Prelim task - Evaluation

Who did I work with and how did we manage the task between us?
My group consisted of Anjana, Mila and me. ('consisted' makes it sound like a  cake) Anjana did most of the filming as Mila and I were actors in a lot of the shots. As for editing, we split 20 minutes on editing each, and cycled round like that. It worked well, because while we could all work and develop our skills, none of us got bored while waiting.

How did we plan our sequence?  
After receiving the task, we sat down and brainstormed potential sequences- starting off by genre, or famous movie sequences we could recreate. Eventually we ended up with a list of a few ideas we liked, then narrowed it down to the one we though would be most fun to act and film. Once we have decided on the idea of a James Bond scenarios of spy and employer, each of us took responsibitly for a role: I was in charge of the storyboard, Mila costume and script, while Anjana did the shot list and managed props.

What processes did we use?
After the brainstorm and final idea, it was time to storyboard, followed by script. We met up during a lunchtime and came up with everything, including when we would shoot everything and how.

What theories did we try to take into account?
Although at the time of coming up with ideas, we didn't majorly discuss theories and so on, later on, during storyboarding, we put together all the knowledge we'd gained about continuity to try and make our sequence as realistic and plausible as possible. We decided to have quite a few continuity techniques

What technology did we use to complete the task, and how?
Obviously we used cameras. But as well as those, we used Adobe Premier Pro to edit together our footage. Each of us had the same amount of time editing and we worked closely with each other to cut as closely as we could to achieve a flowing sequence. We didn't use an extravagant effects or transitions as this would not suit our sequence, so editing was simple and quick.

What factors did we have to take into account when planning, shooting and editing?
Firstly we had to follow the brief and demonstrate the shot-reverse-shot, match on actions and 180 degree rule. We had to carefully construct each shot to make sure they would complement each other. It was crucial to have a convincing and engaging narrative, with believable characters, while at the same time focusing on technical detail and varying our shots. When filming, lighting had to stay constant, so shooting all of our outdoors shots at the same time was a good idea. Indoors, we were using electrical lighting anyway, so it wouldn't make a difference. For this reason, we filmed everything outdoor quickly and then moved indoors.

On top of all this, we had to consider what was realistically possible in the time we had. In 2 hours, we couldn't really go all out, so keeping it simple was probably the best way forward -  less is more! When shooting, Mila and I wore costumes that suited our genre, but it was important to make sure that the clothes were the same in each shot (duh) and accessories etc. Additionally, filming too much was better as it can easily be cut, whereas if we filmed too little, we'd be stuck, so we ended up with loads of unnecessary footage.

While editing, we couldn't cut too much of shots, while at the same time, we had to be very tight with the cutting, so that the sequence would fit together and flow. For example, the clonking of the high heels in the first 2 shots were difficult to match up to make it seem like continuous walking.

How successful was our sequence?
Overall, we stuck well to the brief, managing to demonstrate all the required techniques: MOA - Whren Mila walks throughe the door, SRS- The conversation, 180DR - the conversation also, the camera did not cross the invisible line between Mila and me.

Improvements:
The unintentional reflection in the door of Anjana filming (It's very noticeable) would have to go. But no just this, I may also change the shot types at the beginning- from a CU of Mila's feet, it goes to a LA LS, which may feel a bit of a big jump.

During the conversation, we could've had a master shot, as opposed to the SRS repeated, to establish a sense of place and not confuse the audience.

At the end of the sequence, the final shot would have been better suited as a CU but not a LA - Mila ended up looking quite distorted, which was not the desired effect, we wanted her to look belittled and vulnerable.

What have I learnt? How could this be significant when completing the rest of the foundation coursework?
During this task, I have learnt how to best shoot to minimise time taken and maximise the amount of footage we gain. We were able to shoot only changing setups rarely, thus able to complete the task even within the short amount of time we had.

It was important when trying to make a SRS that the conversation is filmed from both POVs and then with clever editing cut together. We were able to use the razor tool to cut between to create a conversation that flowed. This is significant for the film sequence we will be creating later this year as that will involve many continuity techniques.