Prelim Task Part 1

Today we began the prelim task which involved us utilising the skills we have been taught over the past few weeks. The task involved listening to instructions about what the task involved, using the camera and exploring the various camera angles and movements we have learnt. We also had to consider the rules when filming a sequence and certain tips to bear in mind when filming.

We started off with an introduction given by our  teacher about what the prelim task involved and how we should carry it out. We were told about the importance of time management and also following instructions carefully. One of the tips we were given was to film the entire sequence from the moment the action of the scene started, to the moment when the action of the scene ended. We were told to do this from each angle that we filmed from as this would aid us in the editing process and also give us more choice for shots we could use when editing. It also ensured that we had backups of each part of the scene. This was a very important tip as it would also enable us to save time during the filming process and ensure that we didn't have too many shots to choose from.

One of the first steps that we had to do before we stated filming was to make a piece of paper that had everyone from the group’s name on it and get a quick shot of that before we started to film. This was very important as this will become crucial later on in the process when we have edited the clips together and created a sequence.

We were given a story board which involved a conversation between two characters and it also involved the entrance and exit of one of these characters. As a group we had to think carefully about making sure that we utilised the 180 degree rule, especially when filming over the shoulder shots to make sure that there was continuity to the shots of the conversation and to make sure that when all the shots are put together in the editing process that the characters remain on the same side throughout the conversation ensuring continuity.

As a group we had to decide which roles people would be playing; actors, camera man and director. We then had to set up the camera and frame the shot. We set up the tripod and then had to make sure that the shot was focused by zooming all the way into the shot and focusing on that zoomed spot and then zoom out to the framed shot. We also had to make sure that the camera was balanced on the tripod by ensuring that the bubble was placed in the centre of the circle on the camera and that the camera was set up correctly and that we were ready to begin filming. Throughout the time when the camera man and the director were setting up the filming equipment the actors were rehearsing their lines and trying to become familiar with the script.

Before we even filmed the first shot we did a run through of the scene to see how the scene would go and whether the camera could see all the action from the angle/amount of zoom it had.

We started off with a long shot which established who the characters were and what was happening in the scene. This also gave the full body of the characters and gave character detail to the audience. We also filmed close up shots of the characters faces, close up shots of the phone being passed from one character to the other, extreme close ups of the phone screen and some over-the-shoulder shots of the conversation. We used the skills we had learnt in class to decide on what camera angles to use bearing in mind the connotations behind these angles. We used the close ups to see the subtle changes in facial expression. We also used the close ups to allow the audience to feel a closer connection with the characters. The extreme close up angle of the phone allowed the audience to see what the character was doing on the phone and so providing context for the scene. We also used a high angle during some of the shots which made the character being shouted at by the other character appear inferior and small compared to the surroundings. We did this to show our understanding of the connotations behind the camera angles and to connote this feeling during the scene, again giving context to the scene.

One of the problems that we ran into during filming was a continuity issue. We had to ensure that there was continuity within the character positioning and that the characters’ positioning was the same each time we filmed the scene, regardless of the camera angle. We solved this problem by putting tape on the floor of the set to remind the actor where to stand and to ensure continuity within the scene. Another continuity issue that arose was making sure that the actor took the phone from the other actor with the same hand each time the scene was filmed. This was a very important detail that we needed to get correct to ensure continuity and also eliminate any confusion for the audience about who has possession of the phone at different times during the scene.

I think that we approached the task well and we worked well together in a group. We could have probably discussed the shots less and just proceeded with the filming process in order to utilise our time more effectively and therefore we could have filmed more shots from different angles, but overall I think we tackled the task well.

I think that one area for improvement that we can use when we begin to shoot our thriller sequences would be to consider planning our shots in the pre-production process to avoid the excessive discussion of shots on set as this will save us time during the filming process.

Another element that we could have done differently could have been the use of the set and we could have played around more with the character positioning how this could have affected the narrative and provided different connotations for the scene.

This prelim task has given me a lot of things that I can take into consideration when filming my thriller sequence, one of them being to plan the shots before hand to save time. Another thing that this task has taught me is that we should give the actors the script before the shooting so that they can become familiar with the lines and they can explore their character before we get on set which again will save time. Another element I can take into consideration when filming my thriller sequence is  to consider how the shots and the character positioning can work with the narrative. It might be a good idea to go and see the location before the actually starting the filming process  so that we can consider the location when planning the shots.

Overall the skills and techniques that I used when doing this prelim task will be very helpful when I come to filming my thriller sequence. I also believe that this prelim task allowed me to utilise all the skills and techniques that I have learned in my camera lessons and this has really helped me gain a deeper understanding into what it is like to be on set and begin the filming process I also learned a lot about the amount of preparation and planning that has to happen before the filming process can begin. I am looking forward to editing together the clips from today and creating a sequence that captures the connotations behind the shots that we filmed during this prelim task.