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.