MAIN Post 1: Conventions of an Opening Sequence

In order to be able to make my own opening sequence I need to gain a greater understanding of what is involved in them and what the conventions are. To do this, i have analysed 2 opening sequences from films that are already out. I hope this will allow me to make a more successful opening sequence myself.

The first film I analysed the opening sequence of is Juno.

The second film that I analysed the opening sequence to is Breaking Dawn Part 2.



Post 12: Independent Work Towards Targets

Before we started making our pre-production documents we had to decide on a theme for our short film to be based on. Once we had decided on The Break Up I made a diagram of some ideas to be put into the production.

When we were trying to find a time that we could book the edit suite I made a table of all of the times when were were free so that it was easy for us to find a time when we could all work together and help each other out.

Post 11: Targets

• My main target for the Preliminary task was to create a shot film that was unique, entertaining and involved all of the continuity aspects that would help towards making it seem more realistic such as match-on-action, the 180 degree rule and the 30 degree rule.
• My second target was to make sure that the lighting during my filming was sufficant so that the quality of the film was good, in order to do this we had to put a lot of thought into concepts such as where about to film and what time of day would give us enough light. As it was coming towards winter, filming after school would have not been an option as it would have been too dark.
• Another target is to make sure pour script includes enough places where we ca demonstrate techniques such as shot-reverse-shot, match on action and show that we understand when different shot sizes are used and the effect each of them have. The script should also flow seamlessly from shot to shot and scene to scene.
• Another target is to make sure that we finish the task on time. We had to keep moving at a very fast pace during this task and it was quite hard not to fall behind. This meant that as a group we had to put in some extra hours, using our free periods and lunch times to film and edit. 

Post 10: Evaluation Of Skills Developed

Below I have inserted the final version of our preliminary task. 

Post 9: Post-Production

Between the four people in our group we organised when we all had free lessons and lunch times in which we would be able to edit, this meant we booked the edit suite at a time when all four of us could help. Sometimes not all four us us could make it but in order to get the editing done as quickly as possible we set a rota so that there was a minimum of 2 people editing at a time and no one had to get by them selves.

As I had already learnt how to edit during GCSE Media Studies, i was already familiar with Adobe Premier Pro which is the program we used to edit. For this reason I was able to help the other people in my group learn what I already knew, however I made sure that I didn't do all of the editing and the other people in my group learnt how to use the program as well. I also learnt some knew things about how to edit, such as how to adjust the volume of the sound in the clip and how to add credits to the end.

We inserted a title slide at the begging to introduce the film and show the title, 'The Break Up', we also added credits at the end to show who helped to do each section of the production process and who the actors and directors were.

Post 8: Production Report

How did the shoot go?
Overall, the shoot went well. It took us slightly longer to film than we anticipated, we needed 3 hours and not 2, but this was not a problem as the classroom we used during filming was not being used so we could carry on filming in the third hour without being uninterrupted. 

What problems do you encountered?
One problem that we encountered was that we did not leave enough time between the clapper board and the characters dialogue, this caused problems during editing and made it slightly more difficult. Another problem that we had that when we started editing we filmed over some of our shots, meaning we had to re-film them.

How did you overcome the problems?
We over came our problems by putting more detail into editing, we had to watch the clip's over and over and check that we cut them at the exact right time, this meant that it took us slightly longer to edit that it would of usually but also gave good quality shots. We also had to re-film some shots, we overcame this problem by keeping calm, staying organised and working as a team. We organised when all four of us had free periods, made sure our actors brought in their costumes and re-filmed as quickly as possible.

How well did you work as a team?
I feel that we worked very well as a team. We divided all of the tasks equally, keeping in mid everyone's strong points. we all tried out best to get everything done on time and not keep anyone else in the group behind.This meant that we got all of out work done to a high quality standard as quickly as we could. 

What do you think of the footage you shot?
I think that our footage is good for a first attempt. We put in attention to detail and stuck to the continuity rules. However, after having now got experience of what is involved in filming, I feel that if we re-done it we would be able to make it to a better standard. 

Are there any areas for improvement in the technical execution?
One area for improvement is that we need to leave a 5 second pre-role between the clapper board and the dialogue or action in the shot. This would make editing quicker and easier. Another area for improvement is to check that all of our shots are in focus during filming, as a consequence of not doing this one of our shots is out of focus. 

Is there anything you will need to do now as a consequence of the footage you shot?
As a consequence of filming over some of the footage we shot, we had to re-film some of the scenes from the begging of our film. 

