Independent Work Towards my Targets

In order to improve the lighting used when filming, I researched various different types of lighting and the effect it can have on a subject. I found that:

Lighting Below Eye Level
o   Portrays a significant contrast
o   Dramatic effect

This photograph that I took is an example of a shot which has used lighting below eye level to emphasize the physical features of the subject. It portrays a dark and villainous atmosphere.

Soft Lighting
o   Commonly created by reflected light
o   Usually used to depict tone
o   Using one light source
o   Smooth, gradual transition from dark to light tones

This photograph that I took is an example of a shot which has used soft lighting to lightly depict tone. It portrays a soft and positive atmosphere.

Hard Lighting

o  Commonly used to depict contrast

o  Portrays a dramatic tone

o  Harsh, abrupt transition from dark to light tone

o  Commonly created by a naked bulb

o  Casts dark, distinctive shadows

This photograph that I took is an example of a shot which has used hard lighting to emphasize the physical features of the subject. It can portray a dark atmosphere.

The concept of the Three Point Lighting technique consists of the key light which is considered to be the main source of light. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the overall quality of the lighting. It also consists of a fill light which is the secondary source of light and is usually placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to soften the shadows created by the key. The fill light is commonly softer than the key light. And the final element of the three point lighting is the background light which is placed behind the subject. Rather than providing direct lighting like the key and fill, its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines. This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.

I intend to achieve the remaining targets, consisting of improving the quality of my blog, communicating with other group members more frequently and effectively, using the video camera more effectively and being more creative with the initial idea for our film through practice during the main task.

Targets

Based on my evaluation of the Pre-production, Production and Post-Production stage, I can easily conclude that I need to:

- Improve the quality of my blog by using ICT more effectively which will create a more visually appealing and organised blog. I could do this by assessing the quality of my work before posting it by clicking the ‘Preview’ option. I could also ask other members of the group or friends to provide constructive criticism of my work before I post it.

- Communicate with other group members more frequently and effectively by making a conscious effort to include everyone. This should improve the quality of our working because everyone should understand what their task is, as well as other people’s tasks.

- Use the video camera more effectively by frequently practicing how to operate such a device and asking the more experienced members of the group for their advice as to how a certain shot could be improved. This should enhance the quality of the footage of our filming and as a result, make the final product more effective.

- Be more creative with the initial idea for our film by using a mind map of ideas instead of settling for the first idea. I could do this by making a conscious effort to think outside the box and be original. This could make our film different from others and become more interesting.

- Focus on the use of lighting by assessing the quality of lighting on the set before filming which should improve the quality of the product and our opinion of the footage.

Evaluation of Skills Developed

In producing the preliminary task, I think that my personal skills were developed which was particularly evident during the pre-production stage as I felt tested in how I managed myself and completed each section of the blog. I think I managed this side of the pre-production stage fairly successfully as each task was completed before the deadline. However, our group was generally fragmented during this stage and this gradually slowed this process down. I think this is an area that I could personally improve upon by involving other members of the group and sharing the workload more evenly.

I think my personal skills were further developed during the production stage because I was encouraged to consider aspects of filming which I hadn't thought about before. For example, when moving the curtain during filming, the lighting and shadows will be affected in the footage and could influence the continuity. This should benefit the production in the main task.

In reference to technical skills, I think this was most evident during the production and post-production stage because I had the chance to improve my skills by operating various technical equipment such as, a video recording camera or a video editing software. Personally, I found using the camera quite challenging as I couldn’t move the camera smoothly and judge the position that it needed to be in accurately. However, I enjoyed using the editing software because I was was taught how to use it effectively by another experienced member of the group.

I found that I also enhanced my technical skills during the pre-production stage as I learnt how to use a blog and convert files into a format that would work on the blog.

I think that I have developed my creative skills in the pre-production stage by helping the group to commit to an idea based on the brief that we received. However, I think I could improve on these skills by generating a more original idea, and thinking outside of the box. I think I also need to improve the quality of my presentation on the blog, as there doesn’t seem to be a consistent style in which the information is displayed.

I found that my creative skills were further developed during the post-production stage because as a group we had to adjust the length of various clips and we also decided to insert a quick dissolve at the beginning and at the end of the film to correspond to the style of the X Factor. However, the editing wasn’t very adventurous which is an aspect of this project which could be used to improve the main task. 

Preliminary Task Film: Audition

After reviewing this project, it’s evident that we could have used more footage depicting the conversation between KELLY and ELLY so that we could have included more of the shot-reverse-shot technique. This particularly applies to the shot of ELLY’s back whilst she is speaking for a significant period of time, as this doesn’t conform to the common X Factor interview style.

During this conversation, there is also a selection of shots which depict both of the characters to the side of the shot as opposed to the centre which is something to consider during the main task. It would have also been beneficial to include an applause at the beginning or the X Factor theme tune to re-create the atmosphere of a real audition. However, considering this is our first filming project, I’m relatively impressed.

