AS Media Studies Preliminary Task Evaluation - Lorna Wilson

AS Media Studies Preliminary Task Evaluation
For the preliminary task we had to create a one minute film which demonstrates Match on Action, Shot/ Reverse Shot and The 180 degree rule. My group and I based our film on a hostage situation. The first things we discussed were:
• Locations
We decided on using the Learning Centre for the establishing shot and a secluded room and hallway in the old building to hold the hostage.
• Props
Duct Tape and a phone
• Actors/characters
Two actors who played a Hostage and the Kidnapper.
• Plot
Kidnapper creates and prints a ransom note then proceeds to the room where the hostage is kept and makes her read it out down the phone.
• Camera techniques
Cross cutting between the two locations.

I was assigned the task of storyboard artist, and after discussion with my group I went on to draw on the storyboard and choose relevant camera work. Equipment we used to produce our film was a Video camera and Tripod.

We took a couple takes of each shot to enable a good choice in footage when editing. For many of the shot’s we tried filming at different angles and shot sizes. This was especially important when filming the match on action as it took quite s few attempts in creating a plausible scene.
After shooting our film and watching our footage back we realised there were a few mistakes in the match on action and 180 degree rule. Also in one on the shots the digital signal had dropped out leaving a partially blocked image. In order to sort this we planned to film a close up of the phone to replace it but unfortunately didn’t get round to it, so in order to keep the continuity we had to keep it in. With our match on action scene, the continuity wasn’t completely accurate; because of the order in which we filmed the ransom note wasn’t present in filming the actor coming out the door, when he was holding the note when entering through the door. We also had trouble with the 180 degree rule when shooting the shot/reverse shot as we went over the line in the conversation scene. We tried to solve this problem by using different shots and then cutting down as well as changing there orders, however this didn’t completely work.

Through this task I have learnt a lot about the process of making a film, and taking it from an idea to the screen. I've been able to practise camera skills and learn how to edit videos on I-movie, as well as how to add sound and effects. For the main practical task I'd improve the work by filming the sequence in order as to keep the continuity throughout. I'd also make sure there's time left after filming and viewing the footage to re-shoot in case of any mistakes.