Post 11

SMART Targets

Target 1

Specific

When using the shot reverse shot I felt that there was a bit too much headroom at the beginning and the camera was at an angle.

Measurable

The evidence to show this is the following image:

Achievable

I feel this task is possible in the future  as we could have put the camera on eye level or edited the section in between these two contrasting shots, also I feel that it would have been difficult to not put the camera on an angle due to the width of the room and the amount of space available.

Relevant/Realistic

I feel this aim will be relevant as the more headroom found in the shot, the more the audience feels out of the scene. However if the camera was at eye level, the audience will feel more involved and feel the characters emotions.

Time-Bound

This task should be done in the future whenever I complete any other future media productions and especially for the next main task of the AS media coursework.

Target 2

Specific

My next target is to use Shot, reverse shot more effectively by the camera showing the characters face when in dialogue.

Measurable

The evidence to show this follows:

At this point in the clip Kelly is speaking

Achievable

I feel this task will be achievable in the future as this fault made in the preliminary task was because as a group we didn't film enough footage and because our skills in the editing section could be improved.

Relevant/Realistic

I feel this task I have set will be relevant in the future as when the character is speaking but the camera is looking at the back of their head it makes the piece look very unprofessional and the audience slightly confused and not immediately see where the voice is coming from.

Time-Bound

I feel this task will be used throughout any other media projects to make projects look more professional and effective.

Target 3

Specific

My next target to make the project better is to add more sound effects and music.

Measurable

N/A

Achievable

I feel this task can be achieved if in next tasks we are more prepared and bring music and sound effects with us and the time scale was a bit longer, as we can then add this part in when editing

Relevant/Reliable

I feel this is relevant as this will set the mood for any future media productions and make it look more professional.

Time-Bound

I feel there is no specific timescale for this and it is a constant target.

Target 4

Specific

My next target is the lighting, as in the previous task there was a large contrast in lighting of the two settings

Measurable

Evidence is shown here:

  

Achievable

I feel in the next tasks this will be achievable as we will be able to use artificial light instead of relying on the natural light in the location.

Relevant/Realistic

I feel this task will be considered  as realistic as we will be able to use artificial light instead of relying on the natural light in the location.

Time-Bound

I feel this task will be used throughout any other media projects to make projects look more professional and effective.

Target 5

Specific

To improve my skills on Adobe Premier Pro so that next time when I am editing, the process will be easier, therefore making it quicker.

Measurable

N/A

Achievable

I will achieve this by either asking a teacher or fellow student for help or I will practice using the software, and learn about how you insert different effects and titles.

Relevant/Realistic

I feel this task is relevant as next time when I am editing, the process will be easier, therefore making it quicker.

Time-Bound

I feel this task should be done before we start editing in the main task, then the skills that I learn can be put into practice.

Post 10

Evaluation of my piece
Looking over the piece, it is obvious to me that we needed more footage on the conversation between the two characters as the shot sizes were not varied and the shot reverse shot was very vague and not used as much and effectively as I would have liked it to be. The camera is on ELLYs back for quite a long period of thime while the dialogue is still running and I felt this made our piece look very unprofessional and does not match up to the research we completed when looking at the common X Factor interview style. 


During the session of dialogue the selection of shots used were not completed to a high standard, this was because the camera showed the two characters from the side, this meant that the shot sizes weren't as evedent and again didn't match up to the research and didn't look as professional. I also think that for the clip to meet up to these standards we should have introduced more sound when editing and include sounds like an applause after the audition had finished, the theme tune when the titles began and some cheesy music when leaving the location, we felt it would be a good idea to put this in as from our research we could see this was common and would create the atmosphere of a real audition. Overall I think this project was very successful as it was the preliminary task and evidence was shown of the skills we had learnt. 

