Preliminary Task - Film

Follow the link below to watch our preliminary film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2R0gUHDVp8&feature=youtu.be

Roles:
Ismail Khwaja - Actor/Writer/Co-Editor/Co-Producer
Bibianna Fasogbon - Camera Work/Co-Producer/Director
Fraser Harrington - Co-Editor/Sound Editor

Preliminary Task - Self-Assessment

Does your film use continuity editing so that the sequence of events are clear and easily understood by the viewer?

In our preliminary task our short film did transition smoothly as a whole. However due to lack of knowledge from the person operating the camera there where a few mistakes. For example, the camera is seen to push away from Ismail ever so slightly. However it was hardly noticeable. Overall our editing was quite clear and all flowed correctly.  This now allows the audience to gain an understanding of the entire story.

Have you followed the directions in the brief? (A character opens a door, crosses a room and sits down in a chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs.)

In the initial footage did follow the directions in brief. However when it came to the editing, we realised that some of the dialogue was too long and, it would bore the audience. So we choose to shorten it. As a whole we did follow the brief everything was included. For example, we include dialogue.

Have you used match-on-action?

Yes, we used the match on action. This is seen when the boss throws the newspaper at Ismail. We successfully created this shot by positioning the camera facing the boss. He then proceeded to act as if he was going to through the newspaper but we quickly ended that shot to then do another shot of him actually throwing it. Then Ismail edited everything together to provide us with this shot.

Can you explain what a match-on action involves?

Continuity editing smoothes over the inherent discontinuity of shot changes to establish a logical coherence between shots. Even within continuity editing, though, the match cut is a contrast both with cross-cutting between actions in two different locations that are occurring simultaneously, and with parallel editing, which draws parallels or contrasts between two different time-space locations.

Have you used shot/reverse shot?

We used the shot when the two characters were held in a deep conversation. Shown with an over the shoulder shot.

Can you explain what shot/reverse shot involves?

These types of shots are often used to express dialogue because they involve one character looking at another character (often off-screen), and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. SRS also represent the idea of continuity editing. SRS are often used within dramas or soaps because they enforce their conventions.

Did you observe the 180-degree rule?

Yes, we ensured that we followed the rule successfully. We did this by making sure we recorded any shots on the left side of the characters.

Can you explain the 180-degree rule?

Is a basic guideline regarding the on-screen spatial relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene. An imaginary line called the axis connects the characters, and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene, the first character is always frame right of the second character, who is then always frame left of the first. The camera passing over the axis is called jumping the line or crossing the line.

What role did you play in the making of the preliminary task? (E.g. filming, acting, editing, equipment organisation etc.)

Within the preliminary task my role was director. I was in charge of the filming and making sure that all the camera shots and movements were executed correctly. I was also co-producer so I and my group member had to find locations and other actors etc. also I was a part of making the final decisions for our story.

How would you assess your contribution to the group?

I believe that I contributed a fair amount towards our project as I played towards all of my strengths. So I know that all of my contributions were valued. As I directed the entire video. I was also filming; and lastly together I and Ismail consulted together on each of our final cuts. Overall I believe that my contribution was relatively good however I could have done more.

What have you learned from the process of making your preliminary film?

From the preliminary task I learnt a lot which I can take into with the main task. For example, I now know how to handle the camera. This will enable me to master all of our camera shots and movements  for our main task. Also know that time management is key so that me and Ismail can access and advance film. I also know the steps in which I need take for the main task. For example the genre in which we choose I know that I need to research by watching different movies. Overall I believe that I have learnt the key aspects to advance my main task video.

Preliminary Task - Self-Assessment

Does your film use continuity editing so that the sequence of events are clear and easily understood by the viewer?

We were able to successfully maintain continuity through the sequence of events because we ensured that when editing, each event follows the previous. This therefore means that the sequence is correctly established. Also, before publishing our film, other members of the class viewed the film and all agreed that the sequence is very clearly laid out and they could follow the narrative with ease.

Have you followed the directions in the brief? (A character opens a door, crosses a room and sits down in a chair opposite another character. An exchange of dialogue occurs.)

We successfully followed the directions provided in the brief because the film begins with the main character opening a door to enter an office, then he crosses the room after shaking hands with his boss and takes a seat. The boss also takes a seat and as result, the two characters are sitting in chairs opposite to each other. The two characters then go onto exchange dialogue throughout the remainder of the film.

Have you used match-on-action?

Within the film, we ensured that we included match-on-action. This is presented in the scene where the boss throws a newspaper towards the main character. In order to create this type of shot, we firstly positioned the camera facing the boss and the actor then threw a newspaper towards the main character, but at this point, the audience cannot actually see the newspaper reaching the main character. However, we then shot the main character receiving the newspaper. In order to maintain continuity and create this specific shot, the scene showing the main character receiving the newspaper was shot separately. Then through editing, we merged the scenes together to create the allusion that it was all in one transition.

