Me Vid - Evaluation

In this particular unit we were set the task to create a 2 minute Me-Video. We had the time span of 2 weeks to complete the filming and the editing of the set work. It then needed to be uploaded on to YouTube by Friday 18th. Throughout the time we had been given I was able to expand my camera and editing skills which will definitely become beneficial in the future.  

For pre production I had created a shooting script which was a structure to how I would want my video to look like when completed. Without a shooting script it would of been hard to balance out the amount of time needed on the actual shooting process and the editing task. The shooting script told me exactly what to do and how it was meant to be done. It had given me strict guidelines on what I had to film during lesson and out of school. The planning of the script also helped as I didn't waste time thinking on what the next thing to do. The script had helped me think about the types of shots, locations, dialogue, the duration of the shot and possible music used. I would definitely use a shooting script again for future productions and tasks, although it was time consuming to create one it was still very helpful and worth the time and effort gone into creating it. 
Here is a screen shot of the shooting script below. 

Whilst filming my Me-Vid I had decided to play around and use more of a variety with the amount of shot types and different locations I had used. By using different locations, it made the video more interesting rather than staying in one place throughout the whole duration of the video. I had also used a green screen for the first time whilst in the making of my production. It wasn't difficult to get the hang of at all, the purpose of the green screen was to make it seem I was in a place where I wasn't able to film in the time space we were given. My green screen image was the CN tower in Toronto because it was a holiday I had really enjoyed. I had originally filmed in front of a green screen, (image below) and then when it came to the editing stage I had inserted a picture of the CN tower. When filming I had to make sure that I had enough footage before and after the dialogue I wanted in my shot. This made the editing stage much more easier for myself as it had given me a chance to cut and fit particular shots together which enabled the video to flow better. I made sure of this because in a previous task set I didn't make enough time before and after shots making the editing process difficult.   

During post-production I was able to use the programme iMovie. iMovie was a great programme to use whilst editing as I have previously used the software before. I was used to the tools and effects the programme had to offer. Editing was fortunately straight forward and I was able to dive straight into it and make it the best I can. However a new tool I had to learn and use was the inserting of the green screen image and footage. It was much more easier than I thought. I would definitely use green screen in the future as it was a good technique to use to not only make the video more exciting but interesting 

too. Here is a image in the middle of the editing process.

The skills I have learnt throughout the pre production and the production throughout the making Me-Vid will definitely be used for future preferences and other productions such as the music video. Our music video will need more angles, locations, scenes so this project was a really good way to help us understand the pressure, time span and effort needed to create a really good piece. As i have gotten used to the software, iMovie I am confident that I will be able to use it again when editing the music video. Using techniques such as the green screen will also be used in the music video, so I am glad that I know how to use and insert it in the video.  

Shooting Script

Jasmeet Sahota Shooting Script

Evaluation of Continuity Exercise.

In my Continuity editing exercise i had to incorporate
- The 180 degree rule.
-The rule of thirds.
-Match on action
-Shot reverse shot.

I used the 180 degree rule throughout the entire sequence which made all of the shots consistent as they were all from the same point of view. This rule makes sure that the audience are not confused whilst watching the piece. When it came to the editing stage I noticed that the 180 degree rule was unfortunately broken. It became too late to re-do any shots however we were able to flip the shots during the editing workshop. One of the main shots that I used where you can clearly see were the rule has been used is when I first come face to face with the bad guy, my reaction shot is on the same side of when he says "sit down". Here is an example shown below.

As you can see all of the shots made here are all on the same side so there is less confusion to the audience.

We used match on action in my piece to make it consistent. A moment were you see this rule is when I open the door to enter room 67 and close the door behind me. You first see my hand on the door handle and then you see me entering the room in the next shot. This rule is hard to master as you need to be specific on when and were they are opening the door so it seems as if there is 2 cameras filming when in reality there is only one. We successfully used match on action in our piece, here are some examples below.

The opening of the door going into the room is were Match on action was used the best. 

Another technique we had used was a Shot Reverse Shot. A moment were this rule was used is when both characters are having a conversation. This particular shot has to go from one character to the other character talking back at the first character. the dialouge used in this scene was when I say "What do you want from me?!" which is then replied with "you made me suffer, now its your turn!" Here is the example shown below. 

Shot reverse shot shown here as it transitions from one character to the other whilst in conversation. 

A final technique I had to incorporate was the Rule of Thirds. In the beginning of my sequence, I had to run through the upper school playground, when coming closer to the camera my group had to ensure I was in line roughly with the second line on the right hand side on the rule of thirds grid. This enabled a leveled and good action shot. Here are some examples below. 

When filming The Encounter, me and my group came to quite a few difficulties. One challenge we had to overcome was the keeping up with continuity which meant I had to wear the same clothing through all sessions of filming. Unfortunately one of the days we had to film my clothing was not correct which meant that we had to film specific shots that i was not in. This meant that we had less time to shoot more footage. However instead of thinking this mistake as a step back we took it as a learning curb for future references to stop it from happening again. Another difficulty faced was the location on a few of the shots, we originally wanted the location to be quite dark to bring a scary atmosphere to the scene, however we had to make sure the characters facial expressions and reaction shots were clear enough. We tried to adjust the lighting as much as possible to enable us to see the full concept of the shot without taking away the scary atmosphere we had intended on. When it had come to the editing stage I had noticed that we had made some silly mistakes during pre production. One mistake would be when opening the door, I had first opened the right door but when it come to actually running into the room the left door had been opened behind me instead. I had realized that this would confuse the audience and would ruin the whole continuity of the production. To overcome this issue I had edited it in a way were the shot only stops with both hands on each door handle so the audience wouldn't be aware at that particular moment on which door will be opened until the next shot when I am running towards the stairs. Another challenge I had to overcome was that I was not familiar with the editing software we were allocated to use. This made editing more difficult and took longer than what it could have been. If I was to edit again I would get familiar with the software before the production began.

