The Preliminary Task

The Letter: Continuity

The objective was to film a short continuity piece with featured:

• Match on action
  
• Shot reverse shot


• 180 degree rule

The Letter: Storyboard

Evaluation of Continuity

For our task, we decided to film a simple sequence of a girl handing over an envelope to a boy. Although we thought it would be difficult to film the sequence continually without editing, we found that we managed this by signalling when the camera was recording and not changing position until a few seconds after wed paused the camera to make sure the film was consistent. Also, the 180 degree rule was a new concept to us and thought that this would be an obstacle when we change camera angle. However, we found that we could use the rule to our advantage as we could successfully film from this direction the door when the girl enters and leaves and the boy sitting at the table. It benefitted us when filming the shot reverse shot element and there is a consistency in the movement of the camera. It gave the effect that the audience is eavesdropping on the scene, whereas if we hadn't followed the rule the camera angles would be directed from all over the room which would cause confusion. We had some difficulty in the match on match action, as we had to change position of the camera to film the movements of both the characterss and a close up of the exchange. The actors had to keep completely still whilst we changed the camera position to maintain a smooth flow between shots. When we watched the sequence over, we were all pleased with the result as we included the three compulsary features and maintained a smooth flow throughout it. At the end of the sequence, we were a little disapointed when there was a slight jump between the movement of the girl, but overall this did not effect the sequence. In doing the preliminary task, we found that it has helped to give us an understanding of what will be expected of us in out final piece. We are also more experienced with the camera and the different shots used to convey a characters expressions, movements and action and we can be aware of the slight errors we made in the preliminarty task so that we avoid them when we eventually film the final task.