 Can you explain what a match-on action involves?

In order to make this shot, firstly the camera will display an action on the verge of taking place or in the process of it being completed. So, for example, one actor will pick up a newspaper and throw it out of frame. Then, the shot will suddenly cut to another shot where it shows, for instance (like in our film), the other character receiving the newspaper. Therefore, when the two shots are edited, the two separate showing will be merged together and create one smooth transition.

Have you used shot/reverse shot?

This was used when the two characters are exchanging dialogue, so the camera would consistently switch between shoulders when either character spoke.

Can you explain what shot/reverse shot involves?

When this is shot, firstly, the camera is placed over the shoulder of one character to show what that same character is viewing. For example, they may be watching another character speaking to them. Then, when the original character begins speaking, the camera will switch sides and be positioned over the shoulder of the other character who is now observing original one speaking.  

Did you observe the 180-degree rule?

Yes, we observed this rule successfully because we ensured that the camera remained on one side of the characters as they exchanged dialogue.

Can you explain the 180-degree rule?

This rule entails the camera quite simply being positioned on one side of the characters in a scene. Firstly, you need to establish where the characters are set and then imagine that there is an invisible line positioned on that one side of them. Either side of this line is a 180 degree arc. Then to observe the rule, whenever the camera is positioned, it must remain on that same side (or line). This will prevent then impression that the characters are both in the same spot and maintain the perception that they are on opposite sides to each other with them looking at each other’s eye line as they converse.

 What role did you play in the making of the preliminary task? (e.g. filming, acting, editing, equipment organisation etc.)

I played several roles in the making of the preliminary task. Firstly, I wrote the script for the film and co-produced the film alongside my other group member. So this involved us deciding on a location and also agreeing on events of the film, as well as being responsible for finding another actor.  Then, I also acted as the main character, Ismail. After the filming was complete, I edited the footage in Sony Vegas. So, this entailed all of the cutting, adding titles/music and of course implementing the scenes that were shot to maintain continuity.

How would you assess your contribution to the group?

I believe I contributed significantly and well because my other group member agreed with my input – Bibianna was happy with the script and direction of the film. She was also satisfied by the editing and the final cut of our film. In addition, I think that because of my contribution, along with her contribution, we were able to work effectively as we managed our time efficiently and completed all areas of the preliminary task with relative ease.  

What have you learned from the process of making your preliminary film?

Even from the opening task, I learned a great deal that I believe will be crucial for delivering the main task. First of all, it was important that I and my partner agreed on the direction we wanted to convey and was able to assign ourselves the roles, as a result. I was therefore able to focus on what I needed to do, in order to contribute and ensure we were successful. Another important factor that I learnt was how to actually produce the various shots required for our film. So for example, the two shot, which involved having two characters in the same frame. Furthermore, during the actually filming, it’s imperative that this is done quickly and accurately because there is a lot of time that needs to be managed - other time could be uploading and editing the footage.  This can require a good amount of time because it’s the final stage and where the film is ultimately polished.

                                                                                                                                     

Preliminary Task - Story Board

For our preliminary task we had to create a story board to show our understanding of  camera shots and movements. Within this story board the camera angles have been labelled and the basic story of the preliminary task has been displayed.

Roles:

Bibianna: I took the pictures and contributed towards the story board.

Ismail: I found the other actor, and was the main actor in the photos and I also contributed to the story board.

No.	Picture	Shot Type	Description
1		ECU	This picture is an extreme close up of one of the actors’ watch. This represents him being nervous about a meeting with his boss. By using the extreme close up it gives a sense of urgency regarding the meeting.
2		MS	This picture shows the employee now entering the bosses’ office for a meeting. Looking at the floor suggesting that it is something quite serious.
3		TS	This picture introducing the other character the boss. In a mutual respect both from the boss and the employee through this handshake.
4		OS	This picture shows that dialogue is now present. From the character that is playing the boss it is quite a serious situation.
5		OS	This picture now shows that dialogue is now coming from the character that is playing the employee.
6		MS	This picture shows the expression of the employees face which suggest that the atmosphere is quite tense.
7		LAS	This picture suggests dominance from the character that is the boss as the way the camera is positioned. Again from the expressions on his face that mood is negative. As this is where he tells him how disappointed he is.
8		ECU	Shows the nervousness in the employees eyes when he is interrupted by the boss when trying to explaining himself and apologising.
9		MOA	This is where the boss throws the newspaper at his employee in anger. To show how disappointing his work has been recently.
10		CU	Where the employee wants to explain why his recent work has been disappointing.
11		CU	To show that the attitude of the boss has changed towards the employee. He no longer is angry with him but now has sympathy towards him.
12		MS	This now shows that the employee is stressed over recent events this is shown through his body language.
13		MS	Shows the complete change in the emotion from the boss. However the work produced by the employee still cannot be tolerated.
14		ECU	This is where it turns to be that the employee is nervous about being fired from his job.
15		TS	This shows that the boss has no intention of firing the employee anymore but has the intention of now helping him.