Post-Production

The editing process took a total of 5 hours, approximately, and consisted of the group verbally contributing to a decision on which clips needed cropping so that it corresponded with the shot list, whilst one member used the video editing software to do this. I found the editing process easier than I expected, partially because this element of media is one in which I’m most interested in.

However, the responsibility for physically editing the footage was designated to one member of the group, despite the fact that other members were keen to take part. This role should have been fairly shared between the group. Although, we used this as an aspect of the post-production stage which we could improve on during the stage in which the audio is adjusted.

The editing process created various decisions that the group had to make based on the result we desired from the footage. One of these choices was based on the opening scene in which the group decided to quickly fade the first shot in from a black background. This idea was based on our knowledge of X Factor auditions, and the common way in which producers edit their scenes.

We also had to decide when each shot should finish and the next one begins. This was particularly challenging in the scene where ELLY walks down the stairs and joins KELLY because the timing had to be perfect otherwise this continuity error would become very obvious.

During the stage where the audio had to be adjusted, all members of the group actively edited the audio and understood the process. This consisted of marking areas where the sound needed to be increased and decreased, then moving the marker up or down accordingly. This idea was also used to mix the audio of the two different shots, by marking four areas towards the end of both of the clips them lowering the marker on each.

Prior to the process of editing, the team had devised a table which would be used to log the rushes. This was exceedingly useful in reference to editing because the preferred shot was highlighted and the time in which it started and finished was stated. This made it easier to locate the ideal footage and how long the shot was exactly.  

 
After reviewing the edited version, I can easily conclude that the product was relatively impressive considering this is our first filming project. Personally, I think we could have used more footage depicting the conversation between KELLY and ELLY so that we could have included more of the shot-reverse-shot technique. This particularly applies to the shot of ELLY’s back whilst she is speaking for a significant period of time, as this doesn’t conform to the common X Factor interview style.

 

There doesn’t appear to be any issues with the product in reference to continuity, but we didn’t abide by what was stated in the shot list which caused problems during the editing process as there were shots missing that would have made the product more successful.

Individual Production Report

The filming process took a total of 60 minutes, approximately, and consisted of the group collecting the recording equipment, filming the scenes and reurning the gear with our group labelled on the tape. I found the filming process easier than I expected which I can only put down to careful planning. However, the time that we shot the scenes wasn’t ideal as there was a P.E class on the other side of our set and occasionally these students needed to walk through the shots. Aside from this minor hitch, we rarely encountered any issues other than the fact that both of the actors occasionally forgot their lines. This wasn’t a major issue as we merely reminded them of the dialogue and re-shot the scene, which only reduced the amount of time that we had to film. 

Prior to the process of filming, the team had been fairly fragmented, with each member working almost individually. However, during the filming process, each character equally contributed with roles that had been assigned in the preparation process. The results of this new-found teamwork are clearly evident in the scenes that we shot because there was communication, and a new respect for each other’s opinions.

After looking over the the raw, unedited footage of what we have filmed, we could easily conclude that there were a few scenes that needed to be filmed again generally due to poor camera angles which is evident as some shots were filmed above eye-level, and a few scenes described in our shot list were missing. Personally, I think we could have also used brighter lighting to bring out the subject, particularly in the corridor where the main source of lighting was behind the subject.

There doesn’t appear to be any issues with this footage in reference to continuity, but we still needed to re-shoot the entire script despite the fact that only a few scenes needed adjusting because the continuity of the clothing and hair style would differ.

When we re-shot the scenes, it seemed that each individual within the group was more confident in their role. Aspects that we didn't consider during the initial filming session, such as lighting, was addressed in the second filming attempt and as a result of this, produced better quality rushes overall. However, similarly to the first filming attempt, there was a P.E class on the other side of our set. They weren't visible, but they did produce a significant amount of noise and disturbance to the filming process and the product. In future, we need to arrange to use the set at a quieter period to avoid this problem.   

Additional Pre-production Documentation

Following this introduction is an image which depicts our location recce and explains various features of the set that we have chosen, such as lighting, power supply, access to the location and potential noise or disruption issues.

It’s important to perform a risk assessment so that we are prepared for the filming stage and this can be achieved in the knowledge that everyone is safe. Listing all potential hazards also ensures that everyone is aware of the dangers and also what can be done to prevent it.

To ensure the filming process is smooth and well-prepared we have designed a shooting schedule which consists of the following:

This is the Mise-En-Scene for our project:

This is a list of the cast, crew, equipment and props required to film each scene.

Shot List & Storyboard.

This is the Shot List for our project which explains the location of each scene and the description of what that shot will consist of. The shot number and scene number are also stated in this document and the information corresponds to that scene.  

I have also included a brief explanation of the reasoning behind various decisions that have been made in this process of creating this shot list which can been seen in the centre on the right side of this table, with codes which correspond to those located in the shot list.


This is the Storyboard for our project which depicts each shot and includes a description of both the character and the camera movement, as well as the approximate length of the shot and the location of the shot (whether it's shot internally, or externally). It also explains the scene number, the shot number and what sound will be heard in the final piece.

Jump Cut, Over-the-Shoulder-Shot, Cutaway and Point of View Shot.

