Preliminary Task - Miss Miller

Preliminary Task

The members in my group include Alfie, Danny and myself. 

We completed a preliminary task in order to get used to the equipment in which we will be using for the filming of our opening sequence. Also, to experiment with the different shots we could use, which we found most effective and especially getting used to not breaking the 180 degree rule. The different ways in which the tripod could be positioned is also another reason, as this could enhance our shots, making them create more of an impact and also creating variation. We had to film a conversation between two people in a room  - where someone is already present and someone else walks in. The conversation could be on any topic just able to be spoke about for roughly 30 seconds to a minute, in order to include different types of cinematography. When finished, we edited the clips together in order to create a short sequence that made sense and was flowing in conversation. Before this however, we had to watch back our clips to ensure that no clips were missing that could determine whether the sequence when put together will make sense. When this was confirmed successful, we proceeded with the editing. 

We used a range of different camera shots that made sure to create variation throughout our short sequence. We used panning a few times in our sequence which allows the audience to witness more of the setting, as well as being able to follow the character's movements. We did this by positioning the camera onto the tripod and using the handle to gradually move the camera sideways in a smooth and flowing motion. Another shot we used was an over the shoulder shot, which allows for the character in-front of the shoulder to be shown talking from a more personal perspective as being behind the shoulder is as if the audience are actually in the scene. To do this, the camera was positioned behind the character's shoulder that we were using and had to make adjustments to the tripod in order to create the ideal over-the-shoulder shot that we wanted. A long shot was also used to show both characters in conversation, allowing for both characters' reactions and gestures to be seen at once. This was where the camera was positioned on the tripod and kept stationary to maintain focus on the scene. A further shot used was a close up shot, allowing for the visibility to see who was calling one of the character's phone. For this shot the camera was positioned slightly at a high angle and we used zooming to ensure that the close up filled the whole screen - in this case, the phone ringing. Finally, we also used a shot-reverse-shot as this made the conversation flow and allows the audience to see the expressions of the character's from both sides. We made sure to keep the 180 degree rule in mind when doing our shot-reverse-shots to make sure that the shots when juxtaposed together, flow and make sense. We ensured this by keeping the allocated sides/angles/perspectives of shots were in the correct position. 

When filming, I think what went well for our group was the fact that the conversation flowed and there was a way for a character to enter and also a character to exit - as what was set. The shots went together quite well and this was through the use of editing carefully, ensuring that the cutting of shots was smooth and consistent. Another element that particularly went well was the way the phone ring-tone was played across two shots but we managed to make sure that the ring-tone combined correctly with each shot. This was also achieved by careful editing and cropping of clips at just the precise and appropriate time. 

However, there were also a few struggles. One was keeping the camera in focus, most of our sequence appears to be fairly blurry. This was a struggle because it was difficult to keep the consistency of the focus within each shot especially when movement occurred in the shot. We could have kept ensuring that the camera was in focus after each shot if we would have done it differently. Therefore, next time we will not make this mistake as we will make sure that the camera is in focus by placing a white piece of paper in front of the lense. It will affect the professionalism of our sequence and make it appear more amateur is the mistake is not resolved. As well as this, positioning the camera in a particular place to ensure that the shot is just right proved to be quite a struggle from the lack of space behind each character. This wasn't to be helped because of the setting however, next time we will be aware of the different ways the tripod can be positioned and stood so that it can basically fit in anywhere you try. We could have removed items that were out of shot and irrelevant to the scene in order to get the camera in the best position possible but from knowing that now, we will use in the final sequence in order to capture the best shots as possible. The experimenting of different shots and uses of the camera will definitely help in producing our opening sequence. Being more knowledgeable with the equipment we will be using, gives us a head start and familiarity. Also, the editing of the sequence - knowing how to work Final Cut Pro and the ways of cropping clips precisely in order of not cropping too much but also not cropping too little. This technique will definitely help us and will be kept in mind when producing our opening sequence. From watching the footage back, it has helped us understand what mistakes we made that we were not aware of when we were filming. For example, the way most shots were out of focus and also a few shots that could have been added in to make the conversation slightly less random at times. 

In conclusion, from the involvement in the preliminary task it will ensure that these problems, mistakes and errors are ironed out for the filming of our final opening sequence. It has helped outline these particular errors but also give an explanation as to how we would resolve these mistakes for next time. We have learnt that it is vital to make sure that shots that are put together also work together in order for the whole sequence itself to make sense. Furthermore, that the whole sequence is in focus gives the sequence a more professional feel and should be evident throughout our sequence - something we have learned from this task. The shots in our short sequence will be used in our final sequence as these proved to be effective showing points of view from different character's including the audience. Overall, we will just be emphasising the parts that went well and not including or improving the parts that didn't go so well.