Post 9

Post-Production

Once we finished filming we looked over the raw footage to check we had no continuity issues and we had enough scenes and shots we started editing, to start of this process we firstly connected the camera to the editing suite and captured our film by watching it back over on the computer, we then created a table on Microsoft word called a logging rushes table with the INT and OUT code, the scene and shot numbers and how many takes this took us with a last column showing which scenes wouldbe used, this is our logging rushes table:

  

Once the group had finished logging the rushes we started to edit, we looked at the INT and OUT code and used the cutting tools in the current software to cut all the scenes in the right places to put it into a timeline. Our group did this till all of our clips were put together in a chronological order and ran without any continuity issues and without any 'actions' or 'cuts'.

As a group we then played the rough draft back through, to make sure it flowed correctly and where the shots had been cut together, the sound matched up to a certain extent. Once this had been completed and the clips had been put together, we then started to edit the sound, making sure all background noise was cut out and the sound wasnt too varied. To do this we used markers to highlight the noise that we wanted and putting these at the start and end of the highlighted piece of sound and moving the pitch up and down to the level we needed, we then played the clip we wanted back from a bit early on to make sure the sound flowed, we the carried this on throughout the whole piece. Here is an example of how we edited the sound:

 Once the video and sound had been completed and looked through several times by not only our group but the teacher and other students, to then finish the editing off we added effects, including the first shot fading in and the last shot fading out to create an effect and give the film and proper start and a proper end. Here is a couple of screenshots to show the effects used:

Finally to finish off the project we added in titles at the start and credits at the end, to make the film more professional. However as a group we feel we did'nt complete the editing to the best of our ability because as a group we wanted to add in the X factor theme tune at the start and some cheesy song at the end to finsh it off, this didnt happen because we occured a time issue where we were not able to use the editing suite.

Post 8

Production Report

Section A

When recording our production it took our group about one hour to record and to complete this we had to collect all the equipment we needed to use to record, film all the scenes according to the shot list and return all the equipment we used in perfect condition with one members name of our group on the tape. When filming I was being used as an actress so i wasn't involved in the actual filming, only the planning section, however after speaking to the rest of my group who were involved with the camera work, felt that filming the scenes was an easy process due to the fact that the plan we completed before the camera work was very detailed, precise and clear. However, when planning and booking when we were able to film we did not take into consideration the fact that a P.E lesson would be taking place on the other side of the set and occasionally when the students needed to collect equipment they walked through the shot. 

As a group we didn't really encounter any major filming problems apart from when me and the other actress forgot our lines which turned out to not be a major problem as we just re-shot the scene, which unfortuantly condensed or filming time.


Before filming our production, the team was fairly individual doing there own seperate tasks, however during the filming, every member of the group contributed with their own opinions and ideas. Once we started to work as a team the results were cleary shown in the production because as a group we contributed by having respect and listening to others opinions and by communicating and using peoples skills to our advantage. 

After we looked over our unedited footage, as a group we decided that we needed to re-shoot some of the filming due to the fact that during the conversation the camera was not at eye level and during the production we didn't stick to the shot list meaning we didn't uses a variety of shot sizes and we were missing a few scenes. Also the lighting was very dark, which contrasts to the bright natural light in the corridor that was shining through the fire exit doors, meaning both the actresses were seen as shadows and were not bringing out the actress.

When watching the footage back, there were few problems with continuity, but when having to re-shoot some of the footage due to the conversation not being on eye level we had to keep to this of the continuity issues of hair, makeup and clothing.

After the second re-shoot i came to the conclusion that all members of the group were more confident within there roles. Parts of the footage that the group did not take into consideration, such as the lighting, were taken into consideration and as a group we learnt from this mistake and this made the filming look more of a high standard, however again when filming, there was a PE class taking place which created a lot of background noise which fortunatly could be edited out and when filming the next task, we will take into considerationthat we will need to organise the filming in a quieter time of the day to avoid this problem. 

