Preliminary Task

Introduction

I was working in a group with Layla Boudaboussa and Leo Ly. The purpose of doing this preliminary task was so that we could get used to using the equipment before we film our actual opening sequence. It was also done to understand how it works when filming something and to experiment with angles/shots so we know which ones we like best for when filming our sequence. We had to film a short clip of two people walking in, sitting down, having a conversation then getting up and leaving. It had to be a minute or below. To edit the clips quickly, we had to save the ones we wanted then using Final Cut Pro X, we cut the clips so we got rid of what we didn't want. After this, we put them all together to create a short opening sequence.

During this task, we had to use 5 different camera techniques. These were a close up, which just shows the characters face. We used this camera technique when the characters walked through the door. We did the close-up by using a steadicam as we didn't know how to get the tripod to go up so we thought it was best if we just held the camera. We had to use a mid-shot which is from the waist and up. This camera technique was used just before they walked through the door as you can only see from their waist upwards. To film this technique we used a steadicam where it was held with hands. We also had to use a long shot which is taken from far away. We used this when they stood up and walked out. To make this camera technique, we put the camera on the tripod and stood it on the chair to get it to the right height. We had to put it on the chair because we didn't know how to make the tripod go up so the camera would be higher. However, during this shot, the camera wouldn't go on the tripod properly so it ended up being a bit slanted. Another shot we had to use was the panning shot which we used as they sat down so it turns at the same time they move. To make this shot, we had the camera on the tripod and on the chair then used the pan-handle to move the camera the way the actors were walking. Finally, we had to use an over the shoulder shot, which we took when they were talking to each other. To do this we put the camera on the tripod and put this on a chair. This shot then included the back of one of the actors heads and the other actors face. We had to do this twice to show both the characters talking.

I think our group did well at getting the right angles and shots because we knew where to take them from and how to do it. I think we did best at the editing of our sequence as we put a sequence together that made sense and we used the right angles. Although we didn't do well at using the camera, I still think that the audience know which angle we were trying to create. From this, I have learnt how to put clips together when editing to create a sequence that makes sense and that the audience can understand. This will be useful when creating our opening sequence as we may have to use lots of clips we have filmed and put them all together using the ones that make the most sense with each other for the audience to understand. I think we struggled with keeping the camera in place as sometimes it would slant or it would start shaking in the hand. This was a problem because when we watched it back after the clips were put together, you could tell that we had to stop and refilm as the camera wasn't always upright.

Next time to stop this from happening again, we will make sure the tripod is stood up properly and hold the camera more steadily if we're going for a steadicam shot. We will also make sure the camera is put on the tripod properly so that it doesn't slant again. To do this, we will find out how the tripod works and how to move it up and down so we can get the camera to the right height when filming. Watching our sequence back helped us understand the mistakes we had made because we could tell that the camera hadn't been held properly in certain scenes. This is useful to know so that we can stop this mistake from being made again.

The following screenshots are when each of the shots were taken:

• Close up - 

• Mid-shot - 

• Longshot - 

• Panning - 

• Over the shoulder - 

Conclusion

This task helped in preparing for our opening sequence because it showed us what it's going to be like to film scenes. For example, we had to re-film some scenes as the camera work wasn't very good which tells us that it's going to take a lot of time for us to get a good quality opening sequence. From this task, I learnt how a camera works and how to open the tripod properly. When making our opening sequence, we need to ensure we make sure the tripod is in the correct position and the camera is up straight. We need to also ensure we know where to put the camera for certain angles as we did well at this during the task.