A Jump Cut is an immediate transaction from one scene to the other. This film editing technique combines two sequential shots on the same subject which are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly. Generally, if the camera position changes less than 30 degrees, the difference between the two shots will not be substantial enough, and the viewer will experience the edit as a jump in the position of the subject that is jarring, and draws attention to it. This type of edit causes the subject of the shots to appear to "jump" position in a discontinuous way.

A useful website which describes the Jump cut technique consists of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_cut

A Over-The-Shoulder-Shot is a shot of a character or an object taken over the shoulder of another character. This type of shot uses the back of the character’s shoulder and head to frame the other character or object which the camera is pointing toward.

A useful website which describes the Over the shoulder shot technique consists of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_the_shoulder_shot

A Cutaway is a shot of a different scene which interrupts the action of the film. It’s usually, but now always, followed by a cut back to the shot prior to this shot which helps avoid the shot looking like a jump cut.

A useful website which describes the cutaway technique consists of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutaway_(filmmaking)



A Point Of View shot is a short scene which depicts the view that a character can see at a specific point in the film. It is usually established by being positioned between a shot of a character looking at something, and a shot showing the character's reaction, similarly to the shot reverse shot. 

A useful website which describes the point of view technique consists of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_of_view_shot

 

Script Writing

This is the dialogue and directions that we will be following in our project and will be referred to throughout the project as the script.

Potential contunity issues that could occur based on our script could be the point in which the character leaves the stage, and the camera changes to another angle, and the character could be in a different position.

Generally, another potential continuity issues could consist of different outfits appearing in a scene that the characters are supposed to be in the same outfit, depending on whether filming is shot all at once or on separate occasions.

The editing process could propose a problem for the continuity of the project as a scene could be cut too short and result in a character appearing as though they have jumped or moved quicker than they should.

Continuity - Shot Reverse Shot, 180 Degree Rule & Match on Action.

Whilst researching the definition of continuity, I found this website which gives a description of many different possible meanings. The relevant definitions are located towards the top of the page, as it refers to continuity in media terms.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:continuity

I would define continuity as the consistency of aspects like the characteristics of the actors, the objects used by the characters or the setting in which the film is set in.

As I was researching the definition of the 180 degree rule, I found the following website which gives various descriptions that could be related to the 180 degree rule. However, the relevant meaning is towards the top of the page.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:180+degree+rule

I would, personally, define the 180 degree rule as a guideline that film directors use to ensure that the audience can easily follow the film by making sure that the characters don’t change positions when the camera moves to a different angle in a scene.

While I was researching the definition of the shot reverse shot, I found a website which describes the meaning of this term.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+shot+reverse+shot&meta

Personally, I would describe the shot reverse shot as a camera technique that has been devised to depict, usually, two characters having a conversation, for example. This would be created by filming one character, then switching to the other character to make the audience perceive this as a conversation between the characters.

As I was researching the match on action technique, I discovered the following website which defines the meaning of this term.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+match+on+action&meta

I would describe the match on action as a continuity technique which makes sure the movement of a character doesn’t appear out of place when the camera angle changes. An example of this would be a shot of a character walking down the stairs and after the camera angle changed, the character would have to be on the same step as before, on the same foot.

 

The following drawings depicts the shot reverse shot with an aerial diagram below to explain this shot and where the camera would be located so that the characters aviod appearing as though they have switched places during this type of shot.

Storyboard Drawing, Shot Sizes and Framing.

These images are figures that I have drawn to depict what is meant by each term, when referring to shot sizes.

These photo's also depict the features of each different shot size.

This picture was taken using the extream close up shot (ECU)

This shot size is refered to as the close up shot.

This photograph portrays the medium close up (MCU) shot.

This shot size is described as the medium shot.

This shot size is know as the 3/4 shot as it reveals 3/4 of the character.

This photograph was taken using the medium long shot (MLS).

Finally, this photo was taken using the long shot size.

The rule of thirds is a technique that involves dividing an image into nine equal sections. Important elements should be arranged within these lines as, apparently, aligning a subject based on the rule of thirds creates more interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would.
However, positioning important elements on the intersection of 2 lines, sometimes referred to as the power or crash point, can work equally as well.

The main use of the thirds rule is to prevent a horizon appearing which splits the picture or to discourage the typical arrangement in which the object is placed in the centre of the image.
A link to a website which describes the rule of thirds is as follows:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

The following photos are a few images which I took whilst abiding by the thirds rule. 

 The effectiveness of the thirds rule is demonstrated in this image as the subject clashes with the crash point as it is positioned on top of the intersections. It is also positioned away from the centre. As a result of this, there is more space in the lower half of the photograph which sets the scene perfectly due to the amount of background that is revealed. 

This image also depicts the success of the thirds rule because, again, the subject isn’t conforming to the traditional idea of a photograph as it isn’t centralized and the important element is also positioned on the crash point.

 

Finally, this image is one that doesn’t conform to the thirds rule, and surprisingly works equally as well. The subject matter is more central and the viewer’s attention is more directed, however, this can become a tedious layout which is mainly why the thirds rule can be very successful.