Have you abided by the rules of continuity?
During filming and our planning we made sure that we abided by the rules of continuity by using techniques such as the 180 degree rule, the 30 degree rule, match on action and eye-line match.

Post 7: Additional Pre-production Documentation

Location Recce

Technical Recce

To prepare filming there are a few problems which could affect our filming during production. As we will be mostly be using natural light from the windows if weather forecasts predict bad storms it could make lighting more darker ruining the mood of the film. Another problematic situation is if the camera malfunctions and we are incapable of filming this could delay our timetable in which we use to plan out our shooting schedule.

As we are filming in the English room there is a chance that the room could be booked or locked restricting our access to the English room, or problems of people not part of the cast could come in causing chaos on set. Props are also at risk of breaking or not working as we have a scene of phones sending texts if the phones don’t work at the time it could ruin the text scene.

During the close up of the feet scene people could walk down the corridor student could come out of class and come into shot  going against continuity. Also during the feet scene we use unnatural light meaning if the lights short circuit it could be impossible to film with no light at all.

Risk Assessment 

Shooting Schedule 

Mise-en-Scene Description 

Set Design/Location

The room is spacious and is a perfect school setting of a class room. It has 4 windows on one side of the room, with navy blue carpet; there are large lights on the roof creating a lit environment to work in, we placed the table at the back of the room.

Props

One light brown table and two blue chairs opposite sides of the table. We will use this layout for the props as it is a realistic set out. Another key prop is a mobile phone of which will be kept in characters pockets until it needs to be used.

Lighting

The main source of light will be the natural light coming from the many windows in the English room, we will be also using artificial lighting that is already provided to help make sure the audience can see everything that’s happening in the scene.

Character Movement

At the start of the filming PAUL is sitting in the class room on his own texting SALLY there is no speech in this scene, SALLY then walks into the room and sits opposite to PAUL at the table. After the two characters have spoken their dialogue, PAUL gets up and goes to comfort SALLY, SALLY storms out and slams door behind her. We chose this character movement as it is straight to the point and has enough going on to show different shots.   

Costume

SALLY: Black body-con skirt, blue jumper and denim shirt.

PAUL: Navy Body warmer, black trousers, smart shoes and a t-shirt.

These costumes are everyday ware, and realistic to our situation as the characters are meant to be natural.

Hair / Make-up

SALLY: Hair tied up in bun, simple face make up.

PAUL: Hair, no-make up.

Cast, Crew, Equipment and Props list

Post 6: Shot List and Storyboard

Below I have attached a copy of my group's shot list table. A shot list helps during filming to make sure the the directer and cameraman knows what shot should be used for each part of the script. It is also useful during making a story board as each shot should have a different storyboard image. Making a shot list helped to make sure I was including all of the needed shots and camera techniques in my preliminary task such as shot-reverse-shot, over-the-shoulder and different shot sizes. In our shot list we use may different shot sizes, such as an Extreme Close Up, to show emotion on the character faces, Long Shots, to show character movement Close Up's during shot-revere-shot of Sally and Paul's conversation to show the reaction of what they are saying.  

We have made a recording of us describing out shot list.

We used our shot list to help draw up a storyboard of each shot we will use during filming.

Post 5: Jump Cuts, Over-the-Shoulder Shots, Cutaways and Point of View Shots

Jump Cuts

A jump cut is a cut in film making in which two sequential shots are shown of the same object or person is shown in a slightly different position in each shot. Because of the fact there is nothing to break up the two shots such as fade outs, it appears as an abrupt transition.

This is a link I have found which helps define Jump Cuts further:
http://www.movies-dictionary.org/Film-and-Video-Dicitonary/Jump-Cut

I have taken these photos as examples of Jump Cuts. You can see the girl jump from one secontion of the stairs to the other.

Over-the-Shoulder Shots

An over-the-shoulder shot is a shot used when two people are having a conversation. It shows one character speaking and part of the other characters shoulder. This shot is sometimes used in shot-reverse-shot and also after and establishing shot to place the characters in their setting.

This is a link I have found which helps define Over-the-Shoulder Shots further:

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/over-shoulder.html

I have taken this photo as an example of an Over-the-Shoulder Shot, it is taken over the shoulder of the person whilst walking down the stairs.

Cutaway Shots

A cutaway shot is an intercut shot between two shots of the same character. It can be used to show something else that is happening at the same time as the main action.

