Coursework, preliminary paperwork.

22nd September 2008.

Preminilary Paperwork.

This post will give details of our preliminary task and the paperwork which goes alongside it.

The paperwork includes the script, storyboard, location recce, risk assessment and shot list.

Script;

For our task we have written our own script with characters who we have chosen between us. Myllee and Jenna wrote up the script, which was an important part of the task because it shows the lines which the actors within the film have to say and it can be used if an actor needs a promt. The stage directions which are also included within the script help the camera people to follow the actors with ease.

Storyboard;

The story board is also an important part of the paperwork because it demonstrates not only shot sizes but it shows character and camera movement within one side of the storyboard and on the other is shows a description of the shot, including sound, character movement, length of shot, scene and shot number and the camera movement. It allows for a changes within movement before a final draft is completed and followed. It also allows us to see if match on action or shot, reverse, shot is happening. Everyone had a part in the story board.

Location Recce;

The location recce is an important part of the location process. The photographs which have to be completed and placed together to create a panaramic view of the room that we will be filming in. This helps to recognise any hazzards of risks which are within the room and this will help to complete the rick assessment. The location recce will also help us to identify the power sources that are around the room, the lighting that is in the room and also what permission is needed to film within that room. I did the location recce for my group.

Risk Assesment;

The risk assessment is a document which helps to identify the risks that are posed within a filming location. It is important because it will limit the danger that is posed to both people and equipment. A risk assessment must be completed for every location that is being used for filming and everything that could be counted as a risk should be listed with a column saying how the risk would be limited or resolved. I typed the risk assessment for my group.

Shot List;

The shot list must be completed as an outline for the script and storyboard. It must include the location, scene and shot number and a description of the scene that includes which characters are in the shot and who is speaking at a time. The shot list was written by myself and Katie and Jenna and Myllee helped to edit the scences and create a final draft. Katie then typed it up.

8th September 2008 - Lesson 1

First Lesson.

In today's lesson we were given the booklet which outlines out course structure and tells us our assignment. We were talked through how to draw people in a storyboard and taught that an arrow inside the frame shows character movement and arrows outside of the frame show camera movement. I learnt about Jibing, Tilting, Panning and Tracking. I also learnt about action matching, 180 degree rule, and shot reverse shot. I learnt how to draw the different camera angles (ecu, cu, mcu, ms, three quaters shot, mls and ls) within a storyboard frame. I also learnt how space is needed within the frame for movement and speech. We then went onto start our first assignment and I learnt how you write out a script.

Explanations.

Jibing - This is a movement made by the camera whilst filming. It means that the camera follows the character's movement in a vertical sense. (eg; if a person was falling from a height then the camera would follow the fall by appearing to fall in the same way that the character does.)
Tilting - This is a movemant made by the camera whilst filming which sees the camera making a vertical movement from a fixed point. (eg; this movement is almost the same as watching someone fall from a height, your head would move from a fixed point, your neck in this example.)
Panning - This is a movement made by the camera whilst filming which sees the camera move about a fixed point (like whilst tilting). The movement would be a horizontal movement from left to right or visa versa. (eg; like watching somone run past you, your head would move on the fixed point which is your neck.)
Tracking - This is a movement made by the camera whilsy filming which sees the camera move free of a fixed point (like jibing). It would follow the character from left to right, moving in the same way the character does. (eg; if a person was running from left to right the camera may move with them filming from the side.)

Match on Action - This is where the camera films the action which is being completed. For example; if there is a dialoge within the film then the camera would be focused on the person who is speaking.

180 degree rule (aka, crossing the line) - This rule means that the camera should not cross a "line". It means that the camera always stays on one side of the character because if the camera crosses the line then the character's actions will appear different and the scene (once cut and edited) will not join together fluently.

Shot/reverse shot - This is where the camera will shoot one subject, reverse to another and then go back to the original subject. For example; if two people are talking then the camera will go from person number one, to person number two and then back to person number one.

ECU - Extreme close up.
CU - Close up.
MCU - Medium close up.
MS - Medium shot.
3/4 - Three quaters shot.
MLS - Medium long shot.
LS - Long shot.

Continuity - Continuity means that a piece of film flows and fits together perfectly. For example; if you were filming a person then they should wear the same clothes, the same makeup, the same shoes, pick things up in the same hand etc. because if they don't then the continuity of the piece would be broken.