A strength of my piece was that i was fortunate enough to have two members in my group who were hard working and were efficient with there deadlines, this meant that as a group we worked well together when against time and under pressure, however all three of us were new to media which meant that we were all apprehensive as we hadn't had any experience with a camera before. Nevertheless we still came together and attempted well to make a great piece. We all agreed on making the scenario interesting instead of it being basic with just the four rules, this brought a great deal of entertainment which made us enjoy creating the sequence much more. Another strength of our piece would be the use of the storyboard. This was a great guideline for us as it helped us when knowing the location of filming, the dialogue, camera angle, costume, and the lighting. Without the storyboard we would we wasting valuable recording time which would bring more pressure into completing the final piece.  

A weakness to my production would be the precision of some of the shots made. When it came to filming as i hadn't used a camera before i was unfamiliar with it so it took some time to get used to the camera. Getting the right angle and height of the camera was also difficult, as that also took some time to get the camera in the right place. Also when it came to the final product there were some things i would of wanted the change, for example in the scene where the bad guy is talking to me i would of wanted to use artificial lighting which would of made adjusting lighting much more easier which meant seeing the characters facial expressions much clearer. 

Overall, if i was to do this project again i would of filmed with as much artificial lighting as possible. This would also help the continuity of the sequence flow much more better also making the shots much mire clearer for the audience to see what is going on. Also i would get more familiar with the editing software so i would be able to use it more efficiently for future references. I would also triple check all my shots as we had originally broke the 180 degree rule to ensure that the rule will again not be broken in future tasks. 

Continuity Editing Exercise

The Encounter.
The brief for this project was to create a scene where a character would open the door, walk into a room and sit down opposite another person and will then begin to have a conversation. As a group we were able to choose what the scenario would be to make the production more exciting and creative. 

Whilst filming I had to ensure that certain rules were applied. I had used the 180 degree rule which ensured that the camera remained on the same side of the imaginary line which established the shot of the scene. Without this rule it will look like the characters have changed position. This rule enforces continuity of the film. Here is an example of how we used the rule.

We used the 180 degree rule specifically when both characters are engaging in a conversation.

Another rule which needed to be used was the rule of thirds; it is a grid which guides the cameraman to space out the shots, giving the audience a clear perspective of the main focus. Here is an example to how I used the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds rule was used throughout the sequence but a good example would be when the character is running through the playground she is placed onto the imaginary lines.

The third rule which was enforced was match on action. This technique used by the editor which shows the transitions from one shot to another, portraying the action taking place. I used this technique whilst running into a room.  This represents the continuity which creates a visual bridge for the viewer. Here is an example of where i had used match on action.

 Match on action is used here in the first shot as the actor holds onto the door handle ready to open the door, and then in the second we see the actor entering the room. 

The final rule I had to make sure was applied was a shot reverse shot. This shot is mainly used when two people are having a conversation. It usually begins with one character changing to another character and then ending on the previous shot. 

Shot reverse shot is used specifically here whilst both characters are talking. 

To make sure I was able to get the best possible grade I had to make sure these four rules were continually used throughout the whole sequence. The 180 degree rule was used to make sure the audience wouldn't be confused, the rule of thirds was used to make sure each shot and scene was balanced, match on action and at least one moment of shot reverse shot. 

I planned my sequence with my group members Ellie and Farhana. As a group we chose our scenario wisely as it had fit the brief. At first, we needed to create a storyboard as a guideline which would help us with certain aspects of the project. It would give us a break down on what types of shots that we will use, lighting, sounds and camera movement. Along with these aspects we also needed a small description on location, costume and time of day. We were fortunate enough to have three members in our group which made filming footage much more easier. I played one of the characters as the other two would film together help each other out. Having more than two people in the group meant that we could share more ideas and give feedback on if we needed to improve on any certain scenes. 

I think we all worked well as a team as we were all strict with our deadlines which meant all work was handed in at a good time to keep up to date so no filming time was wasted whatsoever.  We would listen to each other’s opinions on how things were being filmed to ensure the four rules were interpreted throughout the piece continually. My role throughout this process was an actor. Even though it seems like the easiest role to do I still had input in some of the shots that I wasn't in myself and still contributed ideas into the storyboard and in the actual filming process. If I was to film again I would still work with the same people as we worked together well which brought out the best in myself. 

The main idea of this task was to have someone walking into a room, sitting down and then begin to exchange a few lines of dialogue  As a group we decided on our scenario to be a bit more exciting and more appealing to the audience. We decided that the location would be outside in the upper school playground, the location would vary from this point as i would be running from the school until when i reach the door '67' which is a dark classroom. Using a dark classroom wasn't as successful as we hoped as some of the shots came out a bit too dark. When walking in the room I don't notice that someone is sitting down on the chair which creates a great reaction shot when I finally come face to face with the evil man who has been waiting for me.When filming we was not able to find another actor to be the one to chase me so we made it seem someone was chasing me when in fact no one was at all.

Having a story board was a huge help whilst filming The Encounter. It had given us a rough idea on what we wanted certain shots to look like and how we wanted them filmed. Some of the footage unfortunately did not look right as some of the camera movement and camera angles were messy. We had stuck to the original footage but some aspects of the filming had to be changed slightly to make the piece more fluent. Overall using a story board was very beneficial for us as a group as it had enabled us to go straight into filming as soon as possible without any thought as most of the thought was done whilst making the story board. Here is my story board. 

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