This is a link I have found which helps define Cutaway Shots futher:

http://www.movies-dictionary.org/Film-and-Video-Dicitonary/Cutaway

I have taken these photos as examples of Cutaway shots it cuts aways from the girl walking down the stairs to someone looking at her. This technique can be used to speed up the amount of time it takes to show her walking down the stairs without using a jump cut.

Point of View Shots

A point of view (POV) shot is a shot as if it was looking through the eyes of a certain character.

This is a link I have found which helps define Point of View Shots further:

http://www.cutonaction.com/definitions/definition-of-point-of-view-shot/

I have taken this photo as an example of a Point of View Shot, it shows what the girl can see as she reaches the bottom of the staircase.

Post 4: Script Writing

With this script there are some potential continuity issues. For example, with the Match-on-Action Point of View shot of the mobile phone, the actors will have to make sure that they hold the mobile phone at the same angle each time the camera is set up otherwise it will appear to jump and this would not be realistic.

Another concept that could cause continuity issues for the same reason is when Sally is walking along the corridor. When filming this scene we will have to make sure she starts walking form the same place each time we re-take the shot because otherwise there would be a jump cut of her moving up and down the corridor which is not the desired effect.

Post 3: Continuity

Continuity is the process of disgusting the different shots within a scene and making them appear to flow into each other in real life. For example, a characters hair and costume most same the same within every shot of a scene because it would not be realistic if they suddenly had a different hairstyle or outfit. 

This link helps to explain continuity: http://www.surreyborder.org.uk/woolmers-wisdom/woolmers-wisdom-7.htm

The 180° Rule/Crossing The Line

The 180° Rule is a very important rule during filming as it stops the audience being confused and disorientated. There is an imaginary line from one side of the shot to the other which the camera cannot cross because it would mean that the view of the subject is reversed. The only way the line can be crossed is if in between the two shots either said of the line there is a shot from on the line itself, this helps the audience recognise that the camera is moving sides.

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/editing/transition/reverse-cut.html

This is a photo I have taken of a overhead view of a shot that shows the imaginary line that the camera cannot cross:

This is a diagram i have drawn of a overhead view of a shot that shows the imaginary line that the camera cannot cross:

Match on Action

 This is the technique used to cut from one shot to another whilst making sure the pace of action in the first shot matches that of the second. This creates and impression of continuity even though the shots may have been filmed at different times. When action is carried on from one shot to another it creates a visual 'bridge' which disguises the cut from one to another.

The second slide on this internet link helps to explain Match on Action :
http://www.slideshare.net/joe940/match-on-action-180-rule-shot-reverse-shot

These are two photos I have taken to help show match on action, the two characters are shaking hands in the first image and then the second photo zooms in to a close up of the handshake:

I have also done a diagram to show Match on Action:

Shot Reverse Shot

Shot Reverse Shot is an editing technique in which, when two characters are having a convosation the camera changes direction to look at each character in turn. Because of the fact that the characters are shown looking in opposite directions, it gives the impression that they are looking at each other whilst talking even if the two characters filmed their lines separably. Sometimes, the camera looks one characters shoulder whilst the other is saying their dialogue, this makes it even more clear that they are having a convosation.

This internet link helps to explain Shot Reverse Shot further:
http://www.artoftheguillotine.com/index.php?page=shotreverseshot

These are some photo I have taken of Shot Reverse Shot:

         

This is a drawing I have done to explain Shot Reverse Shot

Post 2: Storyboard Drawing, Shot Sizes and Framing

Here is my storyboard drawing of some different shot sizes. Different shot sizes can be used to show different things, for example a close up of a face may be used when the photographer/film maker want to show emotion. 

. 

I also used a camera to show the different shot sizes.

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

Close Up (CU)

Medium Close Up (MCU)

Medium Shot (MS)

3/4 Shot

Medium Long Shot (MLS)

Long Shot (LS)

 The Rule of Thirds is a rule that can be used in order to make the framing of a photograph or shot look correct. This is a link which I have found that can be useful when learning how to use the rule.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/rule-of-thirds.htm


These are two photos which I have taken to demonstrate the Rule of Thirds. Some of the photos follow the rule whilst others break it.

The Rule of Thirds states that the main subject of the image shout not be in the middle of the shot like is shown in the first photo and instead it should with the vertical lines such as is shown in the second photo. This adds a sense of direction to the image and means that the image does not look as if it has been cut off. Sometimes cropping a photo can make it follow the Rule of Thirds. I have shown this below as en example. In the original image the eyes are in the middle of the frame where as in the cropped version they are against the top horizontal line.

Original Image

Cropped Image