Preliminary Task - Basic Filming Techniques

Preliminary Task

 

What We Did

 

 

The task that we did was to make a short clip demonstrating film techniques such as the 180 degree rule, match on action, and shot reverse shot. We managed to demonstrate these techniques well. Our clip lasted for 30 seconds and we followed the storyboard that was provided to us. The clip, shown below, clearly demonstrates the three techniques mentioned and, also managed to have good continuity and was easy to follow. I was an actor in this clip and I was the person who used the door and talked to the other character in the classroom.

 

 

 

What We Learned

 

We learned how best to use the three main techniques that are demonstrated in our clip.

 

At 0:07 we successfully managed to use match on action. We experimented with different angles and shot types to see what would look best, and we decided that a close-up shot of the door handle was the best, as you could easily follow what the character was doing.

 

At 0:12 we start to see the 180 degree rule and the shot reverse shot in action. We had to have multiple takes in order to achieve this and to make it look as natural as possible. We learned to follow the 180 degree rule by filming over the right shoulder of both characters.

 

The 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and match on action

 

These three filming techniques are an integral part of the film industry and the production of a film. Firstly, the 180 degree rule is important when there is a conversation between two people and is integrated with the shot reverse shot. It is an imaginary line which is established between two conversing people and the camera should remain at both ends of this line. If the camera goes more than 180 degrees around from the previous shot, it will be more confusing to audience members and may be harder to follow. The shot reverse shot typically is shot over the shoulder of a character, with the character that's talking having the camera on them.