Preliminary Evalutation

Who did you work with and how did you manage the task between you?

PRODUCTION STAGE

• On this task i worked with Alex.S, Alex.E and Zenia.
• In order to wok productively we decided that it would be better to do all the tasks, story boarding, shoot schedule, shot list, together as a team as it meant that we would all be able to have our own input into the production of our sequence.
• To start the process we had a short brainstorm where we established our genre before sub-sequentially deciding on our plot. After writing a brief script we went to find a location to shoot the sequence- we decided on the media office as we thought the layout of the office would make it easier to get the angles we needed.
• We then went to create our story board. After producing our storyboard we went, with a camera, to see whether our shot list with fit with our location. Upon practicing we realized that the location was too small and the background was too busy and would detract away from the action in the scene. We then changed out location, adapted our storyboard, chose our actors and produced our shot schedule. 

DURING FILMING 

• As Alex.E and myself were both the main actors in this sequence Zenia and Alex.S had to be the main directors. However, during the scene where Alex. E and I went needed we were given a chance to film and layout the scene. 

EDITING STAGE

• During the editing stage I work with Zenia to edit our sequence. We both had chances to physically edit as well as continuously giving our own opinions about which clip to use ETC.

How did you plan your sequence? What processes did you use? What theories did you take into account?

• We planned our sequences with continuity in mind
• We knew the main aim of this task was to produce a continuity clip that flowed well so we decided to use a simple story-line so that we could focus on the continuity. 
• When we were story boarding we made sure to include a 'match on action', 'shot reverse shot' and that we followed the '180° rule'
• In addition we also made sure to include a master/establishing shot so the audience would be able to know the space created between the characters and the room.
• In addition we also planned our shots so that we would not break the '30° rule'.
• Furthermore when planning the framing of the sequence we made sure not to jump from wide to extreme close up, for example, as we didn't want to confuse the audience.

What technology did you use to complete the task, and how did you use it?

• Camera- Canon DV30
• Editing Software- Adobe Premier Pro

• We used the camera, along with a tri-pod, to shoot our scenes.
• After filming all of the scenes we used Adobe Premier Pro to edit our sequences together to create our clip. After adding a title sequence we uploaded it to Youtube.

What factors did you have to take into consideration when planning, shooting and editing?

PLANNING

• When planning our sequence we needed to remember to stick to our brief- filming and editing a continuity clip,
• We had to take into consideration the plot of the clip- we needed it to be quite simple as the task was about the continuity of the clip rather than the plot. By sticking to a simple storyline it allowed us to focus more on the quality of the clip.
• When planning our shots we needed to make sure the shots flowed well eg. flowed from wide to mid close up to close up rather than jumping from wide to close up.
• In addition we also needed to plan our shots/plot so that we would be able to follow the continuity rules and have a match on action, use of the 180 rule and shot reverse shot.
• When planning we had to take into account the practical and economic elements involved in the shooting process. We had to have a location that was big enough for us to get the shots we needed as well as it being quite simple so that it does not detract from the focus of the scene. We also had to plan a shoot schedule so that we did not waste time during the filming process.
• As she were story boarding we had to take into account the different shots angles. Upon doing this we had to make sure that we wouldn't break the 30 degree- unless we wanted to do this to create a certain effect. 
• When planning we also had to take into account what atmosphere we wanted to create through lighting, framing, miss-en-scene and camera angles.

SHOOTING

• When shooting we had to consider the lighting. We wanted quite a bright set as a darker set would have contrasted our genre-romantic/drama.
• In addition we also had to take into consideration how we would shoot- distance from the characters and what effect this would create.
• We had to take into account that we were filming during the day in school so we had to make sure that our location was quite.
• During shooting we also had to make sure that we would shoot enough of certain scenes so that we would be able to create a match on action during editing. Along with this we also had to work out where our 180 line was compared to the characters. This meant that the camera had to stay on one side of this line- affecting the position of the camera for the rest of the takes.
• As we only had one hour to shoot our scenes we had to take into consideration where to set up our camera. For example when we were doing the over the shoulder shots of Alex and I talking instead of filming me then Alex then me again we would shot all of me then all of Alex. This was done in order to save time and shoot more effectively/ productively.

EDITING

• During editing our main concern was to make sure that our sequence flowed.
• In addition we also had to make sure that our match on action worked well- opening the door
• We also wanted to make sure that our sequence was static. We had to make sure that the shots started quickly and there wasn't large gaps which had no dialogue or action. 

How successful was your sequence? please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

• I personally believe that our sequence was very successful as we completed the task that we were given within the allotted time.
• I believe that we used our time productively as we worked well as a time which allowed us to work to the best of our abilities. However, during the planning stage i feel that our time would have been more efficiently spent if we had split up the roles instead of always working together. 
• In regards to our storyline i feel that it was appropriate in the idea that it was simple so allowed us  to focus on the continuity of the clip rather than the plot. However, our idea was possibly 'too' simple in that it meant our shots were quite basic. If we had possible shot a different genre such as horror we would have been able to use the camera differently e.g. handheld. In addition our simple plot meant the lighting was quite neutral. 
• I believe that our editing of the clip really enabled the clip to come together and flow properly. Our detailed editing and cutting of shots meant the shots flowed nicely and match on actions worked well. 
• Possibly next time i would like to work more behind the camera so i personally can see what the shots look like and give my opinion on how i feel that they could be improved.

What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

• I have learnt the importance of planning carefully. Planning your shot schedule is key as it saves time when filming and makes the process a lot faster.
• I learnt to share jobs evenly throughout the group instead of completing all the tasks together as a team as it saves time.
• To allow time for changes during shooting as some times your framing/ camera angles might not look right 
• experiment with different genre types which make me leave my comfort zones and enable me to experiment with camera angles and styles.