1. 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. 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. 3. The male character was always on theleft.and the female was always onthe right.
4. 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. 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. 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. 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.