Strength
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| Strength |
Poverty
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| Poverty |
Purity
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| Purity |
Evaluation
So we made a video. Our team was given a set of criteria that was to be met in order to introduce us to various media techniques. The following is the criteria that was set, what we used it for, and how successful we were in using it.
Mise-en-scene
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| The location |
Mise-en-scene is a French expression which loosely translates as 'placing on stage'. This describes the scenery and design aspects, or in other terms, everything that is in front of the camera. This includes costumes, props and location. We used mise-en-scene to help the narrative and story of the film to flow smoothly. For example we did not leave camera equipment, such as tripods or lens caps, where the audience would have been able to see. We did not have a wide range of costumes or props available to us but we still managed to use a toy duck and a jacket effectively. The toy duck was used as an important part of the narrative and the jacket was used so that the audience could identify who the 'suit guy' was.
Lighting
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| Over-exposure |
Lighting refers to the lighting and exposure during a film. For example a lower lighting could be used to show fear and horror. In our movie we had many scenes which had high levels of lighting, some of which were over-exposed. In hindsight we could have lowered our exposure so that the details of the scenery could have been seen. All of our outdoors scenes was with ambient, natural lighting which meant that shadows were created, giving high contrast between shadow and bright sunshine. Our indoors scenes were filmed with artificial light. This meant that the scenes were darker and with less shadows.
High or Low Camera Angles
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| Low Camera Angle |
Camera angles can impact how the audience perceives a character. For example if the camera is positioned high above the character, the audience perceives the character to be less powerful due to the character seeming smaller than either the audience, or another character. In our movie we positioned the camera low down when we revealed the 'suit guy' in a medium-shot. This gives the perception that the 'suit guy' is powerful and influential, maybe more so than the 'hoodie guy'.
Different Shot Distances
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| Varying Shot Distances |
Different shot distances create a variety of effects that can be used within a film. For example we used an extreme long shot at the start of the film as an establishing shot. We also used close ups, medium shots, long shots and extreme close ups. This meant that there was a variety of shots which meant that the audience remained interested, and created an ever-changing point of view for the audience. I think we used a good amount of different shots to meet the criteria effectively.
Fades or Dissolves
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| A dissolve transition |
A fade or dissolve transition is used to smoothly cut between two different scenes. This is usually achieved through one scene dissolving into the other, like we used, or a scene fading into a colour, such as black or white. I think we have been successful using our dissolve transition as it meant that the two scenes could smoothly fit together, without it being jarring or jumpy.
The 180 Degree Rule is usually used in over the shoulder shots, mainly in conversations or, in our case, a staredown. The rule helps to maintain continuity and keep the audience from being confused or uncomfortable. The rule says that the camera must stay on the same side of the characters and cannot cross the 180° line between the two people. For example in the diagram below, the green cameras are within the parameters of the 180° line. However the red camera isn't, and as a consequence the shot would look confusing or disorientating.
The Continuity System
180° Rule
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| Over the shoulder shot |
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| Helpful diagram :) |
Establishing Shots
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| An ELS used as an establishing shot |
Establishing shots are used to set the location, and are usually shot as an extreme long shot (ELS). These are used at the start of scenes so that the audience know where the following action will take place. It can also be used to break up the action and be used as a transition between scenes. We used our establishing shot at the start of the video to set the scene.
Match Cuts on Action
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| Match Cut on Action |
A match cut on action is a technique where the shot cuts from one shot, to another view that matches the first shot's action. For example in our video, we used the 'suit guy' accepting the incoming call and placing the phone to his ear. We used this effectively as it continues the flow of the film, as well as showing more about the narrative.
During our few hours of shooting and editing I have learnt more about the production and post-production process that goes into making media. I'm now more aware of shot types and editing techniques, as well as working under time constraints. I have enjoyed post-production the most, as I feel more comfortable editing and selecting a soundtrack for our work. To make our work better next time I need to be more organised, as well as planning more effectively, and using my time better.
Evaluation
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| A Gif Evaluation of My Time Directing |