JH: Storyboard Shots

JH: Storyboard Shots:

GC:Storyboard Shots

GC: Storyboard Shots

Group: Review of High Grade Examples

Group: Review of High Grade Examples:

• During the lesson on 29/01/2013, we viewed as a class past productions from various schools that were exceptionally good.
• One of the productions which we watched was a Zombie/horror film which included various techniques that could be incorporated in our own production.

• This opening from 'Nine Mile Point' has various techniques used to reinforce its genre in order to create a mood.
• One technique which we believe is noteworthy to replicate was the added effects form Adobe After Effects. Which included the animation of a power plant to draw the audiences attention in.
• In addition to this there is a medium shot which focuses its rule of thirds on a wall placing the characters shadow, forming a unique way of displaying the plot. This technique could be emulated in our production however, a minor flaw would be the fact that we may want to film during the dark.
• Finally, the use of credits in this is very effective as it is minimal yet striking whilst having an expanding affect to introduce the film.
• Another production done by previous students was last years group 8 - Damnation.

• This example, was by far the most impressive as it used a range of techniques to reinforce its genre and capture the audience.
• One technique I found really effective was the pull focus used to draw the attention of the audience into the film.
• The cutting rate was also really effective with rapid changes from fast to slow to create a montage effect especially when making the photos. I feel this could be replicated with an antagonist making weapons whilst cross-cutting to the protagonist in order to create a parallel narrative in two lines of action.
• The titles in damnation were particularly effective as it was rather similar to that of Zombie land where the credits are positioned as if they are in the world of the film. Which is effective during the panning shot with the scissors. I believe this is a key technique that could be replicated in our own production using the same software being Adobe after effects.

• In conclusion, we watched a fair amount of clips in class however, these two held the most potential to emulate some of the techniques especially the construction of damnation in Adobe After Effects with the use of titles within the film. There are definitely techniques that can be taken away from this exercise.

JH: Genre and Concept development

JH: Genre and Concept development:

• In the lesson on Monday 28th 2013, we had a group discussion regarding developments to what genre and concept our production should consist of. From previous, research into both psychological horrors and thriller films we needed to precisely specify on what type of film this production should be.
• In Georges research he studied into one horror and one thriller film, 'The Ring' and 'Scream 4' respectively. From analysis on each film there were various techniques of which George thought could be replicated effectively into our own production to create an atmosphere and understanding of the production. From 'The Ring' techniques that seemed applicable included changing the cutting rate from slow to high in order to create tension and climaxes as well as the manipulation of silence to reinforce the mood created from the horror film. In addition to this 'Scream 4' also inspired us to think about using tension and the build up of climaxes through various techniques in our production.
• In my own research, like George I also researched a horror film and a thriller. From my horror film opening of 'The Shining' the suspense of the music and setting gripped the audience, however lack of plot made me more fond of the second opening analysed being 'A Nightmare On Elm St.' This includes various techniques that reinforce the psychological horror genre effectively whilst introducing the credits including blurs, pans and use of sinister props in mise-en scene.
• During discussion we concluded that it would be more fitting to create a psychological horror such as 'The Ring' and 'A Nightmare On Elm St.' as well as incorporating some themes and ideas from thriller films especially from 'Scream'. 
• Once the genre was roughly decided upon we thought about plot ideas and where to film. I suggested due to the theme that a woodland area or abandoned house would be good for a psychological horror as I knew the location of both of these which would be perfect for filming.
• Unfortunately, by the end of the lesson there was not enough time to fully discuss plot, however the idea of someone and their friend getting lost in the woods due to supernatural ghosts haunting them was my personal idea. However, further disussion will of course be needed.

