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.