Evaluation of preliminary task

In the production of our preliminary task we learnt how to set the cameras up in different angles for effective shots including the use of tripods to hold the camera in place and maintain a steady shot, we also learnt how to use the different features of the editing software such as importing video, edit the shots together continuously and how to add titles and transitions such as fades.
During the filming and editing process of our Preliminary task what worked well was that we filmed more than we needed per take so that the editing process was made much easier, and as we continued to experiment more with different camera angles and edits we gained more confidence in our ability’s and learnt skills we hope to carry into the main task. We also planned in advance by making a detailed shot list and rough storyboard so when we came to filming we wouldn’t be stuck for ideas, however the final video was slightly different to the shot-list because they were too difficult to shoot correctly.
On the other hand things we could have improved on were the continuity of our piece, for example before the character entered the room at 00:26 he is seen wearing a bag, but when he enters the room he is not wearing the bag. This continuity error can be avoided when we complete the main task by paying more attention to the props and costume of our characters.
We also had some issues with the camera positioning during shooting, for example during the over the shoulder shot at 00:34 the Teacher character goes out of shot when she turns around.
This could have been improved on by being more careful with out positioning of the tripods.
Our preliminary task uses different elements of camera and editing techniques to make it look effective.
There is a shot/ reverse shot sequence when the teacher and the student talk, starting on her shoulder, cutting to over his shoulder, an insert to her picking up the book, then cutting back to his shoulder. This shows that the two characters are interacting with each other and shows their reactions.
We also used Matched cuts during the editing process to make the editing look smooth and continuous. We managed to achieve this by filming more than we needed to during each take so we could edit the shots together more fluently An example of this is when the student is seen walking down the corridor from 2 different angles then as he reaches out for the handle it cuts to his hand reaching it and opening it, then a shot of him coming through the door on the other side. The smooth editing helps to keep the audience involved in the text because they are not distracted by poor editing.
We also made sure we did not break the 180 degree rule by keeping the camera on one side of the action at all times so as to not disorientate the viewer, however during the shot reverse shot sequence we accidentally shot over the wrong shoulder of the student, slightly breaking the 180 degree rule. We now know to be more careful during shot /reverse shot sections when shooting our main task.