Post 7

Additional Pre-production Documentation

Location Reece

Risk Assessment:

Hazard	Action Take To Prevent Hazard
A fire in the building	In the event of a fire, there are 2 fire doors directly behind the corridor shot, and also towards the end of the stage in the hall.
2 Chairs which could injure someone	The cast and crew will be warned of this hazard and informed to be cautious around such props.
Falling on the stairs off the stage	The cast will be appropriately informed of this potential hazard and we will ensure they take caution on the stairs.
The doors are heavy and could trap fingers between the door and the frame.	To prevent this from occurring, cast and crew will be informed of this danger and, again, be told to take care when using the doors.
Tripping over equipment (Eg: Tripod, wires.)	Any cables will be covered to prevent people tripping over them and the cast and crew will be made aware of the position of the camera to avoid such a hazard.

It’s important to perform a risk assessment so that we are prepared for the filming stage and this can be achieved in the knowledge that everyone is safe. Listing all potential hazards also ensures that everyone is aware of the dangers and also what can be done to prevent it.

This is the Mise-en-scene

Aspect	Description	Responsibility
Location	The main location for this preliminary task is in the corridor as this is where the majority of the dialogue takes place, but behind the stage in the hall is equally as important as this is the initial location which sets the scene of the audition.	It’s the group’s responsibility to ensure the location is available.
Props	X-Factor signs: By using X-Factor signs on the doors which join the first set with the second set, this continues the idea of an X-Factor audition through each location. 2x Chairs: By including 2 chairs, this fulfils the preliminary brief which states that the characters must be seated at some point. This is integrated by the fact that the character that has just auditioned for X-Factor needs to sit down as she is shaking.	It’s KELLY’s responsibility to provide the X-Factor signs, but it’s the group’s responsibility to ensure there are 2 chairs on set.
Lighting	In the hall there will be natural light coming through the windows behind the camera, and we will use this as our main lighting source consequently eliminating the need for artificial lighting.
Character movement	At the start of the filming ELLY excitedly jogs off the stage and down the stairs. She then goes through the doors(1) and is greeted by KELLY. After KELLY realises ELLY is shaking, she insists that she sits down. After the entire dialogue has been exchanged, ELLY walks down the corridor and exits through the doors(2). We chose this character movement as it seemed to be the common movements for an X-Factor audition.	It’s SHARNI and FATHEMA’s responsibility to ensure the directions on the script are carried out accordingly.
Costume	KELLY: Black trousers with a black long-sleeved top and a cream coloured cardigan with black ballet shoes and dark coloured bracelets. ELLY: Grey trousers with a black top and jacket, as well as black dolly shoes. These costumes fit the situation of the characters as ELLY wants to impress the judges in the audition in front of TV cameras and KELLY has to look professional to correspond with the job description.	It’s KELLY’s responsibility for her costume, and ELLY’s responsibility for her costume.
Hair and make up	KELLY: Hair down, without any accessories. Minimal make-up consisting of foundation. ELLY: Hair plaited and tied back, with minimal make-up, again, consisting of just foundation.	KELLY’s and ELLY’s responsibility for their hair and make-up.

Day/Time	Description
20/10/10 1:25PM	Check the location and the crew are available, and then book out the camera.
21/10/10 2:25PM	Collect the camera equipment and write a team members name on the tape. Then start filming: Shoot scene 1, 2 and 3 from the front of the stage.
21/10/10 2:45PM	Continue filming: Shoot scene 2 and 3 from the left side of the stage to ensure editing can be seamless.
21/10/10 2:55PM	Continue filming: Shoot scene 4 with the camera facing ELLY.
21/10/10 2:05PM	Continue filming: Shoot scene 4 again with the camera facing KELLY.
21/10/10 2:15PM	Finish filming: Shoot scene 5 following the character out of the doors.
21/10/10 3:25PM	Return the cameras in the state in which it was received in.

Scene	Cast, Crew, Equipment and Props
1	Cast: ELLY Crew: SHARNI and FATHEMA Equipment: Camera and tripod. Props: None.
2	Cast: ELLY Crew: SHARNI and FATHEMA Equipment: Camera and tripod. Props: None.
3	Cast: ELLY Crew: SHARNI and FATHEMA Equipment: Camera and tripod. Props: None.
4	Cast: ELLY and KELLY Crew: SHARNI and FATHEMA Equipment: Camera and tripod. Props: 2 Chairs
5	Cast: ELLY and KELLY Crew: SHARNI and FATHEMA Equipment: Camera and tripod. Props: None.

