Theory

Today we have started our theory work in lesson.
We have looked at some past papers so we have a good idea of what the exam is going to involve.

We have also made notes about the different things the exam board are looking for including representation of different things in film i.e.

Gender
Age
Ethnicity
Sexuality
Class and Status
Physical abilities/disabilities
Regional identity

Preliminary film finished

This is our preliminary film made within our media studies group of Me, Joe and Isaac

Filming and Editing the Preliminary Excercise

Yesterday we shot the Preliminary film, i was mainly involved with the camera work and learning different aspects of filming with help from Isaac and Joe.

Today we have uploaded the video clips we created yesterday and have began to start editing our film.

Continuity

Continuity is the consistency of the characteristics of people, the plot, places, objects and events seen by the viewer. If continuity is not monitored and carried out during filming then people watching could spot the mistake and it may distract them from the story and what's going on. If someone is not there to spot the mistakes made during filming then the scene may have to be re-filmed, and this creates the problem of making sure that every single factor (appearance, time of day etc.) is the same as it will otherwise not flow correctly and look out of place.

Here is a film which highlights the mistakes than can be made through continuity

The 180 degree rule is essential in keeping the viewer focused and avoiding confusion. Once a scene has been established, the camera must stay on one side of the action.

If two people are facing each other, a line must be drawn. This line usually runs straight down the middle between the two people, like so:

(....)

Once this line is in place, the camera can move anywhere providing it stays on the same side of the line once filming has begun. If the camera is switching between two faces during a conversation for example and then suddenly cuts to the other side of the line, then it will appear that both people are facing the same direction instead of looking at each other.

Shot/Reverse shot

A 'shot/reverse shot' is a film technique which is simple, convienient for actors and gives out an effective illusion to the viewer. In a shot/reverse shot, the camera focuses on one character looking out of shot, and then cuts to a shot of another character looking back in the direction that the other character should theoretically be. Because the shot does not include both characters, it means that only one actor is required for filming at a time.

Here is an example of a scene which uses the 'shot/reverse shot' technique:

Match On Action Shot

A match on action shot is a simple yet essential technique, where the persepective of the camera changes during a scene and the sequence continues to flow flawlessly. If match on action is not implemented in a scene then the sequence will appear choppy and unprofessional.

Here is an example of a scene which uses the 'match on action' technique:

Preliminary Exercise

• Produce a continuity exercise which involves a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom they exchange a couple of lines of dialogue. The task should demonstrate;
• Match on action
• Shot/reverse shot
• 180 degree rule

Joining a group

I have now joined a group within my Media class with a couple of close friends (Isaac Warburton and Joe Wright) we shot the preliminary film yesterday and mainly participated in filming and understanding different aspects of camera work.

Today we are beginning to edit the recording we made yesterday using the school editing software provided.

Introduction

I'm Luke Pitchford i'm 16 and go to Ken Stimpson Community School i have just started AS Media Studies along with other AS level Courses including Economics Maths and Finanace.