After being taught how to use the film cameras we then into much more detail on the logistics of capturing good footage. We got set task through out the day in groups which taught us a lot about continuity and filming. Firstly we talked about the 180 degree rule in which we were asked to capture a conversation without crossing the line. Secondly we looked into cutting between walking shots and how you always need a character crossing the screen in the same direction to keep the continuity and not confuse the audience. Shooting these walking scenes also helped us learn how to track safely with the cameras always having someone behind you whilst your filming to check your not going to walk into anything or fall at all. This is mainly for safety but to also protect the cameras. Our last task was to look into a 3 person conversation and see the best way to film it. We focused on the direction of conversation so always remembering which way each character must look at each other on the screen so the audience can follow it. Here is what I have created from the footage we took:
Continuity when Filming Practice from Billie Williams on Vimeo.
I think we had good practice with the cameras and I feel like I really understood the techniques of filming that we were taught.
Another task we also got to do with the cameras was to film someone's attempt at making an origami crane. This gave us more of a chance to experiment with camera angles in particular I focused on close ups as this was key to showing the audience the detail of what he was doing. It also let me understand the importance of continuity even more because we were having to be really careful when filming to try not to miss any of what he was doing so that we could edit all the shots together successfully. Here is what I have edited together from the footage:
Origami continuity practice from Billie Williams on Vimeo.
I was really happy with how well it worked because we managed to capture some really interesting shots. Also I feel like our continuity of the action was successful but I feel like we could have improved this further by keeping the white balance the same for every shot. The problem was that every time we changed angle we readjusted all the setting on the camera including the white balance which was done a bit too noticeably some some shots are much brighter than others. I am still proud of what we managed to produce on such a small time scale.
Very good Billie you have done a remarkable amount of work and I like the fact that you have turned your exercises into little instructional films. The edits work well to illustrate the 180 degree rule. For a first time exercise your group did very well. Looking at your walking continuity exercise some of your problems were to do with the sun being out in some shots and behind cloud in others - something which is hard to solve without waiting for all sun or all cloud which would be of course the best option if you had the time.
ReplyDelete