Group: Preliminary Task

What we did well:

• Good range of camera shots - Feedback from the rest of the class suggested the POV shots and the tracking shot using the dolly were the most effective as we recieved lots of positive feedback from these techniques. Keeping the tripod attatched to the camera when shooting the POV worked really well because the footage wasn't too shaky.
• Although we did not use the music track we originally planned to use, the music we ended up using suited the clip as it helped to build up a dull and slightly depressed atmosphere which tied in with the storyline.
• Good editing of the clip. Because we used a medium-fast cutting rate, every action had to be cut at exactly the right time to ensure the transition looked smooth from one shot to another. The hardest parts to do this were the door opening and when Jamie walked down the corridor. We had to ensure that we switched from the POV shot to the long shot while Jamie walked down the corridor at the right time to avoid it looking like he walked over the same spot twice or he suddenly jumped foward a few feet.

What we could have improved on:

• At the end of the clip, the soundtrack over powered the dialogue so much that one of the lines of speech could not be heard. To combat this for future productions, we could prehaps use a fade on the music or stop it all together. Luckily there was still a two-line conversation which was needed to fufill the criteria of the preliminary task.
• Bad continuity: the beginning panning shot showed the door open in the background which  was then shown to be closed 30 seconds later when Jamie went to open it. Unless we went back to show the door getting closed by someone else later in the film, this could confuse the audience.
• Shaking of the camera during the tracking shot using the dolly. Although there was not much we could do to edit out this error once the film had been made, we might have thought ahead and used a handicam shot instead or put something smooth down the floor. We could not find any effects on Premiere to combat this. Minor problems like this should be considered when filming our opening to ensure optimum quality

JH: Horror Film Openings: Research

JH: Horror Film Openings: Research:

• We concluded we would make a horror film. However, we are unsure as to what kind of horror it may be such as 'slash' or 'Psychological'. As a result, I have chosen to analyse one of each type: 

The Shining:

• The mood of this extract is quite clearly reflecting the genre being horror through a use of sinister and deep horn instruments, however this soundtrack juxtaposes that of the camera work which consists of effective establishing shots to set the scene for the film. In my groups production, we believe that sound is crucial to our production and hence replicating this sinister deep soundtrack may prove worthy to create the mood for the production.
• The Camera work used may be hard to replicate as it was filmed from a helicopter, which if course we cannot do. However, establishing shots can still be replicated from stationary positions in order to set the scene and location of the shoot. This will be very effective especially if the chosen location reinforces or juxtaposes the mood produced by other techniques used.
• An interesting thing to take note from 'The Shining' is the fact there are few cuts which is unconventional for every genre of film however, combined with large establishing long shots the continuous footage grabs the audiences attention and draws them into the film.
• However, it is highly unlikely that we will replicate the 'no cutting' technique in our production as one reason which makes this technique very successful is the fact it is filmed off a helicopter. However, one thing this technique does create is it calms the viewer and draws them in to a false sense of security which reinforces the psychological horror genre of this extract. This effect created by the beautiful scenery is something that we wish to replicate but through different techniques, such as calm shots of woodland to ease the viewers mind before cutting to something more dramatic.
• One thing dislikeable about this opening sequence is the lack of plot inclusion, which for our production will hopefully be much the opposite as part of the required criteria. In addition to this I like the simplicity of the credits transition however, If we were to replicate this it would be smoother and in a more fitting typeface and colour for the horror genre.

A Nightmare On Elm St (Alternate Opening 2010):

