1. Question 1:The first thing my group and I did was to begin
mind mapping and thinking of various ideas, includingthe topic of
the short film and what would happen overall. This also included
searching for goodlocations (main locations included: corridor
outside media room, media room(this is where theconversation takes
place) and outside the main gates of the school), testing a variety
of camera shotsand then leading to think about a script. For
example we decided to use some of the school corridors,because they
are very long and eerie when empty. This aided us in filming lots
of low angled shots,which helped present the idea of a mysterious
stretched corridor, helping show a dream like world wewanted to
create.After a lot of thought we came to the conclusion that the
scene would begin in black and white, whichpresented the idea of a
dream and fantasy. This would then lead to changing to colour once
theperson awakens from their slumber. This way we would also be
able to use and test out a bigger rangeof effects and editing
tools, aiding us in further editing in the future.Next, after we
arranged the script and roles (my role in the short film was being
an actor in it), we allconducted a lot of research, mainly towards
camera angles and shot types. If we could get some goodshots in our
scene it would help aid us massively in making the whole piece a
lot better and easier towatch for the viewers, therefore making it
more enjoyable.We then practiced the scripted scene and shots so
wecould see how it would look and what may be neededto be cut out.
Many changed occurred in this phases,ranging from script, to shots
and location. But enoughthough many aspects got changed here, it
helped bringthe whole piece fully together and gave a great take
onthe piece.
2. Question 2The rule states that the camera should remain the
same side of an imaginary lineThe line is drawn perpendicular the
cameras viewpoint in the establishing shot of the sceneThe rule
enforces continuity of the filmAn example is that in a car chase
scene, if the car is travelling from right to left, the next
shotmust also be shot from the same side, meaning the car has to
enter the frame right to left againThe same applies for football
matches and other sportThe rule should never be broken, the only
defence for breaking the rule is for effect. Breakingthe rule will
confuse the audience, especially in scenes of chase, conversation
or sport, so thecamera must always be on one side of the line.We
ensured that we didnt breakthis as by doing so it could result
inthe confusion of the audience, theaudience losing focus, the
scenebecoming disorientated or peoplemissing vital parts of
thefilm(scene). We made sure we keptone character on one side
andanother on the other, this mainlyoccurred in conversation
scenes.
3. The male character was always on theleft.and the female was
always onthe right.
4. Question 3We used a Birds eye view shot near the start of
theshort film, this added a different view and perspectiveto the
shot. This is a completely different andsomewhat unnatural point of
view which can beused for dramatic effect or for showing a
differentspatial perspective.In a dramatic setting like we have
made in our shot,it can be used to show the positions and motions
of differentcharacters and objects, enabling the viewerto see
things the characters can't.Another shot that was used was the Over
the shoulder shot.This shot helped allow the audience an insight
into what thecharacter sees and from their point of view. In this
case theaudience is aware that the female character is confronting
andtalking to the male character. This shot can also add realism
tothe shot as the audience adopt the same view as the character.A
high angle shot was another shot we used. This was used at the
start ofthe film when the character appears to be running away from
something infear. We used this shot as it helps show the subject
from above, i.e. thecamera is angled down towards the subject.,
this has the effect ofdiminishing the subject, making them appear
less powerful, less significantor even submissive. Which is what
was needed as the character was the onefrightened and afraid.
5. One of the last shots we used was the slanted or tilt shot.
This is where the camera ispurposely tilted to one side so the
horizon is on an angle. This creates an interesting anddramatic
effect. We used this shot as the male character awakens and sees
the girlopposite him, this helped create and interesting scene,
while also showing the characterspoint of view as he tilts his head
up. Therefore putting the audience in his position.(Famous examples
include Carol Reed's The Third Man, Orson Welles' Citizen Kane and
theBatman series.)
6. Question 4The main effect that was used throughout the
editingstages was the dissolve transitions: fading to blackand to
white. We used fading to black as it helpedcreate tension and
suspense to the scene, fading towhite was also used but for a
different reason, whichwas to help emphasise the colour change
intransitions.Around half way through the film, the main
characterawakens from his sleep. Every thing up to that pointwas in
black and white to help create a unreal andstrange, colourless
world; like in a dream. By fading towhite it helped show the sudden
change from dark tolight and from dream into reality.Fade to
blackFade to whiteThis was the first time I had used that software
and wasnt sure how to use certainaspects of it, a feature I
particularly struggled with was the editing if audio. It took
awhile for me to gain confidence and understanding of how to use
it. For example Iwasnt sure how to add in just the sound from a
video, without that actual videobeing there. But after some support
and help by friends and teachers I soon got thehang of it and
understood the process a lot more. Now I know how to use this, I
ammuch more confident to use it and create a lot more creative and
interesting videosand films.
7. Question 4The main effect that was used throughout the
editingstages was the dissolve transitions: fading to blackand to
white. We used fading to black as it helpedcreate tension and
suspense to the scene, fading towhite was also used but for a
different reason, whichwas to help emphasise the colour change
intransitions.Around half way through the film, the main
characterawakens from his sleep. Every thing up to that pointwas in
black and white to help create a unreal andstrange, colourless
world; like in a dream. By fading towhite it helped show the sudden
change from dark tolight and from dream into reality.Fade to
blackFade to whiteThis was the first time I had used that software
and wasnt sure how to use certainaspects of it, a feature I
particularly struggled with was the editing if audio. It took
awhile for me to gain confidence and understanding of how to use
it. For example Iwasnt sure how to add in just the sound from a
video, without that actual videobeing there. But after some support
and help by friends and teachers I soon got thehang of it and
understood the process a lot more. Now I know how to use this, I
ammuch more confident to use it and create a lot more creative and
interesting videosand films.