we decided we were only going
to have one main character which was our protagonist. We chose to
do this as we did not want our antagonist and protagonist to
converse with each other as we wanted to create suspense within
our audience. However, although we did not use shot reverse shot
in our final product, I do know how to use it if I needed to as my
preliminary task helped me develop my understanding of it.
Although we did not use shot reverse shot in our final product, it
was used in my preliminary task to show the two characters
conversing with each other. This allows the audience to gain
insight into the relationship they have with each other.
Preliminary
Task:

7. Overall, by looking back at my preliminary task I feel as
if my media knowledge has definately increased as I
have thoroughly developed my understanding of shots,
for example in my final product I used a variety, such
as: an establishing shot, close ups and medium close
ups. I have also learnt how to use different angles such
as high angles to make the character look inferior and
low angles to make the character look superior. I also
feel more comfortable when using the different rules
such as the 180 degree rule, as well as match on action
and shot reverse shot compared to how I felt during
the preliminary task.