Prelim Storyboard

Evaluation of Prelim Shoot

For my prelimary task, my pair and I filmed it in our school media studio. We used 2 school students as the main characters who were filmed having a small disagreement/conflict. The scene began using a wide/medium shot of a boy walking into the room. We then filmed different shots using close ups, over the shoulder shots, high and low angle shots to create different effects to present the characters in different views. We will then further this and edit the first take to create an official prelim. We also made our main focus the 180 degree rule, making sure we didn't break as that would have ruined the prelim entirely.

The tripod was set up with difficulty and we both struggled doing so as it was very confusing however we managed to in the end with some help. The camera also took a frustrating while to set up too.

I filmed most of the prelim whilst my pair focused more on the mis-en-scene area. It was hard for the actors to follow the story line well as they weren't fully prepared due to the lack of time they had to practice the script. Each different take the actors accidentally changed their script each time as they weren't fluently confident on it. Eventually we more or less improvised it due to the concentration required on the actual filming.  Some of the dialogue was repeated in points during the same scene so it was a very boring scene and it was hard making sure the actors stayed in the same position as we changed the position of the camera to capture the different shot angles and movements. We did a variety of different takes in order to practice with each different shot and when we edit it we will take into consideration what shot looks right in which bit of the prelim to complete our finished prelim.

Overall, I think my pair and I did a reasonably good job using a camera for the first time however this task wasn't as successful as we would have liked. As a pair we delivered as much and as well as we could in the conditions provided. Despite our minimal knowledge and experience of filming, lots of lessons were learnt, and plentiful room for improvement is recognised by us both, such as the 180 degree rule. 

To improve, my partner as I could have worked with other people to form a larger  group to have a variety of people that may have different skills in which they may be better in than the others. We also could have produced a better prelim by improving the script and making sure the actors were full prepared so their acting was of better quality acting making it look more realistic. The shots could've been filmed more steadily and precisely to capture precise details and movements an angle to make the prelim more exciting.

Camera Shots, Angles and Movement

Introduction to camera shots, angles and movement

Camera Shots
A camera shot is the space seen within one shot or frame of filming. These shots can be applied to demonstrate setting, characters and themes of the plot. 

Establishing shots:

Sets up or 'establishes' the setting of the scene. It is typically at the beginning of a scene.

Long/wide shots: 

These shots show the whole person or the feature object as part of the landscape. The establishing shot  is usually to show the audience the actor/s in their environment.

 

Mid/Medium shot:

This type of shot generally shows a character from the knees/ waist up. This allows the viewer to clearly see the characters' expressions and movement without dominating the screen. This type of shot usually cuts out much of the background, allowing concentration to be on body language & dialogue but shows less specific detail. 

Close up shot:

A close- up shot shows very little background, and tightly frames a person or an object. Everything in the background becomes blurred. This type of shot magnifies the object and directs the audience to the significance of the action/ reaction of that time. It also displays clear detail and emotions and facial expressions.

Camera Angles

Handheld shot:

It is filmed from the camera mans point of view, it is a little shaky and it's used to show the subjects perspective or feeling. 

Point of view shot:

The camera shows the scene from a characters perspective and is usually seen through the characters eyes.

Birds eye view shot:

This type of view shows a scene from directly overhead; and is considered an unnatural angle to the human eye.

High angle shot:

The camera is elevated above the character/ object, but not as extreme as a birds- eye shot. This can be used to show which character holds the most power, and which appears to be the weaker one that is looked down on.

Eye line match/ Eye level shot: 

The camera is positioned as the person/ subject would observe a scene, with the subject's head on level with the frame of the camera focus.

Low angle shot:

Filmed from the knees up and can also show the power of a character during a conversation or conflict. Low angles help give an impression of superiority/ authority within the action of a scene.

Camera movement:

A director may choose to move the pace of action along by telling the narrative via a series of cuts, changing from one shot to another, or the camera may be moved with the action. The camera movement can draw the viewers attention to or away from something, or switch from one subject to another that appears in the same frame.

Zoom shot:

Camera zooms in to isolate the subject or zooms out to display it in a wider context. 

Swish pan shot:

Panning involves a movement of scanning a scene/landscape from left to right (vice versa). Camera moves swiftly from one subject to the other. This movement is often used to follow a character, as the camera can move, keeping the subject within the main focus of the frame, without minimizing setting. 

Crane shots:

The crane is a piece of equipment, size dependent on purpose. The camera is suspended and raised up according to the scene content. This effect allows horizontal and vertical movement, the location to be seen from a high angle, which can then be swept down out of the action.

Tracking shot:

Follows the action at a constant distance and it keeps the subject on screen.

Dolly shot:

The camera is placed on a dolly and it moves at a constant rate. It does not always follow the action. 

Children of Men Opening Scene Analysis

Opening scene

Children of Men is a science fiction film directed and co-written by Alfonso Cuaron. The dull, grey colouring of the scene also suggests they are living in a depressing and miserable era. The genres involved in Children of Men are Action/Adventure and Drama. This is apparent because there is action through the use of explosions and destruction (the bombing) and there is drama  present through the use of emotions and the story line behind the film. Moreover, there is foreshadowing that there is more action to be expected because things can only get worse due to the turmoil of the world. This is an entertaining mix of genres as it ensures the film to be quick paced, bold and exciting.

  

The story begins in future London during the year 2027, however, the opening also represents life not just locally but globally; this is shown through the news report at the opening featuring Seattle. From the moment the man pushes his way through the crowd, the audience can learn that he is the main character. This is obvious as it cuts to the TV he is watching and then back to him. The camera tracks him and he appears to not be so happy. The protagonist is represented as a character being different from the rest of the public and stronger; a quality that could be used to become a 'hero'. He also escapes the coffee shop just before it explodes pursuing his heroic idea as he escaped a devastating fate due to a character of luck and fortune, re-establishing the idea that he is unusual compared to others.  Despite possibly having the physique of a hero, his character is fairly normal which conflicts with the typical stereotype of a hero. The use of a tracking shot following the man out of the café shows he is the main focus.  

The film opening presents what I would expect a typical film opening to include; context, opening credits, introduction to character, title and suspense leaving the audience wanting to carry on watching. The narrative aspect of the opening sequence is the news report as it gives an essential starting storyline to the audience. The narrative context used in this particular opening sequence is important as it gives you an update of what s gong on and what would be anticipated to happen. Normally a narrative will appear once in a film opening however the news report is repeated throughout.

Skyfall Opening Scene Analysis

Skyfall Opening Scene Analysis

The opening scene of Skyfall unravels an abundance of indications towards the genre. The scene starts off with dim lighting and the camera shot directed down a narrow corridor, suggesting a genre convention for crime and drama. A dark figure appears representing Bonds (aka 007) occupation whilst covering his identity and is depicted as a mysterious character displaying an element of unknown. Immediately, the film exhibits stereotypical conventions of a spy, implying his life is fast paced and dangerous. This is shown through different shots where a fast edition technique was used.  

A non-diegetic sound is played at the start, which allows the audience to recognise the theme tune, involving more excitement. This is suddenly cut off and a more dramatic tone of sound is played which is increasing as the man reaches the end. This increases the intensity and indicates something bad will occur, creating an enigma.

 

The juxtaposition of light and dark shown on Bonds face connotes how dangerous Bond can be. A lot of eyeline match techniques are used, demonstrating the jauntiness and sharp movements of James Bond's eyes, suggesting cautiousness and unexpected actions.

 

Moreover, his fellow agent is then revealed to be dead; hid blood contrasting to the dark colour scheme, signifying danger is associated with Bonds job. Close ups of Bond display his lack of emotion and shot-reverse-shot is used to show that Bond has acknowledged his death. Bond then phones M. Her central positioning indicating she is a prominent character. The caring heroic figure is portrayed by Bond as he attempts to help his dead agent which contrasts to M's idea. He consequently disobeys orders presenting a male dominance over female.  

 

Furthermore, the opening scene finishes when 007 rushes outside in search of his other fellow agent. The non-diegetic sound begins to heighten the intensity of the scene, emphasising on the action that will follow. Once he is in Moneypennys car, she erratically drives off chasing someone ahead. Her recklessness yet calm self goes against a stereotypical woman. The diegetic screams from the surrounding citizens further reiterate the chaos happening.

 

Scream Opening Scene Analysis

Opening Scene

The film scream was directed by Wes Cavern and creates the horror theme by using a variety of different techniques. The first noise the audience hears in the opening is a high-pitched scream and relates to the title of the film and gives you an idea already of what the film is likely to be about. The scream creates tension, suspicion and keeps the audience anticipating what is going to happen next. From this scream and the way the title of the film flashes onto the screen in a white, almost scary looking font, implying the genre is a horror/thriller. The white title turns to red and is enlarged to take up the whole scream which connotes there is plentiful danger to come. 

The blonde girl who answers the phone is introduced as the main character. Stereotypically, having female protagonist suggests vulnerability and her incapability to protect herself. The girl is shown to be alone when answering the phone and picks up a knife foreshadowing something bad to happen later on.  This also represents danger and murder suggesting this could happen to her soon. The camera shows a close up face of her on the phone to display her emotions  and expression indicating she is the villain of the film. 

A crane shot is used to show the setting of the film, being an isolated house, to create the tone and quiet whereabouts by panning across an empty wooded area and the outside of her house. This signifies suspense, mystery and builds up tension. The sound that is apparent emphasises that it is a deserted area with no one else around to help the girl if something should go wrong especially because she is alone. These sounds of the outside being very calm and quiet and windy makes it much more dramatic.  The mood suddenly changes when the man on the phone says 'i want to know who i am looking at'  highlighting danger, and the audience can see this through the girls shocked facial expressions and the change of the music. As the man on the phone starts getting angry, the background noise gets louder increasing the tension.

When the girl screams as the doorbell rings, the audience knows this will be a regular theme to the film due to it linking back to the film title. Even though you don't find out what actually happens to this girl in the opening scene, the audience will have their predictions of what is eventually going to happen without carrying on watching it. 

180 degree rule

The 180 degree rule is a basic guideline regarding the on-scene spatial relationship between a character and another character or an object within the scene. 

When filming you don't want to cross the line of action.  The line of action is what the two figures are standing on. There is a semi-circle which is your space to work with that can be either side of the characters. However, once you film in that space, you cant cross over the line unless you pan over it or evidently show you are going to cross it. If you just jump straight over the line, it will cause disorientation for the audience and will confuse them and throw them off what is happening.

Introduction to camera

This is the completed camera set up of the camera on the tripod.

This is a view from the from of the camera to show what it looks like from the actors perspective. They need to be aware of where the lens is based and where the microphone is.

This shows a side view of the camera displaying where the main filming control buttons are and the camera set up navigators. 

This shows the extended tripod base when the camera is not attached so it is easy to understand what the tripod looks like when setting up the camera in future. 

This shows the slot the tape goes in and the battery pack in the camera