Research into Audience

My Pitch 

Title:

‘The Call Up’

Genre:

Drama, i chose this genre because I wanted my audience to be able to invest more in the characters. for example, to be able to identify with them. I feel with this genre, it will be easier to have a more grounded approach and thus prevent the audience from finding it difficult to follow the developments of the story. 

Form:

A short film of a meeting between an employer and employee.

Location:

Howard school maybe Mr Curtis classroom.

Time:

Set during midday, around 12.30pm before the lunch break.

Characters:

·         Ismail Khwaja – plays a young journalist, whose job is on the line.

·          - plays Ismail’s boss who is considering firing him.

Plot Outline:

The short film revolves around Ismail, a young journalist, grappling with the responsibilities of being a husband and father, along-side his duties as a news reporter for Sky news. Due to the pressures of being a parent, Ismail struggles to maintain the demands at work and is now under fire from his boss who calls him in to his office for a private meeting to discuss the possibility of Ismail being let go. His boss is a very strict individual and lays down all of his grievances, regarding Ismail’s recent failures. However, before he can give his final verdict and put Ismail to the sword, Ismail finds the courage to speak up and reveals his recent troubles of balancing his family life with work, which prompts his boss to re-consider Ismail’s position.

Key micro features

Main camera angles/shots:

·         Shot reverse shot - to show the conversation between Ismail and his boss.

·         Match on action – this is used during the moment Ismail’s boss throws a newspaper towards him.

·         Low angle – this is used to indicate that Ismail’s boss is the one in control and in a position of power.

·         Extreme close up – this is used on Ismail’s face to convey his nervousness about potentially being fired.

·         Mid shot – this is used to show how Ismail becomes more open, as he pleads with his boss.

·         180 degree rule – this will be maintained by the camera being positioned on side of the meeting and it will remain on the right hand side throughout the duration of the film.

Sound

·         Dialogue between Ismail and his boss

·         Door opening

Mise-En-Scene

·         One desk

·         Files

·         Two chair

• A newspaper

Script

(Scene begins with an extreme close up of Ismail’s watch, signifying it’s time for him to meet his boss)

Ismail: (Knocks on door and opens the door to enter his boss’ office)

Boss: Oh I’m glad you made it on time, unlike this morning. Well take a seat.

            (Two shot, showing both characters)

Ismail: (Ismail sits down, over the shoulder shot) I wasn’t going to miss this, Sir.

Boss: (Reverse shot, over the shoulder shot) So, you know why you’re here, yes?

Ismail: (Mid shot) Yes, Sir.

Boss: (Low angle shot of boss) Hmm…it’s been very disappointing, I must say. I do not approve of your recent behaviour. I mean you’ve been late. Unfocused and the work in which you have produced is not of your usual standard. Do you have anything to say for yourself?

Ismail: (Extreme close-up) I apologise, I mean I have been so-

Boss: (match on action shot, he throws newspaper towards Ismail) Look! This is what I expect. I won’t tolerate you slacking any further. You’re a disgrace to this establishment. We have a reputation to uphold!

Ismail: (close-up) please, let me explain.

Boss: (close-up) is there something you haven’t told me?

Ismail: (Mid-shot) well, it’s been hard. I mean everything is just getting to me. With Sarah recently giving birth, the pressure of providing for my family has become a real burden. I cannot cope with constant demands from work. I’m always unfocused when I’m writing. The troubles and responsibilities linger on my mind. There has been no one. No one! I have had to be strong enough for everyone else, but honestly sir, I need help myself…

Boss: (Mid-shot) Ismail. Allow me to apologise. I wasn’t aware of your struggles. If you need help, then by all means ask, but for now we can’t accept the standard of work that you are producing…

Ismail: (Extreme Close Up) Are you firing me, Sir?

Boss: (Mid-Shot) No. For now, I’m giving you two weeks leave and we’ll discuss if we should change your position in this work place, but I can assure you, you’re not being fired. You just need to concentrate on finding your feet.

(Two shot, both men stand up and shake hands)

Ismail: Thank you, Sir.

Boss: Not a problem.

Feedback:

A majority of our feedback was positive, as it was summarise to say that our idea was a good concept to enable use to use the movements and shots which we need in to achieve the preliminary.

So this resulted in us not having to change anything as the pitch was favoured. And there where only minor constructive criticisms which were then explained to the people who we delivered our pitch to who then themselves liked the pitch.