Evaluation Activity 7 BY: RIKHEL TRIVEDI

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Preliminary Task

From looking back to our preliminary task, as a group we had learned a wide range of skills including knowing the different types of shots and angles. We had also learned what each shot or angle connotes to the audience. This had helped us as a group especially me since I was the cinematographer of the group so it was my duty to know each of the different types of shots and their meaning behind it. The main things on which I had learned was the 180 degree rule and what is shot reverse shot as well as what match on action and how it is used correctly. The preliminary task in which we had done had helped me and our group as a whole since we had learned what continuity editing is and how it works.

Match on Action

Match on action is simply an technique for continuity editing which helps to have a range of different shots which portray the same action of the subject as shown in the first shot.

When filming the preliminary task we had to include a match on action shot and at first we had found it difficult to decide on how we are going to capture the match on action shot. With many attempts we had finally included a match on action shot in our preliminary task but not in the same profession compared to the match on action shot used in our final opening sequence.

In our opening sequence we had used match on action since it helps our sequence to give the audience more information about what is happening the scene. It also helped us save time as the audience see a range of different shots before the action starts.

Match on Action In our preliminary task we had used match on action to show the character walking down the corridor, we had many attempts as we did not know how to capture it. However even though we had included match on action, as a group we had took a while on where we had to position the camera. Although with all the attempts this had helped us for our opening sequence.

In our sequence we had used match on action at the start of the sequence when our protagonist enters the corridor. We had used a medium shot showing the protagonist opening the door, as soon as her hand reaches for the door handle we change the shot to a point of view (POV) which allows the audience to see the characters perspective and what is happening around her.

Shot reverse shot

Shot reverse shot is an editing technique for continuity editing and is commonly used in films for conversations or for characters looking at other objects.

When we were filming our preliminary task, we had used shot reverse shot since our preliminary task only included two characters talking about their homework due. We had thought shot reverse shot would be a good editing technique to use as shot reverse shot is commonly used for conversations. We had many attempts to make sure that all of the members in our group fully understood how shot reverse shot and what it connotes to the audience.

Shot reverse shotWhen filming our preliminary task we had included shot reverse shot when the characters Thuva and Tanvir were having a conversation. We had thought we should use a over the shoulder shot to show this as it helps to show the interaction between the character. We had attempted this many time and this had become beneficial for me as I needed to know what shot reverse shot really shows to the audience.

In our final opening sequence we had used shot reverse shot to show the reaction between the characters to the audience. This had helped us as a group to create fear within the audience since the audience could see the protagonist scared and in fear. We had used a long shot to show the antagonist staring at the protagonist screaming. This foreshadows an upcoming death which helps build on fear within the audience.

180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is simply a filming guideline which helps to establish the scene. It helps the scene to look professional as it follows a left-right relationship. This rule normally helps and is maintained normally in conversations. For example, if two people are having a conversation and the camera is positioned on the right side, the camera would have to stay on the right side.

While conducting our preliminary task one of the requirements were to make sure we didn’t break the 180 degree rule. This was something which our group all disliked as we had found it irritating. Although, with plenty of attempt and practice, by the time we had filmed for our final opening sequence we were confident that we wouldn’t break the 180 degree rule.