• Being more of a 'slasher' horror film, the opening to 'A Nightmare On Elm St' has a high cutting rate offering two lines of action to create the mood of the film being eary and spooky. The two line of action are created using high cutting rates and cross-cutting between the antagonist constructing a claw and children playing hopscotch. This offers a juxtaposition between shots to highlight how sinister the films plot is. The creation of two lines of action through cross-cutting is something that my group will look into to create a more in-depth plot and can form something of a chase sequence which fits the horror genre.
• The sound used in this opening mirrors the eary mood created by the plot. This is done through soft choirs harmonising in a minor key with the inclusion of strings also in a minor key. The scale used in this clip is somewhat effective and a minor key is something that would be ideal to replicate to match the negative mood of our productions genre.
• In addition to the soundtrack, diegetic sound is used and enhanced of the antagonist creating a weapon which obviously highlights its purpose and intentions for later in the film. The enhancement of sounds within the world of a film is something crucial for horror films and would be effective if replicated in our group task, however instead we would enhance the sound of a twig snapping or anything else conventional to the horror genre.
• The mise-en-scene in the extract highlights the genre perfectly by using sinister props such as the glove, slow motion leaves and conventional horror props such as sinister chalk drawings. In addition to props, the typeface and transitions of the credits are much more preferable than the shining as they suit and match the mood of the films genre. The props, typeface and colours are something that would be excellent to replicate for our production to reinforce an eary atmosphere in the clip. However, a higher skill in editing may be required to perfect the flow of the credits.
• The plot of the opening is something that may also prove effective if replicated as the inclusion of children in a slasher film reinforce how sinister the films is as children are often represented as a burden or a character (Damsel) in distress.
• In conclusion techniques which seem valuable for our own productions that can be emulated include high-slow cutting rates which establish two lines of action between something innocent (children) to something a lot more sinister (antagonist). In addition this extract highlights the importance of sound and credits to improve a films effect on the target audience.

GC: Horror Film Openings Research

GC: Horror Film Openings - Research

Between us, the group concluded we would make a horror film. However, we are still yet unsure as to whether it will be a traditional 'slash' horror film, or more of a psychological horror. Consequently, I have chosen to analyze one of each type: The Ring being a psychological horror, and Scream 4 being more of a slash horror type.

The Ring

The costume the girl is in also helps to portray this relaxed sense as her shirt cuffs are unbuttoned and she is walking round the house barefoot, thus giving out a false sense of security. Also the cutting rate when filming the girl is quite slow to make the audience feel relaxed. However, when objects related to building up the horror are shown like the remote, the TV and the door, the cutting rate increases to build up the tension within the audience. Increasing the cutting rate would be an effective way to create a psychological horror without using lots of props and dialogue in our own film intro.

• Dark lighting throughout the scene is used to build up a sense of tension and nervousness as it is hard to see anything else that might be going on in the scene that gives clues as to why the TV is turning its self on for instance. Also the contrast of relatively light surroundings in the first cut contrasts to the dark shots of the rest of the scene letting the audience know something bad is going to happen. Without the use of lighting equipment this may be difficult, but dark lighting like this would be a good technique to put into our scene as it can make people, environments and objects be portrayed as scary/nice, beautiful/ugly etc.
• Use (or lack of use) of sound in this scene is extremely effective. Only diegetic sound is used throughout to make the scene seem more realistic which brings the audience closer to the action as they can relate to it more. On top of this, because the whole clip is silent, the audience concentrate more and become more fearful that something may jump out. It may be hard to recreate this effect for our own production using the in built mic on the camcorder because you may be able to hear 'finger bumps' on the camera and it may amplify any unwanted background noise which would ruin the effect, To solve this however, it might be an idea to purchase an external microphone to plug in and gain better sound quality.
• At the end of the clip when the girl opens the door upstairs we see the camera speedily tracking out from the TV and then tracking in towards the girl for a close up to show her reaction. This makes it clear to the audience what she is looking at without having to reduce the element of surprise with an establishing shot. I would love to include a shot like this in the scene we will be shooting and could achieve this using a fast-forward effect.

