Preliminary Task Evaluation

In completing my preliminary task, I learned a range of skills. Firstly, I had to create a storyboard to show a breakdown of each shot that would be included in my task. Secondly, I researched what was meant by the 180 degree rule, match on action and shot/reverse shot as I needed to demonstrate these three camera rules in the task. Furthermore, I learnt how to use the video camera and tripod. Here I practiced how to use the spirit level on the tripod to ensure that my shots were not at an angle but all correctly aligned, how to work the video camera (e.g. how to film) and how to attach the video camera to the tripod. Before actually filming the task for real and editing it, I also learnt how to direct a team of actors/actresses. After having finished filming the task, I learned how to edit it on the Mac using Final Cut Express. However, before being able to edit the task I learnt how to import the task from the camera to the Mac onto i-Movie and convert the i-Movie project to edit in Final Cut Express in which i used the razor tool to edit clips in the timeline. In editing my task, the main thing I learnt was how to tell a story smoothly and ensure continuity was not an issue. The last thing I learnt from this task was how to convert the final edited task to a file that would be compatible with PCs and upload it not my blog.

Once I had uploaded the finished task to my blog I was quite happy with it. However, when reflecting on it and criticising it I realised that there was much that I could improve on. I think that the main thing that I could improve on was the fact that I did not fill the frame when filming. This meant that on some shots I had too much headroom above the characters head and cut off their legs. Also when the character walked in the door, across the room and sat down I should have panned the camera to follow the character to ensure that she would always be in the centre on the frame and that there was no irrelevant material surrounding her and also have followed the character when she sat down which was also to fill the frame better. Another way I could have improved by filming would have been to make sure that the characters eye lines match up to the camera and I’m filming at eye-level with the people sitting down opposite each other whilst filming shot-reverse-shot. This will help with continuity because it will ensure that the actors are the same size in the frame. The final main issue that I noticed when reflecting back on my preliminary task was that there seemed to be a lot of unwanted space and background between the characters, which again did to fill the frame very well. To make sure this does not happen again when filming I need to make sure I don't leave too much of a gap between the two people talking when filming shot-reverse-shot.

Overall, I think that my preliminary task wasn't too bad as this was my first time ever filming and editing anything. I feel that I have learnt a lot of new skills that range all the way from the three camera rules, to filming to editing. Although I will be taking into account what I have realised that was wrong with this task and learn from the mistake I made, I now feel much more confident to film my film opening and be able to do it to a better standard.