Preliminary Task

Today we shot our preliminary task. This was the first time we'd used the equipment, so it took some practice. We went to the drama building, where we also found some useful props. We used the tripod, and began filming. We made sure we used lots of different camera angles, such as Long Shot, Close Up, Over the Shoulder. This went pretty successfully, so we went back to the classroom to begin editing. After replaying the tape, we decided that some things could have been better, so we decided to quickly film it again. This went really well, and next lesson we can start editing to create the final product.

Film Terminology

Editing
Film editing refers to the method  of combining lots of shots into a continuous sequence.
To make the flow from shot to another more interesting, we use transitions. These are usually used with continuity systems, which means the flow from one shot to another is as smooth as possible, and therefore specific editing is undetectable. These also apply to sound.
Other editing techniques include fade in & out, slow motion, which can be done during the editing process to make the film run at a slower pace; visual effects, which is computer modified images used with live tape to create things which would either otherwise be expensive, or impossible to create.
An important part of editing it Cutting. This includes techniques such as shot reverse shot, which is two camera angles combined together to create the impression that the two characters are looking at each other. It also includes Eyeline match, graphic match, action match, jump cut, crosscutting and parallel editing.




Sound
A lot of sound effects are added in the editing process, although dialogue is recorded on film.
Diegetic sound is the term for sound whose source is visible on screen to the viewer, such as speech. Non diegetic sound, therefore, is sound that is separate to the action on screen, such as narrative.
Music can be added, during the opening and closing credits, and at points during a film to add another dimension for the viewrs to enjoy.

Film Terminology

Composition

Film composition means how the objects in view on screen are arranged to make the scene more interesting and effective to the viewer. There are several techniques we can use to create a good composition.

Framing; This means to frame the subject of interest with objects in the foreground.  

Rule of Thirds; By imagining that the scene is divided into horizontal and vertical thirds, you have four places to put your subject. Because the subject is now slightly off centre, it creates a more interesting and stimulating scene for the eye to view. This can be used to identify a characters' path as they are walking, or for an establishing shot.

Depth of field; This is the focus of the camera on either the foreground or background (shallow or deep focus). When the camera is focused on the subject in the foreground, the background is blurry. When the camera is focused on the object in the background, the foreground it blurry. In film, this can be used to draw attention to an object in the foreground, while still allowing us to vaguely see what is going on the background.

Focus Pulls; This is similar to depth of field, although it is only used in film as it means to change the depth of field. For example, the scene may begin with a shallow focus, so the subject in front is in focus. Then the shot adjusts to a deep focus, meaning the background is now in view. This is used to direct the viewer's attention from different subjects during the same shot.

My Media Blog (:

Hi, i'm Alana, and I am studying AS media at Reepham College. I came from Alderman Peel High School in Wells. This is my blog on which i will be posting all my ideas, film reviews and coursework, throughout this years media studies course.