Preliminary Task- Evaluation

Our preliminary task was our first real effort at taking the technical aspects we have studied in TV and film (with a particular emphasis on camera shots) and putting them into practice. Both of us have had previous experiences with video editing software with a joint interest in video games and how they are made and presented upon sites such as YouTube. However, neither of us had used a cam-recorder before. In reflection it was very interesting to see how we had conducted an engaging minute long scene while incorporating the following criteria into our first video:

• A short conversation with the use of reverse/reaction shots
• The 180 degree shot
• An identification/logo

*Our Preliminary Task was full of errors but also successes! In this one minute video, we see a young lad have a horrific job interview experience.  

Critical Aspects of our Preliminary Task:

Performance of Actors: The starting shots show the interviewer smirking and trying not to laugh.

Dialogue: During the 180 degree shot, the words “I” and “very” are repeated multiple times showing the improvisation of the dialogue.

Background Sound: During the first few shots, unwanted noise in the form of shouting can be heard as both characters speak.

Foreground Sound: Handling and the movement of the camera at the start and end of some shots have created foreground noise.

Performance of Camera: In the static scenes, the camera is accidentally shaky where the shot has filmed by hand instead of using a tripod. The 180 degree shot is very bad at this.

Performance of Editing: The puddle shot is cut too fast as we transfer from a quick running shot to an instant splash with nothing in between.

Props: In the courtyard scene, a piece of filming equipment can be seen in the background leaning up against the wall. Also, this shot shows the doors inside to be closed and in the next shot, they are open and another character has suddenly appeared.

Execution of criteria: The 180 degree shot was done to a poor standard. The static identification/logo could have been made into a dynamic little introduction to the piece. However, we are still learning how use pieces of software such as LiveType and Adobe Photoshop. We hope to develop our skills and create a more professional looking identification for our brand.

Successes of our Preliminary Task:

Performance of actors: The actors gave the audience an easy idea as to what type of character they were playing. The male actor was also very convincing in the idea that he desperately needed the toilet.

Dialogue: Both actors spoke loudly and clearly for the audience to hear.

Performance of Camera: This piece saw the completion of a variety of camera shots and angles including the following: Reverse shot, Reaction shot, 180 degree shot, Zoom In and Zoom Out, Extreme Close up, Medium shot, Long shot, Over The Shoulder shot, Panning, Low angle and a Point of View shot.

Performance of Editing: Each shot was overlapped by a fraction of a second so each the scene was not sharply cut throughout. This allowed for a much smoother viewing for the audience. Mistakes were covered up by the use of editing. For example, in the Over the Shoulder shot the character opens the door by pushing but in the next shot he was seen pulling. We were able to edit this out so before the time he reached for the door, he was seen pulling it on the other side.

Props: The use of the table meant that the interview scene at the start could have more of an authentic look. After all, who has a job interview standing up? Also the use of the paper as the lad is pushed over creates for more comical and dramatic scene as he falls to the floor.

Execution of criteria: Both the reverse and reaction shots were performed to a decent standard allowing us to create a seemingly natural conversation. The 180 degree shot was met to an adequate standard as we see the camera swing from one side of the table to the other. Our identification/logo was incorporated into the video at the start and as a watermark in the bottom left hand corner meaning that we could also link our YouTube channel upon the audience’s click.