The document discusses various filmmaking techniques including continuity, the 180 degree rule, match on action, shot/reverse shot, cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene, and titles. It provides examples of how these techniques were used in a preliminary task and opening sequence created by the author. The author demonstrates improved understanding and application of techniques between the preliminary task and opening sequence. They conclude they have gained knowledge in how shot types, editing, mise-en-scene, and other elements can influence a film's theme and storytelling.

1. Evaluation Question 7
By Christopher James Barlow

2. Continuity
 Continuity is important in films as it keeps the flow of the
story, and makes the film seem as though it’s happening in real
time. A continuity error can be something as simple as
someone being dressed differently between shots, or having
something ‘appear’ in frame when there is a cut. This can
confuse audiences as they may not know whether the
continuity error is part of the film and it holds importance, or
the error is simply an error. This can show lack of effort and
attention to detail on the director or editors behalf.

3. 180 Degree Rule
 The 180 degree rule keeps two sided conversations on
the same side. Left and right. This keeps the two
characters in the same place when there are cuts as
they each take turns in talking, when the camera shots
both characters at the same time, they should always
be on the same side, if the camera shots from the other
side of the characters then it appears as though they’ve
swapped sides, which can confuse audiences as they
won’t know what has happened. Ant and Dec follow this
rule, Ant is always on the left and Dec is always on the
right, this is so people don’t get confused with working
out who is who.
(Ant and Dec)

4. Preliminary Task 180 Degree Rule
There are two people in this shot, one
left one right. The camera is filming them
straight on. Whilst filming the
conversation the camera should stay on
this side of the characters. This will keep
to the 180 degree rule and keep
continuity.

5. Match on Action
 Is an editing technique where the editor cuts from one
shot to another shot which matches the actions
displayed in the first shot. This is done so the audience
can get a different view of the action and it also keeps
continuity.
(scream)

6. Preliminary Task, Match on
Action
 In this scene we opted to film a simple ‘door opening’
sequence. We filmed Bruna’s hand on the door handle
and then we filmed her walking through the door on the
other side of it. It’s very basic portrayal of match on
action and it isn’t that smooth.

7. Trauma, Match on Action
 This is our match on action for our opening sequence,
this time we decided to film someone walking up some
stairs, we show the audience a back shot and a side on
shot. We’ve made the sequence much better as it flows
more smoothly and the action fits together much better.

8. Shot/Reverse Shot
 This is a filming technique usually used in two people
conversations. One character is shown looking at
another character, often off-screen, and then the other
character is shown looking back. The characters are
shown facing in opposite directions, to keep to the 180
degree rule (continuity) and so the viewer assumes that
the characters are looking at each other.
(Inglourious
Basterds)

9. Prelim Shot/Reverse Shot
 This is an example of a shot/reverse shot from our
preliminary task.
 it is clear that the two characters are in conversation
with each other, since they are both looking off screen.
As the audience we assume they are looking at each
other. To emphasise the fact that they are talking to
each other, one of the shots is over the shoulder. This
indicates that the male character is still there. However
we haven’t done this for the female character, this isn’t
a big problem though, as the audience can guess that
she is still there.
 In terms of cinematography though, it helps if angles
are similar, so there is a sense of balance.

10. Cinematography
 When filming anything, it is important to understand
the meaning of different shot types and angles, as well
as camera movement.
Shot Types:
 Long shots are used to establish a scene or to allow the
audience to see the big picture or to make something
look very small, (can be insignificant or unknown!!)
 Medium shots focus on a person, this can be to emphasis
there importance in the scene or the show the audience
what sort of person they are (Mise en Scene; costume,
props, ect).
 Close Ups and Extreme Close Ups are used to show a
persons emotions as the camera can focus on their face
and in an ECU a part of their face (mouth, eyes). Also
these shot types can be used to focus on a prop of
importance, such as a letter or a piece of evidence
(crime).
(Inglourious Basterds)

11. Cinematography Continued
Shot Angles:
 High Angle is when the camera looks down upon something,
this can be used on characters to show their insignificance
or how society views them. It can also emphasis height, if
someone is really high up and looking down on the world.
 Low Angle is when the camera looks up at something. It is
used to show a characters importance or their class
stature. It can also be used to show height as it will look up
at someone really high or a very tall structure.
Movement:
 Panning is used to incorporate a lot of mise en scene into
one shot, the camera will move up, down, side-to-side in
and out, in order to incorporate everything. Panning is also
used to show movement, for example a fast car going round
on a race track.
 Zoom is when the camera focuses onto a specific section of
the scene, the image of that item will get bigger without
the camera moving towards it. Zoom can be used in the
other way, to go from focusing on something specific to
focusing on a bigger picture.
(Jurassic Park)

12. Cinematography in Preliminary
Task and Opening Sequence
 In the preliminary task (left) we have gone for a basic ‘two shot’ –
this is used when two or more people are in the scene. The angle is
straight on and there isn’t much creativity with the shot, it is still
and has no real significances, other than to show two people
talking.
 In the opening sequence (right) we have used a high angle medium
close up. The high angle is used to demonstrate the mothers view
of the child (insignificant) and the medium shot is so the audience
can read his body as well as his face. His body language indicates
that is scared since he is making himself quite small and pushing
himself into a corner.
 We understand shot types more and how they are used, this is
evident in out opening sequence as we have used multiple shot
types to convey what we want to the audience.

