Looking back at your preliminary task (the continuity editing task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Our preliminary task involved our group making a short film involving someone opening a door, crossing a room, sitting opposite another person and exchanging a few lines of dialogue. The task was set to help develop our groups’ media skills. The video was only 30 seconds long and consisted of a variety of shots including shot reverse shot and match on action. We learnt great techniques which we'd later use in our opening title sequence. One of the techniques we used in the filming of our preliminary task was the 180 degree rule. This rule said that when dialogue was shared, the camera had to change from shot to shot while staying within 180 degrees (as shown in the diagram below).
Our preliminary task involved our group making a short film involving someone opening a door, crossing a room, sitting opposite another person and exchanging a few lines of dialogue. The task was set to help develop our groups’ media skills. The video was only 30 seconds long and consisted of a variety of shots including shot reverse shot and match on action. We learnt great techniques which we'd later use in our opening title sequence. One of the techniques we used in the filming of our preliminary task was the 180 degree rule. This rule said that when dialogue was shared, the camera had to change from shot to shot while staying within 180 degrees (as shown in the diagram below).
In both our title sequence and preliminary tasks we used different camera angles including an establishing shot or long shot, mid shots, close ups and extreme close ups. In our title sequence our shots flow better and there are a wider variety of shots. In the preliminary task we used basic mid shot, close ups and shot reverse shot. But in our opening title sequence however we used more depth by using different camera angles. A variety of camera angles in our opening title sequence were proven to be essential. The reason for this is because when our audience watch the sequence they'll observe the different angle shots and this will dictate the viewer's emotions. For example if the viewer sees a high angle shot it’ll show vulnerability and make the viewer tense. Also if the viewer sees a low angle shot it puts them in a god like position as it shows power.
This is an example of a shot we used in our preliminary task this is an over the shoulder shot which shows the use of the 180 degree technique.
In the preliminary task we didn't use any music as the main focus was the dialogue. But because of our title sequence being a horror this meant we had to use sound because this is the main convention of the genre. Horror films are reliant on their music and sound effects as they create suspense and tension. Whilst editing our title sequence we had to find different sound effects to emphasise the action. If the sound effects in our title sequence weren't timed right and were too long or were just not in the correct position this could have turned the whole sequence into a disaster. We used a cardiac monitor sound effect even before we saw anything as this alerted the audience that the beginning of the film was set in a medical facility.
The editing we did on our preliminary task was very basic and wasn't too complex. The reason being was our group was just becoming familiar with the editing software ‘final cut’ and the importance of continuity when filming. We used the same software for editing our opening title sequence, however with time our skills developed allowing us to create a well edited title sequence. While editing our opening title sequence we were able to add sound, titles, flashes, rearrange order of shots, motion background, use filters and transitions and colour correct and also hide shot errors . Without doing the preliminary task we would have approached our opening title sequence with zero experience and complete unfamiliarity with the software.
Difference between our Preliminary Task and our Title Sequence:
Preliminary task:
>No sound effects
>Basic Editing
>No Production and Distribution Company logos
>19 seconds long is too short of duration
>Straight to the point
>continuity errors
Title Sequence:
>Flash and Blackout effects
>Flashbacks
>High key lighting
>Variety of camera shots
>Opening titles
>Colour enhancement
>Transitions
>Soundtrack
>Distribution and Production Company logo
>Leaves Audience wanting more
>Blood
>More Organised with Props, Makeup and Costumes
>Low angle shot to show power, as the doctor was in control
>Point of View shot to put the audience in the action
The editing we did on our preliminary task was very basic and wasn't too complex. The reason being was our group was just becoming familiar with the editing software ‘final cut’ and the importance of continuity when filming. We used the same software for editing our opening title sequence, however with time our skills developed allowing us to create a well edited title sequence. While editing our opening title sequence we were able to add sound, titles, flashes, rearrange order of shots, motion background, use filters and transitions and colour correct and also hide shot errors . Without doing the preliminary task we would have approached our opening title sequence with zero experience and complete unfamiliarity with the software.
Difference between our Preliminary Task and our Title Sequence:
Preliminary task:
>No sound effects
>Basic Editing
>No Production and Distribution Company logos
>19 seconds long is too short of duration
>Straight to the point
>continuity errors
Title Sequence:
>Flash and Blackout effects
>Flashbacks
>High key lighting
>Variety of camera shots
>Opening titles
>Colour enhancement
>Transitions
>Soundtrack
>Distribution and Production Company logo
>Leaves Audience wanting more
>Blood
>More Organised with Props, Makeup and Costumes
>Low angle shot to show power, as the doctor was in control
>Point of View shot to put the audience in the action
Preliminary Task:
Title Sequence: