Our Preliminary Task was a continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing an area and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue.
Planning
Before we could start filming or editing, we had to plan our setting and dialogue side by side: to make sure that they fitted together. Also coming up with a plan B, just in case our original idea didn't work. We needed to plan these two vital parts of the task to make sure the shoot was well organised and smooth. We started of by discussing what angle we wanted the piece to take, quickly coming to a decision that the most effective way would be a serious scenario between two characters, with a clear power driven character! Then searching the school site where there would be a good setting to 'expose' a characters emotions and thoughts. Choosing the 'Arc' as it would allow some great wide shots of the character who is losing the battle. But, we had to choose a second idea along with this, as we knew that it would be difficult to use that space with no interruptions. Therefore choosing the abstract idea of a table outside a building, creating a level of uncertainty within the piece. The way the stairs were located alongside the table, there wasn't much choice as to where the 180 degree rule would come into effect, quickly deciding where that would be. The through nature of our planning worked well, as we eventually had to use plan B! With the floor plan, dialogue, setting and camera all set up, we were ready to start filming.
Techniques
In our task, we used many different techniques during editing and filming. We used what we had learned in lesson, and the work that we had studied during extended learning. Throughout the piece we ensured that we didn't break the 180 degree rule, as it could've disorientated the audience during our piece. We took inspiration in the way that the 'Coen Brothers' film conversation, as we thought it best suited our piece: exposing emotion and signifying power in a shot. When filming, we also made sure our piece was always consistent, with no errors in that area. We also wanted to ensure the audience understood the power that the characters had over each other, shown with the variety of shots during the walking scenes. We did this by different height, angle and zoom of our shots. Whilst our characters were walking we allowed head room, if we didn't our piece wouldn't look very professional.
(*wouldn't allow me to crop*) This screenshot is evidence to the fact that
we allowed enough head room for our shots.
Taking inspiration from the intruding shots from the Coen Brothers.
When editing I used a couple of techniques when changing between
shots, with dip to black symbolising danger or aggression and dip to white
symbolising weakness or harmlessness. (Reference from 1:01 to 1:03) These
techniques work well in the finished product as it adds another layer of
expectation to the piece, you can guess what the tone will be next.
Main Learning Points
The main aspects of our preliminary task that I will take into consideration when in the process of creating the Thriller Task will be; Camera angles, and how i can make them as effective as they were in this piece. I will also take more time when editing, not overusing visual edits to make the piece more 'effective'. Also, when in the planning stage i will make sure that we have a plan A and B as the scene or audio could never go to plan when filming. Points were I would like to take into the next task is the way I filmed the actual conversation. The way in which we copied the 'Coen Brothers' came off very well in the finished product. Finally, I believe that next time I will need to establish character with more precision, so that the audience can connect with them: overall making the piece more engaging.
What
areas would you seek to improve in your preliminary task?
I would look at the way in which I
edited the piece. Ultimately, how I transitioned through shots during the
entire piece, my thought-path was that 'Dip to black' and 'Dip to white' would
create a distinct ambience of the piece. But instead it made the piece looked
unfinished and as if I was covering a mistake, So therefore in the future I
will have to take in consideration all of the shots I need, and the different
visual features I can use, so that I don't
have to over-use the same features.
As well as the editing, my filming
could be more precise and accurate as well. Although the angles were, 'well
thought out and executed'- Mr Seal, I will have to make sure I make good use of
the tripod, to give the piece a more professional all round look. This will
keep the movements smooth, so that the camera can keep up with the action.