Scream 4

• There is an anti-climax built up twice in this scene, once when the girl upstairs is on the phone and once when the other girl lies on the floor. In both instances, these false leads are created through the use of camera technique. The first one keeps the camera focused on the girl downstairs so the audience is unaware of the other girl playing the prank from upstairs. This makes the audience more involved as they are 'on the same level' so to speak, as the girl who is being pranked - they feel just as scared as they do not know what is going on. The second anti-climax sees the camera peering over the sofa in a POV shot. This puts the audience in the same position as the girl investigating her friend. This sense of audience involvement is what we aim to achieve when creating our film and could be done through camera techniques like this.
• As seem in both anti-climax scenes, violins are used to quickly build tension. However, in the shot where the girl in the kitchen turns around to see the killer behind her friend, no music is used. This again brings the audience along with the character by giving them the same point of view. When producing our own film, using and not using music could really have a strong effect on if the audience sees a shot as scary or calm. Though creating music like this may be hard, lots of free sound effects are available on the web to use for our film intro.
• As seen in The Ring,the cutting rate for this film also alternates between slow/fast for calm/tense moments.  Because The Ring was a psychological horror compared with this traditional horror, cutting rates have more of an effect in The Ring than they do for Scream 4. Which ever type of horror we choose to make, cutting rates will play a key role in our filming and we should try to replicate the cutting rates shown in these two films.
• The anti climaxes make the real event seem less scary at first, but even more scary once the audience acknowledges what is going on. Using anti-climaxes like this would take up time and considering the introduction we are making is limited to only two minutes, we may not be able to fit one in, but I think using one in our film would add some extra kick to the scare and keep the audience in suspense and concentrated on the film.

GC: Film Openings Research

GC: Film Openings - Research

Sucker Punch

• I like the use of dim lighting to create a more sinister atmosphere. This would be a very good technique to make our scene more effective. Also, the lack of speech adds to this as well as making the whole scene more mysterious as the audience is left to interpret their own ideas as to why there is no speech. 
• The slow music with piano and vocals along with the slow motion work well together to build up a slightly dreamy perspective that makes the auidence feel as though they are part of the scene. I would like to re-create this feeling of audience involvement when filming my opening scene.
• The opening panning shot worked really well to introduce the audience to the character by slowly turning from an extreme long shot into a close up. On top of this it worked well as an establishing shot to build up an image of the surrounding set. Panning shots could prove difficult to reproduce for our own scene due to limited experience and equipment, but would be very effective if done correctly and would give a more professional finish to the overall product.
• The mise en scene in this scene is very good. Clothing is kept plain with dull colours which is used to reinforce the sinister build up by not letting flamboyant colourful items of clothing disrupt the atmosphere. This is something to bear in mind when filming our own scene.

Zombieland

• The way the text is incorporated into the scene is really good. The animations of the words smashing/being covered in blood etc are really eye catching and helps engage the audience. Although we would probably not be able to recreate the type animations shown  in this clip (due to lack of software and training), I think making any text part of the scene would be a good idea for our clip because it would help keep the scene flowing and there would be no time wasted putting in a title screen instead of more film.

• The narration at the beginning really helped set the scene and give a background to the storyline. This could be very useful to avoid confusion, especially if there's a complicated story. Because our film will be a horror one, narration may spoil the sinister atmosphere we want to build up but on the other hand we may have to use it to give a background story.
• Usage of slow motion in this clip during the credits was done really well in my opinion. It gives the audience time to take in what is happening and admire the scene. Using slow motion in our film would draw attention to particularly important bits, and could also be used to manipulate time effectively if needed.
• During the build up before the opening credits, the camera is nearly always on the move: very few shots are done with the camera in a static position. This means that lots of pans and tracking shots were filmed which reflected the constant action going on in the scenes. This would be a useful tip to bear in mind when filming and scenes involving lots of physical movement when filming our clip, but could prove difficult as professional equipment such as cranes and mini rails for the camera to slide on were used to keep the filming steady but we don't have access to such hardware.

Ghost Ship

•  The way fast motion is used to trace the wire is very effective as it contrasts to the slow motion shots of the crowd of people. This juxtaposition between the slow/fast motion is used to show two different story lines in one scene. The fast motion reflects the behavior of the wire in that it is fast and precise which gives the audience a hint of what is going to happen before the action starts, whereas the slow motion shots help to establish the scene and show some of the characters in it. Seeing how effective this contrast can be, I would like to use these techniques in my film intro to separate two story lines if necessary.
• Filming close ups of the wire along with the flowers and one of the characters during when the wire cut through everyone was a good way to avoid trying to simulate someone getting cut in half. Hardly any special effects would have been used in that part as the close ups were enough for the audience to see what was going on without actually filming anyone being cut. Shots like this would be extremely useful in making any gory scenes in our opening because it means no effects are needed but the audience still sees what is going on. 
• Also, the slow paced sort music gets juxtaposed with the loud harsh sound of the wire moving in the middle of the scene which also helps differentiate the two stories going on. The sound of the wire is first introduced halfway through the scene which tampers with the calm atmosphere made by the music from the start of the scene which lets the audience know something bad is coming. Sound would be an easy way to change to mood in our film as there are plenty of songs and sound effects on the web that we could use to do this.

