Preliminary Task Evaluation

When filming the preliminary task we learned the basics of how to use a video camera and accessories such as a tripod. I had already used a camera before, however I have learnt new techniques and technical terms. 

One  main technical element which I have now learnt is the 180° rule, this is very important when filming so that you do not confuse the audience, because if you break the 180° rule it will appear as though both characters are facing the same way this can be very disorientating and therefore take the audience out of the story. This is still the case even if the characters are not in the same room and talking on the phone as my characters are; this makes it more realistic again. Another factor about filming is the match on action. To create a realistic and smooth match on action you have to film the whole movement from separate angles and the actor must move in the exact same way for each shot, then whilst editing it is important that you look closely whilst cutting, this means adjusting the clip one frame at a time to make the cut. I created two match on actions within the preliminary production, the first one was of the subject walking through a door which was quite difficult as the swing of the door also had to have one smooth movement and the second match on action was of the subject passing the camera whilst walking, the first shot was the subject walking towards the camera and the second shot of the subject walking away from the camera. Another element which I have now learnt is that it is important to film a variety of shots, some close-up and others at medium or long shots, this makes the scene more interesting for the viewer than just one similar shot throughout the scene, different shots help create meaning also.

Another major aspect of media which I have learnt is how to use Pinnacle studio HD15 editing software, within this I have used basic techniques such as motion titles, blackouts and sound effects but also more advanced techniques for example changes within the volume if the sound is too quiet or too loud, also lock and change within the audio. An example where I used lock was to create an L cut as the subject walks into the classroom.

On reflection I think that my group and I worked well together, making sure each person had a turn at filming and directing and we all got involved. Looking at the more technical side I think that the editing within the finished task looks very smooth especially the match on actions which look realistic and almost professional as our classmates told us. I am also pleased with how I managed to add a quick L cut into the project which adds more variety to the audio in the task. Learning how to use the editing software was very intuitive, it also enabled me to add more effects and animations to the project such as a title at the beginning and an easy dissolve out at the end. 

Although there are many excellent aspects to the project and the production has turned out very well, there are one or two down sides to the project. The sound quality is poor as there is a lot of background noise picked up by the camera; the most obvious one is the wind when recording outside, we could however have prevented this by using the wind reduction setting on the camera, however we were unaware of its existence at the time of recording but this is a feature that we now know. An alternative way of getting better sound quality would be to use an external microphone with a wind sock.

By doing this preliminary task I have learnt many features which a director or cameraman must take care of whilst filming, especially to plan what we are going to do beforehand. I think that doing this task will enable me to produce a better coursework production as I now feel more confident with the equipment and actual filming as well as the editing software.