Preliminary Task

We were set the task of creating a film clip that includes: 

• A conversation between two characters 
• A character entering a room 
• Shot reverse shot
• And demonstrates an understanding of the 180 degree rule 

For this preliminary task we followed a basic plot line in which two friends meet in a school detention. We have used the 180 degree rule, match on action and shot reverse shot in order to establish our basic understanding of film making. We also used a range of editing cuts in order to create realism and continuity within the film. 

Evaluation:
For this project I worked with Molly Braggins, Jess Underwood and Lucy Scanlon. Myself, Molly and Jess all volunteered to act in the film as it was too short notice to search for other people, however we were all still involved in the directing process and deciding on the positioning of the camera for certain scenes. Working in a group enabled us to discuss ideas during both the post and pre-productions stages. Jess, Molly and I helped all contributed to the positioning of the camera and decided the shots that we would use and Lucy record the scenes and controlled the camera.  We also edited as a group so that the final product was something that we had all fairly contributed towards with each of our varying ideas and skills. 

To show our understanding of camera work and film making we used techniques such as shot reverse shot, match on action and we also conformed to the 180 degree rule. Our film also included a variety of shots including close ups, medium shots, POV shots and medium long shots. We also used different editing techniques to set the overall mood and tone of the film. Although we used simple cuts to transition between the shots we some different transitions in suitable places such as at the end where we used a fade to black transition to finish the film. We also edited the lighting/colouring of the scenes in the post-production stage. We used cooler tones in order to make the scenes appear slightly more dreary in order to convey the character's feelings as they all do not want to be in their detention. 

Although I feel that the quality of this film is fine for the task that we were set, I would like to be able to make my final production at a much higher standard. One of the difficulties that we faced when making this film was that, due to the limited time that we were given, we were unable to use a high quality film camera, therefore we use an Ipad camera instead. This worked well for what we were doing but it was tricky in some areas to use different techniques, such as a deep focus etc. An example of how the Ipad effected our final product can be seen in the scene where the two characters discuss why they are in detention. Due to the microphone not being as accurate on this camera it is very difficult to hear what is said. However in my final production I will be using a reliable microphone for the scenes that include dialogue to ensure that this issue is not repeated. 
Another difficulty that we had was trying to film a large variety of shots, and deciding where the camera would be positioned, in a short space of time. Although this did not seem to damage our end product, I feel that perhaps if we had had a larger collection of clips, the post-production stages may have run a lot smoother. Again I will avoid this being repeated in the production of my final film by ensuring that I have a clear idea and written plan of where the scenes will be shot and what camera angles and shots will be used. This will also help me to ensure that I include a larger variety of camera angles than I have done so far in this project as i feel that it will give the film a much larger visual impact.