 

GC: Production of preliminary task

GC: Production of preliminary task

• No briefing this time which meant we could get straight into filming. However, an own clothes day meant that there would be an obvious change of costume when  it came to filming the next scenes in our clip. To combat this we decided to re-shoot the shots we had already done.
• We decided to keep Jamie as the subject to shoot as if we did have to finish filming next lesson, the costume change would not matter much because he would have the same coat and bag on.
• Firstly, we filmed the panning long shot, but without any battery problems this time! Less adjustments to the tripod were needed as we knew roughly were to position it from our previous attempt.
• For the second shot, we decided to mix the over the shoulder medium shot of Jamie working at the computer and the medium shot of him then turning to look at the clock into one shot. We achieved this by increasing the angle between Jamie and the camera to incorporate the clock into the very edge of the frame. Then when he turned, we ever so slightly panned the camera round to bring the clock more central in the picture. This worked well as the slower cutting rate helped to emphasize that the detention was going slowly for the character.
• The POV shot of the clock was pretty easy to do as this just involved adjusting the zoom beforehand to make the clock fill the frame, before holding the camera by hand to create a slightly wobbly effect to show it was a POV shot as opposed to a normal one. We kept the tripod attached to the camera to help weigh it down so the finished shot wasn't too shaky.
• Next we filmed a worm's eye view mid shot of Jamie putting his coat on which we achieved by putting the tripod on it's lowest setting. We used this because it was a nice juxtaposition to the other two shots.
• Our next shot was a mid-long shot of Jamie walking into/past the camera. We set up the tripod to shoulder height and positioned it in front but just off to one side so he wouldn't walk into it as he walked past. We had to clear a few bags off the desk that were obstructing the camera's view, and also we had to be careful to position the camera just right as we planned to track Jamie as he walked along in the next shot. Wrong positioning could result in the audience seeing him walk past the same spot twice.
• The next shot we did was the most difficult to shoot. We attached a dolly to the bottom of the tripod so we could run the camera alongside Jamie as he walked to constantly keep him in frame. We hoped this would give a more professional finish the the clip and also helped keep the cutting rate down as we would have had to use two or three more angles to cover Jamie getting to the door. The first attempt was getting used to the speed of walking in contrast to the speed at which the camera was pushed along. It turned out that my partner walked too fast for me to keep up as in order to keep the shot stable I could not move the camera very fast so we slowed down the walking pace for the second attempt. This worked well but one of the wheels of the dolly hit a table leg which caused it to stop. The third try was good as the camera was in perfect time with the walking speed. The only minor flaw was that the bobbles in the carpet made the tripod shake slightly which led to a slightly shaky shot but we figured we could edit this out.
• We then filmed a close up of Jamie's hand pushing down the door handle and opening the door a bit. We had to make sure he used the same hand all the way through each shot of the door opening process to ensure no continuity errors were made. This close up really helped define what it was Jamie was doing, just in case the audience had not realized yet.
• To carry on the door opening motion, we placed the tripod in the corridor facing the door Jamie was coming through in a mid shot. We ensured he used the right hand and also made sure we started filming with the door the same amount open as it was in the last shot. This shot was used to show Jamie coming out the classroom and closing the door behind him.
• We then used another POV shot to show Jamie walking down the corridor. Again, we kept the tripod attached to the camera so it wouldn't be too wobbly. We stopped this halfway down and changed to a long shot of Jamie walking down the rest of the corridor. This worked well as the cutting rate increased since the classroom to juxtapose the boredom of the detention with the feeling of finally getting out. Also the long shot allowed the audience to see the surroundings and helped show the loneliness of the character being framed.
• We ran out of time so stopped filming there. We planned to film the rest the day after and then leave time to edit it as well in the same lesson. The second half of filming would involve the dialogue.  
• Overall I think our filming went very well and we got some good shots in. We were both really pleased with the shot using the dolly despite the bumps in the carpet as it was unique to our film. Given the simplicity of the scene I think we did rather well  to make it seem more exciting through the use of different camera techniques. Most of the filming was done in this hour which only left a bit to do next lesson.