Post 6

Shot list and Storyboard 

Section A

This is my Shot list for the X factor audition:-

Section B

When making our shot list we decided that we were going to emphasise all the emotion going through the auditionees mind as when going on to these types of shows we research that most of these people display a variety of emotions and that is what we hoped to achieve when creating our shot list. To show the emotion we decided to have the camera pan down ELLYS body to show her shaking and to create the effect of her being nervous but also excited.

We also decided to use a variety of shots to create an effect, this is shown where at the start of the shot list the camera does a 'Close up' of ELLYS face to give a response and to analyse the point of the audition and to give a clear explanation that she got through so the audience does not get confused.

Section A

This is my Storyboard for the X factor audition:-

Post 5

Jump Cuts, Over-the-Shoulder Shots, Cutaways and Point of View Shots

Definitions of Key words

• Jump cuts - An instantaneous transition between two scenes that have identical subjects in slightly different screen locations, which makes the subject appear to jump within the screen.

• Over the Shoulder shot - the camera is placed behind one character, looking over that character's shoulder at another character or object. This is a variation of the point of view (POV) shot where the audience's attention is being drawn to the same element that the character is focusing on without the audience being asked to identify completely with the character.

• Cutaway shot - this means we cut away from the primary focus to something else. This can be a reaction shot within the context of the scene or to someplace completely different to give a sense of meanwhile.

• Point of view shot - the camera is seeing something the same way that a character does. This is done to force audience identification with the character.

Post 4

X Factor script 

How the group came up with the X factor audition for the brief

As a group we all decided we would all go and perform some simple individual study and find topics that would fit the brief of this task. We came back together and decided thst the most effective idea we could find was the X Factor audition which one of the group members came up with when watching television the night before and realising how well it fits the brief and how unoriginal this idea was. We also found that this subject would be quite effective because the location in our school worked perfectly as there was a stage and room next door that the interview could take place in.

Continuity Issues

The script me and my group have put together may have a few minor continuity issues, One of these is where Elly moves from two locations, the stage to the corridor at this point we will need to do two different shots. This may cause issues when matching up the first shot to the second shot and stopping and starting them in the right places so the piece flows. Another continuity issue is when Ellys hands start shaking this action will need to be perfomed the same time as the action occurs in the script and in the same way for each of the cameras so when as a group we come to editing it will match.

Post 3

Continuity

Section A

What is Continuity (Editing)?

Continuity editing is where everything is filmed so that the viewer thinks they are seeing a continuous action. As well as following this, you will need to ensure that characters appearance and the set and the lighting remain consistent from shot to shot.

180 degree rule or crossing the line

It’s important not to cross the ‘line of vision’ between two characters, unless the viewer actually sees the viewpoint move across the line. Otherwise the viewer may not be able to make sense of the scene. The same rule applies to a moving subject: keep to one side of the direction of motion.

Shot/Reverse shot
 
If you’re shooting two characters talking to each other, here’s how to do it.

• Film it once with a ‘master shot’, which shows both characters
• Film it again with the camera in closeup on one character
• Film it again with the camera in closeup on the second character.
• Film individual shots of each character in ‘big closeup’ when you need to show strong emotion.
• You can also include other shots, such as mid shots, if you need them.

You can film an interview in the same way with just one camera:

• Film the interviewee, while your ‘production assistant’ make notes of the questions
• Then film the interviewer asking the questions and nodding occasionally

Match-on-action

A match on action, a technique used in film editing, is a cut that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment in the movement. By carefully matching the movement across the two shots, filmmakers make it seem that the motion continues uninterrupted. For a real match on action, the action should begin in the first shot and end in the second shot.

Section B

These are examples of these rules with the photographs I have taken

180 degree rule

Match on Action