Post 7-Additional Pre-production Documentation

Before my group and I started to film our production, we thought it was important to visit our location beforehand to get a sense of the space we could use and so we are more prepared for when we visit it when we start filming.

Location Reece

As a group we visited the location we were going to be filming at. We took photographs from different perspectives to get an idea which is the most effective in terms of lighting and sound for our preliminary task.

In the first scene, we will be shooting outside so of course our main source of light is from the natural light, so any artifical lighting will not be an issue here. Also, because of the unfortunate building site which is situated right next to our location where we are filming, we will need to take into account any atmospheric sounds which could possibly disrupt the scene, even though no dialogue is being exchanged at this point. Before filming we will need to do some final checks, such as making sure the camera is fully charged because there are no electrical supplies at this location. The main reason why we chose this specific location is because there is plenty of space to capture a wide variety of camera shots which could be effective for this scene. It is also appears in a deserted place which adds to the tension of the 'bully'.

In the second scene it was shot in a small room which is situated before the main classroom. There is plenty of artifical lighting in here, however I don't think this will be needed because there is natural light coming through the door of entry. Also, because this is set inside there will be no outside noise which could interfere with the shooting, however a little of this would act to it being more atmospheric and realistic. On the other hand we will be including non-diegetic sound so this shouldn't be an issue.

A problem which could arise in this setting is the lack of space. The picture on the left is the furtherest which the camera could go so obviously before filming we will have to test out different camera angles in order to get what we want in shot effeicenty.

This setting is ideal for filming because there is plenty of natural light coming from both sides of the classroom, so providing artifical light should not be a problem. The fact that there is plenty of room to film is going to make it more easy to film different camera angles and shots, and we have the option to move around props to suit us. In contrast, the big space could be an issue because of the echoe which will occur when the actresses are exhanging dialogue. Even though the range of windows is beneficial in terms of lighting, it can be an issue because of the outside noise, especially when there is a building site situated right next to the classroom, which is not controlled, will interfer with the effect of the scene. Incase the camera goes out of charge in the middle of filming, there are more than 1 main power socket so worrying about charging the camera fully will not be an issue, even though I think we will take that precaution anyway. I believe the main reason for choosing this location is because of the wide space to perform a variety of camera shots such as tracking and tilting which are both used in the production.

Risk Assessment

This is essential because it is helpful to identify potential issues and then take precautions in order to avoid them.

I have identified quite a few risks which are in the classroom where we will be mainly filming. The fact that there are several wires which are connected to the computer in the room is a potential risk so I will have to do something to reduce the risk of injury. Before filming, I will move the wires to the side of the room so they are not in the way for when the cast are walking across the room, although we are not shooting near there so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. As stated before in the Location Reece,there are several plug sockets which are going to be useful when filming, however they can be a dangerous source if not taken seriously. In order to be safe, I or the rest of the crew will not spill any liquids near the electrical appliances including the computer in the room, so we will make sure to make any drinks away from them. There is a radiator in the classroom which will have to be turned off by me or any member of the group so none of us will burn ourselves. However, this will not be a prority of issues because this is on the other side of the room which will not be used in filming so this should not be an issue. Before filming, we will identify within the group where the fire exit is in case of a fire.

Mise-en-scene

This table above shows all the features of the miss-en-scene within the production of our preliminary project.  These features include the props that will be used in the production, the lighting which could effect the shot and the overall effect of the scene and also costume and make-up which portray a certain image to the audience of what type of person the character is and to get a feel what the production is about.

Cast, Crew and Equipment list:

Cast:
HANNAH - Hannah Findlay-Bada

LAURA - Laura O'Brien

Crew:
Camerawoman - Sabene Wilkin
Editor - Sabene Wilkin, Laura O'Brien and Hannah Findlay-Bada
Clapperboard worker - Sabene Wilkin 

Equipment:

Video Camera

Tri-pod

SD card

Charger for the camera battery

Clapperboard

Post 6-Shot list and Storyboard

Shot list

Featured below is the shot list which shows all the shots which need to be in a storyboard before I can start shooting the production. A shot list is useful for when referring back to when filming as it shows what type of shot size and movement is required for that specific shot.

In the shot list there are a wide range of different techniques used in order to create a sense of realism in each scene and also to keep the audience engaged aswell. For example, the use of a shot-reverse shot and over-the-shoulder shot is used when Hannah and Laura are exchanging lines, this is useful for the viewer as they can gain a sense of the conversation which is taking place. I have also included in the shot list a technique called tilting for when Hannah is passing something to Laura, this is used to make the viewer feel as if they are included in the production and again a sense of realism. Other important shots such as extreme close ups and long shots where also used to make it more effective, this is because extreme close ups are used to emphasise dramatic expressions and long shots are used to not make viewer think the person in the production is some what 'restricted' in the camera shots and that it's realistic.

Storyboard

This storyboard is essential for when coming to filming the production. It will help when it comes to deciding which camera shot is most appropiate and is just generally a helpful source for when referring back to so I don't forget any important camera angles which could make a huge difference to the effect the production gives off. When me and my group decided to make a storyboard we all decided that it was important we all contributed to making it so we did 3 storyboards each. When making this it was important we included things such as camera shots, camera movement and the sound and length of the shot. These all helped to describe what was going on in the storyboard image.

