Preliminary Task - Evaluation

Preliminary Task – Evaluation

Preliminary Task - The Film

This is the final outcome of our preliminary task film that I worked on with Joanna Hyde and Catherine O'Brien. We have included the 180 degree rule, shot-reverse-shot and match on action.

Preliminary Task - The Filming

The Filming

In order for to shoot our film effectively we required one camera and a tripod. The tripod would be used for both still shots (to ensure that the camera was held steady) and panning shots (to ensure a smooth motion).

As a group we were confident in using the equipment and felt that we had a clear and broad knowledge of how the equipment pieces worked and what techniques would work best for certain shots. We didn’t face any problems in using the equipment and were able to work efficiently as a group to film the scene quickly and professionally.

Overall our filming went fairly smoothly, there were no major problems that we came across and any minor obstacles were dealt with easily without any further issues. Some of the minor problems we faced were things such as getting the pace of the panning shot correct to fit in with the character moving. However, we were able to overcome this by shooting that part of the scene more than enough times to ensure that we had enough footage to choose from when editing. Also, we did a couple of practice runs so that we felt confident in the speed and smoothness of the shot before actually filming it.

One key thing we changed from our storyboard was the setting of the scene. After some consideration we decided that the area we eventually chose to shoot in was better suited to the genre of the film and also more viable for us to use. As a result of this the camera angles were slightly different to those in our storyboard due to a change of setting but nothing major in the content of the film was altered. We did have to make adjustment to some of the camera angles to ensure that we met the requirements of the 180-degree rule.

As a result of the room change we did have to re-film a small section of the film. We had not accounted for the change in shape of the room and consequently we did not include the 180-degree rule. To overcome this mistake we re-filmed the match of action of one of the characters coming through a door and walking over to a desk. This was not a major problem and as we had been efficient with our previous filming it not take up any time that we didn’t have. We decided on our first day of filming that we wanted to get it done as soon as we could so that we had time if we did need to go back and re-film and correct mistakes such as this.

In general, we were largely prepared for filming. A few days before we made sure that we had all the props we needed so that there wouldn’t be any surprises on the day of filming. We also made sure that we cast for the film in plenty of time so that we could arrange filming times with our actors that would work for both them and us. On the day, just before filming, we cleared and set up the area we were using to film in so that everything was ready and we didn’t have to waste time doing it when we wanted to start. We also made sure we were fully aware of how to use all the equipment before the day of filming so that it didn’t delay us in filming the scene.  

I feel that as a group we gelled together really well. Prior to filming we shared and built upon ideas together and during the filming we were able to support each other and share ideas on how to make the best of the scene. There were no arguments during the filming and even though we were on a tight time schedule to finish the filming, we were all able to stay calm and focused on the task to ensure that it ran smoothly. We didn’t really have a ‘group leader’ but we also listened and took on board each other’s opinions and took any criticism as a building block for improvement.  We made sure that each of us had ample time to use the equipment and become familiar with it but also to take a step back and direct what was happening. This meant that we all had a part to play in the hands on production of the film but also a chance to reflect on what we felt could be improved or changed and also have gain experience in being in responsible for all aspects of the filming. We felt that by doing it in this way we all had a chance to experience all aspects of the production rather than each of us focusing on one area.

For me what I enjoyed most was the responsibility of having to oversee all areas of the filming. For example, looking at the actions of the character, camera angles and also the timings. Even though it was only a small clip we produced, I feel that I have gained valuable knowledge into the amount of aspects that have to be considered when filming even such a short clip. I also enjoyed watching the whole thing come together; it was rewarding to see how as a group we were able to build upon what we had already done and look at how we could improve certain shots and then being able to shoot them again to a higher standard.

Preliminary Task - Film Script

Film Script

Setting: Master Zorg’s lair on the mother ship located in the galaxy of Farguay.

Magtina enters through door to the lair

Magtina: Jensigne, Flargen Zorg

(Greetings Master Zorg)

Master Zorg spins in chair

Master Zorg: Darsten minkto?

(Do you have it?)

Magtina puts briefcase on desk

Master Zorg: Rargen eesh

(Open it)

Magtina opens briefcase (Foley Effect)

Magtina: Toon darsten flaan

(What do you think?)

Master Zorg: (Shocked) sharp intake of breath

Preliminary Task - Storyboard

Storyboard

Preliminary Task - Description of Our Ideas

Description of Our Ideas

After some discussion as to what direction we want to go in for our Preliminary Task, we decided on the genre sci-fi. We decided that this would enable us to be creative with our approach to the task. We took our inspiration from the stereotypical ideas of space and aliens. From there we gradually built up an image of the characters we wanted to portray. We were conscience that the idea of aliens could come across as funny to a viewing audience so we wanted to take a more sophisticated angle on the idea. We wanted a business style environment with a sci-fi twist.

When considering the storyline we had to think about how we would include the task requirements: 180 degree rule, shot-reverse-shot and match on action. We decided that we wanted to use only two characters for the film and that some kind of meeting would take place between them in which one character would go to a room to meet the other character and they would then exchange some dialogue. As well as the camera angle requested by the exam board, we also wanted to add some of our own angles onto the piece to show creativity and awareness of the genre. We intended to use close ups and over the shoulder shots to highlight certain actions performed by the characters.  



Link to Group Blog

Here is the link to our group blog where all the work we have completed as a group has been presented:

http://ascvhsmediacjc.blogspot.com/