JH: Film Openings: Research

JH: Film Openings: Research:

Hot Fuzz:

• The first thing to comment on would be recognising the films genre being a comedy/ action. This is crucial to recognise a films genre in order to view how its techniques are used accordingly.
• One of the first effects that this intro has on the audience would be the suspense before the start of the montage. This is done in the clip by using a long shot of the character (Nicolas Angel) walking towards the camera including a slow zoom and an increase in volume (crescendo). Until he reaches the camera to break the tension using dialogue in an eye level shot. Reasons why I particularly like this technique is that it creates suspense among the audience which can be used to improve the quality of a film in all genre, especially horror.
• The fading in credits also appeal to me as they are simplistic yet introduce the film throughout a suspense, to grab the audience.
• The next technique that is evidently effective in the opening of Hot Fuzz would be the montage effect used to describe the accomplishments of the character (Nicolas Angel) which is accompanied by use of voice-over by the character as well as soundtrack being 80's hit Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant. The use of a montage including varied matched cuts to scenarios in a characters life is something that I feel could be effectively replicated in the horror film in order to position the audience on the main characters side as well as giving a basic character overview which links to the films plot.
• The use of props and mise-en-scene throughout the extract also highlights how effective it is to represent the genre, as in the clip police uniform and training scenarios are shown. This could simply be replicated in a horror film and would reinforce the genre with use of different kinds of props such as weapons etc.

The Dark Knight:

• In the intro of Batman: The Dark Knight, the director Christopher Nolan has decided to show credits before the film begins. This unique style combined with the eary mood created from the soundtrack and colour (being blue) which highlights the genre of the film before it has started. In a horror film this technique could be used well to set the mood similar to that in The Dark Knight however instead of famous film brands the credits would have to include members in our group.
• The next noticeable technique which could be imitated in our production would be the use of sound to create tension, as in the extract the music begins with non-diegetic sound of a clock ticking, which then progressiveness grows into a denser and tense soundtrack throughout the intro before the climax where the robbery commences.
• Mise-en-scene is prominently used throughout the intro to add mystery and suspense to reinforce the films genre being action/thriller. For example, I like the use of props and costume on the antagonists as they all wear antique style clown masks not only to hide their identity but also to emphasise the mood of the thriller. The use of masks also adds suspense to the unveiling of the prime antagonist being the joker, who is found out to be one of the bank robbers. This technique could be emulated in our production with similar use of masks, but of different design to highlight the horror genre to the audience.
• The camera techniques in this extract also create a smooth and continuous plot, one thing used by Nolan that is note worthy is the cross-cutting between two lines of action between the two groups of antagonist which offers the audience different perspectives on the opening plot.
• The cutting rate used is also interesting as it adds suspension which is key for its genre. In the extract the cutting rate starts off slow and then gradually increases to build tension which is accompanied by the dynamics of the sound used. This would be useful to use in our production as tension is not only key for thrillers but it is also key for horror films to grab the audiences attention.