Post 5- Jump Cuts, Over-the-Shoulder shots, Cutaways and Point of View Shots

Section A

Jump Cut

This is where there is a transition between two shots which appear to 'jump' due to the way each of the shots is framed in relation to each other. However this shot is not the most effective, this is because usually the framing is not different enough to be a new shot, therefore it usually looks like there is a mistake in the editing. To avoid this kind of shot, you should zoom in instead of cutting and make the framing of the two shots completely different. 

A link to the definition of Jump Cut: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jump_cut

Over-the-Shoulder shot

This is when a shot is framed behind a person who is looking at the other person or subject. The person who is facing the other person should have about 1/3 of the frame. It helps to establish the position of each person, you also get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view. This type of shot is usually used in a conversation between two people, and the camera alters the view between the different speakers.

A link to the definition of Over-the-Shoulder shot: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_the_shoulder_shot

This image is an example of the over-the-shoulder shot. It gives the audience  a view from that person's point of view. In action, the camera would keep changing from each person's shoulder, especially if they were having a conversation. This shot is much more personal to the audience than other shots, it somewhat 'includes' them within the actual shot.

Cutaway

This is a shot that's usually of something other than the current action. For example, it could be of a different subject or a close up of a different part of the subject. It usually involves a cut back to the first shot but not always. Also, it's usually used to add more detail and interest to the whole scenery and the action taking place by the subject.

This is a link to information of a cutaway: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutaway_(filmmaking

This is a picture I took to show an example of a cutaway. As you can see the first shot is of someone walking, however the cutaway is of the bag the person is holding, this gives the viewer more understanding of the subject and it makes it more interesting too.

A Point of view shot

The point of view shot is where it shows the view from the subject's perspective. It is usually used in horror or thriller type films for tension, it's used to show that someone could be 'spying' on someone else. It's etablished by being positioned between a shot of a character looking at an object, and another shot showing characters reaction.

More information of a Point of view shot:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_of_view_shot

This is my example of a Point of view shot that I took. It's someone looking downwards to the floor or  their  knee. It's a point of view shot because it's from the person's perspective. 

Post 4-Script Writing

Below I have written and then scanned the script for my preliminary task. Also included in the script are additional comments, this is important when referring back to the script when filming to know what kind of facial expression the character must make and what action is appropriate. 

Post 3-Continuity

Section A

Continuity editing is a style of film editing in the post-production process of film making. The purpose of this editing technique is to smooth over the inherent discontinuity of the editing process. Also, it is used to make a shot appear more realistic and it stops any jumpiness occuring.

There are two types of continuity editing, one is called temporal continuity and the other is called spatial continuity.

There is more information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuity_editing

The rules and shots of continuity editing

The 180 degree rule

This rule refers to the idea that there is a 'line' which cuts through the middle of a scene, from side to side with respect to the camera. So if you break this rule and cross this line, then it changes the viewer's persepctive and causes confusion. So to avoid breaking this rule, the camera should stay on the side of vision that it started on and not move beyond that.

A link to show a clear explaination of the rule: http://www.mediacollege.com/video/editing/transition/reverse-cut.html

This diagram show the 180 degree rule. As you can see, crossing the line switches the people into different positions and causes confusion.

The Shot-Reverse shot

This type of technique is where one character is shown looking at another character, usually off-screen, and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. So the characters are shown looking in different direction, it is made to look like they are looking at each other to the viewer.

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_reverse_shot

Match-on-action

Match-on-action means when something is happening in the scene, and then there is a cut, the same action must be occurring. This technique is really important for the viewer so they understand continuously what is happening.  It portrays a continuos sense of the same action, rather than matching two separate things.

I found a clear explanation here: http://www.slideshare.net/joe940/match-on-action-180-rule-shot-reverse-shot

My examples of 180 degree rule and Match-on-action

The picture above and below show when the 180 degree is broken. As you can see, if you go beyond 180 degrees, the positions of the people change, which then confuses the viewer.

The picture above and below show match-on-action. So someone opening a door is then continued into the next shot,

Post 2-Storyboard drawing, shot sizes and framing

 Section A

The picture below is my storyboard drawing of different shot sizes. The headroom and space around the illustrations change between each different shot.

  Section B

Below are pictures I have taken to represent and show an example of each shot size from the storyboard shown above.



ECU (Extreme close up)

CU (Close up)

MCU (Medium-close up)

MS (Medium shot)

3/4 Shot

MLS (Medium long shot)

LS (Long shot)

Rule of thirds

This is the most well known principle to photographers and is the basis for well balanced and interesting shots. This is the principle where you imagine breaking down the image into thirds, horizontley and vertically, so you eventually have 9 parts to your image. It basically creates lines and boxes in which parts of your body or face should lie within.

This is a link to the website which clearly explains this rule :  http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

Section B

These pictures below both show examples of this rule. The first one is where the rule of thirds is broken, and the second picture is where the rule of thirds is clearly presented and fits the rule.

This is where the rule of thirds is broken. This is because the eye line is too low and there is too much headroom above which makes the picture look unbalanced.

This is where the rule of thirds is presented well. The headroom is just right and the eye of the animal is on the eye-line. Also, nothing is cut off which makes it look balanced.

Post 1- Preliminary task introduction

For the preliminary task we will, in groups of no more than 4, preform a continuity task which will involve filming and editing. It will involve the following:

•  A character opening a door.
• The character then crossing the room.
• The character sitting down in a chair opposite another character.
• These character will then speak a few lines of dialouge.

In this task we will show the 180-degree rule, match on action and shot/reverse shot.