Evaluation of Continuity Exercise

For this project, in groups we had to plan, film and edit a short film about a package exchanging possession, using a maximum of twenty shots. After discussion, my group decided that the package should be an SD card containing 'secret information', and that the exchange in possession should be from a theft. We played with the idea of making it seem humorous, maybe having a funny ending that the SD card actually contained nothing at all, but we couldn't achieve that in less than 20 shots. 

The criteria required;

At least two close--ups

At least one extreme close-up

At least two matches on action

At least one eye line match

At least one point of view shot

A shot reverse shot sequence

One camera movement 

Some establishing and re-establishing shots

At least one non cut transition

I think we met the criteria as well as we possibly could given the amount of shots that we were allowed. 

Personally I enjoyed the entire process, as I worked well with the people that were in my group, and whenever either of us had an idea, we all listened and tested out the idea and compromised when conflicting ideas arose.

The whole experience was fun and enjoyable, and as I've never filmed or edited before, I'm very happy with how it turned out. It's far from perfect and could use a few improvements, but overall I'm very proud of what we have produced.

Mise-en-scene 

(what is placed in the scene, referring to props, costumes, characters, setting, etc)

Mise-en-scene played an important part in creating the tension and atmosphere when required in certain parts of the film. For instance, the first hint of a shift in mood occurs when Subject 1 leaves the room after removing the SD card. Previously, it had been shown that Subject 1 was being watched, and we wanted Subject 2 to follow him, yet we didn't want to give it away straight away. At this point we had the idea of using the door handle to show that he was being followed. We didn't want it to be obvious to the audience and we wanted it to be a sudden shift in mood, so we decided not to show Subject 2 standing up and walking towards the door. Instead we showed Subject 1's entire leaving sequence (standing up, walking away, opening the door, exiting the room and finally a shot of him walking down the corridor) and to suddenly show the audience that he was being followed, we only shot Subject 2's hand opening the door and following after him. I think this technique was very effective and unique, and it broke away from typical conventions. It created suspense very suddenly and communicated to the viewer that Subject 2 was following Subject 1, without actually revealing his face or showing his leaving sequence.

Lighting

The lighting throughout the film is very consistent and I feel it appropriately reflects the atmosphere that was intended throughout the scenes. 

For instance, at the start the lighting is bright artificial lighting from the lights that were already in the room. At this point, it's not clear of what's going to happen and everything seems innocent, so it's appropriate. 

Once the story begins to unfold, and it becomes apparent that Subject 1 is being followed, the lighting is low and dark to create a sinister atmosphere, engaging the viewer and adding contrast between the two scenes that reflects the situation. 

Camera Angles

We didn't use many variations of camera angles when shooting this, and it's mainly shot using medium height shots (from the subjects shoulders upwards) but we did experiment with a low angle shot when the two are running down the corridor. 

I personally think this was very effective, as it broke away from the constant medium shots and made for an interesting perspective of the Subjects as they run down the corridor and past the camera. When the subjects appear from round the corner, they are entirely in shot, and as they make their way up the corridor and past the camera, just their shoulders to their knees are in shot. I believe this creates a disorientating effect upon the viewer and is a very unique type of shot. 

Camera Movement

There are two camera movements used throughout, and the first is used when Subject 2 is following Subject 1. This is very effective in creating suspense as it's very shaky and disorientating. It was hard to shoot and we had to try quite a few times as in some shots it was too shaky and nothing was visible.

Another camera movement that we used was in the scene in which Subject 1 is chasing Subject 2 after he takes the SD card. We again decided on the shaky natural effect but this time it's quicker as the chase scene is faster paced compared to the rest of the film. This shot is a unique one as it begins static, then almost whip pans from left to right, following the two subjects from the corridor to the outside, which creates a disorientating effect upon the viewer.

This production is the first media film production that I have created, so I began as a complete beginner. I had a vague idea of what kinds of shots would look good, but apart from that I had no previous experience or any idea how to even work a film camera. During this task, I learnt how to film and how to adjust the aperture, ISO and shutter speed.
I enjoyed this task and learnt a lot of new skills. As this was the first production I have worked on, there is visible room for improvement.
I particularly liked the editing stages, piecing the scenes together, adding music, cutting shots down etc.