To experiment and develop our knowledge of the continunity concept, we were asked to create a short film under the title of ‘The Meeting’.
First, we were given cameras to shoot this short sequence without any experience and any knowledge on how to successfully create continuity. This video was only briefly planned, and each shot was decided at the time of filming, rather than story boarding the sequences. When we came to edit this video, we noticed certain inconsistencies that break the sense of continuity such as changes in light, location and limited use of the 180-degree rule. We also learnt that we were using tempo and pace incorrectly as we were using a fast succession of shots when we wanted to create an unsettling atmosphere. We now know that to achieve this, we need to use slow lingering shots. By doing this exercise, we were able to gain some experience of creating continuity in a sequence and identify and learn from our mistakes so that when we come to re-creating this sequence, we will be able to do so much more successfully.
After completing this first stage, we were then taught some important key aspects to create continuity in a scene. These were aspects such as the 180-degree rule, meaning cameras have to film on only one side of the ‘line’ so that there is no confusion of the surroundings. We also gained more knowledge on shot types and how to order them correctly to create a sense of continuity. Following this, we were given the cameras once more to re-shoot the first video, using our new found knowledge on continuity. Before we filmed this video, we concentrated more on planning, such as brainstorming our ideas and creating a storyboard of each individual shot. By doing this, we were able to manage our time more effectively when shooting the movie and by planning the shots we were able to create a better sense of continuity. This time around, we took around five takes of each shot so that we could choose the best shots when editing and have a wider range to choose from. Also, as learnt from our previous exercise, we used slow lingering shots to create suspense during the final sequence and used a tracking shot predominantly behind the actor to create the sense that he is being watched. When we came round to editing the movie, we closely concentrated on the timing of each shot to improve the sense of continuity. We also cleverly used sound to create tension and suspense, particularly during the end of the film.
"My responsibility was to direct and film the shots as well as controlling the editing process. Our time was managed effectively due to our team work and planning prior to filming the shots. I feel that we have successfully achieved a sense of continuity in our second exercise but there is always room for improvement. Our main objective for this exercise was to create continuity using a variety of shots and I feel that we have done so successfully. I also hope that the audience understand the aims of our practical production. We also looked at mise en scene, such as the location the shots were filmed in and this could have been done better however due to the fact we were limited to the school building, we were limited as to the areas we could film in." - Christel Dee
“I think that we have used many adequate shot including Close-Up, Long Shots, Tracking, Panning, etc. In my personal opinion, I think that our shots are framed appropriately and give a sense of eeriness within the shots themselves. We used the tripod in many shots to steady the camera and keep it from moving or shaking. All of our shots are in focus but one, which we will have to work on in our final piece. Our compositions of shots are acceptable in my opinion. Lighting has been used in our movie/teaser trailer to create a sense of eeriness/creepiness and mystery. I would personally include an establishing shot into our teaser trailer/movie, as this would create another view for the audience to relate to. My personal responsibility was to carry the tripod around and acting in the front of the camera. Carrying the tripod meant that it was less responsibility for the other person who was behind the camera. There were certain ways to hold the tripod. The legs always had to be together and you had to carry it with care. I think that we managed our time very well. We had enough time to do everything we needed and enough time at the end so we started editing early. In my own opinion, I think that we could have probably (If we had more time) play around with the camera angles more and get really different shots. We could have used an establishing shot too. I think we have achieved our objective in a different way to the other groups, but achieved what was asked none-the-less. I think the audience will not only understand but will feel involved in what is going on and also they will hopefully feel for the characters. I think the Mise-en-scene is very interesting and has given our piece a very good, eerie, creepy mood. “ - Gemma Adams
“I think that he second version of the continuity exercise went much better as we knew more about the different shots that would be needed and also from the composition of the shots, the second version gives off more a an eerie atmosphere and also creates more tension. Our group have used a variety of different shot types such as; panning, tracking, extreme close ups, mid shots and high and low angle shots, which helped to create the tension. The shots are also steady and focused as we used the tripod sufficiently. We also used the lighting to help create the atmosphere. The things that I thought could have gone better is the sound as, in some parts of the continuity task, the music was going faster than the actual pace of the scenes. Things that I would like to include are an establishing shot, as this will help set the story of our continuity task. Our group was very good with teamwork as we all had our fair share of carrying the equipment and we all put in our ideas for editing the shots and the sound. We also used our time appropriately and still had time to spare as all of our shots were already planned out, however, we still could have done a few things better as we taped over some footage and needed to go and re-film it. Our objective was a short trailer of a film called the meeting in which we had to shoot two people meeting with a composition of different shots, which our group achieved, but in a different way to the other groups. Our audience would be able to understand what was going on in the short trailer but also feel involved in the film, as some of the shots are shots such as over the shoulder or tracking which makes them feel like they are spying and following the characters.” - Ryan Young