13. Editing
 Editing is used to put various clips together and make
subtle adjustments to them as well as making the
film/sequence flow.
 We have used editing in our opening sequence to
emphasis sombre and dark themes, we have done this
by using neo-noir filters and by making the scene
changes soft and slow, rather than fast and jumpy.
(Kill Bill)

14. Editing in Preliminary Task and
Opening Sequence
 In our preliminary task (Left) we used slow motion as an
editing technique. We used it to show the calmness of
the scene and to set up the ‘coolness’ of the sequence.
Since there is no action or suspense the slow-mo simply
gives the impression of relaxation.
 We have developed our editing techniques since the
preliminary task, in our opening sequence (right) we
have used a neo-noir filter to emphasis the sadness and
loneliness of the child. We have used a fade to cut to
the next scene, this indicates the interlink between the
child and the books as well as keeping the sequence
slow and steady.

15. Mes En Scene
 Mes En Scene is everything that can be scene in a
frame, this includes; costume, props, acting, makeup,
ect.
 Mes En Scene is used to develop an image and a
concept, a few examples are; when a criminal has a
knife he is more threatening than if he didn’t have one.
A king is recognised because of what he wears, (crown
and gold/red robes).
 In our opening sequence we have used various props and
costumes to convey our ideas and to give clues to the
plot to our audience, the use of toys indicates that a
child is involved, even is that child wasn’t shown.
(Inglourious Basterds)

16. Mes En Scene in Preliminary Task
and Opening Sequence
 In our preliminary task (left) we didn’t use many props, we
used a computer to show that the scene was set in a
school. Other than that the scene doesn’t contain much.
The costumes are what we were wearing the day we
filmed. You could say that the costumes show that we are
comfortable as our clothes are quite casual.
 In our opening sequence (right) we used a lot of props to
give clues of the story to the audience. This can be seen
with the teddy bear, this tells the audience a child is
involved in the story, and the position of the bear indicates
that is has been dropped or discarded. This could be
because the child no longer needs it or the child has been
forced to drop it...

17. Titles
 Titles contain written information, be it the name of
the film or the names of those involved.
 In our opening sequence we decided to put emphasis on
some of the credits as the title takes up the screen,
we’ve done this to split up the sequence. We did this as
we wanted to show how the characters in the story are
split as well as keeping the audience in the dark,
creating mystery about the plot. The main title fades
in, keeping to the soft/calm theme. This adds suspense
as it doesn’t jump and people are intrigued into finding
out what’s going to happen. (Reservoir Dogs)

18. Titles in Preliminary Task and
Opening Sequence
 In our preliminary task (left) we have used a simple red
title. This is because we were introducing the scene,
and telling the audience what is was before it began.
The title isn’t very exiting and by comparing it to our
opening sequence you can see how we’ve progressed.
 In our opening sequence (right) we have used a more
elaborate title. Out title is bold and fades in, also the
text is white which contrasts with the black background
so it stands out more. The title its self is a clue to the
narrative as it tells the audience that ‘Trauma’ is
involved and the story revolves around that theme.

19. Conclusion
 Over the course of this project, I have learnt many
techniques. Prior to this course I didn’t have much
knowledge in shot types or what they connoted. For
example; I didn’t know that angled shots were used as a
means of character development.
 I’ve also learnt the importance of good editing, as it can
change a films theme drastically. A fast paced action can
become quite boring if the editing is slow and fades are
used to cut between shots. Also adding in filters can change
the mood of a film, sepia can make a film seem quite
sombre.
 I have learnt how to use props and other aspects of ‘Mes En
Scene’ in order to convey messages to the audience and to
develop a characters personality and status. This is evident
in opening sequence as the mum is shown wearing a plain
blue dress, this is used to demonstrate humility and the
virgin Mary is often depicted in blue. This contrasts to our
characters background and so it is a indication of regret
and a wanting to forget, go back in time.

20. Conclusion Continued
 A main thing I have learnt, is the 180 degree rule. This
is an important rule as it keeps continuity and flow
through out a film. Prior to doing this task I was
unaware of the rule.
 Overall I believe that I have improved my knowledge of
film since doing the preliminary task. The evidence is in
the opening sequence as it displays a more professional
touch to the editing and cinematography. Also my story
telling has developed as i now can apply various forms
of ‘Mes En Scene’ to give narrative clues and to
emphasis a characters importance and the person that
they represent/are.