6. Looking back at your Preliminary Task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

I am going to be discussing the similarities and differences between my preliminary task and final opening.

My preliminary task was completed in order to learn about match on action, shot reverse shot and the 180-degree rule.

Match on action: an editing technique where the action seamlessly translates from one shot to another.Shot reverse shot: two characters are filmed looking at each other due to the camera showing them facing opposite directions - often used in dialogue.180-degree rule: basic rule about on-screen spatial relationship between characters to ensure they remain on the same side of each other.

I displayed match on action in my opening when Richard was running down the ramp because as the camera switched positions he was stepping across the same location. Match on action is essential to a film because if it isn’t continuous it is going to look unprofessional and will lose interest of its viewers. In my preliminary task, Libby walked into the room and sat down which was

editing using match on action because she seamlessly walked across the room using two different camera shots.

I displayed shot reverse shot because my opening featured a conversation between Richard and Tobias in which they looked as though they were talking to each other. The camera switched between looking at Richard, then Tobias and then back onto Richard (and later onto the other members of the Criminals Club in agreement with Ricard). The framing of my filming improved due to the fact that when it came to filming my opening I was more equipped with the knowledge of how to frame my characters during a conversation - having learnt from my preliminary task. During the preliminary task, Libby and Laila were shot using

180-degree rule

Preliminary Task

My Opening

medium high angle shots which is ineffective because it is connoting something about their status; in my opening I shot Aaron and Franz at eye level with a medium close-up to ensure the audience were able to see their speech and so as they know that we need to be paying

attention. My use of long shots improved since my preliminary task because I managed to shoot my

Detective’s whole body as he is walking towards the camera which is essential to show his movement - whereas in my preliminary task I managed to cut off Libby’s legs.

I didn’t display the 180-degree rule because I used shooting in the round in order to show my criminals sitting in a circle and therefore create a greater feeling of intimacy and make the

criminals look equal. Had I of continued the film I would have had

to use the 180-degree rule because it would be very confusing however in my opening I was able to break this rule by showing the circular pan of my criminals around the room. Whether I had completed the preliminary task or not, I had always planned to include this pan because it was key to the introduction of my characters.

Overall completing the preliminary task was essential because it taught me three things which I would need to consider including in my opening in order to make it a successful and effective one.