Slumdog Millionaire:

• The camera techniques used in this opening sequence are what appeal to me most. The use of a freeze-frame to introduce the title, is a technique that can be manipulated in all genres including horror and may be worthwhile investigating for our production.
• I also like the use of handy-cam and high cutting rates to bring the audience into a high pace film, which could be replicated for a horror film in the form of a chase sequence. In addition to this the fast cuts between long shot to medium shots make the extract seamless and add visceral pleasure for the audience.
• The sound in the extract also reinforces the cultural genre of the film, as it is Indian music by A.R. Rahman. This music seems fitting in accompany to the slum location being Dharavi. Another point to make about the music would be the use of drums and the increase of tempo when the chase sequence begins to emphasise the mood and genre. This technique may also be emulated in a horror chase sequence to effectively create tension among the audience.
• I like the use of mise-en scene in this extract. At the start props are used to primarily highlight location, genre and characters. For example the location being a dump near a shanty town in India as well as the young boys clothing being worn out highlights how the film starts in a place of poverty which is crucial to the films plot and genre. In our own production clothing could be used to highlight how the character is an average person yet juxtaposed to a horror situation, furthermore location could be crucial in our production, as our project is of a horror genre a desolate location should be used to reinforce the mood, for example a dark forest or abandoned house.
• All in all, this sequence has highlighted techniques and the effectiveness of a chase sequence to reinforce genre as is evident. As a result experimentation for a chase sequence in our production must be done.

JH: Production of preliminary task

JH: Production of preliminary task:

• At the beginning of the lesson, the class was first briefed on how to use the schools video cameras before production began. This brief included how to set up tripods and the basic functions of the camera i.e. zoom, record, etc.
• Next began the filming, first off my group set up the tripod and attached the camera to it. Before starting we reviewed the storyboard to see what scenes could be completed in that lesson. The first scene involved the character leaving the room after detention had finished. We decided that I would be the subject leaving the room in the task.
• The first shot required a pan on to the subject in a long shot to establish the audience in a working environment. This scene required a lot of adjustments to the tripod due to objects blocking the filming area, and before starting to record the battery life ran out and so we had to work on power from the schools mains.
• After fully setting up the camera for the first shot, I sat in place whilst my partner George filmed. Though sounding simple this required a few retakes due to fluffs, lighting issues and effectiveness of pan.
• The second shot required a over the shoulder medium shot to display what is happening in the scene. This shot required little time and after adjusting the tripod the shot managed to bring the audience closer to the subject. The next shot involved a medium shot of me turning round to inspect the time, which was then followed by a POV shot focused in a medium shot on the clock to position the audience on my characters side and also to display the time.
• Before the lesson finished a final shot could be completed including a medium long shot from behind the subject to show a full body shot of me leaving the chair and putting a coat on. In addition to this during filming decisions were made regarding the sound in the clip, which included a soundtrack being either Gary Jules - Mad World or Alt-j - Breezeblocks. Dialogue which is required in the specification criteria would also be incorporated later in the clip as well as the opening and closing of a door.

JH: Preparation for preliminary task

JH: Preparation for preliminary tasks:

Storyboard

• In the lesson a brief was first given about the preliminary filming task. The brief included explanation of construction including specific criteria that needs to be met during the creation of the clip. 
• The criteria for the clip is as follows: It has to be a continuous sequence, it must incorporate two lines of dialogue, it must have a 180 degree perspective during dialogue and finally it must include footage of a door being opened.
• After given the criteria needed, examples were shown of the previous years to give the class an idea on how to start the clip. Each of the examples included various camera techniques such as swish pans, birds eye camera angles, and other techniques that could possibly feature in our own preliminary tasks.  Here is one of the previous years preliminary task that was viewed -  Preliminary Task example. From this example our group considered the use of camera angles from the clip and accordingly may use a birds eye angle.
• Before production of the preliminary clip could begin, planning had to be done. The planning consisted of a group discussion in my group concerning the plot and where different techniques and criteria could feature.
• Our plot ideas included an idea of a student leaving detention to go meet his friend, Though not the most inventive plot, this simple story line allows the group to include all the criteria to make a continuous and aesthetically pleasing clip. 
• A storyboard had to be drawn up. This storyboard consisted of six boxes, each box showed a rough sketch of what elements are incorporated in the scene, in addition to this captions were added mentioning which angles and techniques will be used in the clip to meet the criteria. An example of this being in scene four in which a close up is used to present a hand opening the door which is required to match the brief successfully.