Analysis for short continuity sequence.

Analysis 

This is the analysis for my finished continuity sequence. In this I will be talking about different techniques, editing and shots that we used when producing the finished product.

An establishing shot is always good for mise-on-scene, this is because it shows the whole scene and can also show atmosphere and gives the viewer an idea of what is going on.

In each clip we had to think about what was within the scene to make sure that there wasn't anything out of place. For example we had to make sure that what we were wearing was suitable and that this was the same when using props.

When looking at camera angles we decided on using a low angle of the character walking round the corner. we did this because it keeps the character as a mysterious person because you cant see his face. this is effective in this scene because he is trying to stay inconspicuous.

 When thinking of shot distance we wanted to have a variety so that the scene isn't plain and boring. for example in this shot we used a close up to show detail because it is one of the most important clips i the scene. we also used long shots when establishing / re-establishing shots to show what is has happened because it is after a series of close ups and medium shots the viewer can sometimes get confused. but a long shot can show positions of multiple characters.

We used an over the shoulder tracking shot in this sequence because it puts the viewer inside the scene. we decided to have the camera tracking this person so that it shows perspective just before the main clip.


 All transitions have different meanings. for example to show time passing or to show that something is happening at the same time you can use dissolves and wipes. You can also use fades and cuts to go between clips. In this mini we decided to use a dissolve and a wipe. we did this because it allows the viewer to have a concept of time and so they don't get confused. We also used fades to start and finish different scenes. for example we started are establishing shot with a fade in and then faded out after the last clip.

Throughout the process we tried to not break the 180 degree rule but realized that we broke it on one of the clips. In the over the shoulder tracking shot where the rule was broken, the viewer doesn't get confused because it is a simple scene and you can see bother characters in it. the reason that it was broken is because we filmed the shot over the wrong shoulder. In the future i will make sure that this rule is not broken.

Throughout the majority of the sequence we used mach of actions. These work well because it makes the edit go smoothly and doesn't confuse the person watching. When making the video we made sure that all of the scenes had match of action for this reason. when filming this we made sure that when we did this we switched shot distance and angle. For example for the scene where we make the exchange we go from a medium shot to a close up and then back to a medium shot.

In these images we used match of action to show a medium shot of me throwing the the drugs and then it skips to a close up of it hitting the wall. this works well because if you skipped out the bit of me holding it to it hitting the wall the viewer would get confused, but by adding this clip to make the match of action it flows smoothly.

In this eye line match, i am making direct eye contact with the bag.When thinking about trying to get an eye line match we got the two characters to make eye contact for the main scene but made sure that it wasn't for very long because we tried to make it so that the characters barely acknowledge each other and to try and keep some mystery in it.

We used a POV shot for when the dealer looks at his phone to see a message. we did this to get the viewer in the perspective of the character. this has a good effect because it gets the person watching to get in the eyes of them.

We did not include any shot reverse shots as there was no place within the scene where it would fit. a shot reverse shot is where the clip is shot on a 180 degree axis and you can shoot over the shoulder and then from the reverse of the first angle. this doesn't break the 180 degree rule and can be used to show conversation, for example using over the shoulder camera angles.

Summary

All in all, by doing this i have learnt allot about both filming and editing. when filming i have learnt about matching action in clips and i have learnt how to use different camera angles and distances to give good effect. I now also know how to look at what is in the scene (mise-on-scene) this is very helpful when planning a scene. lastly i can use lighting effectively and how to use cameras and other equipment effectively.

I have also learnt allot about editing. I have learnt new techniques and how to use premiere pro. I now know what different transitions do and how to use them effectively. Further more i can use cuts and fades to go between clips and to use different transitions to show a change in time or location.

What i think went well in this short is the use of match on action and the different camera angle and distances that we used. The things that i think that we could have improved on is making sure that we don't break the 180 degree rule and make sure that we use a shot reverse shot in the sequence. In conclusion i think the short as a whole went very well providing the fact that it was the first video i have made. all in all i really enjoyed making this and i look forward to making another.